bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable band alignment and optical properties in van der Waals heterostructures based on two-dimensional materials Janus-MoSSe and C3N4
Authors: Pei Shida , Cao Rufeng , Zhou Yan-Hong , Zheng Xiaohong , Wang Caiyun
Published: April 2024

Van der Waals heterostructures with tunable band alignments are the promising candidates for the fabrication of high-performance multifunctional nano-optoelectronic devices. In this work, we investigate the band alignments and optical properties of two-dimensional MoSSe/C3N4 and C3N4/MoSSe heterostructures using first-principles methods. The two most stable MoSSe/C3N4 (C3N4-Se) and C3N4/MoSSe (C3N4-S) heterostructures (labeled as A2 and B2, respectively) out of the twelve possible heterostructures are selected for the corresponding properties research. It is found that the A2 exhibits type-I band alignment, making it suitable for light-emitting applications, while the B2 exhibits typical type-II band alignment, which is favorable for carrier separation. Moreover, the band alignment of the two heterostructures can be modulated by the external electric fields, that is, band alignment transition between type-I and type-II. In addition, the main absorption peaks of both heterostructures in their pristine state are located in the visible light region (approximately 2.9 eV), and the peak values of the absorption peaks can be enhanced (weaken) via applying positive (negative) external electric fields. Our findings demonstrate that the C3N4/C3N4 and C3N4/MoSSe heterostructures hold significant potential for applications in multifunctional electronic devices including light-emitting, carrier separation, optical modulators, etc.
A holistic approach of strain-induced and spin-orbit coupling governed structural, optical, electrical and phonon properties of Janus MoSSe heterostructure via DFT theory
Authors: Pritu Farah B H , Islam Md Rasidul , Jahan Nusrat , Arobi Nourin , Rahman M Mahbubur
Published: April 2024

Spintronics and optoelectronic equipment benefit from efficient modification of electrical and optical characteristics for Van der Waals heterostructures. Janus MoSSe, in two dimensions, has superior electronic, optical, and phonon properties. Based on these characteristics, we evaluate the effects of biaxial compressive and tensile strain ranges of −6% to +6% on the structural, optical, spin–orbit coupling, and phonon properties of two-dimensional MoSSe employing first-principles-based density functional theory calculations. At K-point, MoSSe possesses a direct band gap of 1.665 eV, making it a semiconductor. Yet, applying tensile strain, we can observe that the bandgap of MoSSe has declined. On the other hand, the bandgap of MoSSe rises due to the compressive strain. From the phonon properties, it is clear that the stability of the monolayer MoSSe is observed in the case of tensile strain. With the increase of compressive strain, it loses its stability. With a photon energy of 2.5 eV, MoSSe exhibits three times greater optical absorption than other photon energy levels. In comparison to two monolayers (MoS2, MoSe2), the MoSSe heterostructure shows an elevated optical absorption coefficient in the visible light band, according to our calculations of its dielectric constant and optical absorptionThe MoSSe dielectric constant’s peaks shift to the stronger photon energy as compressive strain is increased; in contrast, if tensile strain is added, the highest points shift to the less powerful photon energy. This suggests that the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in MoSSe heterostructures can be enhanced under strain, which has implications for spintronics. The effect of strain can be used to tailor the phonon behaviors of MoSSe, which can be useful for controlling the material’s mechanical and thermal characteristics. The versatility of the electronic and optical properties of the material under strain can be harnessed to design novel devices such as strain sensors, optoelectronic modulators, and detectors.
Fast forward modelling of galaxy spatial and statistical distributions
Authors: Berner Pascale , Refregier Alexandre , Moser Beatrice , Tortorelli Luca , Machado Poletti Valle Luis Fernando , Kacprzak Tomasz
Published: April 2024

A forward modelling approach provides simple, fast and realistic simulations of galaxy surveys, without a complex underlying model. For this purpose, galaxy clustering needs to be simulated accurately, both for the usage of clustering as its own probe and to control systematics. We present a forward model to simulate galaxy surveys, where we extend the Ultra-Fast Image Generator to include galaxy clustering. We use the distribution functions of the galaxy properties, derived from a forward model adjusted to observations. This population model jointly describes the luminosity functions, sizes, ellipticities, SEDs and apparent magnitudes. To simulate the positions of galaxies, we then use a two-parameter relation between galaxies and halos with Subhalo Abundance Matching (SHAM). We simulate the halos and subhalos using the fast PINOCCHIO code, and a method to extract the surviving subhalos from the merger history. Our simulations contain a red and a blue galaxy population, for which we build a SHAM model based on star formation quenching. For central galaxies, mass quenching is controlled with the parameter Mlimit, with blue galaxies residing in smaller halos. For satellite galaxies, environmental quenching is implemented with the parameter tquench, where blue galaxies occupy only recently merged subhalos. We build and test our model by comparing to imaging data from the Dark Energy Survey Year 1. To ensure completeness in our simulations, we consider the brightest galaxies with i < 20. We find statistical agreement between our simulations and the data for two-point correlation functions on medium to large scales. Our model provides constraints on the two SHAM parameters Mlimit and tquench and offers great prospects for the quick generation of galaxy mock catalogues, optimized to agree with observations.
Bubble wall velocities with an extended fluid Ansatz
Authors: Dorsch Gláuber C. , Pinto Daniel A.
Published: April 2024

We compute the terminal bubble wall velocity during a cosmological phase transition by modelling non-equilibrium effects in the plasma with the so-called “extended fluid Ansatz”. A ϕ
6 operator is included in the Standard Model effective potential to mimic effects of new physics. Hydrodynamical heating of the plasma ahead of the bubble is taken into account. We find that the inclusion of higher order terms in the fluid Ansatz is typically relevant, and may even turn detonation solutions into deflagrations. Our results also corroborate recent findings in the literature that, for a Standard Model particle content in the plasma, only deflagration solutions are viable. However, we also show that this outcome may be altered in a theory with a different particle content.
Boundary condition effects on runaway electron mitigation coil modeling for the SPARC and DIII-D tokamaks
Authors: Izzo V.A. , Battey A. , Tinguely R.A. , Sweeney R. , Hansen C.
Published: April 2024

Extended-MHD modeling of planned Runaway Electron Mitigation Coils (REMC) for SPARC and DIII-D is performed with the NIMROD code. A coil has been designed for each machine, with the two differing in shape and location, but both having n = 1 symmetry (with n the toroidal mode number). Compared to previous modeling efforts, three improvements are made to the simulations boundary conditions. First a resistive wall model is used in place of an ideal wall. Second, the ThinCurr code is used to compute the time-dependent 3D fields used as magnetic boundary conditions for the simulations. Third, the simulation boundary is moved from the first-wall location to the Vacuum Vessel (VV), which extends the boundary past the location of the internal REMC. To remove the 3D coil from the simulation domain, an equivalent set of 3D fields is calculated at the VV boundary that produce approximately the same field distribution at the last closed flux surface assuming vacuum between the two. Each of these three boundary condition improvements leads to an improvement in the predicted performance of the REMC for both machines. The resistive wall alone primarily effects the resonance of the coil with the plasma after the TQ, affecting the q-profile evolution in the SPARC modeling, and allowing the applied spectrum to be modified in response to the plasma in the DIII-D modeling. The movement of the simulation boundary has the most significant effect on the RE confinement overall, including in the early stages, particularly for a DIII-D inner wall limited equilibrium, where the RE loss fraction increases from 90% to

>

99%, with SPARC RE losses also occurring much earlier when the boundary is placed at the VV.
Broadening of electron cyclotron power deposition and driven current profiles caused by dissipative diffractive propagation
Authors: Yanagihara K. , Kubo S.
Published: April 2024

Improvements in electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) and current drive (ECCD) predictions are important issues for the design and control of high-performance fusion plasmas in future devices, where these should play a more important role as actuators than in devices to date. A newly developed EC-prediction package based on the quasioptical ray tracing code PARADE revealed in JT-60SA that (i) the radial profiles of both EC power deposition and driven current are broadened and (ii) the net driven current is increased by a few kA/MW, in comparison with conventional predictions due to dissipative diffractive propagation (DDP). The mechanism of DDP is as follows: EC wave beam obliquely passing through the resonant surface is dissipated non-uniformly on its beam cross section, so that the beam trajectory shifts gradually and thus the resonant position also shifts, resulting in the broadened power deposition profile. This novel ECCD and ECRH prediction package based on PARADE is applicable not only to JT-60SA but other existing devices and even, future devices.
Parameter estimation from quantum-jump data using neural networks
Authors: Rinaldi Enrico , González Lastre Manuel , García Herreros Sergio , Ahmed Shahnawaz , Khanahmadi Maryam , Nori Franco , Sánchez Muñoz Carlos
Published: April 2024

We present an inference method utilizing artificial neural networks for parameter estimation of a quantum probe monitored through a single continuous measurement. Unlike existing approaches focusing on the diffusive signals generated by continuous weak measurements, our method harnesses quantum correlations in discrete photon-counting data characterized by quantum jumps. We benchmark the precision of this method against Bayesian inference, which is optimal in the sense of information retrieval. By using numerical experiments on a two-level quantum system, we demonstrate that our approach can achieve a similar optimal performance as Bayesian inference, while drastically reducing computational costs. Additionally, the method exhibits robustness against the presence of imperfections in both measurement and training data. This approach offers a promising and computationally efficient tool for quantum parameter estimation with photon-counting data, relevant for applications such as quantum sensing or quantum imaging, as well as robust calibration tasks in laboratory-based settings.
Extreme small-scale prediction head-based efficient YOLOV5 for small-scale object detection
Authors: Gowthami Nekkanti , Blessy Shalanti Vineetha
Published: April 2024

Recognition models achieved exceptional performance in object detection during the computer vision era, but they still rely on Small-Scale Object Detection (SSOD). SSOD remains difficult due to the variety of shapes and orientations of the object, as well as fixed prediction heads at the detection stage. To overcome these challenges, our paper proposed an auto anchor module, a Spatial Pyramid Pooling Faster layer (SPPF) in the feature refinement network, and an extremely small-scale prediction head at the detection stage of the model. With the auto anchor feature, the model is able to adjust the anchor boxes dynamically during training, which can improve its overall performance. The SPPF layer divides the feature map into five pyramid levels, each corresponding to a different scale. This enables the model to detect objects of different sizes by pooling features from all pyramid levels. Extreme Small Scale prediction head is specifically designed for small object detection and uses anchor boxes with small sizes and feature re-sampling techniques to improve the accuracy of SSOD. We perform quantitative evaluations on the VOC and achieved 85.4% mAP, 79.8% precision, 80.3% recall, and 80% F1-score. These reliable results prove that the suggested model performs better than existing models in detecting small-scale objects.
Review and experimental benchmarking of machine learning algorithms for efficient optimization of cold atom experiments
Authors: Anton Oliver , Henderson Victoria A , Da Ros Elisa , Sekulic Ivan , Burger Sven , Schneider Philipp-Immanuel , Krutzik Markus
Published: April 2024

The generation of cold atom clouds is a complex process which involves the optimization of noisy data in high dimensional parameter spaces. Optimization can be challenging both in and especially outside of the lab due to lack of time, expertise, or access for lengthy manual optimization. In recent years, it was demonstrated that machine learning offers a solution since it can optimize high dimensional problems quickly, without knowledge of the experiment itself. In this paper we present results showing the benchmarking of nine different optimization techniques and implementations, alongside their ability to optimize a rubidium (Rb) cold atom experiment. The investigations are performed on a 3D 87Rb molasses with 10 and 18 adjustable parameters, respectively, where the atom number obtained by absorption imaging was chosen as the test problem. We further compare the best performing optimizers under different effective noise conditions by reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of the images via adapting the atomic vapor pressure in the 2D+ magneto-optical trap and the detection laser frequency stability.
Measure induced Hankel and Toeplitz type operators on weighted Dirichlet spaces
Authors: Zorboska Nina
Published: April 2024

For a complex Borel measure

μ
\mu

on the open unit disk, and for a weighted Dirichlet space

H

s

\mathcal {H}_s

with

0
>
s
>
1

0>s>1

, we characterize the boundedness of the measure induced Hankel type operator

H

μ
,
s

:

H

s

→

H

s

¯

H_{\mu ,s}: \mathcal {H}_s \to \overline {\mathcal {H}_s}

, extending the results of Xiao [Bull. Austral. Math. Soc. 62 (2000), pp. 135–140] for the classical Hardy space

H
2

=

H

1

H^2=\mathcal {H}_1

, and of Arcozzi, Rochberg, Sawyer, and Wick [J. Lond. Math. Soc. (2) 83 (2011), pp. 1–18] for the classical Dirichlet space

D

=

H

0

\mathcal {D}= \mathcal {H}_0

. Our approach relies on some recent results about weak products of complete Nevanlinna-Pick reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces. We also include some related results on Hankel measures, Carleson measures, and Toeplitz type operators on weighted Dirichlet spaces

H

s

\mathcal {H}_s

,

0
>
s
>
1

0>s>1

.
Indicators of cure for women living after uterine and ovarian cancers: a population-based study
Authors: Giudici Fabiola , De Paoli Angela , Toffolutti Federica , Guzzinati Stefano , Francisci Silvia , Bucchi Lauro , Gatta Gemma , Demuru Elena , Mallone Sandra , Cin Antonella Dal , Caldarella Adele , Cuccaro Francesco , Migliore Enrica , Gambino Maria Letizia , Ravaioli Alessandra , Puppo Antonella , Ferrante Margherita , Carrozzi Giuliano , Stracci Fabrizio , Musolino Antonino , Gasparotti Cinzia , Cavallo Rossella , Mazzucco Walter , Vitale Maria Francesca , Cascone Giuseppe , Ballotari Paola , Ferretti Stefano , Mangone Lucia , Rizzello Roberto Vito , Sampietro Giuseppe , Mian Michael , Boschetti Lorenza , Galasso Rocco , Bella Francesca , Piras Daniela , Sessa Alessandra , Seghini Pietro , Fanetti Anna Clara , Pinna Pasquala , De Angelis Roberta , Serraino Diego , Maso Luigino Dal ,   AIRTUM working group, Crocetti Emanuele , Rossi Silvia , Tavilla Andrea , Botta Laura , Contiero Paolo , Tagliabue Giovanna , Capocaccia Riccardo , Rugge Massimo , Manneschi Gianfranco , Bruno Danila , Rosso Stefano , Taborelli Martina , Lanzoni Monica , Falcini Fabio , Casella Claudia , Di Prima Alessia , Cirilli Claudia , Bianconi Fortunato , Michiara Maria , Maifredi Giovanni , Frasci Giuseppe , Ravazzolo Barbara , Fusco Mario , Rollo Concetta Patrizia , Giacomazzi Erica , Bisceglia Isabella , Adalgisa Maria , Ghisleni Silvia , Vittadello Fabio , Marguati Stefano , Del Riccio Luciana , Colanino Antonino Ziino , Biddau Giovanna , Merola Maddalena , Prazzoli Rita , Giumelli Paola , Bosu Roberta
Published: April 2024

This study aims to estimate long-term survival, cancer prevalence, and several cure indicators for Italian women with gynecological cancers. Thirty-one cancer registries, representing 47% of the Italian female population, were included. Mixture cure models were used to estimate net survival, cure fraction, time to cure (when 5-year conditional net survival becomes > 95%), cure prevalence (women who will not die of cancer), and already cured (living longer than time to cure). In 2018, 0.4% (121 704) of Italian women were alive after diagnosis of corpus uteri cancer, 0.2% (52 551) after cervical cancer, and 0.2% (52 153) after ovarian cancer. More than 90% of patients with uterine cancers and 83% with ovarian cancer will not die from their neoplasm (cure prevalence). Women with gynecological cancers have a residual excess risk of death <5% at 5 years after diagnosis. The cure fraction was 69% for corpus uteri, 32% for ovarian, and 58% for cervical cancer patients. Time to cure was ≤10 years for women with gynecological cancers aged <55 years; 74% of patients with cervical cancer, 63% with corpus uteri cancer, and 55% with ovarian cancer were already cured. These results can contribute to improving follow-up programs for women with gynecological cancers and supporting efforts against discrimination of already cured ones.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Gynecological Cancers.
Well-spread samples with dynamic sample sizes
Authors: Robertson Blair , Price Chris , Reale Marco
Published: April 2024

A spatial sampling design determines where sample locations are placed in a study area so that population parameters can be estimated with relatively high precision. If the response variable has spatial trends, spatially balanced or well-spread designs give precise results for commonly used estimators. This article proposes a new method that draws well-spread samples over arbitrary auxiliary spaces and can be used for master sampling applications. All we require is a measure of the distance between population units. Numerical results show that the method generates well-spread samples and compares favorably with existing designs. We provide an example application using several auxiliary variables to estimate total aboveground biomass over a large study area in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil. Multipurpose surveys are also considered, where the totals of aboveground biomass, primary production, and clay content (3 responses) are estimated from a single well-spread sample over the auxiliary space.
Evaluating the clinical utility of the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool: measurement properties and agreement between patients’ responses and clinicians’ impressions of atopic dermatitis control
Authors: Simpson Eric L , Eckert Laurent , Gadkari Abhijit , Brown T Michelle , Lio Peter A , Lockshin Benjamin , Nelson Lauren , Fehnel Sheri E , Mahajan Puneet , Chao Jingdong , Nygårdas Michaela , Guillemin Isabelle
Published: April 2024

Previous analyses have demonstrated the validity and reliability of the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT) in assessing patient-perceived control of atopic dermatitis (AD). We evaluated levels of agreement between patient and clinician assessments of AD control using the ADCT and clinician global assessment of control, respectively, providing further support to the measurement properties of the ADCT.
Assessing the utility of natural language processing for detecting postoperative complications from free medical text
Authors: Dencker Emilie Even , Bonde Alexander , Troelsen Anders , Sillesen Martin
Published: April 2024

Background

Postoperative complication rates are often assessed through administrative data, although this method has proven to be imprecise. Recently, new developments in natural language processing have shown promise in detecting specific phenotypes from free medical text. Using the clinical challenge of extracting four specific and frequently undercoded postoperative complications (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, and septic shock), it was hypothesized that natural language processing would capture postoperative complications on a par with human-level curation from electronic health record free medical text.

Methods

Electronic health record data were extracted for surgical cases (across 11 surgical sub-specialties) from 18 hospitals in the Capital and Zealand regions of Denmark that were performed between May 2016 and November 2021. The data set was split into training/validation/test sets (30.0%/48.0%/22.0%). Model performance was compared with administrative data and manual extraction of the test data set.

Results

Data were obtained for 17 486 surgical cases. Natural language processing achieved a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.989 for urinary tract infection, 0.993 for pneumonia, 0.992 for sepsis, and 0.998 for septic shock, whereas administrative data achieved a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.595 for urinary tract infection, 0.624 for pneumonia, 0.571 for sepsis, and 0.625 for septic shock.

Conclusion

The natural language processing approach was able to capture complications with acceptable performance, which was superior to administrative data. In addition, the model performance approached that of manual curation and thereby offers a potential pathway for complete real-time coverage of postoperative complications across surgical procedures based on natural language processing assessment of electronic health record free medical text.
Potassium seeks a role in the drama of neurodegeneration
Authors: Nicholson Charles
Published: April 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Dysregulation of extracellular potassium distinguishes healthy ageing from neurodegeneration’ by Ding et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae075
Ectogestation and Humanity’s Whence? An Exploration with Saint Augustine and Karl Barth
Authors: Anderson Matthew Lee
Published: April 2024

This essay explores the theological and anthropological significance of birth, in order to discern what might be lost with the adoption of complete ectogestation (“artificial wombs”). Specifically, it considers both Saint Augustine and Karl Barth’s respective accounts of humanity’s whence—that is, their theological answer to the question of the nature and significance of our origins as individuals. I suggest that Augustine’s account of his origins emphasizes both his epistemic and biological dependency on his mother and nurses, while Barth’s stresses the individual’s immediate derivation from God. Those disparate answers affect how they construe the relationships of parents and children and work themselves throughout their theological visions and imaginations. I conclude that careful consideration of humanity’s whence cannot answer whether we ought to pursue ectogestation; but it does help us account for how our understanding of God and ourselves might be altered if we gestate human life outside the womb.
Tissue-resident memory T cells in lichen planus on a surgical scar
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: April 2024

This case report for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, shows the significance of CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells in lichen planus, which occurred on an old scar.
The Application of the Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities in Environmental Governance on the High Seas
Authors: Yong Wang , Xin Pan
Published: April 2024

As an important principle of international environmental law, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (the CBDR principle) is being applied to various international environment protection regimes including environmental governance on the high seas as an important guiding principle in the law of the sea. This may be beneficial for engaging the international community to protect the high seas in solidarity. However, the application of the CBDR principle encounters difficulties, which include obstacles regarding cross-sector application, different understandings of the CBDR principle and difficulties in implementation of international instruments. This article argues that the differentiation should not depend exclusively on the traditional dichotomy of developing and developed countries but must be determined on a fluid and case-by-case basis. This suggests that the details of the differentiated responsibilities should also be context-specific rather than uniform for all States. Moreover, the implementation of the CBDR principle to address environmental problems on the high seas should be based on substantive fairness. Finally, this article makes several observations. First, the demands of developing countries in the field of maritime emission reduction should be considered. Second, obligation of capacity building and the transfer of marine technology prescribed in the BBNJ Agreement should be encouraged and implemented. Third, strengthening international cooperation in plastic pollution control on the high seas is expected. Fourth, the international community should provide developing countries with the financial support and technical assistance in persistent organic pollutants control. All of these may contribute to the protection of the high seas environment and the future realization of the sustainable development of the oceans.
Sharing News Left and Right: Frictions and Misinformation on Twitter
Authors: Ershov Daniel , Morales Juan S
Published: April 2024

On 20 October 2020, prior to the US presidential election, Twitter modified its user interface for sharing social media posts. In an effort to reduce the spread of misinformation on the platform, the new interface nudged users to be thoughtful about the content they were sharing. Using data on over 160,000 tweets by US news media outlets, we show that this policy significantly reduced news sharing, but that the reductions varied heterogeneously by political slant: sharing of content fell significantly more for left-wing outlets relative to right-wing outlets. Examining Twitter activity data for news-sharing users, we find that conservatives were less responsive to Twitter’s intervention. Lastly, using web traffic data, we document that the policy significantly reduced visits to news media outlets’ websites.
Variability of human Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein N-glycome in a Caucasian population
Authors: Vučković Frano , Novokmet Mislav , Šoić Dinko , Štambuk Jerko , Kolčić Ivana , Polašek Ozren , Lauc Gordan , Gornik Olga , Keser Toma
Published: April 2024

Aim

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a highly glycosylated protein in human plasma and one of the most abundant acute phase proteins in humans. Glycosylation plays a crucial role in its biological functions, and alterations in AGP N-glycome have been associated with various diseases and inflammatory conditions. However, large-scale studies of AGP N-glycosylation in the general population are lacking.

Methods

Using recently developed high-throughput glycoproteomic workflow for site-specific AGP N-glycosylation analysis, 803 individuals from the Croatian island of Korcula were analyzed and their AGP N-glycome data associated with biochemical and physiological traits, as well as different environmental factors.

Results

After regression analysis, we found that AGP N-glycosylation is strongly associated with sex, somewhat less with age, along with multiple biochemical and physiological traits (e.g. BMI, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, smoking status, fibrinogen).

Conclusion

For the first time we have extensively explored the inter-individual variability of AGP N-glycome in a general human population, demonstrating its changes with sex, age, biochemical, and physiological status of individuals, providing the baseline for future population and clinical studies.
Regulatory role of Prunus mume DAM6 on lipid body accumulation and phytohormone metabolism in the dormant vegetative meristem
Authors: Hsiang Tzu-Fan , Yamane Hisayo , Gao-Takai Mei , Tao Ryutaro
Published: April 2024

Bud dormancy is a crucial process in the annual growth cycle of woody perennials. In Rosaceae fruit tree species, DORMANCY-ASSOCIATED MADS-box (DAM) transcription factor genes regulating bud dormancy have been identified, but their molecular roles in meristematic tissues have not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, molecular and physiological analyses of transgenic apple plants overexpressing the Japanese apricot DAM6 gene (PmDAM6) and Japanese apricot cultivars and F1 individuals with contrasting dormancy characteristics revealed the metabolic pathways controlled by PmDAM6. Our transcriptome analysis and transmission electron microscopy examination demonstrated that PmDAM6 promotes the accumulation of lipid bodies and inhibits cell division in the dormant vegetative meristem by down-regulating the expression of lipid catabolism genes (GDSL ESTERASE/LIPASE and OIL BODY LIPASE) and CYCLIN genes, respectively. Our findings also indicate PmDAM6 promotes abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation and decreases cytokinin (CTK) accumulation in vegetative buds by up-regulating the expression of the ABA biosynthesis gene ARABIDOPSIS ALDEHYDE OXIDASE and the CTK catabolism gene CYTOKININ DEHYDROGENASE, while also down-regulating the expression of the CTK biosynthesis genes ISOPENTENYL TRANSFERASE (IPT) and CYP735A. Additionally, PmDAM6 modulates gibberellin (GA) metabolism by up-regulating GA2-OXIDASE expression and down-regulating GA3-OXIDASE expression. Furthermore, PmDAM6 may also indirectly promote lipid accumulation and restrict cell division by limiting the accumulation of CTK and GA in buds. In conclusion, using our valuable genetic platform, we clarified how PmDAM6 modifies diverse cellular processes, including lipid catabolism, phytohormone (ABA, CTK, and GA) biosynthesis and catabolism, and cell division, in the dormant vegetative meristem.
Between Accountability and Reconciliation: The Making of “the Victim-Centered Approach” at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Shimoyachi Nao
Published: April 2024

The International Criminal Court is the first international court to have incorporated the newly recognized right of victims to redress. However, there remains considerable skepticism about how the ICC and, more broadly, international criminal justice serve the purposes of victim redress. This article examines the development of the ICC’s reparations policy from the standpoint of how constitutive rules of international criminal justice have been changed. It illustrates how conflicting views regarding victim reparations have formed different preferences within the institution, even among the judiciary. Unlike existing studies that tend to regard the ICC as a monolithic law enforcement institution, this article demonstrates that the victim-centered approach to reparations at the ICC is a compromise between two models: an accountability model that tries to confine the scope of reparations within the clearly defined liability of the convicted person; and a reconciliation model that aims at reaching a large number of victims to facilitate the rehabilitation of the community. The finding has two implications. First, although the study reveals severe tensions between individual accountability and social reconciliation, the tensions can be reconciled through creative judgments. Second, related to the first implication, the ICC is not just a law enforcement institution, but also a policymaking institution, which has considerable leeway in designing reparations policy.
Loss-of-function OGFRL1 variants identified in autosomal recessive cherubism families
Authors: Kittaka Mizuho , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Morino Hiroyuki , Yoshimoto Tetsuya , Zhu Tianli , Liu Sheng , Wang Ziyi , Mayahara Kotoe , Iio Kyohei , Kondo Kaori , Kondo Toshio , Hayashi Tatsuhide , Coghlan Sarah , Teno Yayoi , Doan Andrew Anh Phung , Levitan Marcus , Choi Roy B , Matsuda Shinji , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Wan Jun , Cassidy Annelise M , Pelletier Stephane , Nampoothiri Sheela , Urtizberea Andoni J , Robling Alexander G , Ono Mitsuaki , Kawakami Hideshi , Reichenberger Ernst J , Ueki Yasuyoshi
Published: April 2024

Cherubism (OMIM 118400) is a rare craniofacial disorder in children characterized by destructive jawbone expansion due to the growth of inflammatory fibrous lesions. Our previous studies have shown that gain-of-function mutations in SH3 domain-binding protein 2 (SH3BP2) are responsible for cherubism and that a knock-in mouse model for cherubism recapitulates the features of cherubism, such as increased osteoclast formation and jawbone destruction. To date, SH3BP2 is the only gene identified to be responsible for cherubism. Since not all patients clinically diagnosed with cherubism had mutations in SH3BP2, we hypothesized that there may be novel cherubism genes and that these genes may play a role in jawbone homeostasis. Here, using whole exome sequencing, we identified homozygous loss-of-function variants in the opioid growth factor receptor like 1 (OGFRL1) gene in 2 independent autosomal recessive cherubism families from Syria and India. The newly identified pathogenic homozygous variants were not reported in any variant databases, suggesting that OGFRL1 is a novel gene responsible for cherubism. Single cell analysis of mouse jawbone tissue revealed that Ogfrl1 is highly expressed in myeloid lineage cells. We generated OGFRL1 knockout mice and mice carrying the Syrian frameshift mutation to understand the in vivo role of OGFRL1. However, neither mouse model recapitulated human cherubism or the phenotypes exhibited by SH3BP2 cherubism mice under physiological and periodontitis conditions. Unlike bone marrow-derived M-CSF-dependent macrophages (BMMs) carrying the SH3BP2 cherubism mutation, BMMs lacking OGFRL1 or carrying the Syrian mutation showed no difference in TNF-ɑ mRNA induction by LPS or TNF-ɑ compared to WT BMMs. Osteoclast formation induced by RANKL was also comparable. These results suggest that the loss-of-function effects of OGFRL1 in humans differ from those in mice and highlight the fact that mice are not always an ideal model for studying rare craniofacial bone disorders.
Virtual-Trim: A parametric geometric modeling method for heterogeneous strut-based lattice structures
Authors: Li Zhuangyu , Xiao Wenlei , Zhao Gang , Zhou Ziqi , Chen Shulin , Xiong Changri
Published: April 2024

Geometric modeling has been integral to the design process with the introduction of Computer-Aided Design. With additive manufacturing (AM), design freedom has reached new heights, allowing for the production of complex lattice structures not feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. However, there remains a significant challenge in the geometric modeling of these lattice structures, especially for heterogeneous strut-based lattice structures. Current methods show limitations in accuracy or geometric control. This paper presents the Virtual-Trim, a novel method for the geometric modeling of heterogeneous strut-based lattice structures that is both efficient and robust. Virtual-Trim begins with user-defined wireframe models and geometric information to create STL (STereoLithography) models ready for AM, eliminating the need for labor-intensive Boolean operations. The fundamental principles and steps involved in Virtual-Trim are extensively described within. Additionally, various models using Virtual-Trim method are designed, and the performance of Virtual-Trim in terms of generation time and model size is analyzed. The successful printing of these models attests to the method’s excellent manufacturability.
How AI challenges the medical device regulation: patient safety, benefits, and intended uses
Authors: Onitiu Daria , Wachter Sandra , Mittelstadt Brent
Published: April 2024

This article examines whether the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) adequately addresses the novel risks of AI-based medical devices (AIaMDs), focusing on AI medical imaging tools. It examines two questions: first, does the MDR effectively deal with issues of adaptability, autonomy, bias, opacity, and the need of trustworthiness of AIaMD? Second, does the manufacturer’s translation of the MDR’s requirements close a discrepancy between an AIaMDs’ expected benefit and the actual clinical utility of assessing device safety and effectiveness beyond the narrow performance of algorithms? While the first question has previously received attention in scholarly literature on regulatory and policy tensions on AIaMD generally, and work on future technical standard setting, the second has been comparatively overlooked. We argue that effective regulation of AIaMD requires framing notions of patient safety and benefit within the manufacturer’s articulation of the device’s intended use, as well as reconciling tensions. These tensions are on (i) patient safety and knowledge gaps surrounding fairness, (ii) trustworthiness and device effectiveness, (iii) the assessment of clinical performance, and (iv) performance updates. Future guidance needs to focus on the importance of translated benefits, including nuanced risk framing and looking at how the limitations of AIaMD inform the intended purpose statement in the MDR.
Advances in imaging modalities for spinal tumors
Authors: Takamiya Soichiro , Malvea Anahita , Ishaque Abdullah H , Pedro Karlo , Fehlings Michael G
Published: April 2024

The spinal cord occupies a narrow region and is tightly surrounded by osseous and ligamentous structures; spinal tumors can damage this structure and deprive patients of their ability to independently perform activities of daily living. Hence, imaging is vital for the prompt detection and accurate diagnosis of spinal tumors, as well as determining the optimal treatment and follow-up plan. However, many clinicians may not be familiar with the imaging characteristics of spinal tumors due to their rarity. In addition, spinal surgeons might not fully utilize imaging for the surgical planning and management of spinal tumors because of the complex heterogeneity of these lesions. In the present review, we focus on conventional and advanced spinal tumor imaging techniques. These imaging modalities include computed tomography, positron emission tomography, digital subtraction angiography, conventional and microstructural magnetic resonance imaging, and high-resolution ultrasound. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and emerging imaging modalities, followed by an examination of cutting-edge medical technology to complement current needs in the field of spinal tumors. Moreover, machine learning and artificial intelligence are anticipated to impact the application of spinal imaging techniques. Through this review, we discuss the importance of conventional and advanced spinal tumor imaging, and the opportunity to combine advanced technologies with conventional modalities to better manage patients with these lesions.
The candidates of long-periodic variable sources in 6.7 GHz methanol masers associated with four high-mass star-forming regions
Authors: Tanabe Yoshihiro , Yonekura Yoshinori
Published: April 2024

Results of the long-term monitoring observations by the Hitachi 32 m radio telescope of the 6.7 GHz Class II methanol masers associated with four high-mass star-forming regions are presented. We detected periodic flux variability in G06.795−0.257, G10.472+0.027, G12.209−0.102, and G13.657−0.599 with the periods of 968, 1624, 1272, and 1266 d, respectively, although the detected period is tentative due to the short monitoring term relative to the estimated period. The facts that the flux variation patterns show the symmetric sine curves and that the luminosities of the central protostar and periods of maser flux variation are consistent with the expected period–luminosity (PL) relation suggest that the mechanisms of maser flux variability of G10.472+0.027 and G12.209−0.102 can be explained by protostellar pulsation instability. From the PL relation, the central stars of these two sources are expected to be very high-mass protostars with a mass of $\sim 40\, M_{\odot }$ and to have a mass accretion rate of $\sim 2 \times 10^{-2}\, M_{\odot }\:$yr−1. On the other hand, G06.795−0.257 and G13.657−0.599 have intermittent variation patterns and have luminosities that are an order of magnitude smaller than those expected from the PL relation, suggesting that the variation mechanisms of these sources originated from a binary system. Since almost all the maser features vary with the same period regardless of the geometry, periodic accretion models may be appropriate mechanisms for flux variability in G06.795−0.257 and G13.657−0.599.
Spatio-Temporal Study of Galactolipid Biosynthesis in Duckweed Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging and in vivo Isotope Labeling
Authors: Tat Vy T , Lee Young Jin
Published: April 2024

Isotope labeling coupled with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) presents a potent strategy for elucidating the dynamics of metabolism at cellular resolution, yet its application to plant systems is scarce. It has the potential to reveal the spatio-temporal dynamics of lipid biosynthesis during plant development. In this study, we explore its application to galactolipid biosynthesis of an aquatic plant, Lemna minor, with D2O labeling. Specifically, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-MSI data of two major galactolipids in L. minor, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol, were studied after growing in 50% D2O media over a 15-day time period. When they were partially labeled after 5 d, three distinct binomial isotopologue distributions were observed corresponding to the labeling of partial structural moieties: galactose only, galactose and a fatty acyl chain and the entire molecule. The temporal change in the relative abundance of these distributions follows the expected linear pathway of galactolipid biosynthesis. Notably, their mass spectrometry images revealed the localization of each isotopologue group to the old parent frond, the intermediate tissues and the newly grown daughter fronds. Besides, two additional labeling experiments, (i) 13CO2 labeling and (ii) backward labeling of completely 50% D2O-labeled L. minor in H2O media, confirm the observations in forward labeling. Furthermore, these experiments unveiled hidden isotopologue distributions indicative of membrane lipid restructuring. This study suggests the potential of isotope labeling using MSI to provide spatio-temporal details in lipid biosynthesis in plant development.
A longitudinal investigation of risk perceptions and adaptation behavior in the US Gulf Coast
Authors: Wong-Parodi Gabrielle , Relihan Daniel P , Garfin Dana Rose
Published: April 2024

Climate change is occurring more rapidly than expected, requiring that people quickly and continually adapt to reduce human suffering. The reality is that climate change-related threats are unpredictable; thus, adaptive behavior must be continually performed even when threat saliency decreases (e.g. time has passed since climate-hazard exposure). Climate change-related threats are also intensifying; thus, new or more adaptive behaviors must be performed over time. Given the need to sustain climate change-related adaptation even when threat saliency decreases, it becomes essential to better understand how the relationship between risk perceptions and adaptation co-evolve over time. In this study, we present results from a probability-based representative sample of 2,774 Texas and Florida residents prospectively surveyed 5 times (2017–2022) in the presence and absence of exposure to tropical cyclones, a climate change-related threat. Distinct trajectories of personal risk perceptions emerged, with higher and more variable risk perceptions among the less educated and those living in Florida. Importantly, as tropical cyclone adaptation behaviors increased, personal risk perceptions decreased over time, particularly in the absence of storms, while future tropical cyclone risk perceptions remained constant. In sum, adapting occurs in response to current risk but may inhibit future action despite increasing future tropical cyclone risks. Our results suggest that programs and policies encouraging proactive adaptation investment may be warranted.
‘Domestic abuse hot spots’: A longitudinal, place-based analysis of 13 years of initial reports to the police
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Ariel Barak , Hodgkinson William , Brown Rachel , Harinam Vincent , Weinborn Cristóbal , Hernández Maria Consuelo , Rojas Leonora , Figueroa Soto Oscar , Plaza Loreto , Linton Ben
Published: April 2024

A rich body of literature suggests that crime is concentrated in hotspots, some consistently ‘hot’ over long periods. However, whether there are spatial and temporal concentrations of domestic abuse (DA) is presently unknown. While it is plausible that DA data follow similar Pareto curves as general crime, it is equally reasonable to assume stochasticity, especially regarding year-to-year consistency. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of 1.7 million DA initial reports to the police (as opposed to ‘crime incidents’) over 13 years (2007–19) in London, UK. We also examine crime harm patterns, which provide a more nuanced risk estimate for victims based on a crime harm index. We utilize a combination of spatial statistics and trajectory modelling approaches. We find that a small percentage of addresses are responsible for an outsized proportion of DA counts but half the bandwidth for crime harm generated. Year-to-year repeat victimization at specific addresses is 69.9%, and the mean probability of receiving another DA report from the same address in the following month is 41%. For both crime count and harm models, locations with either low or high DA reportage remained as such throughout the study. Changes in less than 1% of locations will drive DA trends in London. We conclude that concentrating on place-based emergency-calls-for-service data rather than crime reports unmasks a substantially greater likelihood of repeat DA victimization than previously assumed. The discovery of a spatiotemporal DA hotspot allows law enforcement to ‘zero in’ prevention efforts on a small number of premises relative to the overall scale of the capital. Future DA research should place greater weight on micro-place factors associated with DA to calibrate prevention efforts’ accuracy and efficiency.