bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-level optimal scheduling of source–storage-load interactive distribution network based on particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Liang Chunhui , Liu Renjie , Zuo Xiaoyang , Li Jinfa , Huang Chenglong
Published: April 2024

In response to the difficulties of grid integration and consumption of a high proportion of new energy generation, as well as the high pressure on traditional thermal power generation to regulate peak loads, this paper constructs a wind-solar-fire-water complementary power generation system with “dual energy storage” and proposes a two-layer scheduling optimization strategy for this system. The scheduling model’s higher layer uses the system’s complementary power generation system’s maximum benefit as its objective function. The lower tier model has the minimization of the system’s cost of regulating load peaks as the objective function, and the model is solved by the improved adaptive immune particle swarm optimization algorithm considering various constraints. Taking the improved IEEE30 node system as an example for analysis, according to the operation of the original power system and the different characteristics of pumped storage and storage power plants, pumped storage and energy storage power stations are gradually added to the system for scheduling comparative analysis, and different capacities are configured, respectively. Through the analysis of examples, it is verified that the proposed dual-storage joint scheduling optimization strategy can effectively improve the overall operation of the system, reduce the peaking pressure of thermal power units, and achieve the expected goal of maximizing economic benefits. It also improves the new energy consumption in the region and alleviates the thermal power peaking pressure.
Numerical study on magnetic control of boundary layers in non-Newtonian flows over stretching cylinders using Keller box analysis
Authors: Ahmed Bilal
Published: April 2024

This article presents an analysis of the magnetic field’s effects on two-dimensional, two-directional, incompressible, and steady third-grade fluid flow over a stretched circular cylinder. A mathematical model describing the behavior of third-grade fluid in the cylindrical coordinate system is developed, accounting for nonlinear differential conditions. To simplify the analysis, appropriate transformations are applied to convert the fractional differential conditions into ordinary differential conditions. The resulting nonlinear differential framework is solved using the Keller Box method. The influences of several novel parameters on the velocity are depicted and examined. Furthermore, the expression for the skin-friction coefficient is computed and provided. The comparison of the obtained results with existing literature is made and found in good accordance. Through comprehensive numerical simulations and analytical derivations, this study contributes to the understanding of magnetic field control in boundary layers of third-grade fluid over stretching cylinders, with implications for a wide range of practical applications in engineering and fluid dynamics. The stronger influence of the magnetic field, indicating an increase in the Hartmann number, corresponds to suppression of thermal and solutal transport, thereby leading to a decrease in the temperature and concentration gradients. Conversely, the velocity profile exhibits an increase, indicating enhanced fluid motion under the influence of the magnetic field. This behavior is consistent with the magnetohydrodynamic effects, where the Lorentz force induced by the magnetic field alters the fluid flow, resulting in changes in the velocity distribution while impacting temperature and concentration gradients.
The parasites of free-ranging terrestrial wildlife from Australia’s south-west
Authors: Northover Amy S. , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Lymbery Alan J. , Wayne Adrian F. , Keatley Sarah , Ash Amanda , Badsha Dazlyn , Egan Siobhon L. , Barr James , Thompson R. C. Andrew
Published: April 2024

The conservation management of threatened wildlife increasingly relies upon translocations to augment populations. Translocations, however, pose various risks: from the host perspective these include the spread of parasitic disease, whereas from a broader biodiversity perspective translocation may lead to the loss of rare parasites and other dependent fauna. Although Disease Risk Analyses are recommended during translocation planning, knowledge regarding the parasites infecting threatened species or their pathogenicity is often lacking. Between March 2014 and June 2016, woylies (Bettongia penicillata) and sympatric marsupials were screened for the presence of endo- and ectoparasites, during two fauna translocations in south-western Australia. Here, we summarise the parasite taxa identified from B. penicillata, brush-tailed possums (Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) and chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii), including prevalence data for host, parasite taxon and site. Results from the opportunistic sampling of other species (Isoodon fusciventer, Phascogale tapoatafa wambenger, Tiliqua rugosa and Felis catus) are also presented. New host–parasite records including Hepatozoon spp. from T. v. hypoleucus, Trypanosoma noyesi from T. rugosa, Ixodes australiensis and Ixodes tasmani from D. geoffroii, and I. australiensis and Amblyomma sp. from a P. t. wambenger were identified. This study highlights the importance of monitoring sympatric species, particularly when compiling baseline data of parasite fauna present within translocation sites and enhances our knowledge of parasites infecting terrestrial wildlife within Australia’s south-west, a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
Brain activity of professional investors signals future stock performance
Authors: van Brussel Leonard D. , Boksem Maarten A. S. , Dietvorst Roeland C. , Smidts Ale
Published: April 2024

A major aspiration of investors is to better forecast stock performance. Interestingly, emerging “neuroforecasting” research suggests that brain activity associated with anticipatory reward relates to market behavior and population-wide preferences, including stock price dynamics. In this study, we extend these findings to professional investors processing comprehensive real-world information on stock investment options while making predictions of long-term stock performance. Using functional MRI, we sampled investors’ neural responses to investment cases and assessed whether these responses relate to future performance on the stock market. We found that our sample of investors could not successfully predict future market performance of the investment cases, confirming that stated preferences do not predict the market. Stock metrics of the investment cases were not predictive of future stock performance either. However, as investors processed case information, nucleus accumbens (NAcc) activity was higher for investment cases that ended up overperforming in the market. These findings remained robust, even when controlling for stock metrics and investors’ predictions made in the scanner. Cross-validated prediction analysis indicated that NAcc activity could significantly predict future stock performance out-of-sample above chance. Our findings resonate with recent neuroforecasting studies and suggest that brain activity of professional investors may help in forecasting future stock performance.
Removal of phosphoglycolate in hyperthermophilic archaea
Authors: Michimori Yuta , Izaki Rikihisa , Su Yu , Fukuyama Yuto , Shimamura Shigeru , Nishimura Karin , Miwa Yuya , Hamakita Sotaro , Shimosaka Takahiro , Makino Yuki , Takeno Ryo , Sato Takaaki , Beppu Haruki , Cann Isaac , Kanai Tamotsu , Nunoura Takuro , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: April 2024

Many organisms that utilize the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle for autotrophic growth harbor metabolic pathways to remove and/or salvage 2-phosphoglycolate, the product of the oxygenase activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). It has been presumed that the occurrence of 2-phosphoglycolate salvage is linked to the CBB cycle, and in particular, the C2 pathway to the CBB cycle and oxygenic photosynthesis. Here, we examined 2-phosphoglycolate salvage in the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Thermococcus kodakarensis
, an obligate anaerobe that harbors a Rubisco that functions in the pentose bisphosphate pathway.
T. kodakarensis
harbors enzymes that have the potential to convert 2-phosphoglycolate to glycine and serine, and their genes were identified by biochemical and/or genetic analyses. 2-phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity increased 1.6-fold when cells were grown under microaerobic conditions compared to anaerobic conditions. Among two candidates, TK1734 encoded a phosphatase specific for 2-phosphoglycolate, and the enzyme was responsible for 80% of the 2-phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity in
T. kodakarensis
cells. The TK1734 disruption strain displayed growth impairment under microaerobic conditions, which was relieved upon addition of sodium sulfide. In addition, glycolate was detected in the medium when
T. kodakarensis
was grown under microaerobic conditions. The results suggest that
T. kodakarensis
removes 2-phosphoglycolate via a phosphatase reaction followed by secretion of glycolate to the medium. As the Rubisco in
T. kodakarensis
functions in the pentose bisphosphate pathway and not in the CBB cycle, mechanisms to remove 2-phosphoglycolate in this archaeon emerged independent of the CBB cycle.
Two-way feedback between chromatin compaction and histone modification state explains
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
heterochromatin bistability
Authors: Movilla Miangolarra Ander , Saxton Daniel S. , Yan Zhi , Rine Jasper , Howard Martin
Published: April 2024

Compact chromatin is closely linked with gene silencing in part by sterically masking access to promoters, inhibiting transcription factor binding and preventing polymerase from efficiently transcribing a gene. However, a broader hypothesis suggests that chromatin compaction can be both a cause and a consequence of the locus histone modification state, with a tight bidirectional interaction underpinning bistable transcriptional states. To rigorously test this hypothesis, we developed a mathematical model for the dynamics of the
HMR
locus in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, that incorporates activating histone modifications, silencing proteins, and a dynamic, acetylation-dependent, three-dimensional locus size. Chromatin compaction enhances silencer protein binding, which in turn feeds back to remove activating histone modifications, leading to further compaction. The bistable output of the model was in good agreement with prior quantitative data, including switching rates from expressed to silent states (and vice versa), and protein binding/histone modification levels within the locus. We then tested the model by predicting changes in switching rates as the genetic length of the locus was increased, which were then experimentally verified. Such bidirectional feedback between chromatin compaction and the histone modification state may be a widespread and important regulatory mechanism given the hallmarks of many heterochromatic regions: physical chromatin compaction and dimerizing (or multivalent) silencing proteins.
Final report, ongoing key comparison BIPM.QM-K1, ozone at ambient level, comparison with NMC-A*STAR, July 2022
Authors: Viallon Joële , Idrees Faraz , Moussay Philippe , Wielgosz Robert , Kai Fuuming , Kuehsamy Lemuel Joel , Cui Yuxi , Norris James E , Hodges Joseph
Published: April 2024

Main text

As part of the ongoing key comparison BIPM.QM-K1, a comparison has been performed between the ozone national standard of Singapore maintained by the National Metrology Centre, A*STAR (NMC, A*STAR) and the common reference standard of the key comparison, maintained by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), via a transfer standard maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The instruments have been compared over a nominal ozone amount-of-substance fraction range of 0 nmol/mol to 500 nmol/mol.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Thermodynamics of solvent sorption by layers of carbon-chain polymers in damping rubber blankets
Authors: Konyukhov V Yu , Kondratov A P , Yamilinets S Yu , Marchenko Ekaterina S , Baigonakova Gulsharat A
Published: April 2024

The paper addresses the study of the thermodynamic compatibility of carbon-chain polymer compositions of offset rubber blankets with low-molecular-weight liquids, paint solvents and care agents for rubber damping machine parts used in transport, mechanical engineering and printing industries. The Flory-Huggins parameters χ were determined by inverted gas chromatography and calculation performed using the mathematical model of sorption, and the correlation between χ obtained by these two independent methods was found. The excess thermodynamic characteristics of the studied systems G
E, H
E and S
E were calculated to predict the compatibility of components in these systems. The relationship was found between χ that characterizes the thermodynamic quality of the solvent and the equilibrium swelling index of polymer networks.
BCS in the sky: signatures of inflationary fermion condensation
Authors: Tong Xi , Wang Yi , Zhang Chen , Zhu Yuhang
Published: April 2024

We consider a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS)-like model in the inflationary background. We show that with an axial chemical potential, the attractive quartic fermion self-interaction can lead to a BCS-like condensation. In the rigid-de Sitter (dS) limit of inflation where backreaction from the inflaton and graviton is neglected, we perform the first computation of the non-perturbative effective potential that includes the full spacetime curvature effects in the presence of the chemical potential, subject to the mean-field approximation whose validity has been checked via the Ginzburg criterion. The corresponding BCS phase transition is always first-order, when the varying Hubble is interpreted as an effective Gibbons-Hawking temperature of dS spacetime. In the condensed phase, the theory can be understood from UV and IR sides as fermionic and bosonic, respectively. This leads to distinctive signatures in the primordial non-Gaussianity of curvature perturbations. Namely, the oscillatory cosmological collider signal is smoothly turned off at a finite momentum ratio, since different momentum ratios effectively probe different energy scales. In addition, such BCS phase transitions can also source stochastic gravitational waves, which are feasible for future experiments.
Distinguishing the observational signatures of hot spots orbiting Reissner-Nordström spacetime*
Authors: Wu 吴 Tianshu 天枢 , Chen 陈 Yiqian 一千
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates observable signatures of hot spots orbiting Reissner-Nordström (RN) black holes and naked singularities. For an RN black hole, we find two discernible lensing image tracks in time integrated images, capturing a complete orbit of hot spots and a image shadow within the critical curve where photons with a small impact parameter fall into the event horizon. Conversely, in RN singularities, additional image tracks can be found within the critical curve, originating from photons reflected by the infinitely high effective potential well. Moreover, we find incomplete and converging tracks from the time integrated images of hot spot orbiting RN singularities that have no photon sphere. The presence of these additional image tracks significantly influences temporal magnitudes at their local maxima, enabling us to differentiate between RN black holes and RN naked singularities.
Real-time Abnormal Detection of GWAC Light Curve based on Wavelet Transform Combined with GRU-Attention
Authors: Li Hao , Zhao Qing , Shao Long , Liu Tao , Cui Chenzhou , Xu Yunfei
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, astronomy has entered the era of Time-Domain Astronomy, and the study of the time-varying light curves of various types of objects is of great significance in revealing the physical properties and evolutionary history of celestial bodies. The Ground-based Wide Angle Cameras telescope, on which this paper is based, has observed more than 10 million light curves, and the detection of anomalies in the light curves can be used to rapidly detect transient rare phenomena such as microgravity lensing events from the massive data. However, the traditional statistically based anomaly detection methods cannot realize the fast processing of massive data. In this paper, we propose a Discrete Wavelet (DW)-Gate Recurrent Unit-Attention (GRU-Attention) light curve warning model. Wavelet transform has good effect on data noise reduction processing and feature extraction, which can provide richer and more stable input features for a neural network, and the neural network can provide more flexible and powerful output model for wavelet transform. Comparison experiments show an average improvement of 61% compared to the previous pure long-short-term memory unit (LSTM) model, and an average improvement of 53.5% compared to the previous GRU model. The efficiency and accuracy of anomaly detection in previous paper work are not good enough, the method proposed in this paper possesses higher efficiency and accuracy, which incorporates the Attention mechanism to find out the key parts of the light curve that determine the anomalies. These parts are assigned higher weights, and in the actual anomaly detection, the star is detected with 83.35% anomalies on average, and the DW-GRU-Attention model is compared with the DW-LSTM model, and the detection result f1 is improved by 5.75% on average, while having less training time, thus providing valuable information and guidance for astronomical observation and research.
IMRT Planning Using 5, 7 and 9 Radiation Field Directions for Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cases
Authors: Alfitra Lira Senja , Suwandi  , Arif Idam
Published: April 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. In treating NPC, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) uses radiation fields from several directions to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. IMRT requires accurate planning using the Treatment Planning System (TPS) to avoid organs at risk (OARs) around the nasopharyngeal cavity. The purpose of this study is to analyse the results of different number of radiation field directions in treatment planning for nasopharyngeal cancer using IMRT. The study focuses on the distribution of dose in the target tumour and organs at risk around the target. The treatment planning parameters are Dose Volume Histogram (DVH), Conformity Index (CI), Homogeneity Index (HI), dose at organs at risk (OARs) and beam on time (BOT). This study used TPS Monaco with the Monte Carlo algorithm and the inverse planning method. Based on DVH, CI, HI and BOT parameters, the results of this study indicate that the most optimal number of radiation field directions to give prescribed doses was 9 radiation field directions. There was no significant difference in the average dose received by OARs in planning with 7 and 9 radiation field directions. In the planning using 5 field directions, some of the OARs received doses above the tolerance limit. While in the planning using 7 and 9 field directions, most of the OARs received doses below the tolerated doses which met the permitted treatment requirements.
Two-dimensional magnetotelluric inversion using unstructured triangular mesh implemented in Julia
Authors: Diba Dieno , Nurhasan  , Uyeshima Makoto , Usui Yoshiya
Published: April 2024

This study presents a 2-D magnetotelluric inversion code tailored for unstructured triangular meshes, developed using Julia, a high-level, high-performance programming language designed for scientific and numerical computation. The forward modeling engine utilizes a node-based finite element method to solve electromagnetic fields throughout the modeling domain. The inversion process employs the Gauss-Newton optimization algorithm, iteratively updating the model via the minimization of a regularized least-squares objective function. We verified the accuracy of the forward modeling using two reference models and performed a synthetic inversion experiment to validate our inversion method and stress the necessity of accurately handling topography-influenced data. Through its application to constructing an electrical resistivity model beneath the northwestern end of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, we demonstrate the practicality of our code for inverting field datasets.
Experimental study on dynamic angle of repose formation: Effect of granular type and water content
Authors: Adriel Jonathan , Dini Septian Ulan , Nurafni Sevi , Viridi Sparisoma
Published: April 2024

The experiment of granular in rotating cylinder is a common experiment to study granular material behaviour. In this study, we investigate the effect of granular type and water content on the dynamic angle of repose in a rotating cylinder. Rice seed, mung bean, and sand are used as samples. Experimental results show each sample has a different dynamic angle of repose that is related to the shape of the sample. We also study the effect of the water content on the sand sample. The addition of water content has no significant effect on the dynamic angle of repose. This occurs because the water content used has passed the critical point.
Electrical Resistivities of PVA/Activated Carbon-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Sihombing Y A , Edikresnha D , Anshori I , Hapidin D A , Khairurrijal K
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the physical and electrical properties of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel incorporated with edible Activated Carbon (AC). Three samples, namely PVA, PVA/AC 0.5, and PVA/AC 1.0 were prepared using the freeze-thaw method. The samples underwent six freeze-thaw cycles, each consisting of freezing at –25°C for 20 hours and subsequent exposure to room temperature for 4 hours. The porous network of hydrogel is attributed to the hydroxyl groups of PVA, resulting from the intermolecular cross-linking of PVA chains. The edible AC was uniformly dispersed within the hydrogel network, leading to a reduction in hydrogel pores. As a result, the electrical resistivity of PVA, PVA/AC 0.5, and PVA/AC 1.0 hydrogels measured 1052.9 ± 165.0 Ω.cm, 403.1 ± 29.2 Ω.cm, and 59.9 ± 4.7 Ω.cm, respectively. The incorporation of edible AC significantly decreased the resistivity of the hydrogel. So, this hydrogel is promising for biomedical and edible electronics applications.
Enhancing Growth of Multi-Layer Graphene Synthesis on Glass Substrate Though Ni Catalyst Annealing Using Hot Wire in Plasma Very High-Frequency PECVD Method
Authors: Nuayi A W , Noor F A , Sustini E , Irzaman  , Winata T
Published: April 2024

This study synthesized multi-layer graphene on a glass substrate using the high-frequency plasma-enhanced vapor deposition method with a hot wire in plasma. In the growth process, plasma was generated from methane gas (CH4) using an RF power generator at 70 MHz frequency and nickel (Ni) as the catalyst, which is deposited and annealed beforehand. This study aims as a preliminary to obtain optimum parameters for MLG growth using the HW IP-VHF-PECVD method. Raman spectroscopy, utilizing a 532 nm laser and an 1800 g/mm grating, detected distinctive D-band, G-band, and 2D-band peaks at wave numbers of 1335.31, 1607.74, and 2660.99 cm−1, respectively, in unannealed catalyst samples. Raman analysis, incorporating the I2D/IG ratio, revealed the presence of multi-layer graphene exhibiting diverse ratios (0.07 – 0.22) and crystal sizes (15.62 – 20.70 nm). SEM analysis demonstrated enhanced homogeneity in grain size and uniformity in thickness following Ni catalyst annealing. EDS confirmed the successful growth of graphene with carbon identified as the primary element. The annealing process at 400 °C for two hours resulted in graphene with a higher mass percentage and a more significant percentage of carbon atoms. These findings underscore the potential of the HW IP-VHF-PECVD method for producing multi-layer graphene, particularly in the context of solar cell applications, with further optimization of parameters.
Solvatochromic Behavior of Solid-State Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanoparticles: Initial Study
Authors: Sugiana Rusdia Shaleha , Umami Reza , Permatasari Fitri Aulia , Nuryadin Bebeh Wahid
Published: April 2024

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have garnered significant attention among researchers due to their cost-effectiveness and tunable properties, rendering them applicable in a wide array of fields, including biomedicine, optoelectronics, catalysis, and sensing. The solvatochromic effect denotes the phenomenon of a compound exhibiting a color change or a shift in its photoluminescence spectrum. In this study, we investigated the solvatochromic behavior of CNPs doped Nitrogen synthesized through the solid-state route using citric acid and urea, dissolved in solvents with varying polarity indices. Significant differences in emission were analyzed using a photoluminescence (PL) spectrometer. The results exhibit the emission shifting towards longer wavelengths (red region) as the solvent’s polarity index increased. This study of solvatochromic behavior in CNPs holds substantial significance for further research into their application as sensors.
Analysis of the Effect of Coordination Number on Permeability of the Three-Dimensional (3D) Rock Model Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM)
Authors: Saputra Budi Dharmala , Fauzi Umar
Published: April 2024

Understanding the correlation between coordination number and permeability is crucial for predicting fluid flow behavior in hydrocarbon reservoirs. In this study, we investigated the influence of coordination number on permeability in three-dimensional (3D) rock models. The research methodology involved the creation of synthetic 3D rock models, incorporating pores networks with varying coordination numbers. Utilizing the Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM), a computational fluid dynamics approach, we simulated fluid flow through these synthetic rock models and quantified their permeability. Our findings demonstrated a strong dependency of permeability on the coordination number of synthetic rock models. The application of the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) proved to be an effective tool for understanding fluid flow behavior in porous rock formations and can serve as a basis for further optimization of reservoir management strategies to maximize hydrocarbon exploitation.
Localization of scalar matter with nonminimal derivative coupling on braneworlds
Authors: Rohman Muhammad Taufiqur , Triyanta  , Suroso Agus
Published: April 2024

The localization of scalar matter with nonminimal derivative coupling (NMDC) in the braneworld model is studied. Two types of brane models are considered: a thin brane (the Modified Randall-Sundrum) and a thick brane generated by the bulk scalar field. The 5-dimensional theory of scalar field with NMDC is reduced to the effective 4-dimensional theory by imposing the fulfillment of localization conditions. In this article, the localization properties of field with NMDC are examined in both models. We found that the massless and massive scalar field with NMDC can be localized on the MRS thin brane. In the thick brane, the massless scalar field is localized.
Development and Application of Medium-reactivity Epoxy Infusion Resin System in Large-scale Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Sun Yuanrong , Hu Congli , Xing Weiguang , Liang Xuepeng , Liu Huawei , Qu Yihang , Xie Demei , Li Jianbo
Published: April 2024

In view of the requirement of cost reduction and efficiency increase for large-scale wind turbine blades, a medium-reactivity epoxy infusion resin system was developed, which contained 20% fast curing agent and 80% slow curing agent. The properties of medium-reactivity epoxy infusion resin system were evaluated via physical and chemical analysis, application process ability analysis, resin clear casting mechanical properties analysis, and laminate specimens mechanical properties analysis. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of this medium-reactivity epoxy infusion resin system can meet the requirements of blade design, and the pre-curing time of the resin was reduced from 3.0h to 2.3h. The application process ability of medium-reactivity epoxy infusion resin system in large-scale wind turbine blade was also verified. The blade parts pre-curing time was shortened by 0.5-1 hour, which meets the target of blade cost reduction and efficiency increase.
(H3O)Li2(IO3)3: crystal structure and IR spectrum
Authors: Sukiasyan R.P. , Danghyan A.A. , Apreyan R.A. , Gharibyan N.S. , Atanesyan A.K.
Published: April 2024

The synthesis, IR spectroscopy, thermal and UV-Vis transmittance of the new lithium iodate crystal: (H3O)Li2(IO3)3, were studied. The crystal structure of (H3O)+·2(Li)+· 3(IO3)- was determined by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction analysis at 100(2) K. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system (P21/n) with the parameters: a = 8.3266(12) Å, b = 10.9893(17) Å, c = 11.2472(17) Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 111.360(4)° and Z(Z') = 4(1). The structure contains a hydronium cation (H3O)+, three crystallographic independent trigonal pyramidal IO3 anions, and two independent cations (Li)+ coordinated each by four oxygen atoms 3(IO3)- at the apices of strongly deformed tetrahedrons. The research results have revealed the mechanisms of crystal formation and the characteristic absorption bands of functional groups, which are of scientific importance. The possibility of the existence of certain properties is also discussed.
Ultra-fast generation of air shower images for Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescopes using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Elflein Christian , Funk Stefan , Glombitza Jonas
Published: April 2024

For the analysis of data taken by Imaging Air Cherenkov
Telescopes (IACTs), a large number of air shower simulations are
needed to derive the instrument response. The simulations are very
complex, involving computational and memory-intensive calculations,
and are usually performed repeatedly for different observation
intervals to take into account the varying optical sensitivity of
the instrument. The use of generative models based on deep neural
networks offers the prospect for memory-efficient storing of huge
simulation libraries and cost-effective generation of a large number
of simulations in an extremely short time. In this work, we use
Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks to generate photon
showers for an IACT equipped with the FlashCam design, which has
more than 1,500 pixels. Using simulations of the
H.E.S.S. experiment, we demonstrate the successful generation of
high-quality IACT images. The analysis includes a comprehensive
study of the generated image quality based on low-level observables
and the well-known Hillas parameters that describe the shower shape.
We demonstrate for the first time that the generated images have
high fidelity with respect to low-level observables, the Hillas
parameters, their physical properties, as well as their
correlations. The found increase in generation speed in the order
of 105 yields promising prospects for fast and memory-efficient
simulations of air showers for IACTs.
Construction and initial performance evaluation of a newly developed plant PET system
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Watabe Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Mitsutaka , Suzui Nobuo , Kawachi Naoki , Kataoka Jun
Published: April 2024

In plant research, positron emission tomography (PET) is
occasionally employed for physiological studies, offering valuable
insights. However, the generally high cost of PET systems and their
suboptimal design for plant research pose challenges to their
application in this field. To address these issues, we have
developed a new PET system optimized specifically for plant
research.

The PET detector ring was positioned vertically to enable
measurements of plants in their normal upright position. The
developed plant PET system features a transaxial field of view (FOV)
of approximately 12 cm and an axial FOV slightly larger than 9 cm,
allowing for the imaging of relatively small-sized plants. To
facilitate imaging of taller plants, the PET system can expand the
axial FOV by changing the subject height using a lab jack, enabling
the imaging of taller plant species.

The measured spatial resolution at the central FOV was 3.3 mm FWHM,
and the sensitivity was 3.7%. The timing resolution was 6.78 ns
FWHM with a lower energy threshold set to 350 keV. Phantom images
simulating plants were successfully measured using the developed
plant PET system. We conclude that the developed plant PET system
holds promise for effective plant imaging.
Spinning with exosomes: electrospun nanofibers for efficient targeting of stem cell-derived exosomes in tissue regeneration
Authors: Raj Ritu , Agrawal Parinita , Bhutani Utkarsh , Bhowmick Tuhin , Chandru Arun
Published: April 2024

Electrospinning technique converts polymeric solutions into nanoscale fibers using an electric field and can be used for various biomedical and clinical applications. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived small lipid vesicles enriched with biological cargo (proteins and nucleic acids) potential therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss extending the scope of electrospinning by incorporating stem cell-derived EVs, particularly exosomes, into nanofibers for their effective delivery to target tissues. The parameters used during the electrospinning of biopolymers limit the stability and functional properties of cellular products. However, with careful consideration of process requirements, these can significantly improve stability, leading to longevity, effectiveness, and sustained and localized release. Electrospun nanofibers are known to encapsulate or surface-adsorb biological payloads such as therapeutic EVs, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Small EVs, specifically exosomes, have recently attracted the attention of researchers working on regeneration and tissue engineering because of their broad distribution and enormous potential as therapeutic agents. This review focuses on current developments in nanofibers for delivering therapeutic cargo molecules, with a special emphasis on exosomes. It also suggests prospective approaches that can be adapted to safely combine these two nanoscale systems and exponentially enhance their benefits in tissue engineering, medical device coating, and drug delivery applications.
Quantum soft waveguides with resonances induced by broken symmetry
Authors: Kondej Sylwia
Published: April 2024

We consider two-dimensional, non-relativistic quantum system with asymptotically straight soft waveguide. We show that the local deformation of the symmetric waveguide can lead to the emerging of the embedded eigenvalues living in the continuous spectrum. The main problem of this paper is devoted to the analysis of weak perturbation of the symmetric system. We show that the original embedded eigenvalues turn to the second sheet of the resolvent analytic continuation and constitute resonances. We describe the asymptotics of the real and imaginary components of the complex resonant pole depending on deformation. Finally, we generalize the problem to three dimensional system equipped with a soft layer.
Optimality of generalized Choi maps in M
3
Authors: Scala Giovanni , Bera Anindita , Sarbicki Gniewomir , Chruściński Dariusz
Published: April 2024

A family of linear positive maps in the algebra of

3
×
3

complex matrices proposed recently by Bera et al 2024 Linear and Multilinear Algebra 1–16) is further analyzed. It provides a generalization of a seminal Choi nondecomposable extremal map in M
3. We investigate when generalized Choi maps are optimal, i.e. cannot be represented as a sum of positive and completely positive maps. This property is weaker than extremality, however, it turns out that it plays a key role in detecting quantum entanglement.
Improving resource utilization: Axillary lymph node core biopsy triaging for lymphoma
Authors: Dernell Carl , Astle John , Bogachkov Abraham , Reimer Shelly , Wadhwa Anubha , Majidi Shadie S , Canales Bethany , Jorns Julie M
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the utilization of hematopathology resources within our enterprise on axillary lymph node core biopsy (AxLNCB) specimens, particularly those obtained in the context of breast cancer screening.

Methods

The utilization of hematopathology resources was determined for all AxLNCB specimens over a 30-month period from across our enterprise, and chart review was performed for select patient demographics and radiographic features. The AxLNCB cases with benign histology were reviewed for subtyping of histologic patterns.

Results

Of the total 594 AxLNCB specimens, 61.6% were benign and 38.6% malignant. Of malignant cases, only 9.3% contained any hematologic malignancy, yet 94% of all cases received tissue triage for lymphoma, and 81% were reviewed at least in part by a hematopathologist. Six clinical parameters were found to independently predict risk of hematologic malignancy: male sex (P = .041), bilateral lymphadenopathy (P = .004), diffuse cortical thickening (P = .005), lack of breast cancer (P = .001), older age (P < .001), and history of hematologic malignancy (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our enterprise overused hematopathology resources in the evaluation of AxLNCB performed in the study period. Our process could improve from the application of a simple tool generated from this cohort to predict percent risk of the specimen containing hematologic malignancy using patient characteristics easily found via routine chart review.
The Price of Beauty: A Literature Review on Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Infection After Cosmetic Procedures
Authors: Ren Hao , Xiao Yangfan , Tang Bingsi , Shi Yaqian , Zeng Zhuotong , Qiu Xiangning , Ding Yan , Xiao Rong
Published: April 2024

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection of the skin and soft tissues is a complication of cosmetic procedures. The incidence of cutaneous NTM infections has increased significantly as aesthetic operations have become more commonplace. With the rise of cosmetic tourism, the geographic expansion of NTM infections is a major concern. Due to the unique pathogenesis of NTM infections, diagnosis and treatment remain significant challenges for clinicians. Clinical management relies on a combination of antibiotic therapy with drug susceptibility testing and appropriate surgical debridement. Some new drugs, photodynamic therapy, and bacteriophage therapy have been developed in recent years, and may improve the aesthetic outcomes. This review summarizes the cosmetic procedures prone to NTM infections in recent years and their clinical features. We propose a 2-stage treatment procedure, including a hospitalization phase and a follow-up phase. We aim to increase the alertness of clinicians to NTM infections for timely detection and treatment.

Level of Evidence: 3
Greater haemodialysis exposure (‘quotidian haemodialysis’) has different mortality associations by patient age group
Authors: Roberts Matthew A , Davies Christopher E , Brown Leanne , Chua Su Jen , Irish Georgina , Kairaitis Lukas , Krishnasamy Rathika , See Emily , Semple David , Toussaint Nigel D , Viecelli Andrea K , Polkinghorne Kevan R
Published: April 2024

Background

Worldwide, most people requiring kidney replacement therapy receive haemodialysis (HD) three times per week. Greater HD time and/or frequency may improve survival, but implementation requires understanding potential benefits across the range of patients.

Methods

Using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, we assessed whether quotidian HD (defined as >3 sessions/week and/or >5 h/session) was associated with reduced mortality in adult patients. The primary outcome of all-cause mortality was analysed by a time-varying Cox proportional hazards model with quotidian HD as the exposure of interest.

Results

Of 24 138 people who received HD between 2011 and 2019, 2632 (10.9%) received quotidian HD at some stage. These patients were younger, more likely male and more likely to receive HD at home. Overall, quotidian versus standard HD was associated with a decreased risk for all-cause mortality {crude hazard ratio [HR] 0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.56]}, but an interaction between quotidian HD and age was identified (P = .005). Stratified by age groups and splitting follow-up time where proportional hazards were violated, the corresponding HR compared with standard HD was 2.43 (95% CI 1.56–3.79) for people >75 years of age in the first year of quotidian HD, 1.52 (95% CI 0.89–2.58) for 1–3 years and 0.95 (95% CI 0.51–1.78) for ≥3 years. There was no significant survival advantage in younger people.

Conclusions

Although quotidian HD conferred survival benefit in crude analyses, people ≥75 years of age had greater mortality with quotidian HD than standard HD. The mortality benefit in younger people was attenuated when adjusted for known confounders.
Combining anatomical and biochemical markers in the detection and risk stratification of coronary artery disease
Authors: Albus Miriam , Zimmermann Tobias , Median Daniela , Rumora Klara , Isayeva Ganna , Amrein Melissa , Schaefer Ibrahim , Walter Joan , Michel Evita , Huré Gabrielle , Strebel Ivo , Caobelli Federico , Haaf Philip , Frey Simon M , Mueller Christian , Zellweger Michael J
Published: April 2024

Aims

We aimed to test the hypothesis if combining coronary artery calcium score (Ca-score) as a quantitative anatomical marker of coronary atherosclerosis with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin as a quantitative biochemical marker of myocardial injury provided incremental value in the detection of functionally relevant coronary artery disease (fCAD) and risk stratification.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients undergoing myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) without prior CAD were enrolled. The diagnosis of fCAD was based on the presence of ischaemia on MPS and coronary angiography; fCAD was centrally adjudicated in the diagnostic and prognostic domain. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). The composite of cardiovascular death and non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) within 730 days was the primary prognostic endpoint. Among 1715 patients eligible for the diagnostic analysis, 399 patients had fCAD. The combination of Ca-score and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) had good diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of fCAD (AUC 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.81), but no incremental value compared with the Ca-score alone (AUC 0.79, 95% CI 0.77–0.81, P = 0.965). Similar results were observed using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.77–0.82) instead of hs-cTnT. Among 1709 patients (99.7%) with available follow-up, 59 patients (3.5%) suffered the composite primary prognostic endpoint (non-fatal AMI, n = 34; CV death, n = 28). Both Ca-score and hs-cTnT had independent prognostic value. Increased risk was restricted to patients with elevation in both markers.

Conclusion

The combination of the Ca-score with hs-cTnT increases the prognostic accuracy for future events but does not provide incremental value vs. the Ca-score alone for the diagnosis of fCAD.

Study registration

Clinical trial registration: NCT00470587.
The paramount of three-dimensional echocardiography in percutaneous closure of large oval perimembranous ventricular septal defect: a case report
Authors: Siagian Sisca Natalia , Kurniawati Yovi
Published: April 2024

Background

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common type of congenital heart abnormality with perimembranous VSD (pmVSD) accounting for ∼70% of all VSD. Nowadays, transcatheter closure is the first choice for suitable pmVSD. However, there was no report about closing the large oval-shaped VSD percutaneously.

Case summary

A 34-year-old male with known VSD was referred for transcatheter closure after failed attempts in other hospital. Patient had been diagnosed with VSD at a young age, but he was lost to follow-up. He presented with shortness of breath due to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. The initial measurement of the defect was 6–7 mm by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and LV angiography. However, re-measurement using TEE and 3D echocardiography revealed that the VSD is oval with diameters of 18 mm × 6 mm. Initially, device No. 12/14 was used, but it was dislodged on two attempts. The operator then decided to upsize the device size to No. 16/18 that was successful. The patient’s condition was good, and 6 months follow-up after the procedure showed good outcomes without any residual defect or arrhythmia.

Discussion

In this study, we would like to highlight the rarity of large oval pmVSD that almost failed to be closed with the conventional measurement with echocardiography and fluoroscopy. Transoesophageal echocardiography especially 3D can be the new modality of choice that might be superior to fluoroscopy to decide the right device size in some cases such as oval-shaped pmVSD.
Importance of experience in transoesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of vegetation size in patients with infective endocarditis: a reliability study
Authors: Schmidt Louise , Østergaard Lauge , Grund Frederik Fasth , Schmidt Line , Linde Jesper James , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil L
Published: April 2024

Aims

Vegetation size assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is a decisive metric in guiding surgical intervention and prognosis in patients with definite infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of echocardiographic experience on the reliability and reproducibility of TOE measurements of vegetations in patients with IE.

Methods and results

Twenty-nine raters from a cardiac department at a tertiary centre were divided into three groups according to echocardiographic experience: experts, cardiologists, and novices. All raters were instructed to measure the maximum length of vegetations in 20 different TOE exams. Interrater agreement was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Bland–Altmann plots. Reliability was assessed by minimal detectable change (MDC). All measurements were compared with the measured size agreed on by the multi-disciplinary IE team.

There was an overall significant interrater variance between the three groups (P < 0.001). The variance was 10.1, 14.8, and 21.7 for the experts, cardiologists, and novices, respectively. ICC was excellent for experts (96.3%) and cardiologists (93.7%) and good for novices (84.6%). The three groups tended to measure smaller than the endocarditis team. MDC was 2.6 mm for experts, 3.3 mm for cardiologists, and 3.6 mm for novices.

Conclusion

The study showed good to excellent intraclass correlation but high dispersion in all groups. Variance decreased with higher experience. Our findings support current recommendations that complicated cases should be cared for by the multi-disciplinary endocarditis team and underline the importance of echocardiographic expertise when evaluating and measuring vegetations in patients with IE.