Rapid Transit Research Articles

Integrating technological and strategic analysis: Evaluating the key determinants of transportation sustainability in taipei Mass Rapid Transit using the Rough-Fermatean DEMATEL approach

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems are essential in densely populated cities, providing efficient, reliable transportation that alleviates congestion, reduces pollution, and promotes sustainable development. By accommodating large passenger volumes, MRTs enhance urban mobility, economic vitality, and quality of life, making them a vital component of modern urban infrastructure. Identifying key economic, social, environmental, and institutional determinants is crucial for advancing sustainable transportation systems. Integrating technological and strategic perspectives, this paper employs the innovative Rough-Fermatean Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (RFF-DEMATEL) approach to delve into the critical determinants of transportation sustainability in the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (TMRT). The study acknowledges the interconnections among these factors, leading to a more genuine and precise evaluation, distinct from conventional methods that presuppose factor independence. Research outcomes indicate that “operations and performance” stand out as the paramount factors, underscoring the importance of operational strategies and economic allocation. “Digital technology economy” and “sustainable supply chain management” are also emphasized, pinpointing the necessity to harmonize public welfare with financial sustainability while cultivating enduring partnerships. The proposed approach's thorough categorization offers specific managerial suggestions, assisting TMRT in realizing its sustainability aspirations and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This investigation accentuates the significance of recognizing factor interdependence and adeptly managing uncertainties, bolstering the research's credibility and applicative worth.

Analysis of Service Performance for Intermodal Facilities in The Area of Asrama Haji and Bumi Sriwijaya Stations

The integrated intermodal service system between the South Sumatra Light Rail Transit (LRT) and road-based transportation modes such as the Palembang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Angkot Feeder Musi Emas still has shortcomings, particularly in the areas of the Asrama Haji and Bumi Sriwijaya Station. This research is conducted to observe the conditions of the physical facilities, payment integration, and schedules at both stations, as well as to examine the regulations in meeting the standards of ideal pedestrian physical facilities, which are then compared with passenger perceptions. This research utilizes the methods of crosstabulation analysis and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). Crosstabulation analysis is used to determine the relationship between respondents' sociodemographic and their travel characteristics. Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) is used to assess passenger perceptions of the performance quality of intermodal facilities. Based on the research finding, according to passengers perceptions of 49 service attributes, there are 20 attributes that have a high level of importance but low performance, indicating the existence of three service provision needs that need to be prioritized for improvement. First, the provision of adequate and disability-friendly sidewalk facilities. Second, the provision of pedestrian crossing facilities. Third, the access to and from the node that is free from traffic conflicts. The recommended solutions include the construction of sidewalks connected to the node points, built higher than the road surface, installation of guiding block, barrier posts, and ramps at each end of the sidewalk, construction of an overpass (JPO) at the Asrama Haji Station and a pelican cross at the Bumi Sriwijaya Station, and the regulation of transit areas to prevent vehicles from parking and waiting at the entrance and exit points of the node.

Assessing bus user’s perception using structural equation modelling

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the user’s perceived quality of the service of a city bus and bus rapid transit (BRT) provided in the study areas of Navi Mumbai and Surat, India. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was used to identify the significant variables and quantify the effect of those variables on overall satisfaction. The models were validated using validation indices such as Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), and Cronbach’s alpha which are generally adopted for testing SEM models. Predicted models were observed to represent the actual data to a good extent. It was observed that users consider bus stop waiting time, bus on-time performance, and in-vehicle travel time as most important and riding comfort, safety, and end-to-end connectivity as relatively less important. The outputs provide policymakers with an understanding of the user’s perception of the overall service quality of the transit system.

Quantifying Microsecond Solution-Phase Conformational Dynamics of a DNA Hairpin at the Single-Molecule Level.

Quantifying the rapid conformational dynamics of biological systems is fundamental to understanding the mechanism. However, biomolecules are complex, often containing static and dynamic heterogeneity, thus motivating the use of single-molecule methods, particularly those that can operate in solution. In this study, we measure microsecond conformational dynamics of solution-phase DNA hairpins at the single-molecule level using an anti-Brownian electrokinetic (ABEL) trap. Different conformational states were distinguished by their fluorescence lifetimes, and kinetic parameters describing transitions between these states were determined using two-dimensional fluorescence lifetime correlation (2DFLCS) analysis. Rather than combining fluorescence signals from the entire data set ensemble, long observation times of individual molecules allowed ABEL-2DFLCS to be performed on each molecule independently, yielding the underlying distribution of the system's kinetic parameters. ABEL-2DFLCS on the DNA hairpins resolved an underlying heterogeneity of fluorescence lifetimes and provided signatures of two-state exponential dynamics with rapid (<millisecond) transition times between states without observation of the substantially stretched exponential kinetics that had been observed in previous measurements on diffusing molecules. Numerical simulations were performed to validate the accuracy of this technique and the effects the underlying heterogeneity has on the analysis. Finally, ABEL-2DFLCS was performed on a mixture of hairpins and used to resolve their kinetic data.

JWST’s First Glimpse of a z > 2 Forming Cluster Reveals a Top-heavy Stellar Mass Function

Clusters and their progenitors (protoclusters) at z ∼ 2 − 4, the peak epoch of star formation, are ideal laboratories to study the formation process of both the clusters themselves and their member galaxies. However, a complete census of their member galaxies has been challenging due to observational difficulties. Here we present new JWST/NIRCam observations targeting the distant cluster CLJ1001 at z = 2.51 from the COSMOS-Web program, which, in combination with previous narrowband imaging targeting Hα emitters and deep millimeter surveys of CO emitters, provide a complete view of massive galaxy assembly in CLJ1001. In particular, JWST reveals a population of massive, extremely red cluster members in the long-wavelength bands that were invisible in previous Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/F160W imaging (HST-dark members). Based on this highly complete spectroscopic sample of member galaxies, we show that the spatial distribution of galaxies in CLJ1001 exhibits a strong central concentration, with the central galaxy density already resembling that of low-z clusters. Moreover, we reveal a “top-heavy” stellar mass function for the star-forming galaxies (SFGs), with an overabundance of massive SFGs piled up in the cluster core. These features strongly suggest that CLJ1001 is caught in a rapid transition, with many of its massive SFGs likely soon becoming quiescent. In the context of cluster formation, these findings suggest that the earliest clusters form from the inside out and top to bottom, with the massive galaxies in the core assembling first, followed by the less massive ones in the outskirts.

UPAYA MEMPERKUAT AFFECTIVE COMMITMENT TO CHANGE PEGAWAI KEJAKSAAN NEGERI PASAMAN BARAT DI TENGAH DIGITALISASI

The rapid transition toward digital working systems were made possible by a series of converging innovations. Therefore, the readiness and affective commitment of workers to commit have considered as a serious challenge to the organization especially governmanet organization such as National Judiciary Institution. This study aims to enhance worker affective commitment to change in the digitalization era through model mediating readiness for change form transformasional leadership and technostress in National Judiciary representative area Pasaman Barat. By distributing paper questionnaires to 62 workers, this study then analyzed participants responses with assisting Smart-PLS latest version software. Results show that there are fifth research expectation are met, and not to the other two.

Impact of COVID-19 on bus rapid transit system usage in Lagos State, Nigeria: A comparative analysis

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the patronage levels of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Lagos State, Nigeria, before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Primary data were collected through an online survey distributed via Google Forms, gathering socio-economic and travel information from respondents. Regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing trip frequency on the BRT system during each phase of the pandemic. Results: The findings revealed significant changes in transport costs and trip frequencies across the three periods. Before the pandemic, 55.64% of respondents spent between N501 and N1000 weekly on transport, while 56.41% spent N1501 and more weekly after the pandemic. The factors influencing trip frequency were seat availability, travel stability, driver attitude, ease of boarding and alighting, safety, travel time, and reliability. Theoretical Contribution: This research contributes to understanding the nuanced effects of COVID-19 on public transportation, particularly within the context of BRT systems in Lagos State. Practical Implications: The study suggests that strategic attention should be given to the lessons learned from COVID-19 to develop appropriate strategies for future unforeseen circumstances.

Perspective Article: Space-time dynamics of genome replication studied with super-resolved microscopy.

Genome replication requires duplication of the complete set of DNA sequences together with nucleosomes and epigenetic signatures. Notwithstanding profound knowledge on mechanistic details of DNA replication, major problems of genome replication have remained unresolved. In this perspective article, we consider the accessibility of replication machines to all DNA sequences in due course, the maintenance of functionally important positional and structural features of chromatid domains during replication, and the rapid transition of CTs into prophase chromosomes with two chromatids. We illustrate this problem with EdU pulse-labeling (10 min) and chase experiments (80 min) performed with mouse myeloblast cells. Following light optical serial sectioning of nuclei with 3D structured illumination microscopy (SIM), seven DNA intensity classes were distinguished as proxies for increasing DNA compaction. In nuclei of cells fixed immediately after the pulse-label, we observed a relative under-representation of EdU-labeled DNA in low DNA density classes, representing the active nuclear compartment (ANC), and an over-representation in high density classes representing the inactive nuclear compartment (INC). Cells fixed after the chase revealed an even more pronounced shift to high DNA intensity classes. This finding contrasts with previous studies of the transcriptional topography demonstrating an under-representation of epigenetic signatures for active chromatin and RNAPII in high DNA intensity classes and their over-representation in low density classes. We discuss these findings in the light of current models viewing CDs either as structural chromatin frameworks or as phase-separated droplets, as well as methodological limitations that currently prevent an integration of this contrasting evidence for the spatial nuclear topography of replication and transcription into a common framework of the dynamic nuclear architecture.

Unlocking the potential of peatlands and paludiculture to achieve Germany’s climate targets: obstacles and major fields of action

Greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands must be substantially reduced to meet climate mitigation targets. In Germany, annual peatland emissions of 53 Mt CO2e account for more than 7% of total national GHG emissions. Peatland drainage and reclamation is traditionally considered as a symbol of progress and technical achievement, where agriculture has been the major driver. In Germany, an area of 1.3 million ha of drained peatlands used for agriculture ought to be rewetted by 2050 to meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Paludiculture allows a productive use of wet peatlands instead of abandonment following rewetting. This approach might therefore pave the way for voluntary large-scale peatland rewetting. However, implementation remains scarce. The long history and large extent of peatland drainage has shaped the political and legal framework as well as perceptions and attitudes, thus impeding rewetting and climate-friendly peatland use. This policy and practice review investigates the political, legal, economic and social aspects that hinder the implementation in Germany and derives approaches to overcome multifold restrictions. Finally, three major fields of action are identified: (1) To increase and accelerate rewetting, a consistent peatland mainstreaming approach is needed that overcomes structural barriers and adapts the policy and legal framework, e.g., the Common Agricultural Policy, planning law, water law and nature conservation law. (2) To motivate for a rapid transition, a system of immediate, comprehensive and attractive positive incentives is needed. This should be accompanied by early announcement and gradual introduction of negative incentives to set a clear course and provide planning certainty for farmers and landowners. (3) A just transition depends on empowering local communities to develop and pursue perspectives tailored to their peatland region. Future research of peatlands as social-ecological systems can help to identify region-specific drivers for sustainable peatland management.

Inertia of Technology Stocks: A Technology-Explicit Model for the Transition toward a Low-Carbon Global Aluminum Cycle.

Low-carbon technologies are essential for the aluminum industry to meet its climate targets despite increasing demand. However, the penetration of these technologies is often delayed due to the long lifetimes of the industrial assets currently in use. Existing models and scenarios for the aluminum sector omit this inertia and therefore potentially overestimate the realistic mitigation potential. Here, we introduce a technology-explicit dynamic material flow model for the global primary (smelters) and secondary (melting furnaces) aluminum production capacities. In business-as-usual scenarios, we project emissions from smelters and melting furnaces to rise from 710 Mt CO2-eq./a in 2020 to 920-1400 Mt CO2-eq./a in 2050. Rapid implementation of inert anodes in smelters can reduce emissions by 14% by 2050. However, a limitation of emissions compatible with a 2 °C scenario requires combined action: (1) an improvement of collection and recycling systems to absorb all the available postconsumer scrap, (2) a fast and wide deployment of low-carbon technologies, and (3) a rapid transition to low-carbon electricity sources. These measures need to be implemented even faster in scenarios with a stronger increase in aluminum demand. Lock-in effects are likely: building new capacity using conventional technologies will compromise climate mitigation efforts and would require premature retirement of industrial assets.

Segmented Control of Selenization Environment for High-Quality Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Films Toward Efficient Kesterite Solar Cells.

High-crystalline-quality absorbers with fewer defects are crucial for further improvement of open-circuit voltage (VOC) and efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. However, the preparation of high-quality CZTSSe absorbers remains challenging due to the uncontrollability of the selenization reaction and the complexity of the required selenization environment for film growth. Herein, a novel segmented control strategy for the selenization environment, specifically targeting the evaporation area of Se, to regulate the selenization reactions and improve the absorber quality is proposed. The large evaporation area of Se in the initial stage of the selenization provides a great evaporation and diffusion flux for Se, which facilitates rapid phase transition reactions and enables the attainment of a single-layer thin film. The reduced evaporation area of Se in the later stage creates a soft-selenization environment for grain growth, effectively suppressing the loss of Sn and promoting element homogenization. Consequently, the mitigation of Sn-related deep-level defects on the surface and in the bulk induced by element imbalance is simultaneously achieved. This leads to a significant improvement in nonradiative recombination suppression and carrier collection enhancement, thereby enhancing the VOC. As a result, the CZTSSe device delivers an impressive efficiency of 13.77% with a low VOC deficit.

Assessment of secular trends of three major gynecologic cancers burden and attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019: an age period cohort analysis

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the long-term trends in the burden of three major gynecologic cancers(GCs) stratified by social-demographic status across the world from 1990 to 2019. To assess the trends of risk factor attributed mortality, and to examine the specific effects of age, period, cohort behind them in different regions.MethodsWe extracted data on the mortality, disability-adjusted life years(DALYs), and age-standardized rates(ASRs) of cervical cancer(CC), uterine cancer(UC), and ovarian cancer(OC) related to risks from 1990 to 2019, as GCs burden measures. Age-period-cohort analysis was used to analyze trends in attributable mortality rates.ResultsThe number of deaths and DALYs for CC, UC and OC increased since 1990 worldwide, while the ASDRs decreased. Regionally, the ASDR of CC was the highest in low SDI region at 15.05(11.92, 18.46) per 100,000 in 2019, while the ASDRs of UC and OC were highest in high SDI region at 2.52(2.32,2.64), and 5.67(5.16,6.09). The risk of CC death caused by unsafe sex increased with age and then gradually stabilized, with regional differences. The period effect of CC death attributed to smoking showed a downward trend. The cohort effect of UC death attributed to high BMI decreased in each region, especially in the early period in middle, low-middle and low SDI areas.ConclusionsGlobal secular trends of attributed mortality for the three GCs and their age, period, and cohort effects may reflect the diagnosis and treatment progress, rapid socioeconomic transitions, concomitant changes in lifestyle and behavioral patterns in different developing regions. Prevention and controllable measures should be carried out according to the epidemic status in different countries, raising awareness of risk factors to reduce future burden.

Investigation of flashover occurrence criterion based on thermal equilibrium theory

Flashover is the rapid transition to a state of total surface involvement in a fire of combustible material within an enclosure fire, which is the most serious and fatal event in building fires. Although previous studies have provided quantitative and qualitative standards for flashover, the criteria of flashover were normally based on the independent measurement of experimental parameters and phenomena rather than the underlying physical reasons, resulting in a lack of mutual relationships between these criteria and the inability to reflect physical mechanisms. Moreover, the flashover criteria vary for different compartment fire fuels, which directly affects the calculation of compartment fire theory. This work was performed to provide a unified principle on the criteria of flashover based on the thermal equilibrium theory. The critical conditions for flashover are quantitatively developed by establishing a partial differential equation for the energy generation rate and energy loss rate with respect to the temperature inside the compartment. Moreover, based on the partial differential equation, inequalities were established for the relationship between the temperature of the hot gas and the heat flux of the floor at the onset of flashover, which was validated by the compartment experiment data. It was found that due to differences in emissivity and net heat transfer rate, at the onset of flashover, the hot gas temperature and the radiation heat flux at the floor were different for different fuels, and a high hot gas temperature does not necessarily indicate a high radiation heat flux at the floor.

Predicting of aging population density by a hybrid grey exponential smoothing model (HGESM): a case study from Sri Lanka

PurposeThe global population has been experiencing an unprecedentedly rapid demographic transition as the populations have been growing older in many countries during the current decades. The purpose of this study is to introduce a Grey Exponential Smoothing model (GESM)-based mechanism for analyzing population aging.Design/methodology/approachTo analyze the aging population of Sri Lanka, initially, three major indicators were considered, i.e. total population, aged population and proportion of the aged population to reflect the aging status of a country. Based on the latest development of computational intelligence with Grey techniques, this study aims to develop a new analytical model for the analysis of the challenge of disabled and frail older people in an aging society.FindingsThe results suggested that a well-defined exponential trend has been seen for the population ages 65 and above, a total of a million) during 1960–2022; especially, the aging population ages 65 and above has been rising rapidly since 2008. This will increase to 24.8% in 2040 and represents the third highest percentage of elderly citizens living in an Asian country. By 2041, one in every four Sri Lankans is expected to be elderly.Originality/valueThe study proposed a GESM-based mechanism for analyzing the population aging in Sri Lanka based on the data from 1960 to 2022 and forecast the aging demands in the next five years from 2024 to 2028.

Compound successive dry-hot and wet extremes in China with global warming and urbanization

Global warming has accelerated the interregional hydrological cycle, resulting in a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events worldwide. These events often involve a combination of spatial and temporal factors, giving rise to compound events. Among them are rapid transitions from dry and hot conditions to wet (DHW) events, which can have more severe impacts on human societies and ecosystems than individual extreme events. Urbanization not only heightens the likelihood of disasters but also exacerbates the exposure of affected populations. However, there has been insufficient attention given to understanding the connections between these successive compound events and the heightened risks posed by the increasing urbanization. In this study, we used bias-corrected daily precipitation and maximum temperature data simulated by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) model, along with historical and future daily runoff data simulated by the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. We systematically investigated the spatiotemporal changes (i.e., frequency, duration, intensity, and compound probability) in DHW events in China during the upper historical period (1979–2014) and under two medium and high emission scenarios (2015–2100) − Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP245 and SSP585). Furthermore, we examined how extreme runoff responds to variations in maximum temperature and daily precipitation during DHW events. We also evaluated the potential population and urban exposure to DHW events using dynamic future population and urban expansion data to assess the potential risks. Our results indicate that the multi-model ensemble predicts varying spatial patterns of future DHW events under SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. The frequency and duration of these events are expected to decrease by approximately 20–25% in the Northwest region under both scenarios. At the same time, the middle and lower plains of the Yangtze and Yellow River Basins experience increased occurrence, broader geographical impact, and higher DHW event intensity alongside urban expansion and population growth in these regions. Specifically, event intensity is anticipated to increase by a factor of approximately 7–11. Temporally, we expect short-duration, high-intensity DHW events to occur in the Yangtze and Yellow River basins around 2023, 2038, and 2058, respectively. The primary driver for the future rise in population exposure to DHW events is the expected increase in event frequency in the middle and lower plains of the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, concurrent with population growth in these regions. Under the medium emission scenario, the total exposed population to DHW events in China is predicted to be 1.61 times higher than the historical baseline. In contrast, the high-emission scenario estimates a total population of 2.41 times higher than the historical baseline period. Most of the DHW events occurred in regions that exhibit a positive dependence between high temperature and high runoff events, serving as the primary driver of DHW events. Urbanization has a positive impact on DHW events, with the effect under high emissions being approximately 30% higher than during the historical base period. Additionally, it is indicated that future DHW events will exhibit higher sensitivity to global warming, with intensity projected to increase approximately fourfold and the exposed population to rise by about 1.5 times for every 1 °C of global warming. This research enhances our understanding of forecasting future compound hydrometeorological extreme events under different scenarios and provides insight into the role of climate change and urbanization in shaping these events in China.

Accelerating the Laser‐Induced Phase Transition in Nanostructured FeRh via Plasmonic Absorption

AbstractBy ultrafast x‐ray diffraction (UXRD), it is shown that the laser‐induced magnetostructural phase transition in FeRh nanoislands proceeds faster and more complete than in continuous films. An intrinsic 8 ps timescale is observed for the nucleation of ferromagnetic (FM) domains in the optically excited fraction of both types of samples. For the continuous film, the substrate‐near regions are not directly exposed to light and are only slowly transformed to the FM state after heating above the transition temperature via near‐equilibrium heat transport. Numerical modeling of the absorption in the investigated nanoislands reveals a strong plasmonic contribution near the FeRh/MgO interface. The larger absorption and the optical excitation of the electrons in nearly the entire volume of the nanoislands enables a rapid phase transition throughout the entire volume at the intrinsic nucleation timescale.

Assessing the Impact of Education on Life Expectancy in Rwanda

Purpose: Education's impact on life expectancy is a crucial area of study, particularly in nations undergoing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions like Rwanda. This research examines the intricate relationship between education and life expectancy in Rwanda, considering the nation's advancements in education and healthcare. Despite progress, challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to quality education. Methodology: The study utilizes quantitative research methods, employing descriptive, correlation, and causal-comparative approaches, alongside econometric analyses like co-integration tests and vector error correction models. Data covering the period from 1965 to 2020 were collected from the World Bank Database. Findings: Findings indicate a significant effect of education on fertility rates, with higher education levels associated with lower fertility. Additionally, forecasts project an increase in life expectancy across educational groups, albeit less pronounced for the less educated. Gender disparities persist, with the rate of decrease in life expectancy differences between males and females slower than in previous decades. Increasing prediction intervals highlight growing uncertainty over time. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between education and life expectancy in Rwanda, offering insights for policy interventions to enhance population health outcomes and promote sustainable development. This study underscores the imperative for targeted strategies to mitigate educational barriers and advance inclusive development, addressing existing gaps in empirical evidence within the Rwandan context.

Homeownership Habitus and Residential Practice of Highly-Skilled Chinese Migrants in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a “homeownership habitus” concept to understand the residential practice of highly-skilled young Chinese migrants in the Netherlands. Using 41 interviews, we show how and why they typically become homeowners soon after securing stable employment. Even without planning to stay in the Netherlands long-term, buying properties was taken for granted, sanctioned by the Chinese value framework whereby homeownership is not only a status-marker and rational economic choice, but integral to adulthood transitions. Homeownership was often enabled by familial intergenerational support, also functioning as a transnational investment strategy. Such rapid tenure transition included spatial strategies to buy in “good” suburban locations or more affordable lower-reputation localities. The historic city centres of Amsterdam and Utrecht were deemed expensive and housing stock old, while Rotterdam’s modern city centre was popular among them. This paper contributes to literature on highly-skilled Chinese in Western cities, residential practice of migrants and transnational materialization of habitus across fields.

Ventral subiculum promotes wakefulness through several pathways in male mice.

The ventral subiculum (vSUB), the major output structure of the hippocampal formation, regulates motivation, stress integration, and anxiety-like behaviors that rely on heightened arousal. However, the roles and underlying neural circuits of the vSUB in wakefulness are poorly known. Using in vivo fiber photometry and multichannel electrophysiological recordings in mice, we found that the vSUB glutamatergicneurons exhibited highactivities during wakefulness. Moreover, activation of vSUB glutamatergic neurons caused an increase in wakefulness and anxiety-like behaviors and induced a rapid transition from sleep to wakefulness. In addition, optogenetic stimulation of vSUB glutamatergic terminals and retrograde-targeted chemogenetic activation of vSUB glutamatergic neurons revealed that vSUB promoted arousal by innervating the lateral hypothalamus (LH), nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Nevertheless, local microinjection of dopamine D1 or D2/D3 receptor antagonist blocked thewake-promoting effect induced by chemogenetic activation of vSUB pathways. Finally, chemogenetic inhibition of vSUB glutamatergic neurons decreased arousal. Altogether, our findings reveal a prominent contribution of vSUB glutamatergic neurons to the control of wakefulness through several pathways.

MolDStruct: Modeling the dynamics and structure of matter exposed to ultrafast x-ray lasers with hybrid collisional-radiative/molecular dynamics.

We describe a method to compute photon-matter interaction and atomic dynamics with x-ray lasers using a hybrid code based on classical molecular dynamics and collisional-radiative calculations. The forces between the atoms are dynamically determined based on changes to their electronic occupations and the formation of a free electron cloud created from the irradiation of photons in the x-ray spectrum. The rapid transition from neutral solid matter to dense plasma phase allows the use of screened potentials, reducing the number of non-bonded interactions. In combination with parallelization through domain decomposition, the hybrid code handles large-scale molecular dynamics and ionization. This method is applicable for large enough samples (solids, liquids, proteins, viruses, atomic clusters, and crystals) that, when exposed to an x-ray laser pulse, turn into a plasma in the first few femtoseconds of the interaction. We present four examples demonstrating the applicability of the method. We investigate the non-thermal heating and scattering of bulk water and damage-induced dynamics of a protein crystal using an x-ray pump-probe scheme. In both cases, we compare to the experimental data. For single particle imaging, we simulate the ultrafast dynamics of a methane cluster exposed to a femtosecond x-ray laser. In the context of coherent diffractive imaging, we study the fragmentation as given by an x-ray pump-probe setup to understand the evolution of radiation damage in the time range of hundreds of femtoseconds.