bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency-tunable magnetic field sensing using continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond
Authors: Okaniwa Ryusei , Mikawa Takumi , Matsuzaki Yuichiro , Yamaguchi Tatsuma , Suzuki Rui , Tokuda Norio , Watanabe Hideyuki , Mizuochi Norikazu , Sasaki Kento , Kobayashi Kensuke , Ishi-Hayase Junko
Published: January 2024

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center is a promising candidate to realize practical quantum sensors with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. In conventional high-frequency AC magnetometry with NV centers, the setup requires a pulse sequence with an appropriate time synchronization and strong microwave power. To avoid these practical difficulties, AC magnetometry using continuous-wave optically detected magnetic resonance (CW-ODMR) was recently demonstrated. That previous study utilized radio frequency (RF)-dressed states generated by the coherent interaction between the electron spin of the NV center and the RF wave. However, the drawback of this method is that the detectable frequency of the AC magnetic fields is fixed. Here, we propose and demonstrate frequency-tunable magnetic field sensing based on CW-ODMR. In the new sensing scheme, we obtain RF double-dressed states by irradiation with RF fields at two different frequencies. One creates the RF-dressed states and changes the frequency of the target AC field. The other is a target AC field that induces a change in the CW-ODMR spectrum by generating the RF double-dressed states through coherent interaction with the RF-dressed states. The sensitivity of our method is estimated to be comparable to or even higher than that of the conventional method based on the RF field with a single frequency. The estimated bandwidth is 7.5 MHz, higher than that of the conventional method using the RF-dressed states. Our frequency-tunable magnetic field sensor based on CW-ODMR paves the way for new applications in diamond devices.
Advancing lithium neutron capture therapy: 6Li-loaded nanoparticles and laser-driven neutron sources
Authors: Morris Austin A. , Lv Jianfeng , Lu Yuanrong
Published: January 2024

We report on 6Li neutron capture therapy (LiNCT) in anticipation of using carbon nanoparticles to deliver targeted, high linear energy transfer radiation to non-resectable tumors. Our investigations show that, compared with existing 10B neutron capture therapy (BNCT), 6Li offers similar dose potential for equal mass density (DLi∼DB when mLi=mB), for capture products that span 7 times more range and approximately three cell lengths. Consequently, 6Li-filled nanoparticles dispersed more than half-a-cell-length apart, better convey high doses and ultra-high dose-rates, as LiNCT generates substantially less γ-rays and becomes more targeted than BNCT. To this end, we propose a neutron production scheme involving laser-plasma driven protons incident on various 7Li targets, capable of producing >109 n/sr/pulse. For high repetition frequency, efficient neutron moderation, and ideal 6Li concentration, the modality offers greater precision than existing neutron capture therapy.
Strain-tunable ferromagnetism and skyrmions in two-dimensional Janus Cr2XYTe6 (X, Y = Si, Ge, Sn, and X≠Y) monolayers
Authors: Xiao Runhu , Guan Zhihao , Feng Dushuo , Song Changsheng
Published: January 2024

By using first-principles calculations and micromagnetic simulations, we investigate the electronic structure, magnetic properties, and skyrmions in two-dimensional Janus Cr2XYTe6 (X,Y = Si, Ge, Sn, X ≠ Y) monolayers. Our findings reveal that the Cr2XYTe6 monolayers are ferromagnetic semiconductors with a high Curie temperature (Tc). The bandgap and Tc can be further increased by applying tensile strain. In addition, there is a transition from the ferromagnetic to the antiferromagnetic state at a compressive strain. Both Cr2SiSnTe6 and Cr2SiGeTe6 exhibit a large magnetic anisotropy energy, which are mainly associated with the significant spin–orbit coupling of the nonmagnetic Te atoms rather than that of the magnetic Cr atoms. Interestingly, the Cr2SiSnTe6 monolayer exhibits a significant Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction of 1.12 meV, which facilitates the formation of chiral domain walls and skyrmions. Furthermore, under tensile strain, chiral DWs can be transformed into skyrmions if applying an external magnetic field. These findings suggest that Janus Cr2XYTe6 monolayers hold promise for spintronic nanodevice applications.
Numerical investigation on flow transition of two tandem circular cylinders in an X arrangement: Effects of spacing ratio and transverse inclination angle
Authors: Gong Maojin , Yu Dingyong , Dally Bassam
Published: January 2024

This paper reports on a numerical study of the effects of five spacing ratios (L/D = 3–5) and eight transverse inclination angles (α = 0°–30°) on force coefficients and wake patterns of two tandem circular cylinders in an X arrangement, at a subcritical Reynolds number Re = 3900. It also addresses the mutual wake interference between the cylinders and the critical parameters determining the flow transition (FT) from the reattachment to the co-shedding regime. The main findings are: (1) the FT from the reattachment to the co-shedding regimes was identified for the considered range of L/D and α. The flow transition induces a sharp rise in force coefficients, especially for the downstream cylinder. FT can be triggered by the critical spacing ratio (L/D)c at different α, as well as excited by the critical transverse inclination angle αc at different L/D. (2) When α = 0° (i.e., two tandem vertical cylinders), FT occurs at (L/D)c = 4.5–5. As α increases to 5°, 15°, and 25°, (L/D)c gradually drops to 4–4.5, 3.5–4, and 3–3.5, respectively. From another perspective, with fixed spacing ratios of L/D = 3.5, 4, and 4.5, FT appears at αc = 20°–25°, 12.5°–15°, and 0°–5°, respectively. Additionally, in the case of L/D = 3 and 5, the flow pattern, respectively, remains in the reattachment and co-shedding regimes. (3) The formation of the co-shedding regime requires sufficient gap space between two crossing cylinders. A nondimensional center spacing ratio on the top view between the cylinders (CS*top view), was proposed to reflect the variation of gap space. The critical value of CS*top view to excite FT falls within the range of 3.5–5, which is a function of α and L/D. The mathematical expression of (CS*top view) points to the predominant role of L/D on the FT when compared with α. In addition, it also accounts for the fact that the transverse inclination angle has an inverse effect on the critical value of the spacing ratio and vice versa. These findings provide new insight into understanding the flow transition and wake interference of two crossing cylinders in an X arrangement.
Analytical study on hydrodynamic performance of co-located offshore wind–solar farms
Authors: Zhu Kai , Shi Hongda , Tao Ji , Gong Haoxiang , Han Zhi , Cao Feifei
Published: January 2024

Based on linear potential flow theory, this study investigates the hydrodynamic performance of a co-located farm with an array of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) and floating photovoltaics (FPVs). In this process, to evaluate the wave–structure interaction, domain decomposition and matched eigenfunction method are applied to address the boundary value problem for a complex-shaped co-located farm, and the velocity potential can be decomposed into radiation and diffraction problems. Under the framework of linearized theory, we establish the coupled motion equations by modeling rigid and articulated constraints to evaluate the kinematic response of the FOWTs and FPVs in the co-located farm. For such a system, a co-located farm consisting of an array of OC4-DeepCwind FOWTs and FPVs is proposed and investigated in this study. After running convergence analysis and model validation, the present model is employed to perform a multiparameter effect analysis. Case studies are presented to clarify the effects of solar platform geometric parameters (including column depth, thickness, radius, and total draft), articulated system, and shadow effect on the hydrodynamic behavior of wind and solar platforms. The findings elucidated in this work provide guidance for the optimized design of FPVs and indicate the potential for synergies between wind and solar energy utilization on floating platforms.
Small-signal equivalent circuit model of GaN-based nanodiodes at low temperature including trap-related low frequency dispersion
Authors: Pérez-Martín E. , González T. , Iñiguez-de-la-Torre I. , Mateos J.
Published: January 2024

The small-signal equivalent circuit of GaN-based self-switching diodes has been obtained, which apart from the intrinsic R‖C branch, generally used to describe the diode performance, needs new elements to describe the low-frequency dispersion of the impedance originated by the presence of surface and bulk traps. The proposed model allows us to reproduce not only the high-frequency results (extracted from S-parameter measurements in the 40 MHz–43.5 GHz range) at room temperature, but also the low-frequency impedance measurements (75 kHz–30 MHz) at cryogenic temperatures down to 70 K. These new elements are a self-inductance associated to the effect of surface states (typical of a device with a high surface-to-volume ratio) and an extra series R–C branch modeling the influence of the bulk traps.
Collision of two drops moving in the same direction
Authors: Pal Ashwani Kumar , Sahu Kirti Chandra , De Santanu , Biswas Gautam
Published: January 2024

The collision dynamics of two drops of the same liquid moving in the same direction has been studied numerically. A wide range of radius ratios of trailing drop and leading drop (Rr) and the velocity ratios (Ur) have been deployed to understand the collision outcomes. A volume of fluid based open-source fluid flow solver, Basilisk, has been used with its adaptive mesh refinement feature to capture the nuances of the interface morphology. The simulations are analyzed for the evolving time instances. Different collision outcomes, such as coalescence and reflexive separation with and without the formation of satellite drops, have been observed for various combinations of Ur and Rr. The study analyzes the evolution of kinetic energy and surface energy before and after the collision for plausible outcomes. The collision outcomes are depicted on a regime map with Ur−Rr space, highlighting distinct regimes formed due to variations in relevant governing parameters.
Fluctuations, correlations, and Casimir-like forces in the homogeneous cooling state of a granular gas
Authors: Jiménez Oliva Jesús David , Rodriguez-Lopez Pablo , Khalil Nagi
Published: January 2024

The fluctuating hydrodynamics by Brey et al. [Phys. Rev. E 83, 041303 (2011)] is analytically solved to get the long-time limit of the fluctuations of the number density, velocity field, and energy density around the homogeneous cooling state of a granular gas, under physical conditions where it keeps stable. Explicit expressions are given for the nonwhite contributions in the elastic limit. For small dissipation, the latter is shown to be much smaller than the inelastic contributions, in general. The fluctuation-induced Casimir-like forces on the walls of the system are calculated assuming a fluctuating pressure tensor resulting from perturbing its Navier–Stokes expression. This way, the Casimir-like forces emerge as the correlation between the longitudinal velocity and the energy density. Interestingly, the fluctuation-induced forces push/pull the system toward the square or rectangular geometry where they vanish, in good agreement with the event-driven numerical simulations.
Validation of critical soil-test phosphorus values from the Better Fertiliser Decisions for Pastures meta-analysis
Authors: Weaver David , Rogers David , Dobbe Eric , Summers Robert , Master Ronald , McFerran Robert , Mussell Graham , Mercy Justin , Dawson Luke , Lynch Kath
Published: January 2024

Context Historical application of phosphorus (P) fertilisers has enabled grazing agriculture in south-west Western Australia but has led to excessive soil P levels that pose a eutrophication risk. However, adoption of critical soil-test P values for pastures determined from the Better Fertiliser Decisions for Pastures (BFDP) meta-analysis of historical Australian trials has been poor because of perceived lack of relevance to the soils and contemporary pasture species in the region. Aims We aimed to validate critical Colwell P values from the BFDP project for soils and contemporary pasture species of south-west Western Australia. Methods Fifty P-rate response trials were performed with contemporary pasture species, and the results compared with BFDP. Key results Trial results were consistent with BFDP and fell within 95% prediction intervals of response calibrations of Colwell P and relative yield pairs for different P buffering index (PBI) ranges. Soils with PBI <15 required lower critical Colwell P values. Responsiveness to P application was 8% (±4%), consistent with a 5% response expected for Colwell P levels supporting 95% relative yield. Application of nitrogen, potassium and sulfur significantly increased yield while increasing basal cover of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and reducing that of clover (Trifolium spp.) in the sward. Response calibration coefficients and critical Colwell P values before and after addition of the trial data to BFDP showed a strong correlation (r2 >0.99), although critical values were slightly lower for lower soil PBI. Conclusions Critical Colwell P values from BFDP are relevant and applicable to soils and contemporary pasture species of south-west Western Australia. Implications Agronomic advice and application of P should be based on interpretation of Colwell P values, with P applied only when levels are below the critical value. Pasture composition should also be considered when interpreting Colwell P values. This approach minimises risks of P loss and improves economic outcomes for growers.
Alterations of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in women undergoing assisted reproduction
Authors: Wu Ni , Liu Jun , Sun Yu , Fan Xiaoxiao , Zang Tianzi , Richardson Brianna N. , Bai Jinbing , Xianyu Yunyan , Liu Yanqun
Published: January 2024

Context The community structure of gut microbiota changes during pregnancy, which also affects the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the distribution of gut microbiota composition and metabolite SCFA levels are poorly understood in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Aims To evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic SCFAs in women who received assisted reproduction treatment. Methods Sixty-three pregnant women with spontaneous pregnancy (SP) and nine with ART pregnancy were recruited to provide fecal samples. Gut microbiota abundance and SCFA levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Key results The ART group showed decreased alpha diversity (the species richness or evenness in a sample). The principal coordinates analysis (a method of analysing beta diversity) showed significant difference in gut microbiota between the ART group versus the SP group (unweighted UniFrac distance, R2 = 0.04, P = 0.003). Proteobacteria, Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were enriched in the ART group, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria Faecalibacterium was lower than in the SP group. Different modes of conception were associated with several SCFAs (valeric acid (r = −0.280; P = 0.017); isocaproic acid (r = −0.330; P = 0.005); caproic acid (r = −0.336; P = 0.004)). Significantly different SCFAs between the two groups were synchronously associated with the differential gut microbiota. Conclusions The diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in women undergoing ART decreased. Implications The application of ART shaped the microbial composition and metabolism, which may provide critical information for understanding the biological changes that occur in women with assisted reproduction.
Single-particle imaging of nanomedicine entering the brain
Authors: Wei Mian , Qian Naixin , Gao Xin , Lang Xiaoqi , Song Donghui , Min Wei
Published: January 2024

Nanomedicine has emerged as a revolutionary strategy of drug delivery. However, fundamentals of the nano–neuro interaction are elusive. In particular, whether nanocarriers can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and release the drug cargo inside the brain, a basic process depicted in numerous books and reviews, remains controversial. Here, we develop an optical method, based on stimulated Raman scattering, for imaging nanocarriers in tissues. Our method achieves a suite of capabilities—single-particle sensitivity, chemical specificity, and particle counting capability. With this method, we visualize individual intact nanocarriers crossing the BBB of mouse brains and quantify the absolute number by particle counting. The fate of nanocarriers after crossing the BBB shows remarkable heterogeneity across multiple scales. With a mouse model of aging, we find that blood–brain transport of nanocarriers decreases with age substantially. This technology would facilitate development of effective therapeutics for brain diseases and clinical translation of nanocarrier-based treatment in general.
Neuronal sensorimotor integration guiding salt concentration navigation in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Matsumoto Ayaka , Toyoshima Yu , Zhang Chenqi , Isozaki Akihiro , Goda Keisuke , Iino Yuichi
Published: January 2024

Animals navigate their environment by manipulating their movements and adjusting their trajectory which requires a sophisticated integration of sensory data with their current motor status. Here, we utilize the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
to explore the neural mechanisms of processing the sensory and motor information for navigation. We developed a microfluidic device which allows animals to freely move their heads while receiving temporal NaCl stimuli. We found that
C. elegans
regulates neck bending direction in response to temporal NaCl concentration changes in a way which is consistent with a
C. elegans
’ navigational strategy which regulates traveling direction toward preferred NaCl concentrations. Our analysis also revealed that the activity of a neck motor neuron is significantly correlated with neck bending and activated by the decrease in NaCl concentration in a phase-dependent manner. By combining the analysis of behavioral and neural response to NaCl stimuli and optogenetic perturbation experiments, we revealed that NaCl decrease during ventral bending activates the neck motor neuron which counteracts ipsilateral bending. Simulations further suggest that this phase-dependent response of neck motor neurons can facilitate curving toward preferred salt concentrations.
Water striders are impervious to raindrop collision forces and submerged by collapsing craters
Authors: Watson Daren A. , Thornton Mason R. , Khan Hiba A. , Diamco Ryan C. , Yilmaz-Aydin Duygu , Dickerson Andrew K.
Published: January 2024

Water striders are abundant in areas with high humidity and rainfall. Raindrops can weigh more than 40 times the adult water strider and some pelagic species spend their entire lives at sea, never contacting ground. Until now, researchers have not systematically investigated the survival of water striders when impacted by raindrops. In this experimental study, we use high-speed videography to film drop impacts on water striders. Drops force the insects subsurface upon direct contact. As the ensuing crater rebounds upward, the water strider is propelled airborne by a Worthington jet, herein called the first jet. We show the water strider’s locomotive responses, low density, resistance to wetting when briefly submerged, and ability to regain a super-surface rest state, rendering it impervious to the initial impact. When pulled subsurface during a second crater formation caused by the collapsing first jet, water striders face the possibility of ejection above the surface or submersion below the surface, a fate determined by their position in the second crater. We identify a critical crater collapse acceleration threshold ∼ 5.7 gravities for the collapsing second crater which determines the ejection and submersion of passive water striders. Entrapment by submersion makes the water strider poised to penetrate the air–water interface from below, which appears impossible without the aid of a plastron and proper locomotive techniques. Our study is likely the first to consider second crater dynamics and our results translate to the submersion dynamics of other passively floating particles such as millimetric microplastics atop the world’s oceans.
Regulation of anion–Na
+
coordination chemistry in electrolyte solvates for low-temperature sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Xunzhu , Huang Yaohui , Wen Bo , Yang Zhuo , Hao Zhiqiang , Li Lin , Chou Shu-Lei , Li Fujun
Published: January 2024

High-performance sodium storage at low temperature is urgent with the increasingly stringent demand for energy storage systems. However, the aggravated capacity loss is induced by the sluggish interfacial kinetics, which originates from the interfacial Na
+
desolvation. Herein, all-fluorinated anions with ultrahigh electron donicity, trifluoroacetate (TFA
−
), are introduced into the diglyme (G2)-based electrolyte for the anion-reinforced solvates in a wide temperature range. The unique solvation structure with TFA
−
anions and decreased G2 molecules occupying the inner sheath accelerates desolvation of Na
+
to exhibit decreased desolvation energy from 4.16 to 3.49 kJ mol
−1
and 24.74 to 16.55 kJ mol
−1
beyond and below −20 °C, respectively, compared with that in 1.0 M NaPF
6
-G2. These enable the cell of Na||Na
3
V
2
(PO
4
)
3
to deliver 60.2% of its room-temperature capacity and high capacity retention of 99.2% after 100 cycles at −40 °C. This work highlights regulation of solvation chemistry for highly stable sodium-ion batteries at low temperature.
Negotiating the value of rule of law through attitudinal positioning
Authors: Shi Chunxu
Published: January 2024

This article examines how the value of rule of law is negotiated through public prosecutors’ attitudinal
positioning of themselves and defendants in courtroom discourse. A corpus-based analysis of 120 recent Chinese digital indictments
revealed that the evaluative stances of public prosecutors toward themselves invariably imply positive judgment of capacity and
legal propriety in their legal investigation, thus constructing a stable and authoritative image of law enforcers. Their attitudes
toward defendants are mainly negative judgments of both moral and legal propriety through various criminal actions, creating a
predominantly evil image of law violators with different personae. It is through these sharply different patterns of discourse
representation that public prosecutors tactically construct and negotiate attitudes toward crime and justice, thus establishing
mainstream judicial values during legal proceedings. This study may shed new light on the research of legal argumentation for
negotiating judicial values under the civil law system in this digital era.
Effects of increasing increments of fat- and sugar-rich snacks in the diet on energy and macronutrient intake in lean and overweight men
Authors: Mazlan Nik , Horgan Graham , Whybrow Stephen , Stubbs James
Published: January 2024

Two studies have examined the effect on energy intake and macronutrient selection of increasing increments of mandatory high-fat or high-sugar snacks into the diet in men. The present study used a within-subject, repeated-measures design. In each experiment, six lean and six overweight, unrestrained men were each studied over three 7d treatment periods, during which they were given mandatory snacks of the same energy density (550k/00g) comprising the following (in terms of percentage energy as fat–carbohydrate–protein): high-fat, 80:10:10; high-sugar, 10:80:10, of which 65% was sugar, and 15% starch. Subjects were given 0, 1·5 or 3·0M/ snacks, in a randomised counterbalanced design, to be consumed mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Throughout each day, subjects had access ad libitum to fifteen high-protein, fifteen high-fat and fifteen high-carbohydrate foods, rotated on a 3d menu. Mandatory high-fat snacks significantly elevated energy intake and fat intake, whereas high-sugar snacks elevated energy intake and carbohydrate intake (all P<0·02). Mandatory increases in sugar intake did not displace fat from the diet or vice versa. It was concluded that the ingestion of up to 3M/ high-fat and high-sugar foods promoted weak compensation (18% and 30%, respectively) and therefore elevated daily energy intake by approximately 2·0–2·5MJ.
Diet and physical activity profiles in French preadolescents
Authors: Platat Carine , Perrin Anne-Elisabeth , Oujaa Mohamed , Wagner Aline , Haan Marie-Christine , Schlienger Jean-Louis , Simon Chantal
Published: January 2024

Dietary patterns have been identified in adults, but less is known about children and adolescents. For the first time, we have investigated lifestyle patterns combining diet and physical activity in 12-year-old French preadolescents and examined their association with sociodemographic factors. Physical activity, sedentary activities and dietary habits were assessed by questionnaires given to 2724 students in 2001. Family income tax and parents' educational level, as indicators of socio-economic status, and the size of the residence commune were obtained from parents. After adjusting for socio-economic status, physical activity was positively associated with a consumption of frui/egetable/ruit juice on more than four occasions in the previous 24h (P<0·001). Sedentary activities were positively associated with the consumption of French fries or potato chips (P<0·001), with sweetened drink as the most usual drink (P<0·001) and with nibbling while watching television (P<0·001), and inversely associated with a high consumption of frui/egetable/ruit juice (P=0·04). Multiple correspondence analysis identified two independent axes and specific combinations of behaviour: one axis characterised by sedentary activity, sweetened drink as the most usual drink, the consumption of French fries or potato chips and nibbling while watching television; a second one associating physical activity and the consumption of frui/egetable/ruit juice. Both socio-economic proxies were associated with the former axis (P<0·001). The size of the residence commune was associated with the latter (P<0·1). Combinations of diet and physical activity habits were identified in adolescents, indicating that prevention programmes targeting both behaviours may have an enhanced outcome.
Reduced isoflavone metabolites formed by the human gut microflora suppress growth but do not affect DNA integrity of human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Raschke Marian , Wähälä Kristiina , Pool-Zobel Beatrice L.
Published: January 2024

Dietary isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are metabolised by the human gut microflora. Case–control studies have disclosed a link between the formation of the daidzein metabolite equol and prostate cancer risk. We evaluated the effects of genistein, daidzein and five metabolites on two prostate cancer cell lines by determining DNA integrity and cell growth. LNCaP cells contain the T877A androgen receptor mutation whereas Los Angeles prostate cancer (LAPC)-4 cells express the wild-type receptor, both of which may affect responses to isoflavones. DNA integrity was determined using the comet assay. Cell growth was assessed by staining DNA with 4′,6′-diamidino-2-pheylindole hydrochloride. Endogenous steroid hormones, but not isoflavones, induced DNA strand breaks. Dihydrotestosterone stimulated the growth of both cell lines. 17β-Oestradiol increased the growth of LNCaP but not LAPC-4 cells, pointing to an involvement of the T877A androgen receptor. Isoflavones did not stimulate growth in either prostate cancer cell line. However, the growth of LNCaP and LAPC-4 cells was suppressed by genistein (inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) 39·7μmo/, 37·2μmo/) and by equol (IC50 53·8μmo/, 35·1μmo/). O-desmethylangolensin inhibited the growth of LAPC-4 cells (IC50 45·2μmo/), but not of LNCaP cells. In conclusion, isoflavones do not damage DNA or promote growth of androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Several isoflavones, including the reduced daidzein metabolites equol and O-desmethylangolensin, suppress cancer cell growth. Taken together, these data suggest a contribution of gut-formed isoflavone metabolites to the beneficial effects of dietary isoflavones on prostate cancer risk.
Ingestion of onion soup high in quercetin inhibits platelet aggregation and essential components of the collagen-stimulated platelet activation pathway in man: a pilot study
Authors: Hubbard Gary P. , Wolffram Siegfried , de Vos Ric , Bovy Arnaud , Gibbins Jonathan M. , Lovegrove Julie A.
Published: January 2024

Epidemiological data suggest that those who consume a diet rich in quercetin-containing foods may have a reduced risk of CVD. Furthermore, in vitro and ex vivo studies have observed the inhibition of collagen-induced platelet activation by quercetin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible inhibitory effects of quercetin ingestion from a dietary source on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation and signalling. A double-blind randomised cross-over pilot study was undertaken. Subjects ingested a soup containing either a high or a low amount of quercetin. Plasma quercetin concentrations and platelet aggregation and signalling were assessed after soup ingestion. The high-quercetin soup contained 69mg total quercetin compared with the low-quercetin soup containing 5mg total quercetin. Plasma quercetin concentrations were significantly higher after high-quercetin soup ingestion than after low-quercetin soup ingestion and peaked at 2·59 (sem 0·42) μmo/. Collagen-stimulated (0·5μ/l) platelet aggregation was inhibited after ingestion of the high-quercetin soup in a time-dependent manner. Collagen-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of a key component of the collagen-signalling pathway via glycoprotein VI, Syk, was significantly inhibited by ingestion of the high-quercetin soup. The inhibition of Syk tyrosine phosphorylation was correlated with the area under the curve for the high-quercetin plasma profile. In conclusion, the ingestion of quercetin from a dietary source of onion soup could inhibit some aspects of collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation and signalling ex vivo. This further substantiates the epidemiological data suggesting that those who preferentially consume high amounts of quercetin-containing foods have a reduced risk of thrombosis and potential CVD risk.
Effect of dietary supply of butters rich either in trans-10-18:1 or in trans-11-18:1 plus cis-9, trans-11-18:2 on rabbit adipose tissue and liver lipogenic activities
Authors: Faulconnier Yannick , Roy Alexandre , Ferlay Anne , Chardigny Jean-Michel , Durand Denys , Lorenz Stephanie , Gruffat Dominique , Chilliard Yves
Published: January 2024

Experimental butters with a high content of trans-18:1 fatty acids an/r cis-9,trans-11-18:2 (rumenic acid; RA) were fed to thirty-six New Zealand White rabbits to investigate their effects on adipose tissue (AT) and liver lipogenic activities. Animals received one of three atherogenic (0·2% cholesterol) diets containing 12% butter with either a standard fatty acid composition (rich in saturated fatty acids), rich in trans-10-18:1 (T10 diet) or in trans-11-18:1 plus RA (T11+ RA diet) for 6 or 12 weeks. The ingestion of butters rich in trans fatty acids an/r RA for 6 weeks had little or no effect on liver and AT lipogenesis. The ingestion for 12 weeks of butter rich in T11 + RA decreased perirenal AT weight, lipogenic enzyme and lipoprotein lipase activities, without affecting liver lipid concentration or lipogenic activities except for a decrease in glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Similar trends, but of a lower magnitude, were observed in rabbits fed the T10 diet for 12 weeks. Ingestion of the T10 or T11 + RA diets for 6 or 12 weeks had no significant effect on plasma metabolites and hormones except for glucose which increased at 6 weeks in the T10 group. Plasma leptin concentration was positively correlated with AT weight but did not differ between the three diets. In conclusion, the supply of butters rich in either T10 or T11 + RA in an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks decreased rabbit AT lipogenesis, with a more marked effect of the T11 + RA diet, but had no effect on liver lipogenesis.
Distributed measurement system calibration method with automatic networking mechanism
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Jiaying , Liu Qing , Li Jintong , Jia Kun , Lin Binfeng
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a new method that balances accuracy and efficiency in the process of coordinate unification for distributed measurement systems. The method unifies the local coordinate systems of any two measuring units by installing a measuring point on the unit as a marker point and measuring the marker points between them in the working area, combined with the distance between the marker points. Moreover, it enables automatic networking of newly added or moved measurement units with the original measurement network, thereby further improving the efficiency of the dynamic measurements made using the system. The key factors affecting the accuracy of calibration achieved using this method were analysed via simulations. The results indicate that the accuracy of length measurement using the proposed methods is within 0.1 mm m−1 when the measurement units are distributed among the four corners of a rectangle with an area of 50 m2 or more. The experiments indicate that four measurement units calibrated using this method over an area of 35 m2 achieve an accuracy of within 0.2 mm m−1 and 0.1 mm standard deviations for length and three-dimensional coordinate measurements, respectively. Compared with traditional coordinate-unification methods, the proposed method simplifies the calibration process, improves the calibration efficiency by more than ten times, and significantly reduces the calibration time. It is universally applicable in the calibration of large-space distributed measurement systems.
Spatio-temporal electric field distributions in an atmospheric plasma jet impinging on a microchannel array surface
Authors: Raskar S , Adamovich I V , Konina K , Kushner M J
Published: January 2024

The electric field distribution in the ionization waves (IWs) propagating over a microchannel array dielectric surface, with the channels either empty or filled with distilled water, is measured by ps electric field induced second harmonic generation. The surface IW is initiated by the atmospheric pressure N2–Ar plasma jet impinging on the surface vertically and powered by ns pulse discharge bursts. The results show that the electric field inside the microchannels, specifically its horizontal component, is enhanced by up to a factor of 2. The field enhancement region is localized within the channels. The vertical electric field inside the channels lags in time compared to the field measured at the ridges, indicating the transient reversal of the IW propagation direction across the channels (toward the jet). This is consistent with the phase-locked plasma emission images and confirmed by the kinetic modeling predictions, which show that the IW ‘jumps’ over the empty channels and propagates into the channels only after the jump between the adjacent ridges. When the channels are filled with water, the wave speed increases by up to 50%, due to the higher effective dielectric constant of the surface. No evidence of a significant electric field enhancement near the dielectric surface (ceramic or water) has been detected, within the spatial resolution of the present diagnostic, ∼100 μm.
Wellbore fracture recognition and fracture parameter identification method using piezoelectric ultrasonic and machine learning
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Luo Mingzhang , Li Lei , Xiang Yalin , Zhou Luoyu
Published: January 2024

Real-time monitoring of wellbore status information can effectively ensure the structural safety of the wellbore and improve the drilling efficiency. It is especially important to recognize the wellbore fractures and identify their parameters, which motivates us to propose a wellbore fracture recognition and parameter identification method using piezoelectric ultrasonic and machine learning. To realize a self-model emission detection, we innovatively utilize a single transducer to act as both an actuator and a sensor, allowing for the efficient acquisition of ultrasonic echo signals of the wellbore. For fracture recognition, we use the wavelet packet transform to extract features from the ultrasonic echo signal, while constructing a convolutional neural network model for fracture recognition. Then, we establish the relationships between the fracture width-depth parameter and the echo signal, including the peak value as well as the arrival time difference. The experimental results show that the proposed method effectively recognizes the fractures from the ultrasonic echo signal of the wellbore. At the same time, the established function truly reflects the relationship between the fracture parameters and the echo signal. Therefore, the proposed method can provide an identification function for quantitative monitoring of wellbore fracture parameters. Moreover, the functions can be used as a reference for other structural health monitoring, which has good application prospects.
Identifying influential spreaders in complex networks based on density entropy and community structure
Authors: Su 苏 Zhan 湛 , Chen 陈 Lei 磊 , Ai 艾 Jun 均 , Zheng 郑 Yu-Yu 雨语 , Bie 别 Na 娜
Published: January 2024

In recent years, exploring the relationship between community structure and node centrality in complex networks has gained significant attention from researchers, given its fundamental theoretical significance and practical implications. To address the impact of network communities on target nodes and effectively identify highly influential nodes with strong propagation capabilities, this paper proposes a novel influential spreaders identification algorithm based on density entropy and community structure (DECS). The proposed method initially integrates a community detection algorithm to obtain the community partition results of the networks. It then comprehensively considers the internal and external density entropies and degree centrality of the target node to evaluate its influence. Experimental validation is conducted on eight networks of varying sizes through susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) propagation experiments and network static attack experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms five other node centrality methods under the same comparative conditions, particularly in terms of information spreading capability, thereby enhancing the accurate identification of critical nodes in networks.
Superradiance of ultracold cesium Rydberg |65D5/2〉 → |66P3/2〉
Authors: Hao 郝 Liping 丽萍 , Han 韩 Xiaoxuan 小萱 , Bai 白 Suying 素英 , You 游 Xiufen 秀芬 , Jiao 焦 Yuechun 月春 , Zhao 赵 Jianming 建明
Published: January 2024

We investigate Rydberg |65D5/2〉 → |66P3/2〉 superradiance in dense ultracold cesium atoms, where the ground atoms are excited to |65D5/2〉 Rydberg states via two-photon excitation in a standard magneto-optical trap. The superradiant spectrum of |65D5/2〉 → |66P3/2〉 is obtained using the state-selective field ionization technique. We observe its dynamic evolution process by varying the delay time of ionization field t
d. The results show that the evolution process of |65D5/2〉 → |66P3/2〉 is much shorter than its radiation lifetime at room temperature, which verifies the superradiance effect. The dependence of the superradiance process on Rydberg atoms number N
e and principal quantum number n is investigated. The results show that the superradiance becomes faster with increasing N
e, while it is suppressed for stronger van der Waals (vdW) interactions. Superradiance has potential applications in quantum technologies, and the Rydberg atom is an ideal medium for superradiance. Our system is effective for studying the strong two-body interaction between Rydberg atoms.
Rotating Massive Strangeon Stars and X-Ray Plateau of Short GRBs
Authors: Yang Xi-Yan , Lai Xiao-Yu , Tan Wei-Wei , Xu Ren-Xin
Published: January 2024

Strangeon stars, which are proposed to describe the nature of pulsar-like compact stars, have passed various observational tests. The maximum mass of a non-rotating strangeon star could be high, which implies that the remnants of binary strangeon star mergers could even be long-lived massive strangeon stars. We study rigidly rotating strangeon stars in the slowly rotating approximation, using the Lennard-Jones model for the equation of state. Rotation can significantly increase the maximum mass of strangeon stars with unchanged baryon numbers, enlarging the mass-range of long-lived strangeon stars. During spin-down after merger, the decrease of radius of the remnant will lead to the release of gravitational energy. Taking into account the efficiency of converting the gravitational energy luminosity to the observed X-ray luminosity, we find that the gravitational energy could provide an alternative energy source for the plateau emission of X-ray afterglow. The fitting results of X-ray plateau emission of some short gamma-ray bursts suggest that the magnetic dipole field strength of the remnants can be much smaller than that of expected when the plateau emission is powered only by spin-down luminosity of magnetars.
Using high resolution climate models to explore future changes in post-tropical cyclone precipitation
Authors: Bower Erica , Reed Kevin A
Published: January 2024

One of the most costly effects of climate change will be its impact on extreme weather events, including tropical cyclones (TCs). Understanding these changes is of growing importance, and high resolution global climate models are providing potential for such studies, specifically for TCs. Beyond the difficulties associated with TC behavior in a warming climate, the extratropical transition (ET) of TCs into post-tropical cyclones (PTCs) creates another challenge when understanding these events and any potential future changes. PTCs can produce excessive rainfall despite losing their original tropical characteristics. The present study examines the representation of PTCs and their precipitation in three high resolution (25–50 km) climate models: CNRM, MRI, and HadGEM. All three of these models agree on a simulated decrease in TC and PTC events in the future warming scenario, yet they lack consistency in simulated regional patterns of these changes, which is further evident in regional changes in PTC-related precipitation. The models also struggle with their represented intensity evolution of storms during and after the ET process. Despite these limitations in simulating intensity and regional characteristics, the models all simulate a shift toward more frequent rain rates above 10 mm h−1 in PTCs. These high rain rates become 4%–12% more likely in the warmer climate scenario, resulting in a 5%–12% increase in accumulated rainfall from these rates.
Contrasting variations of ecosystem gross primary productivity during flash droughts caused by competing water demand and supply
Authors: Zou Kaijie , Cheng Lei , Wu Mengqi , Wang Shuai , Qin Shujing , Liu Pan , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2024

Flash drought events (FDEs) are projected to increase frequently in a warming world, significantly impacting ecosystem productivity and the global carbon cycle. The development of FDEs, induced by anomalies in different environmental variables, may cause different responses to the ecosystem’s gross primary productivity (GPP). However, the GPP variations and underlying mechanisms during the FDEs have rarely been quantified. This study collected long-term (>10 years) high-quality flux observations from the FLUXNET 2015 dataset to investigate GPP variations and their driving mechanisms during FDEs. Results showed that all vegetation types have two contrasting GPP variations during FDEs. One variation is a decreasing then increasing standardized GPP anomaly (V-shape response). The other shows an increase followed by decreasing standardized GPP anomaly (inverted V-shape response). The V-shape GPP response to FDEs was induced by increased soil water content deficit at the onset stage of FDEs. In contrast, the inverted V-shape GPP response to FDEs was induced by increased net radiation at the onset of FDEs. Such results indicated competing moisture supply and atmospheric moisture demand at the onset of FDEs, controlling the two contrasting ecosystem’s carbon responses with its development. Moreover, the contribution of water use efficiency to the magnitude of the V-shape GPP response (64.5 ± 22.4%) is greater than that to the inverted V-shape GPP response (47.6 ± 18.7%). This study identified the two contrasting types of GPP variations during FDEs and their driving mechanisms across multiple ecosystem types which can improve our ability to predict the future effects of more frequent FDEs on ecosystem productivity.
VTIL: A multi-layer indoor location algorithm for RSSI images based on vision transformer
Authors: Zhou Heng , Yang Jingmin , Deng Shanghui , Zhang Wenjie
Published: January 2024

As WiFi technology becomes more widespread and integrated, precise location tracking within complex indoor environments is gaining significance in contemporary public spaces.Nevertheless, challenges persist in indoor scenarios, including issues such as noise and multi-path effects stemming from the degradation of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). Additionally, obstacles causing signal shading contribute to a decrease in the accuracy of indoor location tracking. Within this paper, we introduce an innovative indoor localization algorithm termed Vision Transformer Indoor Localization (VTIL). This algorithmleverages RSSI and Vision-Transformer (ViT) technologies to enhance indoor positioning accuracy. Initially, the RSSI fingerprints undergo normalization by scaling them to the maximum and minimum values. To mitigate the impact of noise and irrelevant features, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) algorithmis then employed for effective feature extraction.Secondly, the RSSI fingerprint library is converted into an RSSI gray image library. Then the RSSI gray image is divided into several small blocks, and the position-coding input is performed in the form of a sequence. The ViT model divides the weight ratio of each block in the RSSI image to alleviate the impact of multi-path effects. According to the experimental results using public datasets, our approach achieves a noteworthy 37.26% reduction in the average distance estimation error when compared to existing indoor fingerprint localization algorithms.