bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub-ambient water wettability of hydrophilic and hydrophobic SiO2 surfaces
Authors: Liu Jianghui , Cao Haishan
Published: November 2024

The wettability of SiO2 surfaces, crucial for understanding the phase transition processes of water, remains a topic of significant controversy in the literature due to uncertainties in experiments. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations offer a promising avenue for elucidating these complexities, yet studies specifically addressing water contact angles on hydrophilic and hydrophobic SiO2 surfaces at sub-ambient temperatures are notably absent. In this study, we experimentally measured water contact angles of hydrophilic and hydrophobic SiO2 surfaces at ambient temperature and employed MD to investigate water contact angles on Q3, Q3/Q4, and Q4 SiO2 surfaces across temperatures ranging from 220 to 300 K. We investigated the effects of the distribution of hydroxyl groups, droplet size, and hydroxyl density and found that the hydroxyl density had the largest impact on contact angle. Moreover, hydrogen bond analysis uncovered enhanced water affinities of Q3 and Q3/Q4 SiO2 surfaces at lower temperatures, and the spreading rate of precursor films reduced with decreasing temperature. This comprehensive study sheds light on the intricate interaction between surface properties and water behavior, promoting our understanding of the wettability of SiO2 surfaces.
Experimental study on hydrodynamic performance and structural forces of curved and vertical front face pile-supported permeable breakwaters
Authors: Li Ziwang , Wang Zhenlu , Liang Bingchen , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an experimental study on the hydrodynamic characteristics and structural forces of pile-supported permeable breakwaters under regular wave conditions. The study evaluates three distinct configurations: one featuring a vertical superstructure, another with a permeable curved superstructure, and a third that combines a permeable curved superstructure incorporating a perforated diaphragm. Experiments were conducted under regulated wave conditions, focusing on pressures, forces, and hydrodynamic scattering coefficients associated with each structural form. Results from the experiments indicate that, under the conditions tested in this study, the curved permeable superstructure significantly reduces wave reflection coefficients and forces acting on critical elements. The curved permeable superstructure maintains reflection coefficients below 0.3 while ensuring low transmission coefficients. Moreover, the study explores dynamic water pressure on an inclined perforated plate and identifies an asymmetric double-peak phenomenon in the pressure time series, signifying the transition from regular waves to breaking waves. The critical wave steepness for the occurrence of double peaks was found to be lower than the breaking limit steepness. Filter analysis elucidates the generation mechanism and evolution pattern of this double-peak phenomenon, revealing the influence of relative water depth, with second-order harmonics dominating near the bottom and second- and third-order harmonics prevalent at the free water surface. This research contributes to the understanding of the hydrodynamic performance of pile-supported permeable breakwaters and underscores the benefits of the curved permeable superstructure design in reducing wave reflection and structural forces. The findings provide valuable insight for the further development and application of pile-supported breakwater structures.
Laboratory and numerical study of solitary wave impact on a vertical wall mounted on the reef flat with bedform roughness
Authors: Xiao Li , Fang Kezhao , Huang Minghan , Liu Zhongbo , Sun Jiawen
Published: November 2024

A series of two-dimensional flume experiments and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations have been carried out to investigate the effects of bedform roughness on solitary wave propagation and its impact on the vertical wall in fringing reef profiles. Three water depths and four bedform roughness arrangements are taken into consideration to model different frictional fringing reef configurations. The wave transformation along the flume and the bore impacts on the vertical wall are measured by wave gauges and pressure transducers, respectively. The RANS model is well validated with the experimental data and helps to assist in understanding the main hydrodynamic evolution. Compared to the control tests with a smooth reef flat, bedform roughness decreases the effective depth for wave propagation and enhances wave reflection, thus dissipating the wave height along the reef flat and subsequently reducing the total force on the vertical wall. Owing to the combination of frictional effects and wave reflection, BF3 (bedform roughness configuration with roughness height k = 0.04 m and spacing λ = 0.4 m) most effectively protects the ending wall from wave impact. Moreover, the existing formulas proposed in smooth reef profiles reported in recent research [Fang et al., “Experiment and RANS modeling of solitary wave impact on a vertical wall mounted on a reef flat,” Ocean Eng. 244, 110384 (2022).] well fit the maximum pressure distribution and total force on the vertical wall in bedform roughness configurations.
Climate summary for the southern hemisphere, 2019–20: a strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole
Authors: Trewin Blair
Published: November 2024

This is a summary of the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for 2019–20; an account of rainfall and temperature for the Australian region is also provided. The second half of 2019 was dominated by a strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, before a return to more normal conditions from early 2020. The Indian Ocean Dipole, along with generally negative phases of the Southern Annular Mode associated with a marked high-latitude sudden stratospheric warming, contributed to very dry conditions in Australia in the second half of 2019, with exceptional fire weather conditions and associated severe fires. The sudden stratospheric warming was also a major contributor to a well below average Antarctic ozone hole in spring 2019. It was also fairly dry over most other southern hemisphere continental areas, and over the Maritime Continent in the second half of 2019, with the most significant wet anomalies in 2019–20 being in equatorial east Africa. Temperatures were well above average in 2019–20 for both Australia and the southern hemisphere as a whole.
Lamination-based organoid spatially resolved transcriptomics technique for primary lung and liver organoid characterization
Authors: Ma Shaohua , Wang Wanlong , Zhou Jiaqi , Liao Shangfeng , Hai Cheng , Hou Yibo , Zhou Zhichun , Wang Zitian , Su Yingshi , Zhu Yu , Dai Xiaoyong , Zhao Yuan , Liao Sha , Cai Yongde , Xu Xun
Published: November 2024

Spatial-transcriptomics technologies have demonstrated exceptional performance in characterizing brain and visceral organ tissues, as well as brain and retinal organoids. However, it has not yet been proven whether spatial transcriptomics can effectively characterize primary tissue-derived organoids, as the standardized tissue sectioning or slicing methods are not applicable for such organoids. Herein, we present a technique, lamination-based organoid spatially resolved transcriptomics (LOSRT), for organoid-spatially resolved transcriptomics based on organoid lamination. Primary mouse lung and liver-derived organoids were used in this study. The organoids were formulated using the droplet-engineering method and laminated using a homemade device with weight compression. This technique preserved most cells in individual organoids while maintaining delicate epithelium structures in laminated domains that can be recognized through visual segmentation. The mouse lung and liver organoids were resolved comprising various cell types, including alveolar cells, damage-associated transient progenitor cells, basal cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, and hepatic stellate cells. The distribution and count of cells were confirmed using immunohistology and identified with spatial transcriptomic features. This study reports an automated and integrated spatial transcriptomics method for primary organoids. It has the potential to standardize and rapidly characterize primary tissue-derived organoids.
Spin–orbit enabled unconventional Stoner magnetism
Authors: Yu Yue , Shishidou Tatsuya , Sumita Shuntaro , Weinert Michael , Agterberg Daniel F.
Published: November 2024

The Stoner instability remains a cornerstone for understanding metallic ferromagnets. This instability captures the interplay of Coulomb repulsion, Pauli exclusion, and twofold fermionic spin degeneracy. In materials with spin–orbit coupling, this fermionic spin is generalized to a twofold degenerate pseudospin which is typically believed to have symmetry properties as spin. Here, we identify a distinct symmetry of this pseudospin that forbids it to couple to a Zeeman field. This “spinless” property is required to exist in five nonsymmorphic space groups and has nontrivial implications for superconductivity and magnetism. With Coulomb repulsion, Fermi surfaces composed primarily of this spinless pseudospin property give rise to Stoner instabilities into magnetic states that are qualitatively different than ferromagnets. These spinless-pseudospin ferromagnets break time-reversal symmetry, have a vanishing magnetization, are noncollinear, and exhibit momentum-dependent energy band spin-splittings. In superconductors, for all pairing symmetries and field orientations, this spinless pseudospin extinguishes paramagnetic limiting. We discuss applications to superconducting UCoGe and magnetic NiS

2
−
x

Se

x

.
Recent advances in controlled manipulation of micro/nano particles: a review
Authors: Shah Mohsin , Wu Yixuan , Chen Shulei , Mead James L , Hou Lizhen , Liu Kun , Tao Shaohua , Fatikow Sergej , Wang Shiliang
Published: November 2024

This review discusses the transformative impact of micro/nano particle manipulation techniques across scientific and technological disciplines. Emphasizing the pivotal role of precise control at the micro and nanoscale, the paper categorizes manipulation strategies into mechanical/surface force-based, field-control manipulation, and microfluidics manipulation. It addresses challenges specific to the submicrometer scale, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach. The unique behaviors exhibited by objects at the micro–nano scale influence the design and operation of manipulators, algorithms, and control systems, particularly in interactions with biological systems. The review covers dielectrophoresis and magnetic manipulation, showcasing their applications in particle manipulation and microfluidics. The evolution of optical tweezers, including holographic, surface plasmon-based, and optical fiber tweezers, is discussed, emphasizing their contributions in various scientific fields. Additionally, the paper also explores the manipulation of micro/nano particle in microfluidic platforms. The comprehensive review underscores the significance of understanding manipulation strategies in diverse environments, anticipating further advancements in science and technology.
Impact of quantum information encoding and metallic leads on dynamical multipartite correlation formation in semiconductor quantum dot arrays
Authors: Petropoulos Nikolaos , Blokhina Elena
Published: November 2024

This study investigates quantum information scrambling (QIS) in a semiconductor quantum dot array. Starting with the 1D Transverse Field Ising model, we expand to more relevant quasi-2D frameworks such as the Heisenberg chain, super-extended Fermi–Hubbard (FH) and hardcore FH models. Assessing their relevance to semiconductor spin-qubit quantum computers, simulations of multipartite correlation formation examine qubit encoding strategies’ fidelity, stability, and robustness, revealing trade-offs among these aspects. Furthermore, we investigate the weakly coupled metallic injector/detector (I/D) leads’ significant impact on QIS behavior by employing multi-lead
N
-single orbital impurities weakly coupled Anderson models and studying the unitary evolution of the system. We observe sign flips in spatiotemporal tripartite mutual information which result in significant effects on dynamical correlation structures and their formation. Exploring carrier number effects, we identify optimal regions for QIS enhancement. Our findings emphasize the necessity of proper qubit encoding and I/D leads’ influence on quantum information dynamics.
Dynamic calibration and multi-view fusion of active vision tracking system for surgical instrument
Authors: Cai Yu , Wang Yihong , Zhu Mingzhu , He Bingwei , You Yue
Published: November 2024

In recent years, surgical instrument tracking has gained significant attention in the field of surgical navigation. An often-overlooked problem lies in the instrument’s irregular movement conflicting with the tracking system’s fixed viewpoint, leading to line-of-sight occlusion, marker occlusion, and sub-optimal accuracy. The active vision tracking system (which actively adjusts the camera viewpoint) is applied to address this issue. In this paper, two algorithms of multi-view fusion and dynamic calibration are proposed in multi-camera active vision to allow each camera to adjust its viewpoint independently. These algorithms are integrated into the parallel computing of the frontend and backend to implement the positioning of the instrument from multiple perspectives and real-time calibration of multiple cameras. Simulations and experiments are carried out to test the accuracy and robustness of the proposed tracking system. Results reveal that our system achieves a closer trajectory (0.12 mm) to the ground truth compared to a stereo camera tracking system (0.32 mm). The proposed tracking system can keep track of the instruments within the positioning volume at different surgical phases, ensuring consistent navigation and improving positioning stability and accuracy.
Potential damage area detection of bridges based on single-temporal point cloud
Authors: Liu Xianglei , Yu Baihui , Cai Di , Wang Runjie
Published: November 2024

With the advantages of 3D representation, non-contact measurements and intensive sampling capability, it has been a research hotspot to detect the potential damage area of bridges with point cloud by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). However, TLS is commonly used to detect a potential damage area by comparing multi-temporal point cloud data, which limits the timeliness of bridge inspection. Therefore, aiming to accurately detect the potential damage areas of bridges with single-temporal point cloud, this paper proposes a normalized normal vector constrained coordinate transformation method. First, the distribution of sharp features is revealed in a single-temporal point cloud at potential damage areas, and a neighborhood growth method constrained by the normal distance is proposed to eliminate the sharp features in the point cloud, which is prone to cause incorrect or missing curvature values from the point cloud. Second, a normalized normal vector constrained coordinate transformation method is proposed to construct a Gaussian curvature model, which can improve the accuracy of point cloud curvature and accurately detect the potential damage areas in bridges. Finally, an evaluation criterion is proposed to quantify the bridge conditions by integrating the characteristics of small-span concrete bridges in urban areas with actual damage data from the experimental bridges. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively detect the potential damage areas of the measured bridges.
Surface different charge ligands for modulating selenium nanoparticles formation and activating the interaction with proteins for effective anti-Herpes simplex virus l infection
Authors: Chen Xu , Yue Jian , Xu Xiongjun , Chen Jiajun , Huang Xuechan , Huang Yukai , Yang Yang , Li Feng , Li Tianwang
Published: November 2024

Selenium-based nanoparticles exhibit antiviral activity by directly modulating immune function. Despite recent promising developments in utilizing selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) against viral infections, the impact of surface ligand charge on the conformation and interaction with viral proteins, as well as the effectiveness of Se NPs in anti-Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection remains unexplored. In this study, three types of selenium nanoparticles (CTAB-Se, PVP-Se, SDS-Se) with distinct surface charges were synthesized by modifying the surface ligands. We found that apart from differences in surface charge, the size, morphology, and crystal structure of the three types of Se NPs were similar. Notably, although the lipophilicity and cellular uptake of SDS-Se with a negative charge were lower compared to positively charged CTAB-Se and neutrally charged PVP-Se, SDS-Se exhibited the strongest protein binding force during interaction with HSV-1. Consequently, SDS-Se demonstrated the most potent anti-HSV-1 activity and safeguarded normal cells from damage. The mechanistic investigation further revealed that SDS-Se NPs effectively inhibited the proliferation and assembly of HSV-1 by powerfully suppressing the key genes and proteins of HSV-1 at various stages of viral development. Hence, this study highlights the significant role of surface ligand engineering in the antiviral activity of Se NPs, presenting a viable approach for synthesizing Se NPs with tailored antiviral properties by modulating surface charge. This method holds promise for advancing research on the antiviral capabilities of Se NPs.
Spontaneous photon emission by shaped quantum electron wavepackets and the QED origin of bunched electron beam superradiance
Authors: Zhang Bin , Ianconescu Reuven , Friedman Aharon , Scheuer Jacob , Tokman Mikhail , Pan Yiming , Gover Avraham
Published: November 2024

It has been shown that the spontaneous emission rate of photons by free electrons, unlike stimulated emission, is independent of the shape or modulation of the quantum electron wavefunction (QEW). Nevertheless, here we show that the quantum state of the emitted photons is non-classical and does depend on the QEW shape. This non-classicality originates from the shape dependent off-diagonal terms of the photon density matrix. This is manifested in the Wigner distribution function and would be observable experimentally through homodyne detection techniques as a squeezing effect. Considering a scheme of electrons interaction with a single microcavity mode, we present a QED formulation of spontaneous emission by multiple modulated QEWs through a build-up process. Our findings indicate that in the case of a density modulated QEWs beam, the phase of the off-diagonal terms of the photon state emitted by the modulated QEWs is the harbinger of bunched beam superradiance, where the spontaneous emission is proportional to

N

e

2

. This observation offers a potential for enhancement of other quantum electron interactions with quantum systems by a modulated QEWs beam carrying coherence and quantum properties of the modulation.
Nonlinear dynamics of the complex periodic coupled system via a proportional generalized fractional derivative
Authors: Redhwan Saleh S , Almalahi Mohammed A , Ali Ali Hasan , Alyami Maryam Ahmed , Alsulami Mona , Alghamdi Najla
Published: November 2024

The objective of this work is to study the intricate dynamics of nonlinear periodic coupled systems, introducing a novel approach based on the proportional fractional generalized derivative. We establish and rigorously derive sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions for these systems. This ensures the mathematical validity of the systems, making them reliable for simulations, predictions, and control design. This represents a significant advancement in the field of fractional-order systems. Our analysis utilizes the Banach contraction mapping principle and the Leray-Schauder alternative to ensure the well-posedness of the system. We present a detailed mathematical analysis to discuss the stability outcomes, making the results accessible and readily applicable to a wide range of problems. Furthermore, to showcase the versatility and practical implications of our approach, we present a concrete example. This demonstration highlights the novelty and impact of our research, underscoring the power of the Caputo generalized proportional fractional derivative-based periodic coupled system.
Number of electrons in a homogeneous field using delta function normalization
Authors: Terasawa D
Published: November 2024

The number of electrons in a homogeneous electric field is derived quantum mechanically for a certain range. Using the delta function normalization method, which is described in detail in Landau–Lifshitz’s Quantum Mechanics, the normalization coefficient of the wavefunctions with continuous energy eigenvalue spectra is obtained. Subsequently, the number of electrons in a one-dimensional homogeneous field in a certain region is derived from this normalization coefficient. We illustrate the derivation of physical quantities using normalization coefficients through selected examples. The derivation provides an interesting application of delta function normalization, and thus can serve as a good textbook example of this normalization method, which used to play a limited role in quantum mechanics.
Multi-protocol relay chaining for large-scale quantum key distribution networks
Authors: Cao 曹 Yuan 原 , Yu 郁 Xiaosong 小松 , Zhao 赵 Yongli 永利 , Zhang 张 Chunhui 春辉 , Zhou 周 Xingyu 星宇 , Zhang 张 Jie 杰 , Wang 王 Qin 琴
Published: November 2024

As the first stage of the quantum Internet, quantum key distribution (QKD) networks hold the promise of providing long-term security for diverse users. Most existing QKD networks have been constructed based on independent QKD protocols, and they commonly rely on the deployment of single-protocol trusted relay chains for long reach. Driven by the evolution of QKD protocols, large-scale QKD networking is expected to migrate from a single-protocol to a multi-protocol paradigm, during which some useful evolutionary elements for the later stages of the quantum Internet may be incorporated. In this work, we delve into a pivotal technique for large-scale QKD networking, namely, multi-protocol relay chaining. A multi-protocol relay chain is established by connecting a set of trusted/untrusted relays relying on multiple QKD protocols between a pair of QKD nodes. The structures of diverse multi-protocol relay chains are described, based on which the associated model is formulated and the policies are defined for the deployment of multi-protocol relay chains. Furthermore, we propose three multi-protocol relay chaining heuristics. Numerical simulations indicate that the designed heuristics can effectively reduce the number of trusted relays deployed and enhance the average security level versus the commonly used single-protocol trusted relay chaining methods on backbone network topologies.
Classification of hand movements from EEG using a FusionNet based LSTM network
Authors: Ji Li , Yi Leiye , Huang Chaohang , Li Haiwei , Han Wenjie , Zhang Ningning
Published: November 2024

Objective. Accurate classification of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is crucial for advancing brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. However, current methods face significant challenges in classifying hand movement EEG signals, including effective spatial feature extraction, capturing temporal dependencies, and representing underlying signal dynamics. Approach. This paper introduces a novel multi-model fusion approach, FusionNet-Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), designed to address these issues. Specifically, it integrates Convolutional Neural Networks for spatial feature extraction, Gated Recurrent Units and LSTM networks for capturing temporal dependencies, and Autoregressive (AR) models for representing signal dynamics. Main results. Compared to single models and state-of-the-art methods, this fusion approach demonstrates substantial improvements in classification accuracy. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 87.1% in cross-subject data classification and 99.1% in within-subject data classification. Additionally, Gradient Boosting Trees were employed to evaluate the significance of various EEG features to the model. Significance. This study highlights the advantages of integrating multiple models and introduces a superior classification model, which is pivotal for the advancement of BCI systems.
A photocurable and thermocurable composite hydrogel and the application in a contraction resistant full-thickness skin model
Authors: Li Xiaoran , Wang Chunyan , Xiong Qianwei , Yin Ningbei , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jie , Yang Keyu , Xu Zhuoyue , Ge Jianjun , Sha Lifeng , Wu Xiaoyue , Zhou Yun , Chen Zaozao , Gu Zhongze
Published: November 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) organotypic skin in vitro has attracted increasing attention for drug development, cosmetics evaluation, and even clinical applications. However, the severe contraction of these models restricts their application, especially in the analyses based on barrier functions such as percutaneous penetration. For the full-thickness skin equivalents, the mechanical properties of the dermis scaffold plays an important role in the contraction resistance. In this investigation, we optimized a hydrogel composed of gelatine methacrylamide (GelMA), hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA), and type I collagen (Col I), adjusted the elastic moduli to 2.27 ± 0.08 kPa to fit the skin cells growth and resist contraction as well. This optimized hydrogel exhibited a swelling ratio of 23.25 ± 0.94% and demonstrated satisfactory cell viability in fibroblasts cultures. Then, we mixed this hydrogel with fibroblasts of liquid–liquid culture to construct the dermis, on which seeded keratinocytes were seeded for another 14 d of air–liquid culture to form cornified epidermis, and a commercialized hydrogel Ava-FT-Skin was used as control. This optimized skin model could maintained its integrity for a prolonged period of 28 d. Differentiated epidermis presented basal, spinous, granular, and cornified layers, meanwhile, epidermis markers like keratin-10, keratin-14, involucrin, loricrin, filaggrin, and dermis markers vimentin were expressed distinctly in the right distribution. Furthermore, penetration of a 607 Da Cascade blue-labeled dextran was calculated and compared to the Avatarget skin model, both of which could prevent more than 99% of the fluorescent molecule. We consider that this full-thickness skin model could be widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, especially in penetration detection, contributing to the excellent contraction resistance.
Liquid water could abound in Martian crust, seismic study suggests
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: November 2024

An ocean’s worth of liquid water could be trapped within the cracks of fractured igneous rocks deep within the Martian crust, according to researchers in the US.
Damage control
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: November 2024

When Fermilab found that tritium had accidentally leaked from one of its experiments, staff immediately drew up a plan to allay concerns. Robert P Crease explains why things worked out.
Heisenberg ‘let off the hook’
Authors: Ball Philip
Published: November 2024

Philip Ball reviews Farm Hall by Katherine Moar.
Industrial Policy Today in the Name of National Security in a World of GVCs
Authors: Mavroidis Petros C
Published: November 2024

In today’s world, the semiconductor trade has changed a lot. It is conducted through GVCs (global value chains), and the new key players are not “allies.” China has now entered this market. As semiconductors are a dual-use good, continued participation in this market contains a national security element. China, in the eyes of some key WTO incumbents, did not espouse free-market economics like Japan did, and its trade relations with the West (especially the US) have been strained as a result. This (along with political economy) explains the large subsidies that we observe. While industrial policy is making a comeback, its critique has not abated. Nonetheless, (some) critics tone down their voices when industrial policy is justified on national security grounds, especially when industrial policy is response to Chinese subsidies.
Terminating and Repeating Decimals
Authors: Schumer Peter D
Published: November 2024

All fractions (rational numbers) have either terminating or eventually repeating decimal expansions. The fractions that have terminating decimals are completely characterized as being those with denominators dividing a power of 10. Their only prime divisors are either 2 or 5. All other rational numbers having purely repeating decimals have denominators that divide an appropriate string of 9’s. We cover how to transform a common fraction to a decimal and vice versa for both finite and infinitely repeating decimals. The chapter extends these observations in studying ancient Babylonian arithmetic having base 60 rather than base 10. A good approximation by the Babylonians for the number $\sqrt 2$ is presented.
Congruence Classes
Authors: Schumer Peter D
Published: November 2024

Biographical material about the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss is provided as an inspiration to us all. The useful concept of congruences modulo n as defined by Gauss is discussed and investigated. It is shown that congruences modulo n form an equivalence class satisfying the reflexive, symmetric, and transitive properties. The basic arithmetic properties of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with congruences are developed. Congruence class arithmetic is sometimes called “clock arithmetic.” Next, we introduce and discuss a bit about the outstanding French mathematician, Sophie Germain. Her life and work overlaps naturally with that of Gauss.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Endothelial Cells Contributes to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor-Induced Vascular and Kidney Damage
Authors: Camarda Nicholas D , Lu Qing , Tesfu Angelina F , Liu Rui R , Ibarrola Jaime , Jaffe Iris Z
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRis) improve cancer patient survival by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. However, VEGFRis induce treatment-limiting hypertension which has been associated with impaired vascular endothelial cell (EC) function and kidney damage. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) regulates blood pressure (BP) via its effects on the vasculature and the kidney. Thus, we interrogated the role of the MR in EC dysfunction, renal impairment, and hypertension in a mouse model of VEGFRi-induced hypertension using sorafenib.

METHODS

EC dysfunction in mesenteric arterioles was assessed by immunoblotting for phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at serine 1177. Renal damage was measured by assessing glomerular endotheliosis histologically. BP was measured using implanted radiotelemetry.

RESULTS

Six days of sorafenib treatment significantly impaired mesenteric resistance vessel EC function, induced renal damage, and increased BP. Pharmacologic MR blockade with spironolactone prevented the sorafenib-induced decline in eNOS phosphorylation and renal glomerular endotheliosis, without affecting systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP. Mice with the MR knocked out specifically in ECs (EC-MR-KO) were protected from sorafenib-induced EC dysfunction and glomerular endotheliosis, whereas smooth muscle cell-specific MR (SMC-MR) knockout mice were not. Neither EC-MR nor SMC-MR knockout affected the degree to which sorafenib increased SBP or diastolic BP.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal that the MR, specifically in EC but not in SMCs, is necessary for VEGFRi-induced renal and vascular injury. While ineffective at lowering SBP, these data suggest potential therapeutic benefits of MR antagonists, like spironolactone, to protect the vasculature and the kidneys from VEGFRi-induced injury.
Release of Protected Test Information Under Protective Order: Viable Solution or Illusory Safeguard? An Interorganizational Position Paper
Authors: Boone Kyle Brauer , Sweet Jerry J , Beattey Robert A , Kaufmann Paul M , Hebben Nancy , Marreiro Catherine , James Joette , Silva Delia , Victor Tara , Hamilton Anita , Glen Tannahill , Kinsora Thomas F , Bender H Allison , Barisa Mark
Published: November 2024

Objective

To critically examine the assumption that protective orders are adequately protective of sensitive psychological/neuropsychological test information. Attorneys at times claim that to adequately cross-examine neuropsychological experts, they require direct access to protected test information, rather than having test data analyzed by retained neuropsychological experts. As a compromise, judges sometimes order that protected test information be released to attorneys under a protective order.

Method

An appointed writing group of forensic experts developed a position paper addressing the history of protective orders and their presumed effectiveness in protecting psychological and neuropsychological test content. The expert panel consisted of 12 forensic neuropsychologists, a forensic neuropsychologist/attorney, and a forensic psychologist/attorney.

Results

Eight reasons are enumerated as to why protective orders do not sufficiently safeguard protected psychological/neuropsychological information and thereby jeopardize future use of the tests. Recommendations are provided to the expert witness practitioner for navigating demands by non-psychologists for direct access to protected test information.

Conclusions

There is strong agreement within the practicing neuropsychology community that test security is a vital matter, which, if properly enforced, can ensure the validity of present and future psychological and neuropsychological assessments but, if ineffectively managed, will undermine such evaluations. Because the effectiveness of protective orders has not been, and cannot be, guaranteed, protected psychological and neuropsychological test information should not be released under a protective order.
On the Function of Advanced Modalizing
Authors: Yüksel Cansu
Published: November 2024

The Lewisian account of modality based on counterpart theory suffers from the problems of advanced modalizing, where claims about spatiotemporally disunified entities are modalized. In this paper, I first discuss a strategy to bypass the problem, one which treats cases of advanced modalizing as cases of equivocation lying outside the scope of the translation. I then argue that the strategy does not satisfactorily generalize to the case of advanced modal claims involving abstract entities. This failure not only reveals the limitations of counterpart theory in handling abstracta, but also weakens the abductive argument for modal realism that posits it as a robust account of nominalism. Furthermore, advanced modalizing is an indispensable part of the Lewisian framework when doing metaphysics, since advanced modal claims made by Lewis himself strengthen his abductive argument for modal realism. Hence advanced modalizing plays a crucial role in the Lewisian project, and an account of advanced modalizing is needed for the Lewisian reduction of modality to succeed.
Antioxidant activity and whitening effect of vitamin C and superoxide dismutase from Rosa roxburghii Tratt
Authors: Wu Hong , Xu Changyan , Yan Yanfang , Peng Mei , Deng Tingfei , Yang Xiaosheng , Yang Juan , Qin Ronggui , Luo Zhongsheng
Published: November 2024

With growing concerns about the negative impact of environmental pollution on skin health, there is an increasing demand for natural active ingredients to combat free radicals and excessive melanin production. In this context, Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RR) has emerged as a potential source of skin-lightening compounds. Vitamin C (Vc) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich extracts were extracted from RR, namely RRVC and RRSOD, using macroporous resin column chromatography and graded ammonium sulfate precipitation. The antioxidant and skin-lightening effects of these extracts were evaluated. RRVC and RRSOD showed strong inhibitory activity against various radicals and tyrosinase. When formulated together, their antioxidant and skin-lightening abilities were significantly enhanced, with the optimal ratio of RRVC and RRSOD (RRVS) of 5:32. In vivo studies on C57BL/6J mice revealed that these two extracts and their formulations effectively lowered oxidative stress levels in a model of d-galactose-induced aging in mice. Furthermore, they inhibited melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity in B16 cells and reduced ultraviolet-radiation-induced melanin deposition in mouse ears. The combination of RRVC and RRSOD had a more potent melanin-scavenging effect compared with the individual extracts. These findings suggest that RRVC and RRSOD, especially when combined at the optimal ratio, can whiten skin, increasing the value of RR products and offering natural alternatives for skin lightening.
Contraceptive use and determinants among sexually active unmarried adolescents and young women (aged 15–24 years) in East Africa: insights from Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Hailu Saba , Heluf Helina , Ayana Galana Mamo , Negash Belay
Published: November 2024

Background

Low contraception usage among adolescents is a significant public health issue, leading to a rise in unintended pregnancies and adolescent childbearing in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite global efforts to improve access to contraception, sexually active adolescents and young women in East Africa are often overlooked, exposing them to substantial health risks. This study explored the factors influencing contraceptive use among unmarried and sexually active adolescents and young women in East African countries.

Methods

National representative data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey for eight East African countries were used in the analysis. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 17 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify determinants of contraceptive use at p<0.05.

Results

A total of 7813 sexually active unmarried adolescents and young women were considered for the final analysis. Among these young women, 24.9% were using a contraceptive method. Age, place of residence, knowledge of contraceptive methods, employment status and educational attainment were identified as significant determining factors of contraceptive use among sexually active unmarried adolescents and young women (aged 15–24 y) in East Africa.

Conclusions

Contraceptive utilization among sexually active unmarried adolescents and young women was relatively low in East African countries. Addressing the existing inequalities in access to contraceptive services for rural adolescents and young women in East African countries is crucial. Prioritizing policies that implement comprehensive sexual education is essential to enhance their knowledge of contraceptives and empower them to make informed decisions.
Moral rights in Australia: a case law retrospective—Part 2
Authors: Bond Catherine
Published: November 2024

It has been 25 years since Australia formalized its moral rights regime, amending Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) to include three moral rights: the right of attribution of authorship; the right not to have authorship falsely attributed; and the right of integrity. This two-part series provides a retrospective of case law on these rights in Australia, focusing on 14 cases between 2006 and 2024 where the applicant claimed a breach of one or more moral rights. It adopts a thematic approach, considering, among other issues, where copyright and moral rights proceedings have been commenced together; the courts that have heard these matters; where cases have not been able to proceed, for example, where the allegedly infringing act occurred outside Australia; interpretation of the rights; and the division between cases where damages have been awarded, or the judge has declined to award damages for a breach of moral rights. This part examines the cases where one or more moral rights of the author have been allegedly infringed; how the courts have interpreted those rights; where the respondent has sought to use the ‘reasonableness’ defence to excuse a breach of the right of attribution or the right of integrity; and cases where the judge has awarded damages, in contrast to decisions where damages were not awarded for an established moral rights infringement.
A quest for the potato of the future: characterization of wild tuber-bearing Solanum species for de novo domestication
Authors: Azariadis Aristotelis , Miller Johansen Sara , Andrzejczak Olga A , Yadav Harsh , Belew Zeinu M , Xia Wen , Crocoll Christoph , Blennow Andreas , Brinch-Pedersen Henrik , Petersen Bent L , Nour-Eldin Hussam H , Hebelstrup Kim H
Published: November 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a staple food worldwide, but modern potato cultivation relies heavily on the use of pesticides to control pests and diseases. However, many wild Solanum species are highly resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses relevant to potato production. Several of those species have been used in potato breeding to confer resistance but this has only been moderately successful. Instead, we propose an alternative approach to utilize the potential of wild Solanum germplasm. Recently, de novo domestication has been suggested to produce more resilient crops: instead of introducing resistance genes into existing crops, domestication traits could be introduced into resistant wild crop relatives to create new crops. Therefore, we selected 10 promising species from the 107 known wild tuber-bearing Solanum species for their resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Selection was based on the existing literature, characterizing species by tuberization under short- and long-day conditions, tuber glycoalkaloid content, starch digestibility and performance in tissue culture. Based on this, the highly pest- and disease-resistant S. bulbocastanaum was chosen. Our results showed that it produced relatively large tubers, also under long-day conditions, and performed exceptionally well in tissue culture.
The Nature of the Privacy Interest
Authors: Moreham N A
Published: November 2024

Drawing on English authorities, foreign decisions, and academic thought, this chapter identifies the key components of the concept of privacy from the Anglo-Commonwealth perspective and makes the case for why they are worthy of protection. The scope of the privacy interest is set out in Section B, which identifies and defines the Anglo-Commonwealth concept of privacy and sets out its two core components, namely informational privacy and physical privacy. Section C considers other interests associated with the concept of privacy and focuses on two aspects of William Prosser’s taxonomy of the American tort of breach of privacy: false light and misappropriation of name and likeness. In Section D, the author sets out the rationales for privacy protection, these being the protection of dignity, autonomy, freedom of expression, intimacy and relationships, health and well-being, and freedom from judgement or discrimination.
Copyright, Moral Rights, and the Right to One’s Image
Authors: Speker Adam , Walker-Parr Lily
Published: November 2024

This chapter explores the function, and limits, of copyright law in protecting privacy interests. Woven throughout is the interplay between rights of privacy, freedom of expression, and property. Following an introduction in Section A, Section B summarizes relevant aspects of domestic copyright law and the ways in which these property rights may prevent publication of private material. Section C addresses some of the statutory exceptions to copyright protection, including ‘fair dealing’, the public interest, and rules relating to interviews. The existing and future influence of Article 10 ECHR on these exceptions is discussed. Section D explains how the privacy of third parties can restrict exploitation of copyright. ‘Moral rights’ (such as the right to have authorship accurately identified and the protection against derogatory treatment of a work) are briefly summarized in Section E. This section explains how these rights can preserve the integrity of an individual’s output and provide some protection against being cast in a false light (a right recognized in some other common law jurisdictions). The patchwork of protections in domestic law against the exploitation of one’s identity—‘publicity rights’—is explored in Section F and contrasted with the emergence of a more specific quasi-proprietary image right in the United States. Finally, Section G addresses the position of UK copyright law post-Brexit.
Justifications and Defences
Authors: Moreham N A , Munden Richard , McNeil-Walsh Gemma
Published: November 2024

This chapter considers the justifications and defences available to defendants in breach of privacy claims. Drawing on previous discussion of the various means through which privacy can be protected, including the relevant heads of claim, it covers first (in Section B) defences of general application: consent, waiver of rights, estoppel, and change of position. Section C goes on to consider defences to claims based on disclosure of private information, principally under the heads of misuse of private information and breach of confidence, though defamation, copyright, and data protection are also relevant. Such defences are sourced from a variety of statutes as well as the common law. The defences or justifications of innocent publication and publication of information in the public domain are first applied across the various heads of claim. The text then considers the applicability of immunity and privilege defences from defamation to confidence and privacy claims. The next part, and key focus, of Section C treats of publication in the public interest in breach of confidence, and the counterbalancing justifications (often deriving from Article 10 ECHR and involving the public interest) in misuse of private information. Brief consideration is finally given to defences in confidentiality and data protection which might also apply in misuse of private information.