bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with laparoscopic radical cystectomy: a case report
Authors: Mukae Yuta , Ohba Kojiro , Araki Kyohei , Nakamura Yuichiro , Nakanishi Hiromi , Yasuda Takuji , Mitsunari Kensuke , Matsuo Tomohiro , Mochizuki Yasushi , Irie Junji , Imamura Ryoichi
Published: February 2024

Primary bladder adenocarcinomas comprise 0.5–2% of all epithelial bladder neoplasms. Of these, primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder is particularly rare, accounting for 0.24% of all bladder malignancies. This tumor is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis. No standard treatment has yet been established. We here report a patient in whom laparoscopic cystectomy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy was effective. Our patient was a 69-year-old man who had had microscopic hematuria, undergone transurethral resection of a mass in the bladder, and been diagnosed pathologically with a primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder. No metastases were detected on computed tomography. The patient was treated with a combination of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine prior to undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy. The histopathological diagnosis on this operative specimen was dysplasia and no metastases were detected in the dissected lymph nodes. Complete remission has now been maintained for 9 years.
Who punishes? A note on responses to cooperation and defection across cultures
Authors: Andrews Talbot M.
Published: February 2024

While people are surprisingly cooperative in social dilemmas, cooperation is fragile to the emergence of defection. Punishment is a key mechanism through which people sustain cooperation, but when are people willing to pay the costs to punish? Using data from existing work on punishment in public goods games conducted in industrialized countries throughout the world (Herrmann et al. in Science, 319(5868):1362–1367, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1144237), I find first that those who contribute more are consistently punished less. Second, in many study locations, there are insignificant differences in the propensity of those who contribute and defect to punish. Finally, those who contribute and defect both carry out punishment against defectors. Some defectors do punish cooperators, but less often than they punish other defectors. The determinants of punishment are largely consistent across cities.
Adopting trust as an ex post approach to privacy
Authors: Asgarinia Haleh
Published: February 2024

This research explores how a person with whom information has been shared and, importantly, an artificial intelligence (AI) system used to deduce information from the shared data contribute to making the disclosure context private. The study posits that private contexts are constituted by the interactions of individuals in the social context of intersubjectivity based on trust. Hence, to make the context private, the person who is the trustee (i.e., with whom information has been shared) must fulfil trust norms. According to the commitment account of trustworthiness, a person is trustworthy only if they satisfy the norm of competence. It is argued that a person using an AI system to answer a question is competent only if they are ex post justified in believing what has been delivered by the AI system. A person’s belief is justified in the doxastic sense only if the AI system is accurate. This feature of AI’s performance affects a person’s competence and, as a result, trustworthiness. The effect of AI on trust as an essential component of making the context private, and thus on privacy, means an AI system also impacts privacy. Therefore, a private context is constituted when the individual with whom the information is shared fulfils the competence norm and the AI system used for analysing the information is sufficiently accurate to adhere to this norm. The result of this research emphasises the significance of the relationship between individuals involved in information-sharing and how an AI system used for analysing that information impacts the relationship regarding making the context private, as well as how it impacts privacy. The findings of this research have significant implications for improving or ameliorating privacy regulations in light of trust.
Development and evaluations of the broadband ocean bottom seismometer (Yardbird-BB OBS) in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ching-ren , Liao Yi-Chun , Wang Chau-chang , Kuo Ban-Yuan , Chen Hsin-Hung , Jang Jia-pu , Chen Po-chi , Chang Hsu-kuang , Lin Feng-Sheng , Chang Kun-Hui
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on developing and evaluating the broadband ocean bottom seismometer (Yardbird-BB OBS) in Taiwan. The Yardbird-BB OBS is a crucial instrument for recording seismic signals in deep-sea environments. Rigorous testing ensures optimal performance and data recording capabilities. Following assembly, the Yardbird-BB OBS undergoes a 3–6 month deployment test in the deep sea, capturing seismic signals worldwide. Data from 2016 and 2017 deployments in the Okinawa Trough analyze significant seismic events, including a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in New Zealand and a magnitude 6.3 earthquake from a North Korean nuclear test. Waveform analysis, focusing on tele-seismic events and waveform quality, assesses the OBS’s performance, highlighting successful automatic leveling adjustment. These high-quality recordings benefit research, aiding the study of plate tectonics, crustal age estimation, seafloor ambient noise determination, and earthquake location accuracy improvement. The study also details methods for verifying instrumental self-noise, dynamic range, digitization sensitivity, linearity error, clock drift, and data logger power consumption. Calibration procedures and evaluation methods provide insights into Yardbird-BB OBS performance characteristics, contributing to its understanding and enhancement for effective long-term underwater data recording and valuable scientific research.
Dynamics of collapse of free-surface bubbles: effects of gravity and viscosity
Authors: Krishnan Sangeeth , Puthenveettil Baburaj A. , Hopfinger E.J.
Published: February 2024

The rupture of the thin film at the top of a bubble at a liquid–gas interface leads to an axisymmetric collapse of the bubble cavity. We present scaling laws for such a cavity collapse, established from experiments conducted with bubbles spanning a wide range of Bond (

${10^{-3}< Bo\leq 1}$

) and Ohnesorge numbers (

${10^{-3}< Oh<10^{-1}}$

), defined with the bubble radius

$R$

. The cavity collapse is a capillary-driven process, with a dependency on viscosity and gravity, affecting respectively, precursory capillary waves on the cavity boundary and the static bubble shape. The collapse is characterised by the normal interface velocity (

$U_n$

) and by the tangential wave propagation velocity of the kink (

$U_t$

), defined by the intersection of the concave cavity boundary formed after the rupture of the thin film with the convex boundary of the bubble cavity. During the collapse,

$U_t$

remains constant and is shown to be

$U_t=4.5U_c{\mathcal {W}}_R$

, where

$U_c$

is the capillary velocity and

${\mathcal {W}}_R(Oh,Bo)={(1-\sqrt {Oh {\mathscr {L}}} )^{-1/2}}$

is the wave resistance factor due to the precursory capillary waves, with

$\mathscr {L}(Bo)$

being the path correction of the kink motion. The movement of the kink in the normal direction is part of the inward shrinkage of the whole cavity due to the sudden reduction of gas pressure inside the bubble cavity after the thin film rupture. This normal velocity is shown to scale as

$U_c$

in the equatorial plane, while at the bottom of the cavity

$\bar {U}_{nb}=U_c(Z_c/R)({\mathcal {W}_R}/ {\mathscr {L}})$

, where

$Z_c(Bo)$

is the static cavity depth. The filling rate of the cavity, which remains a constant throughout the collapse, is shown to be entirely determined by the shrinking velocity and scales as

${Q_T\simeq 2{\rm \pi} R Z_c U_c}$

. From

$Q_T$

we recover the jet velocity scaling, thereby relating the cavity collapse with the jet velocity scaling.
The brachiopod assemblage from the Maastrichtian white chalk at Chełm, eastern Poland: stratigraphical and palaeoecological implications
Authors: Machalski Marcin , Bitner Maria Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

Brachiopods from the lower upper Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) white chalk succession exposed at Chełm (eastern Poland) comprise Lingula cretacea, Isocrania costata, Cryptoporella antiqua, Cretirhynchia sp., Neoliothyrina sp., Carneithyris sp., Terebratulina chrysalis, T. faujasi, T. longicollis, Terebratulina spp., Gisilina sp., Bronnothyris bronni, Magas chitoniformis, Leptothyrellopsis polonicus and ?Aemula sp. This assemblage is relatively poor in terms of taxonomic diversity and specimen abundance and is dominated by stratigraphically long-ranging species. It is best comparable to that from the micromorphic brachiopod Rugia tenuicostata–Meonia semiglobularis Zone as distinguished in the white chalk successions of Denmark and northern Germany, although this zone is usually placed in the upper lower Maastrichtian. The Chełm succession represents a relatively deep-water and ‘benthos-poor’ variety of white chalk deposited in the Boreal Chalk Sea of Europe. The brachiopod assemblage studied is typical of such a habitat, having been controlled largely by the low availability of minute skeletal substrates suitable for brachiopod settlement.
Searching for Ecoterrorism: The Crucial Case of the Unabomber
Authors: FLEMING SEAN
Published: February 2024

A key finding of recent scholarship on political violence is that environmentalists rarely, if ever, use lethal violence. Many scholars have argued that “ecoterrorism” is a misnomer for what is more accurately termed “ecotage.” Large-n studies of environmental activism have identified only one apparent example of an environmentally motivated terrorist: the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. The Unabomber case is therefore a “crucial case” for evaluating the Peaceful Environmentalist Thesis—the generalization that environmentalists do not use lethal violence. Pioneering a forensic method of ideology analysis, this article uses previously unexamined archival material to assess the Unabomber’s affinities with three environmental ideologies: radical environmentalism, green anarchism, and right-wing ecologism. It shows that the Unabomber’s ideology is not environmentalist in intellectual origins or in conceptual structure, and that his motivations were anti-technological rather than pro-ecological. The Unabomber case demonstrates how ideology analysis can complement and strengthen research on political violence.
The Tip of the Red Giant Branch as a Cosmological Tool
Authors: Lee Myung Gyoon
Published: February 2024

The luminosity of the brightest stars (tip) of the red giant branch (TRGB) in the color–magnitude diagrams of old stars was used early on to introduce the ‘multiple stellar populations’ concept, in 1944, by Walter Baade. However, the precision and accuracy of the TRGB for distance estimation has not been known well for long. In the modern era, equipped with high spatial resolution imaging telescopes, the TRGB is considered an excellent standard candle for any type of resolved galaxies, thus representing a powerful probe for cosmology. The TRGB has several advantages over the classical Cepheids. I review how we can apply the TRGB in cosmology. Four science cases, from large to small scales, are presented: (1) the Hubble flow with Type Ia supernovae; (2) Virgo Cluster infall and dark matter; (3) dark galaxies; and (4) dark matter-free galaxies.
A study of the stellar photosphere–hydrogen ionization front interaction in δ Scuti stars
Authors: Deka Mami , Kanbur Shashi M. , Deb Sukanta , Das Susmita
Published: February 2024

Pulsating variable δ Scuti stars are intermediate-mass stars with masses in the range of 1–3 δ and spectral types between A2 and F2. They can be found at the intersection of the Cepheid instability strip with the main sequence. They can be used as astrophysical laboratories to test theories of stellar evolution and pulsation. In this contribution, we investigate the observed period–colour and amplitude–colour (PCAC) relations at maximum/mean/minimum light of Galactic bulge and Large Magellanic Cloud δ Scuti stars for the first time and test the hydrogen ionization front (HIF)-photosphere interaction theory using the mesa-rsp code. The PCAC relations, as a function of pulsation phase, are crucial probes of the structure of the outer stellar envelope and provide insight into the physics of stellar pulsation and evolution. The observed behaviour of the δ Scuti PCAC relations is consistent with the theory of the interaction between the HIF and the stellar photosphere.
OH/IR stars and the Period-Luminosity Relation of Mira variables
Authors: Engels D. , Etoka S. , Jiménez-Esteban F. , Herrmann W. , López-Martí B.
Published: February 2024

The OH/IR stars evolving on the Asymptotic Giant Branch are large-amplitude variable stars with periods in the range of ~400 to 2500 days, significantly longer than those of the related Mira variables. We use preliminary results from a monitoring program of the 1612-MHz OH maser variations of a sample of > 70 OH/IR stars to study a possible extension of Mira Period-Luminosity Relations to longer periods. The period distribution of the sample is split around P ~ 1100 days. Using WISE W3 absolute magnitudes as proxies for the luminosity and the best available distances, we found no convincing relation between periods and absolute magnitudes. A cause could be rapid evolution of the ‘extreme OH/IR stars’ (the group with P >1100 days) close to the tip of the AGB, where no increase of luminosity is expected on the short time-scales involved.
Implication of the period-magnitude relation for massive AGB stars and its astronomical applications
Authors: Nakagawa Akiharu , Kurayama Tomoharu , Sudou Hiroshi , Orosz Gabor
Published: February 2024

We present astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) studies of AGB stars. To understand the properties and evolution of AGB stars, distances are an important parameter. The distribution and kinematics of their circumstellar matter are also revealed with the VLBI method. We used the VERA array to observe 22 GHz H2O masers in various subclasses of AGB stars. Parallaxes of the three OH/IR stars NSV17351, OH39.7+1.5, IRC−30363, and the Mira-type variable star AW Tau were newly obtained. We present the circumstellar distribution and kinematics of H2O masers around NSV17351. The absolute magnitudes in mid-infrared bands of OH/IR stars with very long pulsation periods were investigated and a period-magnitude relation in the WISE W3 band, MW3 = (−7.21 ± 1.18) log P + (9.25 ± 3.09), was found for the Galactic AGB stars. The VLBI is still a powerful tool for parallax measurements of the Galactic AGB stars surrounded by thick dust shells.
Double-mode RR Lyrae star — robust distance and metallicity indicators
Authors: Wang Shu , Chen Xiaodian , Zhang Jianxing , Deng Licai
Published: February 2024

RR Lyrae (RR Lyr) stars are a well-known and useful distance indicator for old stellar populations such as globular clusters and dwarf galaxies. Fundamental-mode RR Lyr (RRab) stars are commonly used to measure distances, and the accuracy of the determined distance is strongly constrained by metallicity. Here, we investigate the metallicity dependence in the period–luminosity (PL) relation of double-mode RR Lyr (RRd) stars. We find and establish a linear relation between metallicity and period or period ratio for RRd stars. This relation can predict the metallicity as accurately as the low-resolution spectra. Based on this relation, we establish a metallicity-independent PL relation for RRd stars. Combining the distance of the Large Magellanic Cloud and Gaia parallaxes, we calibrate the zero point of the derived PL relation to an error of 0.022 mag. Using RRd stars, we measure the distances of globular clusters and dwarf galaxies with an accuracy of 2-3% and 1-2%, respectively. In the future, RRd stars could anchor galaxy distances to an accuracy of 1.0% and become an independent distance ladder in the Local Group.
The period-luminosity relations of red supergiants
Authors: Jiang Biwei , Ren Yi , Yang Ming
Published: February 2024

Red supergiants (RSGs) are the brightest stars in the near-infrared. The existence of their period-luminosity relation (PLR) will be very helpful in determining cosmological distances. This review discusses the development in identification of RSGs, calculation of their light variation period, determination of the PLR, and the uncertainties associated. It is found that the PLR of RSGs exhibits the smallest scatter in the near-infrared, in particular within the P – MK relation. The PLRs in the LMC, SMC, M31, and M33 show no obvious dependence on the galactic metallicity, which follows approximately the relation as MK ≈ −3.1 log P – 1.9.
A de novo missense mutation in synaptotagmin-1 associated with neurodevelopmental disorder desynchronizes neurotransmitter release
Authors: van Boven Maaike A. , Mestroni Marta , Zwijnenburg Petra J. G. , Verhage Matthijs , Cornelisse L. Niels
Published: February 2024

Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) is a presynaptic calcium sensor with two calcium binding domains, C2A and C2B, that triggers action potential-induced synchronous neurotransmitter release, while suppressing asynchronous and spontaneous release. We identified a de novo missense mutation (P401L) in the C2B domain in a patient with developmental delay and autistic symptoms. Expressing the orthologous mouse mutant (P400L) in cultured Syt1 null mutant neurons revealed a reduction in dendrite outgrowth with a proportional reduction in synapses. This was not observed in single Syt1PL-rescued neurons that received normal synaptic input when cultured in a control network. Patch-clamp recordings showed that spontaneous miniature release events per synapse were increased more than 500% in Syt1PL-rescued neurons, even beyond the increased rates in Syt1 KO neurons. Furthermore, action potential-induced asynchronous release was increased more than 100%, while synchronous release was unaffected. A similar shift to more asynchronous release was observed during train stimulations. These cellular phenotypes were also observed when Syt1PL was overexpressed in wild type neurons. Our findings show that Syt1PL desynchronizes neurotransmission by increasing the readily releasable pool for asynchronous release and reducing the suppression of spontaneous and asynchronous release. Neurons respond to this by shortening their dendrites, possibly to counteract the increased synaptic input. Syt1PL acts in a dominant-negative manner supporting a causative role for the mutation in the heterozygous patient. We propose that the substitution of a rigid proline to a more flexible leucine at the bottom of the C2B domain impairs clamping of release by interfering with Syt1’s primary interface with the SNARE complex. This is a novel cellular phenotype, distinct from what was previously found for other SYT1 disease variants, and points to a role for spontaneous and asynchronous release in SYT1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder.
Antireflective vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser for LiDAR
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Li Huijie , Liang Dong
Published: February 2024

Multijunction vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have gained popularity in automotive LiDARs, yet achieving a divergence of less than 16° (D86) is difficult for conventional extended cavity designs due to multiple-longitudinal-mode lasing. Our innovation, the antireflective vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (AR-VCSEL), addresses this challenge by introducing an antireflective light reservoir, where the electric field intensity is substantially higher than the gain region. This reduces the required cavity length for minimal divergence, preserving the single-longitudinal-mode lasing. A 6-junction AR-VCSEL array showcases a halved divergence and tripled brightness compared to its conventional counterpart. Various multijunction AR-VCSEL array designs achieve a divergence range of 8° to 16° (D86). Notably, a 7 μm AR-VCSEL emitter achieves 28.4 mW in single transverse mode lasing. AR-VCSEL stands out among semiconductor lasers, offering a well-balanced power density and brightness, making it a cost-effective solution for long-distance LiDARs. The antireflective cavity concept may inspire diverse applications in photonic devices beyond LiDARs.
Sensory Schwann cells set perceptual thresholds for touch and selectively regulate mechanical nociception
Authors: Ojeda-Alonso Julia , Calvo-Enrique Laura , Paricio-Montesinos Ricardo , Kumar Rakesh , Zhang Ming-Dong , Poulet James F. A. , Ernfors Patrik , Lewin Gary R.
Published: February 2024

Previous work identified nociceptive Schwann cells that can initiate pain. Consistent with the existence of inherently mechanosensitive sensory Schwann cells, we found that in mice, the mechanosensory function of almost all nociceptors, including those signaling fast pain, were dependent on sensory Schwann cells. In polymodal nociceptors, sensory Schwann cells signal mechanical, but not cold or heat pain. Terminal Schwann cells also surround mechanoreceptor nerve-endings within the Meissner’s corpuscle and in hair follicle lanceolate endings that both signal vibrotactile touch. Within Meissner´s corpuscles, two molecularly and functionally distinct sensory Schwann cells positive for Sox10 and Sox2 differentially modulate rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor function. Using optogenetics we show that Meissner’s corpuscle Schwann cells are necessary for the perception of low threshold vibrotactile stimuli. These results show that sensory Schwann cells within diverse glio-neural mechanosensory end-organs are sensors for mechanical pain as well as necessary for touch perception.
A phase 1/2 clinical trial of invariant natural killer T cell therapy in moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Hammond Terese C. , Purbhoo Marco A. , Kadel Sapana , Ritz Jerome , Nikiforow Sarah , Daley Heather , Shaw Kit , van Besien Koen , Gomez-Arteaga Alexandra , Stevens Don , Ortuzar Waldo , Michelet Xavier , Smith Rachel , Moskowitz Darrian , Masakayan Reed , Yigit Burcu , Boi Shannon , Soh Kah Teong , Chamberland John , Song Xin , Qin Yu , Mishchenko Ilya , Kirby Maurice , Nasonenko Valeriia , Buffa Alexa , Buell Jennifer S. , Chand Dhan , van Dijk Marc , Stebbing Justin , Exley Mark A.
Published: February 2024

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a unique T cell population, lend themselves for use as adoptive therapy due to diverse roles in orchestrating immune responses. Originally developed for use in cancer, agenT-797 is a donor-unrestricted allogeneic ex vivo expanded iNKT cell therapy. We conducted an open-label study in virally induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 virus (trial registration NCT04582201). Here we show that agenT-797 rescues exhausted T cells and rapidly activates both innate and adaptive immunity. In 21 ventilated patients including 5 individuals receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), there are no dose-limiting toxicities. We observe an anti-inflammatory systemic cytokine response and infused iNKT cells are persistent during follow-up, inducing only transient donor-specific antibodies. Clinical signals of associated survival and prevention of secondary infections are evident. Cellular therapy using off-the-shelf iNKT cells is safe, can be rapidly scaled and is associated with an anti-inflammatory response. The safety and therapeutic potential of iNKT cells across diseases including infections and cancer, warrants randomized-controlled trials.
Smith-specific regulatory T cells halt the progression of lupus nephritis
Authors: Eggenhuizen Peter J. , Cheong Rachel M. Y. , Lo Cecilia , Chang Janet , Ng Boaz H. , Ting Yi Tian , Monk Julie A. , Loh Khai L. , Broury Ashraf , Tay Elean S. V. , Shen Chanjuan , Zhong Yong , Lim Steven , Chung Jia Xi , Kandane-Rathnayake Rangi , Koelmeyer Rachel , Hoi Alberta , Chaudhry Ashutosh , Manzanillo Paolo , Snelgrove Sarah L. , Morand Eric F. , Ooi Joshua D.
Published: February 2024

Antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress pathogenic autoreactivity and are potential therapeutic candidates for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis is associated with autoreactivity to the Smith (Sm) autoantigen and the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR15 haplotype; hence, we investigated the potential of Sm-specific Tregs (Sm-Tregs) to suppress disease. Here we identify a HLA-DR15 restricted immunodominant Sm T cell epitope using biophysical affinity binding assays, then identify high-affinity Sm-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) using high-throughput single-cell sequencing. Using lentiviral vectors, we transduce our lead Sm-specific TCR into Tregs derived from patients with SLE who are anti-Sm and HLA-DR15 positive. Compared with polyclonal mock-transduced Tregs, Sm-Tregs potently suppress Sm-specific pro-inflammatory responses in vitro and suppress disease progression in a humanized mouse model of lupus nephritis. These results show that Sm-Tregs are a promising therapy for SLE.
Implanting oxophilic metal in PtRu nanowires for hydrogen oxidation catalysis
Authors: Huang Zhongliang , Hu Shengnan , Sun Mingzi , Xu Yong , Liu Shangheng , Ren Renjie , Zhuang Lin , Chan Ting-Shan , Hu Zhiwei , Ding Tianyi , Zhou Jing , Liu Liangbin , Wang Mingmin , Huang Yu-Cheng , Tian Na , Bu Lingzheng , Huang Bolong , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: February 2024

Bimetallic PtRu are promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction in anion exchange membrane fuel cell, where the activity and stability are still unsatisfying. Here, PtRu nanowires were implanted with a series of oxophilic metal atoms (named as i-M-PR), significantly enhancing alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) activity and stability. With the dual doping of In and Zn atoms, the i-ZnIn-PR/C shows mass activity of 10.2 A mgPt+Ru−1 at 50 mV, largely surpassing that of commercial Pt/C (0.27 A mgPt−1) and PtRu/C (1.24 A mgPt+Ru−1). More importantly, the peak power density and specific power density are as high as 1.84 W cm−2 and 18.4 W mgPt+Ru−1 with a low loading (0.1 mg cm−2) anion exchange membrane fuel cell. Advanced experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations collectively suggest that dual doping with In and Zn atoms optimizes the binding strengths of intermediates and promotes CO oxidation, enhancing the HOR performances. This work deepens the understanding of developing novel alloy catalysts, which will attract immediate interest in materials, chemistry, energy and beyond.
Anti-friction gold-based stretchable electronics enabled by interfacial diffusion-induced cohesion
Authors: Cao Jie , Liu Xusheng , Qiu Jie , Yue Zhifei , Li Yang , Xu Qian , Chen Yan , Chen Jiewen , Cheng Hongfei , Xing Guozhong , Song Enming , Wang Ming , Liu Qi , Liu Ming
Published: February 2024

Stretchable electronics that prevalently adopt chemically inert metals as sensing layers and interconnect wires have enabled high-fidelity signal acquisition for on-skin applications. However, the weak interfacial interaction between inert metals and elastomers limit the tolerance of the device to external friction interferences. Here, we report an interfacial diffusion-induced cohesion strategy that utilizes hydrophilic polyurethane to wet gold (Au) grains and render them wrapped by strong hydrogen bonding, resulting in a high interfacial binding strength of 1017.6 N/m. By further constructing a nanoscale rough configuration of the polyurethane (RPU), the binding strength of Au-RPU device increases to 1243.4 N/m, which is 100 and 4 times higher than that of conventional polydimethylsiloxane and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-based devices, respectively. The stretchable Au-RPU device can remain good electrical conductivity after 1022 frictions at 130 kPa pressure, and reliably record high-fidelity electrophysiological signals. Furthermore, an anti-friction pressure sensor array is constructed based on Au-RPU interconnect wires, demonstrating a superior mechanical durability for concentrated large pressure acquisition. This chemical modification-free approach of interfacial strengthening for chemically inert metal-based stretchable electronics is promising for three-dimensional integration and on-chip interconnection.
Linear and phase controllable terahertz frequency conversion via ultrafast breaking the bond of a meta-molecule
Authors: Duan Siyu , Su Xin , Qiu Hongsong , Jiang Yushun , Wu Jingbo , Fan Kebin , Zhang Caihong , Jia Xiaoqing , Zhu Guanghao , Kang Lin , Wu Xinglong , Wang Huabing , Xia Keyu , Jin Biaobing , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: February 2024

The metasurface platform with time-varying characteristics has emerged as a promising avenue for exploring exotic physics associated with Floquet materials and for designing photonic devices like linear frequency converters. However, the limited availability of materials with ultrafast responses hinders their applications in the terahertz range. Here we present a time-varying metasurface comprising an array of superconductor-metal hybrid meta-molecules. Each meta-molecule consists of two meta-atoms that are “bonded” together by double superconducting microbridges. Through experimental investigations, we demonstrate high-efficiency linear terahertz frequency conversion by rapidly breaking the bond using a coherent ultrashort terahertz pump pulse. The frequency and relative phase of the converted wave exhibit strong dependence on the pump-probe delay, indicating phase controllable wave conversion. The dynamics of the meta-molecules during the frequency conversion process are comprehensively understood using a time-varying coupled mode model. This research not only opens up new possibilities for developing innovative terahertz sources but also provides opportunities for exploring topological dynamics and Floquet physics within metasurfaces.
Research on optimization method of railway construction scheme based on multidimensional combination weighting and improved grey theory
Authors: Han Feng , Liu Zelong , Wang Chengxiang , Wei Hao , Wang Bolin
Published: February 2024

The optimization of railway construction schemes is a complexity system engineering task with multiple dimensions, diverse conditional constraints, and multifaceted objective assessments. The decision-making and scheme evaluation entail subjectivity, randomness, and fuzziness. To address the comprehensive optimization challenge in construction schemes effectively and efficiently, we investigate an optimization method for railway construction schemes. This method is based on multi-dimensional combination weighting and improved grey theory. After analyzing the primary influencing factors, we established a railway construction plan optimization index system comprising 4 dimensions and 18 factors. The weight combination coefficient is determined using the pros and cons solution distance method, and the optimal weight set for the index is determined through the multi-dimensional combination weighting approach. Utilizing the method of superior and inferior solution distance coupled with grey theory, we ascertain the order of advantages and disadvantages for each construction scheme, subsequently achieving construction scheme optimization. To illustrate this, we employ the optimization process for a high-speed railway section in Guangxi as an exemplar. The verification results indicate that the gray relative closeness values for schemes A, B, and C are 0.7089, 0.4813, and 0.4463, respectively. Scheme A has the highest gray relative closeness value, thus making it the optimal route scheme. The optimal results obtained through this method align with the outcomes of expert validation and existing research, thereby validating the effectiveness and practicality of the model. By employing a multidimensional combination weighting method, the deficiencies of traditional indicator weight calculations are mitigated, resulting in indicator weights that are more reflective of the actual circumstances. At the same time, the application of improvements in the grey theory comprehensive evaluation method enables the integration and computation of indicator data for each construction plan. Through the intuitive representation of grey relative closeness, the advantages and disadvantages of each plan are effectively characterized. This enhances the scientific rigor and applicability of the railway construction plan optimization process. The research findings can serve as a reference for similar railway construction scheme selection problems in the future.
Inventory model for green products with payment strategy, selling price and green level dependent demand using teaching learning based optimization algorithm
Authors: Das Subhash Chandra , Ali Hachen , Khan Md. Al-Amin , Shaikh Ali Akbar , Alrasheedi Adel Fahad
Published: February 2024

There has been a lot of research on pricing and lot-sizing practices for different payment methods; however, the majority has focused on the buyer’s perspective. While accepting buyers’ credit conditions positively impacts sales, requesting advance payments from purchasers tends to have a negative effect. Additionally, requiring a down payment has been found to generate interest revenue for the supplier without introducing default risk. However, extending the credit period, along with offering delayed payment options, has the potential to increase sales volume, albeit with an elevated risk of defaults. Taking these payment schemes into account, this study investigates and compares the per-unit profit for sellers across three distinct payment methods: advance payment, cash payment, and credit payment. The consumption rate of the product varies non-linearly not only with the time duration of different payment options but also with the price and the level of greenness of the product. The utmost objective of this work is to determine the optimal duration associated with payment schemes, selling price, green level, and replenishment period to maximize the seller’s profit. The Teaching Learning Based Optimization Algorithm (TLBOA) is applied to address and solve three numerical examples, each corresponding to a distinct scenario of the considered payment schemes. Sensitivity analyses confirm that the seller’s profit is markedly influenced by the environmental sustainability level of the product. Furthermore, the seller’s profitability is more significantly affected by the selling price index compared to the indices of the payment scheme duration and the green level in the demand structure.
Development of amine-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles from coal fly ash as a sustainable source for nanofertilizer
Authors: Singh Vikram , Mandal Tuhin , Mishra Shiv Rag , Singh Anupama , Khare Puja
Published: February 2024

Scaling up the synthesis of fluorescent silica nanoparticles to meet the current demand in diverse applications involves technological limitations. The present study relates to the hydrothermal synthesis of water-soluble, crystalline, blue-emitting amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles from coal fly ash sustainably and economically. This study used tertiary amine (trimethylamine) to prepare amine-functionalized fluorescent silica nanoparticles, enhancing fluorescence quantum yield and nitrogen content for nanofertilizer application. The TEM and FESEM studies show that the silica nanoparticles have a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 4.0 nm. The x-ray photoelectron and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies reveal the presence of the amine group at the surface of silica nanoparticles. The silica nanoparticles exhibit blue fluorescence with an emission maximum of 454 nm at 370 nm excitation and show excitation-dependent emission properties in the aqueous medium. With the perfect spectral overlap between silica nanoparticle emission (donor) and chlorophyll absorption (acceptor), fluorescent silica nanoparticles enhance plant photosynthesis rate by resonance energy transfer. This process accelerates the photosynthesis rate to improve the individual plant’s quality and growth. These findings suggested that the fly ash-derived functionalized silica nanoparticles could be employed as nanofertilizers and novel delivery agents.
Estimating the influence of field inventory sampling intensity on forest landscape model performance for determining high-severity wildfire risk
Authors: Hecht Hagar , Krofcheck Dan J. , Carril Dennis , Hurteau Matthew D.
Published: February 2024

Historically, fire has been essential in Southwestern US forests. However, a century of fire-exclusion and changing climate created forests which are more susceptible to uncharacteristically severe wildfires. Forest managers use a combination of thinning and prescribed burning to reduce forest density to help mitigate the risk of high-severity fires. These treatments are laborious and expensive, therefore optimizing their impact is crucial. Landscape simulation models can be useful in identifying high risk areas and assessing treatment effects, but uncertainties in these models can limit their utility in decision making. In this study we examined underlying uncertainties in the initial vegetation layer by leveraging a previous study from the Santa Fe fireshed and using new inventory plots from 111 stands to interpolate the initial forest conditions. We found that more inventory plots resulted in a different geographic distribution and wider range of the modelled biomass. This changed the location of areas with high probability of high-severity fires, shifting the optimal location for management. The increased range of biomass variability from using a larger number of plots to interpolate the initial vegetation layer also influenced ecosystem carbon dynamics, resulting in simulated forest conditions that had higher rates of carbon uptake. We conclude that the initial forest layer significantly affects fire and carbon dynamics and is dependent on both number of plots, and sufficient representation of the range of forest types and biomass density.
Bounded research ethicality: researchers rate themselves and their field as better than others at following good research practice
Authors: Lindkvist Amanda M. , Koppel Lina , Tinghög Gustav
Published: February 2024

Bounded ethicality refers to people’s limited capacity to consistently behave in line with their ethical standards. Here, we present results from a pre-registered, large-scale (N = 11,050) survey of researchers in Sweden, suggesting that researchers too are boundedly ethical. Specifically, researchers on average rated themselves as better than other researchers in their field at following good research practice, and rated researchers in their own field as better than researchers in other fields at following good research practice. These effects were stable across all academic fields, but strongest among researchers in the medical sciences. Taken together, our findings illustrate inflated self-righteous beliefs among researchers and research disciplines when it comes to research ethics, which may contribute to academic polarization and moral blindspots regarding one’s own and one’s colleagues’ use of questionable research practices.
A serverless computing architecture for Martian aurora detection with the Emirates Mars Mission
Authors: Pacios David , Vázquez-Poletti José Luis , Dhuri Dattaraj B. , Atri Dimitra , Moreno-Vozmediano Rafael , Lillis Robert J. , Schetakis Nikolaos , Gómez-Sanz Jorge , Iorio Alessio Di , Vázquez Luis
Published: February 2024

Remote sensing technologies are experiencing a surge in adoption for monitoring Earth’s environment, demanding more efficient and scalable methods for image analysis. This paper presents a new approach for the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope probe); A serverless computing architecture designed to analyze images of Martian auroras, a key aspect in understanding the Martian atmosphere. Harnessing the power of OpenCV and machine learning algorithms, our architecture offers image classification, object detection, and segmentation in a swift and cost-effective manner. Leveraging the scalability and elasticity of cloud computing, this innovative system is capable of managing high volumes of image data, adapting to fluctuating workloads. This technology, applied to the study of Martian auroras within the HOPE Mission, not only solves a complex problem but also paves the way for future applications in the broad field of remote sensing.
Magmatic-hydrothermal fluid evolution of the tin-polymetallic metallogenic systems from the Weilasituo ore district, Northeast China
Authors: Gao Xu , Zhou Zhenhua , Breiter Karel , Mao Jingwen , Romer Rolf L. , Cook Nigel J. , Holtz François
Published: February 2024

The large Weilasituo Sn-polymetallic deposit is a recent exploration discovery in the southern Great Xing’an Range, northeast China. The ore cluster area shows horizontal mineralization zoning, from the inner granite body outward, consisting of high-T Sn–W–Li mineralization, middle-T Cu–Zn mineralization and peripheral low-T Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization. However, the intrinsic genetic relationship between Sn-W-Li mineralization and peripheral vein-type Pb–Zn–Ag–Cu mineralization, the formation mechanism and the deep geological background are still insufficiently understood. Here, we use fluid inclusions, trace elements concentrations in quartz and sphalerite, and H–O isotope studies to determine the genetic mechanism and establish a metallogenic model. Fluid inclusion microthermometry and Laser Raman spectroscopic analysis results demonstrates that the aqueous ore-forming fluids evolved from low-medium salinity, medium–high temperature to low salinity, low-medium temperature fluids. Laser Raman spectroscopic analysis shows that CH4 is ubiquitous in fluid inclusions of all ore stages. Early ore fluids have δ18OH2O (v–SMOW) values from + 5.5 to + 6.2‰ and δD values of approximately − 67‰, concordant with a magmatic origin. However, the late ore fluids shifted toward lower δ18OH2O (v–SMOW) (as low as 0.3‰) and δD values (~ − 136‰), suggesting mixing between external fluids derived from the wall rocks and a contribution from meteoric water. Ti-in-quartz thermometry indicates a magmatic crystallization temperature of around 700 °C at a pressure of 1.5 kbar for the magmatic ore stage. Cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and trace element analysis of quartz from a hydrothermal vug highlight at least three growth episodes that relate to different fluid pulses; each episode begins with CL-bright, Al-Li-rich quartz, and ends with CL-dark quartz with low Al and Li contents. Quartz from Episode 1 formed from early Sn-(Zn)-rich fluids which were likely derived from the quartz porphyry. Quartz from episodes 2 and 3 formed from Zn-(Sn)-Cu-rich fluid. The early magmatic fluid is characterized by low fS2. The SO2 produced by magma degassing reacted with heated water to form SO42−, causing the shift from low fS2 to high fS2. The SO42− generated was converted to S2– by mixing with CH4-rich, Fe and Zn-bearing external fluid which led to late-stage alteration and dissolution of micas in vein walls, thus promoting crystallization of pyrrhotite, Fe-rich sphalerite and chalcopyrite and inhibiting the precipitation of anhydrite. This study shows that ore formation encompassed multiple episodes involving steadily evolved fluids, and that the addition of external fluids plays an important role in the formation of the later Cu–Zn and Ag–Pb–Zn mineralization in the Weilasituo ore district.
Pan-caner analysis identifies PSMA7 as a targets for amplification at 20q13.33 in tumorigenesis
Authors: Sheng Guangying , Li Fuyu , Jin Wen , Wang Kankan
Published: February 2024

The chromosome 20 long arm (20q) is one of the genomic hotspots where copy number alterations frequently occur in multiple types of tumors. However, it remains elusive which genes are implicated in 20q-related tumorigenesis. Here, by querying TCGA and GEO databases, we observed frequent copy number amplification at 20q and the chromosome subband 20q13.33 was amplificated in multiple cancers. Among those genes at 20q13.33, PSMA7 was found with the strongest correlation with cancers. Further analysis revealed that PSMA7 amplification was the most frequent genetic alteration event conferring adverse prognosis in various cancers. Consistent with the strong positive correlation between PSMA7 amplification and gene expression, elevated PSMA7 expression was observed in 20 of 33 types of cancers with a close link to adverse outcomes in certain tumors. In addition, PSMA7 was essential for the growth of almost 1095 cancer lines. Mechanistically, aberrant PSMA7 most probably influenced the proteasome and protease-related pathways to promote tumorigenesis and might be antagonized by several compounds, e.g., Docetaxel in relevant cancers. The current in-depth pan-cancer analysis refines our understanding of the crucial oncogenic role of copy number amplifications at PSMA7 loci at the novel chromosome amplicon 20q13.33 across different tumors.
Visual search patterns during exploration of naturalistic scenes are driven by saliency cues in individuals with cerebral visual impairment
Authors: Walter Kerri , Manley Claire E. , Bex Peter J. , Merabet Lotfi B.
Published: February 2024

We investigated the relative influence of image salience and image semantics during the visual search of naturalistic scenes, comparing performance in individuals with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and controls with neurotypical development. Participants searched for a prompted target presented as either an image or text cue. Success rate and reaction time were collected, and gaze behavior was recorded with an eye tracker. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis compared the distribution of individual gaze landings based on predictions of image salience (using Graph-Based Visual Saliency) and image semantics (using Global Vectors for Word Representations combined with Linguistic Analysis of Semantic Salience) models. CVI participants were less likely and were slower in finding the target. Their visual search behavior was also associated with a larger visual search area and greater number of fixations. ROC scores were also lower in CVI compared to controls for both model predictions. Furthermore, search strategies in the CVI group were not affected by cue type, although search times and accuracy showed a significant correlation with verbal IQ scores for text-cued searches. These results suggest that visual search patterns in CVI are driven mainly by image salience and provide further characterization of higher-order processing deficits observed in this population.
Age-, sex- and proximal–distal-resolved multi-omics identifies regulators of intestinal aging in non-human primates
Authors: Wang Xinyuan , Luo Yaru , He Siyu , Lu Ying , Gong Yanqiu , Gao Li , Mao Shengqiang , Liu Xiaohui , Jiang Na , Pu Qianlun , Du Dan , Shu Yang , Hai Shan , Li Shuangqing , Chen Hai-Ning , Zhao Yi , Xie Dan , Qi Shiqian , Lei Peng , Hu Hongbo , Xu Heng , Zhou Zong-Guang , Dong Biao , Zhang Huiyuan , Zhang Yan , Dai Lunzhi
Published: February 2024

The incidence of intestinal diseases increases with age, yet the mechanisms governing gut aging and its link to diseases, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), remain elusive. In this study, while considering age, sex and proximal–distal variations, we used a multi-omics approach in non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis) to shed light on the heterogeneity of intestinal aging and identify potential regulators of gut aging. We explored the roles of several regulators, including those from tryptophan metabolism, in intestinal function and lifespan inCaenorhabditis elegans. Suggesting conservation of region specificity, tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine and serotonin (5-HT) pathways varied between the proximal and distal colon, and, using a mouse colitis model, we observed that distal colitis was more sensitive to 5-HT treatment. Additionally, using proteomics analysis of human CRC samples, we identified links between gut aging and CRC, with high HPX levels predicting poor prognosis in older patients with CRC. Together, this work provides potential targets for preventing gut aging and associated diseases.