bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of information processing capacity in living brain as physical reservoir
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Shiramatsu Tomoyo I. , Kubota Tomoyuki , Akita Dai , Takahashi Hirokazu
Published: June 2023

The information processing capacity (IPC) measure is gaining traction as a means of characterizing reservoir computing. This measure offers a comprehensive assessment of a dynamical system's linear and non-linear memory of past inputs by breaking down the system states into orthogonal polynomial bases of input series. In this study, we demonstrate that IPCs are experimentally measurable in the auditory cortex in response to a random sequence of clicks. In our experiment, each input series had a constant inter-step interval (ISI), and a click was delivered with a 50% probability at each time step. Click-evoked multi-unit activities in the auditory cortex were used as the state variables. We found that the total IPC was dependent on the test ISI and reached a maximum at around 10- and 18-ms ISI. This suggests that the IPC reaches a peak when the stimulus dynamics and intrinsic dynamics in the brain are matched. Moreover, we found that the auditory cortex exhibited non-linear mapping of past inputs up to the 6th degree. This finding indicates that IPCs can predict the performance of a physical reservoir when benchmark tasks are decomposed into orthogonal polynomials. Thus, IPCs can be useful in measuring how the living brain functions as a reservoir. These achievements have opened up future avenues for bridging the gap between theoretical and experimental studies of neural representation. By providing a means of quantifying a dynamical system's memory of past inputs, IPCs offer a powerful tool for understanding the inner workings of the brain.
Broadband acoustic attenuation in microperforated meta-shells with ventilation
Authors: Chen Jiaji , Zhang Yonghui , Yu Yukai , Zhai Yao , Nguyen Huy , Tracy Sharon , Zhou Xiaoming , Huang Guoliang
Published: June 2023

Achieving sound attenuation across a broad frequency range while maintaining adequate ventilation remains a significant challenge in acoustic engineering, as there exists a rigid trade-off between attenuation ability and ventilation. In this Letter, we propose a double-layered microperforated meta-shells to serve as broadband acoustic ventilation barrier. Multiple scattering theory is first employed to characterize sound attenuation performance of the proposed design in terms of both sound absorption and transmission loss, which is not reported before. Experimental result demonstrates a good enhancement of absorption due to the insertion of inner shell with a specific perforation rate of micro cores. The mechanism can be attributed to the inter-cell coupling, which is further utilized to devise a different configuration by wrapping the meta-shell with porous sponge. It is found that adding an extra layer of sponge can further improve the low-frequency attenuation performance. The proposed broadband sound barrier with effective ventilation can find potential applications in architectural acoustics and office noise insulation.
Unpaired Weyl phonon systems in NaHPO3NH2
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhou Feng , Wang Jianhua , Liu Ying , Cui Yuting , Ding Guangqian , Wang Xiaotian
Published: June 2023

Phonon-based Weyl points (WPs) are usually considered to appear in pairs with opposite chirality. Here, we report the phonon dispersion in a realistic material monosodium phosphoramidate, NaHPO3NH2, which has two types of unpaired WP phonon systems: (i) two hourglass charge-3 (C-3) WPs and six C-1 conventional WPs forming a topological Weyl complex; (ii) one C-2 WP, with a topologically charged Weyl nodal surface, forming a topologically charged Weyl point-surface system. Remarkably, the simultaneous presence of the C-1, C-2, and hourglass C-3 WPs in NaHPO3NH2 results in the formation of clean and long phononic double and sextuple-helicoid surface states on the (101¯0) and (001) surfaces, respectively. The phononic double and sextuple-helicoid surface states span the entire first surface Brillouin zones of the (101¯0) and (001) surfaces, which will facilitate their detection in future experimental studies.
Ultra-short-term electricity load forecasting based on improved random forest algorithm
Authors: Gao Jinggeng , Wang Kun , Kang Xiaohua , Li Huan , Chen Shibin
Published: June 2023

Electricity load forecasting is one of the important tasks of the power marketing department, and accurate load forecasting is extremely important to ensure real-time dispatch and security of the power system. In order to obtain accurate and reliable load forecasting results, an ultra-short-term power load forecasting model based on an improved random forest regression algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, data pre-processing is performed on the original dataset. Then the pre-processed time data and historical load data are used as inputs to the model, and optimization of the model using the Gaussian mixture-based tree-structured Parzen estimator algorithm is carried out. Finally, the final prediction results were derived. Experimental analysis was conducted with real load data from a region of China, and the experimental results show that the method has better prediction accuracy than the original random forest algorithm and other traditional machine learning algorithms.
Tunable magnetoresistance driven by electronic structure in Kagome semimetal Co1−xFexSn
Authors: Vijay Kritika , Chandra L. S. Sharath , Ali Kawsar , Sagdeo Archna , Tiwari Pragya , Chattopadhyay M. K. , Arya A. , Banik Soma
Published: June 2023

Topological quantum phenomena due to the presence of both Dirac fermions and flat bands in Kagome semimetal CoSn promise novel transport properties. In Kagome materials, the transport properties can be enhanced by moving the position of the flat band and Dirac fermions with doping. Here, we have investigated the magnetotransport and electronic properties by Fe doping in CoSn. A large positive magnetoresistance (MR) of ≈ 105% at 3 K and 8 T magnetic field has been observed in CoSn. Fe doping in Co1−xFexSn gives rise to negative MR with a large negative value for x = 0.2 (−8.4%) but decreases for x = 0.3 (−3.7%) and x = 0.4 (−2.7%). Tuning of MR from positive to negative values with Fe doping in CoSn is associated with the changes in energy position of the localized flat band and emergence of quasi-localized states near the Fermi level. The systematic variation of MR with increasing x depends both on the structural changes due to increase in the lattice parameters and on the near neighbor interactions of the Sn atoms with the Co atoms in the Kagome plane. The origin of quasi-localized states is associated with the electron hopping and the variation in the strength of localization with doping that leads to tunable MR properties in Co1−xFexSn.
Stable and scalable computation of state visitation probabilities in finite Markov chains
Authors: Sharpe Daniel J. , Wales David J.
Published: June 2023

We report an algorithm based on renormalization to compute the probability that a particular state, or set thereof, is visited along the first passage or transition paths between two endpoint states of a finite Markov chain. The procedure is numerically stable and does not require dense storage of the transition matrix.
Real-time label-free detection of dynamic aptamer–small molecule interactions using a nanopore nucleic acid conformational sensor
Authors: Chingarande Rugare G. , Tian Kai , Kuang Yu , Sarangee Aby , Hou Chengrui , Ma Emily , Ren Jarett , Hawkins Sam , Kim Joshua , Adelstein Ray , Chen Sally , Gillis Kevin D. , Gu Li-Qun
Published: June 2023

Nucleic acids can undergo conformational changes upon binding small molecules. These conformational changes can be exploited to develop new therapeutic strategies through control of gene expression or triggering of cellular responses and can also be used to develop sensors for small molecules such as neurotransmitters. Many analytical approaches can detect dynamic conformational change of nucleic acids, but they need labeling, are expensive, and have limited time resolution. The nanopore approach can provide a conformational snapshot for each nucleic acid molecule detected, but has not been reported to detect dynamic nucleic acid conformational change in response to small -molecule binding. Here we demonstrate a modular, label-free, nucleic acid-docked nanopore capable of revealing time-resolved, small molecule-induced, single nucleic acid molecule conformational transitions with millisecond resolution. By using the dopamine-, serotonin-, and theophylline-binding aptamers as testbeds, we found that these nucleic acids scaffolds can be noncovalently docked inside the MspA protein pore by a cluster of site-specific charged residues. This docking mechanism enables the ion current through the pore to characteristically vary as the aptamer undergoes conformational changes, resulting in a sequence of current fluctuations that report binding and release of single ligand molecules from the aptamer. This nanopore tool can quantify specific ligands such as neurotransmitters, elucidate nucleic acid–ligand interactions, and pinpoint the nucleic acid motifs for ligand binding, showing the potential for small molecule biosensing, drug discovery assayed via RNA and DNA conformational changes, and the design of artificial riboswitch effectors in synthetic biology.
Role of the bicarbonate transporter SLC4γ in stony-coral skeleton formation and evolution
Authors: Tinoco Amanda I. , Mitchison-Field Lorna M. Y. , Bradford Jacob , Renicke Christian , Perrin Dimitri , Bay Line K. , Pringle John R. , Cleves Phillip A.
Published: June 2023

Coral reefs are highly diverse ecosystems of immense ecological, economic, and aesthetic importance built on the calcium-carbonate-based skeletons of stony corals. The formation of these skeletons is threatened by increasing ocean temperatures and acidification, and a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved may assist efforts to mitigate the effects of such anthropogenic stressors. In this study, we focused on the role of the predicted bicarbonate transporter SLC4γ, which was suggested in previous studies to be a product of gene duplication and to have a role in coral-skeleton formation. Our comparative-genomics study using 30 coral species and 15 outgroups indicates that SLC4γ is present throughout the stony corals, but not in their non-skeleton-forming relatives, and apparently arose by gene duplication at the onset of stony-coral evolution. Our expression studies show that
SLC4γ
, but not the closely related and apparently ancestral
SLC4β
, is highly upregulated during coral development coincident with the onset of skeleton deposition. Moreover, we show that juvenile coral polyps carrying CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations in
SLC4γ
are defective in skeleton formation, with the severity of the defect in individual animals correlated with their frequencies of
SLC4γ
mutations. Taken together, the results suggest that the evolution of the stony corals involved the neofunctionalization of the newly arisen SLC4γ for a unique role in the provision of concentrated bicarbonate for calcium-carbonate deposition. The results also demonstrate the feasibility of reverse-genetic studies of ecologically important traits in adult corals.
ROS signaling–induced mitochondrial Sgk1 expression regulates epithelial cell renewal
Authors: Li Yingxiang , Liu Chengdong , Rolling Luke , Sikora Veronica , Chen Zhimin , Gurwin Jack , Barabell Caroline , Lin Jiandie , Duan Cunming
Published: June 2023

Many types of differentiated cells can reenter the cell cycle upon injury or stress. The underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated how quiescent cells are reactivated using a zebrafish model, in which a population of differentiated epithelial cells are reactivated under a physiological context. A robust and sustained increase in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in the reactivated cells. Genetic and pharmacological perturbations show that elevated mitochondrial metabolism and ATP synthesis are critical for cell reactivation. Further analyses showed that elevated mitochondrial metabolism increases mitochondrial ROS levels, which induces Sgk1 expression in the mitochondria. Genetic deletion and inhibition of Sgk1 in zebrafish abolished epithelial cell reactivation. Similarly, ROS-dependent mitochondrial expression of SGK1 promotes S phase entry in human breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, SGK1 coordinates mitochondrial activity with ATP synthesis by phosphorylating F
1
F
o
-ATP synthase. These findings suggest a conserved intramitochondrial signaling loop regulating epithelial cell renewal.
Heterogeneous expression of alternatively spliced lncRNA mediates vascular smooth cell plasticity
Authors: Mayner Jaimie M. , Masutani Evan M. , Demeester Elena , Kumar Aditya , Macapugay Gail , Beri Pranjali , Lo Sardo Valentina , Engler Adam J.
Published: June 2023

9p21.3 locus polymorphisms have the strongest correlation with coronary artery disease, but as a noncoding locus, disease connection is enigmatic. The lncRNA
ANRIL
found in 9p21.3 may regulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype to contribute to disease risk. We observed significant heterogeneity in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived VSMCs from patients homozygous for risk versus isogenic knockout or nonrisk haplotypes. Subpopulations of risk haplotype cells exhibited variable morphology, proliferation, contraction, and adhesion. When sorted by adhesion, risk VSMCs parsed into synthetic and contractile subpopulations, i.e., weakly adherent and strongly adherent, respectively. Of note, >90% of differentially expressed genes coregulated by haplotype and adhesion and were associated with Rho GTPases, i.e., contractility. Weakly adherent subpopulations expressed more short isoforms of
ANRIL
, and when overexpressed in knockout cells,
ANRIL
suppressed adhesion, contractility, and αSMA expression. These data suggest that variable lncRNA penetrance may drive mixed functional outcomes that confound pathology.
Distinct localization of chiral proofreaders resolves organellar translation conflict in plants
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Babu Kandhalu Sagadevan Dinesh , Singh Avinash Kumar , Singh Dipesh Kumar , Nalli Aswan , Mukul Shivapura Jagadeesha , Roy Ankit , Mazeed Mohd , Raman Bakthisaran , Kruparani Shobha P. , Siddiqi Imran , Sankaranarayanan Rajan
Published: June 2023

Plants have two endosymbiotic organelles originated from two bacterial ancestors. The transition from an independent bacterium to a successful organelle would have required extensive rewiring of biochemical networks for its integration with archaeal host. Here, using
Arabidopsis
as a model system, we show that plant D-aminoacyl-tRNA deacylase 1 (DTD1), of bacterial origin, is detrimental to organellar protein synthesis owing to its changed tRNA recognition code. Plants survive this conflict by spatially restricting the conflicted DTD1 to the cytosol. In addition, plants have targeted archaeal DTD2 to both the organelles as it is compatible with their translation machinery due to its strict D-chiral specificity and lack of tRNA determinants. Intriguingly, plants have confined bacterial-derived DTD1 to work in archaeal-derived cytosolic compartment whereas archaeal DTD2 is targeted to bacterial-derived organelles. Overall, the study provides a remarkable example of the criticality of optimization of biochemical networks for survival and evolution of plant mitochondria and chloroplast.
NgR1 binding to reovirus reveals an unusual bivalent interaction and a new viral attachment protein
Authors: Sutherland Danica M. , Strebl Michael , Koehler Melanie , Welsh Olivia L. , Yu Xinzhe , Hu Liya , dos Santos Natividade Rita , Knowlton Jonathan J. , Taylor Gwen M. , Moreno Rodolfo A. , Wörz Patrick , Lonergan Zachery R. , Aravamudhan Pavithra , Guzman-Cardozo Camila , Kour Sukhleen , Pandey Udai Bhan , Alsteens David , Wang Zhao , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Stehle Thilo , Dermody Terence S.
Published: June 2023

Nogo-66 receptor 1 (NgR1) binds a variety of structurally dissimilar ligands in the adult central nervous system to inhibit axon extension. Disruption of ligand binding to NgR1 and subsequent signaling can improve neuron outgrowth, making NgR1 an important therapeutic target for diverse neurological conditions such as spinal crush injuries and Alzheimer’s disease. Human NgR1 serves as a receptor for mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus), but the mechanism of virus–receptor engagement is unknown. To elucidate how NgR1 mediates cell binding and entry of reovirus, we defined the affinity of interaction between virus and receptor, determined the structure of the virus–receptor complex, and identified residues in the receptor required for virus binding and infection. These studies revealed that central NgR1 surfaces form a bridge between two copies of viral capsid protein σ3, establishing that σ3 serves as a receptor ligand for reovirus. This unusual binding interface produces high-avidity interactions between virus and receptor to prime early entry steps. These studies refine models of reovirus cell-attachment and highlight the evolution of viruses to engage multiple receptors using distinct capsid components.
Passive endocytosis in model protocells
Authors: Zhang Stephanie J. , Lowe Lauren A. , Anees Palapuravan , Krishnan Yamuna , Fai Thomas G. , Szostak Jack W. , Wang Anna
Published: June 2023

Semipermeable membranes are a key feature of all living organisms. While specialized membrane transporters in cells can import otherwise impermeable nutrients, the earliest cells would have lacked a mechanism to import nutrients rapidly under nutrient-rich circumstances. Using both experiments and simulations, we find that a process akin to passive endocytosis can be recreated in model primitive cells. Molecules that are too impermeable to be absorbed can be taken up in a matter of seconds in an endocytic vesicle. The internalized cargo can then be slowly released over hours, into the main lumen or putative cytoplasm. This work demonstrates a way by which primitive life could have broken the symmetry of passive permeation prior to the evolution of protein transporters.
Historical plant introductions predict current insect invasions
Authors: Bonnamour Aymeric , Blake Rachael E. , Liebhold Andrew M. , Nahrung Helen F. , Roques Alain , Turner Rebecca M. , Yamanaka Takehiko , Bertelsmeier Cleo
Published: June 2023

Thousands of insect species have been introduced outside of their native ranges, and some of them strongly impact ecosystems and human societies. Because a large fraction of insects feed on or are associated with plants, nonnative plants provide habitat and resources for invading insects, thereby facilitating their establishment. Furthermore, plant imports represent one of the main pathways for accidental nonnative insect introductions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that plant invasions precede and promote insect invasions. We found that geographical variation in current nonnative insect flows was best explained by nonnative plant flows dating back to 1900 rather than by more recent plant flows. Interestingly, nonnative plant flows were a better predictor of insect invasions than potentially confounding socioeconomic variables. Based on the observed time lag between plant and insect invasions, we estimated that the global insect invasion debt consists of 3,442 region-level introductions, representing a potential increase of 35% of insect invasions. This debt was most important in the Afrotropics, the Neotropics, and Indomalaya, where we expect a 10 to 20-fold increase in discoveries of new nonnative insect species. Overall, our results highlight the strong link between plant and insect invasions and show that limiting the spread of nonnative plants might be key to preventing future invasions of both plants and insects.
Constitutively active B2 Raf-like kinases are required for drought-responsive gene expression upstream of ABA-activated SnRK2 kinases
Authors: Soma Fumiyuki , Takahashi Fuminori , Kidokoro Satoshi , Kameoka Haruka , Suzuki Takamasa , Uga Yusaku , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yamaguchi-Shinozaki Kazuko
Published: June 2023

Osmotic stresses, such as drought and high salinity, adversely affect plant growth and productivity. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates in response to osmotic stress and enhances stress tolerance in plants by triggering multiple physiological responses through ABA signaling. Subclass III SNF1–related protein kinases 2 (SnRK2s) are key regulators of ABA signaling. Although SnRK2s have long been considered to be self-activated by autophosphorylation after release from PP2C-mediated inhibition, they were recently revealed to be activated by two independent subfamilies of group B Raf-like kinases, B2-RAFs and B3-RAFs, under osmotic stress conditions. However, the relationship between SnRK2 phosphorylation by these RAFs and SnRK2 autophosphorylation and the individual physiological roles of each RAF subfamily remain unknown. In this study, we indicated that B2-RAFs are constantly active and activate SnRK2s when released from PP2C-mediated inhibition by ABA-binding ABA receptors, whereas B3-RAFs are activated only under stress conditions in an ABA-independent manner and enhance SnRK2 activity. Autophosphorylation of subclass III SnRK2s is not sufficient for ABA responses, and B2-RAFs are needed to activate SnRK2s in an ABA-dependent manner. Using plants grown in soil, we found that B2-RAFs regulate subclass III SnRK2s at the early stage of drought stress, whereas B3-RAFs regulate SnRK2s at the later stage. Thus, B2-RAFs are essential kinases for the activation of subclass III SnRK2s in response to ABA under mild osmotic stress conditions, and B3-RAFs function as enhancers of SnRK2 activity under severe stress conditions.
Programmable self-organization of heterogeneous microrobot collectives
Authors: Ceron Steven , Gardi Gaurav , Petersen Kirstin , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2023

At the microscale, coupled physical interactions between collectives of agents can be exploited to enable self-organization. Past systems typically consist of identical agents; however, heterogeneous agents can exhibit asymmetric pairwise interactions which can be used to generate more diverse patterns of self-organization. Here, we study the effect of size heterogeneity in microrobot collectives composed of circular, magnetic microdisks on a fluid–air interface. Each microrobot spins or oscillates about its center axis in response to an external oscillating magnetic field, in turn producing local magnetic, hydrodynamic, and capillary forces that enable diverse collective behaviors. We demonstrate through physical experiments and simulations that the heterogeneous collective can exploit the differences in microrobot size to enable programmable self-organization, density, morphology, and interaction with external passive objects. Specifically, we can control the level of self-organization by microrobot size, enable organized aggregation, dispersion, and locomotion, change the overall shape of the collective from circular to ellipse, and cage or expel objects. We characterize the fundamental self-organization behavior across a parameter space of magnetic field frequency, relative disk size, and relative populations; we replicate the behavior through a physical model and a swarming coupled oscillator model to show that the dominant effect stems from asymmetric interactions between the different-sized disks. Our work furthers insights into self-organization in heterogeneous microrobot collectives and moves us closer to the goal of applying such collectives to programmable self-assembly and active matter.
Odd–even disparity in the population of slipped hairpins in RNA repeat sequences with implications for phase separation
Authors: Maity Hiranmay , Nguyen Hung T. , Hori Naoto , Thirumalai D.
Published: June 2023

Low-complexity nucleotide repeat sequences, which are implicated in several neurological disorders, undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) provided the number of repeat units,
n
, exceeds a critical value. Here, we establish a link between the folding landscapes of the monomers of trinucleotide repeats and their propensity to self-associate. Simulations using a coarse-grained Self-Organized Polymer (SOP) model for (CAG)

n

repeats in monovalent salt solutions reproduce experimentally measured melting temperatures, which are available only for small
n
. By extending the simulations to large
n
, we show that the free-energy gap,
ΔG

S

, between the ground state (GS) and slipped hairpin (SH) states is a predictor of aggregation propensity. The GS for even
n
is a perfect hairpin (PH), whereas it is a SH when
n
is odd. The value of
ΔG

S

(zero for odd
n
) is larger for even
n
than for odd
n
. As a result, the rate of dimer formation is slower in (CAG)
30
relative to (CAG)
31
, thus linking
ΔG

S

to RNA–RNA association. The yield of the dimer decreases dramatically, compared to the wild type, in mutant sequences in which the population of the SH decreases substantially. Association between RNA chains is preceded by a transition to the SH even if the GS is a PH. The finding that the excitation spectrum—which depends on the exact sequence,
n
, and ionic conditions—is a predictor of self-association should also hold for other RNAs (mRNA for example) that undergo LLPS.
Teaching phraseology in the 19th century
Authors: Nuccorini Stefania
Published: June 2023

Phraseology has long been associated with
lexicography (Knappe,
2004), especially with bilingual dictionaries, which have
traditionally had a didactic aspect (Moon, 2000). In the 19th century, it was
considered a fundamental area of concern in teaching and learning a
foreign language and the Royal phraseological
English–French, French–English dictionary (Tarver, Vol.
1, 1845; Vol. 2, 1849) addressed it by
recording “an extensive phraseology to illustrate the proper manner
of using the words” (1845, p. 7), with a novel lexicological,
lexicographical and pedagogical approach. This chapter shows that
Tarver’s dictionary innovates in relation to the few previous,
comparable lexicographical works, and that it foreshadows later,
especially 20th-century, approaches to the inclusion and treatment
for didactic purposes of word combinations in English
general-purpose and specialized learner dictionaries.
Innovation in monolingual English learner’s dictionaries
Authors: Heuberger Reinhard
Published: June 2023

80 years have passed since the publication of
A. S. Hornby et al.’s Idiomatic and syntactic English
dictionary (1942), which was reprinted a few years
later by Oxford University Press as A learner’s dictionary
of current English (1948). Hornby et al.’s publication
firmly established a new and distinct genre of dictionary that has
been at the forefront of lexicographic innovation during the past
decades. This paper examines the historical development of selected
key features of monolingual English learner’s dictionaries,
focussing on major innovations and their significance for the users.
It concentrates on areas such as defining vocabularies and
definitions, grammar and usage, example sentences and the use of
corpora, and also briefly touches upon electronic learner’s
dictionaries.
Change without innovation?
Authors: Giesler Tim , Doff Sabine
Published: June 2023

In the context of language education,
innovation seems a problematic concept.
Although there is no doubt that teaching methods have changed in the
200 or so years that modern foreign languages have been taught in
schools, it is usually highly debatable that they were as “new” as
claimed when they were introduced. One example is the “Direct”
methodology promoted by protagonists of the late 19th-century Reform
Movement, which had in fact already been in use before the 1880s –
language teachers for girls and for future merchants, for example,
had already been focusing on functional aspects at the grassroots
level because this served needs in these specific contexts well.
They, in turn, had not “invented” these methods but had drawn upon
long functional traditions. Secondly, at roughly the same time,
modern language teacher education was becoming professionalized and
some former teachers went into teacher training or were named to one
of the new university chairs for modern foreign language teaching.
Justifying and promoting their ideas, they neglected (or simply
forgot about) the traditions that had given rise to them.
Revisiting Sentence Adverbials and Relevance
Authors: Pandarova Irina T.
Published: June 2023

This book offers a fresh take on several long-standing issues relating to the (non-)truth-conditional interpretation of epistemic, evidential, hearsay and attitudinal sentence adverbials. Drawing on a wealth of data from English and German, it shows for the first time that all four adverbial classes can have both truth-conditional and non-truth-conditional (parenthetical) readings. A novel account is presented according to which (non-)truth-conditional readings may arise at either the syntactic or the pragmatic level. Couched in relevance theory, the book also re-examines the explicature and illocutionary status of the adverbial qualification and the qualified proposition, and refines the notions of pointhood and at-issueness to provide an original information-structural analysis applicable to not just sentence adverbials but a range of other propositional qualifiers. Finally, the investigation identifies five factors affecting (non-)truth-conditional interpretation: linear position, prosody, the semantics of the adverbial, its information-structural properties and the wider context. The book will be of interest to those interested in relevance theory, the semantics/pragmatics interface, the syntax/pragmatics interface and information structure, as well as for syntacticians, semanticists and pragmatists interested in sentence adverbials, other propositional qualifiers and parentheticality, syntactic and interpretational.
Training of load haul dump (LHD) machine operators: A case study at LKAB's Kiirunavaara mine
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Gustafson Anna , Schunnesson Håkan
Published: June 2023

Mining is a high-risk industry, so efficiency and safety are key priorities. Technological advancements, such as digitisation, digitalisation, and automation have made mines safer. These developments have also highlighted the need for operators with updated skills and improved education programs. This study analysed the training of semi-autonomous and manual Load Haul Dump (LHD) operators’ at LKAB's Kiirunavaara mine, focusing on operators’ training, perspective and integration of more recent tool such as simulator training. The survey questionnaire was sent to all 120 LHD operators. 86 answers were received, giving response rate of 70%. Results showed that operators generally were satisfied with how the training was structured, organised, and delivered. However, they wanted to add more topics, including practical loading, spending time with departments of other sub-processes, etc. In addition, 36% of the operators, including 20% of those operating semi-autonomous LHDs, and 80% of those operating manual LHDs, found simulator training difficult.
Human RELA dominant-negative mutations underlie type I interferonopathy with autoinflammation and autoimmunity
Authors: Moriya Kunihiko , Nakano Tomohiro , Honda Yoshitaka , Tsumura Miyuki , Ogishi Masato , Sonoda Motoshi , Nishitani-Isa Masahiko , Uchida Takashi , Hbibi Mohamed , Mizoguchi Yoko , Ishimura Masataka , Izawa Kazushi , Asano Takaki , Kakuta Fumihiko , Abukawa Daiki , Rinchai Darawan , Zhang Peng , Kambe Naotomo , Bousfiha Aziz , Yasumi Takahiro , Boisson Bertrand , Puel Anne , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Nishikomori Ryuta , Ohga Shouichi , Okada Satoshi , Sasahara Yoji , Kure Shigeo
Published: June 2023

Inborn errors of the NF-κB pathways underlie various clinical phenotypes in humans. Heterozygous germline loss-of-expression and loss-of-function mutations in RELA underlie RELA haploinsufficiency, which results in TNF-dependent chronic mucocutaneous ulceration and autoimmune hematological disorders. We here report six patients from five families with additional autoinflammatory and autoimmune manifestations. These patients are heterozygous for RELA mutations, all of which are in the 3′ segment of the gene and create a premature stop codon. Truncated and loss-of-function RelA proteins are expressed in the patients’ cells and exert a dominant-negative effect. Enhanced expression of TLR7 and MYD88 mRNA in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and non-pDC myeloid cells results in enhanced TLR7-driven secretion of type I/III interferons (IFNs) and interferon-stimulated gene expression in patient-derived leukocytes. Dominant-negative mutations in RELA thus underlie a novel form of type I interferonopathy with systemic autoinflammatory and autoimmune manifestations due to excessive IFN production, probably triggered by otherwise non-pathogenic TLR ligands.
Inborn errors of human B cell development, differentiation, and function
Authors: Tangye Stuart G. , Nguyen Tina , Deenick Elissa K. , Bryant Vanessa L. , Ma Cindy S.
Published: June 2023

B cells develop from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Once generated, they serve multiple roles in immune regulation and host defense. However, their most important function is producing antibodies (Ab) that efficiently clear invading pathogens. This is achieved by generating memory B cells that rapidly respond to subsequent Ag exposure, and plasma cells (PCs) that continually secrete Ab. These B cell subsets maintain humoral immunity and host protection against recurrent infections for extended periods of time. Thus, the generation of antigen (Ag)-specific memory cells and PCs underlies long-lived serological immunity, contributing to the success of most vaccines. Our understanding of immunity is often derived from animal models. However, analysis of individuals with monogenic defects that disrupt immune cell function are unprecedented models to link genotypes to clinical phenotypes, establish mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, and elucidate critical pathways for immune cell development and differentiation. Here, we review fundamental breakthroughs in unraveling the complexities of humoral immunity in humans that have come from the discovery of inborn errors disrupting B cell function.
Gold nanostars loaded fabrics as flexible, low-cost SERS substrates and swab-based detection of thiram on fruits and vegetables
Authors: Satani Sampath Kumar , Moram Sree Satya Bharati , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: June 2023

Currently, flexible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates have gained tremendous interest because they enable sample collection from uneven surfaces in real sensing applications. Herein, two different flexible textiles (cotton and synthetic fabrics) loaded with star-shaped gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) were utilized for detailed studies and are demonstrated as SERS substrates. Both fabrics were soaked in Au NPs synthesized via a simple wet chemical method. The colloidal star-shaped Au NPs were characterized by UV-visible absorption and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The C- and S-fabrics loaded with Au NPs were characterized by FESEM, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic techniques. Subsequently, the SERS efficiency of C- and S-fabrics was examined with thiram, methylene Blue (MB), and Nile Blue (NB) molecules. Furthermore, pesticide (thiram) residues on the surfaces of a banana, an apple, and a spinach leaf were investigated by a simple swabbing method. The utility of these substrates is demonstrated by performing the SERS measurements using a portable Raman spectrometer, which is expedient for real-time applications.
Construction of optimized tight-binding models using ab initio Hamiltonian: application to monolayer 2H-transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Kim Sejoong
Published: June 2023

We present optimized tight-binding (TB) models with atomic orbitals to improve ab initio TB models constructed by truncating full density functional theory (DFT) Hamiltonian based on localized orbitals. Retaining qualitative features of the original Hamiltonian, the optimization reduces quantitative deviations in overall band structures between the ab initio TB model and the full DFT Hamiltonian. The optimization procedure and related details are demonstrated by using semiconducting and metallic Janus transition metal dichalcogenides monolayers in the 2 H configuration. Varying the truncation range from partial second neighbors to third ones, we show differences in electronic structures between the truncated TB model and the original full Hamiltonian, and how much the optimization can remedy the quantitative loss induced by truncation. We further elaborate the optimization process so that local electronic properties such as valence and conduction band edges and Fermi surfaces are precisely reproduced by the optimized TB model. We also extend our discussions to TB models including spin-orbit interactions, so we provide the optimized TB model replicating spin-related properties of the original Hamiltonian such as spin textures. The optimization process described here can be readily applied to construct the fine-tuned TB model based on various DFT calculations.
Calibration method for planar SQUID gradiometers based on the magnetic gradient tensor components
Authors: Wu Jun , Rong Liangliang , Jia Haozhen , Zhang Guofeng , Qiu Longqing , Dong Hui , Pei Yifeng , Zhang Shulin , Yuan Xiaobing , Li Baoqing
Published: June 2023

The accuracy of tesla/volt calibration factors for superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) gradiometers is essential to take advantage of the magnetic gradient tensor (MGT), but the accuracy of the published calibration procedures ranges from tenths of percent to a few percent. In this paper, we propose an efficient calibration method for planar SQUID gradiometers based on MGT components. The factors affecting the calibration accuracy and the optimal inclination angle for calibration were investigated by analyzing the response characteristics of planar SQUID gradiometers to the MGT components. By superposition of square coils and gridding of pickup loops, numerical models of the response of planar gradiometers to different types of Maxwell coils were built to simulate theoretical calibration accuracy and calibration errors due to position, attitude and imbalance. We built a calibration setup to achieve high-precision simultaneous calibration of multi-channel planar SQUID gradiometers and investigated the effect of eddy current on the calibration accuracy. The results show that simulation and experimental results are in general agreement by taking into account various error factors. A calibration error of about 0.4% is achieved.
Characterization of breast tissues in density and effective atomic number basis via spectral X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Vrbaški Stevan , Arana Peña Lucia Mariel , Brombal Luca , Donato Sandro , Taibi Angelo , Contillo Adriano , Longo Renata
Published: June 2023

Objective. Differentiation of breast tissues is challenging in X-ray imaging because tissues might share similar or even the same linear attenuation coefficients μ. Spectral computed tomography (CT) allows for more quantitative characterization in terms of tissue density (ρ) and effective atomic number (Z
eff) by exploiting the energy dependence of μ. The objective of this study was to examine the potential of ρ/Z
eff decomposition in spectral breast CT so as to explore the benefits of tissue characterization and improve the diagnostic accuracy of this emerging 3D imaging technique. Approach. In this work, 5 mastectomy samples and a phantom with inserts mimicking breast soft tissues were evaluated in a retrospective study. The samples were imaged at three monochromatic energy levels in the range of 24–38 keV at 5 mGy per scan using a propagation-based phase-contrast setup at SYRMEP beamline at the Italian national synchrotron Elettra. Main results. A custom-made algorithm incorporating CT reconstructions of an arbitrary number of spectral energy channels was developed to extract the density and effective atomic number of adipose, fibro-glandular, pure glandular, tumor, and skin from regions selected by a radiologist. Significance. Preliminary results suggest that, via spectral CT, it is possible to enhance tissue differentiation. It was found that adipose, fibro-glandular and tumorous tissues have average effective atomic numbers (5.94 ± 0.09, 7.03 ± 0.012, and 7.40 ± 0.10) and densities (0.90 ± 0.02, 0.96 ± 0.02, and 1.07 ± 0.03 g cm−3) and can be better distinguished if both quantitative values are observed together.
A finger-snapping inspired bistable mechanism for converting low-frequency vibrations to high-speed rotation
Authors: Tan Qinxue , Li Rongchun , Ma Xiaoyu , Zhao Hongyuan , Zhao Shizhong , Fan Kangqi , Zhang Chao , Zhu Zhaofei
Published: June 2023

Low-frequency vibrations can be exploited to drive a series of rotation-based devices (e.g. miniaturized centrifuges and energy harvesters), but their practical applications are hindered by the low rotation speeds of vibration-to-rotation conversion mechanisms. To address this issue, we report herein a finger-snapping inspired bistable mechanism that can achieve high-speed rotation out of low-frequency vibrations (<5 Hz). The proposed bistable mechanism consists of two sprung-cranks, a proof mass attached with a curved beam, and a pawl, in which the bistability is owed to the coupling of the potential energy of the springs with that of the deformed beam. Both theoretical simulations and experimental tests have been done to show the feasibility of the bistable mechanism. When triggered by vibrations with frequencies varying from 3.2 Hz to 4.5 Hz, the bistable mechanism can drive a rotor to rotate uni-directionally with high speeds ranging from 900 rpm to 1300 rpm. At a low vibration frequency of 3.2 Hz, around 290% increase in the rotation speed can be achieved by the bistable mechanism as compared with the corresponding linear mechanism (rack-and-pinion mechanism). The finger-snapping inspired bistable mechanism is thus a promising candidate in the tapping of ambient low-frequency vibrations as a green energy source for some mechatronic devices.
A numerical method to calculate screening current-dependent self and mutual inductances of REBCO coils
Authors: Bang Jeseok , Park Jeonghwan , Choi Kibum , Kim Geonyoung , Hahn Seungyong
Published: June 2023

The screening current and its relaxation cause the variation of the self- and mutual inductances of REBCO coils—REBCO is one of the high-temperature superconductors. However, most studies of coil voltage analysis on a REBCO magnet, a stack of coils, have reported simulation results assuming invariant self- and mutual inductances so far. Although the conventional assumption of invariant inductances is still acceptable for fundamental coil voltage analyses, it can cause misleading conclusions due to inductive voltage errors when a precise coil voltage analysis is demanded. Hence, here we report a numerical method to calculate screening-current-dependent self- and mutual inductances of REBCO coils for advanced studies based on a lumped-circuit analysis model. In this work, we aim to investigate the inductance variation due to the screening current with a case study and discuss its effects on the coil voltage. We assume that there is a stack of 12 REBCO single-pancake coils. No transverse current in each coil is considered for simplicity. A numerical simulation of the current density in the magnet is performed, and then the inductances are calculated by considering the spatially non-uniform current density due to the screening current. From this case study, we confirm that the self- and mutual inductances are changed by up to 110% and 30% each. It is also confirmed that the discrepancy is notable at the beginning of the charge while marginal at the end. Finally, we discuss the effect of inductance variation on the quench voltage analysis.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of periodic waves in SIR model with driving factors
Authors: Zheng Q Q , Shen J W , Pandey V , Zhao Y M , Guan L N
Published: June 2023

The world faces Covid-19 waves, and the overall pattern of confirmed cases shows periodic oscillations. In this paper, we investigate the spatiotemporal spread of Covid-19 in the network-organized SIR model with an extrinsic incubation period of the driving factors. Firstly, Our analysis shows the occurrences of Hopf bifurcation and periodic outbreaks consistent with the actual spread of Covid-19. And we investigate periodic waves on spatial scales using Turing instability, and the spread of infected individuals increases the localized hot spots. We study the effect of the incubation period, and more incubation periods generate Turing instability resulting in periodic outbreaks. There is an occurrence of bursting states at peaks of periodic waves due to small diffusion of infected and susceptible, which means stable and unstable areas try to convert each other due to high competition among nodes. Also, We note the disappearance of these bursts when infected and susceptible individuals’ movements are easier; thus, the dominance of infected individuals prevails everywhere. Effective policy interventions and seasonality can cause periodic perturbations in the model, and therefore we study the impact of these perturbations on the spread of Covid-19. Periodic perturbations on the driving factors, infected individuals show co-existing spatial patterns. Chaotic outbreak becomes periodic outbreaks through alternating periodic or period-2 outbreaks as we regulate the amplitude and frequency of infected individuals. In short, regulations can erase period-2 and chaotic spread through policy interventions.
Emergence of damped-localized excitations of the Mott state due to disorder
Authors: Souza R S , Pelster A , A dos Santos F E
Published: June 2023

A key aspect of ultracold bosonic quantum gases in deep optical lattice potential wells is the realization of the strongly interacting Mott insulating phase. Many characteristics of this phase are well understood, however little is known about the effects of a random external potential on its gapped quasiparticle and quasihole low-energy excitations. In the present study we investigate the effect of disorder upon the excitations of the Mott insulating state at zero temperature described by the Bose–Hubbard model. Using a field-theoretical approach we obtain a resummed expression for the disorder ensemble average of the spectral function. Its analysis shows that disorder leads to an increase of the effective mass of both quasiparticle and quasihole excitations. Furthermore, it yields the emergence of damped states, which exponentially decay during propagation in space and dominate the whole band when disorder becomes comparable to interactions. We argue that such damped-localized states correspond to single-particle excitations of the Bose-glass phase.
Optimizing spin pumping and spin mixing conductance via Cu spacer layer in Mn2Au/Py system
Authors: Bhusan Jena Bibhuti , Gupta Pushpendra , Nayak Sagarika , Mishra Abhisek , Azevedo Antonio , Ding Haifeng , Bedanta Subhankar
Published: June 2023

Switching magnetization with spin current via spin orbital torque is a novel approach towards energy-efficient spintronics. In this regard, high spin–orbit coupling materials such as heavy metals are required to create the spin current via spin Hall effect. In recent times, a lot of attention has been paid to replace heavy metals by antiferromagnets to be considered as a spin sink. The bimetallic antiferromagnet, Mn2Au has attracted interest due to its high Néel temperature (T
N
> 1000 K) and high spin Hall angle. Here, we present results from experiments on spin pumping and the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) employing ferromagnetic resonance in Mn2Au/Py and Mn2Au/Cu/Py systems. The values of Gilbert damping constant decrease while inverse spin Hall voltage increases with the insertion of Cu spacer layer. This unusual behaviour indicates that the interface plays an important role for tuning the spintronic parameters. The maximum effective spin mixing conductance (

g

eff

↑
↓

) has been evaluated to be 36.20 × 1018 m−2.