bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Multi-dimensional Effect of Family Income on Opportunity Equality of Access to Higher Education in Japan
Authors: Liu Zhangyunan
Published: April 2024

Opportunity of access to higher education is related to personal development, as well as to the future status of the individual in the social hierarchy. Therefore, to ensure the opportunity equality of access to higher education is very important and has been a research focus. However, the existing research on the deep causes affecting the opportunity equality of access to higher education is still limited. As a supplement, this paper takes Japan as the research object, analyzes the current situation of higher education enrollment in Japan from three dimensions of material value, cultural value and thinking value, and finds out that there is also the problem of inequality of access to higher education in Japan. Through the analysis of survey data and qualitative analysis, the paper finds out that educational resources, comprehensive quality, cultural atmosphere of growth environment and students’ thinking patterns are all important factors leading to such inequality, and these factors are all related to family income. Therefore, it can be inferred that family income affects the opportunity equality of access to higher education from multiple dimensions in Japan. In order to promote the equality of access to higher education, this paper puts forward some countermeasures to reduce the influence of family income. In the material dimension, it should improve the existing scholarship structure and increase its popularization rate, reduce the part-time job restriction, and alleviate the imbalance of educational resources caused by income difference. In the cultural dimension, it is necessary to balance the differences in the cultivation of comprehensive quality in different schools and families, and create a proper cultural atmosphere of growth environment for students through various methods. In the thinking dimension, families and schools should make more efforts to cultivate the educational thinking of students.
View on the penetration of ideological and political education in universities during the emergency period of public emergencies
Authors: Huo Ningbo , Long Pan , Lu Jinlong , Li ji
Published: April 2024

Colleges and universities should fully understand the profound significance of ideological and political education, excavate the working position, innovate the working mechanism, and cultivate the firstclass talents with both virtue and ability and all-round development. With the development of social politics and economy, public emergencies occur from time to time, which often bring huge attention and radiation force. Make full use of the special situation of such incidents, and take the initiative to penetrate the ideological and political education of college students, which is not only an objective need for the prevention and control of emergencies, but also a favorable opportunity to accurately carry out the ideological and political education of college students.
A Study on Japanese Translation Strategies and Methods of Sichuan-Chongqing Tourism Promotion Texts from the Perspective of Cross-cultural Pragmatics
Authors: Qian Zheng
Published: April 2024

In order to support the building of the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor and the aim of turning it into a world-class leisure tourist destination, the quality of Japanese translation of Sichuan-Chongqing tourism promotion texts urgently needs to be improved. Translation for external propaganda is a cross-cultural communication activity. During the translation process, the cultural differences between the source language society and the target language society must be fully considered. Based on the current situation of Japanese translation of Sichuan-Chongqing tourism promotion texts, from the perspective of cross-cultural pragmatics, this study proposes four Japanese translation strategies for Sichuan-Chongqing tourism promotion texts: the distinction between domestic and foreign tourists; implicit expression strategy; text-centered; enhancing understanding. Under the guidance of these four strategies, this study puts forward specific Japanese translation methods for tourism promotion texts with different themes such as urban humanities, natural landscapes, and folk culture.
The Process of Museum Digitization Technology
Authors: Xia Qi , Wang Qian , Xue Jialu
Published: April 2024

Museum digitization, the process of utilizing digital technology to record, manage, and showcase museum collections, represents a significant transformation in the modes of cultural and historical heritage preservation. As pivotal institutions tasked with the preservation, protection, and exhibition of human civilization achievements, museums have traditionally fulfilled these roles. The rapid advancement of information technology has made museum digitization a global, irreversible trend. This process involves the conversion of tangible collections into digital formats, breaking through the physical constraints of time and space, thereby providing the public with a more convenient and enriched cultural experience.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the liver: Vascular pathologies and interventions
Authors: Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Prosch Helmut , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed , Scharitzer Martina , Pochepnia Svitlana , Findeisen Hajo , Alhyari Amjad , Raab Nils , Huber Katharina Paulina , Görg Christian
Published: April 2024

Over the past two decades, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been established as a method complementary to B-mode ultrasound and color Doppler sonography for diagnosing vascular liver pathologies and interventions.

The objective of this review is to elucidate the application of CEUS in diagnosing vascular pathologies and interventional procedures.

Considering the limitations of ultrasound, CEUS presents a similar alternative to other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, for evaluating vascular pathologies, guiding interventions, identifying complications, and assessing outcomes post intervention. Due to its widespread availability and the absence of radiation exposure, CEUS should be employed as a primary modality.
Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Qualitative Inquiry among Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practitioners in South Africa
Authors: Khan Faathimah , Maharaj Madhueshwaree , Govender Nalini , Thandar Yasmeen
Published: April 2024

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive endocrinopathy affecting 4–20% of females of reproductive age. PCOS and its consequent complications such as infertility, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease significantly impact clinical management. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including homeopathy, is gaining recognition in PCOS management. There remains a paucity of formal protocols for managing PCOS within homeopathy and other CAM systems.

Aims/objectives This study aimed to explore and document existing therapeutic practices in the management of PCOS from diagnosis to treatment used by practitioners within various disciplines of CAM: viz., homeopathy, ayurveda, unani tibb, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and naturopathy, in the context of their unique philosophical background.

Methods In this explorative, descriptive study, data were collected from CAM practitioners in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Tesch's and Creswell's methods for qualitative analysis.

Results Four themes emerged from the data, namely: CAM philosophical perspectives on PCOS, contributing factors, diagnosis of PCOS, and management of PCOS. Five sub-themes emerged: clinical diagnosis of PCOS, CAM-specific characterisation of PCOS, CAM-specific treatment of PCOS, adjunctive therapies, and lifestyle interventions. Homeopathic management comprised several prescribing methods, the most common ones being miasmatic/constitutional, keynote and clinical, alongside adjunctive therapies and lifestyle interventions. Other CAM modalities adopted similar holistic approaches.

Conclusions This paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the perceptions, clinical investigations and management practices in PCOS by homeopaths and four other CAM modalities – ayurveda, unani tibb, TCM and naturopathy – as documented in the study. Homeopaths and other CAM practitioners employed CAM-specific therapies, along with adjunctive therapies and lifestyle interventions, adopting holistic approaches. Enhancing the quality of life through emotional counselling, stress reduction and lifestyle improvements emerged as shared objectives across modalities. Our findings underscore the need to further explore inter-disciplinary collaboration in PCOS management among registered CAM practitioners, with the potential to expand the scope of comprehensive care for PCOS patients.
Improved description of trapped ions as a modular electromechanical system
Authors: Van Horne N. , Mukherjee M.
Published: April 2024

Trapped ions are among the leading candidates for quantum computing technologies. Interfacing ion qubits in separate traps and interfacing ion qubits with superconducting qubits are two of the many challenges to scale up quantum computers. One approach to overcome both problems is to use a conducting wire to mediate the Coulomb interaction between ions in different traps or between ions and superconducting qubits. To this end, a trapped charged particle inducing charge on a conductor has long been modeled as a system of equivalent lumped element electronic components. Our careful consideration reveals two assumptions in the derivation of this model, which are generally unjustified. We explain how these assumptions undermine the model’s validity, and then introduce an improved way to use linear relationships to describe the interaction of trapped ions with nearby conductors. The new method reproduces results equivalent to those of other works that are not based on the circuit element model. This method is targeted for trouble-shooting experimental designs and allows experiments to test and compare the accuracy of different theoretical models.
Development of unsteady reduced-order methods for multi-row turbomachinery flow simulation based on the computational fluids laboratory three-dimensional solver
Authors: Yong Xiaosong , Liu Yangwei , Tang Yumeng
Published: April 2024

Rotor–stator interaction (RSI) is an inherent phenomenon in multi-row turbomachinery. Unsteady reduced-order methods, such as the harmonic balance (HB) method and the space-time gradient (STG) method, have been proposed to capture RSI with fewer computational resources compared to fully unsteady simulation. In this study, the steady mixing-plane method, the HB method, and the STG method are implemented into the open-source external computational fluid laboratory three-dimensional (CFL3D) flow solver to gain the ability to predict turbomachinery flows based on solving Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Additionally, a rotation interpolation approach for adjacent blades is implemented for the unsteady multi-row turbomachinery simulation. For the HB method, the phase-lag periodic conditions and the temporal interpolation approach between two adjacent blade rows are integrated into CFL3D. Then, the steady mixing-plane method, the HB method, the STG method, and the fully unsteady simulation method are conducted on a quasi-three-dimensional radial slice and a three-dimensional geometry of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Stage-35 compressor. Both the transient and time-averaged flowfield predicted by the reduced-order methods are compared with the unsteady simulations. Results indicate that the STG method and the HB method can accurately simulate the unsteady flow with better predictions of RSI impact. For the HB method, accurate prediction of transient unsteady flow requires a minimum of seven harmonics, whereas the time-averaged flow requires only five harmonics. Additionally, a quantitative assessment of computational speed is conducted, revealing that the HB method with seven harmonics achieved a speed 28 times faster than the fully unsteady simulation.
Transport and clogging of microplastic particles in porous media: Microscale experiments and statistical analysis
Authors: Xu Henglei , Zhang Yiping , Zhang Wenming , Tang Yao , Zhou Yongchao , Tang Ping , Zhang Tuqiao
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the migration and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the natural environment have garnered worldwide attention. However, little is known about the transport and intercept of MPs in infiltration systems. In infiltration systems, MPs could affect the flow through porous media, leading to complex flow and removal dynamics in various engineering applications. This will threaten the ecosystem and human health due to the characteristics of MPs. In this study, a two-dimensional porous media flow cell was developed to visualize the transport and intercept of microplastic particles in porous media. Statistical data on pore characteristics were gathered by tracking changes in pore clogging state under different particle concentrations and flow rates. It was found that the size ratio dt/dp was the critical factor influencing pore throat clogging probability. Pore throats were categorized into persistent-clogging, occasional-clogging, and non-clogging based on their clogging probability at different dt/dp. Additionally, the parameter dt/dpU that distinguished the occasional-clogging zone from the non-clogging zone decreased with increasing particle concentration. The clogging probability in the occasional-clogging zone was influenced by dt/dp, particle flux, and flow velocity in the pore throat. Furthermore, two distinct clogging mechanisms, independent and dependent clogging, were observed, determined by the states of neighboring pores. These findings have implications for assessing the interception performance of MPs in filtration systems. The results enhance our understanding of MPs transport and interception dynamics in porous media and contribute to the optimization of filtration system design and operation.
Hybrid graphene-high-aspect ratio plasmonic nanograting systems
Authors: Ogawa Shinpei , Iwakawa Manabu , Shimatani Masaaki , Fukushima Shoichiro
Published: April 2024

One-dimensional plasmonic nanogratings (1D-PNGs) with high aspect ratios and narrow grooves promise enhanced coupling for hybrid graphene systems with the localized surface plasmon of the metallic grating and graphene surface plasmons. However, both the fabrication of the 1D-PNG and the application of graphene to it are difficult. We developed 1D-PNGs with a high aspect ratio of 15 and narrow grooves of 100 nm in width using the tapered mold method and a dry graphene-transfer procedure. Raman spectroscopy measurements showed that monolayer graphene was successfully transferred onto the 1D-PNGs, and the graphene was strongly doped with Au in the 1D-PNGs. Graphene on narrow grooves (free-standing graphene) demonstrated an almost identical p-doping level to graphene on Au because the narrow groove width allowed sufficient doping by Au for graphene on grooves. Reflectance measurements showed that the 1D-PNGs exhibited polarization- and wavelength-selective absorption at infrared (IR) wavelengths, and the effect of graphene blue-shifted the absorption peak wavelength induced by the surface plasmon resonance of 1D-PNGs. Numerical calculations agree well with these experimental results and indicate that the electric field strongly localizes on graphene in the grooves. Moreover, the doping level tunes the absorption wavelength owing to the coupling with graphene plasmons and the surface plasmon resonance of 1D-PNGs. This could provide electrical tunability to the graphene plasmons. Our fabrication procedure produced hybrid graphene-1D-PNGs with high aspect ratios and narrow groove systems for IR wavelengths. This system can contribute to developing high-performance electrically tunable graphene-based IR photodetectors, tunable IR emitters/absorbers, and biological sensors.
Properties of photocurrent and metal contacts of highly resistive ultrawide bandgap semiconductors
Authors: Tingsuwatit A. , Hossain N. K. , Alemoush Z. , Almohammad M. , Li J. , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: April 2024

Ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors inherently exhibit very high electrical resistivities. This property presents not only challenges in probing their electrical transport properties but also difficulties to fabricate, understand, and characterize the electrical properties of metal contacts on these materials. Here, we report the measurements and analysis of the applied electric field dependence of photocurrent to reveal the effect of metal contacts on the transport properties of highly resistive h-BN. Our results indicate that even for h-BN with a room temperature resistivity as high as 1014 Ω cm, the as-deposited metal contact is not a completely blocking type as commonly assumed in previous analyses for other large bandgap insulating materials. By modifying the boundary condition between the metal/semiconductor interface, a quantitative description has been obtained, which can be used to determine if the metal contact is Ohmic or blocking type. This quantitative description should be applicable to all UWBG semiconductors with extremely high electrical resistivities. The work also provides a better understanding of how the metal contact type affects the transport properties of UWBG semiconductors in general.
Two-stage hydrothermal process driven visible light sensitive photocatalytic m-ZnWO4/m-WO3 heterojunction composite materials
Authors: Sahoo Sagarika , Rebekah A. , Lee Kee-Sun
Published: April 2024

The current study reports on the facile two-step hydrothermal synthesis of heterojunction m-ZnWO4/m-WO3 composite powders for visible light sensitive photocatalytic applications. The ZnWO4 particles start crystallizing on the surface of the WO3 powder in the second stage of the reaction in a basic medium. The phases of the composite powders were confirmed using x-ray diffraction analysis. The monoclinic cubic shaped WO3 and rod shaped ZnWO4 morphologies were disclosed from the field emission scanning electron microscope images. Strong interfacial adhesion between ZnWO4 and WO3 was unveiled from the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy study. The optimized composite 5ZW exhibits a calculated bandgap of 2.58 eV, positioning it within the visible light wavelength range (λ = 400–700 nm). Furthermore, there is a notable enhancement in the average lifetime of the electron–hole pair recombination rate, which is extended to 30.3 ns. The composite 5ZW demonstrated 96% methylene blue dye degradation efficiency within 420 min under visible light irradiation at pH 12. Due to the optimal phase fraction and strong interfacial adhesion between ZnWO4 and WO3, the heterojunction scheme seemed to be highly efficient in the 5ZW composite. Hence, it is believed that a two-step hydrothermal method can be a proficient route to prepare heterojunction composites m-ZnWO4/m-WO3 in alkali conditions with visible light active photodegradation efficiency.
Positive rupture solutions of steady states for thin-film-type equations
Authors: Guo Zongming , Wan Fangshu
Published: April 2024

Positive radial and non-radial rupture solutions of steady states for thin-film-type equations are constructed via the asymptotic expansions up to arbitrary orders near the isolated rupture of prescribed positive rupture solutions of the equation. Some new types of rupture solutions for elliptic equations with negative exponents are provided.
Axial crushing responses and energy absorption characteristics of aluminum honeycombs filled with graphene oxide modified rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Liu Dong , Fu Hailong , Zhu Xu , Zou Longqing
Published: April 2024

This study aims to explore the potential application of hollow glass beads (HGB) compounded with graphene oxide (GO, HGB@GO) to improve the mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). This HGB@GO/RPUF composite is considered a potential filler for reinforcing aluminum honeycomb (AH). A characterization of the chemical structure and surface morphology of HGB@GO was conducted, as well as the analysis of its effect on the compression properties of the foam. The compressive strength of HGB@GO/RPUF (4 wt. %) is 146.17% higher than that of pure RPUF. This study also compared the deformation modes of AH and foam-filled honeycomb (F-AH) structure under axial crushing. The interaction effects between the foam and AH were also analyzed. The results indicated that the RPUF improves the compressive capacity and deformation stability of the AH through its good compression properties and interaction with the aluminum foil. The use of HGB@GO/RPUF further enhances the energy absorption characteristics of the F-AH. In comparison with the pure RPUF-AH, the total and specific energy absorption of the HGB@GO/RPUF (4 wt. %)-AH increase by 74.65% and 44.98%, respectively. This work demonstrates that the prepared HGB@GO can enhance the mechanical properties of RPUF, and HGB@GO/RPUF-AH is expected to be a desirable energy-absorbing device.
Low power photodetector based on graphene-WS2-Au structure
Authors: Gao Lin , Kang Bingzi , Wu Han , Jiang Shuisen
Published: April 2024

At present, photodetectors based on traditional semiconductor materials no longer meet the needs of the rapid development of science and technology. Two-dimensional materials have attracted wide attention in academia and industry because of their excellent electrical and optical properties. In addition, WS2 is considered a promising photodetector material because of its tunable band structure, high stability, and high carrier mobility. In this paper, a metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector based on mechanically stripped WS2 material is designed, with a metal used as electrode material. However, the Schottky barrier and trap state between metal-semiconductor structures will lead to decreasing carrier collection efficiency. To further improve the performance of the detector, we consider graphene as the electrode material and design a photodetector with Au–WS2–Graphene (Gra)–Au structure. According to experiments, using graphene as an electrode can significantly improve the photocurrent gain and reduce the dark current. At 1 V positive bias and 3.9 nW illumination power, the responsivity of the Au–WS2–Gra–Au structure is as high as 29.0 A/W, which indicates that it has excellent ability in light response and weak light detection. This research makes it possible to realize photodetectors with low power consumption and ultra-high light responsiveness, which have great application prospects in practical electronic devices.
Enhanced surrounding sound signal acquisition for arbitrary source location by the acoustic higher-order topological insulator
Authors: Ling Minhang , Xu Zitong , Wang Shuxia , Huang Yingzhou , Wang Li
Published: April 2024

Topological acoustics is a rapidly developing field due to its fascinating topological properties in artificial metamaterials. However, the topological crystals are generally composed of coupled waveguides or resonant cavities, which often leads to fixed excitation positions and excessive structure size, so making them difficult to fabricate and apply in real life. In this work, we proposed an ingenious method to manipulate the coupling between resonant units, which takes advantage of the opening direction of the split-multiple-cavity resonator that can be easily adjusted. Based on this structure, a higher-order topological corner state was observed in both simulations and experiments. More interestingly, the sound energy for the corner state is enhanced and can be excited from outside with a point source at an arbitrary location. This peculiar topological phenomenon may find many applications in sound signal acquisition, transmission, and processing.
Chemical bond reorganization in intramolecular proton transfer revealed by ultrafast X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Gu Yonghao , Yong Haiwang , Gu Bing , Mukamel Shaul
Published: April 2024

Time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (TR-XPS) is used in a simulation study to monitor the excited state intramolecular proton transfer between oxygen and nitrogen atoms in 2-(iminomethyl)phenol. Real-time monitoring of the chemical bond breaking and forming processes is obtained through the time evolution of excited-state chemical shifts. By employing individual atomic probes of the proton donor and acceptor atoms, we predict distinct signals with opposite chemical shifts of the donor and acceptor groups during proton transfer. Details of the ultrafast bond breaking and forming dynamics are revealed by extending the classical electron spectroscopy chemical analysis to real time. Through a comparison with simulated time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy at the valence level, the distinct advantage of TR-XPS is demonstrated thanks to its atom specificity.
Exploiting metaphor in disagreement
Authors: van Poppel Lotte , Pilgram Roosmaryn
Published: April 2024

The use of metaphors is a common strategy in argumentative discourse to resolve disagreements and create common
ground. Nonetheless, metaphor use could also backfire. An opponent could, for example, hijack a metaphor to oppose the proponent’s
standpoint. The current study focuses on this type of resistance, which we have dubbed ‘metaphor exploitation’. Such exploitation
is of particular interest because proponents are pragmatically committed to the metaphor which is subsequently exploited to attack
their ideas. This paper introduces a model to distinguish metaphor exploitation from other types of reusing metaphor (extension
and recontextualisation) and contrasts it with the neighbouring phenomenon of metaphor reframing. Subsequently, the model is
applied by analysing the strategic use of metaphor exploitation in a corpus of 196 replies on Twitter (now ‘X’) to a violence
metaphor employed by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (his so-called ‘mugger metaphor’). As such, this paper offers the
tools for systematically analysing the reuse of metaphors in disagreement.
Effects of the trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis on the behaviour of its amphipod host: adaptive or not?
Authors: Leung T.L.F. , Poulin R.
Published: April 2024

There are many recorded cases of parasites that are capable of altering the behaviour of their host to enhance their transmission efficiency. However, not all of these cases are necessarily the results of the parasites actively manipulating host behaviour; they may rather be the ‘by-products’ of pathology caused by the parasite's presence. This study investigates the effect of the microphallid trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis on the behaviour of one of its crustacean intermediate hosts, the amphipod Paracalliope novizealandiae. Uninfected amphipods were experimentally infected by exposure to M. novaezealandensis cercariae. The activity level and vertical position of experimentally infected amphipods were compared with uninfected amphipods at 2 weeks and 6 weeks post-infection, i.e. both before and after the parasite achieved infectivity to its definitive host. Infected amphipods were found to exhibit significantly lower levels of activity and to occur significantly lower in the water column than uninfected controls during both periods. Based on the timing of the change in behaviour exhibited by infected amphipods, the results suggest that the altered behaviour exhibited by P. novizealandiae infected with M. novaezealandensis is most likely due to pathology caused by the parasite rather than a case of active, and adaptive, behavioural manipulation.
Multi-immunodot for rapid differential diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis due to parasitic infections
Authors: Eamsobhana P. , Ongrotchanakun J. , Yoolek A. , Punthuprapasa P. , Monkong N. , Dekumyoy P.
Published: April 2024

A multi-dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the rapid and simple differential diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis due to helminth infections. Ultrafiltered, purified antigens of Parastrongylus (=Angiostrongylus) cantonensis, Gnathostoma spinigerum and Taenia solium metacestodes, the most common parasites that invade the central nervous system and cause eosinophilic pleocytosis, were dotted onto a single nitrocellulose membrane strip. Antigen-coated strips, when blocked with 5% skimmed milk and dried, were stable for at least 6 months at 4°C. With peroxidase conjugated anti-human immunoglobulins and 4-chloro-1-naphthol as a substrate, antibodies in the corresponding patients' sera were clearly detected on the membrane strip as well-defined blue dots. Although cross-reactions between P. cantonensis and G. spinigerum antigens were observed with the use of partially purified antigens, the darkest dot correlated well with the infecting parasites in all cases. This fast, easy and economical multiple dot-blot ELISA method is useful for the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis caused by parasitic helminths, as semi-purified antigens can be easily obtained by ultrafiltration and used. Further improvements using highly specific parasite antigens may make this multi-immunodot test more suitable for wide-scale use in field studies and diagnostic laboratories.
The taxonomy of some Poecilacanthoidea (Eucestoda: Trypanorhyncha) from elasmobranchs off the southern coast of Brazil
Authors: Pinto R.M. , Knoff M. , São Clemente S.C. , Lanfredi R.M. , Gomes D.C.
Published: April 2024

Specimens of elasmobranchs, collected in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were parasitized with Poecilacanthoidea trypanorhynch cestodes. Sharks of the speciesPrionace glaucaharbouredCallitetrarhynchus gracilisandFloriceps saccatus, and those of the speciesSphyrna zygaenawere infected withCallitetrarhynchus speciosus. Details of the proglottids ofF. saccatus, provided by bright-field, and/or scanning electron microscopy, are described. Adults ofF. saccatusare reported for the first time in the Brazilian coast.
Induction of tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1β and matrix metalloproteinases in pulmonary fibrosis of rats infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Tu W.C. , Lai S.C.
Published: April 2024

In angiostrongyliasis, chronic parasite-induced granuloma formation can lead to tissue destruction and fibrosis. Here, the histomorphology of granulomatous fibrosis and proteinase production in the lungs of Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. The relationship between metalloproteinases and granulomatous fibrosis was investigated following infection of each rat with 60 infective larvae. Granulomata and fibrosis were marked in the lungs of rats on day 180 post-inoculation. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of lung mRNA showed an up-expression of proinflammatory cytokine including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). According to Western blot analysis, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) proenzyme was presented in the lungs of uninfected and infected rats, and partial conversion of 72 kDa proenzyme to the 64kDa active form occurred in infected rats. In addition, increased protein levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 were detected in infected lungs, but were undetectable in controls. The results suggest that TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-2, -9, and -13 may be associated with the granulomatous fibrosis.
Synthetic soldiers: Turning T cells into immortal warriors
Authors: Restifo Nicholas P. , Gattinoni Luca
Published: April 2024

The creation of synthetic T cell states has captivated the field of cell-based therapies. Wang et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20232368) describe how disruption of BCOR and ZC3H12A unleashes anti-tumor T cells with unprecedented lifespan and killer instinct. Are we witnessing the birth of immortal super-soldiers in medicine?
A gravitational eye: a method for extracting maximum information from gravitational potentials
Authors: de Villiers Geoffrey D , Vovrosh Jamie , Ridley Kevin D , Holynski Michael
Published: April 2024

Gravity measurements have uses in a wide range of fields including geological mapping and mine-shaft inspection. The specific application under consideration sets limits on the survey and the amount of information that can be obtained. For example, in a conventional gravity survey at the Earth’s surface a gravimeter is translated on a two-dimensional planar grid taking measurements of the vertical component of gravity. If, however, the survey points cannot be chosen so freely, for example if the gravimeter is constrained to operate in a tunnel where only a one-dimensional line of data could be taken, less information will be obtained. To address this situation, we investigate an alternative approach, in the form of an instrument which rotates around a central point measuring the gravitational potential or its radial derivative on the boundary of a sphere. The ability to record additional components of gravity by rotating the gravimeter will give more information than obtained with a single measurement traditionally taken at each point on a survey, consequently reducing ambiguities in interpretation. We term a device which measures the potential, or its radial derivatives, around the surface of a sphere a gravitational eye. In this article we explore ideas of resolution and propose a thought experiment for comparing the performance of diverse types of gravitational eye. We also discuss radial analytic continuation towards sources of gravity and the resulting resolution enhancement, before finally discussing the possibility of using cold-atom gravimetry and gradiometry to construct a gravitational eye. If realised, the gravitational eye will offer revolutionary capability enabling the maximum information to be obtained about features in all directions around it.
Size-induced exchange bias in single-phase CoO nanoparticles
Authors: Sharma Vikash , Pal Sudip , Sharma Divya , Shukla Dinesh Kumar , Chaudhary Ram Janay , Okram Gunadhor Singh
Published: April 2024

The tuning of exchange bias (EB) in nanoparticles has garnered significant attention due to its diverse range of applications. Here, we demonstrate EB in single-phase CoO nanoparticles, where two magnetic phases naturally emerge as the crystallite size decreases from 34.6 ± 0.8 to 10.8 ± 0.9 nm. The Néel temperature (T
N) associated with antiferromagnetic ordering decreases monotonically with the reduction in crystallite size, highlighting the significant influence of size effects. The 34.6 nm nanoparticles exhibit magnetization irreversibility between zero-field cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) states below T
N. With further reduction in size this irreversibility appears well above T
N, resulting in the absence of true paramagnetic regime which indicates the occurnace of an additional magnetic phase. The frequency-dependent ac-susceptibility in 10.8 nm nanoparticles suggests slow dynamics of disordered surface spins above T
N, coinciding with the establishment of long-range order in the core. The thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) and iso-thermoremanent magnetization (IRM) curves suggest a core–shell structure: the core is antiferromagnetic, and the shell consists of disordered surface spins causing ferromagnetic interaction. Hence, the EB in these CoO nanoparticles results from the exchange coupling between an antiferromagnetic core and a disordered shell that exhibits unconventional surface spin characteristics.
Group sparse-based Taylor expansion method for liver pharmacokinetic parameters imaging of dynamic fluorescence molecular tomography
Authors: Wu Yansong , He Xuelei , Chen Zihao , Wei Xiao , Liu Yanqiu , Li Shuangchen , Zhang Heng , Yu Jingjing , Yi Huangjian , Guo Hongbo , He Xiaowei
Published: April 2024

Objective. Pharmacokinetic parametric images obtained through dynamic fluorescence molecular tomography (DFMT) has ability of capturing dynamic changes in fluorescence concentration, thereby providing three-dimensional metabolic information for applications in biological research and drug development. However, data processing of DFMT is time-consuming, involves a vast amount of data, and the problem itself is ill-posed, which significantly limits the application of pharmacokinetic parametric images reconstruction. In this study, group sparse-based Taylor expansion method is proposed to address these problems. Approach. Firstly, Taylor expansion framework is introduced to reduce time and computational cost. Secondly, group sparsity based on structural prior is introduced to improve reconstruction accuracy. Thirdly, alternating iterative solution based on accelerated gradient descent algorithm is introduced to solve the problem. Main results. Numerical simulation and in vivo experimental results demonstrate that, in comparison to existing methods, the proposed approach significantly enhances reconstruction speed without a degradation of quality, particularly when confronted with background fluorescence interference from other organs. Significance. Our research greatly reduces time and computational cost, providing strong support for real-time monitoring of liver metabolism.
Electromechanical properties of uniaxial polar ionic plastic crystal [(C2H5)4N][FeBrCl3]
Authors: Walker Julian , Sødahl Elin Dypvik , Scherrer Simon , Marshall Kenneth , Chernyshov Dmitry , Berland Kristian , Rojac Tadej
Published: April 2024

Ferroelectric plastic crystals are an emerging class of materials that combine room temperature ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity with a high temperature plastic mesophase prior to melting. These materials offer possibilities for accessing different property parameter spaces from the state-of-the-art metal oxide and polymer ferroelectrics. Tetraethylammonium bromotrichloroferrite, [(C2H5)4N][FeBrCl3], has a unipolar wurtzite-like structure and thus may have potential for small but stable piezoelectric coefficients like the iso-symmetrical AlN. In this study, density functional theory was used to compute elastic compliance, piezoelectric coefficients, and dielectric constant values. Single crystals grown from aqueous solutions were evaluated via single crystal synchrotron x-ray diffraction, impedance spectroscopy and high and weak-field electromechanical characterization. Diffraction studies revealed that the anion tetrahedra orientated preferentially so that the Br− ion had a 30% alignment with the polarization vector. Electromechanical measurements found piezoelectric coefficients in the 5–9 pC N−1 and pm V−1 range. The piezoelectric coefficient (d
33) was most stable with 3.4% variation between 0.4 and 90 Hz and 0.5 and 3 V. Additional piezoelectric stability measurements were made as a function of DC bias field and temperature. Impedance measurements indicate contributions from either intrinsic effects unique to ionic plastic crystals, such as molecular rotation, or the extrinsic effect of electrode interfaces, both of which can play a role in the electromechanical response of the materials. The results show that [(C2H5)4N][FeBrCl3] has potential as a small signal piezoelectric that has a softer elastic moduli than AlN but a stiffer moduli than polyvinylidene fluoride, and thus occupies a unique parameter space.
Electronic transport and the thermoelectric properties of donor-doped SrTiO3
Authors: Zhu Yibing , Skelton Jonathan M , Lewis David J , Freer Robert
Published: April 2024

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is widely recognised as an environmentally-benign perovskite material with potential for thermoelectric applications. In this work we employ a systematic modelling approach to study the electronic structure and thermoelectric power factor (PF) of pure SrTiO3 and donor-doped Sr(Ti0.875M0.125)O3 (M = Cr, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta). We find that the carrier concentration required to optimise the PF of SrTiO3 is on the order of 1021 cm−3, in line with experimental studies. Substitution at the Ti (B) site with 12.5 mol% Nb or Ta is predicted to yield the best PF among the six Group V/VI dopants examined, balancing the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity, and doping with the more abundant Nb would likely give the best price/performance ratio. Although W doping can significantly improve the electrical conductivity, this is at the expense of a reduced Seebeck coefficient. The first-row elements V and Cr have a significantly different impact on the electrical properties compared to the other dopants, forming resonant levels or creating hole carriers and leading to poor thermoelectric performance compared to the second- and third-row dopants. However, the reduction in the bandgap due obtained with these dopants may make the materials suitable for other applications such as photovoltaics or photocatalysis. Our modelling reveals the critical carrier concentrations and best B-site dopants for optimising the electrical properties of SrTiO3, and our predictions are supported by good agreement with available experimental data. The work therefore highlights avenues for maximising the thermoelectric properties of this archetypal oxide material.
Damage recovery for SRF photoinjector cavities
Authors: Tamashevich Yegor , Neumann Axel , Frahm Andre , Göbel Frank , Klauke Sascha , Matveenko Alexander , Plötz Henry , Prudnikava Alena , Rudolph Ivo , Schuster Michael , Ullrich Jan , Knobloch Jens
Published: April 2024

Two niobium elliptical 1.3 GHz superconducting radio frequency (SRF) electron photoinjector cavities were successfully recovered after mechanical inner surface damage. Both cavities had deep imprints in the critical high surface electric field area around the photoelectric cathode position. The lengthy repair procedure, which consists of surface inspection and defect characterization, mechanical polishing and light chemical etching is described in detail. In the process, a new high pressure rinsing (HPR) nozzle system optimized for the special photoinjector geometry was also developed. Subsequent cold RF tests demonstrate complete performance recovery. This is the first time that photoinjector cavities damaged in the high electric-field region could be recovered.
Cycle equivalence classes, orthogonal Weingarten calculus, and the mean field theory of memristive systems
Authors: Caravelli F
Published: April 2024

It has been recently noted that for a class of dynamical systems with explicit conservation laws represented via projector operators, the dynamics can be understood in terms of lower dimensional equations. This is the case, for instance, of memristive circuits. Memristive systems are important classes of devices with wide-ranging applications in electronic circuits, artificial neural networks, and memory storage. We show that such mean-field theories can emerge from averages over the group of orthogonal matrices, interpreted as cycle-preserving transformations applied to the projector operator describing Kirchhoff’s laws. Our results provide insights into the fundamental principles underlying the behavior of resistive and memristive circuits and highlight the importance of conservation laws for their mean-field theories. In addition, we argue that our results shed light on the nature of the critical avalanches observed in quasi-two-dimensional nanowires as boundary phenomena.
Combined evaluation of glomerular phospholipase A2 receptor and immunoglobulin G subclass in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Ueki Kenji , Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Matsukuma Yuta , Ataka Eri , Okamoto Hirofumi , Tanaka Shigeru , Masutani Kosuke , Kitazono Takanari , Nakano Toshiaki
Published: April 2024

Background

Phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is a major target antigen in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN). Anti-PLA2R antibodies are mainly of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass IgG4, although other IgG subclass depositions in glomeruli may also be detected. However, the importance of the subclass of the IgG deposit has not been proven. Thus we investigated clinical findings from patients with idiopathic MN in relation to glomerular PLA2R deposition and IgG subclass.

Methods

We enrolled 132 Japanese patients with biopsy-proven idiopathic MN in a multicentre retrospective observational study. We investigated the complete remission rate as the primary outcome and the development of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) as the secondary outcome in relation to glomerular PLA2R deposition. Moreover, we evaluated prognostic factors, including glomerular IgG subclass, in the PLA2R-positive group.

Results

The percentage of cases with glomerular PLA2R deposition was 76.5% (n = 101). The first complete remission rate of the PLA2R-positive group was worse than that of the PLA2R-negative group (logrank test P < .001). ESKD incidence did not significantly differ between the glomerular PLA2R-negative and PLA2R-positive MN groups (logrank test P = .608). In the PLA2R-positive group, higher PLA2R intensities and IgG2 staining were associated with a poorer first complete remission rate (logrank test P < .001 and P = .032, respectively). Cox proportional hazards analysis also showed that strong PLA2R deposition and positive IgG2 staining were significantly associated with a failure to reach complete remission [hazard ratio 2.09 (P = .004) and 1.78 (P = .030), respectively].

Conclusions

Our results suggest that intense glomerular PLA2R and IgG2 positivity predict a poor proteinuria remission rate in idiopathic MN.
A global SS precursor method for imaging discontinuities: the Moho and beyond
Authors: Dai Yuhang , Tharimena Saikiran , Rychert Catherine , Harmon Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Imaging seismic velocity discontinuities within the Earth's interior offers important insight into our understanding of the tectonic plate, associated mantle dynamics, and the evolution of the planet. However, imaging velocity discontinuities in locations where station coverage is sparse, is sometimes challenging. Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of a new imaging approach using deconvolved SS precursor phases. We demonstrate its effectiveness by applying it to synthetic seismograms. We also apply it to ∼1.6 M SS precursor waveforms from the global seismic database (1990–2018) for comparison with CRUST1.0. We migrate to depth and stack the data in circular 6° bins. The synthetic tests demonstrate that we can recover Moho depths as shallow as 20 km. Globally, the Moho is resolved at 21–67 km depth beneath continental regions. The Moho increases in depth from 21 km ± 4 km beneath the continental shelf to 45–50 km beneath the continental interiors and is as deep as 67 ± 4 km beneath Tibet. We resolve the Moho in 77 percent of all continental bins, within 10 km of CRUST1.0, with all outliers located in coastal regions. We also demonstrate the feasibility of using this method to image discontinuities associated with the mantle transition zone with both synthetic and real data. Overall, the approach shows broad promise for imaging mantle discontinuities.
Organoboron routes to unsaturated hydrocarbons
Authors: Thomas Susan E.
Published: April 2024

This chapter opens with a discussion of the synthesis of alkenes. It follows this with the hydroboration of 1-haloalk-1-ynes and looks at treatment with sodium methoxide and then acetic acidproducing (E) alkenes. The chapter then notes that the migrating alkyl group involved in the reaction sequence retains its stereochemistry. The chapter also discusses the hydroboration of alk-1-ynes followed by addition of sodium hydroxide and iodine  giving (Z)-alkenes. The reaction utilizes only one of the alkyl groups of the dialkylborane. The reaction may be used with readily-available alkenes. Lastly, the chapter elucidates the synthesis of alkynes, diynes, (E, E)-dienes, (E,Z)-dienes, and enynes.
Surgical explantation for a rapid deployment valve: the ‘shave-and-hook technique’
Authors: Uehara Kyokun , Shirakami Taku , Arai Yoshio
Published: April 2024

An 80-year-old female patient underwent redo aortic valve replacement for haemolysis caused by moderate paravalvular leakage 1 year after a 21-mm Intuity Elite valve implantation. The elevatorium passed at the segment with paravalvular leakage. The frame was then bent inward using a hook and the peel around the sawing ring was shaved by an elevatorium. After explantation of the Intuity Elite valve, endoscopic examination showed no sign of annular or sub-annular damage. Conventional aortic valve replacement using a biological valve was performed. We introduce a safe alternative technique for explantation of a rapid deployed valve.