bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the solid–fluid interfacial tensions depending on the substrate curvature: Young’s equation holds for wetting around nanoscale cylinder
Authors: Watanabe Keitaro , Kusudo Hiroki , Bistafa Carlos , Omori Takeshi , Yamaguchi Yasutaka
Published: January 2022

By extending the theoretical framework derived in our previous study [Imaizumi et al., J. Chem. Phys. 153, 034701 (2020)], we successfully calculated the solid–liquid (SL) and solid–vapor (SV) interfacial tensions of a simple Lennard-Jones fluid around solid cylinders with nanometer-scale diameters from single equilibrium molecular dynamics systems in which a solid cylinder was vertically immersed into a liquid pool. The SL and SV interfacial tensions γSL − γS0 and γSV − γS0 relative to that for bare solid surface γS0, respectively, were obtained by simple force balance relations on fluid-containing control volumes set around the bottom and top ends of the solid cylinder, which are subject to the fluid stress and the force from the solid. The theoretical contact angle calculated by Young’s equation using these interfacial tensions agreed well with the apparent contact angle estimated by the analytical solution to fit the meniscus shape, showing that Young’s equation holds even for the menisci around solids with nanoscale curvature. We have also found that the curvature effect on the contact angle was surprisingly small while it was indeed large on the local forces exerted on the solid cylinder near the contact line. In addition, the present results showed that the curvature dependence of the SL and SV interfacial free energies, which are the interfacial tensions, is different from that of the corresponding interfacial potential energies.
Soil characteristics and tillage can predict the effect of ‘structure lime’ on soil aggregate stability
Authors: Blomquist Jens , Englund Jan-Eric , Berglund Kerstin
Published: January 2022

Context In Sweden, mixtures of 80–85% ground limestone and 15–20% slaked lime (hereafter, ‘structure lime’) are used in subsidised environmental schemes to improve aggregate stability and mitigate phosphorus losses on clay soils. Aims This study investigated different rates of structure lime application and soil variables on aggregate stability on clay soils, and whether soil properties can predict aggregate stability following structure liming. Methods Increasing application rates of 0–16 t ha−1 of structure lime (SL0, SL4, SL8 and SL16) were tested in 30 field trials in Sweden. Soil aggregates (2–5 mm) were collected 1 year after liming and subjected to two rainfall events in a rain simulator. Key results Leachate turbidity after the second simulated rainfall event decreased significantly (13% and 20%, respectively, in SL8 and SL16) compared with SL0, indicating improved aggregate stability. There was a near-significant interaction (P = 0.056) between treatment and trial. Grouping by initial SR21022_IE1.gif (range 6.2–8.3), clay content (10–61%), soil organic matter content (SOM, 2.2–7.1) and clay mineralogy (SmV index, 0.2–3.8) revealed different effects on turbidity. Discriminant analysis of soil characteristics and four tillage variables correctly classified the outcome for 27 of the 30 trial sites. Conclusions Results show that structure liming can improve aggregate stability 1 year after liming, and can thereby prevent particulate P losses from soils with high clay and SOM content, low SmV index and low initial pH. The discriminant analysis also showed the importance of tillage for the outcome of structure liming. Implications Clay soil characteristics such as SOM and pH significantly affected aggregrate stability after structure liming.
Role of helical structure and dynamics in oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) mismatch tolerance and activation by short dsRNAs
Authors: Schwartz Samantha L. , Dey Debayan , Tanquary Julia , Bair Camden R. , Lowen Anice C. , Conn Graeme L.
Published: January 2022

Significance

The innate immune system is a collection of essential frontline defenses against infectious pathogens such as viruses. Currently, however, we do not fully understand how one innate immune sensor of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), is regulated in the absence of infection, nor the specific features of dsRNA molecules that lead to potent OAS1 activation. Here, we uncover a molecular basis for how sequence-independent features of short dsRNAs influence the extent of OAS1 activation. We also find that OAS1 is able to sense inosine-containing dsRNAs, suggesting that RNA editing may not be a protective mechanism to avoid aberrant cellular activation of OAS1 as has been proposed for other dsRNA sensing innate immune proteins.
Electrophysiological measures from human iPSC-derived neurons are associated with schizophrenia clinical status and predict individual cognitive performance
Authors: Page Stephanie Cerceo , Sripathy Srinidhi Rao , Farinelli Federica , Ye Zengyou , Wang Yanhong , Hiler Daniel J. , Pattie Elizabeth A. , Nguyen Claudia V. , Tippani Madhavi , Moses Rebecca L. , Chen Huei-Ying , Tran Matthew Nguyen , Eagles Nicholas J. , Stolz Joshua M. , Catallini Joseph L. , Soudry Olivia R. , Dickinson Dwight , Berman Karen F. , Apud Jose A. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Martinowich Keri , Jaffe Andrew E. , Straub Richard E. , Maher Brady J.
Published: January 2022

Significance

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex, highly heritable, neurodevelopmental disorder with marked clinical heterogeneity and no clear pathological mechanism or cellular pathology. The polygenic nature of the disorder has hindered our ability to model the disorder in the laboratory. Prior studies of cortical neurons differentiated from SCZ patient and control hiPSCs have identified interesting differences but their relevance to clinical illness in adults remains unclear. We now identify electrophysiological measures that associate with diagnosis and/or predict the severity of clinical and cognitive features of individual adult donors. These results demonstrate neurophysiological measures that are related to the patient’s personal clinical characteristics, which may help with patient stratification and the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotides for cystic fibrosis therapy
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Sivetz Nicole , Layne Jessica , Voss Dillon M. , Yang Lucia , Zhang Qian , Krainer Adrian R.
Published: January 2022

Significance

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (
CFTR
) gene, which can lead to respiratory failure. To date, there is no treatment for CF caused by the
CFTR-
W1282X mutation located on
CFTR
exon 23. Nonsense-mediated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay (NMD) degrades the
CFTR-
W1282X mRNA, leading to low levels of functional CFTR protein. We developed a cocktail of two antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that promotes the skipping of exon 23 of the
CFTR-
W1282X mRNA. The resulting mRNA is NMD resistant and preserves the reading frame. Its translation produces CFTR-Δex23 protein that improves CFTR activity in human bronchial epithelial cells. Our results set the stage for developing an ASO therapy for CF caused by the W1282X mutation.
Perception of economic inequality: concepts, associated factors and prospects of a burgeoning research agenda (Percepción de desigualdad económica: conceptos, factores asociados yproyecciones de una agenda creciente de investigación)
Authors: Castillo Juan-Carlos , García-Castro Juan-Diego , Venegas Martín
Published: January 2022

Perceptions of economic inequality have become a topic of growing interest in research from different social science disciplines. This article presents an up-to-date literature review of studies on this topic, stressing aspects related to its conceptualization and measurement, as well as psychosocial, socioeconomic and contextual factors associated with the perception of inequality. This review ends by pointing out some consequences of perception of inequality and identifying some pathways for future research agendas
Microstructure and corrosion behaviour of WC/NiCrBSi coatings by vacuum cladding
Authors: Zhang H.F. , Zhang C.H. , Wang Z.Y. , Cui X. , Zhang S. , Chen H.T.
Published: January 2022

In this work, the WC-NiCrBSi and in-situ synthesised WC (IWC)-NiCrBSi coatings were successfully fabricated on SS 316 L using vacuum cladding process to investigate the WC-reinforced NiCrBSi alloy by the two methods. XRD, SEM and EDS were performed to characterise the phase constituents, microstructure and chemical composition, respectively. Subsequently, electrochemical corrosion and cavitation tests of the coatings were carried out in 3.5 wt-% NaCl solution. The results showed that the WC-NiCrBSi cladding coating was mainly composed of γ-Ni, FeNi3, WC, Cr23C6 and CrB phases, while the IWC-NiCrBSi cladding coating was composed of γ-Ni, WC, FeNi3, Cr23C6, Cr7C3, CrB phases. The corrosion current density of the WC-NiCrBSi and IWC-NiCrBSi coatings were 5.01 × 10−7 and 3.57 × 10−7 A/cm2, respectively. The combined analysis of cumulative weight loss curve and cavitation morphology revealed a better cavitation resistance by the IWC-NiCrBSi coating than the WC-NiCrBSi coating in 3.5 wt-% NaCl solution.
Challenges in addressing student difficulties with time-development of two-state quantum systems using a multiple-choice question sequence in virtual and in-person classes
Authors: Hu Peter , Li Yangqiuting , Singh Chandralekha
Published: January 2022

Research-validated clicker questions as instructional tools for formative assessment are relatively easy to implement and can provide effective scaffolding when developed and implemented in a sequence. We present findings from the implementation of a research-validated clicker question sequence (CQS) on student understanding of the time-development of two-state quantum systems. This study was conducted in an advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics course for two consecutive years in virtual and in-person classes. The effectiveness of the CQS discussed here in both modes of instruction was determined by evaluating students’ performance after traditional lecture-based instruction and comparing it to their performance after engaging with the CQS.
An intensity demodulated refractive index sensor based on a hollow-core anti-resonant fiber
Authors: Liu Shidi , Yang Tianyu , Zhang Liang , Tian Ming , Dong Yuming
Published: January 2022

A robust and simple mid-infrared hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (ARF) based refractive index (RI) sensor with an intensity demodulation method is presented and analyzed for monitoring liquid analytes. The ARF allows liquid analytes to flow through its hollow area for detection. To obtain ideal sensing performance, an epsilon negative (ENG) material is introduced into the selected anti-resonant tube. With the high absorption of the ENG material, only one fundamental mode is available for detection and is sensitive to the RI variation of analytes. Moreover, the effects of structural parameters on the sensing performances are discussed and analyzed to further understand the mechanism and optimization. The final result shows that the ARF sensor can exhibit a high sensitivity of −372.58 dB RIU−1 at a fixed wavelength within a broad RI range from 1.33 to 1.45, which covers most liquid analytes. It is a promising candidate for chemical and environmental analysis. Additionally, it has the potential for deep research to feed diverse applications.
Majorana zero modes induced by superconducting phase bias
Authors: Lesser Omri , Oreg Yuval
Published: January 2022

Majorana zero modes in condensed matter systems have been the subject of much interest in recent years. Their non-Abelian exchange statistics, making them a unique state of matter, and their potential applications in topological quantum computation, earned them attention from both theorists and experimentalists. It is generally understood that in order to form Majorana zero modes in quasi-one-dimensional topological insulators, time-reversal symmetry must be broken. The straightforward mechanisms for doing so—applying magnetic fields or coupling to ferromagnets—turned out to have many unwanted side effects, such as degradation of superconductivity and the formation of sub-gap states, which is part of the reason Majorana zero modes have been eluding direct experimental detection for a long time. Here we review several proposal that rely on controlling the phase of the superconducting order parameter, either as the sole mechanism for time-reversal-symmetry breaking, or as an additional handy knob used to reduce the applied magnetic field. These proposals hold practical promise to improve Majorana formation, and they shed light on the physics underlying the formation of the topological superconducting state.
A hybrid deep-learning model for fault diagnosis of rolling bearings in strong noise environments
Authors: Zhang Ke , Fan Caizi , Zhang Xiaochen , Shi Huaitao , Li Songhua
Published: January 2022

Strong noise in practical engineering environments interferes with the signal of a rolling bearing, which leads to the decline of the diagnosis accuracy of intelligent diagnosis models. This paper proposes a novel hybrid model (a convolutional denoising auto-encoder (CDAE)-BLCNN) to address this problem. First, the rolling bearing vibration signal containing noise was input into the CDAE, which denoises the signal through unsupervised learning and then outputs the reconstructed data. Secondly, a hybrid neural network (BLCNN), composed of a multi-scale wide convolution neural network and a bidirectional long-short-term memory network, was used to extract intrinsic fault features from the reconstructed signal and diagnose fault types. The analysis results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid deep-learning model achieves higher detection accuracy, even under different noise levels and various rotating speeds. Compared with other models, there is a high fault recognition rate, robustness, and generalization ability, which may be favorable to practical applications.
Investigation of the stability of graphene devices for quantum resistance metrology at direct and alternating current
Authors: Chae Dong-Hun , Kruskopf Mattias , Kucera Jan , Park Jaesung , Tran Ngoc Thanh Mai , Kim Dan Bee , Pierz Klaus , Götz Martin , Yin Yefei , Svoboda Pavel , Chrobok Petr , Couëdo François , Schopfer Félicien
Published: January 2022

Interlaboratory comparisons of the quantized Hall resistance (QHR) are essential to verify the international coherence of primary impedance standards. Here, we report on the investigation of the stability of p-doped graphene-based QHR devices at direct and alternating currents at CMI, KRISS, and PTB. To improve the stability of the electronic transport properties of the polymer-encapsulated devices, they were shipped in an over-pressurized transport chamber. The agreement of the quantized resistance with R
K/2 at direct current was on the order of 1 nΩ Ω−1 between 3.5 and 7.5 T at a temperature of 4.2 K despite changes in the carrier density during the shipping of the devices. At alternating current, the quantized resistance was realized in a double-shielded graphene Hall device. Preliminary measurements with digital impedance bridges demonstrate the good reproducibility of the quantized resistance near the frequency of 1 kHz within 0.1 μΩ Ω−1 throughout the international delivery.
A review on magnetic and spintronic neurostimulation: challenges and prospects
Authors: Saha Renata , Wu Kai , Bloom Robert P , Liang Shuang , Tonini Denis , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: January 2022

In the treatment of neurodegenerative, sensory and cardiovascular diseases, electrical probes and arrays have shown quite a promising success rate. However, despite the outstanding clinical outcomes, their operation is significantly hindered by non-selective control of electric fields. A promising alternative is micromagnetic stimulation (μMS) due to the high permeability of magnetic field through biological tissues. The induced electric field from the time-varying magnetic field generated by magnetic neurostimulators is used to remotely stimulate neighboring neurons. Due to the spatial asymmetry of the induced electric field, high spatial selectivity of neurostimulation has been realized. Herein, some popular choices of magnetic neurostimulators such as microcoils (μcoils) and spintronic nanodevices are reviewed. The neurostimulator features such as power consumption and resolution (aiming at cellular level) are discussed. In addition, the chronic stability and biocompatibility of these implantable neurostimulator are commented in favor of further translation to clinical settings. Furthermore, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), as another invaluable neurostimulation material, has emerged in recent years. Thus, in this review we have also included MNPs as a remote neurostimulation solution that overcomes physical limitations of invasive implants. Overall, this review provides peers with the recent development of ultra-low power, cellular-level, spatially selective magnetic neurostimulators of dimensions within micro- to nano-range for treating chronic neurological disorders. At the end of this review, some potential applications of next generation neuro-devices have also been discussed.
A five-band absorber based on graphene metamaterial for terahertz ultrasensing
Authors: Jiang Weijie , Chen Tao
Published: January 2022

We design and propose a five-band absorber based on graphene metamaterial for the terahertz (THz) sensing field. The localized surface plasmon resonances of patterned graphene are excited, contributing to five tunable ultra-narrow absorption peaks, which are specified by the electric field distributions. Moreover, the absorber is insensitive to different polarization modes and incident angles. When increasing the Fermi level of the patterned graphene, which is composed of a round ring and a square ring connected by four thin wires, the resonant frequencies exhibit distinct blue shifts. For refractive index sensing, due to the addition of a continuous dielectric groove, the theoretical results show that the maximum averaged normalized sensitivity, Q factor, and FOM can reach 0.647 RIU−1 (refractive index unit, RIU), 355.94, and 215.25 RIU−1, indicating that the sensing performances are further enhanced compared with previous works. As a result, the proposed structure may provide a new method to realize ultrasensing in the THz region.
Broadband frequency conversion of ultrashort pulses using high-Q metasurface resonators
Authors: Stolt Timo , Huttunen Mikko J
Published: January 2022

Frequency conversion of light can be dramatically enhanced using high quality factor (Q-factor) resonator. Unfortunately, the achievable conversion efficiencies and conversion bandwidths are fundamentally limited by the time–bandwidth limit of the resonator, restricting their use in frequency conversion of ultrashort pulses. Here, we propose and numerically demonstrate sum-frequency generation based frequency conversion using a metasurface-based resonator configuration that could overcome this limitation. The proposed experimental configuration takes use of the spatially dispersive responses of periodic metasurfaces supporting collective surface lattice resonances (SLRs), and can be utilized for broadband frequency conversion of ultrashort pulses. We investigate a plasmonic metasurface, supporting a high-Q SLR (Q = 500, linewidth of 2 nm) centered near 1000 nm, and demonstrate ∼1000-fold enhancements of nonlinear signals. Furthermore, we demonstrate broadband frequency conversion with a pump conversion bandwidth reaching 75 nm, a value that greatly surpasses the linewidth of the studied resonator. Our work opens new avenues to utilize high-Q metasurfaces for broadband nonlinear frequency conversion.
Ultrafast multidimensional spectroscopy with field resolution and noncollinear geometry at mid-infrared frequencies
Authors: Deckert Thomas , Allerbeck Jonas , Kurihara Takayuki , Brida Daniele
Published: January 2022

Energetic correlations and their dynamics govern the fundamental properties of condensed matter materials. Ultrafast multidimensional spectroscopy in the mid infrared is an advanced technique to study such coherent low-energy dynamics. The intrinsic many-body phenomena in functional solid-state materials, in particular few-layer samples, remain widely unexplored to this date, because complex and weak sample responses demand versatile and sensitive detection. Here, we present a novel setup for ultrafast multidimensional spectroscopy with noncollinear geometry and complete field resolution in the 15–40 THz range. Electric fields up to few-100 kV cm−1 drive coherent dynamics in a perturbative regime, and an advanced modulation scheme allows to detect nonlinear signals down to a few tens of V cm−1 entirely background-free with high sensitivity and full control over the geometric phase-matching conditions. Our system aims at the investigation of correlations and many-body interactions in condensed matter systems at low energy. Benchmark measurements on bulk indium antimonide reveal a strong six-wave mixing signal and map ultra-fast changes of the band structure with access to amplitude and phase information. Our results pave the way towards the investigation of functional thin film materials and few-layer samples.
Extended state observer-based control with an adjustable parameter for a large ground-based telescope
Authors: Yang Xiao-Xia , Deng Yong-Ting , Zhang Bin , Wang Jian-Li
Published: January 2022

The high-precision requirements will always be constrained due to the complicated operating conditions of the ground-based telescope. Owing to various internal and external disturbances, it is necessary to study a control method, which should have a good ability on disturbance rejection and a good adaptability on system parameter variation. The traditional proportional-integral (PI) controller has the advantage of simple and easy adjustment, but it cannot deal with the disturbances well in different situations. This paper proposes a simplified active disturbance rejection control law, whose debugging is as simple as the PI controller, and with better disturbance rejection ability and parameter adaptability. It adopts a simplified second-order extended state observer (ESO) with an adjustable parameter to accommodate the significant variation of the inertia during the different design stages of the telescope. The gain parameter of the ESO can be adjusted online with a recursive least square estimating method once the system parameter has changed significantly. Thus, the ESO can estimate the total disturbances timely and the controller will compensate them accordingly. With the adjustable parameter of the ESO, the controller can always achieve better performance in different applications of the telescope. The simulation and experimental verification of the control law was conducted on a 1.2-meter ground based telescope. The results verify the necessity of adjusting the parameter of the ESO, and demonstrate better disturbance rejection ability in a large range of speed variations during the design stages of the telescope.
Investigation of microstructural and wear behavior of Al6061 surface composites fabricated by friction stir process using Taguchi approach
Authors: Saxena Pragya , Bongale Arunkumar , Kumar Satish , Jadhav Priya
Published: January 2022

The surface composites of aluminum alloys have a higher scope of applications encountering surface interactions in the aerospace, automobile, and other industries compared to the base aluminum alloys. The friction stir process (FSP) is recently the preferred method to prepare aluminum-based surface composites due to its capability to produce improved physical properties and refined microstructure at the surface. The study examines the Al6061 alloy-based surface composite fabricated by FSP for their wear behavior and microstructure. In this study, the Al6061 alloy-based hybrid surface composites are prepared with varying weight% of copper and graphite microparticles mixture as reinforcement by FSP with two tools having unique pin profiles, i.e., threaded cylindrical and plain cylindrical. These prepared composites are investigated for the dry sliding wear test on a pin-on-disc test set-up. The experiments are designed using the L9 orthogonal array and analyzed by the Taguchi approach to obtain the influence of disc speed, load, and reinforcement weight% on wear rate. The significant parameters influencing the wear rate of the samples tested are obtained using ANOVA. Later the effects of the friction stir process and the wear tests on the microstructure of the workpieces are investigated using FE-SEM/EDS tests. It is concluded that the decrease in wear rate with the rise in reinforcement weight% (Cu + graphite) from 2% to 6%. The load has the maximum effect on the wear rate for the samples prepared by threaded cylindrical FSP tool pin profile, while reinforcement weight% affects significantly the wear rate of the samples prepared by FSP with plain cylindrical pin profile tool.
Effects of Ta2O5 on the microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO linear resistance ceramics
Authors: Zhuo Meizhen , Huang Chun-e , Zhao Changzhi , Yin Jiongjiong , Shen Chunying
Published: January 2022

ZnO linear resistance ceramics were synthesized from ZnO–Al2O3–MgO–TiO2–SiO2–Ta2O5 by a conventional ceramics method. Effects of Ta2O5 on the phase composition, microstructures, and electrical properties of ZnO linear resistive ceramics were investigated. The results show that doping with appropriate amount of Ta2O5 can refine the grains of the main crystalline phase ZnO and the secondary crystalline phase ZnAl2O4 in terms of microstructure, and also can reduce the grain boundary barrier and optimize the I–V characteristics in terms of electrical properties. In addition, the doping of Ta2O5 can improve the stability of the resistivity , and the impedance frequency indicates that the doping of Ta2O5 makes the sample suitable for high-frequency electric fields. The resistivity of the sample doped with 0.2 mol% Ta2O5 is 56.2 Ω·cm, and this sample has the best grain boundary barrier height, nonlinear coefficient and temperature coefficient of resistance of 0.054 eV, 1.04 and −3.48 × 10−3 °C−1, respectively.
Moiré engineering of spin–orbit coupling in twisted platinum diselenide
Authors: Klebl Lennart , Xu Qiaoling , Fischer Ammon , Xian Lede , Claassen Martin , Rubio Angel , Kennes Dante M
Published: January 2022

We study the electronic structure and correlated phases of twisted bilayers of platinum diselenide using large-scale ab initio simulations combined with the functional renormalization group. PtSe2 is a group-X transition metal dichalcogenide, which hosts emergent flat bands at small twist angles in the twisted bilayer. Remarkably, we find that Moiré engineering can be used to tune the strength of Rashba spin–orbit interactions, altering the electronic behavior in a novel manner. We reveal that an effective triangular lattice with a twist-controlled ratio between kinetic and spin–orbit coupling (SOC) scales can be realized. Even dominant SOC can be accessed in this way and we discuss consequences for the interaction driven phase diagram, which features pronounced exotic superconducting and entangled spin-charge density waves.
Understanding the dielectric properties and electromagnetic shielding efficiency of zirconia filled epoxy-MWCNT composites
Authors: Naresh Chillu , Parameswarreddy Gandluri , Kumar Asapu Vinaya , Jayaganthan Rengaswamy , Subramanian Venkatachalam , Sarathi Ramanujam , Danikas M G
Published: January 2022

In the present study, hybrid composites are prepared by reinforcing various concentrations of high permittivity zirconia nanofiller into epoxy/CNT compositions to test their usability in EMI shielding applications in the X and Ku bands. ZrO2 nanofiller is added in different proportions to improve absorbance shielding while maintaining the composite conductivity uniform by adding constant CNT concentration to restrict the reflectance shielding. The microscopic studies have revealed an efficient dispersion of ZrO2 nanoparticles in the CNT networks and provided a smoother surface. The presence of zirconia nanofillers increased the dielectric properties, viz. the dielectric constant (194 at 0.1 Hz) and loss tangent (1.57 at 0.1 Hz), respectively, whereas the conductivity was found to be invariantly constant. The increased permittivity of composites enhanced the shielding by absorption, while the shielding by reflection is least influenced by the addition of zirconia nanofiller. The addition of zirconia nanofillers increased the permittivity and tan delta, allowing charges to accumulate at the interfacial areas for incoming EM radiations, resulting in increased absorbance shielding. Limiting the CNT concentration in all composites to the same level resulted in the formation of conductive networks, thus resulting in uniform reflectance shielding for all the hybrid composites in the present study. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed the improvement in the storage modulus and activation energy due to the enhanced interfacial adhesion and cross-linked polymer density.
Simultaneous tailoring of pulsed thermography experimental and processing parameters for enhanced defect detection and sizing in adhesive bonds in carbon fibre composites
Authors: Tighe Rachael C , Hill Jonathon , Vosper Tom , Taylor Cody , Tuhiwai Tairongo
Published: January 2022

Thermographic inspection provides opportunity to tailor non-destructive evaluation to specific applications. The paper discusses the opportunities this presents through consideration of adhesive bonds between composites, such as those joining structural members and outer skins, where access is restricted to a single side. To date, literature focusses on the development of either an experimental procedure or data processing approach. This research aims to demonstrate the importance of tailoring both of these aspects to an application to obtain improved defect detection and robust quantification. Firstly, the heating stimulus is optimised to maximise the thermal contrast created between defect and non-defect regions using a development panel. Traditional flash heating is compared to longer square pulse heating, using a developed shutter system, compromising between experimental duration and heat input. A pulse duration of 4 seconds using two 130 W halogen bulbs was found double the detection depth from 1 mm to 2 mm, revealing all defects in the development panel. Temporal processing was maintained for all data using thermal signal reconstruction. Spatial defect detection routines were then implemented to provide robust defect/feature detection. Spatial defect detection encompassed a combination of image enhancement and edge detection algorithms. A two-stage kernel filter/binary enhancement method followed by the use of Canny edge detection was found most robust, providing a sizing error of 1.8 % on the development panel data. This process was then implemented on adhesive bonds with simulated bond line defects. The simulated defects are based on target detection threshold of 10 mm diameter void found at 1- 2 mm depth. All simulated void defects were detected in the representative bonded joint down to the minimum diameter tested of 5 mm. By considering the tailoring of multiple aspects of the inspection routine independently, an overall optimised approach for the application of interest has been defined.
Learning to discover: expressive Gaussian mixture models for multi-dimensional simulation and parameter inference in the physical sciences
Authors: Menary Stephen B , Price Darren D
Published: January 2022

We show that density models describing multiple observables with (1) hard boundaries and (2) dependence on external parameters may be created using an auto-regressive Gaussian mixture model. The model is designed to capture how observable spectra are deformed by hypothesis variations, and is made more expressive by projecting data onto a configurable latent space. It may be used as a statistical model for scientific discovery in interpreting experimental observations, for example when constraining the parameters of a physical model or tuning simulation parameters according to calibration data. The model may also be sampled for use within a Monte Carlo simulation chain, or used to estimate likelihood ratios for event classification. The method is demonstrated on simulated high-energy particle physics data considering the anomalous electroweak production of a Z boson in association with a dijet system at the Large Hadron Collider, and the accuracy of inference is tested using a realistic toy example. The developed methods are domain agnostic; they may be used within any field to perform simulation or inference where a dataset consisting of many real-valued observables has conditional dependence on external parameters.
Interface and surface engineering of black phosphorus: a review for optoelectronic and photonic applications
Authors: Mu Haoran , Yu Wenzhi , Yuan Jian , Lin Shenghuang , Zhang Guangyu
Published: January 2022

Since being rediscovered as an emerging 2D material, black phosphorus (BP), with an extraordinary energy structure and unusually strong interlayer interactions, offers new opportunities for optoelectronics and photonics. However, due to the thin atomic body and the ease of degradation with water and oxides, BP is highly sensitive to the surrounding environment. Therefore, high-quality engineering of interfaces and surfaces plays an essential role in BP-based applications. In this review, begun with a review of properties of BP, different strategies of interface and surfaces engineering for high ON-OFF ratio, enhanced optical absorption, and fast optical response are reviewed and highlighted, and recent state-of-the-art advances on optoelectronic and photonic devices are demonstrated. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for future BP-related research are considered.
Functional health index of intrinsic capacity: multi-domain operationalisation and validation in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS2)
Authors: Cheong Chin Yee , Yap Philip , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Qi Gao , Gwee Xinyi , Wee Shiou Liang , Yap Keng Bee , Ng Tze Pin
Published: January 2022

Background

ad hoc approaches are used to create composite indexes of intrinsic capacity (IC) based on five domains recommended by the World Health Organization for healthy ageing. We examined how combinations of domain-specific measures determine measurement performances of composite IC indexes.

Methods

in this population-based prospective cohort study, community-dwelling older persons (N = 2,906) aged 55 years and above were recruited. We used 12 domain-specific measures: cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), psychological (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS), locomotion (Timed Up-and Go [TUG], GV, Knee Extension Strength, Performance Orientated Mobility Assessment), sensory (logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution [LogMAR] vision and Whisper Test hearing) and vitality (forced expiratory volume in 1 second pulmonary function, Elderly Nutritional Indicators for Geriatric Malnutrition Assessment [ENIGMA], Nutritional Screening Initiative) to derive 144 composite 2- to 5-domain functional health indexes (FHI), and evaluated their abilities to predict 9-year mortality and their associations with health determinants.

Results

with 5-domain FHI, TUG, logMAR and MMSE showed the largest factor loadings (0.65–0.75). All single-domain FHI were significantly associated with mortality risks. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of mortality prediction increased with the number of domains (from mean 0.615 for single-domain FHI to mean 0.705 for 5-domain FHI), but the difference between 3-domain versus 4-domain FHI (P = 0.082) or versus 5-domain FHI (P = 0.109) was not statistically significant. Highest AUCs (P < 0.001) of best performing FHI were single-domain TUG: 0.735; 2-domain TUG + ENIGMA: 0.743; 3-domain TUG + LogMAR + ENIGMA: 0.762; 4-domain TUG + MMSE + LogMAR + ENIGMA: 0.757; 5-domain TUG + MMSE + GDS + LogMAR + ENIGMA: 0.751. FHI showed excellent construct validity based on correlations with known health determinants.

Conclusions

among Singaporean older adults, cognition, sensory and locomotion are predominant IC domains. A multi-domain IC index performs better with more domain measures, but a minimalist 3-domain index performs just as robustly as a 4- or 5-domain index.
Response Letter to Koivistoet al. ‘Evaluating the Theoretical Background of STOFFENMANAGER® and the Advanced REACH Tool’
Authors: Fransman Wouter , Arnone Mario , Borghi Francesca , Cattaneo Andrea , Cavallo Domenico M , Cherrie John W , Franken Remy , Galea Karen S , van der Haar Rudolf , Heussen Gerardus A H , Jensen Keld A , Koponen Milja , Koppisch Dorothea , Kromhout Hans , Luo Yu-Syuan , McNally Kevin , Säämänen Arto , Spinazzè Andrea , van Tongeren Martie , Vanoirbeek Jeroen , Verpaele Steven , Vetter Daniel , Viegas Susana , Warren Nick
Published: January 2022

In this article, we have responded to the key statements in the article by Koivisto et al. (2022) that were incorrect and considered to be a biased critique on a subset of the exposure models used in Europe (i.e. ART and Stoffenmanager®) used for regulatory exposure assessment. We welcome scientific discussions on exposure modelling (as was done during the ISES Europe workshop) and criticism based on scientific evidence to contribute to the advancement of occupational exposure estimation tools. The tiered approach to risk assessment allows various exposure assessment models from screening tools (control/hazard banding) through to higher-tiered approaches. There is a place for every type of model, but we do need to recognize the cost and data requirements of highly bespoke assessments. That is why model developers have taken pragmatic approaches to develop tools for exposure assessments based on imperfect data. We encourage Koivisto et al. to focus on further scientifically robust work to develop mass-balance models and by independent external validations studies, compare these models with alternative model tools such as ART and Stoffenmanager®.
Down, then up: non-parallel genome size changes and a descending chromosome series in a recent radiation of the Australian allotetraploid plant species, Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae)
Authors: Chase Mark W , Samuel Rosabelle , Leitch Andrew R , Guignard Maïté S , Conran John G , Nollet Felipe , Fletcher Paul , Jakob Aljaž , Cauz-Santos Luiz A , Vignolle Gabriel , Dodsworth Steven , Christenhusz Maarten J M , Buril Maria Teresa , Paun Ovidiu
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

The extent to which genome size and chromosome numbers evolve in concert is little understood, particularly after polyploidy (whole-genome duplication), when a genome returns to a diploid-like condition (diploidization). We study this phenomenon in 46 species of allotetraploid Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae), which formed <6 million years ago and radiated in the arid centre of Australia.

Methods

We analysed newly assessed genome sizes and chromosome numbers within the context of a restriction site-associated nuclear DNA (RADseq) phylogenetic framework.

Key Results

RADseq generated a well-supported phylogenetic tree, in which multiple accessions from each species formed unique genetic clusters. Chromosome numbers and genome sizes vary from n = 2x = 15 to 24 and 2.7 to 5.8 pg/1C nucleus, respectively. Decreases in both genome size and chromosome number occur, although neither consistently nor in parallel. Species with the lowest chromosome numbers (n = 15–18) do not possess the smallest genome sizes and, although N. heterantha has retained the ancestral chromosome complement, n = 2x = 24, it nonetheless has the smallest genome size, even smaller than that of the modern representatives of ancestral diploids.

Conclusions

The results indicate that decreases in genome size and chromosome number occur in parallel down to a chromosome number threshold, n = 20, below which genome size increases, a phenomenon potentially explained by decreasing rates of recombination over fewer chromosomes. We hypothesize that, more generally in plants, major decreases in genome size post-polyploidization take place while chromosome numbers are still high because in these stages elimination of retrotransposons and other repetitive elements is more efficient. Once such major genome size change has been accomplished, then dysploid chromosome reductions take place to reorganize these smaller genomes, producing species with small genomes and low chromosome numbers such as those observed in many annual angiosperms, including Arabidopsis.
Participatory Research with Care Leavers to Explore their Support Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dadswell Anna , O’Brien Niamh
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has perpetuated the challenges faced by care leavers and increased the need for support. Online participatory research was conducted to explore care leavers’ support experiences during the pandemic. A research team of twenty-five care leavers aged sixteen to twenty-five years and support workers from six local authorities across England identified priorities and developed an online questionnaire that was completed by ninety-four care leavers aged seventeen to twenty-six years. The research team also participated in focus groups, reflected on findings and agreed recommendations. The findings focused on four overarching themes: finances and practical issues, mental health, social connection, and support from services. The recommendations suggest that corporate parent services should provide information, offer equal opportunity to access support, facilitate connection for care leavers, and proactively reach out and ensure someone is always there for them. So that support is responsive to their needs, the continued participation of care leavers in decisions that affect them is paramount, along with commitment by the government and corporate parent services to listen and take action. By using a participatory approach that involved care leavers in the research process, this research promotes their voices and strengthens the evidence for enhancing care leaver support during the pandemic and beyond.
A neural network for tics: insights from causal brain lesions and deep brain stimulation
Authors: Ganos Christos , Al-Fatly Bassam , Fischer Jan-Frederik , Baldermann Juan-Carlos , Hennen Christina , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Neudorfer Clemens , Martino Davide , Li Jing , Bouwens Tim , Ackermanns Linda , Leentjens Albert F G , Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Worbe Yulia , Fox Michael D , Kühn Andrea A , Horn Andreas
Published: January 2022

Brain lesions are a rare cause of tic disorders. However, they can provide uniquely causal insights into tic pathophysiology and can also inform on possible neuromodulatory therapeutic targets. Based on a systematic literature review, we identified 22 cases of tics causally attributed to brain lesions and employed ‘lesion network mapping’ to interrogate whether tic-inducing lesions would be associated with a common network in the average human brain. We probed this using a normative functional connectome acquired in 1000 healthy participants. We then examined the specificity of the identified network by contrasting tic-lesion connectivity maps to those seeding from 717 lesions associated with a wide array of neurological and/or psychiatric symptoms within the Harvard Lesion Repository. Finally, we determined the predictive utility of the tic-inducing lesion network as a therapeutic target for neuromodulation. Specifically, we collected retrospective data of 30 individuals with Tourette disorder, who underwent either thalamic (n = 15; centromedian/ventrooralis internus) or pallidal (n = 15; anterior segment of globus pallidus internus) deep brain stimulation and calculated whether connectivity between deep brain stimulation sites and the lesion network map could predict clinical improvements.

Despite spatial heterogeneity, tic-inducing lesions mapped to a common network map, which comprised the insular cortices, cingulate gyrus, striatum, globus pallidus internus, thalami and cerebellum. Connectivity to a region within the anterior striatum (putamen) was specific to tic-inducing lesions when compared with control lesions. Connectivity between deep brain stimulation electrodes and the lesion network map was predictive of tic improvement, regardless of the deep brain stimulation target.

Taken together, our results reveal a common brain network involved in tic generation, which shows potential as a therapeutic target for neuromodulation.
Associating Alzheimer’s disease pathology with its cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers
Authors: Bridel Claire , Somers Charisse , Sieben Anne , Rozemuller Annemieke , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , Struyfs Hanne , Vermeiren Yannick , Van Broeckhoven Christine , De Deyn Peter P , Bjerke Maria , Nagels Guy , Teunissen Charlotte E , Engelborghs Sebastiaan
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease CSF biomarkers 42 amino acid long amyloid-β peptide (Aβ1–42), total tau protein (T-tau), and tau protein phosphorylated at threonine 181 (P-tau181) are considered surrogate biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, and significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. Their ability to reflect neuropathological changes later in the disease course is not well characterized. This study aimed to assess the potential of CSF biomarkers measured in mid to late stage Alzheimer’s disease to reflect post-mortem neuropathological changes. Individuals were selected from two autopsy cohorts of Alzheimer’s disease patients in Antwerp and Amsterdam. Neuropathological diagnosis was performed according to the updated consensus National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association guidelines, which includes quantification of amyloid-β plaque, neurofibrillary tangle, and neuritic plaque load. CSF samples were analysed for Aβ1–42, T-tau, and P-tau181 by ELISA. One hundred and fourteen cases of pure definite Alzheimer’s disease were included in the study (mean age 74 years, disease duration 6 years at CSF sampling, 50% females). Median interval between CSF sampling and death was 1 year. We found no association between Aβ1–42 and Alzheimer’s disease neuropathological change profile. In contrast, an association of P-tau181 and T-tau with Alzheimer’s disease neuropathological change profile was observed. P-tau181 was associated with all three individual Montine scores, and the associations became stronger and more significant as the interval between lumbar puncture and death increased. T-tau was also associated with all three Montine scores, but in individuals with longer intervals from lumbar puncture to death only. Stratification of the cohort according to APOE ε4 carrier status revealed that the associations applied mostly to APOE ε4 non-carriers. Our data suggest that similar to what has been reported for Aβ1–42, plateau levels of P-tau181 and T-tau are reached during the disease course, albeit at later disease stages, reducing the potential of tau biomarkers to monitor Alzheimer’s disease pathology as the disease progresses. As a consequence, CSF biomarkers, which are performant for clinical diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease, may not be well suited for staging or monitoring Alzheimer’s disease pathology as it progresses through later stages.