bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holy Infrastructures: Catholicism, Detroit Borderlands, and the Elements
Authors: Berquist Stephen , Napolitano Valentina , Rigotti Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Through an ethnographic rendering of the Catholic Church at the Detroit-Windsor borderland, this article foregrounds the ways elemental forces, including water, earth/soil, and air, form an interconnected entity that constitutes part of the theopolitical and religious scaffolding of Holy Infrastructures. We argue that the repetitive inscription of social and affective flows within an urban terrain generates infrastructure projects that contract forces of variable intensity into alliance or disjuncture. The interrelation of these forces as Holy Infrastructure, offers vital information on (dis/en)abling racialized forms of hosting and being hosted by the divine within urban settings, specifically as it pertains to theological labor at multiple scales. Indeed, we understand holiness in Catholic Detroit as a performative sovereignty of partition that mediates a desire for unbrokenness and spatiotemporal rapture. The topologies of Holy Infrastructure thus give rise to overlapping but divergent “wholes” within the racialized urban terrain, offering insight into the Church as a loose network of horizontal alliances that may enforce or subvert hierarchy. Our focus on elemental forces allows us to move beyond abstractions and focus on how theological projects take shape in physical space within an urban ecology. Indeed, Holy Infrastructures come into focus most clearly in relation to the intersection of theology with environmental, climatic, and territorial projects. By approaching Church and State as co-constitutive, we show how Holy Infrastructures offer insight into the racialized and gendered terrain of contemporary Detroit.
Observed Diurnal Cycles of Near‐Surface Shear and Stratification in the Equatorial Atlantic and Their Wind Dependence
Authors: Hans A. C. , Brandt P. , Gasparin F. , Claus M. , Cravatte S. , Horstmann J. , Reverdin G.
Published: August 2024

The diurnal cycles of near‐surface velocity and temperature, also known as diurnal jet and diurnal warm layer (DWL), are ubiquitous in the tropical oceans, affecting the heat and momentum budget of the ocean surface layer, air‐sea interactions, and vertical mixing. Here, we analyze the presence and descent of near‐surface diurnal shear and stratification in the upper 20 m of the equatorial Atlantic as a function of wind speed using ocean current velocity and hydrographic data taken during two trans‐Atlantic cruises along the equator in October 2019 and May 2022, data from three types of surface drifters, and data from Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Tropical Atlantic (PIRATA) moorings along the equator. The observations during two seasons with similar mean wind speeds but varying surface heat fluxes reveal similar diurnal jets with an amplitude of about 0.11 m s−1 and similar DWLs when averaging along the equator. We find that higher wind speeds lead to earlier diurnal peaks, deeper penetration depths, and faster descent rates of DWL and diurnal jet. While the diurnal amplitude of stratification is maximum for minimal wind speeds, the diurnal amplitude of shear is maximum at 6 m depth for moderate wind speeds of about 5 m s−1. The inferred wind dependence of the descent rates of DWL and diurnal jet is consistent with the earlier onset of deep‐cycle turbulence for higher wind speeds. The DWL and the diurnal jet not only trigger deep‐cycle turbulence but are also observed to modify the wind power input and thus the amount of energy available for mixing.
Impacts of Synoptic‐Scale Dynamics on Clouds and Radiation in High Southern Latitudes
Authors: Barone Tyler , Diao Minghui , Shi Yang , Zhao Xi , Liu Xiaohong , Silber Israel
Published: August 2024

High‐latitudinal mixed‐phase clouds significantly affect Earth's radiative balance. Observations of cloud and radiative properties from two field campaigns in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica were compared with two global climate model simulations. A cyclone compositing method was used to quantify “dynamics‐cloud‐radiation” relationships relative to the extratropical cyclone centers. Observations show larger asymmetry in cloud and radiative properties between western and eastern sectors at McMurdo compared with Macquarie Island. Most observed quantities at McMurdo are higher in the western (i.e., post‐frontal) than the eastern (frontal) sector, including cloud fraction, liquid water path (LWP), net surface shortwave and longwave radiation (SW and LW), except for ice water path (IWP) being higher in the eastern sector. The two models were found to overestimate cloud fraction and LWP at Macquarie Island but underestimate them at McMurdo Station. IWP is consistently underestimated at both locations, both sectors, and in all seasons. Biases of cloud fraction, LWP, and IWP are negatively correlated with SW biases and positively correlated with LW biases. The persistent negative IWP biases may have become one of the leading causes of radiative biases over the high southern latitudes, after correcting the underestimation of supercooled liquid water in the older model versions. By examining multi‐scale factors from cloud microphysics to synoptic dynamics, this work will help increase the fidelity of climate simulations in this remote region.
Developing, Testing, and Communicating Earthquake Forecasts: Current Practices and Future Directions
Authors: Mizrahi Leila , Dallo Irina , van der Elst Nicholas J. , Christophersen Annemarie , Spassiani Ilaria , Werner Maximilian J. , Iturrieta Pablo , Bayona José A. , Iervolino Iunio , Schneider Max , Page Morgan T. , Zhuang Jiancang , Herrmann Marcus , Michael Andrew J. , Falcone Giuseppe , Marzocchi Warner , Rhoades David , Gerstenberger Matt , Gulia Laura , Schorlemmer Danijel , Becker Julia , Han Marta , Kuratle Lorena , Marti Michèle , Wiemer Stefan
Published: August 2024

While deterministically predicting the time and location of earthquakes remains impossible, earthquake forecasting models can provide estimates of the probabilities of earthquakes occurring within some region over time. To enable informed decision‐making of civil protection, governmental agencies, or the public, Operational Earthquake Forecasting (OEF) systems aim to provide authoritative earthquake forecasts based on current earthquake activity in near‐real time. Establishing OEF systems involves several nontrivial choices. This review captures the current state of OEF worldwide and analyzes expert recommendations on the development, testing, and communication of earthquake forecasts. An introductory summary of OEF‐related research is followed by a description of OEF systems in Italy, New Zealand, and the United States. Combined, these two parts provide an informative and transparent snapshot of today's OEF landscape. In Section 4, we analyze the results of an expert elicitation that was conducted to seek guidance for the establishment of OEF systems. The elicitation identifies consensus and dissent on OEF issues among a non‐representative group of 20 international earthquake forecasting experts. While the experts agree that communication products should be developed in collaboration with the forecast user groups, they disagree on whether forecasting models and testing methods should be user‐dependent. No recommendations of strict model requirements could be elicited, but benchmark comparisons, prospective testing, reproducibility, and transparency are encouraged. Section 5 gives an outlook on the future of OEF. Besides covering recent research on earthquake forecasting model development and testing, upcoming OEF initiatives are described in the context of the expert elicitation findings.
U.S. Earthquake Early Warning System Gets a Major Upgrade
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: August 2024

Satellite capabilities will improve the accuracy of ShakeAlert earthquake magnitude measurements.
Leveraging RALI‐THINICE Observations to Assess How the ICOLMDZ Model Simulates Clouds Embedded in Arctic Cyclones
Authors: Raillard Lea , Vignon Étienne , Rivière Gwendal , Madeleine Jean‐Baptiste , Meurdesoif Yann , Delanoë Julien , Caubel Arnaud , Jourdan Olivier , Baudoux Antoine , Fromang Sébastien , Conesa Philippe
Published: August 2024

Despite their essential role in the high‐latitude climate, the representation of mixed‐phase clouds is still a challenge for Global Climate Models (GCMs)'s cloud schemes. In this study we propose a methodology for robustly assessing Arctic mixed‐phase cloud properties in a climate model using airborne measurements. We leverage data collected during the RALI‐THINICE airborne campaign that took place near Svalbard in August 2022 to evaluate the simulation of mid‐level clouds associated with Arctic cyclones. Simulations are carried out with the new limited‐area configuration of the ICOLMDZ model which combines the recent icosahedral dynamical core DYNAMICO and the physics of LMDZ, the atmospheric component of the IPSL‐CM Earth System Model. Airborne radar and microphysical probes measurements are then used to evaluate the simulated clouds. A comparison method has been set‐up to guarantee as much as possible the spatiotemporal co‐location between observed and simulated cloud fields. We mostly focus on the representation of ice and liquid in‐cloud contents and on their vertical distribution. Results show that the model overestimates the amount of cloud condensates and exhibits a poor cloud phase spatial distribution, with too much liquid water far from cloud top and too much ice close to it. The downward gradual increase in snowfall flux is also not captured by the model. This in‐depth model evaluation thereby pinpoints priorities for further improvements in the ICOLMDZ cloud scheme.
Practical parameter identifiability and handling of censored data with Bayesian inference in mathematical tumour models
Authors: Porthiyas Jamie , Nussey Daniel , Beauchemin Catherine A. A. , Warren Donald C. , Quirouette Christian , Wilkie Kathleen P.
Published: August 2024

Mechanistic mathematical models (MMs) are a powerful tool to help us understand and predict the dynamics of tumour growth under various conditions. In this work, we use 5 MMs with an increasing number of parameters to explore how certain (often overlooked) decisions in estimating parameters from data of experimental tumour growth affect the outcome of the analysis. In particular, we propose a framework for including tumour volume measurements that fall outside the upper and lower limits of detection, which are normally discarded. We demonstrate how excluding censored data results in an overestimation of the initial tumour volume and the MM-predicted tumour volumes prior to the first measurements, and an underestimation of the carrying capacity and the MM-predicted tumour volumes beyond the latest measurable time points. We show in which way the choice of prior for the MM parameters can impact the posterior distributions, and illustrate that reporting the most likely parameters and their 95% credible interval can lead to confusing or misleading interpretations. We hope this work will encourage others to carefully consider choices made in parameter estimation and to adopt the approaches we put forward herein.
Impact of temperature and relative humidity variations on coda waves in concrete
Authors: Diewald Fabian , Denolle Marine , Timothy Jithender J. , Gehlen Christoph
Published: August 2024

The microstructure of concrete can be affected by many factors, from non-destructive environmental factors through to destructive damage induced by transient stresses. Coda wave interferometry is a technique that is sensitive enough to detect weak changes within concrete by evaluating the ultrasonic signal perturbation compared to a reference state. As concrete microstructure is sensitive to many factors, it is important to separate their contributions to the observables. In this study, we characterize the relationships between the concrete elastic and inelastic properties, and temperature and relative humidity. We confirm previous theoretical studies that found a linear relationship between temperature changes and velocity variation of the ultrasonic waves for a given concrete mix, and provide scaling factors per Kelvin for multiple settings. We also confirm an anti-correlation with relative humidity using long-term conditioning. Furthermore, we explore beyond the existing studies to establish the relationship linking humidity and temperature changes to ultrasonic wave attenuation.
Comprehensive genetic profiling and molecularly guided treatment for patients with primary CNS tumors
Authors: Kuehn Julia C. , Metzger Patrick , Neidert Nicolas , Matysiak Uta , Gräßel Linda , Philipp Ulrike , Bleul Sabine , Pauli Thomas , Falkenstein Julia , Bertemes Henriette , Cysar Stepan , Hess Maria Elena , Frey Anna Verena , Duque-Afonso Jesús , Schorb Elisabeth , Machein Marcia , Beck Jürgen , Schnell Oliver , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Illert Anna L. , Peters Christoph , Brummer Tilman , Prinz Marco , Miething Cornelius , Becker Heiko , Lassmann Silke , Werner Martin , Börries Melanie , Duyster Justus , Heiland Dieter H. , Sankowski Roman , Scherer Florian
Published: August 2024

Despite major advances in molecular profiling and classification of primary brain tumors, personalized treatment remains limited for most patients. Here, we explored the feasibility of individual molecular profiling and the efficacy of biomarker-guided therapy for adult patients with primary brain cancers in the real-world setting within the molecular tumor board Freiburg, Germany. We analyzed genetic profiles, personalized treatment recommendations, and clinical outcomes of 102 patients with 21 brain tumor types. Alterations in the cell cycle, BRAF, and mTOR pathways most frequently led to personalized treatment recommendations. Molecularly informed therapies were recommended in 71% and implemented in 32% of patients with completed molecular diagnostics. The disease control rate following targeted treatment was 50% and the overall response rate was 30%, with a progression-free survival 2/1 ratio of at least 1.3 in 31% of patients. This study highlights the efficacy of molecularly guided treatment and the need for biomarker-stratified trials in brain cancers.
On the sample complexity of quantum Boltzmann machine learning
Authors: Coopmans Luuk , Benedetti Marcello
Published: August 2024

Quantum Boltzmann machines (QBMs) are machine-learning models for both classical and quantum data. We give an operational definition of QBM learning in terms of the difference in expectation values between the model and target, taking into account the polynomial size of the data set. By using the relative entropy as a loss function, this problem can be solved without encountering barren plateaus. We prove that a solution can be obtained with stochastic gradient descent using at most a polynomial number of Gibbs states. We also prove that pre-training on a subset of the QBM parameters can only lower the sample complexity bounds. In particular, we give pre-training strategies based on mean-field, Gaussian Fermionic, and geometrically local Hamiltonians. We verify these models and our theoretical findings numerically on a quantum and a classical data set. Our results establish that QBMs are promising machine learning models.
Proteomics identifies potential immunological drivers of postinfection brain atrophy and cognitive decline
Authors: Duggan Michael R. , Peng Zhongsheng , Sipilä Pyry N. , Lindbohm Joni V. , Chen Jingsha , Lu Yifei , Davatzikos Christos , Erus Guray , Hohman Timothy J. , Andrews Shea J. , Candia Julián , Tanaka Toshiko , Joynes Cassandra M. , Alvarado Chelsea X. , Nalls Mike A. , Cordon Jenifer , Daya Gulzar N. , An Yang , Lewis Alexandria , Moghekar Abhay , Palta Priya , Coresh Josef , Ferrucci Luigi , Kivimäki Mika , Walker Keenan A.
Published: August 2024

Infections have been associated with the incidence of Alzheimer disease and related dementias, but the mechanisms responsible for these associations remain unclear. Using a multicohort approach, we found that influenza, viral, respiratory, and skin and subcutaneous infections were associated with increased long-term dementia risk. These infections were also associated with region-specific brain volume loss, most commonly in the temporal lobe. We identified 260 out of 942 immunologically relevant proteins in plasma that were differentially expressed in individuals with an infection history. Of the infection-related proteins, 35 predicted volumetric changes in brain regions vulnerable to infection-specific atrophy. Several of these proteins, including PIK3CG, PACSIN2, and PRKCB, were related to cognitive decline and plasma biomarkers of dementia (Aβ42/40, GFAP, NfL, pTau-181). Genetic variants that influenced expression of immunologically relevant infection-related proteins, including ITGB6 and TLR5, predicted brain volume loss. Our findings support the role of infections in dementia risk and identify molecular mediators by which infections may contribute to neurodegeneration.
Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging
Authors: Shen Xiaotao , Wang Chuchu , Zhou Xin , Zhou Wenyu , Hornburg Daniel , Wu Si , Snyder Michael P.
Published: August 2024

Aging is a complex process associated with nearly all diseases. Understanding the molecular changes underlying aging and identifying therapeutic targets for aging-related diseases are crucial for increasing healthspan. Although many studies have explored linear changes during aging, the prevalence of aging-related diseases and mortality risk accelerates after specific time points, indicating the importance of studying nonlinear molecular changes. In this study, we performed comprehensive multi-omics profiling on a longitudinal human cohort of 108 participants, aged between 25 years and 75 years. The participants resided in California, United States, and were tracked for a median period of 1.7 years, with a maximum follow-up duration of 6.8 years. The analysis revealed consistent nonlinear patterns in molecular markers of aging, with substantial dysregulation occurring at two major periods occurring at approximately 44 years and 60 years of chronological age. Distinct molecules and functional pathways associated with these periods were also identified, such as immune regulation and carbohydrate metabolism that shifted during the 60-year transition and cardiovascular disease, lipid and alcohol metabolism changes at the 40-year transition. Overall, this research demonstrates that functions and risks of aging-related diseases change nonlinearly across the human lifespan and provides insights into the molecular and biological pathways involved in these changes.
Lab-on-a-chip – Reform, Perform, and Transform
Authors: Parihar Arpana , Khare Vedika , Garg Mayank
Published: August 2024

Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices possess substantial potential in today’s biomedical landscape, as they can provide faster, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions to various healthcare challenges. In everyday clinical settings, these miniature devices facilitate early disease diagnosis, patient monitoring, personalized treatment, and point-of-care diagnostics. Similarly, they offer diverse applications in the core pharmaceutical domain, including drug discovery, drug screening, drug synthesis, and drug delivery. In certain instances, they effectively reduce the reliance on animal testing. Moreover, in regions with limited resources, miniature devices can help alleviate the demand for highly trained personnel and extensive laboratory infrastructure. Therefore, in this chapter, we aim to share our perspective on how miniature LOC devices have the potential to reform, perform, and transform healthcare systems for the betterment of mankind.
Lab-on-a-chip: A Novel Platform for Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Rani Reetu , Jinugu Manasi Esther , Gangwar Pratibha , Thareja Prachi , Parihar Arpana , Garg Mayank
Published: August 2024

Medical research has placed a higher value over the last several decades on the detection and investigation of risk associated with disease and biomarkers, which has contributed to more timely and precise tools for diagnosis before the condition worsens. Therefore, a significant amount of time has been utilized in designing and creating detecting technology that will be utilized at the point-of-care to find particular biomarkers without wasting many samples such as microfluidic devices. This technology allows for efficient, rapid and high throughput sample analysis, while having multiplexing capability. Commercial lateral flow kits are one of the prominent examples of these microfluidic devices. This chapter discusses in depth the various aspects of microfluidic devices. The chapter covers various microfluidic devices such as paper and chip-based devices and use of these for the diagnostic platform development. This includes the development of electrochemical and optical sensors in a microfluidic setting. The chapter also discusses the future scope for microfluidic device development, especially in wearable fashion.
DIY Lab-on-a-chip Platforms: A Solution for Simple Nucleic Acid-based Assays in the Absence of Proper (Chip) Facilities
Authors: Chaumpluk P.
Published: August 2024

Lab-on-a-chip technology plays a key role in nucleic acid-based assays due to its ability to overcome many issues affecting testing methods that depend heavily on a laboratory setting, which can often be time-consuming and lack the flexibility to perform tests on-site. Yet, a classical lab-on-a-chip system also involves some technical difficulties, instead relating to design, platform used, and mechanical control. Since nucleic acid assay depends on nucleic acid amplification and nucleic acid detection, the main technical issues associated with these areas in the context of chip fabrication are reviewed here. For nucleic acid amplification, two methods, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and recombinase polymerase amplification, are used. Both enable them to amplify the nucleic acid domain with high efficiency at lower temperatures. For nucleic acid detection, several techniques, ranging from a simple DNA binder to a fluorescence probe, peptide nucleic acid hybridization and the use of metal nanoparticles, are reviewed. A combination of the selected amplification technique and a suitable signal detection system allows nucleic acid to be detected under the desired chip fabrication method. Here, we discuss a laminated chip and an acrylic chip platform, both of which met the point-of-care criteria. The use of chosen amplification and detection methods on both a laminated chip and an acrylic chip for the purpose of nucleic acid diagnosis and small-molecule assay are also discussed.
Foods to Improve the Nutrition Status and Wellbeing of Consumers in Africa
Authors: de Kock Henriette L. , Joubert Christi , Makame James
Published: August 2024

Africa is one of the world’s largest and most populous continents. There is potential for various African indigenous crops (cereals, legumes and tubers, green leafy vegetables and fruits) to contribute to the improvement of food and nutrition security, locally and globally. Meanwhile, food products formulated to meet the needs of vulnerable consumers in African countries are needed to address food and nutrition insecurity. Ideally, these products should not only be highly nutritious, affordable and accessible, but also possess desirable sensory characteristics. Any food, no matter how nutritious it may be, ultimately must be acceptable and eaten by consumers to realize its benefits. This chapter provides an overview of how sensory and consumer science can play a pivotal role in developing and supplying food products aimed at improving the nutrition status and wellbeing of consumers in African countries. Namely, it addresses some of the relevant barriers for food acceptance and adoption among these consumers, discusses findings from research that are aimed at enhancing both the nutritional value and the sensory properties of products targeting them, and identifies related knowledge gaps and opportunities for future studies.
Consumer Perception and Acceptance of Foods in Africa
Authors: Tomlins Keith , Bechoff Aurélie , Monteiro Maria João P.
Published: August 2024

Foods in Sub-Saharan Africa are diverse and varied but little is known about consumer attitudes or how food behaviours evolve over time. Changes in consumer perception were explored by reviewing information about consumer demographics, analysing gross domestic agricultural production and studying published literature on sensory evaluation and consumer preference. Results suggest that consumer trends in Africa are swiftly changing, probably due to rapid population growth and urbanisation, along with increased purchasing power. These changes are also related to an increase in obesity and double burden of malnutrition, particularly in urban areas. The growing use of digital technology will lead to new ways of tracking food preferences and supporting healthy eating.
Sensory Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Foods from Agri-food By-products
Authors: Santos Diva , Marçal Sara , Pintado Manuela E.
Published: August 2024

Agri-food by-products represent a source of high-value bioactive compounds that can be exploited under a circular economy perspective. They are produced in large quantities by the agri-food industry, posing both an environmental issue and a significant economic loss for companies. The development of food products using these by-products or derived ingredients has therefore increased in recent years. However, the success of such food products in the marketplace depends on consumers’ acceptance. The main goals of this chapter are to review, analyse and critically discuss the state-of-art regarding (i) the effects of by-product integration on the sensory quality of foods and the strategies used to analyse them and (ii) consumers’ perception and acceptance of foods developed with by-products, and their main determinants.
Exploring natural chalcones: innovative extraction techniques, bioactivities, and health potential
Authors: Samota Mahesh K. , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Koli Pushpendra , Kaur Maninder , Kaur Manpreet , Rani Heena , Selvan Shilpa S. , Mahala Prakash , Tripathi Kailashpati , Kumar Sandeep
Published: August 2024

Chalcones, a class of secondary metabolites within the flavonoid family, are characterized by a distinct C6-C3-C6 structure.
Correction: Shape anisotropy induced jamming of nanoparticles at liquid interfaces: a tensiometric study
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Bhattacharjee Suman , Srivastava Sunita
Published: August 2024

Correction for ‘Shape anisotropy induced jamming of nanoparticles at liquid interfaces: a tensiometric study’ by Chandan Kumar et al., Nanoscale Adv., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4na00280f.
Characterization of a thermoelectric system based on a solar dish Stirling engine: a review
Authors: Kong Lingxuan , Wu Zhibo , Jiang Jiale , Li Jing , Luo Ning
Published: August 2024

The technical features of SDSS are summarized. Some novel technologies on SSDS are introduced. Parametric evaluations are carried out through four dimensions.
Two-dimensional h-BAs/MoXTe (X = S, Se) heterojunctions with high photocatalytic performance and high photoelectric conversion efficiency
Authors: Mao Yuliang , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the geometric structures and electronic and optical properties of h-BAs/MoXTe (X = S, Se) heterojunctions are systematically investigated based on first-principles calculations.
Distinctive electronic characteristics and ultra-high thermoelectric power factor of Be–Fe intermetallics
Authors: Hao Qi D. , Wang H. , Chen Xiang R. , Geng Hua Y.
Published: August 2024

Beryllium (Be) alloys are indispensable in cutting-edge applications owing to their unique advantages.
Optimization of an indirect method for electrocaloric effect in BT-based ceramics validated through the Rayleigh relationship and direct method
Authors: Chen Kui , Ma Jian , Wu Bo , Zhao Peng , Chen Jingjing , Yang Chengtao , Tang Bin
Published: August 2024

Efforts to enhance refrigeration efficiency and environmental friendliness are underway, focusing on the electrocaloric effect (ECE) as an alternative to traditional compression methods.
Probe integrated with laser-induced graphene electrode: application towards multimodal optoelectrochemical detection of Cu(ii) ions and their remediation
Authors: Fernandes Rikitha S. , Singh Ritesh Kumar , Goel Sanket , Dey Nilanjan
Published: August 2024

A ferrocenyl–chalcone based multimodal sensor for the selective detection of Cu(ii) ions, further employed for onsite detection on solid supports and industrial remediation of solution and solid based waste.
Long-wave infrared photothermoelectric detectors with resonant nanophotonics
Authors: Zhang Yurong , Jiang Jiamin , Zhang Zhiheng , Yu He , Lian Yunlu , Han Chao , Liu Xianchao , Han Jiayue , Zhou Hongxi , Dong Xiang , Gou Jun , Wu Zhiming , Wang Jun
Published: August 2024

Photothermoelectric (PTE) detectors, renowned for their ultra-broadband photodetection capabilities at room temperature without requiring an external power supply, are pivotal for advancing infrared and terahertz detection technologies.
Boosting the charge injection of polymer electrets for light-stimulated artificial synaptic transistors
Authors: Li Dongfan , Hu Runyi , Zhu Yufeng , Lu Yifei , Hou Kunzhi , Liu Jiamei , Lu Guanghao , Bu Laju
Published: August 2024

We propose an effective method to enhance charge injection efficiency, thereby improving optical response, by incorporating N,N′-dioctyl-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (C8-PTCDI) between a p-type semiconductor and an electret layer.
Exploring one-pot colloidal synthesis of klockmannite CuSe nanosheet electrode for symmetric solid-state supercapacitor device
Authors: Patil Girish P. , Jadhav Chandradip D. , Lyssenko Svetlana , Borenstein Arie , Minnes Refael
Published: August 2024

In this study, we successfully synthesized klockmannite CuSe nanosheets, showing their promising potential for application in supercapacitors.
La biosécurité en élevage porcin
Authors: Laval Arlette , Dréau Dominique
Published: August 2024

En élevage porcin, la biosécurité est essentielle pour préserver et pour améliorer la santé des animaux tout en optimisant les performances technico-économiques.

La biosécurité externe s’attache en priorité au contrôle des animaux introduits dans le troupeau, sans oublier la semence pour l’insémination artificielle, en exigeant des garanties de la part des fournisseurs et en accueillant les nouveaux arrivants en dans une quarantaine bien conçue et bien gérée. Elle concerne aussi les conditions de transport, de stockage et d’enlèvement des cadavres, l’eau et les aliments, les visiteurs, les vecteurs animés, le risque de transmission aérienne et le lisier.

La biosécurité interne s’appuie sur une conduite en bande permettant de strictement respecter la marche en avant, mais aussi à la conception de l’élevage et à la gestion des différents secteurs : maternité, post-sevrage, engraissement ainsi qu’aux modalités de nettoyage et désinfection.
The role of generative language systems in increasing patient awareness of colon cancer screening
Authors: Maida Marcello , Ramai Daryl , Mori Yuichi , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Facciorusso Antonio , Hassan Cesare ,   and the AI-CORE (Artificial Intelligence COlorectal cancer Research) Working Group
Published: August 2024

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer) in answering patientsʼ questions about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patients' awareness and adherence to national screening programs.

Methods 15 questions on CRC screening were posed to ChatGPT4. The answers were rated by 20 gastroenterology experts and 20 nonexperts in three domains (accuracy, completeness, and comprehensibility), and by 100 patients in three dichotomic domains (completeness, comprehensibility, and trustability).

Results According to expert rating, the mean (SD) accuracy score was 4.8 (1.1), on a scale ranging from 1 to 6. The mean (SD) scores for completeness and comprehensibility were 2.1 (0.7) and 2.8 (0.4), respectively, on scales ranging from 1 to 3. Overall, the mean (SD) accuracy (4.8 [1.1] vs. 5.6 [0.7]; P < 0.001) and completeness scores (2.1 [0.7] vs. 2.7 [0.4]; P < 0.001) were significantly lower for the experts than for the nonexperts, while comprehensibility was comparable among the two groups (2.8 [0.4] vs. 2.8 [0.3]; P = 0.55). Patients rated all questions as complete, comprehensible, and trustable in between 97 % and 100 % of cases.

Conclusions ChatGPT shows good performance, with the potential to enhance awareness about CRC and improve screening outcomes. Generative language systems may be further improved after proper training in accordance with scientific evidence and current guidelines.
The Evolving Role of Endoscopy in Revisional Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Rieske Richard R. , Ardila-Gatas Jessica
Published: August 2024

The obesity epidemic continues to be a global health concern impacting over 890 million adults worldwide. These numbers have quadrupled since 1990, and global health surveys estimate another 2.5 billion adults are overweight. The disease of obesity is chronic in nature and difficult to treat. The number of metabolic and bariatric surgeries performed today continues to increase and with it the number of revisional surgeries and management of complications. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has played an important role in diagnosing and managing patients with obesity. Endoscopy is a safe and minimally invasive technique to address surgical complications and explore new techniques for the management of obesity. In this article, we aim to review the evolving role of endoscopy in revisional bariatric surgery: management of immediate complications, including bleeding, strictures, leaks, and erosion of bands; techniques to access the gastric remnant after a gastric bypass; and management of weight regain.
Qatar–Türkiye relations during the embargo of Qatar: a case study in derivative power
Authors: Miller Rory
Published: August 2024

Structurally, Qatar and Türkiye face different International Relations challenges—Turkey is a regional middle power with significant hard power resources, while Qatar is an ambitious small state with relatively scarce military capabilities. Nevertheless, the Arab Uprisings of 2011 and the shift from unipolarity to multipolarity provided the context for a dramatic acceleration in bilateral relations. In the decade and a half since those tumultuous events sent shockwaves across the Arab world, this relationship flourished to the extent that it can be located firmly on the alignment end of the alignment-rapprochement-discord-friction continuum. This paper assesses the extent that the concept of derivative power—whereby a small state derives power by convincing a larger state to take actions that boost its interests—played a role in driving forward this relationship during the embargo of Qatar between 2017 and 2021.
A decades-long journey to ignition
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: August 2024

Diagnostics reveal unexpected issues and point the way to successful laboratory ignition and burn.
Thermal conductivity of double polymorph Ga2O3 structures
Authors: Abdullaev Azat , Sekerbayev Kairolla , Azarov Alexander , Venkatachalapathy Vishnukanthan , Chauhan Vinay S. , Utegulov Zhandos , Kuznetsov Andrej
Published: August 2024

Recently discovered double gamma/beta (γ/β) polymorph Ga2O3 structures constitute a class of novel materials providing an option to modulate functional properties across interfaces without changing the chemical compositions of materials, in contrast to that in conventional heterostructures. In this work, for the first time, we investigate thermal transport in such homo-interface structures as an example of their physical properties. In particular, the cross-plane thermal conductivity (k) was measured by femtosecond laser-based time-domain thermoreflectance with MHz modulation rates, effectively obtaining depth profiles of the thermal conductivity across the γ-/β-Ga2O3 structures. In this way, the thermal conductivity of γ-Ga2O3 ranging from 1.84 to 2.11 W m−1 K−1 was found to be independent of the initial β-substrates orientations, in accordance with the cubic spinel structure of the γ-phase and consistently with the molecular dynamics simulation data. In turn, the thermal conductivity of monoclinic β-Ga2O3 showed a distinct anisotropy, with values ranging from 10 W m−1 K−1 for [−201] to 20 Wm−1 K−1 for [010] orientations. Thus, for double γ-/β-Ga2O3 polymorph structures formed on [010] β-substrates, there is an order of magnitude difference in thermal conductivity across the γ/β interface, which can potentially be exploited in thermal energy conversion applications.
Spin magnetotransport in rare-earth iron garnet (REIG)/Pt: Effects of modulated bulk and REIG/Pt interfaces
Authors: Li Pei Gen , Ng Sheung Mei , Yuan Xin , Zhang Fu Xiang , Wong Hon Fai , Chu Zhi Qin , Cao Peng , Leung Chi Wah
Published: August 2024

The intrinsic magnetization compensation behaviors of rare-earth iron garnets (REIGs) make the material promising for applications in ultrafast spin storage devices. REIG/heavy metal heterostructures such as TbIG/Pt often display two sign crossovers of anomalous Hall effect resistance with varying temperatures. One of these crossovers is attributed to the magnetization compensation of REIG, and the other to the competition between the magnetic proximity effect and the spin Hall effect. Here, we design trilayer REIG heterostructures based on two rare-earth species (Tb and Eu). We modulate the layer stacking of the TbIG/EuIG/TbIG sandwich with a fixed total thickness and explore the contributions of REIG bulk and REIG/Pt interfaces on these two crossover points. As TbIG gradually moves away from Pt, the compensation temperature shows some fluctuations. However, when TbIG is entirely out of contact with Pt, the second crossover point undergoes a change that shows REIG/Pt interface dependency. The results highlight the dominance of REIG bulk on the compensation behavior and the interface sensitivity of the second crossover point. This study provides a reference for designing controllable spintronics devices, such as magnon valve applications.
Genetic mechanisms for impaired synaptic plasticity in schizophrenia revealed by computational modeling
Authors: Mäki-Marttunen Tuomo , Blackwell Kim T. , Akkouh Ibrahim , Shadrin Alexey , Valstad Mathias , Elvsåshagen Torbjørn , Linne Marja-Leena , Djurovic Srdjan , Einevoll Gaute T. , Andreassen Ole A.
Published: August 2024

Schizophrenia phenotypes are suggestive of impaired cortical plasticity in the disease, but the mechanisms of these deficits are unknown. Genomic association studies have implicated a large number of genes that regulate neuromodulation and plasticity, indicating that the plasticity deficits have a genetic origin. Here, we used biochemically detailed computational modeling of postsynaptic plasticity to investigate how schizophrenia-associated genes regulate long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). We combined our model with data from postmortem RNA expression studies (CommonMind gene-expression datasets) to assess the consequences of altered expression of plasticity-regulating genes for the amplitude of LTP and LTD. Our results show that the expression alterations observed post mortem, especially those in the anterior cingulate cortex, lead to impaired protein kinase A (PKA)-pathway-mediated LTP in synapses containing GluR1 receptors. We validated these findings using a genotyped electroencephalogram (EEG) dataset where polygenic risk scores for synaptic and ion channel-encoding genes as well as modulation of visual evoked potentials were determined for 286 healthy controls. Our results provide a possible genetic mechanism for plasticity impairments in schizophrenia, which can lead to improved understanding and, ultimately, treatment of the disorder.
Microsporidian EnP1 alters host cell H2B monoubiquitination and prevents ferroptosis facilitating microsporidia survival
Authors: Guan Jingyu , Tang Liyuan , Wang Yongliang , Fu Ming , Xia Tian , Zheng Kai , Sabi Musa Makongoro , Cong Hua , Wang Juncheng , Zhou Chunxue , Zhou Huaiyu , Weiss Louis M. , Qu Hongnan , Han Bing
Published: August 2024

Microsporidia are intracellular eukaryotic pathogens that pose a substantial threat to immunocompromised hosts. The way these pathogens manipulate host cells during infection remains poorly understood. Using a proximity biotinylation strategy we established that microsporidian EnP1 is a nucleus-targeted effector that modifies the host cell environment. EnP1’s translocation to the host nucleus is meditated by nuclear localization signals (NLSs). In the nucleus, EnP1 interacts with host histone H2B. This interaction disrupts H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub), subsequently impacting p53 expression. Crucially, this inhibition of p53 weakens its control over the downstream target gene SLC7A11, enhancing the host cell’s resilience against ferroptosis during microsporidian infection. This favorable condition promotes the proliferation of microsporidia within the host cell. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which microsporidia modify their host cells to facilitate their survival.
Circadian period is compensated for repressor protein turnover rates in single cells
Authors: Gabriel Christian H. , del Olmo Marta , Rizki Widini Arunya , Roshanbin Rashin , Woyde Jonas , Hamza Ebrahim , Gutu Nica-Nicoleta , Zehtabian Amin , Ewers Helge , Granada Adrian , Herzel Hanspeter , Kramer Achim
Published: August 2024

Most mammalian cells have molecular circadian clocks that generate widespread rhythms in transcript and protein abundance. While circadian clocks are robust to fluctuations in the cellular environment, little is known about the mechanisms by which the circadian period compensates for fluctuating metabolic states. Here, we exploit the heterogeneity of single cells both in circadian period and a metabolic parameter—protein stability—to study their interdependence without the need for genetic manipulation. We generated cells expressing key circadian proteins (CRYPTOCHROME1/2 (CRY1/2) and PERIOD1/2 (PER1/2)) as endogenous fusions with fluorescent proteins and simultaneously monitored circadian rhythms and degradation in thousands of single cells. We found that the circadian period compensates for fluctuations in the turnover rates of circadian repressor proteins and uncovered possible mechanisms using a mathematical model. In addition, the stabilities of the repressor proteins are circadian phase dependent and correlate with the circadian period in a phase-dependent manner, in contrast to the prevailing model.
A novel linear piezoelectric inchworm actuator based on a ratchet mechanism
Authors: Zhang Yangkun , Lao Mengze , Yang Yang
Published: August 2024

A new working principle of inchworm actuator, which converts vibrations of a single piezo actuator into unidirectional step movement of a mover via a ratchet mechanism, was proposed. The proposed working principle has the following priorities: (1) it requires only one piezoelectric actuator which greatly simplifies its driving signals and driving circuits; (2) it can achieve a large driving speed with little compromise of a large force output while maintaining a high positioning precision of piezoelectric actuator and a theoretically unlimited motion range, although it can only achieve unidirectional movement with unidirectional self-locking capability; (3) it could be open-loop controlled with no accumulated step errors. The proposed actuator was designed with compliant mechanism and an analytical model of the design was developed, validated by finite element simulations carried out in Commercial Software ANSYS and used to guide the selection of design parameters. A prototype was fabricated and tested. Experiments show that the proposed actuator achieved a speed larger than 12 mm s−1, a driving load larger than 60 N in the moving direction, a reliable open-loop controllability with no step accumulated errors even under driving load variations of 60 N, and a working range larger than 1 mm with a high positioning precision around 320 nm under closed-loop control, which validated the superiorities of the proposed actuator.
The rheological behavior of aqueous magnetic fluids over a wide range of shear rates
Authors: Yan Xiaofeng , Li Xianggang , Yin Qianmei , Tong Jingjing , Xie Tao
Published: August 2024

A rheological measurement system was constructed to investigate the rheological behavior of magnetic fluids under a wide range of shear rates, and its feasibility was verified. The system is capable of measuring a shear rate range spanning five orders of magnitude, with a maximum shear rate of 106 s−1. It was utilized to study the time required for aqueous magnetic fluids in a magnetic field to reach a steady state, taking into account the coupling effect of the flow field and magnetic field. Additionally, the time needed for the magnetic fluids to return to their initial state after demagnetization was also measured. Based on these measurements, the rheological behavior of magnetic fluids with varying concentrations and magnetic field directions was studied. Results indicate that the residence time of the magnetic fluids in the magnetic field and the de-magnetization time have almost no effect on their viscosity. When the magnetic field direction is perpendicular to the flow direction, regardless of concentration, aqueous magnetic fluids exhibit shear thinning behavior; when it is parallel to the flow direction, high-concentration aqueous magnetic fluids show shear thickening, while low-concentration ones behave as Newtonian fluids. In this study’s shear rate range, no Newtonian regions were found in either high- or low-shear rate regions.
New algorithm of measuring gravitational wave radiation from rotating binary system
Authors: Hong Soon-Tae
Published: August 2024

In order to investigate the gravitational wave (GW) radiation, without resorting to the traceless transverse gauge approach to the GW formalism of the linearized general relativity, we formulate the so-called modified linearized general relativity (MLGR). As an application of the MLGR, we construct a novel paradigm of measuring the GW radiation from a binary system of compact objects, to theoretically interpret its phenomenology. To accomplish this, we formulate the mass scalar and mass vector potentials for the merging binary compact objects, from which we construct the mass magnetic field in addition to the mass electric one which also includes the mass vector potential effect. Next, defining the mass Poyinting vector in terms of the mass electric and mass magnetic fields in the MLGR, we find the GW radiation intensity profile possessing a prolate ellipsoid geometry due to the merging binary compact objects source. At a given radial distance from the binary compact objects, the GW radiation intensity on the revolution axis of the binary compact objects is shown to be twice that on the equatorial plane. Moreover, we explicitly obtain the total radiation power of the GW, which has the same characteristic as that of the electromagnetic wave in the rotating charge electric dipole moment. We also find that, in no distorting limit of the merging binary compact objects, the compact objects in the MLGR do not yield the total GW radiation power, consistent with the result of the traceless transverse gauge algorithm in the linearized general relativity.