bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of Wideband Acoustic Immittance Use by Clinical Audiologists
Authors: Al-Salim Sarah , Skretta Delaney , Merchant Gabrielle Ryan
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) is a promising measure of middle-ear mechanics. In contrast to standard tympanometry, which is generally measured at a single stiffness-dominated low frequency, WAI detects mechanical effects on both the mass and stiffness properties of the middle ear across a wide range of frequencies, resulting in a more comprehensive assessment of middle-ear mechanics in healthy and pathological ears. Despite a plethora of research demonstrating the clinical utility of this measure, clinical adoption of WAI is still limited. This work explores audiologists' use and perceptions of WAI, with the goal of identifying the barriers to its clinical adoption.

Method:

A survey on the perception and use of WAI by clinical audiologists in the United States was developed and administered using the Research Electronic Data Capture application. The survey was distributed broadly across the United States. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, and no compensation was provided.

Results:

Findings from 132 survey respondents across 32 states were included in the analyses. Overall, findings suggest the largest barriers to clinical adoption of WAI are lack of access to equipment that measures WAI and lack of training and/or confidence in measuring or interpreting WAI.

Conclusions:

Several barriers to clinical adoption of WAI were identified. However, findings also provide optimism in that audiologists utilizing WAI find it more useful than standard tympanometry, and most audiologists who do not currently use WAI are open to implementing the measure in their clinical practice. We proposed steps to address the highest priority issues and increase the clinical viability of WAI.
Comparative study on mechanisms of gases release from Ca-alginate beads
Authors: Peh Yee-Ming , Lee Boon-Beng , Kasim Farizul Hafiz , Hadi Ma’Radzi Akmal , Radi Wan Yaakub Ahmad , Mohd Johar Hafizah
Published: February 2024

Calcium alginate (Ca-alginate) beads have attracted considerable attention as carriers for the controlled release of volatile compounds due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. This study aimed to compare the release of ethylene and carbon dioxide gas from Ca-alginate beads. Ca-alginate beads were prepared from a sodium alginate solution containing ethephon and calcium carbonate as the gas-forming agent. The resulting solution was then extruded into a calcium chloride solution. The gas release behavior was studied by monitoring the concentration of released gases over time using gas detectors. Extrusion tip diameter, alginate concentration and gas-releasing agent concentration were systematically varied to assess their effect on the gas release rate. The results indicated distinct release patterns for ethylene and carbon dioxide gas. Ethylene gas exhibited a relatively slower and sustained release, while carbon dioxide gas exhibited a more rapid release. Moreover, the bead size influenced the gas release, with larger beads displaying faster release rates for ethylene and carbon dioxide gas. The concentration of alginate also played a role in modulating the release kinetics, with higher alginate concentration resulting in slower gas release. The findings have implications for designing and optimizing Ca-alginate-based systems for agricultural applications, including plant hormone delivery and modified atmosphere packaging.
Effectiveness of B14A probiotic candidates as enhancers on the physical characteristics and organoleptic properties of bekamal
Authors: Prastujati Anis Usfah , Amaniyah Maghfirotul , Priyadi Dwi Ahmad , Hertamawati Rosa Tri , Febiyan Zulfhan , Nabila Arina
Published: February 2024

Bekamal is a fermented meat typical of Banyuwangi Regency which is produced traditionally with the addition of sugar and salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer. The weakness of commercial bekamal takes a long time because the meat must be fermented for 3 to 6 months to get some unique taste, which has a juiciness, slightly sour and salty that consumers like. The B14A probiotic candidate is added to the bekamal ingredients to help speed up the fermentation process with similar characteristics to commercial bekamal. Bekamal with B14A isolate is begun by regenerating the isolate to become a starter culture. The 10% starter culture is inoculated into the pieces of meat and added by 7.5% palm sugar and 7% salt then fermented in some plastic jars with three variables of fermentation time, there are 7, 14, and 21 days. Bekamal in each fermentation time treatment was tested on physical characteristics that consist of yield, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), and organoleptic properties like taste, color, aroma, and texture. The results showed that the B14A probiotic candidate can speed up the fermentation in less than 1 month (21 days) with physical characteristics and organoleptic properties as well as commercial bekamal.
Efficacy of a topical formulation containing eprinomectin, esafoxolaner and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in the treatment of natural respiratory capillariosis of cats
Authors: Di Cesare Angela , Morganti Giulia , Vignoli Massimo , Colombo Mariasole , Veronesi Fabrizia , Bufalari Antonello , Tielemans Eric , Beugnet Frederic , Traversa Donato
Published: February 2024

Feline pulmonary capillariosis is a significant disorder due to its distribution and clinical impact. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of two administrations 28 days apart of a topical solution containing esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in treating Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) infection in naturally infected cats. Cats were allocated to two groups: G1 cats (n = 23) received two treatments at study days (SDs) 0 and 28 (±2) and were evaluated for 6 weeks, and G2 cats (n = 17) served as a negative control for 6 weeks and were then treated twice on SDs 42 (±2) and 70 (±2), allowing for an additional 6-week assessment of efficacy. Each cat was subjected to McMaster coproscopy at SDs −7/0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for both groups, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. Clinical examination and chest radiographic images were performed at SDs 0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for G1 and G2, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. The comparison of EPG (eggs per gram of feces), clinical (CS), and radiographic scores (RS) at each time-point was used as a criterion. The efficacy based on the EPG reduction was 99.5% (G1) and 100% (G2) after two administrations of NexGard® Combo 2 weeks apart. At SD 0, no significant differences for CS and RS were recorded between G1 and G2, while a significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed post-treatment for CS, RS, oculo-nasal discharge, auscultation noises, and cough. Two doses of NexGard® Combo 28 days apart stopped egg shedding and significantly improved clinical alterations in cats infected by E. aerophilus.
Diplomatic relationship-building in the age of generative AI: the European Union and China
Authors: Xia Lucie Qian
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the impact of generative AI on international diplomacy through the lens of EU–China diplomatic relationship-building. The first section introduces the broader context of AI’s geopolitical impact by distinguishing two different models—the European and Chinese models of regulating and implementing generative AI. The second discuss or explain how the two AI models contrast one another. The third section of the paper focuses on discussing Generative AI and its possible implications for EU–China relations, the extent to which their efforts are likely to strain or facilitate diplomatic relationship-building. The fourth section takes the analysis forward by examining how generative AI could be an unexpected enabling force for EU–China relationship-building. This paper purports that the distinctive EU and Chinese models of generative AI too often belie the opportunities that could potentially enable the EU and China to build their relationship, since generative AI raises shared concerns for the EU and China, and utilising generative AI could make their communications become more efficient, the EU and China may come to reach some kind of shared framework for generative AI development and governance; this could lead to productive talks in other domains such as the trade deficit issue plaguing the EU–China relations or more sensitive cross-strait issues; moreover, in the realm of public diplomacy generative AI could facilitate the EU and China’s public diplomatic efforts towards each other.
Sintering temperature optimization for enhanced magnetic performance in La–Ca–Co doped strontium ferrite
Authors: Haseeb Muhammad , Zhang Hongguo , Li Yuqing , Zhang Pengjie , Geng Zhaowen , Yue Ming
Published: February 2024

The effectiveness of employing La-Ca-Co co-doping has been demonstrated as the optimal approach for enhancing the magnetic performance of strontium ferrite. However, limited studies have explored the evolution of the magnetoplumbite phase and its correlation with the sintering temperature. In our research, La-Ca-Co doped strontium ferrite permanent magnets were fabricated using a conventional ceramic process and a two-step sintering technique. After sintering at different temperatures, all the samples possess proper c-axis orientation. When the sintering temperature was raised from 1175 °C to 1205 °C, there was an upward trend observed in the remanence Br, increasing from 430 mT to 439 mT. The coercivity Hcj exhibited an increase from 380 kA/m and reached its peak at 397 kA/m at 1185 °C. Although the Br value remained favorable, the coercivity experienced substantial deterioration, reaching its lowest point at 303 kA/m at 1205 °C. Under a sintering temperature of 1195 oC, magnetic performance with optimal energy product was achieved, with Br of 439 mT, Hcj of 379 kA/m, Hcb of 318 kA/m, and (BH)max of 35.5 kJm-3.
Computational modelling of a triaxial vibrating sample magnetometer
Authors: Rodriguez Leo , Sapkota Arjun , Alvarado Jonathan , Tate Jitendra S. , Geerts Wilhelmus J.
Published: February 2024

Magnetic Field Assisted Additive Manufacturing (MFAAM) enables 3D printing of magnetic materials of various shapes which exhibit a complex anisotropy energy surface containing contributions generated from different origins such as sample, particle, and agglomerate shape anisotropy, flow and field induced anisotropy, and particle crystal anisotropy. These novel magnet shapes require the need to measure the x, y, and z components of the magnetic dipole moment simultaneously to fully understand the magnetic reversal mechanism and unravel the complex magnetic anisotropy energy surface of 3D printed magnetic composites. This work aims to develop a triaxial vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) by adding a z-coil set to a pre-existing biaxial VSM employing a modified Mallison coil set. The optimum size and location of the sensing coils were determined by modeling the sensitivity matrix of the z-coil set. The designed coil set was implemented using 3D printed spools, a manual coil winder, and gauge 38 copper wire. A 3D printed strontium ferrite nylon composite sample was used to estimate the sensitivity of the z-coils (50 mV/emu). The results herein are applicable for any VSM using a modified Mallison biaxial coil configuration allowing for a quick implementation on pre-existing systems.
Diet of fallow deer suggests potential for invasion of novel habitats in Tasmania
Authors: Guy Thomas R. , Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Cunningham Calum X. , Berry Tina E. , Dawkins Kathryn L. , Driessen Michael M. , Johnson Chris N.
Published: February 2024

Context Understanding the diet of invasive species can inform the potential for their distribution into novel habitats. Fallow deer are well established in the grassy woodlands of central Tasmania, Australia, in environments generally considered to be their optimum habitat. They are also increasing their range. The potential range of fallow deer in Tasmania will depend on their ability to vary their diet to exploit new habitats. Diet flexibility will also determine the ecological impacts that fallow deer might have in novel habitats. Aims We compared the diets of fallow deer in a lowland grassy woodland, where deer have been established for over 150 years, with diets of deer in highland woodlands and forest with less grass cover and higher rainfall, where deer have been established for a shorter time (<50 years). We expected that fallow deer in grassy woodlands would mainly eat grass and forbs, and we wanted to know to what extent the diet of deer differed between habitats. Methods A metagenomic analysis was performed on fallow deer faecal pellets collected at one lowland and three highland study areas. The method was chosen to maximise information on taxonomic composition of diet and identify plant species that might be affected by deer herbivory to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Key results Fallow deer ate a wide variety of plant taxa. Diets varied among study areas. In the lowland study area, deer predominantly ate forbs and grasses. In the highland study area deer were more likely to browse on eucalypts and a variety of shrubs. Conclusions Fallow deer in Tasmania have a broad dietary niche. Availability of specific plant taxa is unlikely to limit fallow deer expansion into most new habitats. Implications Without stronger management strategies, deer are likely to further increase their range in Tasmania, including into areas with high conservation values. The potential impacts on these areas may be high.
Deciphering the underlying mechanisms of the pharyngeal pumping motions in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sherman Dana , Harel David
Published: February 2024

The pharynx of the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
is a neuromuscular organ that exhibits typical pumping motions, which result in the intake of food particles from the environment. In-depth inspection reveals slightly different dynamics at the various pharyngeal areas, rather than synchronous pumping motions of the whole organ, which are important for its effective functioning. While the different pumping dynamics are well characterized, the underlying mechanisms that generate them are not known. In this study, the
C. elegans
pharynx was modeled in a bottom–up fashion, including all of the underlying biological processes that lead to, and including, its end function, food intake. The mathematical modeling of all processes allowed performing comprehensive, quantitative analyses of the system as a whole. Our analyses provided detailed explanations for the various pumping dynamics generated at the different pharyngeal areas; a fine-resolution description of muscle dynamics, both between and within different pharyngeal areas; a quantitative assessment of the values of many parameters of the system that are unavailable in the literature; and support for a functional role of the marginal cells, which are currently assumed to mainly have a structural role in the pharynx. In addition, our model predicted that in tiny organisms such as
C. elegans
, the generation of long-lasting action potentials must involve ions other than calcium. Our study exemplifies the power of mathematical models, which allow a more accurate, higher-resolution inspection of the studied system, and an easier and faster execution of in silico experiments than feasible in the lab.
The growing inadequacy of an open-ended Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale in a warming world
Authors: Wehner Michael F. , Kossin James P.
Published: February 2024

Global warming increases available sensible and latent heat energy, increasing the thermodynamic potential wind intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs). Supported by theory, observations, and modeling, this causes a shift in mean TC intensity, which tends to manifest most clearly at the greatest intensities. The Saffir–Simpson scale for categorizing damage based on the wind intensity of TCs was introduced in the early 1970s and remains the most commonly used metric for public communication of the level of wind hazard that a TC poses. Because the scale is open-ended and does not extend beyond category 5 (70 m/s windspeed or greater), the level of wind hazard conveyed by the scale remains constant regardless of how far the intensity extends beyond 70 m/s. This may be considered a weakness of the scale, particularly considering that the destructive potential of the wind increases exponentially. Here, we consider how this weakness becomes amplified in a warming world by elucidating the past and future increases of peak wind speeds in the most intense TCs. A simple extrapolation of the Saffir–Simpson scale is used to define a hypothetical category 6, and we describe the frequency of TCs, both past and projected under global warming, that would fall under this category. We find that a number of recent storms have already achieved this hypothetical category 6 intensity and based on multiple independent lines of evidence examining the highest simulated and potential peak wind speeds, more such storms are projected as the climate continues to warm.
Phase separation of YAP-MAML2 differentially regulates the transcriptome
Authors: Chung Chan-I. , Yang Junjiao , Yang Xiaoyu , Liu Hongjiang , Ma Zhimin , Szulzewsky Frank , Holland Eric C. , Shen Yin , Shu Xiaokun
Published: February 2024

Phase separation (PS) drives the formation of biomolecular condensates that are emerging biological structures involved in diverse cellular processes. Recent studies have unveiled PS-induced formation of several transcriptional factor (TF) condensates that are transcriptionally active, but how strongly PS promotes gene activation remains unclear. Here, we show that the oncogenic TF fusion Yes-associated protein 1-Mastermind like transcriptional coactivator 2 (YAP-MAML2) undergoes PS and forms liquid-like condensates that bear the hallmarks of transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we examined the contribution of PS to YAP-MAML2-mediated gene expression by developing a chemogenetic tool that dissolves TF condensates, allowing us to compare phase-separated and non-phase-separated conditions at identical YAP-MAML2 protein levels. We found that a small fraction of YAP-MAML2-regulated genes is further affected by PS, which include the canonical YAP target genes
CTGF
and
CYR61
, and other oncogenes. On the other hand, majority of YAP-MAML2-regulated genes are not affected by PS, highlighting that transcription can be activated effectively by diffuse complexes of TFs with the transcriptional machinery. Our work opens new directions in understanding the role of PS in selective modulation of gene expression, suggesting differential roles of PS in biological processes.
A radical polymer membrane for simultaneous degradation of organic pollutants and water filtration
Authors: Li Feng , Mi Yixin , Chen Ronn Zhi Ning , Liu Wei , Wu Ji , Hou Deyin , Yang Min , Zhang Sui
Published: February 2024

Integrating reactive radicals into membranes that resemble biological membranes has always been a pursuit for simultaneous organics degradation and water filtration. In this research, we discovered that a radical polymer (RP) that can directly trigger the oxidative degradation of sulfamethozaxole (SMX). Mechanistic studies by experiment and density functional theory simulations revealed that peroxyl radicals are the reactive species, and the radicals could be regenerated in the presence of O
2
. Furthermore, an interpenetrating RP network membrane consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and the RP was fabricated to demonstrate the simultaneous filtration of large molecules in the model wastewater stream and the degradation of ~ 85% of SMX with a steady permeation flux. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanism of RP-triggered advanced oxidation processes and provides an energy-efficient solution for the degradation of organic compounds and water filtration in wastewater treatment.
Mechanistic links between physiology and spectral reflectance enable previsual detection of oak wilt and drought stress
Authors: Sapes Gerard , Schroeder Lucy , Scott Allison , Clark Isaiah , Juzwik Jennifer , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Guzmán Q J. Antonio , Cavender-Bares Jeannine
Published: February 2024

Tree mortality due to global change—including range expansion of invasive pests and pathogens—is a paramount threat to forest ecosystems. Oak forests are among the most prevalent and valuable ecosystems both ecologically and economically in the United States. There is increasing interest in monitoring oak decline and death due to both drought and the oak wilt pathogen (
Bretziella fagacearum
). We combined anatomical and ecophysiological measurements with spectroscopy at leaf, canopy, and airborne levels to enable differentiation of oak wilt and drought, and detection prior to visible symptom appearance. We performed an outdoor potted experiment with
Quercus rubra
saplings subjected to drought stress and/or artificially inoculated with the pathogen. Models developed from spectral reflectance accurately predicted ecophysiological indicators of oak wilt and drought decline in both potted and field experiments with naturally grown saplings. Both oak wilt and drought resulted in blocked water transport through xylem conduits. However, oak wilt impaired conduits in localized regions of the xylem due to formation of tyloses instead of emboli. The localized tylose formation resulted in more variable canopy photosynthesis and water content in diseased trees than drought-stressed ones. Reflectance signatures of plant photosynthesis, water content, and cellular damage detected oak wilt and drought 12 d before visual symptoms appeared. Our results show that leaf spectral reflectance models predict ecophysiological processes relevant to detection and differentiation of disease and drought. Coupling spectral models that detect physiological change with spatial information enhances capacity to differentiate plant stress types such as oak wilt and drought.
A nonadaptive explanation for macroevolutionary patterns in the evolution of complex multicellularity
Authors: Bingham Emma P. , Ratcliff William C.
Published: February 2024

“Complex multicellularity,” conventionally defined as large organisms with many specialized cell types, has evolved five times independently in eukaryotes, but never within prokaryotes. A number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, most of which posit that eukaryotes evolved key traits (e.g., dynamic cytoskeletons, alternative mechanisms of gene regulation, or subcellular compartments) which were a necessary prerequisite for the evolution of complex multicellularity. Here, we propose an alternative, nonadaptive hypothesis for this broad macroevolutionary pattern. By binning cells into groups with finite genetic bottlenecks between generations, the evolution of multicellularity greatly reduces the effective population size (
Ne
) of cellular populations, increasing the role of genetic drift in evolutionary change. While both prokaryotes and eukaryotes experience this phenomenon, they have opposite responses to drift: eukaryotes tend to undergo genomic expansion, providing additional raw genetic material for subsequent multicellular innovation, while prokaryotes generally face genomic erosion. Taken together, we hypothesize that these idiosyncratic lineage-specific evolutionary dynamics play a fundamental role in the long-term divergent evolution of complex multicellularity across the tree of life.
G-quadruplex DNA structure is a positive regulator of
MYC
transcription
Authors: Esain-Garcia Isabel , Kirchner Angie , Melidis Larry , Tavares Rafael de Cesaris Araujo , Dhir Somdutta , Simeone Angela , Yu Zutao , Madden Sarah K. , Hermann Regina , Tannahill David , Balasubramanian Shankar
Published: February 2024

DNA structure can regulate genome function. Four-stranded DNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures have been implicated in transcriptional regulation; however, previous studies have not directly addressed the role of an individual G4 within its endogenous cellular context. Using CRISPR to genetically abrogate endogenous G4 structure folding, we directly interrogate the G4 found within the upstream regulatory region of the critical human
MYC
oncogene. G4 loss leads to suppression of
MYC
transcription from the P1 promoter that is mediated by the deposition of a de novo nucleosome alongside alterations in RNA polymerase recruitment. We also show that replacement of the endogenous
MYC
G4 with a different G4 structure from the
KRAS
oncogene restores G4 folding and
MYC
transcription. Moreover, we demonstrate that the
MYC
G4 structure itself, rather than its sequence, recruits transcription factors and histone modifiers. Overall, our work establishes that G4 structures are important features of transcriptional regulation that coordinate recruitment of key chromatin proteins and the transcriptional machinery through interactions with DNA secondary structure, rather than primary sequence.
Drones as observers and students as data points: a large-scale demonstration of sound waves
Authors: Löfgren Sebastian Kilde , Virta Mathilda , Marmolejo Javier Tello , Moberg Annie Ringvall , Enger Jonas , Hanstorp Dag
Published: February 2024

Sound is central in everyday life, and the physics of sound is present in many parts of physics education. A common way to teach physics concepts is to conduct experiments or show a phenomenon through demonstrations. However, it is far from trivial to get students to experience the wave nature of sound firsthand. This paper presents three experiments where students become part of the demonstration, which allows them to experience the propagation of sound waves, the speed of sound, and wave interference. By having students listen to sound produced by a speaker and filming their reactions with drones from above, properties of sound and its wavelike nature are evident in the students’ collective behaviour. Their experience during the experiment is reinforced later by reviewing the material with their teachers in the classroom.
Probing exotic phases via stochastic gravitational wave spectra
Authors: Berger Joshua , Bhoonah Amit , Padhi Biswajit
Published: February 2024

Stochastic backgrounds of gravitational waves (GWs) from the pre-BBN era offer a unique opportunity to probe the universe beyond what has already been achieved with the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). If the source is short in duration, the low frequency tail of the resulting GW spectrum follows a universal frequency scaling dependent on the equation of state of the universe when modes enter the horizon. We demonstrate that the distortion of the equation of state due to massive particles becoming non-relativistic can lead to an observable dip in the GW spectrum. To illustrate this effect, we consider a first order chiral symmetry breaking phase transition in the weak-confined Standard Model (WCSM). The model features a large number of pions and mostly elementary fermions with masses just below the critical temperature for the phase transition.
These states lead to a 20% dip in the GW power. We find potential sensitivity to the distortions in the spectrum to future GW detectors such as LISA, DECIGO, BBO, and μAres.
Global Parameters of Eight W UMa-type Binary Systems
Authors: Poro Atila , Tanriver Mehmet , Michel Raul , Paki Ehsan
Published: February 2024

Multiband photometric investigations for eight binary systems of the W Ursae Majoris-type are presented. Six systems are presented for the first time to analyze their light curves. All the analyzed systems have a temperature below 5000 K and an orbital period of less than 0.28 days. We extracted primary and secondary minima from the ground-based observations of these systems. According to a few observations reported in the literature, linear fits were considered in the O − C diagrams, and new ephemerides were presented. Light curve solutions were performed using the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs code. The results of the mass ratio and fillout factor indicate that the systems are contact binary stars. Six of them showed the O’Connell effect, and a cold starspot on each companion was required for light curve solutions. Their absolute parameters were estimated and evaluated by two other methods. In this study, the empirical relationship between the orbital period and semimajor axis was updated using a sample consisting of 414 contact binary systems and the Monte Carlo Markov Chain approach. Also, using Machine Learning and the Artificial Neural Network model, the relationship between P–T
1–M
1 was updated for a better estimation of the mass of the primary star.
An adaptive energy regulation in a memristive map linearized from a circuit with two memristive channels
Authors: Yang Feifei , Zhou Ping , Ma Jun
Published: February 2024

Nonlinear circuits can show multistability when a magnetic flux-dependent memristor (MFDM) or a charge-sensitive memristor (CSM) is incorporated into a one branch circuit, which helps estimate magnetic or electric field effects. In this paper, two different kinds of memristors are incorporated into two branch circuits composed of a capacitor and a nonlinear resistor, thus a memristive circuit with double memristive channels is designed. The circuit equations are presented, and the dynamics in this oscillator with two memristive terms are discussed. Then, the memristive oscillator is converted into a memristive map by applying linear transformation on the sampled time series for the memristive oscillator. The Hamilton energy function for the memristive oscillator is obtained by using the Helmholtz theorem, and it can be mapped from the field energy of the memristive circuit. An energy function for the dual memristive map is suggested by imposing suitable weights on the discrete energy function. The dynamical behaviors of the new memristive map are investigated, and an adaptive law is proposed to regulate the firing mode in the memristive map. This work will provide a theoretical basis and experimental guidance for oscillator-to-map transformation and discrete map energy calculation.
Elliptically polarized high-order harmonic generation of Ar atom in an intense laser field
Authors: Hu 胡 Jie 杰 , Wang 王 Yi-Chen 一琛 , Jing 景 Qiu-Shuang 秋霜 , Jiang 姜 Wei 威 , Wang 王 Ge-Wen 革文 , Zhao 赵 Yi-Wen 逸文 , Xiao 肖 Bo 礴 , Liang 梁 Hong-Jing 红静 , Ma 马 Ri 日
Published: February 2024

High-order harmonic generation (HHG) of Ar atom in an elliptically polarized intense laser field is experimentally investigated in this work. Interestingly, the anomalous ellipticity dependence on the laser ellipticity (ε) in the lower-order harmonics is observed, specifically in the 13rd-order, which displays a maximal harmonic intensity at ε ≈ 0.1, rather than at ε = 0 as expected. This contradicts the general trend of harmonic yield, which typically decreases with the increase of laser ellipticity. In this study, we attribute this phenomenon to the disruption of the symmetry of the wave function by the Coulomb effect, leading to the generation of a harmonic with high ellipticity. This finding provides valuable insights into the behavior of elliptically polarized harmonics and opens up a potential way for exploring new applications in ultrafast spectroscopy and light–matter interactions.
Effect of speed humps on instantaneous traffic emissions in a microscopic model with limited deceleration capacity
Authors: Hu 胡 Yu-Chen 宇晨 , Li 李 Qi-Lang 启朗 , Liu 刘 Jun 军 , Wang 王 Jun-Xia 君霞 , Wang 汪 Bing-Hong 秉宏
Published: February 2024

As a common transportation facility, speed humps can control the speed of vehicles on special road sections to reduce traffic risks. At the same time, they also cause instantaneous traffic emissions. Based on the classic instantaneous traffic emission model and the limited deceleration capacity microscopic traffic flow model with slow-to-start rules, this paper has investigated the impact of speed humps on traffic flow and the instantaneous emissions of vehicle pollutants in a single lane situation. The numerical simulation results have shown that speed humps have significant effects on traffic flow and traffic emissions. In a free-flow region, the increase of speed humps leads to the continuous rise of CO2, NO
X
and PM emissions. Within some density ranges, one finds that these pollutant emissions can evolve into some higher values under some random seeds. Under other random seeds, they can evolve into some lower values. In a wide moving jam region, the emission values of these pollutants sometimes appear as continuous or intermittent phenomenon. Compared to the refined NaSch model, the present model has lower instantaneous emissions such as CO2, NO
X
and PM and higher volatile organic components (VOC) emissions. Compared to the limited deceleration capacity model without slow-to-start rules, the present model also has lower instantaneous emissions such as CO2, NO
X
and PM and higher VOC emissions in a wide moving jam region. These results can also be confirmed or explained by the statistical values of vehicle velocity and acceleration.
Effect of strain on structure and electronic properties of monolayer C4N4
Authors: Chen 陈 Hao 昊 , Xu 徐 Ying 瑛 , Zhao 赵 Jia-Shi 家石 , Zhou 周 Dan 丹
Published: February 2024

The first-principles calculations are performed to examine structural, mechanical, and electronic properties at large strain for a monolayer C4N4, which has been predicted as an anchoring promising material to attenuate shuttle effect in Li–S batteries stemming from its large absorption energy and low diffusion energy barrier. Our results show that the ideal strengths of C4N4 under tension and pure shear deformation conditions reach 13.9 GPa and 12.5 GPa when the strains are 0.07 and 0.28, respectively. The folded five-membered rings and diverse bonding modes between carbon and nitrogen atoms enhance the ability to resist plastic deformation of C4N4. The orderly bond-rearranging behaviors under the weak tensile loading path along the [100] direction cause the impressive semiconductor–metal transition and inverse semiconductor–metal transition. The present results enrich the knowledge of the structure and electronic properties of C4N4 under deformations and shed light on exploring other two-dimensional materials under diverse loading conditions.
Systematic study of cluster radioactivity in trans-lead nuclei with various versions of proximity potential formalisms*
Authors: Liu 刘 Xiao 潇 , Jiang 蒋 Jie-Dong 杰栋 , Wu 吴 Xi-Jun 喜军 , Li 李 Xiao-Hua 小华
Published: February 2024

In this study, based on the framework of the Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM), we systematically investigate the cluster radioactivity half-lives of 26 trans-lead nuclei by considering the cluster preformation probability, which possesses a simple mass dependence on the emitted cluster according to R. Blendowske and H. Walliser [Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 1930 (1988)]. Moreover, we investigate 28 different versions of the proximity potential formalisms, which are the most complete known proximity potential formalisms proposed to describe proton radioactivity, two-proton radioactivity, α decay, heavy-ion radioactivity, quasi-elastic scattering, fusion reactions, and other applications. The calculated results show that the modified forms of proximity potential 1977, denoted as Prox.77-12, and proximity potential 1981, denoted as Prox.81, are the most appropriate proximity potential formalisms for the study of cluster radioactivity, as the root-mean-square deviation between experimental data and relevant theoretical results obtained is the least; both values are 0.681. For comparison, the universal decay law (UDL) proposed by Qi et al. [Phys. Rev. C 80, 044326 (2009)], unified formula of half-lives for α decay and cluster radioactivity proposed by Ni et al. [Phys. Rev. C 78, 044310 (2008)], and scaling law (SL) in cluster radioactivity proposed by Horoi et al. [J. Phys. G 30, 945 (2004)] are also used. In addition, utilizing CPPM with Prox.77-12, Prox.77-1, Prox.77-2, and Prox.81, we predict the half-lives of 51 potential cluster radioactive candidates whose cluster radioactivity is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in NUBASE2020. The predicted results are in the same order of magnitude as those obtained using the compared semi-empirical and/or empirical formulae. At the same time, the competition between α decay and cluster radioactivity of these predicted nuclei is discussed. By comparing the half-lives, this study reveals that α decay predominates.
Journey from human hands to robot hands: biological inspiration of anthropomorphic robotic manipulators
Authors: Han Michael Seokyoung , Harnett Cindy K
Published: February 2024

The development of robotic hands that can replicate the complex movements and dexterity of the human hand has been a longstanding challenge for scientists and engineers. A human hand is capable of not only delicate operation but also crushing with power. For performing tasks alongside and in place of humans, an anthropomorphic manipulator design is considered the most advanced implementation, because it is able to follow humans’ examples and use tools designed for people. In this article, we explore the journey from human hands to robot hands, tracing the historical advancements and current state-of-the-art in hand manipulator development. We begin by investigating the anatomy and function of the human hand, highlighting the bone-tendon-muscle structure, skin properties, and motion mechanisms. We then delve into the field of robotic hand development, focusing on highly anthropomorphic designs. Finally, we identify the requirements and directions for achieving the next level of robotic hand technology.
A bat biomimetic model for scenario recognition using echo Doppler information
Authors: Feng Wang , Chunyang Pang , Yuqing Lu , Hao Wang
Published: February 2024

The flying bat can detect the difference in Doppler frequency between its echolocation transmission signal and the echoes in its surroundings, enabling it to distinguish between various scenarios effectively. By examining the bio-sonar biomimetic model of a flying bat that uses echo Doppler information for environmental recognition, it may enhance the scene recognition capability of human ultrasound sonar during movement. The paper establishes a three-dimensional clutter model of the flying state of bat bio-sonar for bats emitting constant frequency signals. It proposes a scene recognition method that combines multi-scale time-frequency feature analysis with a convolutional neural network (CNN). The short-time Fourier transform of different scales extract the Doppler and range dimensions, which are then fused to create a multi-scale feature plane containing both Doppler and range information. Combined with CNN’s powerful image classification and recognition capabilities, extract features from multi-scale feature planes of different clutter scenes to achieve environment recognition based on the differences in Doppler and range dimensions of echoes in various directions. Through computer simulations, this study provides a numerical interpretation of the environmental classification and perception capabilities of bats in flight. The algorithm significantly improves scenario classification and recognition performance according to simulation results, with accuracy exceeding 98% in varied clutter scenarios at 30 dB signal noise ratio. Based on computer simulations, an experimental scene was constructed and actual echo signals were collected and analyzed. The experiments demonstrate that utilizing Doppler information enables the classification and recognition of cluttered environments. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was also verified. Ultrasonic sonar systems, such as navigation robots and helicopter obstacle avoidance, can apply this biomimetic model and algorithm for environmental recognition during motion.
Functional data learning using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Galarza J , Oraby T
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we show how convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be used in regression and classification learning problems for noisy and non-noisy functional data (FD). The main idea is to transform the FD into a 28 by 28 image. We use a specific but typical architecture of a CNN to perform all the regression exercises of parameter estimation and functional form classification. First, we use some functional case studies of FD with and without random noise to showcase the strength of the new method. In particular, we use it to estimate exponential growth and decay rates, the bandwidths of sine and cosine functions, and the magnitudes and widths of curve peaks. We also use it to classify the monotonicity and curvatures of FD, the algebraic versus exponential growth, and the number of peaks of FD. Second, we apply the same CNNs to Lyapunov exponent estimation in noisy and non-noisy chaotic data, in estimating rates of disease transmission from epidemic curves, and in detecting the similarity of drug dissolution profiles. Finally, we apply the method to real-life data to detect Parkinson’s disease patients in a classification problem. We performed ablation analysis and compared the new method with other commonly used neural networks for FD and showed that it outperforms them in all applications. Although simple, the method shows high accuracy and is promising for future use in engineering and medical applications.
Data-driven Lie point symmetry detection for continuous dynamical systems
Authors: Gabel Alex , Quax Rick , Gavves Efstratios
Published: February 2024

Symmetry detection, the task of discovering the underlying symmetries of a given dataset, has been gaining popularity in the machine learning community, particularly in science and engineering applications. Most previous works focus on detecting ‘canonical’ symmetries such as translation, scaling, and rotation, and cast the task as a modeling problem involving complex inductive biases and architecture design of neural networks. We challenge these assumptions and propose that instead of constructing biases, we can learn to detect symmetries from raw data without prior knowledge. The approach presented in this paper provides a flexible way to scale up the detection procedure to non-canonical symmetries, and has the potential to detect both known and unknown symmetries alike. Concretely, we focus on predicting the generators of Lie point symmetries of partial differential equations, more specifically, evolutionary equations for ease of data generation. Our results demonstrate that well-established neural network architectures are capable of recognizing symmetry generators, even in unseen dynamical systems. These findings have the potential to make non-canonical symmetries more accessible to applications, including model selection, sparse identification, and data interpretability.
Finite-dimensional diffeological vector spaces being and not being coproducts
Authors: Pervova Ekaterina
Published: February 2024

It is known that for a topological vector space it is possible to be the coproduct of two of its subspaces in the category of vector spaces while not being the coproduct of the same subspaces in the category of topological vector spaces. There are however wide classes of spaces where this cannot occur, notably finite-dimensional spaces (but also some infinite-dimensional ones, for instance, Banach spaces). In contrast, this kind of phenomen occurs easily (and frequently, as we here show) for finite-dimensional diffeological vector spaces, where its numerous instances are readily obtained in any dimension starting from

2
2

. After briefly reviewing what is known on this question in some classical categories, we provide an overview of this phenomenon and some of its implications for finite-dimensional diffeological vector spaces, indicating briefly its connections with some other subjects.
ChIP-GPT: a managed large language model for robust data extraction from biomedical database records
Authors: Cinquin Olivier
Published: February 2024

Increasing volumes of biomedical data are amassing in databases. Large-scale analyses of these data have wide-ranging applications in biology and medicine. Such analyses require tools to characterize and process entries at scale. However, existing tools, mainly centered on extracting predefined fields, often fail to comprehensively process database entries or correct evident errors—a task humans can easily perform. These tools also lack the ability to reason like domain experts, hindering their robustness and analytical depth. Recent advances with large language models (LLMs) provide a fundamentally new way to query databases. But while a tool such as ChatGPT is adept at answering questions about manually input records, challenges arise when scaling up this process. First, interactions with the LLM need to be automated. Second, limitations on input length may require a record pruning or summarization pre-processing step. Third, to behave reliably as desired, the LLM needs either well-designed, short, ‘few-shot’ examples, or fine-tuning based on a larger set of well-curated examples. Here, we report ChIP-GPT, based on fine-tuning of the generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) model Llama and on a program prompting the model iteratively and handling its generation of answer text. This model is designed to extract metadata from the Sequence Read Archive, emphasizing the identification of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) targets and cell lines. When trained with 100 examples, ChIP-GPT demonstrates 90–94% accuracy. Notably, it can seamlessly extract data from records with typos or absent field labels. Our proposed method is easily adaptable to customized questions and different databases.
Fractionating difficulty during sentence comprehension using functional neuroimaging
Authors: Thothathiri Malathi , Basnakova Jana , Lewis Ashley G , Briand Josephine M
Published: February 2024

Sentence comprehension is highly practiced and largely automatic, but this belies the complexity of the underlying processes. We used functional neuroimaging to investigate garden-path sentences that cause difficulty during comprehension, in order to unpack the different processes used to support sentence interpretation. By investigating garden-path and other types of sentences within the same individuals, we functionally profiled different regions within the temporal and frontal cortices in the left hemisphere. The results revealed that different aspects of comprehension difficulty are handled by left posterior temporal, left anterior temporal, ventral left frontal, and dorsal left frontal cortices. The functional profiles of these regions likely lie along a spectrum of specificity to generality, including language-specific processing of linguistic representations, more general conflict resolution processes operating over linguistic representations, and processes for handling difficulty in general. These findings suggest that difficulty is not unitary and that there is a role for a variety of linguistic and non-linguistic processes in supporting comprehension.
Utilization of cage germoxanes as templates for tuning pore characteristics of siloxane-based materials
Authors: Hayashi Taiki , Matsuno Takamichi , Kuroda Kazuyuki , Shimojima Atsushi
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate the utilization of cage germoxanes as templates for tuning the pore characteristics of siloxane-based materials. Molecular-scale composites of cage germoxanes and cage siloxanes were prepared by hydrosilylation reactions between SiH- and vinyl-modified cage siloxanes in the presence of vinyl-modified cage germoxanes. Subsequent acid treatments selectively removed the germoxane moiety, resulting in variation in the pore structures. These results contribute to developing a novel method for tuning the pore characteristics of siloxane-based nanoporous materials.
Structures and circularly polarized luminescence of copper(I) complexes with chiral diimine and achiral diphosphine ligands
Authors: Sato Rumi , Mukai Madoka , Tsubomura Taro
Published: February 2024

Copper(I) complexes with chiral diimine and diphosphine ligands were prepared and their chiroptical properties were investigated. By adding chirality to the diimine ligand, CPL (circularly polarized luminescence) intensities emitted from the copper(I) complex were enhanced to a maximum absolute gem value of 3 × 10−3, which is considered large for a mononuclear copper(I) complex.