bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of probiotics on anxiety- and depression-like disorders in stressed mice by modulating tryptophan metabolism and the gut microbiota
Authors: Jia Longgang , Xiao Ling , Fu Yao , Shao Zhen , Jing Zhaoxuan , Yuan Jiahu , Xie Yufeng , Guo Jun , Wang Yanping , Geng Weitao
Published: February 2024

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum D-9 shows neuroprotective effects on anxiety- and depression-like disorders in CUMS mice by modulating tryptophan metabolism and the gut microbiota.
Design, quality and validation of the EU-OPENSCREEN fragment library poised to a high-throughput screening collection
Authors: Jalencas Xavier , Berg Hannes , Espeland Ludvik Olai , Sreeramulu Sridhar , Kinnen Franziska , Richter Christian , Georgiou Charis , Yadrykhinsky Vladyslav , Specker Edgar , Jaudzems Kristaps , Miletić Tanja , Harmel Robert , Gribbon Phil , Schwalbe Harald , Brenk Ruth , Jirgensons Aigars , Zaliani Andrea , Mestres Jordi
Published: February 2024

The process by which researchers from all over the world can apply for projects using the EFSL poised to the ECBL at the EU-OPENSCREEN screening facilities and optimize the hits identified through our network of chemistry partners.
meso-Aryl substituents modify the electrochemical profile and palladium(ii) coordination of redox-active tripyrrin ligands
Authors: Habenšus Iva , Tomat Elisa
Published: February 2024

The synthesis of meso-aryl 1,14-dimethoxytripyrrin and tripyrrin-1,14-dione allows isolation of palladium(ii) complexes presenting aliphatic C–H bond activation reactivity and multiple ligand-based redox processes.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of octopod Ag3PO4 microcrystals with high index crystal faces
Authors: Ma Liang , Zhang Honghua , Wu Fuhua , Zheng Weilu , Li Changchen , Xiang Junhuai
Published: February 2024

Novel octopod shaped Ag3PO4 microcrystals were successfully fabricated by a simple ion exchange method under the conditions of a hot water bath using [Ag(NH3)2]+ solution and Na2HPO4 solution as the precursors.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the characterization of bacterial pellets of Staphylococcus aureus infected by bacteriophage
Authors: Mehmood Nasir , Akram Muhammad Waseem , Majeed Muhammad Irfan , Nawaz Haq , Aslam Muhammad Aamir , Naman Abdul , Wasim Muhammad , Ghaffar Usman , Kamran Ali , Nadeem Sana , Kanwal Naeema , Imran Muhammad
Published: February 2024

SERS with silver nanoparticles analyzes effects of Siphoviridae bacteriophages on bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), providing insights into phage-bacteria interactions.
Performance and mechanism of a bioelectrochemical system for reduction of heavy metal cadmium ions
Authors: Wang XiaXia , Zhao Yu , Jin Li'E. , Liu Bin
Published: February 2024

This study explores the removal of Cd(ii) from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) to investigate the electrochemical performance and removal kinetics and the mechanism of action of electrochemically active bacteria.
Surface engineering of carbon microspheres with nanoceria wrapped on MWCNTs: a dual electrocatalyst for simultaneous monitoring of molnupiravir and paracetamol
Authors: Alqahtani Yahya S. , Mahmoud Ashraf M. , El-Wekil Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Hossieny
Published: February 2024

We developed a novel sensor based on nanoceria loaded MWCNTs (CeNPs@MWCNTs) for simultaneous monitoring of MPV and PCM.
The effect of Si/Al ratio of ZSM-12 zeolite on its morphology, acidity and crystal size for the catalytic performance in the HTO process
Authors: Soltani Samira , Zamaniyan Akbar , Darian Jafar Towfighi , Soltanali Saeed
Published: February 2024

The effect of Si/Al ratio of ZSM-12 zeolite on its morphology, acidity and crystal size for the catalytic performance in HTO process.
Adsorption and sensor performance of transition metal-decorated zirconium-doped silicon carbide nanotubes for NO2 gas application: a computational insight
Authors: Amodu Ismail O. , Olaojotule Faith A. , Ogbogu Miracle N. , Olaiya Oluwatobi A. , Benjamin Innocent , Adeyinka Adedapo S. , Louis Hitler
Published: February 2024

Owing to the fact that the detection limit of already existing sensor-devices is below 100% efficiency, the use of 3D nanomaterials as detectors and sensors for various pollutants has attracted interest from researchers in this field.
Bandgap reduction and efficiency enhancement in Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cells through gallium substitution
Authors: Ihtisham-ul-haq  , Khan M. I. , Ullah Asad , Mujtaba Ali , Almutairi Badriah S. , Shahid Wajeehah , Ali Asghar , Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: February 2024

Lead-free halide double perovskite (LFHDP) Cs2AgBiBr6 has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional lead-based perovskites (LBPs), offering notable advantages in terms of chemical stability and non-toxicity.
Mechanochemistry enabling highly efficient Birch reduction using sodium lumps and d-(+)-glucose
Authors: Kondo Keisuke , Kubota Koji , Ito Hajime
Published: February 2024

In this study, a mechanochemical protocol for highly efficient and ammonia-free sodium-based Birch reduction was developed, leveraging the use of cheap and easy-to-handle sodium lumps and d-(+)-glucose as a proton source.
Interfacial dynamics of carbon interlayers in anode-free solid-state batteries
Authors: Liao Daniel W. , Cho Tae H. , Sarna Shaurya , Jangid Manoj K. , Kawakami Hiroki , Kotaka Toshikazu , Aotani Koichiro , Dasgupta Neil P.
Published: February 2024

Carbon interlayers in anode-free SSBs form Li concentration gradients when charged at high current densities. Dynamic changes in the state-of-charge of the carbon interlayer influence the interfacial impedance and eventual nucleation of plated Li.
A multifunctional phenylalanine additive stabilizing zinc anodes in aqueous zinc ion batteries
Authors: Ni Gang , Pan Zhiqiu , Zou Guoyin , Cao Fuhu , Qin Ling , Cui Peng , Zhou Chenggang
Published: February 2024

As a multifunctional electrolyte additive, phenylalanine significantly enhances the cyclability and reversibility of Zn anode through its pH buffering, corrosion inhibiting, and interfacial engineering effects.
Cobalt-based current collectors for flexible electrodes and their application in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yu Ying , Tang Zhenkai , Wang Yuxiao , Zhang Hongzhang , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: February 2024

A Co-based current collector with high conductivity and light weight can improve the conductivity and battery performance of flexible electrodes.
Simulation guided molecular design of hydrofluoroether solvent for high energy batteries
Authors: Yu Zhou , Shi Zhangxing , Bheemireddy Sambasiva R. , Kamphaus Ethan , Lyu Xingyi , Uddin Mohammad Afsar , Li Zhiguang , Yang Zhenzhen , Li Tao , Moore Jeffrey S. , Zhang Lu , Cheng Lei
Published: February 2024

The study introduces novel asymmetric hydrofluoroether (HFE) designs, uncovers solvation-property relationships, and leverages molecular dynamics modeling for high-performance electrolytes in advanced lithium batteries.
Design of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers based on diketopyrrolopyrrole for NIR-II multifunctional imaging
Authors: Cao Mengyu , Ma Xuezhen , Wang Chang , Zou Wentao , Wang Fang , Yu Bing , Cong Hailin , Shen Youqing
Published: February 2024

Here, we designed and synthesized two donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymers with DPP as the receptor. The polymer nanoparticles have broad application prospects in biological imaging and photothermal therapy.
Purely organic near-infrared afterglow systems based on a triplet excimer donor
Authors: Lin Faxu , Chen Jinzheng , Miao Yiling , Long Xiang , Wang Wen , Hu Wei , Wang Haiyang , Huang Huahua , Liang Guodong , Chi Zhenguo
Published: February 2024

A kind of NIR afterglow with a lifetime of 0.16 s at 808 nm was prepared using triplet excimer (PVB@PVA) as the donor. PYB2@PVA containing more excimers is beneficial to improve luminescence of Cy7 acceptor via a triplet-to-singlet energy transfer.
Side chain engineering in indacenodithiophene-co-benzothiadiazole and its impact on mixed ionic–electronic transport properties
Authors: Holzer Isabelle , Lemaur Vincent , Wang Meng , Wu Han-Yan , Zhang Lu , Marcial-Hernandez Raymundo , Gilhooly-Finn Peter , Cavassin Priscila , Hoyas Sébastien , Meli Dilara , Wu Ruiheng , Paulsen Bryan D. , Strzalka Joseph , Liscio Andrea , Rivnay Jonathan , Sirringhaus Henning , Banerji Natalie , Beljonne David , Fabiano Simone , Nielsen Christian B.
Published: February 2024

This well-studied polymer system does not conform to existing design criteria for imparting mixed conduction. The reasons for this anomalous behaviour are unravelled and used to outline more robust design criteria for new organic semiconductors.
Streptavidin-biotin system-mediated immobilization of a bivalent nanobody onto magnetosomes for separation and analysis of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid in urine
Authors: Tang Fang , Wang Yating , Wang Di , Yang Yayun , Chang Jiashu , Sun Huabo , Gu Shaopeng , He Jinxin
Published: February 2024

The compound 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) is frequently utilized as a biomarker to detect exposure to various pyrethroids.
Self-assembled metal-oxo clusters for sensitive and low-powered ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Tran Manh Hoang , Huyen Nguyen Thi My , Bark Chung Wung
Published: February 2024

Large-area and low-trap zirconium-oxo cluster (ZOC) flakes were synthesized by polymerization of ZOC subunits and used as an efficient photoactive component in UV photodetectors.
On the Relation Between Leg Motion Rate and Speech Tempo During Submaximal Cycling Exercise
Authors: Weston Heather , Pouw Wim , Fuchs Susanne
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

This study investigated whether temporal coupling was present between lower limb motion rate and different speech tempi during different exercise intensities. We hypothesized that increased physical workload would increase cycling rate and that this could account for previous findings of increased speech tempo during exercise. We also investigated whether the choice of speech task (read vs. spontaneous speech) affected results.

Method:

Forty-eight women who were ages 18–35 years participated. A within-participant design was used with fixed-order physical workload and counterbalanced speech task conditions. Motion capture and acoustic data were collected during exercise and at rest. Speech tempo was assessed using the amplitude envelope and two derived intrinsic mode functions that approximated syllable-like and footlike oscillations in the speech signal. Analyses were conducted with linear mixed-effects models.

Results:

No direct entrainment between leg cycling rate and speech rate was observed. Leg cycling rate significantly increased from low to moderate workload for both speech tasks. All measures of speech tempo decreased when participants changed from rest to either low or moderate workload.

Conclusions:

Speech tempo does not show temporal coupling with the rate of self-generated leg motion at group level, which highlights the need to investigate potential faster scale momentary coupling. The unexpected finding that speech tempo decreases with increased physical workload may be explained by multiple mental and physical factors that are more diverse and individual than anticipated. The implication for real-world contexts is that even light physical activity—functionally equivalent to walking—may impact speech tempo.
ASDNet: A robust involution‐based architecture for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder utilising eye‐tracking technology
Authors: Mumenin Nasirul , Yousuf Mohammad Abu , Nashiry Md Asif , Azad A. K. M. , Alyami Salem A. , Lio' Pietro , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a chronic condition characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication. Early detection of ASD is desired, and there exists a demand for the development of diagnostic aids to facilitate this. A lightweight Involutional Neural Network (INN) architecture has been developed to diagnose ASD. The model follows a simpler architectural design and has less number of parameters than the state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) image classification models, requiring lower computational resources. The proposed model is trained to detect ASD from eye‐tracking scanpath (SP), heatmap (HM), and fixation map (FM) images. Monte Carlo Dropout has been applied to the model to perform an uncertainty analysis and ensure the effectiveness of the output provided by the proposed INN model. The model has been trained and evaluated using two publicly accessible datasets. From the experiment, it is seen that the model has achieved 98.12% accuracy, 96.83% accuracy, and 97.61% accuracy on SP, FM, and HM, respectively, which outperforms the current SOTA image classification models and other existing works conducted on this topic.
Research on future trends of electricity consumption based on conditional generative adversarial network considering dual‐carbon target
Authors: Li Jinghua , Qin Zibei , Luo Yichen , Chen Jianfeng , Wei Shanyang
Published: February 2024

The emergence of novel factors, such as the energy Internet and electricity supply‐side reform within the context of the dual‐carbon target (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), has heightened the uncertainty surrounding electricity consumption (EC). This increased uncertainty poses challenges for accurate long‐term EC forecasting. Due to the complexities of feature extraction and the absence of labelled data, conventional supervised learning‐based forecasting methods, such as support vector machines (SVM) and long short‐term memory networks (LSTM), struggle to predict EC with precision in situations of heightened uncertainty resulting from the interplay of multiple factors. To address this issue, a novel method based on a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) is proposed. Initially, the dominant factors influencing future electricity consumption trends through grey correlation degree analysis and the K‐L information method are identified. Subsequently, an EC forecast model is introduced based on CGAN, adept at capturing essential factors and the non‐linear relationship between EC and exogenous factors. This approach effectively models the uncertainty of EC, accurately approximating the true distribution with only a small dataset. Finally, the proposed method by forecasting China's EC from 2015 to 2020 is validated. The results demonstrate that the authors’ method achieves lower root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error values, specifically 0.177% and 2.39%, respectively, outperforming established advanced methods such as SVM and LSTM.
Le Leaf Expander® Fusion
Authors: Sorel Olivier , Chevrollier Marc-Antoine , Gautier Loïc
Published: February 2024

Introduction : la disjonction inter-maxillaire est le traitement de choix de l’endognathie maxillaire chez l’enfant. Elle peut être une disjonction rapide (vis Hyrax®) ou plus lente avec un Leaf Expander® de Leone Odontec®, dispositif objet de notre étude préliminaire. Matériel et méthode : 25 patients sont inclus. Le débit inspiratoire instantané, est mesuré à l’aide du Peak Flow Nasal Inspiratoire (PNIF), les déplacements dentaires aux deux arcades sont évalués avec le système Trios® de 3 Shape. Résultats : les résultats mettent en évidence une différence significative des différents paramètres avant et après traitement. L’ évolution du débit inspiratoire instantané avec amélioration de la ventilation est significative après traitement. Conclusion : Le Leaf Expander® Fusion est une alternative intéressante chez les patients jeunes. La force développée est suffisante pour déclencher une réponse orthopédique avec peu d’effets parasites dento-alvéolaires.
L’Orthodontie Interceptive expliquée aux patients par les Intelligences Artificielles (IA) conversationnelles
Authors: Petitpas Laurent , Béry Alain
Published: February 2024

Les Intelligences Artificielles Conversationnelles (IAC) viennent de faire leur apparition (moins d’un an !) dans le monde de la technologie numérique en bousculant ainsi beaucoup de mode de fonctionnement dans notre société. Beaucoup d’informations vont être fournies aux patients par ces logiciels à travers une nouvelle perspective interactive grâce aux IAC, notamment ChatGPT dont tout le monde parle. Dans notre monde numérique, les IAC faciliteront la communication entre professionnels de la santé dentaire, parents et enfants, en fournissant des informations claires et en répondant aux questions de manière interactive comme lors d’une conversation. En orthodontie, une approche précoce de correction des problèmes orthodontiques chez les enfants vise à détecter et traiter les anomalies de croissance dentaire avant qu’elles ne deviennent complexes. Les patients, de plus en plus avides d’informations, utiliseront de manières importantes les IAC pour leur permettre de se faire expliquer les bases de l’Orthodontie Interceptive, comprendre les avantages d’une intervention précoce, et surfer dans une expérience où la technologie et la santé bucco-dentaire se rejoignent pour créer des sourires sains et épanouis dès le plus jeune âge. Ces outils numériques, qui peuvent parfois en effrayer certains, permettront pour d'autres, de rendre l’expérience orthodontique plus accessible, interactive et compréhensible que jamais pour les patients.

Cet article tente de vérifier les réponses fournies par plusieurs IAC à des questions que nous leur avons posé.
Behandlungsansätze mit Kompressionstherapie beim Lipödem
Authors: Miller Anya , Krahl Susanne , Möckel Luis
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund Die Kompressionstherapie wird als Therapieoption zur Behandlung des Lipödems empfohlen. Aus diesem Grund war das Ziel dieser Metaanalyse, den Effekt von Behandlungsansätzen mit Kompressionstherapie auf Schmerzen bei Patientinnen mit Lipödem zu untersuchen.

Methoden Es wurden eine systematische Literaturrecherche sowie eine Single-Arm- und eine vergleichende Metaanalyse durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 3 Studien in diese Metaanalyse eingeschlossen. Die Single-Arm-Metaanalyse zeigte eine signifikante Reduktion der Schmerzen durch ein multimodales Behandlungskonzept mit Kompressionstherapie. Des Weiteren wurde durch einen Behandlungsansatz mit Kompressionstherapie eine signifikant stärkere Reduktion der Schmerzen (Mean Difference: -2,15; 95%-KI -3,06–-1,24; p≤0,01; I2
=0,00%) im Vergleich zu einem Kompressionstherapie-freien Behandlungsansatz ermittelt.

Schlussfolgerung Ein multimodaler Behandlungsansatz mit Kompressionstherapie hat bei Patientinnen mit Lipödem einen positiven Effekt auf die Schmerzen. Weitere Studien zur Kompressionstherapie bei der Behandlung des Lipödems, insbesondere mit mehr Patientinnen, wären sinnvoll, um die hier gefundenen Ergebnisse zu bestätigen.
Early humans out of Africa had only base-initial numerals
Authors: Her One-Soon , Liang Yung-Ping , Chan Eugene , Hsu Hung-Hsin , Hsu Anthony Chi-Pin , Allassonnière-Tang Marc
Published: February 2024

The vast majority of languages have numerals involving multiplication. Cross-linguistically, a numeral that involves a multiplier and a numeral base can be base-final, e.g., three hundred [three × hundred] in English, or base-initial, e.g., ikie ita [hundred × three] in Ibibio (Niger-Congo). A worldwide survey of 4099 languages reveals that 39% of the languages are base-initial, 48% are base-final, 4% use both orders, and 8% are without numeral bases. As the first step towards explaining this diversity and worldwide distribution, we offer convergent evidence to support the hypothesis that the languages of early humans in Africa had base-initial numerals. From a linguistic point of view, linearization is necessary for the verbal expression of multiplicative numerals. Between the two linear orders of multiplication, we demonstrate that the base-initial order has an initial advantage in communicative efficiency. We also offer typological evidence from the dominant head-initial word order in present-day numeral systems and nominal phrases in African languages. Finally, results from a phylogenetic analysis based on a global tree of human languages show that the base-initial order is more stable diachronically and more likely to be at the root of the reconstructed tree of languages in Africa between 100 and 150 thousand years ago. The dominant base-final order in non-African languages of modernity is thus likely to be a development after the Out-of-Africa exodus between 60 and 80 thousand years ago.
Mobile money, medical cost anxiety and welfare of individuals within the reproductive age in Malaysia
Authors: Osabohien Romanus , Jaaffar Amar Hisham , Akpa Armand Fréjuis , Jakovljevic Mihajlo
Published: February 2024

This study examines the association between mobile money, medical cost anxiety, and the welfare of households in Malaysia. The study made use of the data sourced from the Global financial survey conducted by the World Bank. The study applied the logit model and test of mean difference, probit and instrumental variable regressions to check for robustness. Findings show that mobile money has a positive and significant impact on the welfare of households in Malaysia. Mobile money enables households to access financial services easily and conveniently, which in turn leads to better financial management and increased household welfare. The study also finds that medical cost anxiety hurts household welfare. Households that are more anxious about medical costs tend to experience lower levels of welfare. The results of this study have significant implications for policymakers and financial service providers in Malaysia. To improve the welfare of households, policymakers should promote mobile money use and encourage financial inclusion. Financial service providers should also develop products and services tailored to the needs of households, especially those that are more vulnerable to medical cost anxiety. Additionally, policymakers should consider implementing policies that address rising healthcare costs and alleviate medical cost anxiety among households in Malaysia.
Carbon and ecosystem service markets in rangelands and grazing systems are a wicked problem: multi-stakeholder partnership or roundtable as a vehicle forward?
Authors: Cotton Rebecca , Witt Bradd
Published: February 2024

Although the concepts of carbon and ecosystem service markets gained traction in the literature in the early 1990s, they have only recently (since the early 2000s) become a reality in Australia. The past decade has seen the appearance of markets for carbon sequestration (and avoiding land-clearing), most of which have occurred in rangeland environments. There has been research in recent decades focusing on the barriers and opportunities for the uptake of such carbon and ecosystem service markets at the landholder level. However, there is limited research into how the policy, institutional and governance arrangements may be affecting the effective and efficient development of cohesive carbon and ecosystem service markets in the Australian rangelands that could result in genuine and enduring environmental, social and community outcomes. Using in-depth interviews with 34 diverse stakeholders, we identified many inter-related themes that provided clear insight into aspects of these markets in Australia. Complexity was the most prominent and overarching theme. The markets operate on multiple levels across state, national and international jurisdictions, leading to confusion for landholders and other stakeholders. The type and number of groups and stakeholders in these systems add to the perceived complexity, with convoluted lines of responsibility, jurisdictional appropriateness, regulation, financial investment, and oversight. There is currently a lack of transparency within these markets, resulting in reduced trust and engagement. We deduce that carbon and ecosystem services markets are, in fact, a wicked policy problem, but have not yet been framed as such. We suggest a multi-stakeholder partnership or roundtable approach be used to tackle the symptoms of the wicked problem associated with carbon and eco-system service markets, which may help in reducing some of the complexities, perverse outcomes and stakeholder trust issues identified in this research.
Contribution of protein conformational heterogeneity to NMR lineshapes at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Yi Xu , Fritzsching Keith J. , Rogawski Rivkah , Xu Yunyao , McDermott Ann E.
Published: February 2024

While low-temperature Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) holds great promise for the analysis of unstable samples and for sensitizing NMR detection, spectral broadening in frozen protein samples is a common experimental challenge. One hypothesis explaining the additional linewidth is that a variety of conformations are in rapid equilibrium at room temperature and become frozen, creating an inhomogeneous distribution at cryogenic temperatures. Here, we investigate conformational heterogeneity by measuring the backbone torsion angle (Ψ) in
Escherichia coli
Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) at 105 K. Motivated by the particularly broad N chemical shift distribution in this and other examples, we modified an established NCCN Ψ experiment to correlate the chemical shift of N
i+1
to Ψ
i
. With selective
15
N and
13
C enrichment of Ile, only the unique I60-I61 pair was expected to be detected in
13
C’-
15
N correlation spectrum. For this unique amide, we detected three different conformation basins based on dispersed chemical shifts. Backbone torsion angles Ψ were determined for each basin: 114 ± 7° for the major peak and 150 ± 8° and 164 ± 16° for the minor peaks as contrasted with 118° for the X-ray crystal structure (and 118° to 130° for various previously reported structures). These studies support the hypothesis that inhomogeneous distributions of protein backbone torsion angles contribute to the lineshape broadening in low-temperature NMR spectra.
Episodic fluid venting from sedimentary basins fueled by pressurized mudstones
Authors: Kearney Luke M. , Katz Richard F. , MacMinn Christopher W. , Kirkham Chris , Cartwright Joe
Published: February 2024

Subsurface sandstone reservoirs sealed by overlying, low-permeability layers provide capacity for long-term sequestration of anthropogenic waste. Leakage can occur if reservoir pressures rise sufficiently to fracture the seal. Such pressures can be generated within the reservoir by vigorous injection of waste or, over thousands of years, by natural processes. In either case, the precise role of intercalated mudstones in the long-term evolution of reservoir pressure remains unclear; these layers have variously been viewed as seals, as pressure sinks, or as pressure sources. Here, we use the geological record of episodic fluid venting in the Levant Basin to provide striking evidence for the pressure-source hypothesis. We use a Bayesian framework to combine recently published venting data, which record critical subsurface pressures since ∼2 Ma, with a stochastic model of pressure evolution to infer a pressure-recharge rate of ∼30 MPa/Myr. To explain this large rate, we quantify and compare a range of candidate mechanisms. We find that poroelastic pressure diffusion from mudstones provides the most plausible explanation for these observations, amplifying the ∼3 MPa/Myr recharge caused primarily by tectonic compression. Since pressurized mudstones are ubiquitous in sedimentary basins, pressure diffusion from mudstones is likely to promote seal failure globally.
Myosin in autoinhibited
off
state(s), stabilized by mavacamten, can be recruited in response to inotropic interventions
Authors: Ma Weikang , del Rio Carlos L. , Qi Lin , Prodanovic Momcilo , Mijailovich Srboljub , Zambataro Christopher , Gong Henry , Shimkunas Rafael , Gollapudi Sampath , Nag Suman , Irving Thomas C.
Published: February 2024

Mavacamten is a FDA-approved small-molecule therapeutic designed to regulate cardiac function at the sarcomere level by selectively but reversibly inhibiting the enzymatic activity of myosin. It shifts myosin toward ordered
off
states close to the thick filament backbone. It remains elusive whether these myosin heads in the
off
state(s) can be recruited in response to physiological stimuli when required to boost cardiac output. We show that cardiac myosins stabilized in these
off
state(s) by mavacamten are recruitable by 1) Ca
2+
, 2) increased chronotropy [heart rate (HR)], 3) stretch, and 4) β-adrenergic (β-AR) stimulation, all known physiological inotropic interventions. At the molecular level, we show that Ca
2+
increases myosin ATPase activity by shifting mavacamten-stabilized myosin heads from the inactive super-relaxed state to the active disordered relaxed state. At the myofilament level, both Ca
2+
and passive lengthening can shift mavacamten-ordered
off
myosin heads from positions close to the thick filament backbone to disordered
on
states closer to the thin filaments. In isolated rat cardiomyocytes, increased stimulation rates enhanced shortening fraction in mavacamten-treated cells. This observation was confirmed in vivo in telemetered rats, where left-ventricular dP/dt
max,
an index of inotropy, increased with HR in mavacamten-treated animals. Finally, we show that β-AR stimulation in vivo increases left-ventricular function and stroke volume in the setting of mavacamten. Our data demonstrate that the mavacamten-promoted
off
states of myosin in the thick filament are at least partially activable, thus preserving cardiac reserve mechanisms.
Importance of magnetic information for neuronal plasticity in desert ants
Authors: Grob Robin , Müller Valentin L. , Grübel Kornelia , Rössler Wolfgang , Fleischmann Pauline N.
Published: February 2024

Many animal species rely on the Earth’s magnetic field during navigation, but where in the brain magnetic information is processed is still unknown. To unravel this, we manipulated the natural magnetic field at the nest entrance ofCataglyphisdesert ants and investigated how this affects relevant brain regions during early compass calibration. We found that manipulating the Earth’s magnetic field has profound effects on neuronal plasticity in two sensory integration centers. Magnetic field manipulations interfere with a typical look-back behavior during learning walks of naive ants. Most importantly, structural analyses in the ants’ neuronal compass (central complex) and memory centers (mushroom bodies) demonstrate that magnetic information affects neuronal plasticity during early visual learning. This suggests that magnetic information does not only serve as a compass cue for navigation but also as a global reference system crucial for spatial memory formation. We propose a neural circuit for integration of magnetic information into visual guidance networks in the ant brain. Taken together, our results provide an insight into the neural substrate for magnetic navigation in insects.
Adelung’s English-German dictionary (1783, 1796)
Authors: McLelland Nicola
Published: February 2024

This article examines Johann Christoph Adelung’s English–German dictionary (1783, 1796). The dictionary deserves
our attention because it was undertaken by the author of a ground–breaking German dictionary (Adelung 1774–86, 2
1793–1801), working from Samuel Johnson’s
equally epoch–making English dictionary (1755, 41773). Yet the work has thus far been almost entirely overlooked. This
article seeks to address that research gap. It reveals the very significant differences between the first dictionary volume (1783)
and the second (1796), and argues that the second volume – for which a dictionary by Johannes Ebers is a major source (Ebers 1793–1794) – is almost certainly not the work of Adelung at all. Close analysis of
the first volume nevertheless reveals the care that Adelung took with it, drawing not just on Johnson, but also on his own German
dictionary and other sources, resulting in a dictionary that was innovative in English–German lexicography. I also show that
Adelung’s experience of preparing the English–German dictionary informed his revision of his better–known German dictionary
(1793–1801) in at least two concrete ways: his treatment of pronunciation and his use of metalinguistic labelling.
Fiducial marker and blob detection-based motion compensation algorithm for Thermoelastic Stress Analysis measurements
Authors: Tribbiani Giulio , Zara Tommaso , Truffarelli Tiberio , Capponi Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

Non-contact techniques for measuring stress and strain on structures offer advantages including preservation of structural integrity, remote and continuous monitoring, full-field measurement capability, non-destructive testing, and adaptability to various materials. Among them, thermoelastic stress analysis is one of the most established non-contact techniques to measures stress distributions in structures by analysing temperature-induced deformations. This research proposes a methodology for the compensation of the edge effect, a undesirable phenomenon resulting from rigid displacements in the analysed structure when using thermoelasticity approach. These displacements give rise to virtual stress distributions along the sample’s edges. For this purpose, a fiducial marker was used to track rigid displacements in thermal images, that were then processed using a blob detection algorithm, for compensating for edge effects under different loading conditions. The algorithm was capable of measuring the displacement of a sample at different frequencies (5-25Hz) and distances from the target (300-600 mm), with the lowest uncertainty of 0.2 mm. The impact of compensation was found The impact of the compensation was found to be significant, especially at frequencies lower than 10 Hz, where the displacement was the highest.
Rapid prototyping of FBG-based optical sensors for vibration analysis of mechatronic systems
Authors: Dalla Vedova Matteo D L , Quattrocchi Gaetano , Aimasso Alessandro , Marotta Antonio , Ferro Carlo G , Maggiore Paolo
Published: February 2024

The detection and study of vibrations play a fundamental role in the monitoring and safety of engineering systems. This is especially true in the aerospace sector, where the operating environment is often hostile, and the constraints on weights and dimensions are very tight. For these reasons, the research and application of sensors based on optical signal transmission are becoming increasingly important. The opportunity to implement distributed measurements along a single optical fiber, the small size and weight, and the high resistance to electromagnetic interference make this technology an ideal candidate for the development of next-generation aerial platforms. In this paper, the authors focus on designing and developing a novel sensor that employs Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) for vibration detection. Their primary aim is to explore the potential and constraints of this technology and build an initial prototype for testing purposes. Additionally, the project enabled the authors to experiment with rapid prototyping techniques that rely on 3D printing and additive manufacturing. The impact of various design choices, such as materials, geometry, and manufacturing, on the demonstrator sensitivity was explored by analysing the problem mathematically. A Matlab script was developed to estimate dimensions, weights, and dynamic performances, and modelling FEM was used for validation.
Enhanced Global Convolution Networks for Defect Detection in Full Wavefield Imaging
Authors: Donati G , Zonzini F , De Marchi L
Published: February 2024

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques based on ultrasonic guided waves can provide relevant information about the health status of an inspected structure. The analysis of the wavefields recorded through Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometers (SLDVs) has been used successfully in NDE systems to detect damages in planar isotropic materials, such as interlaminar fractures in composites. However, the high spatial point resolution required to ensure an accurate localization and quantification of defects typically implies a time-consuming acquisition process, which limits the applicability of such approaches. In this work, we exploit the potential of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to perform segmentation on full wavefield images, obtained by reconstruction from a low resolution grid having a spatial sampling rate below the Nyquist frequency, for the purpose of detecting and localising delaminations in carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) plates. In particular, we trained an improved version of Global Convolutional Networks (GCN) using a public dataset containing 475 simulated cases of full wavefield Lamb waves propagation in a CFRP plate, generated by an actuator with a carrier frequency of 50 kHz. We adopted channel and spatial attention mechanisms to improve the accuracy of the networks and applied our method on (i) the resulting image given by the root mean square value (RMS) in time for each spatial position and on (ii) the 3-dimensional animation representing the full wavefield propagation. Our networks show the ability to accurately locate target damages with a spatial resolution 8 times higher than the dimension of the adopted sampling grid, achieving an Intersection over Union score equal to 0.78 with a number of scanning point more than 60 times lower than the number of pixels in the output segmentation mask.
Optimizing the Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for the Second Eigen Frequency: Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Optimal Beam Shapes
Authors: Skėrys Paulius , Gaidys Rimvydas , Narijauskaitė Birutė , Lupeikienė Audronė
Published: February 2024

This paper is dedicated to the optimization of the beam shape of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) for maximum efficiency at the second eigenfrequency. A combination of mathematical modeling and experimental investigation is used to design and confirm an optimal shape for the cantilever, maximizing strain in the upper layers of the active element. The cantilever beam shape is nonlinear throughout the cross-section of it. The experimental results confirm that the optimal shape beam produces around 70% higher output power than the initial shape. The findings of this study can be used to guide the design of more efficient PEHs for a variety of applications.
Analytical and Experimental Modal Analysis of a Bladed Disk
Authors: Lamine Mekhalfia Mohammed , Procházka Pavel
Published: February 2024

The conference paper discusses a study on the modal behavior of a bladed disk in rotating machinery system using analytical and experimental modal analysis techniques. The process involves measuring natural frequencies under different operating conditions. The modal properties from both approaches are compared, and the effects of rotational speed on the modal behavior of the bladed disk are presented and discussed. The analytical and experimental findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the bladed disk’s modal characteristics under varying rotational speeds. The integration of these different modal analysis techniques enhances the accuracy of the results and enables a more thorough investigation of the bladed disk’s behavior in rotating machinery systems.
Self-mixing Interferometer: Frequency Modulation Noise Dependence on Laser Source
Authors: Cavedo Federico , Esmaili Parisa , Pesatori Alessandro , Norgia Michele
Published: February 2024

The acquisition of frequency modulation in self-mixing interferometry opens the way to a new generation of instruments, with significantly superior performance compared to traditional self-mixing interferometers. In this work, we experimentally confirm the noise limit dependence of this kind of interferometer on the laser source linewidth. The obtained results confirm the theoretical prediction, opening the way for a deeper improvement in sensitivity, by employing narrow-line lasers in this interferometric configuration.
High sensitivity strain measurement on a vibrating saxophone reed using stroboscopic digital image
Authors: Ukshini E , Livens P , Dirckx J
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present a study of different optical textures and techniques to apply very fine, non-specular reflecting random speckle texture, which makes it possible to measure surface strains with a sensitivity better than 0.01 % strain on a vibrating object. The method is based on triggered stroboscopic digital image correlation, which is able to obtain time-resolved full-field measurements of displacement and strain fields. The method is demonstrated on reeds of the saxophone to investigate their role in sound production and playability. Such high-sensitivity measurements allow the detection of subtle effects, such as artefacts on synthetic saxophone reeds caused by the production process.
Laser Doppler Vibrometry for detecting survivors in hard-to-reach environments
Authors: Antognoli L. , Panni L. , Cosoli G. , Scalise L.
Published: February 2024

Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in remote and hazardous environments are crucial for the rapid and accurate location of survivors, with a timely response being essential during the “golden hours” following a disaster. Recent technological advancements offer innovative solutions to enhance SAR efforts. This study aims to investigate the use of Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) as a tool for remote vital sign assessment and explore its integration with Machine Learning (ML) techniques for accurate individual identification in challenging SAR scenarios. Various scenarios, such as different distances, difficult angles, and non-ideal body placements, are explored in the study to faithfully recreate hard-to-reach environments. Two models, the OS-Model trained with data acquired under optimal conditions and the AS-Model trained with data acquired including all the different conditions studied, were compared to evaluate classification performance. Results indicate that the LDV-assisted ML approach, particularly the AS-Model, exhibits promising outcomes with a higher median prediction accuracy of 0.93, emphasizing the importance of diverse and comprehensive datasets. However, limitations regarding accuracy at greater distances, smaller angles, and lower-body laser targeting must be considered for practical implementation.
Charge in non-thunderstorm clouds and fogs
Authors: Giles Harrison R , Nicoll Keri A , Ambaum Maarten HP
Published: February 2024

The global atmospheric electric circuit links charge separation in thunderclouds with current flow throughout the atmosphere. This current flow causes charge accumulation on the upper and lower boundaries of clouds and fogs. Thunderclouds are therefore not the only charged clouds in the atmosphere, and other forms of clouds, especially extensive horizontal layer clouds (stratus) are much more abundant globally. To investigate possible effects of charging of natural droplets in clouds, experiments have been undertaken using corona ion emission into fogs, releasing from within and above the fog. During the corona ion release the droplet size distribution was modified, with an increase in small drops. Further, when the ions were released over the fog, the reflectivity of the fog increased by ∼2%, about 30s later.
The effect of fog on atmospheric electric fields
Authors: Miller C , Nicoll K , Westbrook C , Harrison R G
Published: February 2024

Naturally occurring electric fields exist in the atmosphere as part of the global electric circuit. These fields are produced by global phenomena, but they are strongly modified by local conditions. One such local effect is fog, which is the reduction in visibility by droplets suspended in the air. For over a century, it has been known that fog can often result in larger values of electric field compared to that in clear air conditions. However, the physical processes controlling the electric field and its variability in fog are still not fully understood. More detailed information on this is required to assess whether electric field measurements can be used as a fog prediction method, which was suggested many decades ago but is still an open question. Furthermore, improving the understanding of electrical processes in fog will also help in related areas of research such as cloud electrification processes and the impact of charge on the behaviour of aerosol and droplets.

This study aims to fully characterise the electric field in fog using an extensive dataset of over 17 years, measured from the University of Reading Atmospheric Observatory, UK. This encompasses electric field, visibility, and meteorological data from over a hundred fog events, which allows us to examine the behaviour of electric fields in fog conditions statistically, rather than only focusing on individual case studies as is often the case in the literature. The long series of data from the site allows the variability in the electrical data during fog events to be more fully characterised than previously.
Evaluation of a modern point discharge sensor as an atmospheric electricity instrument
Authors: McGinness B , Harrison RG , Aplin KL , Airey MW
Published: February 2024

Point discharge sensors have been used for a long period of time, but are still not fully understood. The data collected by one of these sensors has been investigated along with electric field data in an attempt to parameterise the sensor. It was found that the sensor was best described by an equation with terms dependent on the atmospheric electric field and the first derivative of this electric field, with respect to time. This behaviour implies that both electrostatic and electrodynamic processes are important to the operation of the sensor. The inclusion of the electrodynamic term means that although this sensor is able to detect electrical disturbances, it is more difficult to recover the precise nature of the electric field using this sensor.
A charge emitter for use in evaluating aircraft rainfall enhancement
Authors: Nicoll K.A. , Escobar-Ruiz V. , Harrison R.G. , Ambaum M.H. , Alkamali A.A.
Published: February 2024

Charging of droplets is known to influence their properties and interactions, such as through modifying their evaporation, collisions or stability. Introducing additional charge into a droplet system, such as a natural fog or cloud may therefore provide a route to modify its behaviour. As aircraft are already used in rainfall enhancement activities by some national meteorological services, adapting their existing delivery systems to include charge release provides a convenient method with which to pursue this. Rainfall enhancement aircraft typically carry an array of under-wing tubes into which cloud seeding agents (e.g. salt or silver iodide) are contained in flares which are loaded pre-flight. Our approach for a charge release system is to construct a stand-alone device able to fit within an existing flare housing, to provide controlled release of ions by corona emission. The “flare emitter” device is battery powered and able to release either polarity of corona ions. It contains a programmable microcontroller (Arduino Nano) able to operate in a fixed sequence and record data to an internal memory card at 10Hz. Monitoring systems for the corona emission voltage and current are included, as well as environmental sensors for pressure, temperature and relative humidity.