bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization and biological research of novel 2-(quinoline-4-carbonyl)hydrazide-acrylamide hybrids as potential anticancer agents on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells by targeting EGFR-TK
Authors: Abd El-Lateef Hany M. , Bafail Duaa , Alhalees Noura Hamdi Yousef , Toson Eslam E. M. , Abu Almaaty Ali H. , Elsayed Elsherbiny H. , Zaki Islam , Youssef Magdy M.
Published: July 2024

A sequence of novel 2-(quinoline-4-carbonyl)hydrazide scaffolds carrying the acrylamide moiety have been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against an MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
Triborane (B3H7)-mediated regioselective substitution reactions of pyridine derivatives
Authors: Fan Zi-Heng , Kang Jia-Xin , Jia Sihan , Pan Qiao-Jing , Cao Lei , Chen Xi-Meng , Xu Cong-Qiao , Ma Yan-Na , Chen Xuenian
Published: July 2024

There exists an interplay between borane and a Lewis base in their adducts.
Construction of intermolecular σ-hole interactions in rare earth metallocene complexes using a 2,3,4,5-tetraiodopyrrolyl anion
Authors: Delano Francis , Benner Florian , Jang Seoyun , Greer Samuel M. , Demir Selvan
Published: July 2024

The first complexes containing a 2,3,4,5-tetraiodopyrrolyl anion as a ligand were isolated. The ligands' tendency to foster intermolecular σ-hole interactions was probed and compared to rare earth metal complexes bearing a 2,5-dimethylpyrrolyl anion.
Theory and simulations of light-induced self-assembly in colloids with quantum chemistry derived empirical potentials
Authors: Kalapurakal Remya Ann Mathews , Jha Prateek K. , Vashisth Harish
Published: July 2024

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study light induced self assembly (LISA) of azobenzene dithiol functionalized gold nanoparticles.
Shear flow as a tool to distinguish microscopic activities of molecular machines in a chromatin loop
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Padinhateeri Ranjith , Thakur Snigdha
Published: July 2024

Active chromatin loops with different activity class but same structural transitions can be distinguished using shear experiment.
Solvent quality and nonbiological oligomer folding: revisiting conventional paradigms
Authors: Dongmo Foumthuim Cedrix J. , Arcangeli Tobia , Škrbić Tatjana , Giacometti Achille
Published: July 2024

Solvation properties of poly-phenylacetylene synthetic foldamer (pPA) (left) and phenylalanile oligopeptide (PHE) (right), in three solvents. PHE is entropy–enthalpy compensating in water, pPA is displaying a large dominance of the enthalpic part.
Exploring the material and dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites incorporated with graphene and graphene oxide
Authors: Guner Melek , Cicek Ozkan Betul , Ozdemir Niyazi
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on enhancing the structural, thermal, and dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites loaded with graphene oxide (GO) and graphene (G), synthesized via solution casting.
Carbothermal reduction-induced oxygen vacancies in spinel cathodes for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Bag Saheb , Kumar Choutipalli Venkata Surya , Bhadra Abhirup , Shuford Kevin L. , Kundu Dipan , Raj C. Retna
Published: July 2024

The defect-engineering of low-valent vanadium spinel cathode boost the charge storage performance of aqueous zinc-ion battery.
Mitigating magnetic frustration to improve single-crystalline nonstoichiometric Li1.06Ni0.90Mn0.04O2 for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ding Guoyu , Wang Shizhou , Huang Xinhui , Zhao Qiancheng , Peng Yiyang , Wu Zhonghan , Jiang Na , Liu Kuiming , Zhang Yudong , Hou Zhichen , Yang Wutong , Yu Meng , Liu Fangming , Cheng Fangyi
Published: July 2024

A molten salt-assisted synthesis and Li-refeeding strategy is applied to prepare single-crystalline slightly Li-rich Li1.06Ni0.90Mn0.04O2 with low magnetic moment and mitigated Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing, which enhances cycling performance.
Surface defect induced polarization manipulation in Cu2SnS3 for boosting electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Haihua , Wen Ning , Li Yupeng , Jiao Xiuling , Xia Yuguo , Chen Dairong
Published: July 2024

Enhancing electrochemical CO2 reduction of Cu2SnS3via surface polarization manipulation proves effective for designing efficient CO2-to-formate electrocatalysts.
Alkali-promoted indium oxide as a highly active and selective catalyst for photo-thermal CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Xinhuilan , Rendón-Patiño Alejandra , Gallo Jean Marcel R. , Mateo Diego , Gascon Jorge
Published: July 2024

Cs-promoted In2O3 has demonstrated excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in photo-thermal CO2 hydrogenation. Mechanistic studies suggest that non-thermal effects prevail, particularly at low reaction temperatures and high light intensities.
Fabrication and characterization of calcium peroxide and berberine loaded cryogels for enhanced wound healing
Authors: Dar Lateef Ahmad , Manzoor Tasaduq , Shafi Sabeeha , Kumar Ashok , Ahmad Syed Mudasir
Published: July 2024

This study explores cryogels, loaded with CP and berberine BB for wound healing. The cryogels exhibited high porosity, biocompatibility, and sustained release of CP and BB. The scaffolds accelerated wound closure and improved healing in a rat model.
An aluminium–organic framework unveiling ultra-sensitive fluorometric detection of pesticide paraoxon-methyl and pharmaceutical drug azathioprine in fruits, vegetables, and wastewater
Authors: Sarma Arindam , Ghosh Subhrajyoti , Biswas Shyam
Published: July 2024

A recyclable Al(iii) MOF was utilized for ultra-fast, ultra-sensitive, highly selective detection of widely used pesticide paraoxon-methyl and pharmaceutical drug azathioprine.
Research progress in fluorescent gas sensors based on MOFs
Authors: Dong Ruixiao , Shen Zhengqi , Li Huizi , Cheng Jiangong , Fu Yanyan
Published: July 2024

In this article, we summarize the progress in the studies of the detection mechanism and application of fluorescent MOFs in gas detection, with a view to providing a breakthrough direction for future research.
Modeling of pressure-induced charge transfer character in piezoluminescent pyridylvinylanthracene crystals
Authors: Owona Josianne , Casanova David , Truflandier Lionel , Castet Frédéric , Tonnelé Claire
Published: July 2024

External pressure alters the nature of the emissive state of piezoluminescent pyridylvinylanthracene crystals.
Morphological and Inhibitory Skills in Monolingual and Bilingual Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Gandolfi Elena , Diotallevi Giovanna , Viterbori Paola
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

This study examined the language and nonverbal inhibitory control skills of Italian monolingual and bilingual typically developing (TD) preschoolers with Italian as their second language and of age-matched monolingual and bilingual peers with developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method:

Four groups of preschoolers were enrolled: 30 TD Italian monolinguals, 24 TD bilinguals, 19 Italian monolinguals with DLD, and 19 bilinguals with DLD. All children were assessed in Italian on vocabulary, receptive morphosyntax, and morphological markers for DLD in the Italian language (i.e., third-person verb inflections, definite articles, third-person direct-object clitic pronouns, simple prepositions) and nonverbal inhibitory control skills. Group performance was compared using a series of one-way analyses of variance.

Results:

Monolingual and bilingual children with DLD achieved significantly lower performance in all language measures compared to both TD monolingual and bilingual children. However, TD bilinguals, although comprehensively showing better language skills than monolinguals with DLD, achieved a performance closer to that of monolinguals with DLD but significantly higher than that of bilinguals with DLD. Both TD monolinguals and bilinguals showed better results than both DLD groups in inhibitory control tasks, particularly in the interference suppression task.

Conclusions:

This study provides a picture of language and inhibitory control characteristics of children with various language profiles and adds to the literature on potential markers of DLD among bilingual children. These results suggest that the assessment of nonlinguistic markers, which are associated with language impairment, could be a useful approach to better specify the diagnosis of DLD and reduce cases of misdiagnosis in the context of bilingualism.
Intelligent method framework for 3D surface manufacturing in cloud‐edge collaboration architecture
Authors: Cai Hongming , Dong Yanjun , Zhu Min , Hu Pan , Hu Haoyuan , Jiang Lihong
Published: July 2024

Large and complex workpieces are core components in fields, such as aerospace, shipbuilding, and other industrial applications. However, the main challenge of curved plate processing comes from the difficulty in determining the nonlinear rebound features with structural design parameters. An intelligent method framework is proposed for 3D surface manufacturing in cloud‐edge collaboration environment. With the construction of an intelligent generation method for machining parameters, a unified data model is effectively integrated with various discrete data, and an intelligent processing mechanism based on 3D point clouds is constructed. In particular, a prediction method for curved panel rebound is constructed to reduce the manual dependency of the manufacturing process. Finally, a related case study is conducted to verify the framework, and the result shows accuracy, interpretability and reusability advantages over other similar methods.
VidaGAN: Adaptive GAN for image steganography
Authors: Ramandi Vida Yousefi , Fateh Mansoor , Rezvani Mohsen
Published: July 2024

A recent approach to image steganography is to use deep learning. Mainly, convolutional neural networks can extract complex features and use them as patterns to combine hidden messages and images. Also, by using generative adversarial networks, it is possible to generate realistic and high‐quality stego images without any noticeable artifacts. Previous methods suffered from challenges such as simple architecture, low network accuracy, imbalance between capacity and transparency, vanishing gradients, and low capacity. This study introduces a steganography framework named VidaGAN that utilizes deep learning techniques. The network being proposed is made up of three components: an encoder, a decoder, and a critic, and introduces a novel architecture and several innovations to address some of the unresolved challenges mentioned above. This study introduces a novel method for embedding any type of binary data into images using generative adversarial networks, enabling us to enhance the visual appeal of images generated by the specified model. This neural network called VarIable aDAptive GAN (VidaGAN) achieved state‐of‐the‐art status by reaching a hiding capacity of 3.9 bits per pixel in the DIV2K dataset. Furthermore, examination by the StegExpose steganalysis tool shows an AUC of 0.6, a suitable threshold for transparency.
Point'n Move: Interactive scene object manipulation on Gaussian splatting radiance fields
Authors: Huang Jiajun , Yu Hongchuan , Zhang Jianjun , Nait‐Charif Hammadi
Published: July 2024

The authors propose Point'n Move, a method that achieves interactive scene object manipulation with exposed region inpainting. Interactivity here further comes from intuitive object selection and real‐time editing. To achieve this, Gaussian Splatting Radiance Field is adopted as the scene representation and its explicit nature and speed advantage are fully leveraged. Its explicit representation formulation allows to devise a 2D prompt points to 3D masks dual‐stage self‐prompting segmentation algorithm, perform mask refinement and merging, minimize changes, and provide good initialization for scene inpainting and perform editing in real‐time without per‐editing training; all lead to superior quality and performance. The method was tested by editing both forward‐facing and 360 scenes. The method is also compared against existing methods, showing superior quality despite being more capable and having a speed advantage.
Enhanced power system fault detection using quantum‐AI and herd immunity quantum‐AI fault detection with herd immunity optimisation in power systems
Authors: Sworna Kokila M. L. , Bibin Christopher V. , Ramya G.
Published: July 2024

Quantum computing and deep learning have recently gained popularity across various industries, promising revolutionary advancements. The authors introduce QC‐PCSANN‐CHIO‐FD, a novel approach that enhances fault detection in electrical power systems by combining quantum computing, deep learning, and optimisation algorithms. The network, based on a Pyramidal Convolution Shuffle Attention Neural Network (PCSANN) optimised with the Coronavirus Herd Immunity Optimiser, shows promising results. Initially, historical datasets are used for fault detection. Preprocessing, which includes handling missing data and outliers using Adaptive Variational Bayesian Filtering is followed by Dual‐Domain Feature Extraction to extract grayscale statistical features. These features are processed by PCSANN to detect faults. The Coronavirus Herd Immunity Optimisation Algorithm is proposed to optimise PCSANN for precise fault detection. Performance of the proposed QC‐PCSANN‐CHIO‐FD approach attains 24.11%, 28.56% and 22.73% high specificity, 21.89%, 23.04% and 9.51% lower computation Time, 25.289%, 15.35% and 19.91% higher ROC and 8.65%, 13.8%, and 7.15% higher Accuracy compared with existing methods, such as combining deep learning based on quantum computing for electrical power system malfunction diagnosis (QC‐ANN‐FD), electrical power system fault diagnostics using hybrid quantum‐classical deep learning (QC‐CRBM‐FD), applications of machine learning to the identification of power system faults: Recent developments and future directions (QC‐RF‐FD).
Optimal frequency response coordinated control strategy for hybrid wind‐storage power plant based on state reconstruction
Authors: Tian Xinshou , Chi Yongning , Cheng Peng , Zhao Yihui , Liu Hongzhi
Published: July 2024

When wind power and energy storage operate in tandem, their operational state undergoes continuous shifts during dynamic processes. Determining the frequency modulation capability of the combined wind and energy storage system during frequency modulation participation is challenging, often leading to a decline in power generation efficiency. To address this, the current study introduces an optimal frequency response coordinated control strategy for hybrid wind‐storage power plants, anchored in state reconstruction. The frequency modulation capability is restructured based on the current state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage system. Subsequently, the equivalent active power reserve demand is evaluated for wind power, leading to the formulation of a wind power reserve active power level and its corresponding operational strategy. For swift active power support, an adaptive virtual inertia control is designed for the energy storage system, contingent on its current SOC. Concurrently, an adaptive virtual inertia control for wind power is developed, grounded in effective kinetic energy. The hybrid wind‐storage power plant engages in primary frequency regulation, tailored to the nature of frequency disturbances and prevailing state characteristics. Simulation analyses affirm that this proposed strategy, which takes into account the SOC of the hybrid wind‐storage power plant and the power grid's dynamics, offers robust active power frequency support during load disturbances.
Width of the quasi-perpendicular bow shock region at Mars
Authors: Nesbit-Östman Sara , Gunell Herbert , Hamrin Maria , Opgenoorth Hermann , Andersson Laila
Published: July 2024

Aims. We aim to quantify the width of the quasi-perpendicular Martian bow shock region to deepen the understanding of why the width is variable and which factors affect it, and to explore the implications on thermalization.

Methods. To quantify the width, 2074 quasi-perpendicular bow shock crossings from a database were studied. Upstream conditions, such as Mach numbers, dynamic pressure, ion densities, and other factors, were considered. Furthermore, the difference between the downstream and upstream temperature was measured.

Results. We found that the shock region width is correlated with the magnetosonic Mach number, the critical ratio, and the overshoot amplitude. The region was found to be anticorrelated with dynamic pressure. The width is not affected by the upstream ion density of the investigated species or by the upstream temperature. The difference between the downstream and upstream temperature is not affected by the shock region width.

Conclusions. We found that the factors that affect the stand-off distance of the bow shock, such as the magnetosonic Mach number and dynamic pressure, also affect the width. The width is also positively correlated with the overshoot amplitude, indicating that the structures are coupled or that they are affected by largely the same conditions. The lack of a correlation with the ion temperature difference indicates that the shock region width does not affect the ion thermalization.
Varying linear polarisation in the dust-free gamma-ray burst 210610B
Authors: Agüí Fernández J. F. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Thöne C. C. , Kobayashi S. , Rossi A. , Toma K. , Jelínek M. , Kann D. A. , Covino S. , Wiersema K. , Hartmann D. , Jakobsson P. , Martin-Carrillo A. , Melandri A. , De Pasquale M. , Pugliese G. , Savaglio S. , Starling R. L. C. , Štrobl J. , Della Valle M. , de Wet S. , Zafar T.
Published: July 2024

Context. Long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are produced by the collapse of some very massive stars, that emit ultra-relativistic jets. When the jets collide with the interstellar medium they decelerate and generate the so-called afterglow emission, which has been observed to be polarised.

Aims. We study the polarimetric evolution of the GRB 210610B afterglow, at z = 1.1341. This allows us to evaluate the role of geometric and/or magnetic mechanisms in the GRB afterglow polarisation.

Methods. We observed GRB 210610B using imaging polarimetry with CAFOS on the 2.2 m Calar Alto Telescope and FORS2 on the 4 × 8.1 m Very Large Telescope. Complementary optical spectroscopy was obtained with OSIRIS on the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias. We studied the GRB light-curve from X-rays to the optical bands and the Spectral Energy Distribution (SED). This allowed us to strongly constrain the line-of-sight extinction. Finally, we studied the GRB host galaxy using optical to NIR data to fit the SED and derive its integrated properties.

Results. GRB 210610B had a bright afterglow with a negligible line-of-sight extinction. Polarimetry was obtained at three epochs: during an early plateau phase, at the time when the light curve breaks, and after the light curve steepened. We observe an initial polarisation of ∼4% that goes to zero at the time of the break, and it then again increases to ∼2%, with a change in the position angle of 54 ± 9 deg. The spectrum shows features with very low equivalent widths. This indicate a small amount of material in the line of sight within the host.

Conclusions. The lack of dust and the low amount of material in the line of sight to GRB 210610B allowed us to study the intrinsic polarisation of the GRB optical afterglow. The GRB polarisation signals are consistent with ordered magnetic fields in refreshed shock or/and hydrodynamics-scale turbulent fields in the forward shock.
The role of the thermal properties of electrons on the dispersion properties of Alfvén waves in space plasmas
Authors: Villarroel-Sepúlveda N. , Moya P. S. , López R. A. , Verscharen D.
Published: July 2024

Context. The transition from left-hand to right-hand polarised Alfvén waves depends on the wavenumber, the ratio of kinetic to magnetic pressure, β, the temperature anisotropy, and the ion composition of the plasma. Along with the temperature anisotropy, the electron-to-proton temperature ratio, Te/Tp, is of great relevance for the characterisation of the thermal properties of a plasma. This ratio varies significantly between different space plasma environments. Thus, studying how variations in this ratio affect the polarisation properties of electromagnetic waves becomes highly relevant for our understanding of the dynamics of space plasmas.

Aims. We present an extensive study on the effect of the thermal properties of electrons on the behaviour and characteristics of Alfvénic waves in fully kinetic linear theory, as well as on the transition from the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron wave to the kinetic Alfvén wave.

Methods. We solved the fully kinetic dispersion relation for oblique electromagnetic waves of the Alfvén branch in a homogenous Maxwellian electron-proton plasma. We quantified the effect of the thermal properties of electrons by varying the electron-to-proton temperature ratio for different configurations of the propagation angle, βp = 8πnkTp/B2, and wavenumber.

Results. We show that the temperature ratio, Te/Tp, has strong and non-trivial effects on the polarisation of the Alfvénic modes, especially at kinetic scales (k⊥ρL > 1, where k⊥ = k sin θ, θ is the propagation angle, and ρL = cs/Ωp, with cs the plasma sound speed and Ωp the proton’s gyrofrequency) and βe + βp > 0.5. We conclude that electron inertia plays an important role in the kinetic scale physics of the kinetic Alfvén wave in the warm plasma regime, and thus cannot be excluded in hybrid models for computer simulations.
A measurement of cluster masses using Planck and SPT-SZ CMB lensing
Authors: Huchet Alexandre , Melin Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2024

We used an unbiased cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing mass estimator on 468 SPT-SZ clusters from the SPT-SZ and the Planck public data. We measured the average ratio between CMB lensing and the SZ masses to be 〈MCMBlens/MSZ〉 = 0.98 ± 0.19 (stat.) ± 0.03 (syst.). The average CMB lensing mass from the combination of the two datasets is measured at 4.8σ, which is a significant gain with respect to the measurement performed on the SPT-SZ-only (3.9σ) or the Planck-only (3.7σ) dataset. We showed that the combination not only takes advantage of the two different ranges of spatial scales (i.e. Fourier modes) observed but also exploits the lensing-induced correlation between scales observed by one experiment and the other. This result demonstrates the importance of measuring a large range of spatial scales for CMB lensing mass estimation, from arcmins to degrees. This large range of scales will most probably be provided by the combination of various datasets, such as from the large- and small-aperture telescopes of the upcoming Simons Observatory and future CMB-S4 experiment, and Planck. In this context, the Planck temperature data will remain a key element of CMB lensing cluster studies in the years to come.
A first look at spatially resolved star formation at 4.8 <z< 6.5 with JWST FRESCO NIRCam slitless spectroscopy
Authors: Matharu Jasleen , Nelson Erica J. , Brammer Gabriel , Oesch Pascal A. , Allen Natalie , Shivaei Irene , Naidu Rohan P. , Chisholm John , Covelo-Paz Alba , Fudamoto Yoshinobu , Giovinazzo Emma , Herard-Demanche Thomas , Kerutt Josephine , Kramarenko Ivan , Marchesini Danilo , Meyer Romain A. , Prieto-Lyon Gonzalo , Reddy Naveen , Shuntov Marko , Weibel Andrea , Wuyts Stijn , Xiao Mengyuan
Published: July 2024

We present the first results on the spatial distribution of star formation in 454 star-forming galaxies just after the epoch of reionisation (4.8 < z < 6.5) using Hαemission-line maps and F444W imaging that traces the stellar continuum from the JWST FRESCO NIRCam Slitless Spectroscopy Survey. The Hαequivalent width profiles of star-forming galaxies across the main sequence atz ∼ 5.3 with stellar masses 6.8≤ log(M*/M⊙) < 11.1 increase with radius, which provides direct evidence for the inside-out growth of star-forming galaxies just after the epoch of reionisation.GALFITwas used to calculate half-light radii,Reff, and central surface densities within 1 kiloparsec, Σ1kpcof Hαand the continuum. At a fixed stellar mass of Log(M*/M⊙) = 9.5, Σ1kpc, Hαis 1.04 ± 0.05 times higher than Σ1kpc, C,Reff, Hαis 1.18 ± 0.03 times larger thanReff, Cand bothReffmeasurements are smaller than 1 kiloparsec. These measurements suggest the rapid build-up of compact bulges via star formation just after the epoch of reionisation. By comparison to analogous work done at lower redshifts withHubbleSpace Telescope WFC3 slitless spectroscopy as part of the 3D-HST (z ∼ 1) and CLEAR (z ∼ 0.5) surveys, we find thatReff(z) evolves at the same pace for Hαand the continuum, but Σ1kpc(z) evolves faster for Hαthan the stellar continuum. As a function of the Hubble parameter,Reff, Hα/Reff,C = 1.1h(z) and Σ1 kpc, Hα/Σ1 kpc,C = h(z)1.3. These parametrisations suggest that the inside-out growth of the disk starts to dominate the inside-out growth of the bulge towards lower redshifts. This is supported by the redshift evolution in the EW(Hα) profiles from FRESCO, 3D-HST, and CLEAR at fixed stellar mass and when star-forming progenitors are traced, in which in EW(Hα) rapidly increases with radius within the half-light radius atz ∼ 5.3, but EW(Hα) increases only significantly with radius in the outer disk atz ∼ 0.5.
The YMCA (Yes, Magellanic Clouds Again) survey: Probing the outer regions of the Magellanic system with VST
Authors: Gatto M. , Ripepi V. , Bellazzini M. , Tosi M. , Cignoni M. , Tortora C. , Marconi M. , Dall’Ora M. , Cioni M.-R. L. , Musella I. , Schipani P. , Spavone M.
Published: July 2024

Context. The Magellanic Clouds (MCs) are the Milky Way’s most massive dwarf satellites. As they also represent the closest pair of galaxies in an ongoing tidal interaction while simultaneously infalling into the Milky Way halo, they provide a unique opportunity to study in detail an ongoing three-body encounter.

Aims. We present the YMCA (Yes, Magellanic Clouds Again) survey: Probing the outer regions of the Magellanic system with VST, based on deep optical photometry carried out with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST).

Methods. The YMCA survey targeted 110 square degrees, in the g and i filters, in the periphery of both MCs, including a long strip in between the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The photometry of YMCA is sufficiently deep (50% complete down to g ≃ 23.5 − 24.0 mag) to allow for a detailed analysis of main-sequence stars in regions of the MCs that have remained relatively unexplored at these faint magnitudes.

Results. The resulting colour–magnitude diagrams reveal that the outskirts of the MCs are predominantly characterised by intermediate-age and old stellar populations, with limited or negligible evidence of recent star formation. The analysis of the age distribution of star clusters (SCs) within the surveyed area, both already known and newly discovered candidates, hints at a close fly-by between the LMC and SMC that occurred ≃2.5 − 3.0 Gyr ago, in agreement with previous results. We also report the discovery of candidate SCs with ages within the so-called age-gap, thus questioning its real existence.
Boron depletion in Galactic early B-type stars reveals two different main sequence star populations
Authors: Jin Harim , Langer Norbert , Lennon Daniel J. , Proffitt Charles R.
Published: July 2024

Context. The evolution and fate of massive stars are thought to be affected by rotationally induced internal mixing. The surface boron abundance is a sensitive tracer of this in early B-type main sequence stars.

Aims. We test current stellar evolution models of massive main sequence stars which include rotational mixing through a systematic study of their predicted surface boron depletion.

Methods. We construct a dense grid of rotating single star models using MESA, for which we employ a new nuclear network which follows all the stable isotopes up to silicon, including lithium, beryllium, boron, as well as the radioactive isotope aluminium-26. We also compile the measured physical parameters of the 90 Galactic early B-type stars with boron abundance information. We then compare each observed stars with our models through a Bayesian analysis, which yields the mixing efficiency parameter with which the star is reproduced the best, and the probability that it is represented by the stellar models.

Results. We find that about two-thirds of the sample stars are well represented by the stellar models, with the best agreement achieved for a rotational mixing efficiency of ∼50% compared to the widely adopted value. The remaining one third of the stars, of which many are strongly boron depleted slow rotators, are largely incompatible with our models, for any rotational mixing efficiency. We investigate the observational incidence of binary companions and surface magnetic fields, and discuss their evolutionary implications.

Conclusions. Our results confirm the concept of rotational mixing in radiative stellar envelopes. On the other hand, we find that a different boron depletion mechanism, and likely a different formation path, is required to explain about one-third of the sample stars. The large spread in the surface boron abundances of these stars may hold a clue to understanding their origin.
On the use of field RR Lyrae as Galactic probes
Authors: Braga V. F. , Monelli M. , Dall’Ora M. , Mullen J. P. , Molinaro R. , Marconi M. , Szabó R. , Gallart C.
Published: July 2024

Context. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will start operations in 2025. During its first two years, too few visits per target per band will be available, meaning that the mean magnitude measurements of variable stars will not be precise and thus standard candles such as RR Lyrae (RRL) will not be usable. Light curve templates (LCTs) can be adopted to estimate the mean magnitude of a variable star with a few magnitude measurements, provided that their period (plus the amplitude and reference epoch, depending on how the LCT is applied) is known. The LSST will provide precise RRL periods within the first six months, enabling exploitation of RRLs if LCTs are available.

Aims. We aim to build LCTs in the LSST bands to enhance the early science with LSST. Using them will provide a one- to two-year advantage with respect to the classical approach concerning distance measurements.

Methods. We collected grί-band data from the ZTF survey and z-band data from DECam to build the LCTs of RRLs. We also adopted synthetic grίz band data in the LSST system from pulsation models, plus SDSS, Gaia and OGLE photometry, inspecting the light amplitude ratios in different photometric systems to provide useful conversions to apply the LCTs.

Results. We have built LCTs of RRLs in the grίz bands of the LSST photometric system; for the z band, we could build only fun damental mode RRL LCTs. We quantitatively demonstrated that LCTs built with ZTF and DECam data can be adopted on the LSST photometric system. The LCTs will decrease the uncertainty on distance estimates of RRLs by a factor of at least two with respect to a simple average of the available measurements. Finally, within our tests, we have found a brand new behavior of amplitude ratios in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Bed bug control with various dusts: Efficacy comparison between silicon dioxide, diatomaceous earth, and Sommières earth
Authors: Oumarou Halilou Almou , Hima Harouna Tahirou , Berenger Jean Michel , Michel Grégory , Grauby Olivier , Parola Philippe , Pomares Christelle , Delaunay Pascal
Published: July 2024

Bed bugs are considered a major public health problem in industrialized countries. Usually, bed bug infestations are managed using a combination of physical and chemical methods. In recent years, new strategies for bed bug control have emerged, particularly the use of dusts like diatomaceous earth and silicon dioxide. However, in Europe, the use of silicon dioxide is restricted to professional, while diatomaceous earth can be harmful to the lungs. This study aimed to assess bed bug mortality rates associated with Sommières earth, green clay, talc, and sodium bicarbonate compared to silicon dioxide and diatomaceous earth from a pest management company, diatomaceous earth for litter conditioner, and diatomaceous earth from a supermarket. We tested permanent exposure, short exposure, horizontal transfer and repellent effect on two bed bug colonies. Sommières earth demonstrated efficacy ranging from 75% to 100% in permanent and short exposures, similar to the efficacy of diatomaceous earth from the pest management company. On the contrary, diatomaceous earth for litter conditioner and diatomaceous earth from a supermarket, green clay, talc, and sodium bicarbonate were found to be ineffective. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the efficacy of Sommières earth against bed bugs, but also highlights the variability in efficacy of diatomaceous earths on bed bugs depending on their quality.
Reinsurance contracts under Stackelberg game and market equilibrium
Authors: Hu Duni , Yang Guomin , Wang Hailong
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the robust reinsurance contracts under Stackelberg game and market equilibrium. Each reinsurance contract contains two decision makers, one insurer and one reinsurer. The insurer is ambiguity-neutral and adopts a loss-dependent premium principle to collect premium. The reinsurer is ambiguity-averse and is a Bayesian learner. By using the stochastic dynamic programming method and the inverse method, the analytical expressions of the optimal risk allocation proportion and reinsurance price are derived for the two types of reinsurance contracts. We shows that the loss-dependent premium principle has the penalty-reward nature. Both the reinsurance price and demand decrease as the extrapolative intensity increases. Learning has important significance and always puts down the reinsurance price and puts up the reinsurance demand. On the contrary, the reinsurer’s ambiguity aversion raises the reinsurance price and decreases the reinsurance demand. Finally, numerical analysis reveals that the reinsurance price is greater under the Stackelberg game than that under the market equilibrium.
Analyse croisée des motifs à l’adhésion et à la non-adhésion à un programme d’Activité Physique Adaptée
Authors: Zarrouk Laure-Alia , Fruchart Éric , Guedj Myriam
Published: July 2024

La pratique d’une Activité Physique Adaptée (APA) permet de réduire l’incidence et la prévalence de nombreuses maladies chroniques. En France, les médecins ont la possibilité de prescrire à leurs patients des séances d’APA. Cependant, bien que prescrites, ces séances ne sont pas toujours honorées par les patients. L’objectif de notre étude était d’examiner les motifs menant les individus à adhérer ou ne pas adhérer à un programme d’APA sur prescription médicale à la lumière de la Théorie du Renversement. Trente entretiens semi-directifs ont été réalisés auprès de patients ayant une activité physique adaptée, de médecins, d’enseignants en APA ainsi que du grand public. Les participants étaient 30 adultes volontaires non rémunérés, vivant en France : 10 hommes et 20 femmes âgés de 21 à 80 ans (Mage = 44, ET = 15) dont 15 patients (Mage = 49, ET = 13), 5 professionnels de santé (Mage = 44, ET = 14), 5 enseignants en APA (Mage = 26, ET = 2) et 5 personnes du grand public (Mage = 45, ET = 18). Des analyses lexicales et de contenu, ont été menées sur l’ensemble des données qualitatives issues des entretiens. L’analyse de contenu thématique a révélé que les motifs d’adhésion les plus fréquemment mentionnés étaient liés à l’amélioration de la santé (télique) et aux recommandations des médecins (conformiste), tandis que les motifs de la non-adhésion les plus fréquents étaient liés au manque d’informations (négativiste) et aux préoccupations personnelles (maîtrise intra-autique). En d’autres termes, des motifs spécifiques à l’adhésion et à la non-adhésion ont été exprimés par nos participants. Même si la majorité des états métamotivationnels ont été retrouvés dans le discours des participants, une dominance de certains états apparaît pour l’adhésion, ainsi que pour la non-adhésion.
The Relationship Between Remnant Cholesterol and Visceral Adipose
Tissue: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Zhaoxiang , Zhong Shao , Wu Menghuan , Shao Xuejing , Gu Tian , Xu Mengjiao , Yang Qichao
Published: July 2024

The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between remnant cholesterol
(RC) levels and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in the US adult population. This
cross-sectional study utilized data from 5301 participants aged 20 to 59 years
gathered by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). RC
was determined by deducting both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)
and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) from total cholesterol (TC), and
VAT was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Visceral obesity is
defined as a VAT area ≥ 100 cm2. With increasing quartiles of RC
levels, the prevalence of visceral obesity rises (16.51% vs. 36.11% vs. 55.66%
vs. 74.48%, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, RC levels positively
correlate with visceral obesity risk (OR=1.039, 95% CI 1.031–1.048, p<0.001).
Additionally, individuals with low LDL-c/high RC and those with high LDL-c/low
RC showed 2.908-fold (95% CI 1.995–4.241) and 1.310-fold (95% CI 1.022–1.680)
higher risk of visceral obesity, respectively, compared to those with low
LDL-c/low RC. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Decision Curve
Analysis (DCA) show RC’s superior predictive ability over other lipid markers.
Subgroup analysis showed that the relationship between RC and visceral obesity
was more ronounced in those with cardiovascular disease. Smooth curve fitting
indicated a nonlinear relationship between RC levels and VAT area. Our study
highlights that elevated levels of RC are associated with adverse accumulation
of VAT. However, the causal relationship between RC and visceral obesity
requires additional investigation.
Early Diagnosis of AP5Z1/SPG48 Spastic Paraplegia: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Papoff Francesca M. A. , Astrea Guja , Mero Serena , Chicca Laura , Satolli Sara , Pasquariello Rosa , Battini Roberta , Tessa Alessandra , Santorelli Filippo M.
Published: July 2024

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders clinically characterized by progressive lower limb spasticity with pyramidal weakness. Around a dozen potential molecular mechanisms are recognized. Childhood HSP is a significant diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. Mutations in AP5Z1, which are associated with spastic paraplegia type 48 (SPG48), are extremely rare and seldom described in children.

We report the clinical, radiologic, and molecular studies performed in a child harboring novel biallelic mutations in AP5Z1.

The child presented a neurodevelopmental disorder with slight lower limb pyramidal signs. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed minimal white matter changes in the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles and a normally shaped corpus callosum. Western blotting in cultured skin fibroblasts indicated reduced protein expression, which confirmed the genetic diagnosis and framed this as a case of protein reduction in a context of impaired autophagy.

Our findings expand the spectrum of phenotypes associated with mutations in AP5Z1, highlighting their clinical and pathophysiologic overlap with lysosomal storage disorders. SPG48 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders even when pyramidal signs are minimal and brain MRI not fully informative.
Behind the wall: the lack of interaction between east and west and the rise of the radical right
Authors: Isaksson Zeth
Published: July 2024

What explains the rise of radical right-wing parties in post-socialist Europe? Previous research attributes this phenomenon to the legacies of socialism, emphasizing the macro-socialization processes in education and civil society. This study introduces a novel perspective by highlighting the significance of limited interaction with the non-socialist states, proposing that such interactions could have facilitated micro-socialization processes that counteracted the regime’s indoctrination efforts. By analyzing the effect of cross-border traffic agreements between East and West Germany, it is found that areas with increased Western contact during the socialist era exhibit significantly less support for the radical right thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Moreover, employing entropy balancing to adjust for socioeconomic differences in the totalitarian period, this research demonstrates that individuals from these areas are half as likely to support the Alternative for Germany today, compared to a reweighted control group. This research offers a novel mechanism detailing how Western interactions could challenge entrenched socialist legacies, contributing significantly to the discourse on political socialization and the dynamics of political culture in post-socialist Europe.
Testing behaviour change with an artificial intelligence chatbot in a randomized controlled study
Authors: van Baal Simon T. , Le Suong T. T. , Fatehi Farhad , Verdejo-Garcia Antonio , Hohwy Jakob
Published: July 2024

Chatbots can effect large-scale behaviour change because they are accessible through social media, flexible, scalable, and gather data automatically. Yet research on the feasibility and effectiveness of chatbot-administered behaviour change interventions is sparse. The effectiveness of established behaviour change interventions when implemented in chatbots is not guaranteed, given the unique human–machine interaction dynamics. We pilot-tested chatbot-based behaviour change through information provision and embedded animations. We evaluated whether the chatbot could increase understanding and intentions to adopt protective behaviours during the pandemic. Fifty-nine culturally and linguistically diverse participants received a compassion intervention, an exponential growth intervention, or no intervention. We measured participants’ COVID-19 testing intentions and measured their staying-home attitudes before and after their chatbot interaction. We found reduced uncertainty about protective behaviours. The exponential growth intervention increased participants’ testing intentions. This study provides preliminary evidence that chatbots can spark behaviour change, with applications in diverse and underrepresented groups.
Measurement of wing motion, deformation, and inertial forces of a biomimetic butterfly
Authors: Yang A. Yunjie , Wei B. Zhen , Zeng C. Siyao , Xing D. Xiaoyu
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces a method for measuring wing motion, deformation, and inertial forces in bio-inspired aircraft research using a camera motion capture system. The method involves placing markers on the wing surface and fitting rigid planes to determine the wing’s spatial axis. This allows for describing the wing’s rigid motion and obtaining deformation characteristics, such as deflection, twist angle, and gap distance of the forewing and hindwing. An image-based method is proposed for determining wing mass distribution, mass blocks, and mass points for inertial force measurement. The study addresses wing motion, deformation, and inertial force measurement in a real butterfly-like flapping wing vehicle and demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach. The results reveal that inertial forces play a negligible role in the generation of lift peaks and contribute minimal lift during the entire flapping cycle. Furthermore, a transitional phase between downstroke and upstroke is found in flexible wing motion, which has high lift production. This measurement approach offers a rapid and effective solution to experimental challenges in bio-inspired aircraft design and optimization.
A comprehensive study of pulsed high-current secondary electron emission cathode
Authors: Wang Lian , Hao Yuxin , Lv Wenmei , Wang Dong , Zhang Yuanpeng , Lu Yiwei , Liu Qingxiang , Luo Jia , Tang Yongliang
Published: July 2024

Pulsed secondary electron multipacting (SEM) cathodes with channel-type structures have been developed. The electron emission performance of these cathodes was investigated using theoretical and particle-in-cell simulation methods. The results revealed that the electrical conductivity of the channel wall material is crucial to the performance of the cathodes. Materials with low conductivity cause the SEM process in the multipacting channel to stop quickly due to the positive charges deposited on the channel wall. These positive space charges, generated by the SEM process, create a space-charge field that reduces the impact energy of electrons on the channel wall, thereby decreasing the secondary electron emission yield. Consequently, materials with high electrical conductivity and high secondary electron emission yield, such as SnO2, are advantageous for the SEM process, leading to stable current output from the cathodes with high current density. For a SnO2 cathode with three multipacting channels, an output current density of 242 A/cm2 was achieved.
Non-equilibrium and self-organization evolution in hot-spot ignition processes
Authors: Fu X.-Y. , Guo Z.-Y. , Wang Q.-H. , Wang R.-C. , Wu D. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2024

In inertial confinement fusion systems, achieving ignition can be pursued through two main approaches—central hot-spot ignition and fast ignition. Due to disparate formation mechanisms in these methods, the initial temperatures of electrons and ions in the hot spot often differ, highlighting the limitations of equilibrium theoretical models in accurately capturing the ignition conditions and evolution of the hot spot. In this work, we present a non-equilibrium model and extended this model to both isobaric and isochoric scenarios, characterized by varying hot-spot densities, temperatures, and expansion velocities. In both cases, a spontaneous self-organization evolution was observed, manifesting as the bifurcation of ion and electron temperatures. Notably, the ion temperature is particularly prominent during the ignition process. This inevitability can be traced to the preponderant deposition rates of alpha-particles into D–T ions and the decreasing rate of energy exchange between electrons and D–T ions at elevated temperatures. The inherent structure, characterized by higher ion temperature and lower electron temperature during ignition, directly contributes to the augmentation of D–T reactions and mitigates energy losses through electron conduction and bremsstrahlung, thereby naturally facilitating nuclear fusions.
Structure and fragmentation of doubly ionized HNCS
Authors: Wallner Måns , Olsson Emelie , Ideböhn Veronica , Parriani Marco , Squibb Richard J. , Lundberg Sven , Cole Daniel , Falcinelli Stefano , Stranges Stefano , Brunetti Bruno , Dyke John M. , Nyman Gunnar , Eland John H. D. , Hochlaf Majdi , Feifel Raimund
Published: July 2024

Double ionization spectra of isothiocyanic acid (HNCS) have been measured using multi-electron and multi-ion coincidence techniques combined with high-level theoretical calculations. The adiabatic double ionization energy of HNCS is found at 27.1 ± 0.1 eV and is associated with the formation of the X 3A″ ground state of HNCS2+. The characteristics of different dissociation channels are examined and compared to the results of electronic structure calculations obtained by systematically elongating the three bonds H–NCS, HN–CS, and HNC–S. For instance, the adiabatic double ionization energy of the NCS fragment is deduced to be 30.95 ± 0.5 eV. In addition, the C+ and NS+ dissociation channels are of particular interest, possibly indicating the involvement of a structural rearrangement process upon doubly ionizing HNCS.