bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of QCD matter: a review of selected results from ALICE experiment
Authors: Shou Qi-Ye , Ma Yu-Gang , Zhang Song , Zhu Jian-Hui , Mao Ya-Xian , Pei Hua , Yin Zhong-Bao , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Zhou Dai-Cui , Peng Xin-Ye , Bai Xiao-Zhi , Tang Ze-Bo , Zhang Yi-Fei , Li Xiao-Mei
Published: December 2024

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, has been a pivotal tool in advancing our understanding of fundamental physics. By colliding heavy ions, such as lead ions, the LHC recreates conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang. This allows scientists to study the quark–gluon plasma (QGP), a state of matter in which quarks and gluons are not confined within protons and neutrons. These studies provide valuable insights into the strong force and the behavior of the early universe. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of recent significant findings from A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE) at the LHC. The topics covered include measurements related to the properties of the QGP, particle production, flow and correlations, dileptons, quarkonia, and electromagnetic probes, heavy flavor, and jets. Additionally, we introduce future plans for detector upgrades in the ALICE experiment.
Waste materials utilization in 3D printable concrete for sustainable construction applications: a review
Authors: Irshidat Mohammad , Cabibihan John-John , Fadli Fodil , Al-Ramahi Siraj , Saadeh Marwa
Published: December 2024

Three dimensionally printed concrete (3DPC) is an interesting topic that has attracted increasing attention during the last few years. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the utilization of waste materials in 3DPC. The literature on the different waste materials that have been utilized in 3DPC, such as silica fume, fly ash, recycled sand, waste glass, municipal incineration ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and steel slag, are reviewed. The influence of these waste materials on the main parameters of 3D printing of concrete such as the buildability, extrudability, and open time are discussed. In addition, the paper addressed the effect of these wastes on the mechanical strengths of the printed concrete. This paper finds that merging the technology of 3D printing of concrete with the usage waste materials will revolutionize the construction industry by addressing the challenges in meeting the required strength parameters of concrete using 3D printing technology and at the same time making construction process more economically and environmentally viable. Finally, to improve the efficiency of this emerging construction technique, authors recommend using combination of different waste materials together, taking into consideration using some additives to balance out the negative effects of waste materials on other parameters.
From human-system interaction to human-system co-action and back: ethical assessment of generative AI and mutual theory of mind
Authors: Richter Florian
Published: December 2024

Human-machine ethics has emerged as a rapidly growing research field in recent years. However, it seems that Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) leads to a paradigm shift from human-machine interaction to co-action. The ethical assessment of such relationships is still in the making and needs further scrutiny. First, studies about the influence of technology in human-system interactions and manipulation are reviewed. Second, the “mutual theory of mind” approach is critically examined to identify its shortcomings. Third, creating user models is reconstruced to demonstrate the strategies of systems. Finally, use cases are discussed and assessed to outline ethical implications.
Cardiometabolic risk factors among thyroid cancer survivors
Authors: Kaouache Nadjib , Lakehal Abdelhak , Gavrila Alina , Nouri Nassim
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Thyroid cancer incidence has tripled in the last decades, resulting in a growing population of survivors. In addition to the risks associated with the cancer itself, cardiovascular disease represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in thyroid cancer survivors. Our study aims to assess the frequency of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in thyroid cancer survivors (TCS).

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of thyroid cancer patients at Constantine’s University Hospital, Algeria (January 2021 to July 2022), used the WHO STEPS approach to assess risk factors. Cancer data were extracted from medical records.

Results

A total of 342 patients were included, of whom 88.9% were women. The mean age was 48 years (range 21–85), papillary thyroid cancer accounted for 82% of cases. The mean survival duration was 4 years (6 months to 32 years), and 74.5% of patients responded well to initial treatment. The current smoking rate was 2.6%, 7.5% of patients engaged in vigorous physical activity, and only 7.8% consumed more than 5 fruits or vegetables daily. At the study time, over 80.7% were overweight or obese, and 86% exhibited android obesity. Hypertension (48.8%), diabetes (27.5%), prediabetes (32.5%), dyslipidemia (77.5%), and metabolic syndrome (61.1%) were common. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome included a family history of obesity (OR) of 1.80 (1.08–3.02), age over 40 OR of 2.71 (1.63–4.51), overweight/obesity OR of 5.134 (2.68–9.84), and levothyroxine doses ≥ 125 µg/day OR of 2.480 (1.45–4.23).

Conclusion

Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors are prevalent in our population of thyroid cancer survivors.
Dealing with Dark Pasts
Authors: Lotem Itay
Published: December 2024

Since the end of the Second World War, the political rationale to remember the past has shifted from previous focus on states' victories, as these began commemorating their own historical crimes. This Element follows the rise of 'auto-critical memory', or the politics of remembrance of a country's own dark past. The Element explores the idea's gestation in West Germany after the Second World War, its globalisation through initiatives of 'transitional justice' in the 1990s, and present-day debates about how to remember the colonial past. It follows different case studies that span the European continent – including Germany, France, Britain, Poland and Serbia – and places these in a global context that traces the circulation of ideas of auto-critical memory. Ultimately, as it follows the emergence of demands for social and racial justice, the Element questions the usefulness of memory to achieve the goals many political actors ascribe to it.
The Haves and Have-Nots in Supreme Court Representation and Participation, 2016 to 2021
Authors: Widner Kirsten , Gunderson Anna
Published: December 2024

Courts are often thought of as protectors of minority rights. What happens when the composition of courts changes such that politically disadvantaged groups expect a less favorable reception? This Element examines whether the increasing conservatism of the US Supreme Court during Donald Trump's presidency changed the behavior of litigants and amicus curiae. The authors test whether membership changes led to reduced filings by individuals and organizations representing marginalized groups and increased filings by businesses and conservative states and interest groups. The authors find substantial reductions in participation by the most politically disadvantaged and substantial increases in participation by the most conservative groups.
The Chora Monastery of Constantinople
Authors: Moutafov Emmanuel S.
Published: December 2024

The Chora is one of the most celebrated churches built in Constantinople during the Byzantine era (330–1453). It is particularly famous for its glorious mosaics and frescoes, mostly dating to the fourteenth century, which are a particularly fine example of Late Byzantine art. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 the church was repurposed as a mosque, known as the Kariye Camii. Between 1945 and 2020 it had another incarnation, as the Kariye Museum, but then in 2020, in line with changing Turkish governmental policies, it again became a mosque. This Element sets out the history of the building, presents its artwork, and considers how best to interpret its construction, significance, and meaning. Above all, it offers an insight into images and words that are currently inaccessible to the general public.
Optimal stopping of Gauss–Markov bridges
Authors: Azze Abel , D’Auria Bernardo , García-Portugués Eduardo
Published: December 2024

We solve the non-discounted, finite-horizon optimal stopping problem of a Gauss–Markov bridge by using a time-space transformation approach. The associated optimal stopping boundary is proved to be Lipschitz continuous on any closed interval that excludes the horizon, and it is characterized by the unique solution of an integral equation. A Picard iteration algorithm is discussed and implemented to exemplify the numerical computation and geometry of the optimal stopping boundary for some illustrative cases.
Developing AI predictive migration tools to enhance humanitarian support: The case of EUMigraTool
Authors: Blasi Casagran Cristina , Stavropoulos Georgios
Published: December 2024

The EUMigraTool (EMT) provides short-term and mid-term predictions of asylum seekers arriving in the European Union, drawing on multiple sources of public information and with a focus on human rights. After 3 years of development, it has been tested in real environments by 17 NGOs working with migrants in Spain, Italy, and Greece.

This paper will first describe the functionalities, models, and features of the EMT. It will then analyze the main challenges and limitations of developing a tool for non-profit organizations, focusing on issues such as (1) the validation process and accuracy, and (2) the main ethical concerns, including the challenging exploitation plan when the main target group are NGOs.

The overall purpose of this paper is to share the results and lessons learned from the creation of the EMT, and to reflect on the main elements that need to be considered when developing a predictive tool for assisting NGOs in the field of migration.
Gazing at long-term linkages between agricultural land use and population growth in India: an inverted “U-shape” relationship
Authors: Jana Arjun , Goli Srinivas
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the linkages between changes in agricultural land use and population growth in India. We have employed long-term time series and a panel dataset of 1869 samples (267 districts × 7 time points from 1961 to 2021) to determine this. We theorize that there is an inverted “U-shape” relationship between changes in population growth and agricultural land. Our findings suggest a positive impact of population growth on the change in cultivated land. However, this relationship was not static during 1961–2021. We found a two-stage split relationship with a breakpoint in 1981. Prior to the 1980s, there was a 12% expansion in cultivated land in response to a unit increase in population growth. During the post-1980s, with a unit decline in population growth, there was a 5% reduction in cultivated land. The findings were reaffirmed through several robustness checks: analyses using alternative outcome variables, alternative break points in a segmented regression model, and spatial modeling. From a policy perspective, this study advances the need for the reduction of population growth rate in high-fertility states and the adoption of superior and green technology for agricultural intensification and diversification to stop cropland expansion at the cost of environmental sustainability.
Searching for Law in Its Own Right: A Fresh Look at the Demarcation Problem
Authors: Bertea Stefano
Published: December 2024

In this work, I address the “demarcation problem” in law, which invites us to look for the essential properties distinguishing law from nonlaw. First, I introduce the main terms of the discussion, which has seen the traditional view that law is a distinctive practice with its own distinguishing properties pitted against the critical view that law cannot be associated with any such properties. I then turn to what I take to be the core of truth that the critics of the demarcation project have brought to our attention, showing that they have offered a compelling argument even against the most sophisticated treatments of the distinctive traits of law contained in the work of influential mainstream legal theorists. Finally, I argue that, despite the best critical efforts, the demarcation question stands. For, while the critical stance does have a point in challenging the search for necessary and sufficient properties of law, it does not follow that there is no justification at all for the demarcation project, once this project is understood as a circumscribed and context-bound quest for the properties that are fundamental to the core cases of law in a specific tradition.
Iranian Women’s Uprising: Lessons for Euro-American Academic Feminism
Authors: Gashtili Paria
Published: December 2024

This paper reflects on representations of the convergence of Islam and feminism in light of the recent uprising of Iranian women. Most of the existing literature discussing Muslim women’s rights are locked in a dichotomy of approaches, one being prejudicial and the other apologetic. The prejudicial approach is a (neo-)Orientalist one. It understands Muslim societies as backward and their redemption in abandoning Islam and following the lead of the “West.” The apologetic approach is a multiculturalist one, advocating most prominently by academic feminists based in Europe and United States. In trying to reclaim agency for Muslim women, this approach denies real oppressions happening in Muslim societies, and as a result of Islamic practices. Inspired by Iranian women’s fight for freedom, this paper challenges the aforementioned dichotomy, and instead calls for a third approach that begins with, and responds to, the lived experiences of women living in Muslim societies.
A Performative Feminist Hinge Epistemology: Making Room for Feminist Hinges
Authors: Carmona Carla , Gómez-Ledo Ignacio
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose a performative account of hinge epistemology to make the case for a feminist hinge epistemology. We characterize it as follows: 1) there are hinges that enable and govern our ordinary epistemic practices, functioning as rules; 2) these hinges are enacted and actualized in the specific actions of agents that participate in such practices; 3) this makes room for the transformation and emergence of hinges; 4) against this background, we argue in favor of the possibility of feminist hinges. This novel account opens the way for hinge epistemology to be useful for feminist goals in epistemology, which we believe is the ultimate criterion for hinge epistemology to be legitimately feminist.
Interfacial instability in a viscoelastic microfluidic coflow system
Authors: Hazra S. , Malik L. , Sujith T. , Sen A.K.
Published: December 2024

Understanding interfacial instability in a coflow system has relevance in the effective manipulation of small objects in microfluidic applications. We experimentally elucidate interfacial instability in stratified coflow systems of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluid streams in microfluidic confinements. By performing a linear stability analysis, we derive equations that describe the complex wave speed and the dispersion relationship between wavenumber and angular frequency, thus categorizing the behaviour of the systems into two main regimes: stable (with a flat interface) and unstable (with either a wavy interface or droplet formation). We characterize the regimes in terms of the capillary numbers of the phases in a comprehensive regime plot. We decipher the dependence of interfacial instability on fluidic parameters by decoupling the physics into viscous and elastic components. Remarkably, our findings reveal that elastic stratification can both stabilize and destabilize the flow, depending on the fluid and flow parameters. We also examine droplet formation, which is important for microfluidic applications. Our findings suggest that adjusting the viscous and elastic properties of the fluids can control the transition between wavy and droplet-forming unstable regimes. Our investigation uncovers the physics behind the instability involved in interfacial flows of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids in general, and the unexplored behaviour of interfacial waves in stratified liquid systems. The present study can lead to a better understanding of the manipulation of small objects and production of droplets in microfluidic coflow systems.
Postscript to the Mini Dossier on İstanbul, 1918–1923
Authors: Winter Jay
Published: December 2024

İstanbul was the only one of the capital cities of the defeated Central Powers to suffer a military occupation for almost five years between 1918 and 1923. The question posed in this Postscript is whether occupied Istanbul resembled cities within the orbit of the British and French empires of the time? The tentative answer we propose is that Istanbul was a cosmopolitan city turned into a colonial outpost of the British and French empires. Within this context, aspects of the cultural life of Istanbul took on a number of political colourations, examined by the authors whose essays precede the Postscript.
Addressing the environmental sustainability of plastics used in agriculture: a multi-actor perspective
Authors: Tartiu Valentina E. , Hurley Rachel , Baann Cecilie , Briassoulis Demetres , Schettini Evelia , Convertino Fabiana , Le Moine Bernard , Martinelli Adalgisa , Vernet Luc , Ranneklev Sissel B. , Geissen Violette , Huerta Lwanga Esperanza , Beriot Nicolas , He Defu , Thompson Richard H. , Carcasci Giulia , Nizzetto Luca
Published: December 2024

Plastics used in agriculture, commonly known as agriplastics (AP), offer numerous advantages in terrestrial agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, but the diffusion of AP-intensive practices has led to extensive pollution. This review aims to synthesise scientific and policy discussions surrounding AP, examining evidence of their benefits and detrimental environmental and agricultural impacts. Following the proposal of a preliminary general taxonomy of AP, this paper presents the findings from a survey conducted among international experts from the plastic industry, farmer organisations, NGOs and environmental research institutes. This analysis highlights knowledge gaps, demands and perspectives for the sustainable future use of AP. Stakeholder positions vary on the options of ‘rejection’ or ‘reduction’ of AP, as well as the role of alternative materials such as (bio)degradable and compostable plastics. However, there is consensus on critical issues such as redesign, labelling, traceability, environmental safety standards, deployment and retrieval standards, as well as innovative waste management approaches. All stakeholders express concern for the environment. A ‘best practice’-based circular model was elaborated capturing these perspectives. In the context of global food systems increasingly reliant on AP, scientists emphasise the need to simultaneously preserve nature-based and traditional knowledge-based sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food system resilience.
Daily estradiol and progesterone levels moderate genetic and environmental influences on emotional eating across 45 consecutive days in female twins
Authors: Klump Kelly L. , Mikhail Megan E. , Anaya Carolina , Keel Pamela K. , Culbert Kristen M. , Sisk Cheryl L. , Johnson Alexander , Boker Steven , Neale Micheal C. , Burt S. Alexandra
Published: December 2024

Background

Past studies indicate daily increases in estrogen across the menstrual cycle protect against binge-eating (BE) phenotypes (e.g. emotional eating), whereas increases in progesterone enhance risk. Two previous studies from our laboratory suggest these associations could be due to differential genomic effects of estrogen and progesterone. However, these prior studies were unable to directly model effects of daily changes in hormones on etiologic risk, instead relying on menstrual cycle phase or mean hormone levels. The current study used newly modified twin models to examine, for the first time, the effects of daily changes in estradiol and progesterone on genetic/environmental influences on emotional eating in our archival twin sample assessed across 45 consecutive days.

Methods

Participants included 468 female twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Daily emotional eating was assessed with the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and daily saliva samples were assayed for ovarian hormone levels. Modified genotype × environment interaction models examined daily changes in genetic/environmental effects across hormone levels.

Results

Findings revealed differential effects of daily changes in hormones on etiologic risk, with increasing genetic influences across progesterone levels, and increasing shared environmental influences at the highest estradiol levels. Results were consistent across primary analyses examining all study days and sensitivity analyses within menstrual cycle phases.

Conclusions

Findings are significant in being the first to identify changes in etiologic risk for BE symptoms across daily hormone levels and highlighting novel mechanisms (e.g. hormone threshold effects, regulation of conserved genes) that may contribute to the etiology of BE.
A foundation for synthetic algebraic geometry
Authors: Cherubini Felix , Coquand Thierry , Hutzler Matthias
Published: December 2024

This is a foundation for algebraic geometry, developed internal to the Zariski topos, building on the work of Kock and Blechschmidt (Kock (2006) [I.12], Blechschmidt (2017)). The Zariski topos consists of sheaves on the site opposite to the category of finitely presented algebras over a fixed ring, with the Zariski topology, that is, generating covers are given by localization maps for finitely many elements
$f_1,\dots, f_n$
that generate the ideal
$(1)=A\subseteq A$
. We use homotopy-type theory together with three axioms as the internal language of a (higher) Zariski topos. One of our main contributions is the use of higher types – in the homotopical sense – to define and reason about cohomology. Actually computing cohomology groups seems to need a principle along the lines of our “Zariski local choice” axiom, which we justify as well as the other axioms using a cubical model of homotopy-type theory.
Loss modelling from first principles
Authors: Parodi Pietro , Thrumble Derek , Watson Peter , Ji Zhongmei , Wang Alex , Bhatia Ishita , Lees Joseph , Mealy Sophia , Shah Rushabh , Dharamshi Param , Gazzelloni Federica
Published: December 2024

A common statistical modelling paradigm used in actuarial pricing is (a) assuming that the possible loss model can be chosen from a dictionary of standard models; (b) selecting the model that provides the best trade-off between goodness of fit and complexity. Machine learning provides a rigorous framework for this selection/validation process. An alternative modelling paradigm, common in the sciences, is to prove the adequacy of a statistical model from first principles: for example, Planck’s distribution, which describes the spectral distribution of blackbody radiation empirically, was explained by Einstein by assuming that radiation is made of quantised harmonic oscillators (photons). In this working party we have been exploring the extent to which loss models, too, can be derived from first principles. Traditionally, the Poisson, negative binomial, and binomial distributions are used as loss count models because they are familiar and easy to work with. We show how reasoning from first principles naturally leads to non-stationary Poisson processes, Lévy processes, and multivariate Bernoulli processes depending on the context. For modelling severities, we build on previous research that shows  how graph theory can be used to model property-like losses. We show how the methodology can be extended to deal with business interruption/supply chain risks by considering networks with higher-order dependencies. For liability business, we show the theoretical and practical limitations of traditional models such as the lognormal distribution. We explore the question of where the ubiquitous power-law behaviour comes from, finding a natural explanation in random growth models. We also address the derivation of severity curves in territories where compensation tables are used. This research is foundational in nature, but its results may prove useful to practitioners by guiding model selection and elucidating the relationship between the features of a risk and the model’s parameters.
A dual-port MIMO antenna with integrated band-reject filter for 5G sub-6 GHz/FR1 applications
Authors: Dewangan Jeet , Rai Yajush , Agarwal Smriti
Published: December 2024

This study presents the design and realization of a dual-port multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) filtering antenna system. The device shows good response in the frequency rage 1 (4.1 to 7.125 GHZ) frequency band, which handles most of the cellular mobile communication traffic. First, the single element ultra-wideband (UWB) filtenna is designed by combining a UWB antenna and a band-reject filter (BRF) where the antenna works in the frequency range from 1 to 11 GHz and the BRF is rejecting the frequency range of 3–3.42 GHz with 3.2 GHz as its resonant frequency. Finally, the proposed two-port MIMO filtenna combines two single element UWB filtennas in antiparallel manner which shows impedance bandwidth from 2.59 to 7.1 GHz with a band notch from 3 to 3.42 GHz. The structure is built on cost-efficient FR4 substrate (εr = 4.4, tanδ = 0.02) of dimensions 0.68

${{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}_{\boldsymbol{c}}}$

×0.27

${{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}_{\boldsymbol{c}}}$

×0.01

${{\boldsymbol{\lambda }}_{\boldsymbol{c}}}$

 (mm3), which is compact in size and utilizes a defected ground structure for further miniaturization. The proposed design is simulated using Ansys HFSS software, and after fabrication, it is measured, and the output shows good results for the proposed application. The designed antenna system is suitable for fifth-generation (5G) wideband systems.
Projected Intensification and Expansion of Heat Stress and Related Population Exposure Over Africa Under Future Climates
Authors: Dajuma Alima , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Tall Moustapha , Almazroui Mansour , Afiesimama Ernest , Dosio Alessandro , Moufouma‐Okia Wilfran , Diedhiou Arona , Giorgi Filippo
Published: December 2024

Africa lacks comprehensive studies related to the intensification and expansion of high levels of heat stress and the related population exposure. In this regards, two heat stress indices (HI and UTCI) are applied to 30 CMIP6 GCMs to assess the robust changes in heat stress over Africa during the late 21st century under the SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 forcing scenarios. The analysis includes spatial extent, frequency and population exposure of different risk levels (Safe, Caution, Extreme Caution and Danger) gradually rising as the value of the heat index increases. The projections show a recession of Safe areas and a robust expansion of the Caution and Extreme caution classes, irrespective of the seasons and scenarios. The largest change of fractional areal cover, estimated between 23.9% and 30.7% of Africa land areas, occurs for the Extreme caution category over West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and part of East southern Africa in JJA under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario. Furthermore, regions north of 5°S are projected to face an average annual increase of the number of days with high‐end heat stress conditions intensifying as greenhouse gas forcing increases. Under the SSP5‐8.5, the change in the number of days with Extreme caution ranges between 60% and 80%, while that of days in the Danger category reaches 10%–20%. As a result, the total population exposure to the Extreme caution category is projected to increase over West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa under both SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, while for the Danger class, the exposure increase is limited to the Sahel regions under SSP5‐8.5. These exposures are due to the intensification of heat stress but also to its interaction with an increased population. Our results thus highlight the need of adaptation measures to extreme heat in Africa in order to ensure healthy population and safe and efficient working conditions.
How Volcanologists Can Improve Urban Climate Resilience
Authors: Fink Jonathan , Armstrong Michael
Published: December 2024

City-level strategies to cope with climate change can benefit from the insights of volcano scientists, who have long customized hazard information and communications for local communities.
Quantifying Crustal Growth in Arc‐Backarc Systems: Gravity Inversion Modeling of the Lau Basin
Authors: Galley Christopher , Baxter Alan , Hannington Mark , King Michael , Bethell Erin , Lelièvre Peter , Fassbender Marc , Jamieson John
Published: December 2024

The formation and evolution of arc‐backarc systems govern crustal production in some of the most volcanically and hydrothermally active environments on Earth. This study presents the first complete three‐dimensional density model of the active arc‐backarc system in the southwest Pacific comprising the Lau Basin and Tofua arc. Seafloor density and crustal thickness maps reveal changes in crustal composition and growth rates throughout the basin and along the volcanic arc. Crustal thickness varies significantly between the different centers of accretion (i.e., assemblages), resulting from seafloor spreading and subsurface melt accumulation below volcanic fields. Volumetric growth rates were calculated for each assemblage, corresponding to their respective contribution to basin expansion. The highest crustal density and growth rates are thought to be related to a mantle‐derived melt source entering the basin from the north around the edge of the subducting Pacific Plate. This study shows that the inverse modeling approach can be applied to global gravity data sets to characterize and quantify the density and thickness of the crust anywhere in the oceans.
CO2 Trapping in Layered Porous Media by Effective Viscosification
Authors: Ding Boxin , Kantzas Apostolos , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: December 2024

Safe and efficient storage of CO2 in saline aquifers requires mobility control to prevent CO2 from accumulation and rapid spreading at the formation top below the caprock. In the past, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of two engineered olefinic‐based oligomers for viscosification of sc‐CO2 and the significant improvements in residual trapping of sc‐CO2 in brine‐saturated homogeneous sandstone cores (Ding et al., 2024, https://doi.org/10.2118/214842‐pa). The objective of this work is to examine the sweep efficiency and residual brine saturation in the layered cores by effective viscosification with two engineered molecules, providing the implications for CO2 trapping in layered porous media by effective viscosification. In neat CO2 injection, the CO2 channels through the high permeability layer, causing rapid breakthrough and high residual brine saturation. This results in an inefficient process for CO2 storage in saline aquifers. In viscosified CO2 injection, we observe significant improvements in crossflow at the interface between the two‐permeability layer, partly due to the mobility control and residual brine saturation reduction. In comparison to the neat CO2 injection, the synergistic effect of the mobility control and increases in interfacial elasticity by injection of vis‐CO2 results in delay in breakthrough by a factor of 2 and about 95% higher brine production. Compared to our previous work on displacement experiments in homogeneous sandstone core, there is a more significant reduction of residual brine saturation in layered cores by viscosified CO2 injection. Increases in injection rate is also demonstrated to improve the CO2 storage in layered cores. Both the CO2 viscosification and increases in injection rate may promote the injection pressure to overcome the capillary entry pressure, leading to CO2 displacement of brine in the low‐permeability layer. CT‐imaging data advances understanding of boundary conditions, brine production, and local residual brine saturation in layered cores.
Co-option of neck muscles supported the vertebrate water-to-land transition
Authors: Heude Eglantine , Dutel Hugo , Sanchez-Garrido Frida , Prummel Karin D. , Lalonde Robert , Lam France , Mosimann Christian , Herrel Anthony , Tajbakhsh Shahragim
Published: December 2024

A major event in vertebrate evolution was the separation of the skull from the pectoral girdle and the acquisition of a functional neck, transitions that required profound developmental rearrangements of the musculoskeletal system. The neck is a hallmark of the tetrapod body plan and allows for complex head movements on land. While head and trunk muscles arise from distinct embryonic mesoderm populations, the origins of neck muscles remain elusive. Here, we combine comparative embryology and anatomy to reconstruct the mesodermal contribution to neck evolution. We demonstrate that head/trunk-connecting muscle groups have conserved mesodermal origins in fishes and tetrapods and that the neck evolved from muscle groups present in fishes. We propose that expansions of mesodermal populations into head and trunk domains during embryonic development underpinned the emergence and adaptation of the tetrapod neck. Our results provide evidence for the exaptation of archetypal muscle groups in ancestral fishes, which were co-opted to acquire novel functions adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle.
Bringing leaders of network subgroups closer together does not facilitate consensus
Authors: Jones Matthew I. , Christakis Nicholas A.
Published: December 2024

Consensus formation is a complex process, particularly in networked groups. When individuals are incentivized to dig in and refuse to compromise, leaders may be essential to guiding the group to consensus. Specifically, the relative geodesic position of leaders could be important for reaching consensus. Separately, groups searching for consensus can be confounded by noisy signals in which individuals are given false information about the actions of their fellow group members. We tested the effects of the geodesic distance between leaders (geodesic distance ranging from 1 to 4) and of noise (noise levels at 0%, 5%, and 10%) by recruiting participants (N = 3,456) for a set of experiments (n = 216 groups). We find that noise makes groups less likely to reach consensus, and the groups that do reach consensus take longer to find it. We find that leadership changes the behavior of both leaders and followers in important ways (for instance, being labeled a leader makes people more likely to ‘go with the flow’). However, we find no evidence that the geodesic distance between leaders is a significant factor in the probability of reaching consensus. While other network properties of leaders undoubtedly affect consensus formation, the distance between leaders in network subgroups appears not to matter.
Pharmacological blocking of neutrophil extracellular traps attenuates immunothrombosis and neuroinflammation in cerebral cavernous malformation
Authors: Onyeogaziri Favour C. , Smith Ross , Arce Maximiliano , Huang Hua , Erzar Iza , Rorsman Charlotte , Malinverno Matteo , Orsenigo Fabrizio , Sundell Veronica , Fernando Dinesh , Daniel Geoffrey , Niemelä Mika , Laakso Aki , Jahromi Behnam Rezai , Olsson Anna-Karin , Magnusson Peetra U.
Published: December 2024

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a neurovascular disease with symptoms such as strokes, hemorrhages and neurological deficits. With surgery being the only treatment strategy, understanding the molecular mechanisms of CCM is crucial in finding alternative therapeutic options for CCM. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were recently reported in CCM, and NETs were shown to have positive or negative effects in different disease contexts. In this study, we investigated the roles of NETs in CCM by pharmacologically inhibiting NET formation using Cl-amidine (a peptidyl arginine deiminase inhibitor). We show here that Cl-amidine treatment reduced lesion burden, coagulation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, NETs promoted the activation of microglia and fibroblasts, leading to increased neuroinflammation and a chronic wound microenvironment in CCM. The inhibition of NET formation caused endothelial quiescence and promoted a healthier microenvironment. Our study suggests the inhibition of NETs as a potential therapeutic strategy in CCM.
An approach to assessing tsunami risk to the global port network under rising sea levels
Authors: Chua Constance Ting , Otake Takuro , Li Tanghua , Cheng An-Chi , Qiu Qiang , Li Linlin , Suppasri Anawat , Imamura Fumihiko , Switzer Adam D.
Published: December 2024

Seaports are vulnerable to extreme sea level events. Beyond physical damage, any port inoperability affects trade flows in and out of the affected port and disrupts shipping routes connected to it, which then propagates throughout the port network. Here, we propose an approach to assessing tsunami risk to ports and the global port network. We leverage on the topological properties of the global liner shipping network and centrality measures to quantify the potential impacts of a Manila Trench earthquake-tsunami under both present and future sea levels. We find that a Manila Trench tsunami could potentially damage up to 11 ports at present-day conditions and 15 ports under rising sea levels. Port closure could exceed 200 days and cause greater disruption to shipping routes than historical tsunami events. We also find that sea level rise is likely to result in uneven changes in tsunami heights spatially and hence, uneven impacts on the global port network.
How J-chain ensures the assembly of immunoglobulin IgM pentamers
Authors: Giannone Chiara , Mess Xenia , He Ruiming , Chelazzi Maria Rita , Mayer Annika , Bakunts Anush , Nguyen Tuan , Bushman Yevheniia , Orsi Andrea , Gansen Benedikt , Degano Massimo , Buchner Johannes , Sitia Roberto
Published: December 2024

Polymeric IgM immunoglobulins have high avidity for antigen and complement, and dominate primary antibody responses. They are produced either as assemblies of six µ2L2 subunits (i.e., hexamers), or as pentamers of two µ2L2 subunits and an additional protein termed J-chain (JC), which allows transcytosis across epithelia. The molecular mechanism of IgM assembly with the desired stoichiometry remained unknown. Here, we show in vitro and in cellula that JC outcompetes the sixth IgM subunit during assembly. Before insertion into IgM, JC exists as an ensemble of largely unstructured, protease-sensitive species with heterogeneous, non-native disulfide bonds. The J-chain interacts with the hydrophobic β-sheets selectively exposed by nascent pentamers. Completion of an amyloid-like core triggers JC folding and drives disulfide rearrangements that covalently stabilize JC-containing pentamers. In cells, the quality control factor ERp44 surveys IgM assembly and prevents the secretion of aberrant conformers. This mechanism allows the efficient production of high-avidity IgM for systemic or mucosal immunity.
Genetic and molecular underpinnings of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sweat Mason E. , Pu WIlliam T.
Published: December 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke and heart failure risks. This review examines genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying AF. We review genes linked to AF and mechanisms by which they alter AF risk. We highlight gene expression differences between atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, regulatory mechanisms responsible for these differences, and their contribution to AF. Understanding AF mechanisms through the lens of atrial gene regulation is crucial for developing targeted AF therapies.
Multi-channel masked autoencoder and comprehensive evaluations for reconstructing 12-lead ECG from arbitrary single-lead ECG
Authors: Chen Jiarong , Wu Wanqing , Liu Tong , Hong Shenda
Published: December 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) has emerged as a widely accepted diagnostic instrument for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The standard clinical 12-lead ECG configuration causes considerable inconvenience and discomfort, while wearable devices offers a more practical alternative. To reduce information gap between 12-lead ECG and single-lead ECG, this study proposes a multi-channel masked autoencoder (MCMA) for reconstructing 12-Lead ECG from arbitrary single-lead ECG, and a comprehensive evaluation benchmark, ECGGenEval, encompass the signal-level, feature-level, and diagnostic-level evaluations. MCMA can achieve the state-of-the-art performance. In the signal-level evaluation, the mean square errors of 0.0175 and 0.0654, Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.7772 and 0.7287. In the feature-level evaluation, the average standard deviation of the mean heart rate across the generated 12-lead ECG is 1.0481, the coefficient of variation is 1.58%, and the range is 3.2874. In the diagnostic-level evaluation, the average F1-score with two generated 12-lead ECG from different single-lead ECG are 0.8233 and 0.8410.
Introduction
Authors: Ziebell Angela , Hill Michelle
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses the ways different people can best use this book to build their career in STEM. This includes current students, graduates, those changing careers and those who want to develop their careers in place. A set of icons to flag topics of learning are introduced. These will feature in activities throughout the book. An activity in this chapter helps you sit back and record how you are thinking about your employability, and helps you understand some of those feelings and assumptions before starting on the rest of the book.
Extra Considerations When You (Will) Have a Higher Degree by Research
Authors: Ziebell Angela , Huysmans Richard
Published: December 2024

For those who are undertaking a PhD or research master’s degree, there will be a few unique aspects of your career journey. The authors both have experience with non-traditional pathways post-research study and that experience is used to map common challenges and issues that the authors have had to navigate, or they have mentored others through. An array of careers that are common for research graduates are summarised, but it is important to note that graduates from research go to all levels of all sectors.
Stable organic radicals – a material platform for developing molecular quantum technologies
Authors: Wu Wei
Published: December 2024

Stable organic radicals can be explored in quantum communications, optically driven quantum gate operation, and the construction of quantum computing circuit.
Interfacing CuO, CuBi2O4, and protective metal oxide layers to boost solar-driven photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Burns Cathal , Woodford Owen , Stephens Susanna L. , Rishan Muhammed , Fuller Linsey , Kalathil Shafeer , Gibson Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2024

This article reports the development of CuO|CuBi2O4 photocathodes stabilized by protective layers of TiO2, MgO, or NiO, with Pt or MoS2 nanoparticles serving as co-catalysts to facilitate H2 evolution.
A terpyridine-based copper complex for electrochemical reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide
Authors: Biswas Jyotiprokash , Sanden Sebastian , Bhardwaj Prabhakar , Siegmund Daniel , Kumar Pankaj , Apfel Ulf-Peter
Published: December 2024

A terpyridine-CuII complex, electrochemically reduces NO2− to NO. Mechanistic studies show reduction from CuII to CuI and causes nitrite linkage isomerism: CuII–ONO (nitrito) to CuI–NO2 (nitro).
The occurrence, characteristics and control of ribavirin and chloroquine phosphate in the aquatic environment: a review
Authors: Wang Xicheng , Pan Zhangbin , Du Zhenqi , Song Wuchang , Li Congcong , Xiao Rong , Jia Ruibao
Published: December 2024

Ribavirin (RBV) and chloroquine phosphate (CQP) are widely used antiviral drugs, and have raised considerable concern due to their ubiquitous nature, persistence, bioaccumulation, and high toxicity.
Biochar applications in microplastic and nanoplastic removal: mechanisms and integrated approaches
Authors: Mota L. S. O. , de Oliveira P. C. O. , Peixoto B. S. , Bezerra E. S. , de Moraes M. C.
Published: December 2024

This review explores biochar's potential for removing microplastics and nanoplastics from water, discussing various mechanisms and the benefits of combining biochar with other water treatment technologies.
Development of a novel composite membrane combining polystyrene, polypyrrole, and salian for enhanced scaling prevention in water filtration applications
Authors: Adaileh Abeer , Ragab Ahmed H. , Taher Mostafa A. , Afridi Muhammad Idrees , Awad Mohamed M. , Elfiky Aya , Selim H. , El-Sayed El-Sayed M. , Mubarak Mahmoud F.
Published: December 2024

A novel composite membrane, comprising polystyrene, polypyrrole, and salian (PSPPY-Sa), was developed through the electro spinning technique to enhance scaling inhibition in water filtration systems.
Unveiling the potential of bismuth-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Sabouhanian Negar , Lipkowski Jacek , Chen Aicheng
Published: December 2024

The progress of the electrochemical CO2 reduction based on Bi-based catalysts is reviewed and the strategies for performance improvements are highlighted.
An injectable, self-healing, polysaccharide-based antioxidative hydrogel for wound healing
Authors: Johnson Melissa , Song Rijian , Li Yinghao , Milne Cameron , Li Zishan , Lyu Jing , A Sigen , Wang Wenxin
Published: December 2024

This work introduces a self-healing, antioxidative hydrogel with rapid gelation, offering enhanced effectiveness for chronic wound healing applications.
3D real-time single particle tracking using two-photon fluorescence from bright dye-based organic nanoparticles
Authors: Emperauger Marie-Charlotte , Kurek Eleonore , Semmer Florian , Perronet Karen , Daniel Jonathan , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Marquier François
Published: December 2024

Two-photon single particle tracking with unique precision using dye-based organic nanoparticles.
Aminocarbonylation using CO surrogates
Authors: Rao Kamya , Sharma Anku , Rathod Gajanan K. , Barahdia Aman S. , Jain Rahul
Published: December 2024

This review highlights recent advances in the chemistry of CO surrogates for aminocarbonylation reactions.
Synthesis of tetrasubstituted furans through a Cu/base-mediated cascade reaction from terminal alkynes and 1,2-diketones
Authors: Fan Jian , Liang Xuecheng , Yao Liangliang , Wang Yating , Wang Kai , Yao Bangben , Liu Yujun , Xu Shuwen
Published: December 2024

The in situ generation of 1,3-diyne from terminal alkynes enables addition and annulation with 1,2-diketones to produce tetrasubstituted furans via a Cu/base-mediated process.
Dual-action antimicrobial surface coatings: methylene blue and quaternary ammonium cation conjugated silica nanoparticles
Authors: Kirla Haritha , Hamzah Juliana , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Henry David J.
Published: December 2024

Dual-action antimicrobial coatings: silica nanoparticles conjugated with methylene blue and quaternary ammonium cations demonstrate enhanced antibacterial efficacy through combined photodynamic and contact-killing mechanisms.
Efficient development of high drug loaded posaconazole tablets enabled by amorphous solid dispersion
Authors: Xiang Tianyi , Song Sichen , Siegel Ronald A. , Sun Changquan Calvin
Published: December 2024

A 50% API-loaded posaconazole tablet was developed in 14 days using just 1.5 g of API through systematic evaluation of stability, dissolution, and manufacturability.
High second-order nonlinear optical effect achieved by gradually decreased rotational energy barriers
Authors: Qiao Panpan , Yuan Wentao , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: December 2024

The second-order nonlinear optical effect was largely enhanced by gradually introducing alkoxy chains, mainly due to the low rotational barriers and moderate isolation effect to facilitate molecular rotations of chromophore moieties.