bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The disulfidptosis-related signature predicts prognosis and immune features in glioma patients
Authors: Wang Xiong , Yang Jijun , Yang Fengjie , Mu Ketao
Published: October 2023

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system. Disulfidptosis is a recently identified programmed cell death in tumor cells overexpressing SLC7A11 under glucose starvation. Clinical prognostic significance of disulfidptosis has been reported in several tumors, and in this study, we explored the correlation of disulfidptosis with clinical prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy response in glioma. A total of 1592 glioma patients were included in this study, including 691 glioma patients from The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA), 300 patients with from the Chinese Glioma Genomic Atlas (CGGA) array, 325 patients from CGGA sequencing, and 276 patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) GSE16011. R software (V4.2.2) and several R packages were applied to develop the risk score model and correlation calculation and visualization. Three disulfidptosis-related genes, LRPPRC, RPN1, and GYS1, were screened out and applied to establish the risk score model. Low-risk patients exhibit favorable prognosis, and the disulfidptosis-related signature significantly correlated with clinicopathological properties, molecular subtypes, and immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma patients. We developed a disulfidptosis-related risk model to predict the prognosis and immune features in glioma patients, and this risk model may be applied as an independent prognostic factor for glioma.
Optimizing the precision of laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: González Olmos Alberto , Zilpelwar Sharvari , Sunil Smrithi , Boas David A. , Postnov Dmitry D.
Published: October 2023

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a rapidly developing technology broadly applied for the full-field characterization of tissue perfusion. Over the recent years, significant advancements have been made in interpreting LSCI measurements and improving the technique’s accuracy. On the other hand, the method’s precision has yet to be studied in detail, despite being as important as accuracy for many biomedical applications. Here we combine simulation, theory and animal experiments to systematically evaluate and re-analyze the role of key factors defining LSCI precision—speckle-to-pixel size ratio, polarisation, exposure time and camera-related noise. We show that contrary to the established assumptions, smaller speckle size and shorter exposure time can improve the precision, while the camera choice is less critical and does not affect the signal-to-noise ratio significantly.
Inflammatory cell death, PANoptosis, screen identifies host factors in coronavirus innate immune response as therapeutic targets
Authors: Malireddi R. K. Subbarao , Bynigeri Ratnakar R. , Mall Raghvendra , Connelly Jon P. , Pruett-Miller Shondra M. , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the β-coronavirus (β-CoV) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to cause significant global morbidity and mortality. While vaccines have reduced the overall number of severe infections, there remains an incomplete understanding of viral entry and innate immune activation, which can drive pathology. Innate immune responses characterized by positive feedback between cell death and cytokine release can amplify the inflammatory cytokine storm during β-CoV–mediated infection to drive pathology. Therefore, there remains an unmet need to understand innate immune processes in response to β-CoV infections to identify therapeutic strategies. To address this gap, here we used an MHV model and developed a whole genome CRISPR-Cas9 screening approach to elucidate host molecules required for β-CoV infection and inflammatory cell death, PANoptosis, in macrophages, a sentinel innate immune cell. Our screen was validated through the identification of the known MHV receptor Ceacam1 as the top hit, and its deletion significantly reduced viral replication due to loss of viral entry, resulting in a downstream reduction in MHV-induced cell death. Moreover, this screen identified several other host factors required for MHV infection-induced macrophage cell death. Overall, these findings demonstrate the feasibility and power of using genome-wide PANoptosis screens in macrophage cell lines to accelerate the discovery of key host factors in innate immune processes and suggest new targets for therapeutic development to prevent β-CoV-induced pathology.
Theoretical and experimental characterization of non-Markovian anti-parity-time systems
Authors: Wilkey Andrew , Suelzer Joseph , Joglekar Yogesh N. , Vemuri Gautam
Published: October 2023

Open systems with anti-parity-time ($${{{{{{{\mathcal{APT}}}}}}}}$$
APT
) or $${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$
PT
symmetry exhibit a rich phenomenology absent in their Hermitian counterparts. To date all model systems and their diverse realizations across classical and quantum platforms have been local in time, i.e., Markovian. Here we propose a non-Markovian system with anti-$${{{{{{{\mathcal{PT}}}}}}}}$$
PT
-symmetry where a single time-delay encodes the retention of memory, and experimentally demonstrate its consequences with two time-delay coupled semiconductor lasers. A transcendental characteristic equation with infinitely many eigenvalue pairs sets our model apart. We show that a sequence of amplifying-to-decaying dominant mode transitions is induced by the time delay in our minimal model. The signatures of these transitions quantitatively match results obtained from four, coupled, nonlinear rate equations for laser dynamics, and are experimentally observed as constant-width sideband oscillations in the laser intensity profiles. Our work introduces a paradigmatic non-Hermitian system with memory, paves the way for its realization in classical systems, and may apply to time-delayed feedback-control for quantum systems.
Bayesian weighting of climate models based on climate sensitivity
Authors: Massoud Elias C. , Lee Hugo K. , Terando Adam , Wehner Michael
Published: October 2023

Using climate model ensembles containing members that exhibit very high climate sensitivities to increasing CO2concentrations can result in biased projections. Various methods have been proposed to ameliorate this ‘hot model’ problem, such as model emulators or model culling. Here, we utilize Bayesian Model Averaging as a framework to address this problem without resorting to outright rejection of models from the ensemble. Taking advantage of multiple lines of evidence used to construct the best estimate of the earth’s climate sensitivity, the Bayesian Model Averaging framework produces an unbiased posterior probability distribution of model weights. The updated multi-model ensemble projects end-of-century global mean surface temperature increases of 2 oC for a low emissions scenario (SSP1-2.6) and 5 oC for a high emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5). These estimates are lower than those produced using a simple multi-model mean for the CMIP6 ensemble. The results are also similar to results from a model culling approach, but retain some weight on low-probability models, allowing for consideration of the possibility that the true value could lie at the extremes of the assessed distribution. Our results showcase Bayesian Model Averaging as a path forward to project future climate change that is commensurate with the available scientific evidence.
Variations in activation energy and nuclei size during nucleation explain chiral symmetry breaking
Authors: Arango-Restrepo A. , Barragán D. , Rubi J. M.
Published: October 2023

Self-assembly mechanism for the formation of two enantiomeric crystals, levorotatory (blue) and dextrorotatory (yellow), in which Δn and ΔEa distribution probability defines chiral symmetry-breaking.
Overcoming the barrier: designing novel thermally robust shape memory vitrimers by establishing a new machine learning framework
Authors: Yan Cheng , Feng Xiaming , Konlan John , Mensah Patrick , Li Guoqiang
Published: October 2023

A sophisticated machine learning framework was developed to design thermally robust shape memory vitrimers (TRSMVs) with superior recycling efficiency, an elevated Tg, and outstanding shape memory properties, surpassing traditional limitations.
Binding of carboxylate and water to monovalent cations
Authors: Stevens Mark J , Rempe Susan L. B.
Published: October 2023

Water plays an important role in the binding of cations with carboxylates. DFT studies show nW = 2 waters combine with nA = 2 negatively-charged acetates to form the complexes with lowest free energies for Li, Na, and K ions in the gas phase.
Reactivity of a series of triaryl borates, B(OArx)3, in hydroboration catalysis
Authors: Sokolnicki Tomasz , Alharbi Mashael M. , van Ingen Yara , Rahim Shahnaz , Pramanik Milan , Roldan Alberto , Walkowiak Jędrzej , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we compare the reactivity of a series of triaryl borates B(OArx)3 as catalysts for the hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes.
Future bioenergy source by microalgae–bacteria consortia: a circular economy approach
Authors: Chia Shir Reen , Ling Jing , Chia Wen Yi , Nomanbhay Saifuddin , Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono , Chew Kit Wayne
Published: October 2023

Future sustainable approach of bioenergy production that uses microalgae–bacteria consortium to produce bioelectricity and biofuel for industrial and daily activities.
Designing zeolites for the removal of aqueous PFAS: a perspective
Authors: Ponge Charles A. , Corbin David R. , Sabolay Clarice M. , Shiflett Mark B.
Published: October 2023

In this perspective, zeolites and their ability to adsorb per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are explored. Suggestions of modifications and synthesis of old and new zeolites are proposed to enhance adsorption. (A. Stukowski, Modelling Simul. Mater. Sci. Eng., 2010, 18, 015012).
Red fluorescent carbon nanoparticles derived from Spinacia oleracea L.: a versatile tool for bioimaging and biomedical applications
Authors: Barve Ketki , Singh Udisha , Yadav Pankaj , Kansara Krupa , Vaswani Payal , Kumar Ashutosh , Bhatia Dhiraj
Published: October 2023

Carbon-based fluorescent nanoparticles are an emerging class of nanoparticles for targeted bioimaging and biomedical applications.
Liquid–liquid phase separation for microencapsulation of native cytokine to enhance immune activation
Authors: Hu Zhenhua , Cheng Li , Chen Qiuling , Xin Tianqing , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

Microencapsulation of therapeutic cytokines through biomimetic liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) for sustained delivery of native cytokines with high bioactivity.
Influence of photothermal and plasma-mediated nano-processes on fluence thresholds for ultrafast laser-induced cavitation around gold nanoparticles
Authors: Agiotis Leonidas , De Lille Vi Tching , Meunier Michel
Published: October 2023

This work builds on an in-depth evaluation of cavitation bubbles around gold nanoparticles upon ultrafast laser photoexcitation and the transition of photothermal to plasma-mediated cavitation, depending on particle properties and laser pulse width.
A comparative investigation of the chemical reduction of graphene oxide for electrical engineering applications
Authors: Chudziak Tomasz , Montes-García Verónica , Czepa Włodzimierz , Pakulski Dawid , Musiał Andrzej , Valentini Cataldo , Bielejewski Michał , Carlin Michela , Tubaro Aurelia , Pelin Marco , Samorì Paolo , Ciesielski Artur
Published: October 2023

Various reducing agents and reaction times are systematically investigated to enhance the performance of chemically reduced GO (CrGO) in electronics and electrochemical applications.
Lipoic acid-based vitrimer-like elastomer
Authors: Lan Xiaohong , Boetje Laura , Pelras Théophile , Ye Chongnan , Silvianti Fitrilia , Loos Katja
Published: October 2023

The synthesis of a lipoic acid-based vitrimer-like elastomer (LAVE).
Photoinduced C–H heteroarylation of enamines via quadruple cleavage of CF2Br2
Authors: Zuo Wanqing , Zuo Lingling , Geng Xiao , Li Zhifang , Wang Lei
Published: October 2023

The C–H functionalization of enamines has attracted much attention over the past few years; however, the heteroarylation of enamines still remains rare.
Pyrrolizine/indolizine-bearing (un)substituted isoindole moiety: design, synthesis, antiproliferative and MDR reversal activities, and in silico studies
Authors: AbdelSamad Amr L. , El-Saadi Mohammed T. , Gouda Ahmed M. , AboulMagd Asmaa M.
Published: October 2023

Two new series of pyrrolizine/indolizine derivative-bearing (un)substituted isoindole moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated as possible anticancer agents.
Online highly selective recognition of domoic acid by an aptamer@MOFs affinity monolithic column coupled with HPLC for shellfish safety monitoring
Authors: Song Fang , Zhang Zhexiang , Xu Xuerong , Lin Xucong
Published: October 2023

A novel aptamer@ZIF-8-MOFs-functionalized monolith coupled with HPLC-UV enables the online high-performance specific identification of DA in shellfish.
Fatimanols Y and Z: two neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Teucrium yemense
Authors: Elbermawi Ahmed , Zulfiqar Fazila , Khan Ikhlas A. , Ali Zulfiqar
Published: October 2023

Teucrium yemense (Defl.), a medicinal plant, grows in Yemen and Saudi Arabia and is also referred to as Reehal Fatima. The plant has a long history of use in these regions for the treatment of diabetes, rheumatism, and renal conditions.
Fluorescence-readout as a powerful macromolecular characterisation tool
Authors: Wu Xingyu , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: October 2023

We discuss the current state-of-the-art in exploiting fluorescence-based techniques for analysing polymer systems and soft matter materials, as well as provide an outlook on future opportunities and challenges.
Bidirectional manipulation of iodine redox kinetics in aqueous Fe–I2 electrochemistry
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Wang Mingli , Zhang Hong , Fu Lin , Zhang Wenli , Yuan Yupeng , Lu Ke
Published: October 2023

A carbon shell can capture iodine within its confined environment, N, P atoms play better in directing iodine reduction and FeP facilitates the facile FeI2 decomposition, affording a Fe–I2 pouch cell with an energy density of 146 W h kgiodine−1.
Correction: Structurally divergent enantioselective synthesis of benzofuran fused azocine derivatives and spiro-cyclopentanone benzofurans enabled by sequential catalysis
Authors: Khuntia Rupkumar , Mahapatra Sanat Kumar , Roy Lisa , Chandra Pan Subhas
Published: October 2023

Correction for ‘Structurally divergent enantioselective synthesis of benzofuran fused azocine derivatives and spiro-cyclopentanone benzofurans enabled by sequential catalysis’ by Rupkumar Khuntia et al., Chem. Sci., 2023, 14, 10768–10776, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC03239F.
Site planning and selection of hydrogen refueling stations considering the life cycle and demand uncertainty
Authors: Zhou Yan , Qin Xunpeng , Yao Cenglin , Ni Mao , Zhou Jun , Liu Ling , Li Wenyi , Yang Wenlong
Published: October 2023

A life-cycle cost analysis model for hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) has been established, considering initial investment and operational stage hydrogen supply chain costs.
Understanding the electrocatalytic oxidation of propionic acid for the sustainable production of ethylene
Authors: Angulo Andrea , Elizarraras Carolina , Shin Ju Hee , van Riel Alexandra , Akashige Toshihiro , Modestino Miguel
Published: October 2023

A study of sustainable ethylene production from biomass waste (propionic acid) using non-Kolbe electrolysis, examining electrolyte and reaction rate impact.
A long-term stable zinc metal anode enabled by a mannitol additive
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Cao Jin , Dai Zhiqiang , Chanajaree Rungroj , Yang Chengwu , Wu Xiang , Zhang Xinyu , Qin Jiaqian
Published: October 2023

Despite the promising potential of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) for large-scale energy storage applications, their electrochemical performance is still hindered by zinc dendrites and side reactions.
3D-printed palladium/activated carbon-based catalysts for the dehydrogenation of formic acid as a hydrogen carrier
Authors: Diaz-Herrezuelo Irene , Vega Gonzalo , Navarro Marina , Miranzo Pilar , Osendi M. Isabel , Casas Jose A. , Quintanilla Asuncion , Belmonte Manuel
Published: October 2023

3D Pd/AC catalysts are preparedviawet impregnation using a Pd precursor and a highly porous and robust 3D-printed cellular AC support. These 3D catalysts produced CO-free hydrogen from FA under ambient conditions.
Synergistic coupling of NiVAl-layered double hydroxide with few-layered Ti3C2Tx–MXene nanosheets for superior asymmetric supercapacitor performance
Authors: Zhou Xinsheng , Hou Zhuoran , Zhang Hua-Yu , Yu Jie
Published: October 2023

In this study, we fabricate 3D Ti3C2Tx–MXene/NiVAl-LDH nanocomposites with enhanced structural stability, conductivity, and redox kinetics, preventing nanosheet aggregation and promoting full active site exposure.
High-performance wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells with an enhanced photon-to-electron response of near-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Liu Zhihai , Wang Lei , Xie Xiaoyin , Xu Chongyang , Zhang Chao , Chen Ping
Published: October 2023

We improved the performance of wide band-gap perovskite solar cells by enhancing the photon-to-electron response in the near-infrared region.
Quantifying the Occupational Voice Use of Teachers
Authors: Eastman Sarah E. , Ghasemzadeh Hamzeh , Van Stan Jarrad , Hillman Robert E. , Mehta Daryush D.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

The teaching profession is a high–voice use occupation at elevated risk for developing voice disorders. Continued research on teachers' vocal demands is necessary to advocate for and establish vocal health programs. This study quantified ambulatory vocal dose measures for teachers during both on- and off-work periods, comparing their occupational voice use to that in other studies that have reported percent phonation ranging from 17% to 30%.

Method:

Participants included 26 full-time, female school teachers between 23 and 55 years of age across multiple grades and subjects, including individuals with and without a voice disorder. Ambulatory voice data were collected from weeklong voice monitoring that recorded phonatory activity through anterior neck-surface vibration. Three vocal dose measures—time, cycle, and distance doses—were computed for each participant for three time periods: on-work weekdays, off-work weekdays, and off-work weekend days.

Results:

The teachers' average percent phonation was 16.2% on-work weekdays, 8.4% off-work weekdays, and 8.0% off-work weekend days. No statistically significant differences for vocal dose measures were found between off-work weekdays and weekend days. Overall, all vocal dose measures were approximately 2 times higher during work relative to off-work time periods.

Conclusions:

This study provides values for vocal dose measures for school teachers using ambulatory voice-monitoring technology. The vocal demands of this particular teacher sample and voice activity detection algorithm are potential factors contributing to percent phonation values on the lower end of the range reported in the literature. Future work is needed to continue to understand occupational voice use and its associated risks related to voice health, with the ultimate goal of preventing and managing voice disorders in individuals engaged in high-risk occupations.
Protection method of traction power supply system for low and medium speed Maglev traffic based on fault traveling wave features
Authors: Yan Ningning , Wang Jian , Li Qingmin
Published: October 2023

Low and medium speed magnetic levitation traffic with short power supply distance and complex grounding network structure, prone to power supply rail grounding faults. However, the existing fault location methods do not accurately locate the fault point, making it difficult for the protective device to act to cut off the fault. To address the above problems, this paper builds a dynamic simulation model of the low and medium speed magnetic levitation power supply rails to study the distribution characteristics of the fault traveling waves after a ground fault occurs in the power supply rails, and analyses the generation mechanism of the traveling wave spectrum through formula calculation. First, the difference in current between the positive and negative bus bars is analyzed to determine whether a ground fault has occurred. Second, the direction of the current difference between stations is compared to locate the faulty section. Finally, the fault distance is calculated from the frequency difference of the fault voltage at the double‐ended station. Through simulation, the method is validated to be unaffected by fault location, fault transition resistance, noise interference, and is applicable to short circuit faults caused by lightning strikes, and the ranging error always remains within 20 m. The method has strong robustness, can effectively solve the problem of protection misoperation and accurately locate the fault point. It is suitable for low and medium speed magnetic levitation transportation power supply rail ground fault.
Coronal bright point statistics
Authors: Kraus I. , Bourdin Ph.-A. , Zender J. , Bergmann M. , Hanslmeier A.
Published: October 2023

Context. The corona of the Sun is the part of the solar atmosphere with temperatures of over one million Kelvin, which needs to be heated internally in order to exist. This heating mechanism remains a mystery; we see large magnetically active regions in the photosphere lead to strong extreme UV (EUV) emission in the corona. On much smaller scales (on the order of tens of Mm), there are bipolar and multipolar regions that can be associated with evenly sized coronal bright points (CBPs).

Aims. Our aim was to study the properties of CBPs in a statistical sense and to use continuous data from the SDO spacecraft, which makes it possible to track CBPs over their whole lifetime. Furthermore, we tested various rotation-speed profiles for CBPs in order to find out if the lower corona is co-rotating with the photosphere. Then we compiled a database with about 346 CBPs together with information of their sizes, shapes, appearance and disappearance, and their visibility in the EUV channels of the AIA instrument. We want to verify our methods with similar previous studies.

Methods. We used the high-cadence data of the largest continuous SDO observation interval in 2015 to employ an automated tracking algorithm for CBPs. Some of the information (e.g., the total lifetime, the characteristic shape, and the magnetic polarities below the CBPs) still requires human interaction.

Results. In this work we present statistics on fundamental properties of CBPs along with some comparison tables that relate, for example, the CBP lifetime with their shape. CBPs that are visible in all AIA channels simultaneously seem to be brighter in total and also have a stronger heating, and hence a higher total radiation flux. We compared the EUV emission visibility in different AIA channels with the CBP’s shape and lifetime. From the tracking algorithm we confirm a strict co-rotation of the CBPs with the photospheric differential rotation.

Conclusions. The tracked CBPs have a typical lifetime of about 1–6 h, while the hottest and brightest ones seem to exist for significantly longer time, up to 24 h. Furthermore, the merging of two CBPs seems not to have an influence on the overall size of the persisting CBP. Finally, fainter and cooler CBPs tend to have only weaker magnetic polarities, which clearly supports a coronal bright point heating mechanism based on magnetic energy dissipation.
First exploration of the runaway greenhouse transition with a 3D General Circulation Model
Authors: Chaverot Guillaume , Bolmont Emeline , Turbet Martin
Published: October 2023

While their detections remain challenging at present, observations of small terrestrial planets will become easier in a near future thanks to continuous improvements of detection and characterisation instruments. In this quest, climate modeling is a key step to understanding their characteristics, atmospheric composition, and possible histories. If a surface water reservoir is present on such a terrestrial planet, an increase in insolation may lead to a dramatic positive feedback induced by water evaporation: the runaway greenhouse. The resulting rise in the global surface temperature leads to the evaporation of the entire water reservoir, separating two very different population of planets: 1) temperate planets with a surface water ocean and 2) hot planets with a puffed atmosphere dominated by water vapor. Therefore, the understanding of the runaway greenhouse is pivotal to assess the different evolution of Venus and the Earth, as well as every similar terrestrial exoplanet. In this work, we use a 3D General Circulation Model (GCM), the Generic-PCM, to study the runaway greenhouse transition, linking temperate and post-runaway states. Our simulations were comprised of two phases. First, assuming initially a liquid surface ocean, there is an evaporation phase, which enriches the atmosphere with water vapor. Second, when the ocean is considered to be entirely evaporated, there is a dry transition phase for which the surface temperature increases dramatically. Finally, the evolution ends with a hot and stable post-runaway state. By describing in detail the evolution of the climate over these two steps, we show a rapid transition of the cloud coverage and of the wind circulation from the troposphere to the stratosphere. By comparing our result to previous studies using 1D models, we discuss the effect of intrinsically 3D processes such as the global dynamics and the clouds, which are key to understanding the runaway greenhouse. We also explore the potential reversibility of the runaway greenhouse that is limited by its radiative unbalance.
Synthesis of (–)-Virginiae Butanolide A (VB-A)
Authors: Nubbemeyer Udo , Donges Jonas , Frank Andrea , Schollmeyer Dieter
Published: October 2023

The 2-(1′-hydroxyalkyl) paraconyl alcohols (–)-VB-A and (–)-SCB-5 are known as highly active signaling molecules within antibiotics production in Streptomyces sp. These γ-butyrolactone type compounds are epimeric at the 1′-OH-group. A direct synthesis of (–)-VB-A from (–)-SCB-5 that uses a late-stage inversion of the 1′-hydroxy group is not favored because of side reactions of the carbinol in β-position to the lactone C=O function. Therefore, an orthogonally protected 1,4-diol incorporating the central syn/anti 1′,2,3-stereotriad as described within the (–)-SCB-5 synthesis was used as an advanced intermediate to generate (–)-VB-A, too. A combination of protecting group operations and a 1′-OH group inversion via oxidation and diastereoselective reduction delivered the anti/anti 1′,2,3-stereotriad. Final transformations related to that as described for (–)-SCB-5 enabled completion of the (–)-VB-A-synthesis.
Job satisfaction and self-efficacy of in-service early childhood teachers in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Zhou Yan-Fang , Nanakida Atsushi
Published: October 2023

Although the global COVID-19 pandemic has drawn public attention to the ecology of teachers’ work, little is known about how external and internal factors interact and affect early childhood teachers’ job satisfaction and self-efficacy. The purpose of this study is to examine how the external ecology of kindergartens and individual personality traits affect the job satisfaction and self-efficacy of in-service early childhood teachers in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era through a self-reporting questionnaire distributed among 237 kindergarten teachers in online and offline learning community groups. It was found that the job satisfaction of early childhood teachers was a significant predictor of self-efficacy and played a partially mediating role between personality traits and self-efficacy. Furthermore, personality traits are considered significant predictors of job satisfaction and self-efficacy in Chinese early childhood teachers, and it was noted that these teachers were the least satisfied in terms of pay and promotion. With these findings, this study contributes to the job satisfaction and self-efficacy literature by validating their causal associations in the field of early childhood teachers. Our findings also provide guidelines for practitioners and policymakers in promoting early childhood teacher credentialing and external social support to enhance job satisfaction and self-efficacy. The unique value of this study lies in the clarification of how the work environment and ecology of early childhood teachers in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era influenced self-efficacy and of personality traits being the underlying attributions that led to this result.
The role of victim sensitivity between anti-welfare dependence attitude and mental health of older adults in China
Authors: Zhang Yujie
Published: October 2023

The ideals of the anti-welfare tendency may confront the realization of deficient, dependent, and delicate bodies, adding to a sense of bodily betrayal, which encumbers independence and sets older adults toward despair. The resulting collision may lead older adults who have perceived the law of the jungle to go to two extremes: either fall into social depression, or enhance their positive attitude, and be spurred to cultivate a positive mentality. Therefore, this study focuses on assessing the potential interaction between the law of the jungle and the anti-welfare attitude in shaping mental health. Based on the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) data in 2017, this study adopts the multivariate regression method to comprehensively address the theory-of-pragmatic-prospection-based relationship between the law of the jungle, anti-welfare tendency, and mental health of older adults, including concurrently coherent conceptualization and examination of core psychological perception indicators of the law of the jungle, such as victim sensitivity. The findings suggest that the anti-welfare dependence attitude positively correlates with mental health (coefficient = 0.618, p < 0.001). Victim sensitivity strengthens the above relationship (coefficient = 0.129, p < 0.001). Self-reliance has become part of the invisible armor that modern seniors equip themselves with against the risks of the law of the jungle. And precisely because the perception of the law of the jungle reinforces the fear that one’s own capacity is not sufficient to deal with emergencies, older adults are more likely to conform to the official discourse of productive aging and become more self-reliant. Although from the perspective of individual psychological mechanisms, the combination of the anti-welfare attitude and the law of the jungle has strengthened the mental health of older adults, there are still long-term hidden challenges: if the state is absent for a long time, when the external risk world is no longer within the control of the private welfare of older adults, will they be overwhelmed by pressures, enter a threshold, move to the other side of the resilience fracture, and fall into social depression? This study will leave it to future research to test these alternative explanations.
Assessing the impact of measurement error in household consumption on estimates of catastrophic health expenditure in India
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K. , Maiti Suraj , Sharma Santosh Kumar , Dwivedi Laxmi Kant , Saggurti Niranjan
Published: October 2023

The National Sample Survey (NSS) collects reliable data on morbidity, health care, and health spending through its annual multi-subject and multi-round health surveys. Evidences from these surveys have been extensively used for research and policy. While these surveys collect comprehensive information on morbidity, hospitalisation, health expenditure, information on household consumption expenditure (which is used to explain the economic gradient in health outcomes) is collected through a single question. Literature suggests that having a single question on consumption expenditure results in measurement errors. In this paper, we examine the effect of measurement errors of household consumption expenditure on estimates of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in India using data from the 68th round of the consumption survey (2011–12) and the 71st round of the health survey (2014), carried out by the National Sample Survey (NSS). The consumption survey canvassed a detailed schedule on consumption and interviewed 101,651 households, whereas the health survey interviewed 65,932 households from across the country. Descriptive statistics, estimates of CHE, and logistic regression models were used in the analysis. We used both the budget share approach and the capacity-to-pay approach for estimating CHE. The NSS health survey was found to have underestimated monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in India by 32%, with the level of underestimation being significant across the states. Using the budget share approach, the CHE of India in 2014–15 was estimated at 23.4% without adjusting for the underestimation of consumption and 21.1% after adjusting for it. Similarly, using the capacity-to-pay approach, CHE was estimated to be 13.4% without adjustment and 10.4% with adjustment. The estimates differed considerably across the states. In general, it was observed that the use of a single question on consumption overestimated CHE in India. The pattern was similar regarding the intensity of CHE. The predictors of CHE were similar using both the methods, but the unadjusted estimates of CHE showed significantly higher predicted probabilities of incurring CHE across household characteristics. It is recommended to include disaggregated questions on household consumption in the future rounds of the NSS-based health surveys. Researchers using NSS data need to be aware of the effect of measurement errors of consumption expenditure on estimates of catastrophic expenditure. Adjusting for the underestimation of MPCE may improve the estimation of CHE in India.
Preparation and study of B and P doped SiNTs
Authors: Tian Chun , Zhao Shihua , Feng Yang , Xia Ziwen , Liang Ping , Y H Tang
Published: October 2023

The unique properties of silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) are expected to provide them with a very wide range of application potential in nanoelectronic devices, lithium-ion batteries, sensors, field-effect transistors, magnetic nanodevices, hydrogen reservoirs, optoelectronic devices, field emission display devices, and quantum computers, and they are a new one-dimensional nanomaterial with a wide range of applications in the future. Although researchers have already prepared SiNTs in the laboratory, there are not many research reports on SiNTs, especially the preparation of B and P doped SiNTs and analysis based on spectroscopic techniques. Our research group used silicon sources (SiO2 and Si) that had not been previously reported or catalyzed by the rare earth element lanthanum (La). The optimal experimental conditions for the preparation of SiNTs, as well as the doping preparation and study of B and P, were explored by thermal evaporation. Finally, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction, HRTEM, XRD, PL spectroscopy, and other characterization methods were performed on the experimental samples. The experimental results show that 1280 °C was the best experimental temperature for the preparation of SiNTs. Under experimental conditions of 1280 °C, doping of B favored the synthesis of silicon nanowires and SiNTs, and the number of products generated was from least to most: no added B2O3 < 0.1 g B2O3 < 0.2 g B2O3 < 0.3 g B2O3 < 0.4 g B2O3. Under the experimental conditions of 1280 °C, when the amount of doped B2O3 is large (2.2 g), a “needle” structure product is generated. Under experimental conditions of 1400 °C, when the ratio of doped P to the original material is 1:9, a new material that has not been previously reported is generated. Through relevant research and the findings of this paper, it is hoped that it can be helpful for the future research and application of SiNTs.
Optimization of a quantum cascade laser cavity for single-spatial-mode operation via machine learning
Authors: Jacobs S. A. , Kirch J. D. , Hu Y. , Suri S. , Knipfer B. , Yu Z. , Botez D. , Marsland R. , Mawst L. J.
Published: October 2023

Neural networks, trained with the ADAM algorithm followed by a globally convergent modification to Newton’s method, are developed to predict the threshold gain of the fundamental and first higher-order modes as functions of the refractive-index profile in a quantum cascade laser cavity. The networks are used to optimize the design of a refractive-index profile that provides essentially single-spatial-mode performance in a nominally multi-moded cavity by maximizing the threshold-gain differential between the modes. The use of neural networks allows the optimization to be performed in seconds, instead of days or weeks which would be required if Maxwell’s equations were repeatedly solved to obtain the threshold gains.
Temperature-dependent solvent reorganization entropies, free energies, and transition dipole strengths for the photoexcitation of Reichardt’s dye B30
Authors: Echelberry Kevin , Burda Henrik , Willis Preston , Parson William W. , Burda Clemens
Published: October 2023

Absorption spectra of the solvatochromic dye 2,6-diphenyl-4-2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinophenolate (B30) were measured in seven solvents of varying polarity over temperature ranging from each solvent’s freezing point to 300 K. The excitation energies and their variances allowed calculations of the solvent reorganization energies, reorganization free energies and reorganization entropies as functions of temperature. The entropies of solvent packing around the chromophore are found to make major contributions to the reorganization free energies. The variances of the excitation energies depend only weakly on temperature, in disagreement with an expression that is often used for solvent reorganization free energies. Polar solvents reduce the transition dipole strength of B30’s long-wavelength absorption band, probably because interactions with the solvent enhance the charge-transfer character of the transition. The dipole strength drops further at low temperatures.
Investigation of fullerene cluster growth mechanisms by carbon atom addition using classical molecular dynamics
Authors: Allouch A. , Mougenot J. , Michau A. , Prasanna S. , Brault P. , Maurel F. , Hassouni K.
Published: October 2023

The mechanisms of carbon sticking reactions to C36 and C–C80 fullerenes were investigated with molecular dynamics simulations (MD) using the Second-generation Reactive Empirical Bond Order (SREBO) and Adaptive Intermolecular Reactive Empirical Bond Order (AIREBO) potentials that were specifically optimized for carbon-carbon interactions. Results showed the existence of three possible sticking configurations where the projectile atom can stick either to one, two or three atoms of the target fullerene. They also showed that although the two potentials give similar magnitudes for the sticking cross-sections, they yield fairly different results as far as sticking mechanisms and configurations at thermal collision-energies, i.e., in the range 0.05–0.5 eV, are concerned. While AIREBO, that takes into account the long-range Lennard-Jones interaction, essentially results in a surface-sticking configuration with a single atom of the target fullerene, SREBO potential yields both surface- and two neighbors-sticking (2N-sticking) configurations. The fullerene structure is preserved in the last configuration while it can be recovered by a 2000 K annealing in the former configuration. Results obtained with SREBO eventually showed larger sticking probabilities for C36 as compared with C80. In spite of this, the sticking cross-sections obtained for C80 are similar to or even larger than those obtained for C36 due to the larger size of C80 that compensates for its smaller sticking probabilities.
The influence of three-aircraft formation blinking jamming on the performance of ground monopulse radar
Authors: Liu Zhaozheng , Wang Xing , Hao Zelong , Kang Weijie , Chen You
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the jamming effectiveness evaluation against monopulse radar when using a non-coherent blinking jamming model at regular intervals based on three aircraft flight trajectories. To begin, the formation trajectory is solved under various aircraft attitudes to provide the radar cross section model for three-aircraft formation flying. Following that, the jamming angle tracking error model for three-aircraft formation flying is built and coupled with the features of monopulse radar angle tracking. The effective decoy angle and other criteria are used to measure the variance in jamming performance and the efficacy of formation flying radar jamming under varying jamming power and jamming gain. Finally, using the jamming effectiveness assessment criterion, the jamming effectiveness of formation flight is calculated. The findings demonstrate that the three-aircraft formation based on time transformation jamming model can successfully induce the monopulse radar angular tracking error, enhance it to 1.54 times, and stabilize the jamming effectiveness at 0.84, and it also has a relatively good jamming effect under straight flight trajectory and circular flight trajectory. Our jamming strategy will contribute to the design of electronic countermeasures, of which the findings of this research have practical significance for the application of new jamming styles.
How cross–linguistic influence affects the use of duration in the production and perception of corrective and non–corrective focus types
Authors: Jabeen Farhat , Braun Bettina
Published: October 2023

Speakers use corrective focus as an explicit way to correct misunderstandings in communication. We investigate whether immersive contact with a rhythmically different language affects the production and perception of duration as a cue to corrective and non–corrective focus. We tested twenty-eight native speakers and sixty-four native listeners of Urdu, half of whom lived in Germany and used German as a second language, and half lived in Pakistan. German is a stress–timed language with head–prominence marking and makes intensive use of duration to mark corrective focus, while Urdu is a syllable–timed language with edge–prominence marking, which uses duration differently from German to mark focus types. Results showed that the majority language, German, affected focus processing in Urdu differently across modalities: In production, focus marking was not affected by country of residence, while in perception, Urdu speakers living in Germany were more sensitive to duration in the corrective focus context than Urdu speakers in Pakistan. We analyze this as cross–linguistic influence and argue that contact with a stress–timed, head–prominence majority language (here: German) affects the cue weighting in the native language Urdu in perception but not (yet) in production.
Mineral prospectivity modelling to delineate potential areas for gold deposits: A case study of Lupa Goldfield, South West Tanzania
Authors: Ngowi Dickson E. , Mshiu Elisante E. , Msabi Michael
Published: October 2023

This study used the weight of evidence model to delineate prospective areas for gold deposits in the Lupa Goldfield. The method establishes a spatial relationship between known mineral deposits and evidential maps to create a mineral prospectivity map. Four evidential maps derived from geochemical, geological, geophysical, and topographical Digital Elevation Model (DEM) datasets were analysed and integrated to create a mineral prospectivity map. Results have revealed five classes ranked from the highest, high, medium, low, and lowest favourability patterns with probability values of 0.051, 0.0426, 0.0225, 0.0172, and 0.0091, respectively. The highest favourable areas have the best gold potentials based on the presence of predictor patterns from all four evidential maps. The posterior probability map revealed good prediction, existing gold deposits, such as Saza Mine and Shanta Gold Mine, were mapped. Results have shown that the weight of evidence model was successful and can be applied in mineral exploration targeting.
BATF represses BIM to sustain tolerant T cells in the periphery
Authors: Titcombe Philip J. , Silva Morales Milagros , Zhang Na , Mueller Daniel L.
Published: October 2023

T cells that encounter self-antigens after exiting the thymus avert autoimmunity through peripheral tolerance. Pathways for this include an unresponsive state known as anergy, clonal deletion, and T regulatory (Treg) cell induction. The transcription factor cues and kinetics that guide distinct peripheral tolerance outcomes remain unclear. Here, we found that anergic T cells are epigenetically primed for regulation by the non-classical AP-1 family member BATF. Tolerized BATF-deficient CD4+ T cells were resistant to anergy induction and instead underwent clonal deletion due to proapoptotic BIM (Bcl2l11) upregulation. During prolonged antigen exposure, BIM derepression resulted in fewer PD-1+ conventional T cells as well as loss of peripherally induced FOXP3+ Treg cells. Simultaneous Batf and Bcl2l11 knockdown meanwhile restored anergic T cell survival and Treg cell maintenance. The data identify the AP-1 nuclear factor BATF as a dominant driver of sustained T cell anergy and illustrate a mechanism for divergent peripheral tolerance fates.
Entropy of Regular Black Holes in Einstein’s Gravity
Authors: Lan 兰 Chen 晨 , Miao 缪 Yan-Gang 炎刚
Published: October 2023

We calculate the entropy of spherically symmetric regular black holes by the path-integral method in Einstein’s gravity. This method provides evidence that the entropy of spherically symmetric regular black holes is proportional to a quarter of horizon area, indicating no violation of the entropy-area law.
Methods for extending working distance using modified photonic crystal for near-field lithography
Authors: Zhang Wen-Peng , Li Xiao-Tian , Dai Jin-Hong , Wen Zhong-Quan , Zhou Yi , Chen Gang , Liang Gaofeng
Published: October 2023

Near-field lithography has evident advantages in fabricating super-resolution nano-patterns. However, the working distance (WD) is limited due to the exponential decay characteristic of the evanescent waves. Here, we proposed a novel photolithography method based on a modified photonic crystal (PC), where a defect layer is embedded into the all-dielectric multilayer structure. It is shown that this design can amend the photonic band gap and enhance the desired high-k waves dramatically, then the WD in air conditions could be extended greatly, which would drastically relax the engineering challenges for introducing the near-field lithography into real-world manufacturing applications. Typically, deep subwavelength patterns with a half-pitch of 32 nm (i.e., λ/6) could be formed in photoresist layer at an air WD of 100 nm. Moreover, it is revealed that diversified two-dimensional patterns could be produced with a single exposure using linear polarized light. The analyses indicate that this improved dielectric PC is applicable for near-field lithography to produce super-resolution periodic patterns with large WD, strong field intensity, and great uniformity.