bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel histogram shape‐based image watermarking invariant to geometric attacks
Authors: Feng Bingwen , Li Guofeng , Luo Zhiquan , Lu Wei
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a geometrically invariant image watermarking scheme is proposed by exploiting multilevel histogram shapes. The embedding procedure starts by decomposing the host image with the first level Haar wavelet. After that, histograms are extracted from the approximation subband via several rounds, which are used to embed watermark bits. Each round of embedding first extracts a histogram at a specified level. Then the histogram is split into fragments, into which a number of watermark bits can be embedded. In this way, a considerable watermarking capacity is available. Besides, a histogram adjustment in the first embedding round is suggested to guarantee good population of histogram bins. Experimental results support its robustness against various common attacks and geometric attacks. Moreover, the scheme can embed multiple watermark sequences with various robustness and capacity profiles, which enriches its practical applications.
Efficient inner product arguments and their applications in range proofs
Authors: Zhou Zibo , Zhang Zongyang , Tao Hongyu , Li Tianyu , Zhao Boyu
Published: March 2023

Inner product arguments allow a prover to prove that the inner product of two committed vectors equals a public scalar. They are used to reduce the complexity of many cryptographic primitives, such as range proofs. Range proofs are deployed in numerous applications to prove that a committed value lies in a certain range. As core building blocks, their complexity largely determines the performance of corresponding applications. In this paper, we have optimised the inner product argument with statement including two vector commitments (IPAtvc) and range proof of Daza et al. (PKC’20), the inner product argument with statement including only one vector commitment (IPAovc) of Bünz et al. (S&P′18). For IPAtvc, we reduce the concrete communication complexity by 2 log2n field elements, where n is the vector dimension. For range proofs, we reduce the concrete communication and prover complexities by about 2 log2m field elements and 11m field multiplications, respectively, where m is the bit length of range. For IPAovc, we exponentially reduce the asymptotic verifier complexity from linear to logarithmic. Due to the asymptotic characteristics, our protocols are highly competitive when the vector dimension or bit length of range is large.
Design of broadband dual‐polarised reconfigurable frequency selective surface based on dual‐branch parallel circuit model
Authors: Wang Xiang , Cao Hai‐Ruo , Yan Ya‐Mei , Yang Xiao‐Han , Zong Zhi‐Yuan , Wu Wen
Published: March 2023

A broadband dual‐polarised reconfigurable frequency selective surface (RFSS) based on general dual‐branch parallel circuit model is proposed by the authors. The specific circuit model is constructed to feature the switchable functions of transmission and reflection characteristics by introducing a parallel branch. It is beneficial to clarify the operating mechanism and provide an effective guidance to satisfy the switching bandwidth requirements of the desired RFSS. In order to validate the proposed concept of the dual‐branch parallel circuit model, a broadband dual‐polarised RFSS prototype has been designed, fabricated and measured. A satisfactory agreement can be reached between the synthesis, simulation and measurement. The experimental results exhibit the merits of low insertion loss, broad switching bandwidth and good angular stability for different polarisation and different incident angles.
Breast Cancer and Genetic BRCA1/2 Testing in Routine Clinical Practice: Why, When and For Whom?
Authors: Lux Michael P. , Fasching Peter A.
Published: March 2023

Pathogenic variants of the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast cancers; they are also becoming increasingly important to identify whether patients are suitable for targeted therapy with poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi).

Patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and BRCA1/2 germline mutations can benefit significantly from PARPi therapy, and the findings of the OlympiAD and the EMBRACA phase III clinical trials for regulatory approval were recently expanded by the addition of the most recent OlympiA data on the treatment of patients with early disease and a high risk of recurrence.

This means that BRCA1/2 germline testing to plan patient therapy is now also relevant for patients with early breast cancer and therefore has a direct impact on survival. Healthcare research data shows, however, that BRCA1/2 testing rates are strongly affected by familial history, cancer subtype (particularly triple-negative subtypes), and patient age at onset of disease (especially with regards to younger patients with breast cancer), despite the existing clear recommendations for BRCA1/2 germline testing to identify whether PARPi therapy is indicated.

This article presents the clinical implications of identifying BRCA1/2 germline mutations in patients with breast cancer, the current recommendations on molecular diagnostics, and their implementation in practice. The treatment of patients with breast cancer has progressed greatly in recent years and now offers individual treatment concepts which can only be implemented after the targeted identification of individual parameters.

As detection of a BRCA1/2 germline mutation is essential for planning individual therapy, where indicated, testing should be arranged as early as possible. It is the only way of identifying patients suitable for PARPi therapy and ensuring they receive the best possible treatment. This also applies to patients with a negative familial history, HR-positive disease, or who are older at onset of disease.
Editorial
Authors: Zielen Stefan
Published: March 2023

Liebe Freundinnen und Freunde, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,

Nach der gelungenen Jahrestagung 2022 in Bern lade ich Sie herzlich zur 44.
Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Pneumologie (GPP) am
16.–18. März 2023 in Frankfurt ein.
Editorial
Authors: Stock Philippe
Published: March 2023

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, Liebe Freundinnen und
Freunde der GPP,

nach einem ungewöhnlich kurzen Abstand zur vergangenen Jahrestagung, welcher
durch eine Pandemie-bedingte Verschiebung der Jahrestagung 2022 in Bern begründet
ist, erhalten Sie hiermit das GPP-Heft für die 44. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft
für Pädiatrische Pneumologie in Frankfurt.
Update Breast Cancer 2022 Part 5 – Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Fehm Tanja N. , Welslau Manfred , Müller Volkmar , Lüftner Diana , Schütz Florian , Fasching Peter A. , Janni Wolfgang , Thomssen Christoph , Witzel Isabell , Beierlein Milena , Belleville Erik , Untch Michael , Thill Marc , Tesch Hans , Ditsch Nina , Lux Michael P. , Aktas Bahriye , Banys-Paluchowski Maggie , Kolberg-Liedtke Cornelia , Hartkopf Andreas D. , Wöckel Achim , Kolberg Hans-Christian , Harbeck Nadia , Stickeler Elmar
Published: March 2023

The treatment of patients with early stage breast cancer has changed in recent years due to the introduction of pembrolizumab, olaparib, and abemaciclib. These and other drugs with the same class of active ingredient are currently in trial for various indications. This review article summarizes the latest results that have either been presented at major conferences such as the ESMO 2022 or published recently in international journals. This includes reports on newly discovered breast cancer genes, atezolizumab in neoadjuvant therapy in HER2-positive patients, long-term data from the APHINITY study, and on how preoperative peritumoral application of local anesthetics can influence the prognosis. We also present solid data on dynamic Ki-67 from the ADAPT studies.
Synchronization of phase oscillators on complex hypergraphs
Authors: Adhikari Sabina , Restrepo Juan G. , Skardal Per Sebastian
Published: March 2023

We study the effect of structured higher-order interactions on the collective behavior of coupled phase oscillators. By combining a hypergraph generative model with dimensionality reduction techniques, we obtain a reduced system of differential equations for the system’s order parameters. We illustrate our framework with the example of a hypergraph with hyperedges of sizes 2 (links) and 3 (triangles). For this case, we obtain a set of two coupled nonlinear algebraic equations for the order parameters. For strong values of coupling via triangles, the system exhibits bistability and explosive synchronization transitions. We find conditions that lead to bistability in terms of hypergraph properties and validate our predictions with numerical simulations. Our results provide a general framework to study the synchronization of phase oscillators in hypergraphs, and they can be extended to hypergraphs with hyperedges of arbitrary sizes, dynamic-structural correlations, and other features.
Dual-channel compressed ultrafast photography for Z-pinch dynamic imaging
Authors: Yao Z. M. , Sheng L. , Song Y. , Hei D. W. , Li Y. , Zhu Z. J. , Zhou H. Y. , Yan W. P. , Han C. C. , Duan B. J. , Yang K. X. , Peng B. D. , Zhang S. A. , Qi D. L. , Jin C. Z. , Yao Y. H. , Huang Z. Q.
Published: March 2023

The compressed ultrafast photography (CUP) can capture non-repetitive time-evolving events at 7 × 1013 fps, which is anticipated to find a diverse range of applications in physics, biomedical imaging, and materials science. The feasibility of diagnosing ultrafast phenomenon of Z-pinch by using the CUP has been analyzed in this article. Specifically, a dual-channel CUP design has been adopted for acquiring high quality reconstructed images and the strategies of identical masks, uncorrelated masks, and complementary masks have been compared. Furthermore, the image of the first channel was rotated by 90° to balance the spatial resolution between the sweep direction and the non-sweep direction. Both five synthetic videos and two simulated Z-pinch videos were chosen as the ground truth to validate this approach. The average peak signal to noise ratio of the reconstruction results is 50.55 dB for the self-emission visible light video and 32.53 dB for the laser shadowgraph video with unrelated masks (rotated channel 1). The simulation results show that the time–space-evolving process of plasma distribution can be well retold, and the phenomenon of plasma instability can be accurately diagnosed by the dual-channel CUP with unrelated masks (rotated channel 1). This study may promote the practical applications of the CUP in the field of accelerator physics.
A novel thin single-phase drive linear ultrasonic motor
Authors: Ge Yangyang , Ma Xipei , Fan Pingqing , Hu Xingyu , Yuan Tao , Wang Yansong
Published: March 2023

A novel thin single-phase drive linear ultrasonic motor is proposed and tested in this paper. The proposed motor exhibits bidirectional driving via switching between the right-driving vibration mode (RD mode) and the left-driving vibration mode (LD mode). The structure and working principle of the motor are analyzed. Next, the finite element model of the motor is established and the dynamic performance is analyzed. A prototype motor is then fabricated, and its vibration characteristics are established via impedance testing. Finally, an experimental platform is built and the mechanical characteristics of the motor are experimentally investigated. The maximum no-load speed of the motor is ∼159.7 mm/s. With 8 N preload and 200 V voltage, the maximum thrust force of the motor in the RD and LD modes are ∼2.5 and 2.1 N, respectively. The motor possesses the advantages of being light in weight and thin structure and exhibiting an excellent performance. This work presents a new concept for the construction of ultrasonic actuators with bidirectional driving capacity.
Recycling backscattered β rays in planar betavoltaic batteries using the double-sided structure
Authors: Zhao Chen , Liao Feiyi , Chen Changan , Zhao Yiying
Published: March 2023

Backscattering of β rays is one significant part of energy losses in betavoltaic batteries. However, few works have been carried out on this basic physical process and no guidance has been provided to minimize the impact of the backscattered electrons on the efficiencies of betavoltaics. In this work, a double-sided structure is proposed to recycle the backscattered electrons and reduce the backscattering loss. A systematical investigation has been conducted to minimize the backscattering loss in planar betavoltaic batteries. The double-sided structure has great advantages for utilizing the multiple times backscattering of electrons between the radioactive source and the semiconductor unit and for recycling the backscattered electrons. Our results show that thin source layers, high-energy sources, and sources with smaller effective atomic numbers can enhance the recycling effect and reduce the backscattering loss. 147Pm2O3 sources with the highest emitting energy and 14C(PMMA) sources with the lowest effective atomic number can recycle the most backscattered energy using the double-sided structure with a thin source layer. The method and the suggestions proposed in this work can be greatly useful in the battery design as well as other scenes where the electron backscattering should be considered.
Polarity determination of crystal defects in zincblende GaN by aberration-corrected electron microscopy
Authors: Xiu Huixin , Fairclough Simon M. , Gundimeda Abhiram , Kappers Menno J. , Wallis David J. , Oliver Rachel A. , Frentrup Martin
Published: March 2023

Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques are used to study the bonding configuration between gallium cations and nitrogen anions at defects in metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy-grown cubic zincblende GaN on vicinal (001) 3C-SiC/Si. By combining high-angle annular dark-field and annular bright-field imaging, the orientation and bond polarity of planar defects, such as stacking faults and wurtzite inclusions, were identified. It is found that the substrate miscut direction toward one of the 3C-SiC ⟨110⟩ in-plane directions is correlated with the crystallographic [1–10] in-plane direction and that the {111} planes with a zone axis parallel to the miscut have a Ga-polar character, whereas the {111} planes in the zone perpendicular to the miscut direction have N-polarity. The polarity of {111}-type stacking faults is maintained in the former case by rotating the coordination of Ga atoms by 180° around the ⟨111⟩ polar axes and in the latter case by a similar rotation of the coordination of the N atoms. The presence of small amounts of the hexagonal wurtzite phase on Ga-polar {111} planes and their total absence on N-polar {111} planes is tentatively explained by the preferential growth of wurtzite GaN in the [0001] Ga-polar direction under non-optimized growth conditions.
Focusability in the multi-pump Raman amplification of short laser pulses
Authors: Lezhnin Kirill V. , Qu Kenan , Fisch Nathaniel J.
Published: March 2023

Spatially combining multiple strong laser beams is a promising concept for achieving ultrahigh laser intensities. Proof-of-principle experiments have been conducted at the National Ignition Facility to report a combination of up to 20 pulses with high energy conversion efficiency. However, the combination process might damage the seed focusability due to mismatch of the seed and pump wavefronts. Here, we investigate the effect of the finite pump beam size on the focusability of the seed pulse. We propose an approach to retain and even improve the seed focusability by specifically arranging multiple pump beams. The results are demonstrated by the numerical solution of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Our findings also apply to seed amplification by filamented pump pulses.
Efficient and temperature-tunable second-harmonic generation in a thin film lithium niobate on insulator microdisk
Authors: Yan Congliao , Wang Shaoqian , Zhao Sheng , Huang Yulei , Zhou Hao , Deng Guoliang , Wang Sha , Zhou Shouhuan
Published: March 2023

The whispering-gallery-mode microcavities are important in fundamental science and practical applications, which also play an essential role in integrated photonic devices. Here, we prepared a 50 μm diameter thin film lithium niobate on insulator (TFLNOI) microdisk with a Q value of 1.88 × 105 through photolithography-assisted dry-wet etching. Then, we utilize the strong thermo-optic birefringence of TFLNOI to demonstrate the second-harmonic generation (SHG) and highly temperature-tunable SHG in a TFLNOI microdisk resonator, wherein the normalized conversion efficiency of the second harmonic is 140% W−1. Moreover, the tuning slope of spectral tuning is 1.68 nm K−1 for a telecom-band pump. Our device shows great promise for efficient on-chip wavelength conversion to produce highly tunable coherent visible light for broad applications.
Comparison of sire breeding values for milk yield traits based on daughters milked once or twice daily in New Zealand
Authors: Lembeye F. , López-Villalobos N. , Burke J. L. , Davis S. R. , Garrick D.
Published: March 2023

Abstract Context In New Zealand, cows are usually milked twice a day (TAD), but in ~8% of herds, cows are milked once a day (OAD) for the entire lactation. If a genetic correlation (rg) of the same trait expressed in two environments (such as TAD and OAD) is substantially <1.0, then the genetic merit assessed from TAD herds may not be reliable for predicting genetic merit in OAD herds. Initial evaluation of sires has been undertaken from progeny test herds with TAD milking, and the best sires have then been made widely available for use in TAD or OAD herds. Aim The study was designed to test formally whether sire re-rankings occur in widely used sires at different milking frequencies. Methods Regression coefficients and rank correlations (rS) for estimated breeding values (EBVs) of 242 widely used sires (86 Holstein-Friesian, 96 Jersey and 60 crossbred) were calculated for yields of milk, fat and protein, and for somatic cell score (SCS). The rS values were contrasted with expected rank correlations (rE) between TAD and OAD EBVs assuming rg = 1.0 between true BVs expressed at the two milking frequencies and accounting for the fact that sires were highly selected. Key results Within and across breeds, regression coefficients of OAD on TAD EBVs for the same traits were <1.0, but rS values between TAD and OAD EBVs of the same sires were strong (>0.75) for milk yield, moderate–strong for fat and protein yield (0.55–0.77), and moderate for SCS (0.41–0.65). Estimates of rS were higher than their critical rE values, indicating no significant sire re-ranking across milking frequencies. Conclusions On the basis of the results, a separate selection program to generate sires for use in OAD herds is not justified. Implications Farmers operating under OAD systems can rely on genetic evaluation of sires evaluated in TAD systems and used in the OAD population. However, producers should recognise that the realised productive and economic advantage of daughters of elite sires born in OAD herds is diminished relative to that expected in TAD herds.
Microbial conversion of waste gases into single-cell protein
Authors: Jain Surbhi , Heffernan James , Joshi Jitendra , Watts Thomas , Marcellin Esteban , Greening Chris
Published: March 2023

Climate change and food security are two of our most significant global challenges of our time. Conventional approaches for food production not only produce greenhouse gases but also require extensive land and water resources. An alternative is to use gas fermentation to convert greenhouse gases as feedstocks into microbial protein-rich biomass (single-cell protein). Aerobic methanotrophic (methane-oxidising) and hydrogenotrophic (hydrogen-oxidising) bacteria, which produce biomass using gases as their energy and carbon sources, are ideal candidates for single-cell protein production. However, multiple innovations are required for single-cell protein production to be economical and sustainable. Although current technologies rely on conversion of purified single gaseous substrates, the potential to directly use mixed gas streams from point sources remains reasonably unexplored. In addition, there is much potential to increase nutritional and commercial value of single-cell protein through synthetic biology. In this perspective, we discuss the principles, approaches, and outlook for gas fermentation technologies aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance food security.
Larger cerebral cortex is genetically correlated with greater frontal area and dorsal thickness
Authors: Makowski Carolina , Wang Hao , Srinivasan Anjali , Qi Anna , Qiu Yuqi , van der Meer Dennis , Frei Oleksandr , Zou Jingjing , Visscher Peter M. , Yang Jian , Chen Chi-Hua
Published: March 2023

Human cortical expansion has occurred non-uniformly across the brain. We assessed the genetic architecture of cortical global expansion and regionalization by comparing two sets of genome-wide association studies of 24 cortical regions with and without adjustment for global measures (i.e., total surface area, mean cortical thickness) using a genetically informed parcellation in 32,488 adults. We found 393 and 756 significant loci with and without adjusting for globals, respectively, where 8% and 45% loci were associated with more than one region. Results from analyses without adjustment for globals recovered loci associated with global measures. Genetic factors that contribute to total surface area of the cortex particularly expand anterior/frontal regions, whereas those contributing to thicker cortex predominantly increase dorsal/frontal-parietal thickness. Interactome-based analyses revealed significant genetic overlap of global and dorsolateral prefrontal modules, enriched for neurodevelopmental and immune system pathways. Consideration of global measures is important in understanding the genetic variants underlying cortical morphology.
Aneuploidy and gene dosage regulate filamentation and host colonization by
Candida albicans
Authors: Kakade Pallavi , Sircaik Shabnam , Maufrais Corinne , Ene Iuliana V. , Bennett Richard J.
Published: March 2023

Aneuploidy is a frequent occurrence in fungal species where it can alter gene expression and promote adaptation to a variety of environmental cues. Multiple forms of aneuploidy have been observed in the opportunistic fungal pathogen
Candida albicans,
which is a common component of the human gut mycobiome but can escape this niche and cause life-threatening systemic disease. Using a barcode sequencing (Bar-seq) approach, we evaluated a set of diploid
C. albicans
strains and found that a strain carrying a third copy of chromosome (Chr) 7 was associated with increased fitness during both gastrointestinal (GI) colonization and systemic infection. Our analysis revealed that the presence of a Chr 7 trisomy resulted in decreased filamentation, both in vitro and during GI colonization, relative to isogenic euploid controls. A target gene approach demonstrated that
NRG1
, encoding a negative regulator of filamentation located on Chr 7, contributes to increased fitness of the aneuploid strain due to inhibition of filamentation in a gene dosage–dependent fashion. Together, these experiments establish how aneuploidy enables the reversible adaptation of
C. albicans
to its host via gene dosage–dependent regulation of morphology.
Structure of the Wnt–Frizzled–LRP6 initiation complex reveals the basis for coreceptor discrimination
Authors: Tsutsumi Naotaka , Hwang Sunhee , Waghray Deepa , Hansen Simon , Jude Kevin M. , Wang Nan , Miao Yi , Glassman Caleb R. , Caveney Nathanael A. , Janda Claudia Y. , Hannoush Rami N. , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: March 2023

Wnt morphogens are critical for embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Canonical Wnts form ternary receptor complexes composed of tissue-specific Frizzled (Fzd) receptors together with the shared LRP5/6 coreceptors to initiate β-catenin signaling. The cryo-EM structure of a ternary initiation complex of an affinity-matured XWnt8–Frizzled8–LRP6 complex elucidates the basis of coreceptor discrimination by canonical Wnts by means of their N termini and linker domains that engage the LRP6 E1E2 domain funnels. Chimeric Wnts bearing modular linker “grafts” were able to transfer LRP6 domain specificity between different Wnts and enable non-canonical Wnt5a to signal through the canonical pathway. Synthetic peptides comprising the linker domain serve as Wnt-specific antagonists. The structure of the ternary complex provides a topological blueprint for the orientation and proximity of Frizzled and LRP6 within the Wnt cell surface signalosome.
Exploring sign-writing contact and multilingualism in the Norwegian Deaf community
Authors: Ferrara Lindsay , Anible Benjamin , Anda Lena Mei Kalvenes
Published: March 2023

In this chapter, we detail the on-going work related to the Norwegian Sign Language Corpus and lexical database (Norwegian Signbank). In particular, we highlight the corpus’ interactional focus and discuss its implications for a description of Norwegian Sign Language grammar and lexicon. We then present an initial study that maps out the different types of fingerspelling (one type of sign-writing contact), observed in the corpus, focusing on non-lexicalized forms. Two analyses were performed to investigate whether fingerspelling is affected by sociolinguistic factors and principles of Audience Design (Bell 1984). Basing this descriptive work on data from the corpus facilitates a better understanding of how these language contact forms contribute to expressions of social identity and illustrates one way that Norwegian signers leverage their multilingualism for meaning-making in conversation.
Overview of and epistemological conditions for building and using LSF corpora
Authors: Sallandre Marie-Anne , Garcia Brigitte
Published: March 2023

This chapter discusses French Sign Language (LSF) corpora and how they have evolved over the last thirty years in France. We first outline the epistemological and social conditions in which corpora were constructed by the pioneers of the field to explain how, in our opinion, their corpus-driven approach was decisive and very specific to France. Second, we focus on the theoretical framework we use, namely the Semiological Approach, and on the corpus-driven linguistics underlying this approach. On these bases, we present various LSF corpora that exist today, with particular focus on the two main corpora designed by our team, namely LS-Colin and Creagest, with special attention to data collected from deaf children. We then highlight how our own relationship with corpus data remains fundamental and heuristic.
cMyBP-C ablation in human engineered cardiac tissue causes progressive Ca2+-handling abnormalities
Authors: De Lange Willem J. , Farrell Emily T. , Hernandez Jonathan J. , Stempien Alana , Kreitzer Caroline R. , Jacobs Derek R. , Petty Dominique L. , Moss Richard L. , Crone Wendy C. , Ralphe J. Carter
Published: March 2023

Truncation mutations in cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyBP-C) are common causes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Heterozygous carriers present with classical HCM, while homozygous carriers present with early onset HCM that rapidly progress to heart failure. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce heterozygous (cMyBP-C+/−) and homozygous (cMyBP-C−/−) frame-shift mutations into MYBPC3 in human iPSCs. Cardiomyocytes derived from these isogenic lines were used to generate cardiac micropatterns and engineered cardiac tissue constructs (ECTs) that were characterized for contractile function, Ca2+-handling, and Ca2+-sensitivity. While heterozygous frame shifts did not alter cMyBP-C protein levels in 2-D cardiomyocytes, cMyBP-C+/− ECTs were haploinsufficient. cMyBP-C−/− cardiac micropatterns produced increased strain with normal Ca2+-handling. After 2 wk of culture in ECT, contractile function was similar between the three genotypes; however, Ca2+-release was slower in the setting of reduced or absent cMyBP-C. At 6 wk in ECT culture, the Ca2+-handling abnormalities became more pronounced in both cMyBP-C+/− and cMyBP-C−/− ECTs, and force production became severely depressed in cMyBP-C−/− ECTs. RNA-seq analysis revealed enrichment of differentially expressed hypertrophic, sarcomeric, Ca2+-handling, and metabolic genes in cMyBP-C+/− and cMyBP-C−/− ECTs. Our data suggest a progressive phenotype caused by cMyBP-C haploinsufficiency and ablation that initially is hypercontractile, but progresses to hypocontractility with impaired relaxation. The severity of the phenotype correlates with the amount of cMyBP-C present, with more severe earlier phenotypes observed in cMyBP-C−/− than cMyBP-C+/− ECTs. We propose that while the primary effect of cMyBP-C haploinsufficiency or ablation may relate to myosin crossbridge orientation, the observed contractile phenotype is Ca2+-mediated.
Heterostructure axial GaAsSb ensemble near-infrared p–i–n based axial configured nanowire photodetectors
Authors: Devkota Shisir , Kuchoor Hirandeep , Dawkins Kendall , Pokharel Rabin , Parakh Mehul , Li Jia , Iyer Shanthi
Published: March 2023

In this work, we present a systematic design of growth experiments and subsequent characterization of self-catalyzed molecular beam epitaxially grown GaAsSb heterostructure axial p–i–n nanowires (NWs) on p-Si <111> for the ensemble photodetector (PD) application in the near-infrared region. Diverse growth methods have been explored to gain a better insight into mitigating several growth challenges by systematically studying their impact on the NW electrical and optical properties to realize a high-quality p–i–n heterostructure. The successful growth approaches are Te-dopant compensation to suppress the p-type nature of intrinsic GaAsSb segment, growth interruption for strain relaxation at the interface, decreased substrate temperature to enhance supersaturation and minimize the reservoir effect, higher bandgap compositions of the n-segment of the heterostructure relative to the intrinsic region for boosting the absorption, and the high-temperature ultra-high vacuum in situ annealing to reduce the parasitic radial overgrowth. The efficacy of these methods is supported by enhanced photoluminescence (PL) emission, suppressed dark current in the heterostructure p–i–n NWs accompanied by increased rectification ratio, photosensitivity, and a reduced low-frequency noise level. The PD fabricated utilizing the optimized GaAsSb axial p–i–n NWs exhibited the longer wavelength cutoff at ∼1.1 μm with a significantly higher responsivity of ∼120 A W−1 (@−3 V bias) and a detectivity of 1.1 × 1013 Jones operating at room temperature. Frequency and the bias independent capacitance in the pico-Farad (pF) range and substantially lower noise level at the reverse biased condition, show the prospects of p–i–n GaAsSb NWs PD for high-speed optoelectronic applications.
Effect of intercalated molybdenum atoms on structure and electrochemical properties of Mo1+x
S2 synthesized by hydrothermal method
Authors: Jia Zhenggang , Bai Congyan , Zhang Xuexi , Qian Mingfang , Tsai Hsu-Sheng , Xiong Yueping
Published: March 2023

As an alternative anode to graphene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted much attention due to its layered structure and high specific capacity. Moreover, MoS2 can be synthesized by hydrothermal method with low cost and the size of its layer spacing can be controlled. In this work, the results of experiment and calculation proved that the presence of intercalated Mo atoms, leading to the expansion of MoS2 layer spacing and weakening of Mo–S bonding. For the electrochemical properties, the presence of intercalated Mo atoms causes the lower reduction potentials for the Li+ intercalation and Li2S formation. In addition, the effective reduction of diffusion resistance and charge transfer resistance in Mo1+x
S2 leads to the acquisition of high specific capacity for battery applications.
Spatiotemporally dynamic electric fields for brain cancer treatment: an in vitro investigation
Authors: Iredale Erin , Elsaleh Abdulla , Xu Hu , Christiaans Paul , Deweyert Andrew , Ronald John , Schmid Susanne , Hebb Matthew O , Peters Terry M , Wong Eugene
Published: March 2023

Objective. The treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) using low intensity electric fields (∼1 V cm−1) is being investigated using multiple implanted bioelectrodes, which was termed intratumoral modulation therapy (IMT). Previous IMT studies theoretically optimized treatment parameters to maximize coverage with rotating fields, which required experimental investigation. In this study, we employed computer simulations to generate spatiotemporally dynamic electric fields, designed and purpose-built an IMT device for in vitro experiments, and evaluated the human GBM cellular responses to these fields. Approach. After measuring the electrical conductivity of the in vitro culturing medium, we designed experiments to evaluate the efficacy of various spatiotemporally dynamic fields: (a) different rotating field magnitudes, (b) rotating versus non-rotating fields, (c) 200 kHz versus 10 kHz stimulation, and (d) constructive versus destructive interference. A custom printed circuit board (PCB) was fabricated to enable four-electrode IMT in a 24-well plate. Patient derived GBM cells were treated and analyzed for viability using bioluminescence imaging. Main results. The optimal PCB design had electrodes placed 6.3 mm from the center. Spatiotemporally dynamic IMT fields at magnitudes of 1, 1.5, and 2 V cm−1 reduced GBM cell viability to 58%, 37% and 2% of sham controls respectively. Rotating versus non-rotating, and 200 kHz versus 10 kHz fields showed no statistical difference. The rotating configuration yielded a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in cell viability (47 ± 4%) compared to the voltage matched (99 ± 2%) and power matched (66 ± 3%) destructive interference cases. Significance. We found the most important factors in GBM cell susceptibility to IMT are electric field strength and homogeneity. Spatiotemporally dynamic electric fields have been evaluated in this study, where improvements to electric field coverage with lower power consumption and minimal field cancellations has been demonstrated. The impact of this optimized paradigm on cell susceptibility justifies its future use in preclinical and clinical trial investigations.
Accurate segmentation of head and neck radiotherapy CT scans with 3D CNNs: consistency is key
Authors: Henderson Edward G A , Vasquez Osorio Eliana M , van Herk Marcel , Brouwer Charlotte L , Steenbakkers Roel J H M , Green Andrew F
Published: March 2023

Objective. Automatic segmentation of organs-at-risk in radiotherapy planning computed tomography (CT) scans using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is an active research area. Very large datasets are usually required to train such CNN models. In radiotherapy, large, high-quality datasets are scarce and combining data from several sources can reduce the consistency of training segmentations. It is therefore important to understand the impact of training data quality on the performance of auto-segmentation models for radiotherapy. Approach. In this study, we took an existing 3D CNN architecture for head and neck CT auto-segmentation and compare the performance of models trained with a small, well-curated dataset (n = 34) and then a far larger dataset (n = 185) containing less consistent training segmentations. We performed 5-fold cross-validations in each dataset and tested segmentation performance using the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance and mean distance-to-agreement metrics. Finally, we validated the generalisability of our models with an external cohort of patient data (n = 12) with five expert annotators. Main results. The models trained with a large dataset were greatly outperformed by models (of identical architecture) trained with a smaller, but higher consistency set of training samples. Our models trained with a small dataset produce segmentations of similar accuracy as expert human observers and generalised well to new data, performing within inter-observer variation. Significance. We empirically demonstrate the importance of highly consistent training samples when training a 3D auto-segmentation model for use in radiotherapy. Crucially, it is the consistency of the training segmentations which had a greater impact on model performance rather than the size of the dataset used.
A simulation optimization design of the filter stack spectrometer for laser-plasma interaction experiment
Authors: Song Honghu , Wu Zhen , Zhang Hui , Li Junli , Qiu Rui
Published: March 2023

Filter stack spectrometers are widely employed in laser
facilities for the spectrum measurement of bremsstrahlung
photons. However, this method suffers from large uncertainty of
unfolding due to its intrinsic limit resolution. For this, an
optimization study on filter stack spectrometer is conducted. This
procedure is implemented by a hybrid particle swarm optimization and
genetic algorithm (PSO-GA). Monte-Carlo particle transport code
Fluka is used for the simulation of the response matrix. Gravel
algorithm, based on the least-square method, is used for the
unfolding. For mono-energetic photons, this optimized filter stack
spectrometer design provides a better energy resolution. For
continuous distribution, this optimized filter stack spectrometer
design yields a narrower unfolding solution space in the presence of
measurement error.
Microcurrent behavior of core-shell droplet deposition in coaxial electrohydrodynamic printing
Authors: Huatan Chen , Junyu Chen , Yiman Chen , Jiaxin Jiang , Guoyi Kang , Zungui Shao , Xiang Wang , Wenwang Li , Yifang Liu , Gaofeng Zheng
Published: March 2023

The core–shell droplets have the characteristics of stable micro-environment, small volume, large specific surface, which means wider application prospects in micro reactors, functional material synthesis and other fields. However, how to realize the controllable preparation of high flux, high resolution and small size for core–shell droplets is still the key point to be broken through. In this paper, the coaxial electrohydrodynamic printing (EHD) technology is used to combine the real-time microcurrent signal with the behavior characteristics of core–shell droplets, both achieve the interface behavior characteristics of the nozzle droplets to be analyzed and clarify the microcurrent behavior when the core–shell droplets are generated. At the same time, the influence of the inner and outer solution supply rate on the core–shell droplet was investigated. When the supply rate of inner solution changes from 10 μl/h increases to 90 μl/h, the average current increased from 0.0153 μA to 0.0652 μA, but also the droplet generation frequency raised by 14 times, moreover, the average diameter of droplets could be reduced by half. In contrast, the change of outer shell supply rate has less influence on the average current, generation frequency and diameter of droplets. This research provides a possibility for controllable high resolution of core–shell droplet EHD printing, which can be helpful significantly to improve the functional characteristics of the macroscopic and microstructure of the core–shell droplet.
Efficient discovery of multiple minimum action pathways using Gaussian process
Authors: Shim JaeHwan , Lee Juyong , Yu Jaejun
Published: March 2023

We present a new efficient transition pathway search method based on the least action principle and the Gaussian process regression method. Most pathway search methods developed so far rely on string representations, which approximate a transition pathway by a series of slowly varying system replicas. Such string methods are computationally expensive in general because they require many replicas to obtain smooth pathways. Here, we present an approach employing the Gaussian process regression method, which infers the shape of a potential energy surface with a few observed data and Gaussian-shaped kernel functions. We demonstrate a drastic elevation of computing efficiency of the method about five orders of magnitude than existing methods. Further, to demonstrate its real-world capabilities, we apply our method to find multiple conformational transition pathways of alanine dipeptide using a quantum mechanical potential. Owing to the improved efficiency of our method, Gaussian process action optimization (GPAO), we obtain the multiple transition pathways of alanine dipeptide and calculate their transition probabilities successfully with density-functional theory (DFT) accuracy. In addition, GPAO successfully finds the isomerization pathways of small molecules and the rearrangement of atoms on a metallic surface.
Impact of light illumination on the surface structure of two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite in the fabrication process
Authors: Kim Kitae , Park Chanhui , Cha Eunseo , Kang Donghee , Park Jeehong , Cho Sangwan , Yi Yeonjin , Park Soohyung
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper (2DRP) perovskites are promising owing to their excellent environmental stability and competitive efficiency. During the fabrication process, 2DRP perovskites were often unintentionally exposed to light in the laboratory. However, the influence of light illumination on the surface structure of 2DRP during fabrication is unclear. Herein, the photodegradation of 2DRP perovskite (phenethylammonium lead iodide, PEA2PbI4) is comprehensively investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. We observed that only high-energy light, including that from a blue laser, air mass 1.5G, and notably, the daily used fluorescent lamp (FL) in the laboratory, significantly degraded PEA2PbI4. However, the red laser and ultraviolet-filtered FL, which had low energies, did not cause photodegradation. From this systematic study, we can explain the discrepancies in the surface morphologies previously studied. For instance, randomly oriented nanorod or rough surface of PEA2PbI4 mostly stems from photodegradation. We observed that photodegradation occurred more strongly when the films were illuminated during annealing than when they were illuminated after all fabrication processes were completed. We suggest that this difference stems from the completeness of the structure and the photodegraded PbI2 passivation effect. Our study provides two key guidelines for the fabrication of PEA2PbI4 films. The daily-use FL in the laboratory must be avoided for high-quality samples, and dark conditions are highly recommended, at least during the annealing process.
Comparative investigation of anisotropic etches for polysilicon nanowire definition in thin film technology
Authors: Hakim M M A
Published: March 2023

We report a low-cost mass manufacturable route for polysilicon nanowire (NW) fabrication through comparative investigations of spacer etch techniques to realize nanowires from amorphous silicon (α-Si) layer. The process uses thin film technology and mature top-down microelectronics (linewidth > 10 μm). Anisotropic deep silicon etch process using the elevated plasma density of high-density low-pressure systems (HDLP) with a simultaneous flow of etchant SF6 and inhibitor C4F8 delivered nanowires with quarter circle shape. The nanowires are also characterised with significant sidewall striations and noticeable aggregation of polymers. HDLP etch system with a sequential flow of etchant SF6 and inhibitor C4F8 delivered a near rectangular nanowire shape. However, the generally good profile is marred with significant sidewall striations and accumulation of polymers at the tip of the etched sidewall. Shallow etch process using low density plasma in a cheap capacitively coupled reactive ion etch (RIE) equipment with a simultaneous flow of etchant SF6 and inhibitor O2 delivered nanowires with ideal rectangular shape. The nanowires have hardly visible sidewall striations and/or polymer. These results indicate that deep silicon HDLP etch processes albeit advanced and costly are not suitable for good quality nanowire definition using spacer etch from a thin film of α-Si layer. Low density plasma process with simultaneous flow of SF6 and O2 gases in relatively cheap RIE system provides high quality nanowires and hence, provides a simple, low cost, wafer scale mass manufacturable route for high quality polysilicon nanowire fabrication.
Realization of mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid banana, sisal, and pineapple fiber epoxy composites using naturally available fillers
Authors: Badyankal Pramod V , Gouda P S Shivakumar , Manjunatha T S , Maruthi Prashanth B H , Shivayogi B H
Published: March 2023

In recent days the use of Natural fiber-reinforced composites in all sorts of consumer goods. A wide variety of technologies necessitate the use of materials with unusual property combinations, such as high strength-to-weight and stiffness ratios. Traditional metal alloys fall short of these quality standards, which has led to a significant increase in the applications of natural fibers. Hence, an effort has been made to investigate the effect of fillers like Coconut shell (CS), Saw dust (SD), Kolam (KP), and Fly ash powder (FA) on the mechanical and wear properties of Epoxy reinforced hybrid Sisal, Banana, and Pineapple fiber composites in this work. The Natural fibers weight percent was taken around 45 wt%, with the same quantity of epoxy blended with 10 wt% Naturally available fillers. The findings revealed that the CS fillers in the composite have a more positive influence on tensile strength and modulus than the composite with other fillers which are used in this study. SEM analysis of tensile-fractured CS specimens also reveals an improved fiber-matrix bonding. Similarly, the CS-filled composite also exhibits better flexural strength, modulus, and Impact strength maximum of up to 18% higher than the BS, SD, KP, and FA-filled Hybrid composites. Further, CS-filled composite has reduced weight loss against wear and friction due to higher lignin content.
Triangular quantum photonic devices with integrated detectors in silicon carbide
Authors: Majety Sridhar , Strohauer Stefan , Saha Pranta , Wietschorke Fabian , Finley Jonathan J , Müller Kai , Radulaski Marina
Published: March 2023

Triangular cross-section silicon carbide (SiC) photonic devices have been studied as an efficient and scalable route for integration of color centers into quantum hardware. In this work, we explore efficient collection and detection of color center emission in a triangular cross-section SiC waveguide by introducing a photonic crystal mirror on its one side and a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) on the other. Our modeled triangular cross-section devices with a randomly positioned emitter have a maximum coupling efficiency of 89% into the desired optical mode and a high coupling efficiency (

>

75%) in more than half of the configurations. For the first time, NbTiN thin films were sputtered on 4H-SiC and the electrical and optical properties of the thin films were measured. We found that the transport properties are similar to the case of NbTiN on SiO2 substrates, while the extinction coefficient is up to 50% higher for 1680 nm wavelength. Finally, we performed finite-difference time-domain simulations of triangular cross-section waveguide integrated with an SNSPD to identify optimal nanowire geometries for efficient detection of light from transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarized modes.