bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible light activation of impurity doped lithium niobate for photocatalysis
Authors: Alanazi Ahmed T. , Alotaibi Aeshah F. , Kenny Jordan , Dillon Conor , Thuwayb Fahad , Rodriguez Brian J. , Rice James H.
Published: February 2024

Photocatalysts for oxidation reactions are crucial for a wide variety of industrial activities. Here, we describe a framework consisting of silver nanomaterials atop Mg-doped lithium niobate. This substrate under white light irradiation is demonstrated to support the oxidation of compounds, such as p-aminothiophenol, through the activation of charge transfer processes. This study highlights the use of doped lithium niobate materials as semiconductor platforms for plasmonic photocatalysis.
Dynamic behaviors of a bubble near a rectangular wall with a bulge
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Li Shaowei , Shen Junwei , Bian Haojie , Wu Guanhao , Zhang Yuning , Jiang Qiongqiong , Li Jingtao , Zhang Yuning
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the cavitation bubble dynamics near a rectangular wall with a bulge are theoretically investigated. High-speed photography is employed to provide experimental verification of the theoretical results. Through a series of conformal transformations and the image method, the analytical description of how this complex wall configuration affects the bubble is shown to be equivalent to the superposition of eight virtual bubbles. The physical meaning of the eight virtual bubbles can be divided into four groups, corresponding to the influence of the left wall, the bottom wall, the angle formed by the two flat walls, and the bulge. The influence of the bulge on the liquid velocity distribution, as well as the intensity and direction of the Kelvin impulse exerted on the bubble, is explored for cases in which the bubble is located at symmetric and asymmetric positions. The main findings are given as follows: During the bubble collapse, a high-velocity area of the liquid exists to the side of the bubble farthest from the bulge, and three stagnation points with three low-velocity areas appear on the bulge surface. The bulge mainly influences the impulse intensity when the bubble is located near the symmetric position. The existence of the bulge causes the impulse angle to attain a minimum as the distance between the bubble and the bulge increases. For a larger bulge radius, the changes in the impulse angle become more complicated as the bubble position angle increases.
Shaping photons: Quantum information processing with bosonic cQED
Authors: Copetudo Adrian , Fontaine Clara Yun , Valadares Fernando , Gao Yvonne Y.
Published: February 2024

With its rich dynamics, the quantum harmonic oscillator is an innate platform for understanding real-world quantum systems and could even excel as the heart of a quantum computer. A particularly promising and rapidly advancing platform that harnesses quantum harmonic oscillators for information processing is the bosonic circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) system. In this article, we provide perspectives on the progress, challenges, and future directions in building a bosonic cQED quantum computer. We describe the main hardware building blocks and how they facilitate quantum error correction, metrology, and simulation. We conclude with our views of the key challenges that lie on the horizon, as well as scientific and cultural strategies for overcoming them and building a practical quantum computer with bosonic cQED hardware.
Linear electro-optic effect in strontium barium niobate: A first principles study
Authors: Apte Sohm , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: February 2024

We report a first-principles study of the linear electro-optic or Pockels effect in SrxBa1-xNb2O6 (SBN). SBN is an attractive material for building electro-optic modulators in silicon photonics as it has one of the highest known Pockels coefficients and can be integrated on Si. We investigate the microscopic mechanism behind the giant Pockels effect and find that the optical phonon contribution dominates the electro-optic response. We identify the phonon modes that have a significant contribution to the Pockels response and discuss the microscopic origin of the response. In addition, we analyze the contribution of the converse piezoelectric effect to the Pockels response. We find good agreement when comparing our results to available experiment.
Aerodynamic characteristics of water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Ayala Rusbel , Kim Eun Soo , Chae Eun Jung
Published: February 2024

The primary objective of this study is to examine droplet dynamics on superhydrophobic surfaces in order to develop strategies to reduce droplet adhesion. The investigation utilized computational fluid dynamics simulations, employing the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations in conjunction with the volume of fluid method. The central focus of this study pertains to the behavior of two droplets on a substrate characterized by a contact angle of 155° within a two-dimensional computational domain. The parametric studies include analyzing the dynamics of droplets with different freestream velocities, droplet sizes, distances between droplets, and the order in which droplets are arranged. Several key findings emerge from this study, notably the observation of an attractive force between two droplets prior to their coalescence. An attraction force between two water droplets was seen in many cases examined due to flow separation, where negative pressure gradients and recirculation flows affected the droplet farthest from the inlet moving upstream. Additional droplet dynamics include the detachment of droplets from the superhydrophobic substrate, the vorticity development after the droplets, and the subsequent wall forces influenced by parametric studies. These findings highlight the inherent capabilities of treated substrates, including self-cleaning attributes, hydrophobicity, and reduced friction. The potential applications based on this research can influence diverse fields, notably materials science, medicine, and engineering.
A strong stability gel foam for water shutoff during oil and gas reservoir development
Authors: Yang Hongbin , Xu Zhe , Zhao Yuanshou , Zhang Bin , Cui Wenhao , Kang Wanli , Qi Jun , Tang Zhengwei , Xu Penghai
Published: February 2024

In view of the short effective period of conventional foam for water shutoff during oil and gas reservoir development, a strong stability gel foam system is proposed in this work. By comparing the foam properties of different foaming systems, the optimized formulation of foam system is “0.3% SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) + 0.4% HPAM (partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide) + 0.3% SD-107 (organic chromium).” At 50 °C and 10 000 mg/l salinities, the volume of foam is basically unchanged after a short time of defoaming and finally remains above 70%, and the drainage half-life can reach 16 days. The polymer and crosslinker form a stable three-dimensional network structure on the Plateau boundary after foaming, which has good viscosity and viscoelasticity. The foam system has excellent temperature and salt resistance. It is appropriate for medium and low temperature shallow reservoirs. The foam system has a good plugging efficiency. It can effectively plug the fracture and improve the sweep volume, which has a good application prospect.
Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy of 14 and 2.1 nm CsPbBr3 nanoparticles: Free carrier vs exciton
Authors: Wang Chengqiang , Song Tao , Zhu Muyan , Yan Pingyuan , Wu Zihan , Li Heng , Zhao Haibin , Sheng ChuanXiang
Published: February 2024

CsPbBr3 nanoparticles with averaged size of 14 and 2.1 nm (named as 14 and 2 nmNP, respectively) are synthesized capping with the ligand of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA). Using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, free carriers in 14 nmNP characterize with the slow thermalization (∼0.76 ps) and long carrier cooling time (∼1 ns), which could be due to the phonon bottleneck effect. On the other hand, excitons are major photoexcitations in 2 nmNP, presenting with fast thermalization (<100 fs) and short cooling time (∼50 ps); this effective energy dissipation in 2 nmNPs can be ascribed to the involvement of phonons in DBSA ligands. In both 14 and 2 nmNP, we find that the photoexcitation accumulation leads to an increase in the bandgap that can be understood by the Burstein–Moss band filling effect. These results provide insights into the intrinsic photophysics of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals with different confinement effects, supplying direct implications for optoelectronic applications.
Wall-resolved large eddy simulation of mixed-size sand-laden flow
Authors: Wang Guohua , Lei Junqing , Wang Ping , Feng Shengjun , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: February 2024

Most of the existing numerical studies on wind-blown sand flow simplify sands into single-size particles, whereas natural wind-blown sand flow is a two-phase flow with mixed-size particles, thus, the simulation of mixed-size sand-laden flow is necessary. In the present work, wall-resolved large eddy simulations of mixed-size sand-laden flows are realized. Each sand in the wind field is tracked using the Lagrangian point-particle model. The transport characteristics of sand particles in mixed-size sand-laden flow are investigated under the premise of considering bed erosion. Considering the significant influence of sand-bed collision on simulation, the splash function is modified in the present simulation according to the previous experimental results. It reveals that in mixed-size sand-laden flow, the fraction of rebound sand particles in all the saltation particles is approximately 0.6, which is twice times of the ejected sand particles, and the modification of the sand rebound angle greatly affects the simulation results of mixed-size sand-laden flow. Meanwhile, the mean size of the saltation sand particles decreases with height and is 20% lower at the top of the saltation layer than that near the sand bed in the present simulation. Further analysis by grouping of sands with their size shows that the sand transport intensity of small sands decreased more rapidly with increasing height. The volume fraction and sand transport intensity of small sand particles exceed those of medium and large sand particles at heights y/δ = 0.05 and y/δ = 0.1.
Experimental switching between coexisting attractors in the yoke–bell–clapper system
Authors: Burzynski Tomasz , Perlikowski Przemyslaw , Brzeski Piotr
Published: February 2024

This paper presents experimental switching between two attractors in the swinging bell. In the considered yoke–bell–clapper system, two coexisting solutions appear. In the first one, we observe a single impact between the bell and the clapper per one period of motion, and in the second solution, no impacts occur—no sound is produced. Based on the time-dependent stability margin method, we numerically detect parts of the trajectories where the system is most prone to perturbations. Using this knowledge, we experimentally investigate switching between attractors by applying the perturbation to the clapper. We show that we can easily enforce the change of attractor by properly timing the perturbation. The results prove that, based on the results from the time-dependent stability margin numerical method, we are able to effectively alter the wrong operation of the bell (lack of impact) to the correct operation (solution with impact). The analysis is conducted on the real-world mechanical system rather than paradigmatic examples. Therefore, it contributes to the subject of multistability and nonlinearity in engineering design. Novel, recently developed methods for analyzing multistable systems are successfully employed during the investigation. The paper shows that a complex phenomenon of multistability observed in the system, which is considered simple and undemanding from an engineering design point of view.
Spatial super-resolution of finite-time Lyapunov exponent fields with generative adversarial networks
Authors: Steinfurth B.
Published: February 2024

In this article, two generative adversarial networks that enhance the spatial resolution of two- and three-dimensional finite-time Lyapunov fields by a factor of 4 in each dimension are presented. Using these models, high-resolution distributions can be approximated based on low-resolution input, the latter of which is associated with a computational cost and storage reduced by factors of about 42 and 43, respectively. Evaluating various test cases, the performance and generalizability of this approach are assessed. Shortcomings are only observed in the case of high-frequency spatial fluctuations where no sufficient statistical information is available in the low-resolution space. The major flow structures, however, are adequately rendered, giving rise to Lagrangian analyses of complex flow configurations that may otherwise remain elusive due to an excessive computational cost.
Widest scales in turbulent channels
Authors: Pozuelo R. , Cavalieri A. , Schlatter P. , Vinuesa R.
Published: February 2024

The widest spanwise scales in turbulent channel flows are studied through the use of three periodic channel-flow simulations at friction Reynolds number Reτ=550. The length and height of the channels are the same in all cases (Lx/h=8π and Ly/h=2, respectively), while the width is progressively doubled: Lz/h={4π,8π,16π}. The effects of increasing the domain width cannot be determined with statistical significance in our simulations, since the difference in the statistics between the simulations is of the same order as the errors of convergence. A channel flow similar to the smaller one [Del Álamo et al., “Scaling of the energy spectra of turbulent channels,” J. Fluid Mech. 500, 135–144 (2004)], which was averaged over a very long time, was used as a reference. The one-dimensional spanwise spectrum of the streamwise velocity is computed with the aim of assessing the domain-size effect on the widest scales. Our results indicate that 90% of the total streamwise energetic fluctuations is recovered without a significant influence of the size of the domain. The remaining 10% of the energy reflects that the widest scales in the outer layer are the ones most significantly affected by the spanwise length of the domain. The power-spectral density for kz = 0 remains constant even if the size of the domain in the spanwise direction is increased up to four times the standard spanwise length, indicating that wide, spanwise coherent structures are not an artifact of domain truncation.
Fast efficient photon deceleration in plasmas by using two laser pulses at different frequencies
Authors: Wang Y. X. , Zhu X. L. , Weng S. M. , Li P. , Li X. F. , Ai H. , Pan H. R. , Sheng Z. M.
Published: February 2024

The generation of ultrashort high-power light sources in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) to terahertz (THz) range is of interest for applications in a number of fields, from fundamental research to biology and medicine. Besides conventional laser technology, photon deceleration in plasma wakes provides an alternative approach to the generation of ultrashort mid-IR or THz pulses. Here, we present a photon deceleration scheme for the efficient generation of ultrashort mid-IR or THz pulses by using an intense driver laser pulse with a relatively short wavelength and a signal laser pulse with a relatively long wavelength. The signal pulse trails the driver pulse with an appropriate time delay such that it sits at the front of the second wake bubble that is driven by the driver pulse. Owing to its relatively long wavelength, the signal pulse will be subjected to a large gradient of the refractive index in the plasma wake bubble. Consequently, the photon deceleration in the plasma wake becomes faster and more efficient for signal pulses with longer wavelengths. This greatly enhances the capacity and efficiency of photon deceleration in the generation of ultrashort high-power light sources in the long-wavelength IR and THz spectral ranges.
Insight on the surface fluctuating pressures considering distorted turbulence around a rectangular bluff body
Authors: Su Yi , Li Shaopeng , Yang Qingshan , Zou Yunfeng , Hui Yi , Huang Hui
Published: February 2024

The distortion of turbulence approaching a bluff body plays a dominant role in determining the unsteadiness of the fluctuating surface pressures. A three-dimensional (3D) spectral approach is proposed to decouple the effects of the distorted turbulence into the blocking effect, distortion effect, and 3D effect. Wind tunnel tests are conducted to investigate the unsteady behavior of the windward fluctuating surface pressures on a rectangular bluff body, considering the effect of the ratio of the turbulence scale to the structural feature size λ = Lu/D. The results show that the fluctuating pressure on the surface of a rectangular cylinder is mainly affected by the low-frequency blocking effect, the high-frequency turbulent distortion effect, and the full-frequency turbulence 3D effect. The low-frequency blocking effect is related to the surface spatial position, but is less affected by λ; the high-frequency distortion effect does not depend on the spatial position of the pressure but is affected by λ; the 3D effect is affected by both the spatial position of the pressure and λ. When λ approaches infinity, the distortion and 3D effects can be ignored, and the quasi-steady theory is valid for the fluctuating pressure. Finally, one-wavenumber and 2D fluctuating pressure generalized spectrum models considering the unsteady effects and the spatial position of the surface pressure are proposed, and their accuracy is effectively verified by the test results.
Experimental investigation into segregation behavior of spherical/non-spherical granular mixtures in a thin rotating drum
Authors: Chung Yun-Chi , Hunt Melany L. , Huang Jia-Non , Liao Chun-Chung
Published: February 2024

This paper uses physical experiments to investigate the segregation behavior of binary granular mixtures in a quasi-two-dimensional rotating drum. Spherical polyformaldehyde (POM) beads and cylindrical red beans constitute the granular mixtures. The effects of particle size, particle density, and particle shape interplay during the segregation process in the spherical/non-spherical particulate system. A long-axis ratio (LAR), the ratio of the spherical POM beads' diameter to the red beans' primary dimension, was defined to explore the particle shape effect. The experimental results show that the long-axis ratio and the rotation speed play substantial roles in the granular segregation behavior. As the long-axis ratio increases, the steady-state segregation intensity decreases. An increase in the rotation speed enhances the segregation of the binary granular mixtures for each long-axis ratio studied here. In addition, the average velocity and granular temperature of spherical POM beads increase as the long-axis ratio increases. Both properties also increase as the rotation speed increases. The dynamic angle of repose for the binary mixtures increases with the increase in the long-axis ratio. Most interestingly, reverse granular segregation does occur at a long-axis ratio of 0.70 with the cylindrical red beans in the core and the spherical POM beads at the periphery for each rotation speed studied here. This reverse segregation has not been observed in previous studies. This highlights the substantial impact of particle shape on the granular segregation in binary granular mixtures.
Effect of phase distribution and defect passivation on amplified spontaneous emission of quasi-2D Dion–Jacobson perovskite
Authors: Qin Chaochao , Huang Qinxiang , Zhang Shichen , Song Jian , Jiao Zhaoyong , Ma Shuhong , Zheng Shuwen , Song Pan , Wang Haiying , Zhang Jicai , Jia Guangrui , Jiang Yuhai , Zhou Zhongpo
Published: February 2024

Quasi-2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) halide perovskites with large exciton binding energy, self-assembled quantum wells, and high quantum yield attract growing attention in light-emitting diodes and solar devices. DJ-layered perovskites have the eliminated van der Waals gap and show improved photophysical features. However, there are a variety of defects and complex phase distributions produced during the solution procedure and the fast crystal development. In this paper, we reveal the effect of phase distribution and defect passivation on amplified spontaneous emission of quasi-2D perovskite (PDMA)(MA)2Pb3Br10 thin films through solvent engineering and additive methods, by establishing the correlation between the precursor compositions and the photophysical performance of the layered DJ perovskites. The energy transfer rate and the photoluminescence quantum yield increase due to the spatially homogeneous domain distribution and the reduced defect density after the addition of KBr in the DMSO:DMF. More importantly, we realize green amplified spontaneous emission and single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasing with low thresholds of 8.8 and 10.5 μJ cm−2, respectively. This work provides a guideline to achieve low-threshold multicolor lasers based on DJ perovskites.
Ghost imaging under direct sunlight conditions using FADOF
Authors: Yin Longfei , Zhan Haodi , Tang Wei , Ge Haoyu , Chen Lei , Li Murong , Wu Guohua , Luo Bin
Published: February 2024

Sunlight background noise significantly hinders the operation of ghost imaging systems, posing a considerable challenge for target imaging under daytime sunlight conditions. This paper introduces a method to eliminate sunlight background noise using a Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter (FADOF). A ghost imaging system based on FADOF is constructed, and experiments are conducted under strong background noise conditions. The system operates outdoors in direct sunlight, utilizing sunlight introduction system to introduce light into the detection path, directly reaching the detection end of the system. In this real sunlight noise condition, the ghost imaging system using FADOF filtering achieved nearly continuous and stable imaging throughout three summer days, contrasting with a system using a 10 nm filter that only functions properly after sunset. The research findings indicate that FADOF effectively enhances the ghost imaging system's resistance to background light noise, enabling continuous operation under conditions of strong background noise throughout the day.
Coalescence of sessile aqueous droplets laden with surfactant
Authors: Arbabi Soheil , Deuar Piotr , Bennacer Rachid , Che Zhizhao , Theodorakis Panagiotis E.
Published: February 2024

With most of the focus to date having been on the coalescence of freely suspended droplets, much less is known about the coalescence of sessile droplets, especially in the case of droplets laden with surfactant. Here, we employ large-scale molecular dynamics simulations to investigate this phenomenon on substrates with different wettability. In particular, we unravel the mass transport mechanism of surfactant during coalescence, thus explaining the key mechanisms present in the process. Close similarities are found between the coalescence of sessile droplets with equilibrium contact angles above 90° and that of freely suspended droplets, being practically the same when the contact angle of the sessile droplets is above 140°. Here, the initial contact point is an area that creates an initial contact film of surfactant that proceeds to break into engulfed aggregates. A major change in the physics appears below the 90° contact angle, when the initial contact point becomes small and line-like, strongly affecting many aspects of the process and allowing water to take part in the coalescence from the beginning. We find growth exponents consistent with a 2/3 power law on strongly wettable substrates but no evidence of linear growth. Overall bridge growth speed increases with wettability for all surfactant concentrations, but the speeding up effect becomes weaker as surfactant concentration grows, along with a general slowdown of the coalescence compared to pure water. Concurrently, the duration of the initial thermally limited regime increases strongly by almost an order of magnitude for strongly wettable substrates.
Full-epitaxial ScAlN and MgZnO solidly mounted resonators based on epitaxial acoustic Bragg reflector
Authors: Tokai Satoshi , Yanagitani Takahiko
Published: February 2024

A full-epitaxial bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator is attractive because of its high Q and high-power handling capability. An epitaxial technique is difficult to be employed due to the amorphous SiO2 low acoustic impedance layer in the solidly mounted resonator (SMR), which consists of a piezoelectric thin film on an acoustic Bragg reflector. In this study, we report a full-epitaxial ScAlN or MgZnO SMR based on an epitaxial Ti/Pt or ZnO/Pt acoustic Bragg reflector. The pole figure of epitaxial ScAlN and MgZnO piezoelectric layers showed clear sixfold symmetry. The epitaxial Sc0.43Al0.57N SMR exhibits keff2 of 13.6%. Moreover, the full-epitaxial metal Bragg reflector can act as a thick bottom electrode. This thick electrode is attractive for high frequency operation above 10 GHz in which BAW filter suffers from Q degradation due to the increase in the resistivity of extremely thin electrode.
OCA-B/Pou2af1 is sufficient to promote CD4
+
T cell memory and prospectively identifies memory precursors
Authors: Sun Wenxiang , Hughes Erik P. , Kim Heejoo , Perovanovic Jelena , Charley Krystal R. , Perkins Bryant , Du Junhong , Ibarra Andrea , Syage Amber R. , Hale J. Scott , Williams Matthew A. , Tantin Dean
Published: February 2024

The molecular mechanisms leading to the establishment of immunological memory are inadequately understood, limiting the development of effective vaccines and durable antitumor immune therapies. Here, we show that ectopic OCA-B expression is sufficient to improve antiviral memory recall responses, while having minimal effects on primary effector responses. At peak viral response, short-lived effector T cell populations are expanded but show increased
Gadd45b
and
Socs2
expression, while memory precursor effector cells show increased expression of
Bcl2
,
Il7r,
and
Tcf7
on a per-cell basis. Using an OCA-B mCherry reporter mouse line, we observe high OCA-B expression in CD4
+
central memory T cells. We show that early in viral infection, endogenously elevated OCA-B expression prospectively identifies memory precursor cells with increased survival capability and memory recall potential. Cumulatively, the results demonstrate that OCA-B is both necessary and sufficient to promote CD4 T cell memory in vivo and can be used to prospectively identify memory precursor cells.
Inverse regulation of SOS1 and HKT1 protein localization and stability by SOS3/CBL4 in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gámez-Arjona Francisco , Park Hee Jin , García Elena , Aman Rashid , Villalta Irene , Raddatz Natalia , Carranco Raul , Ali Akhtar , Ali Zahir , Zareen Shah , De Luca Anna , Leidi Eduardo O. , Daniel-Mozo Miguel , Xu Zheng-Yi , Albert Armando , Kim Woe-Yeon , Pardo Jose M. , Sánchez-Rodriguez Clara , Yun Dae-Jin , Quintero Francisco J.
Published: February 2024

To control net sodium (Na
+
) uptake, Arabidopsis plants utilize the plasma membrane (PM) Na
+
/H
+
antiporter SOS1 to achieve Na
+
efflux at the root and Na
+
loading into the xylem, and the channel-like HKT1;1 protein that mediates the reverse flux of Na
+
unloading off the xylem. Together, these opposing transport systems govern the partition of Na
+
within the plant yet they must be finely co-regulated to prevent a futile cycle of xylem loading and unloading. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis SOS3 protein acts as the molecular switch governing these Na
+
fluxes by favoring the recruitment of SOS1 to the PM and its subsequent activation by the SOS2/SOS3 kinase complex under salt stress, while commanding HKT1;1 protein degradation upon acute sodic stress. SOS3 achieves this role by direct and SOS2-independent binding to previously unrecognized functional domains of SOS1 and HKT1;1. These results indicate that roots first retain moderate amounts of salts to facilitate osmoregulation, yet when sodicity exceeds a set point, SOS3-dependent HKT1;1 degradation switches the balance toward Na
+
export out of the root. Thus, SOS3 functionally links and co-regulates the two major Na
+
transport systems operating in vascular plants controlling plant tolerance to salinity.
Cellular senescence: Neither irreversible nor reversible
Authors: Reimann Maurice , Lee Soyoung , Schmitt Clemens A.
Published: February 2024

Cellular senescence is a critical stress response program implicated in embryonic development, wound healing, aging, and immunity, and it backs up apoptosis as an ultimate cell-cycle exit mechanism. In analogy to replicative exhaustion of telomere-eroded cells, premature types of senescence—referring to oncogene-, therapy-, or virus-induced senescence—are widely considered irreversible growth arrest states as well. We discuss here that entry into full-featured senescence is not necessarily a permanent endpoint, but dependent on essential maintenance components, potentially transient. Unlike a binary state switch, we view senescence with its extensive epigenomic reorganization, profound cytomorphological remodeling, and distinctive metabolic rewiring rather as a journey toward a full-featured arrest condition of variable strength and depth. Senescence-underlying maintenance-essential molecular mechanisms may allow cell-cycle reentry if not continuously provided. Importantly, senescent cells that resumed proliferation fundamentally differ from those that never entered senescence, and hence would not reflect a reversion but a dynamic progression to a post-senescent state that comes with distinct functional and clinically relevant ramifications.
Sustainable paper electronics and neuromorphic paper chip
Authors: Xu Nuo , Lin Xiangde , Han Jing , Sun Qijun
Published: February 2024

Paper electronics have received a lot of attention due to their special properties of mechanical flexibility/foldability, sustainability, biodegradability, light weight, and low cost. It provides a superb on-chip prototype with simple modular design and feasible energy-autonomous features, which can surpass the problems of inconvenience and possible pollution caused by conventional power sources by integrating different functional modules. Commonly, the sustainable operation of integrated paper electronics can be guaranteed by the basic components, including energy-harvesting devices, energy-storage devices, and low-power-consuming functional circuits/devices. Furthermore, sustainable paper electronics are possible to be further extended to develop energy-efficient neuromorphic paper chip by utilizing cutting-edge neuromorphic components based on traditional paper-based transistors, memories, and logic gates toward potential in-memory computing applications. The working process of the sustainable paper electronics implies an energy cycling of surrounding energy conversion, electrochemical energy storage, and energy utilization in functional circuits (in the form of photonic, thermal, electromagnetic, or mechanical energy). Sustainable paper electronics provide a promising path for achieving efficient, cost-effective, and customizable integrated electronics and self-powered systems with complementary features.
Chronic malaria exposure is associated with inhibitory markers on T cells that correlate with atypical memory and marginal zone-like B cells
Authors: Mitchell Robert A , Ubillos Itziar , Requena Pilar , Campo Joseph J , Ome-Kaius Maria , Hanieh Sarah , Umbers Alexandra , Samol Paula , Barrios Diana , Jiménez Alfons , Bardají Azucena , Mueller Ivo , Menéndez Clara , Rogerson Stephen , Dobaño Carlota , Moncunill Gemma
Published: February 2024

Chronic immune activation from persistent malaria infections can induce immunophenotypic changes associated with T-cell exhaustion. However, associations between T and B cells during chronic exposure remain undefined. We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells from malaria-exposed pregnant women from Papua New Guinea and Spanish malaria-naïve individuals using flow cytometry to profile T-cell exhaustion markers phenotypically. T-cell lineage (CD3, CD4, and CD8), inhibitory (PD1, TIM3, LAG3, CTLA4, and 2B4), and senescence (CD28-) markers were assessed. Dimensionality reduction methods revealed increased PD1, TIM3, and LAG3 expression in malaria-exposed individuals. Manual gating confirmed significantly higher frequencies of PD1+CD4+ and CD4+, CD8+, and double-negative (DN) T cells expressing TIM3 in malaria-exposed individuals. Increased frequencies of T cells co-expressing multiple markers were also found in malaria-exposed individuals. T-cell data were analyzed with B-cell populations from a previous study where we reported an alteration of B-cell subsets, including increased frequencies of atypical memory B cells (aMBC) and reduction in marginal zone (MZ-like) B cells during malaria exposure. Frequencies of aMBC subsets and MZ-like B cells expressing CD95+ had significant positive correlations with CD28+PD1+TIM3+CD4+ and DN T cells and CD28+TIM3+2B4+CD8+ T cells. Frequencies of aMBC, known to associate with malaria anemia, were inversely correlated with hemoglobin levels in malaria-exposed women. Similarly, inverse correlations with hemoglobin levels were found for TIM3+CD8+ and CD28+PD1+TIM3+CD4+ T cells. Our findings provide further insights into the effects of chronic malaria exposure on circulating B- and T-cell populations, which could impact immunity and responses to vaccination.
Asymmetric synthesis of (S)-14-methyl-1-octadecene, the sex pheromone of Lyonetia clerkella Linnaeus
Authors: An Biyu , Lin Zixin , Liu Jiawei , Bian Qinghua , Wang Min , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: February 2024

Lyonetia clerkella Linnaeus is one of the notorious pests that are found in orchards. A new and efficient asymmetric synthesis of the sex pheromone of this pest has been developed. Central to this approach were 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine N-oxide (DMAPO)/Boc2O-mediated N-acylation, Evans’chiral auxiliaries and the coupling of chiral tosylate with n-propyl magnesium bromide. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the scalability of the new acylation.
Association between cancer health literacy and cancer-related behavior of residents in Shandong, China
Authors: Lu Youhua , Li Qiuxia , Liu Jinhui , Cui Yongchun , Yang Jia , Gao Dongqing , Liu Jingmin , Ma Anning , Zhang Nan , Wang Jialin
Published: February 2024

Health literacy is closely related to the incidence of major chronic diseases and its related behaviors such as cancer-related behaviors. This study explored how the cancer health literacy level affects cancer-related behaviors. About one to two villages from six cities of Shandong province were selected as sample areas. Professionals conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants. Finally, 1200 residents completed 1085 effective questionnaires. Data were analysed from a cross-sectional survey in 2019, which included 1085 residents in six cities/counties of Shandong province, China. The result showed that residents with high cancer health literacy were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables frequently, avoid eating moldy food and take exercise. Besides, they were more likely to engage in health education and have a higher willingness to pay for cancer screenings. Most residents in Shandong province have a basic level of cancer health literacy. Improving the cancer health literacy of the population can be an effective strategy to promote a healthier lifestyle, thereby reducing the incidence rates related to cancers.
Promoting mental well-being in Western Australia: Act Belong Commit
® mental health promotion campaign partners’ perspectives
Authors: Smith James , t’Hart Laura , Leaversuch Francene , Walton Andrew , Jameson Gabriella , Samsa Hannah , Clarey Meg , Millar Lynne , Burns Sharyn , Pollard Christina M
Published: February 2024

The Act Belong Commit® mental health promotion campaign aims to improve population mental well-being. Based on a social-franchising model, partnerships are sought with organizations offering ‘mentally healthy activities’ that foster social connectedness and mental well-being. There are four categories of partner organizations sought: Site (government agencies and health services), Associate (organizations with state-wide or national services), Community (local, grass-roots community groups) and Schools. This research explored organizational perceptions of the Act Belong Commit® Partnership Program. A purposive sample of 14 organizational representatives across all four partner categories participated in semi-structured interviews online or face-to-face between July and September 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify three main themes: (a) A passion for promoting mental health; (b) Implementation, innovation, adaption and creation (e.g. the ability to adapt, create and deliver activities aligned with the campaign message; and (c) Future sustainability (e.g. recommendations for the sustainability of the programme). The use of reflexive thematic analysis enabled deeper insights into the complexity of the partnerships. Findings describe how the Act Belong Commit® Partnership Program supports mutually desirable objectives and extends the campaign reach. Embedded in a shared belief system that incorporates a passion for good mental health, the model supports the flexibility to adapt, create and deliver fit-for-purpose activities that promote mental well-being in the places where people live, work and play.
Magnitude of Type I Interferon Responses by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells After TLR7 Stimulation Is Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Reservoir Sizes in Cisgender Women With HIV-1 on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Thiele Rebecca-Jo , Grünhagel Benjamin , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Pujantell-Graell Maria , Jocham Linda , Düsedau Arne , Hennesen Jana , Hildebrandt Heike , Hagen Sven Hendrik , Sandfort Deborah , Bunders Madeleine J , Keppler Oliver T , Hoffmann Christian , Altfeld Marcus
Published: February 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease manifestations differ between cisgender women and men, including better control of viral replication during primary infection and less frequent residual HIV-1 replication on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in cisgender women with HIV-1 (WWH). Investigating plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) functions and HIV-1 reservoir sizes in 20 WWH on stable ART, we observed inverse correlations between interferon-α and tumor necrosis factor responses of pDCs to Toll-like receptor 7/8 stimulation and intact/total proviral HIV-1 DNA levels. Additionally, ISG15 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlated with cytokine responses of pDCs. These findings demonstrate an association between higher type I interferon responses and lower HIV-1 reservoir sizes in WWH on ART, warranting studies to identify the underlying mechanisms.
Crystal structure of the complex of CLEC12A and an antibody that interferes with binding of diverse ligands
Authors: Mori Shotaro , Nagae Masamichi , Yamasaki Sho
Published: February 2024

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors, which detect a broad spectrum of ligands via small carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs). CLEC12A is an inhibitory CLR that recognizes crystalline structures such as monosodium urate crystals. CLEC12A also recognizes mycolic acid, a major component of mycobacterial cell walls, and suppresses host immune responses. Although CLEC12A could be a therapeutic target for mycobacterial infection, structural information on CLEC12A was not available. We report here the crystal structures of human CLEC12A (hCLEC12A) in ligand-free form and in complex with 50C1, its inhibitory antibody. 50C1 recognizes human-specific residues on the top face of hCLEC12A CRD. A comprehensive alanine scan demonstrated that the ligand-binding sites of mycolic acid and monosodium urate crystals may overlap with each other, suggesting that CLEC12A utilizes a common interface to recognize different types of ligands. Our results provide atomic insights into the blocking and ligand-recognition mechanisms of CLEC12A and leads to the design of CLR-specific inhibitors.
Leveraging explainable artificial intelligence to optimize clinical decision support
Authors: Liu Siru , McCoy Allison B , Peterson Josh F , Lasko Thomas A , Sittig Dean F , Nelson Scott D , Andrews Jennifer , Patterson Lorraine , Cobb Cheryl M , Mulherin David , Morton Colleen T , Wright Adam
Published: February 2024

Objective

To develop and evaluate a data-driven process to generate suggestions for improving alert criteria using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approaches.

Methods

We extracted data on alerts generated from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We developed machine learning models to predict user responses to alerts. We applied XAI techniques to generate global explanations and local explanations. We evaluated the generated suggestions by comparing with alert’s historical change logs and stakeholder interviews. Suggestions that either matched (or partially matched) changes already made to the alert or were considered clinically correct were classified as helpful.

Results

The final dataset included 2 991 823 firings with 2689 features. Among the 5 machine learning models, the LightGBM model achieved the highest Area under the ROC Curve: 0.919 [0.918, 0.920]. We identified 96 helpful suggestions. A total of 278 807 firings (9.3%) could have been eliminated. Some of the suggestions also revealed workflow and education issues.

Conclusion

We developed a data-driven process to generate suggestions for improving alert criteria using XAI techniques. Our approach could identify improvements regarding clinical decision support (CDS) that might be overlooked or delayed in manual reviews. It also unveils a secondary purpose for the XAI: to improve quality by discovering scenarios where CDS alerts are not accepted due to workflow, education, or staffing issues.
NGTS-28Ab: a short period transiting brown dwarf
Authors: Henderson Beth A , Casewell Sarah L , Goad Michael R , Acton Jack S , Günther Maximilian N , Nielsen Louise D , Burleigh Matthew R , Belardi Claudia , Tilbrook Rosanna H , Turner Oliver , Howell Steve B , Clark Catherine A , Littlefield Colin , Barkaoui Khalid , Alves Douglas R , Anderson David R , Bayliss Daniel , Bouchy Francois , Bryant Edward M , Dransfield George , Ducrot Elsa , Eigmüller Philipp , Gill Samuel , Gillen Edward , Gillon Michaël , Hawthorn Faith , Hooton Matthew J , Jackman James A G , Jehin Emmanuel , Jenkins James S , Kendall Alicia , Lendl Monika , McCormac James , Moyano Maximiliano , Pedersen Peter Pihlmann , Pozuelos Francisco J , Ramsay Gavin , Sefako Ramotholo R , Timmermans Mathilde , Triaud Amaury H M J , Udry Stephane , Vines Jose I , Watson Christopher A , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J , Zúñiga-Fernández Sebastián
Published: February 2024

We report the discovery of a brown dwarf orbiting a M1 host star. We first identified the brown dwarf within the Next Generation Transit Survey data, with supporting observations found in TESS sectors 11 and 38. We confirmed the discovery with follow-up photometry from the South African Astronomical Observatory, SPECULOOS-S, and TRAPPIST-S, and radial velocity measurements from HARPS, which allowed us to characterize the system. We find an orbital period of ∼1.25 d, a mass of $69.0^{+5.3}_{-4.8}$  MJ, close to the hydrogen burning limit, and a radius of 0.95 ± 0.05 RJ. We determine the age to be >0.5 Gyr, using model isochrones, which is found to be in agreement with spectral energy distribution fitting within errors. NGTS-28Ab is one of the shortest period systems found within the brown dwarf desert, as well as one of the highest mass brown dwarfs that transits an M dwarf. This makes NGTS-28Ab another important discovery within this scarcely populated region.
Ceftolozane/Tazobactam for the Treatment of Complicated Infections in Hospital Settings—A French Real-world Study
Authors: Timsit Jean-François , Mootien Joy , Akrich Brune , Bourge Xavier , Brassac Isabelle , Castan Bernard , Mackosso Carole , Tavares Linsay Monteiro , Ruiz Fabrice , Boutoille David , Ruimy Raymond
Published: February 2024

Background

This study describes the conditions of use of ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) and associated outcomes in French hospital settings.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, French observational study. Patients who received at least 1 dose of C/T were included and followed up as per routine clinical practice, until stop of C/T.

Results

A total of 260 patients were enrolled between October 2018 and December 2019 in 30 centers across France. Of these, 177 (68.0%) received C/T as per indication of usage following the results of the antibiogram (documented cases). Among documented patients, the mean age was 61.8 years, 73.4% were males, and 93.8% presented with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria at inclusion. C/T was most frequently prescribed for pneumonia (48.6%), bacteremia (14.7%), complicated intra-abdominal infections (13.0%), or complicated urinary tract infections (9.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the species most frequently isolated with 212 strains from 155 patients, and 96.2% of these strains were susceptible to C/T. The median duration of C/T treatment was 16.1 days (1–115, n = 176). Complete or partial cure was achieved in 71.7% of patients, C/T was discontinued upon adaptation to microbiology results in 11.3% of patients for the following reasons: treatment failure in 2.8%, death in 4.0%, adverse events in 1.7%, and other in 8.5%.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective observational study of C/T utilization in a health care setting enrolling many patients in France. C/T demonstrated a high rate of clinical effectiveness in MDR infections, confirming it as an effective treatment option for complicated infections in a high-risk population.
Attributable Cost of Adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus Illness Beyond the Acute Phase
Authors: Averin Ahuva , Atwood Mark , Sato Reiko , Yacisin Kari , Begier Elizabeth , Shea Kimberly , Curcio Daniel , Houde Linnea , Weycker Derek
Published: February 2024

Background

Estimates of the cost of medically attended lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults, especially beyond the acute phase, is limited. This study was undertaken to estimate the attributable costs of RSV-LRTI among US adults during, and up to 1 year after, the acute phase of illness.

Methods

A retrospective observational matched-cohort design and a US healthcare claims repository (2016–2019) were employed. The study population comprised adults aged ≥18 years with RSV-LRTI requiring hospitalization (RSV-H), an emergency department visit (RSV-ED), or physician office/hospital outpatient visit (RSV-PO/HO), as well as matched comparison patients. All-cause healthcare expenditures were tallied during the acute phase of illness (RSV-H: from admission through 30 days postdischarge; ambulatory RSV: during the episode) and long-term phase (end of acute phase to end of following 1-year period).

Results

The study population included 4526 matched pairs of RSV-LRTI and comparison patients (RSV-H: n = 970; RSV-ED: n = 590; RSV-PO/HO: n = 2966). Mean acute-phase expenditures were $42 179 for RSV-H (vs $5154 for comparison patients), $4409 for RSV-ED (vs $377), and $922 for RSV-PO/HO (vs $201). By the end of the 1-year follow-up period, mean expenditures—including acute and long-term phases—were $101 532 for RSV-H (vs $36 302), $48 701 for RSV-ED (vs $27 131), and $28 851 for RSV-PO/HO (vs $20 523); overall RSV-LRTI attributable expenditures thus totaled $65 230, $21 570, and $8327, respectively.

Conclusions

The cost of RSV-LRTI requiring hospitalization or ambulatory care among US adults is substantial, and the economic impact of RSV-LTRI may extend well beyond the acute phase of illness.