bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced manufacturing concept of a bio-inspired reaction wheel rotor for small- and medium-sized constellation satellites
Authors: Kaiser Nils , Goossens Nils , Jimenez Ane , Laraudogoitia Ignacio , Psarras Spyridon , Tsantzalis Stavros
Published: March 2023

The increasing number of constellation satellites requires re-thinking of the design and manufacturing process for reaction wheel rotors. Mass optimisation of reaction wheel rotors leads to cost reduction and performance increase. Those optimisations can be realised by taking ideas from nature. Therefore, design principles of diatoms were screened, abstracted and implemented in an algorithm-based design process. In this way, a bio-inspired rotor was created, which considers launch and in-operation loads, is capable of up to 7500 RPM and shows a compact design with a diameter of $$282\,\text {mm}$$

282

mm

. Regarding mechanical performance, an energy density of $$4661\,\text {J kg}^{-1}$$

4661

J

kg

-
1

and a mass moment of inertia ratio of 0.7584, which considers the component and an idealized design, could be achieved. Compared to a commercial rotor, this is equivalent to a similar inertia ratio and +85 % energy density, but +44 % mass due to manufacturing restrictions. Based on different boundary conditions, different first natural frequency for launch and operation conditions were obtained ($$658\,\text {Hz}$$

658

Hz

and $$210\,\text {Hz}$$

210

Hz

). The new design was cast from nano-reinforced aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg + Al2O3) in 3D-printed sand moulds that were produced via binder-jetting process. Thus, a hybrid manufacturing process was used, by combining additive manufacturing and casting. Post-processing of the cast part via turning and milling was performed to compensate distortion and achieve the required surface quality. Preliminary vibration measurements were performed, showing a large need for balancing to achieve low vibration emissions.
Therapeutic Supports for Neurodiverse Children Who Have Experienced Interpersonal Trauma: a Scoping Review
Authors: Kalisch Lauren A. , Lawrence Katherine A. , Baud Jessie , Spencer-Smith Megan , Ure Alexandra
Published: March 2023

This review examined the therapeutic support literature for children with autism and/or an intellectual disability who have experienced interpersonal trauma. We captured studies that implemented a therapeutic support with this population and synthesised articles that made clinical practice recommendations. Fifty-two relevant articles were identified, and four patterns were uncovered. First, primary studies in this research domain are scant, diffuse, and largely lacking in methodological consistency. Second, the literature favoured therapeutic supports that relied less on verbal skills and/or demanded a high cognitive load. Further, parent/caregiver involvement was repeatedly emphasised. Finally, methods of therapeutic support delivery appeared consistent with the broader neurodevelopmental literature. Overall, these results provide an important first step toward establishing best practice for supporting these vulnerable children.
Secundum Naturam Vivere: Stoic Thoughts of Greco-Roman Antiquity on Nature and Their Relation to the Concepts of Sustainability, Frugality, and Environmental Protection in the Anthropocene
Authors: Müller Hendrik
Published: March 2023

This paper wants to shed light on the way the philosophical school of Stoicsm in Greco-Roman antiquity has dealt with the relationship of men and nature by pointing out to some of the key texts in which these issues are mentioned. Although the modern concept of sustainability or environmental protection did not really exist in antiquity, the Stoa was convinced that individual decisions had a direct impact on this world. Following the concept of environmental humanities, the ancient texts and authors are collected as historical ideas of the multifaceted interactions between nature and men that can be fruitfully mirrored with the arguments of the current Anthropocene discourse and its focus on (post)industrialism. By doing so we might come across helpful approaches deeply rooted in our cultural heritage that we could possibly adopt and find practical answers for our age in terms of individual behaviour as well as management decisions to face the ecological and social challenges ahead.
Study on the slip characteristics of rock inhomogeneous friction interface
Authors: Wang Pengyu , Yang Tianjiao , Wang Shuhong , Liu Huan , Zhang Ze
Published: March 2023

Theory assumes that the friction along the discontinuous interface is uniform, and the selection of uniform distribution of friction resistance along the interface is a simplification of the actual physical process. This assumption leads to unsafe design. Therefore, the numerical simulation and experimental methods are used to study the slip of the discontinuous interface with non-uniform friction. This study used a numerical model comprised of two blocks with completely matching contact interfaces. The friction coefficient of one part of the contact surface differed from that of the other, resulting in a non-uniform friction interface. The model was simulated under biaxial compression. First, a normal load of 3 MPa was applied, followed by a shear load until the contact interface slipped. The initiation and propagation of slippage at the contact interface and the changes in the stress field at the slippage contact interface were monitored. The slip started from the area with low frictional strength and gradually expanded to the area with high frictional strength with increasing shear load. The transfer of the slip from an interface with a small friction coefficient to a high friction strength resulted in stress concentration at the interface of the non-uniform friction interface. Engraving using an engraving machine produces a discontinuous interface in which one part of the interface has high friction strength, whereas the other part has low friction strength. The shear load is applied using a shear instrument to cause the discontinuous interface to slip. At the same time, DIC monitored the displacement of the discontinuous interface. The comparison found that the rule of the experimental results is the same as that of the numerical simulation. Reinforcement measures (enhanced friction strength) for areas with low friction strength can effectively prevent slip damage. Based on the distribution of shear stiffness of the rock discontinuous interface, the friction properties of the entire fracture interface can be obtained to accurately identify areas with low frictional strength, and targeted reinforcement measures should be carried out to prevent slip damage.
Effect of the Interaction between Wood Vinegar and Biochar Feedstock on Tomato Plants
Authors: Idowu Olusegun , Ndede Elizaphan O. , Kurebito Soboda , Tokunari Takeo , Jindo Keiji
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the effect of the interaction between wood vinegar and biochar feedstock on total biomass, fruit weight (yield), and sugar content of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). An experiment was conducted in two locations with six different biochar types produced from either plant or animal feedstock. Each biochar was incorporated into soil (1:2500 g/g) along with chemical fertilizer. Wood vinegar was diluted with water (1:200 mL) and applied once weekly for the vinegar treatment. Biochar application resulted in a higher yield and biomass of the chicken manure biochar owing to its high ammonium-nitrogen content. Vinegar application increased the yields of the plant feedstock, which was particularly evident for most of the yield parameters with the bamboo biochar. Regardless of treatment, yield and biomass were not significantly different between the animal and plant feedstock. The sugar content was higher for the chicken manure and animal litter biochar, which was attributed to better pH conditions. The combination of plant feedstock biochar and vinegar application for improving the yield of tomatoes is promising. In contrast, vinegar application could potentially limit the yield and fruit sugar content of tomato plants treated with animal feedstock biochar.

Highlights

• The soil was amended with biochar, with or without vinegar application.

• The chicken manure biochar plants had the highest yield and biomass.

• Vinegar application increased the yield of the plant feedstock.

• Plant and animal feedstock plants had similar yield and biomass.

• The pH of the animal feedstock was better because of higher CO2 and MgO contents.

• Fruit sugar content for animal feedstock plants was better due to higher phosphorus.
Conservation of energy in the direct numerical simulation of interface-resolved multiphase flows
Authors: Valle Nicolás , Verstappen Roel
Published: March 2023

In the context of deformable bubbles, surface tension produces a dynamic exchange between kinetic and surface elastic energy. This exchange of energy is relevant to bubble dynamics, like bubble induced turbulence or drag reduction. Unfortunately, the underlying physical mechanism is not exactly explained by the state-of-the-art numerical methods. In particular, the numerical violation of energy conservation results in an uncontrolled evolution of the system and yields well-known numerical pathologies. To remedy these problems, we tackle two of the most problematic terms in the numerical formulation: convection and surface tension. We identify the key mathematical identities that imply both physical conservation and numerical stability, present a semi-discretization of the problem that is fully energy preserving, and assess their stability in terms of the discrete energy contributions. Numerical experiments showcase the stability of the method and its energy evolution for stagnant and oscillating inviscid bubbles. Results show robust as well as bounded dynamics of the system, representing the expected physical mechanism.
A theoretical thrust density limit for Hall thrusters
Authors: Simmonds Jacob , Raitses Yevgeny , Smolyakov Andrei
Published: March 2023

Hall Thrusters typically operate at thrust densities on the order of 10 N/m$$^2$$

2

, which appear to be orders of magnitude below the thrust density limits suggested in previous literature. These limits have been considered here and each component of thrust density is analyzed to demonstrate the relative contribution to the total thrust density. Dependencies of the thrust density limits upon the thruster geometry, electron mobility, and the applied magnetic field are revealed and compared with experimental measurements of thrust density. This analysis reveals that with conventional applied magnetic field strengths, Hall thruster thrust density appears to be on the order of 1000 N/m$$^2$$

2

. It is shown that this limit can be further increased through higher applied magnetic fields, applied voltage, and suppression of anomalous electron transport. This suggests Hall thrusters can be made much more compact and operated at higher power densities, given improvements to the thermal management and materials.
The Politics of the European Union
Authors: Lelieveldt Herman , Princen Sebastiaan
Published: March 2023

The European Union is a key player in determining policies and politics in Europe, and yet understanding how it works remains a challenge. The Politics of the European Union introduces students to its functioning by showing the similarities and differences between the EU and national political systems. Fully revised and updated in its third edition, this introductory textbook uses the tools of comparative politics to explore the history, theories, institutions, key actors, politics and policy-making of the EU. This comparative approach enables students to apply their knowledge of domestic politics and broader debates in political science to better understand the EU. Numerous real-world examples guide students through the textbook, and chapter briefings, fact files and controversy boxes highlight the important and controversial issues in EU politics. A companion website features free 'Navigating the EU' exercises to guide students in their analysis of EU policy-making.
German Philosophy and the First World War
Authors: de Warren Nicolas
Published: March 2023

How did the First World War, the so-called 'Great War' - widely seen on all sides as 'the war to end all wars' - impact the development of German philosophy? Combining history and biography with astute philosophical and textual analysis, Nicolas de Warren addresses here the intellectual trajectories of ten significant wartime philosophers: Ernst Bloch, Martin Buber, Ernst Cassirer, Hermann Cohen, György Lukács, Martin Heidegger, Edmund Husserl, Franz Rosenzweig, Max Scheler and Georg Simmel. In exploring their individual works written during and after the War, the author reveals how philosophical concepts and new forms of thinking were forged in response to this unprecedented catastrophe. In reassessing standardized narratives of German thought, the book deepens and enhances our understanding of the intimate and complex relationship between philosophy and violence by demonstrating how the 1914-18 conflict was a crucible for ways of thinking that still define us today.
The impact of simultaneous shocks to financial markets and mortality on pension buy-out prices
Authors: Arık Ayşe , Uğur Ömür , Kleinow Torsten
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we determine the fair value of a pension buyout contract under the assumption that changes in mortality can have an impact on financial markets. Our proposed model allows for shocks to occur simultaneously in mortality rates and financial markets, so that strong changes in mortality rates can affect interest rates and asset prices. This approach challenges the common but very strong assumption that mortality and market risk drivers are independent. A simulation-based pricing framework is applied to determine the buyout premium for a hypothetical fully funded pension scheme. The results of an extensive sensitivity analysis show how buyout prices are affected by changes in mortality and financial markets. Surprisingly, we find that the impact of shocks is similar whether or not these shocks occur simultaneously or not, although there are some differences in annuity prices and buyout premiums. We clearly see that the intensity and severity of shocks, and asset price volatility play a dominant role for buyout prices.
Group Polarization in Board Decisions about Strategic Change: Evidence from Chinese Publicly Listed Companies (2008–2018)
Authors: Zhang Ming , Ma Xufei , Chen Weihong , Lan Hailin
Published: March 2023

Strategic management scholars have shown increasing interest in explaining strategic change from the perspective of cognitive bias. However, most studies focus on individual cognitive bias but pay little attention to group cognitive bias. This study introduces a typical group cognitive bias (group polarization) to explain strategic change decisions made by the board of directors. Following the theory of group polarization, we argue that, when the average prior strategic change experienced in performance decline by board directors is relatively high (or low), the focal strategic change in performance decline will become even higher (or lower). We further contend that the proportion of female directors and board versus CEO power as the contingencies can mitigate this group polarization effect. Our hypotheses were strongly supported by a longitudinal sample of Chinese publicly listed companies during 2008–2018. The study's framework and findings contribute to the contextualization of social psychology research on group polarization in the study of board's strategic decision-making.
An Outbreak of Selective Attribution: Partisanship and Blame in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: GRAHAM MATTHEW H. , SINGH SHIKHAR
Published: March 2023

Crises and disasters give voters an opportunity to observe the incumbent’s response and reward or punish them for successes and failures. Yet, even when voters perceive events similarly, they tend to attribute responsibility selectively, disproportionately crediting their party for positive developments and blaming opponents for negative developments. We examine selective attribution during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, reporting three key findings. First, selective attribution rapidly emerged during the first weeks of the pandemic, a time in which Democrats and Republicans were otherwise updating their perceptions and behavior in parallel. Second, selective attribution is caused by individual-level changes in perceptions of the pandemic. Third, existing research has been too quick to explain selective attribution in terms of partisan-motivated reasoning. We find stronger evidence for an explanation rooted in beliefs about presidential competence. This recasts selective attribution’s implications for democratic accountability.
Transpolar Pc1 Wave Ducting: Swarm, DMSP, and Ground Observations
Authors: Kim Hyangpyo , Park Jaeheung , Connor Hyunju Kim
Published: March 2023

Alfvén mode Pc1 waves undergo mode conversion to the fast mode due to induced Hall current in the ionosphere. The fast mode Pc1 waves are trapped and propagate across the magnetic field through the ionospheric waveguide. This process is called Pc1 wave ducting (PWD). Ducting is expected to be in any direction, but most of the existing literature investigated only PWDs toward the equator. In this paper, we report the rare observations of PWD propagating from sub‐auroral latitudes and pervading the polar cap using Swarm satellites, ground magnetometers, and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. We first identify the injection region of Pc1 wave where localized broadband transverse waves, isolated aurora, and energetic proton precipitations are concurrently observed. Then, we compare ducting characteristics in the ionosphere between the two hemispheres. For the three events investigated here, PWDs in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) pervaded the polar cap while Pc1 waves in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) did not. This hemispheric asymmetry is attributed to the plasma density in the SH sufficient to form the Pc1 waveguide. However, a sharp plasma density gradient on the propagation path still interrupts the ducting even in higher plasma density () regions. The observation of two intersecting Swarm satellites indicates the PWD is not only elongated meridionally, but also can have a significant zonal extent beyond that of the injection region.
Ediacaran‐Ordovician Magmatism and REE Mineralization in the Wet Mountains, Colorado, USA: Implications for Failed Continental Rifting
Authors: Magnin Benjamin P. , Kuiper Yvette D. , Anderson Eric D.
Published: March 2023

Structures associated with Ediacaran‐Ordovician alkaline magmatism and the timing of rare earth element (REE) mineralization in the Wet Mountains, CO, were analyzed using field, geophysical, and U‐Th‐Pb isotope methods to interpret their tectonic setting in the context of previously proposed rift models. The Wet Mountains are known for thorium and REE mineralization associated with failed rift‐related, Ediacaran‐Ordovician alkaline intrusions and veins. Structural field data indicate that alkaline dikes and mineralized veins are controlled by a system of northwest‐striking, high‐angle faults and tension fractures formed in a 040°‐directed extensional regime. Magnetic and surface expressions of Democrat Creek and McClure Mountain complexes show tectonic elongation toward ∼045°, consistent with NE‐directed extension. Magnetic data also suggest the existence of a fourth, previously unrecognized mafic‐ultramafic complex of inferred Cambrian age with a similar elongated orientation. Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS)208Pb/232Th analysis of low‐uranium zircon from carbonatite dikes and in situ206Pb/238U LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of monazite in mineralized dikes yielded 465 ± 18 Ma and 489 ± 33 Ma ages, respectively. These ages are consistent with the expected age based on slightly older, cross‐cut syenite dikes and the hypothesized Ordovician end to failed rift‐related magmatism. The Ediacaran‐Ordovician age of alkaline magmatic rocks and the associated northeast‐directed extension direction are similar to those of the along‐strike, Ediacaran‐Cambrian Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen. Therefore, the failed rift system in the Wet Mountains is interpreted to be a northwestern continuation of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen with carbonatite magmatism and thorium/REE mineralization representing late intrusive phases.
Tespa1 facilitates hematopoietic and leukemic stem cell maintenance by restricting c-Myc degradation
Authors: Lu Yukai , Yang Lijing , Shen Mingqiang , Zhang Zihao , Wang Song , Chen Fang , Chen Naicheng , Xu Yang , Zeng Hao , Chen Mo , Chen Shilei , Wang Fengchao , Hu Mengjia , Wang Junping
Published: March 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and leukemia stem cells (LSCs) have robust self-renewal potential, which is responsible for sustaining normal and malignant hematopoiesis, respectively. Although considerable efforts have been made to explore the regulation of HSC and LSC maintenance, the underlying molecular mechanism remains obscure. Here, we observe that the expression of thymocyte-expressed, positive selection-associated 1 (Tespa1) is markedly increased in HSCs after stresses exposure. Of note, deletion of Tespa1 results in short-term expansion but long-term exhaustion of HSCs in mice under stress conditions due to impaired quiescence. Mechanistically, Tespa1 can interact with CSN subunit 6 (CSN6), a subunit of COP9 signalosome, to prevent ubiquitination-mediated degradation of c-Myc protein in HSCs. As a consequence, forcing c-Myc expression improves the functional defect of Tespa1-null HSCs. On the other hand, Tespa1 is identified to be highly enriched in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and is essential for AML cell growth. Furthermore, using MLL-AF9-induced AML model, we find that Tespa1 deficiency suppresses leukemogenesis and LSC maintenance. In summary, our findings reveal the important role of Tespa1 in promoting HSC and LSC maintenance and therefore provide new insights on the feasibility of hematopoietic regeneration and AML treatment.
A knowledge-inherited learning for intelligent metasurface design and assembly
Authors: Jia Yuetian , Qian Chao , Fan Zhixiang , Cai Tong , Li Er-Ping , Chen Hongsheng
Published: March 2023

Recent breakthroughs in deep learning have ushered in an essential tool for optics and photonics, recurring in various applications of material design, system optimization, and automation control. Deep learning-enabled on-demand metasurface design has been the subject of extensive expansion, as it can alleviate the time-consuming, low-efficiency, and experience-orientated shortcomings in conventional numerical simulations and physics-based methods. However, collecting samples and training neural networks are fundamentally confined to predefined individual metamaterials and tend to fail for large problem sizes. Inspired by object-oriented C++ programming, we propose a knowledge-inherited paradigm for multi-object and shape-unbound metasurface inverse design. Each inherited neural network carries knowledge from the “parent” metasurface and then is freely assembled to construct the “offspring” metasurface; such a process is as simple as building a container-type house. We benchmark the paradigm by the free design of aperiodic and periodic metasurfaces, with accuracies that reach 86.7%. Furthermore, we present an intelligent origami metasurface to facilitate compatible and lightweight satellite communication facilities. Our work opens up a new avenue for automatic metasurface design and leverages the assemblability to broaden the adaptability of intelligent metadevices.
Droplet microreactor for high-throughput fluorescence-based measurements of single catalyst particle acidity
Authors: Vollenbroek Jeroen C. , Nieuwelink Anne-Eva , Bomer Johan G. , Tiggelaar Roald M. , van den Berg Albert , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Odijk Mathieu
Published: March 2023

The particles of heterogeneous catalysts differ greatly in size, morphology, and most importantly, in activity. Studying these catalyst particles in batch typically results in ensemble averages, without any information at the level of individual catalyst particles. To date, the study of individual catalyst particles has been rewarding but is still rather slow and often cumbersome1. Furthermore, these valuable in-depth studies at the single particle level lack statistical relevance. Here, we report the development of a droplet microreactor for high-throughput fluorescence-based measurements of the acidities of individual particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) equilibrium catalysts (ECAT). This method combines systematic screening of single catalyst particles with statistical relevance. An oligomerization reaction of 4-methoxystyrene, catalyzed by the Brønsted acid sites inside the zeolite domains of the ECAT particles, was performed on-chip at 95 °C. The fluorescence signal generated by the reaction products inside the ECAT particles was detected near the outlet of the microreactor. The high-throughput acidity screening platform was capable of detecting ~1000 catalyst particles at a rate of 1 catalyst particle every 2.4 s. The number of detected catalyst particles was representative of the overall catalyst particle population with a confidence level of 95%. The measured fluorescence intensities showed a clear acidity distribution among the catalyst particles, with the majority (96.1%) showing acidity levels belonging to old, deactivated catalyst particles and a minority (3.9%) exhibiting high acidity levels. The latter are potentially of high interest, as they reveal interesting new physicochemical properties indicating why the particles were still highly acidic and reactive.
Femtosecond laser-assisted fabrication of piezoelectrically actuated crystalline quartz-based MEMS resonators
Authors: Linden John , Melech Neta , Sakaev Igor , Fogel Ofer , Krylov Slava , Nuttman David , Zalevsky Zeev , Sirota Marina
Published: March 2023

A novel technology for the precise fabrication of quartz resonators for MEMS applications is introduced. This approach is based on the laser-induced chemical etching of quartz. The main processing steps include femtosecond UV laser treatment of a Cr-Au-coated Z-cut alpha quartz wafer, followed by wet etching. The laser-patterned Cr-Au coating serves as an etch mask and is used to form electrodes for piezoelectric actuation. This fabrication approach does not alter the quartz’s crystalline structure or its piezo-electric properties. The formation of defects, which is common in laser micromachined quartz, is prevented by optimized process parameters and by controlling the temporal behavior of the laser-matter interactions. The process does not involve any lithography and allows for high geometric design flexibility. Several configurations of piezoelectrically actuated beam-type resonators were fabricated using relatively mild wet etching conditions, and their functionality was experimentally demonstrated. The devices are distinguished from prior efforts by the reduced surface roughness and improved wall profiles of the fabricated quartz structures.
ACT001 inhibited CD133 transcription by targeting and inducing Olig2 ubiquitination degradation
Authors: Deng Huiting , Liu Hailin , Yang Guoyue , Wang Dandan , Luo Ying , Li Chenglong , Qi Zhenchang , Liu Zhili , Wang Peng , Jia Yanfang , Gao Yingtang , Ding Yahui
Published: March 2023

Lung cancer is the most lethal malignancies with high aggressive and poor prognosis. Until now, the five-year survival rate has not been improved which brings serious challenge to human health. Lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) serve as the root of cancer occurrence, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance. Therefore, effective anti-cancer agents and molecular mechanisms which could specifically eliminate LCSCs are urgently needed for drug design. In this article, we discovered Olig2 was overexpressed in clinical lung cancer tissues and acted as a transcription factor to regulate cancer stemness by regulating CD133 gene transcription. The results suggested Olig2 could be a promising target in anti-LCSCs therapy and new drugs targeted Olig2 may exhibit excellent clinical results. Furthermore, we verified ACT001, a guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone in phase II clinical trial with excellent glioma remission, inhibited cancer stemness by directly binding to Olig2 protein, inducing Olig2 ubiquitination degradation and inhibiting CD133 gene transcription. All these results suggested that Olig2 could be an excellent druggable target in anti-LCSCs therapy and lay a foundation for the further application of ACT001 in the treatment of lung cancer in clinical.
Self assembling nanoparticle enzyme clusters provide access to substrate channeling in multienzymatic cascades
Authors: Breger Joyce C. , Vranish James N. , Oh Eunkeu , Stewart Michael H. , Susumu Kimihiro , Lasarte-Aragonés Guillermo , Ellis Gregory A. , Walper Scott A. , Díaz Sebastián A. , Hooe Shelby L. , Klein William P. , Thakur Meghna , Ancona Mario G. , Medintz Igor L.
Published: March 2023

Access to efficient enzymatic channeling is desired for improving all manner of designer biocatalysis. We demonstrate that enzymes constituting a multistep cascade can self-assemble with nanoparticle scaffolds into nanoclusters that access substrate channeling and improve catalytic flux by orders of magnitude. Utilizing saccharification and glycolytic enzymes with quantum dots (QDs) as a model system, nanoclustered-cascades incorporating from 4 to 10 enzymatic steps are prototyped. Along with confirming channeling using classical experiments, its efficiency is enhanced several fold more by optimizing enzymatic stoichiometry with numerical simulations, switching from spherical QDs to 2-D planar nanoplatelets, and by ordering the enzyme assembly. Detailed analyses characterize assembly formation and clarify structure-function properties. For extended cascades with unfavorable kinetics, channeled activity is maintained by splitting at a critical step, purifying end-product from the upstream sub-cascade, and feeding it as a concentrated substrate to the downstream sub-cascade. Generalized applicability is verified by extending to assemblies incorporating other hard and soft nanoparticles. Such self-assembled biocatalytic nanoclusters offer many benefits towards enabling minimalist cell-free synthetic biology.
Tackling antibiotic resistance by inducing transient and robust collateral sensitivity
Authors: Hernando-Amado Sara , Laborda Pablo , Martínez José Luis
Published: March 2023

Collateral sensitivity (CS) is an evolutionary trade-off traditionally linked to the mutational acquisition of antibiotic resistance (AR). However, AR can be temporally induced, and the possibility that this causes transient, non-inherited CS, has not been addressed. Mutational acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance leads to robust CS to tobramycin in pre-existing antibiotic-resistant mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, the strength of this phenotype is higher when nfxB mutants, over-producing the efflux pump MexCD-OprJ, are selected. Here, we induce transient nfxB-mediated ciprofloxacin resistance by using the antiseptic dequalinium chloride. Notably, non-inherited induction of AR renders transient tobramycin CS in the analyzed antibiotic-resistant mutants and clinical isolates, including tobramycin-resistant isolates. Further, by combining tobramycin with dequalinium chloride we drive these strains to extinction. Our results support that transient CS could allow the design of new evolutionary strategies to tackle antibiotic-resistant infections, avoiding the acquisition of AR mutations on which inherited CS depends.
Atomic-thick metastable phase RhMo nanosheets for hydrogen oxidation catalysis
Authors: Zhang Juntao , Liu Xiaozhi , Ji Yujin , Liu Xuerui , Su Dong , Zhuang Zhongbin , Chang Yu-Chung , Pao Chih-Wen , Shao Qi , Hu Zhiwei , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2023

Metastable phase two-dimensional catalysts provide great flexibility for modifying their chemical, physical, and electronic properties. However, the synthesis of ultrathin metastable phase two-dimensional metallic nanomaterials is highly challenging, mainly due to the anisotropic nature of metallic materials and their thermodynamically unstable ground-state. Here, we report free-standing RhMo nanosheets with atomic thickness and a unique core/shell (metastable phase/stable phase) structure. The polymorphic interface between the core region and shell region stabilizes and activates metastable phase catalysts; the RhMo Nanosheets/C shows excellent hydrogen oxidation activity and stability. Specifically, the mass activities of RhMo Nanosheets/C is 6.96 A mgRh−1; this is 21.09 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C (0.33 A mgPt−1). Density functional theory calculations suggest that the interface aids in the dissociation of H2and the H species can then spillover to weak H binding sites for desorption, providing excellent hydrogen oxidation activity for RhMo nanosheets. This work advances the highly controlled synthesis of two-dimensional metastable phase noble metals and provides great directions for the design of high-performance catalysts for fuel cells and beyond.
Future Indian Ocean warming patterns
Authors: Sharma Sahil , Ha Kyung-Ja , Yamaguchi Ryohei , Rodgers Keith B. , Timmermann Axel , Chung Eui-Seok
Published: March 2023

Most future projections conducted with coupled general circulation models simulate a non-uniform Indian Ocean warming, with warming hotspots occurring in the Arabian Sea (AS) and the southeastern Indian Ocean (SEIO). But little is known about the underlying physical drivers. Here, we are using a suite of large ensemble simulations of the Community Earth System Model 2 to elucidate the causes of non-uniform Indian Ocean warming. Strong negative air-sea interactions in the Eastern Indian Ocean are responsible for a future weakening of the zonal sea surface temperature gradient, resulting in a slowdown of the Indian Ocean Walker circulation and the generation of southeasterly wind anomalies over the AS. These contribute to anomalous northward ocean heat transport, reduced evaporative cooling, a weakening in upper ocean vertical mixing and an enhanced AS future warming. In contrast, the projected warming in the SEIO is related to a reduction of low-cloud cover and an associated increase in shortwave radiation. Therefore, the regional character of air-sea interactions plays a key role in promoting future large-scale tropical atmospheric circulation anomalies with implications for society and ecosystems far outside the Indian Ocean realm.
Defective BVES-mediated feedback control of cAMP in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Li Haiwen , Wang Peipei , Zhang Chen , Zuo Yuanbojiao , Zhou Yuan , Han Renzhi
Published: March 2023

Biological processes incorporate feedback mechanisms to enable positive and/or negative regulation. cAMP is an important second messenger involved in many aspects of muscle biology. However, the feedback mechanisms for the cAMP signaling control in skeletal muscle are largely unknown. Here we show that blood vessel epicardial substance (BVES) is a negative regulator of adenylyl cyclase 9 (ADCY9)-mediated cAMP signaling involved in maintaining muscle mass and function. BVES deletion in mice reduces muscle mass and impairs muscle performance, whereas virally delivered BVES expressed in Bves-deficient skeletal muscle reverses these defects. BVES interacts with and negatively regulates ADCY9’s activity. Disruption of BVES-mediated control of cAMP signaling leads to an increased protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade, thereby promoting FoxO-mediated ubiquitin proteasome degradation and autophagy initiation. Our study reveals that BVES functions as a negative feedback regulator of ADCY9-cAMP signaling in skeletal muscle, playing an important role in maintaining muscle homeostasis.
Cytosine base editors induce off-target mutations and adverse phenotypic effects in transgenic mice
Authors: Yan Nana , Feng Hu , Sun Yongsen , Xin Ying , Zhang Haihang , Lu Hongjiang , Zheng Jitan , He Chenfei , Zuo Zhenrui , Yuan Tanglong , Li Nana , Xie Long , Wei Wu , Sun Yidi , Zuo Erwei
Published: March 2023

Base editors have been reported to induce off-target mutations in cultured cells, mouse embryos and rice, but their long-term effects in vivo remain unknown. Here, we develop a Systematic evaluation Approach For gene Editing tools by Transgenic mIce (SAFETI), and evaluate the off-target effects of BE3, high fidelity version of CBE (YE1-BE3-FNLS) and ABE (ABE7.10F148A) in ~400 transgenic mice over 15 months. Whole-genome sequence analysis reveals BE3 expression generated de novo mutations in the offspring of transgenic mice. RNA-seq analysis reveals both BE3 and YE1-BE3-FNLS induce transcriptome-wide SNVs, and the numbers of RNA SNVs are positively correlated with CBE expression levels across various tissues. By contrast, ABE7.10F148A shows no detectable off-target DNA or RNA SNVs. Notably, we observe abnormal phenotypes including obesity and developmental delay in mice with permanent genomic BE3 overexpression during long-time monitoring, elucidating a potentially overlooked aspect of side effects of BE3 in vivo.
Interface-engineered ferroelectricity of epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films
Authors: Shi Shu , Xi Haolong , Cao Tengfei , Lin Weinan , Liu Zhongran , Niu Jiangzhen , Lan Da , Zhou Chenghang , Cao Jing , Su Hanxin , Zhao Tieyang , Yang Ping , Zhu Yao , Yan Xiaobing , Tsymbal Evgeny Y. , Tian He , Chen Jingsheng
Published: March 2023

Ferroelectric hafnia-based thin films have attracted intense attention due to their compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. However, the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase is thermodynamically metastable. Various efforts have been made to stabilize the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase of hafnia-based films such as controlling the growth kinetics and mechanical confinement. Here, we demonstrate a key interface engineering strategy to stabilize and enhance the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2thin film by deliberately controlling the termination of the bottom La0.67Sr0.33MnO3layer. We find that the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2films on the MnO2-terminated La0.67Sr0.33MnO3have more ferroelectric orthorhombic phase than those on the LaSrO-terminated La0.67Sr0.33MnO3, while with no wake-up effect. Even though the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2thickness is as thin as 1.5 nm, the clear ferroelectric orthorhombic (111) orientation is observed on the MnO2termination. Our transmission electron microscopy characterization and theoretical modelling reveal that reconstruction at the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/ La0.67Sr0.33MnO3interface and hole doping of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2layer resulting from the MnO2interface termination are responsible for the stabilization of the metastable ferroelectric phase of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2. We anticipate that these results will inspire further studies of interface-engineered hafnia-based systems.
Human behavior and performance in deep space exploration: next challenges and research gaps
Authors: Pagnini Francesco , Manzey Dietrich , Rosnet Elisabeth , Ferravante Denise , White Olivier , Smith Nathan
Published: March 2023

As space exploration missions move from low orbit to distant destinations, including the Moon and Mars, new psychological, behavioral, and team challenges will arise. This manuscript represents an up-to-date white paper developed by European experts invited by the European Space Agency (ESA), mapping unfilled research gaps related to the psychology of space exploration, considering the incoming human missions, and accounting for the available scientific knowledge. ESA created the expert team and facilitated its work, but the team was completely independent in terms of contents. The white paper considers basic issues of adaptation, pre-, during-, and post-mission experiences, and possible countermeasures to be developed and tested. The resulting integrative map provides a guide for researchers that are interested in conducting research in the support of future space exploration endeavors.
Results of a phase Ib study of SB-121, an investigational probiotic formulation, a randomized controlled trial in participants with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Schmitt Lauren M. , Smith Elizabeth G. , Pedapati Ernest V. , Horn Paul S. , Will Meredith , Lamy Martine , Barber Lillian , Trebley Joe , Meyer Kevin , Heiman Mark , West Korbin H. J. , Hughes Phoevos , Ahuja Sanjeev , Erickson Craig A.
Published: March 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core impairments in social communication as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and/or interests. Individuals with ASD, which includes about 2% of the US population, have challenges with activities of daily living and suffer from comorbid medical and mental health concerns. There are no drugs indicated for the core impairments of ASD. As such, there is a significant need for the development of new medication strategies for individuals with ASD. This first-in-human placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study investigated the safety (primary objective) and efficacy of oral SB-121, a combination of L. reuteri, Sephadex® (dextran microparticles), and maltose administered once daily for 28 days in 15 autistic participants. SB-121 was safe and well tolerated. SB-121-associated directional improvements in adaptive behavior measured by Vineland-3 and social preference as measured with eye tracking were noted. These results provide support for further clinical evaluation of SB-121 as a treatment in autistic patients. To evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of SB-121 in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. Single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. 15 patients with autism spectrum disorder were randomized and analyzed. Daily dosing of SB-121 or placebo for 28 days, followed by approximately a 14 day washout, then 28 days of dosing with other treatment. Incidence and severity of adverse events, presence of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Sephadex® in stool, and incidence of bacteremia with positive L. reuteri identification. Additional outcomes include changes from baseline on cognitive and behavior tests as well as biomarker levels. Adverse event rates were similar between SB-121 and placebo, with most reported as mild. There were no severe or serious adverse events. No participants had features of suspected bacteremia or notable changes in vital signs, safety laboratory, or ECG parameters from baseline. There was a statistically significant increase from baseline in the Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Composite score (p = 0.03) during SB-121 treatment. There was a trend for increased social/geometric viewing ratio following SB-121 treatment compared to placebo. SB-121 was safe and well tolerated. SB-121-associated directional improvements in adaptive behavior measured by Vineland-3 and social preference as measured with eye tracking were noted.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04944901.
Tapered whisker reservoir computing for real-time terrain identification-based navigation
Authors: Yu Zhenhua , Sadati S. M. Hadi , Perera Shehara , Hauser Helmut , Childs Peter R. N. , Nanayakkara Thrishantha
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a new method for real-time terrain recognition-based navigation for mobile robots. Mobile robots performing tasks in unstructured environments need to adapt their trajectories in real-time to achieve safe and efficient navigation in complex terrains. However, current methods largely depend on visual and IMU (inertial measurement units) that demand high computational resources for real-time applications. In this paper, a real-time terrain identification-based navigation method is proposed using an on-board tapered whisker-based reservoir computing system. The nonlinear dynamic response of the tapered whisker was investigated in various analytical and Finite Element Analysis frameworks to demonstrate its reservoir computing capabilities. Numerical simulations and experiments were cross-checked with each other to verify that whisker sensors can separate different frequency signals directly in the time domain and demonstrate the computational superiority of the proposed system, and that different whisker axis locations and motion velocities provide variable dynamical response information. Terrain surface-following experiments demonstrated that our system could accurately identify changes in the terrain in real-time and adjust its trajectory to stay on specific terrain.
New observation of perceptive mechanism behind the long-lasting change of people's community mobility: evidence from COVID-19 in China
Authors: Ye Ziwen , Yu Yang , Liu Yuxin , Zhang Chaosheng , Huang Lei
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to investigate how a new and long-lasting threat affects public risk perception and social distancing behavior, which is important for pandemic risk management and recovery of the tertiary industry. We have found that the mechanism that perception decides behavior changes over time. At the beginning of the pandemic, risk directly shapes people’s willingness of going out. But under a persistent threat, perception no longer plays the direct role of shape people’s willingness. Instead, perception indirectly influences the willingness by shaping people’s judgment about the necessity of traveling. Switching from direct to indirect influence, perception’s effect is enlarged, which partially prevents people from returning to normal life even if the governmental ban is removed in a zero-COVID community.
Short-term balance consolidation relies on the primary motor cortex: a rTMS study
Authors: Egger S. , Wälchli M. , Rüeger E. , Taube W.
Published: March 2023

Structural and functional adaptations occur in the primary motor cortex (M1) after only a few balance learning sessions. Nevertheless, the role of M1 in consolidating balance tasks remains to be discussed, as direct evidence is missing due to the fact that it is unclear whether adaptations in M1 are indeed the driving force for balance improvements or merely the consequence of improved balance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the primary motor cortex is involved in the learning and consolidation of balance tasks. Thirty participants were randomly allocated into a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or sham-rTMS group. The experimental design included a single balance acquisition phase, followed by either 15 min of low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz at 115% of resting motor threshold to disrupt the involvement of M1) or sham-rTMS, and finally a retention test 24 h later. During the acquisition phase, no differences in balance improvements were observed between the two groups. However, significant differences between the rTMS and the sham-rTMS group were found from the end of the acquisition phase to the retention test. While the rTMS group had a performance loss, the sham-rTMS group displayed significant off-line gains (p = 0.001). For the first time, this finding may propose a causal relationship between the involvement of M1 and the acquisition and consolidation of a balance task.