bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Co doping on the magnetic and transport properties of FeRh
Authors: Seo Sang-il , Park Min-Tae , Jung Myung-Hwa
Published: December 2024

FeRh undergoes a first-order phase transition from the antiferromagnetic (AFM) to ferromagnetic (FM) state at ∼370 K, which is highly sensitive to strain and compositional changes. In this study, we investigate the magnetic and electronic properties of Co-doped FeRh films fabricated using a co-sputtering technique, to address how the magnetic transition behavior is influenced by the doping in FeRh films. By adjusting Co sputtering gun currents (=0, 5, 8, and 10 mA), we achieve Co doping levels from 1 to 2 at. %, where initial Co atoms (for 5 and 8 mA) substitute Rh sites, while doped Co levels (for 10 mA) begin to occupy Fe sites with unchanged Co doping level of 2 at. %. We find that Co substitution significantly lowers the transition temperature, attributed to an enhancement of the FM phase due to the contribution of magnetic Co doping. Furthermore, the Co doping leads to a remarkable increment in the magnetoresistance ratio during the transition, reaching up to 190% for only 2 at. % Co doping, while keeping the magnetization change. The Hall effect measurements indicate a slight reduction in carrier density with Co doping, maintaining changes in carrier type across the phase transition. These results highlight the tunable magnetic phase transition and resistance changes in Co-doped FeRh films. This study provides valuable insights into the complex physics underlying the Co doping in FeRh films, emphasizing their scientific value in understanding the mechanism of the AFM–FM transitions in achieving high magnetoresistance.
Mechanically mediated cargo delivery to cells using microfluidic devices
Authors: Mao Zhiyu , Shi Bori , Wu Jinbo , Gao Xinghua
Published: December 2024

Drug delivery technologies, which are a crucial area of research in the field of cell biology, aim to actively or passively deliver drugs to target cells to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize off-target effects. In recent years, with advances in drug development, particularly, the increasing demand for macromolecular drugs (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids), novel drug delivery technologies and intracellular cargo delivery systems have emerged as promising tools for cell and gene therapy. These systems include various viral- and chemical-mediated methods as well as physical delivery strategies. Physical methods, such as electroporation and microinjection, have shown promise in early studies but have not been widely adopted due to concerns regarding efficiency and cellular viability. Recently, microfluidic technologies have provided new opportunities for cargo delivery by allowing for precise control of fluid dynamic parameters to achieve efficient and safe penetration of cell membranes, as well as for foreign material transport. Microfluidics-based mechanical delivery methods utilize biophysical phenomena, such as cell constriction and fluid shear, and are associated with high throughput and high transfection efficiency. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in microfluidic mechanical delivery technologies, and we discuss constriction- and fluid shear-induced delivery strategies. Furthermore, we explore the potential application of artificial intelligence in optimizing cargo delivery technologies, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the future development of novel cellular drug delivery technologies.
Diversified applications and synthesis of hydroxamic acids
Authors: Li Yao , Li Junzhou , Cai Chaoying , Yang Li , Hao Yiqiao , Chen Guoliang , Bao Xuefei
Published: December 2024

Owing to the ability to form coordination complexes with several metal ions, hydroxamic acids have been widely used in the fields of medicinal chemistry, mineral flotation, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), remediation of metal contamination and more. Since three hydroxamic acid-based histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of haematologic malignancies, such functional groups have acquired even more attention in synthetic medicinal chemistry. However, application of hydroxamic acids for ore beneficiation is a unique area and has attracted the attention of few researchers. In order to provide insights for chemists in drug development, chelating mineral collector selection, remediation of metal pollution and preparation of MOFs, we summarize the applications of hydroxamic acids in the above-mentioned fields, and then introduce some related synthesis strategies including microwave synthesis, use of continuous flow reactors, solid-phase synthesis and enzymatic synthesis as supplements to classical synthetic methods.
Dynamical theory of complex systems with two-way micro–macro causation
Authors: Harte John , Brush Micah , Umemura Kaito , Muralikrishnan Pranav , Newman Erica A.
Published: December 2024

In many complex systems encountered in the natural and social sciences, mechanisms governing system dynamics at a microscale depend upon the values of state variables characterizing the system at coarse-grained, macroscale (Goldenfeld and Woese, 2011, Noble et al., 2019, and Chater and Loewenstein, 2023). State variables, in turn, are averages over relevant probability distributions of the microscale variables. Neither inferential
Top–Down
nor mechanistic
Bottom–Up
modeling alone can predict responses of such scale-entwined systems to perturbations. We describe and explore the properties of a dynamic theory that combines
Top–Down
information-theoretic inference with
Bottom–Up
, state-variable-dependent mechanisms. The theory predicts the functional form of nonstationary probability distributions over microvariables and relates the trajectories of time-evolving macrovariables to the form of those distributions. Analytic expressions for the time evolution of Lagrange multipliers from Maxent solutions allow for rapid calculation of the time trajectories of state variables even in high dimensional systems. Examples of possible applications to scale-entwined systems in nonequilibrium chemical thermodynamics, epidemiology, economics, and ecology exemplify the potential multidisciplinary scope of the theory. A worked-out low-dimension example illustrates the structure of the theory and demonstrates how scale entwinement can result in slowed recovery from perturbations, reddened time series spectra in response to white-noise input, and hysteresis upon parameter displacement and subsequent restoration.
Understanding paralogous epilepsy–associated GABA
A
receptor variants: Clinical implications, mechanisms, and potential pitfalls
Authors: Kan Anthony S. H. , Kusay Ali S. , Mohammadi Nazanin A. , Lin Susan X. N. , Liao Vivian W. Y. , Lesca Gaetan , Souci Sabrine , Milh Mathieu , Christophersen Palle , Chebib Mary , Møller Rikke S. , Absalom Nathan L. , Jensen Anders A. , Ahring Philip K.
Published: December 2024

Recent discoveries have revealed that genetic variants in γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA
A
) receptor subunits can lead to both gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) receptors. GABA
A
receptors, however, have a pseudosymmetrical pentameric assembly, and curiously diverse functional outcomes have been reported for certain homologous variants in paralogous genes (paralogous variants). To investigate this, we assembled a cohort of 11 individuals harboring paralogous M1 proline missense variants in
GABRA1
,
GABRB2
,
GABRB3,
and
GABRG2.
Seven mutations (α1
P260L
, α1
P260S
, β2
P252L
, β3
P253L
, β3
P253S
, γ2
P282A
, and γ2
P282S
) in α1β2/3γ2 receptors were analyzed using electrophysiological examinations and molecular dynamics simulations. All individuals in the cohort were diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, with a median seizure onset age of 3.5 mo, and all exhibited global developmental delay. The clinical data for this cohort aligned with established GABA
A
receptor GOF but not LOF cohorts. Electrophysiological assessments revealed that all variants caused GOF by increasing GABA sensitivity by 3- to 23-fold. In some cases, this was accompanied by LOF traits such as reduced maximal current amplitude and enhanced receptor desensitization. The specific subunit mutated and whether the mutation occurred in one or two subunits within the pentamer influenced the overall effects. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed similar structural changes from all mutations, but with position-dependent asymmetry. These findings establish that paralogous variants affecting the 100% conserved proline residue in the M1 transmembrane helix of GABA
A
R subunits all lead to overall GOF traits. The unexpected asymmetric and mixed effects on receptor function have broader implications for interpreting functional analyses for multimeric ion-channel proteins.
A genetically encoded anomalous SAXS ruler to probe the dimensions of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Yu Miao , Gruzinov Andrey Yu. , Ruan Hao , Scheidt Tom , Chowdhury Aritra , Giofrè Sabrina , Mohammed Ahmed S. A. , Caria Joana , Sauter Paul F. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Lemke Edward A.
Published: December 2024

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) adopt ensembles of rapidly fluctuating heterogeneous conformations, influencing their binding capabilities and supramolecular transitions. The primary conformational descriptors for understanding IDP ensembles—the radius of gyration (
R
G
), measured by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and the root mean square (rms) end-to-end distance (
R
E
), probed by fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET)—are often reported to produce inconsistent results regarding IDP expansion as a function of denaturant concentration in the buffer. This ongoing debate surrounding the FRET-SAXS discrepancy raises questions about the overall reliability of either method for quantitatively studying IDP properties. To address this discrepancy, we introduce a genetically encoded anomalous SAXS (ASAXS) ruler, enabling simultaneous and direct measurements of
R
G
and
R
E
without assuming a specific structural model. This ruler utilizes a genetically encoded noncanonical amino acid with two bromine atoms, providing an anomalous X-ray scattering signal for precise distance measurements. Through this approach, we experimentally demonstrate that the ratio between
R
E
and
R
G
varies under different denaturing conditions, highlighting the intrinsic properties of IDPs as the primary source of the observed SAXS-FRET discrepancy rather than shortcomings in either of the two established methods. The developed genetically encoded ASAXS ruler emerges as a versatile tool for both IDPs and folded proteins, providing a unified approach for obtaining complementary and site-specific conformational information in scattering experiments, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of protein functions.
Conditional cooperation with longer memory
Authors: Glynatsi Nikoleta E. , Akin Ethan , Nowak Martin A. , Hilbe Christian
Published: December 2024

Direct reciprocity is a wide-spread mechanism for the evolution of cooperation. In repeated interactions, players can condition their behavior on previous outcomes. A well-known approach is given by reactive strategies, which respond to the coplayer’s previous move. Here, we extend reactive strategies to longer memories. A reactive-
n
strategy takes into account the sequence of the last
n
moves of the coplayer. A reactive-
n
counting strategy responds to how often the coplayer cooperated during the last
n
rounds. We derive an algorithm to identify the partner strategies within these strategy sets. Partner strategies are those that ensure mutual cooperation without exploitation. We give explicit conditions for all partner strategies among reactive-2, reactive-3 strategies, and reactive-
n
counting strategies. To further explore the role of memory, we perform evolutionary simulations. We vary several key parameters, such as the cost-to-benefit ratio of cooperation, the error rate, and the strength of selection. Within the strategy sets we consider, we find that longer memory tends to promote cooperation. This positive effect of memory is particularly pronounced when individuals take into account the precise sequence of moves.
Enhancing He 2 3S1 state production in the burst regime of a nanosecond discharge
Authors: Britun Nikolay , Hori Masaru
Published: December 2024

Atmospheric repetitive He discharge with 10 ns current peak width working in the burst pulse regime was studied. The production of He 3S1 and 1S0 metastable states was examined using laser- collisions- induced fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Both methods independently reveal a significant increase of 3S1 population in the burst regime, depending on the plasma pulse separation time in the burst. Up to a seven-fold increase in the 3S1 population was detected after the third pulse in a 3-pulse burst sequence (as compared to the value obtained after the first pulse or in a single pulse regime), not requiring additional applied power. The observed effect is explained by recombination between the electrons and the ground state ions (He+, He

2
+

) produced in the previous plasma pulse and refilling the volume of interest in few hundred µs.
Investigation of divertor heat flux characteristics under the influence of resonant magnetic perturbations on EAST
Authors: Liang Ruirong , Gong Xianzu , Zhang Bin , Jia Manni , Yang Hua , Ma Qun , Sun Youwen , Yang Zhendong , Hu Yunchan , Wang Zuhao , Wang Wei , Guo Yutong , Song Jinwen , Qian Jinping ,   the EAST Team
Published: December 2024

Controlling the splitting divertor heat flux caused by resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) is a topic of concern for fusion devices. As a fundamental prerequisite, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the heat flux distribution under the applied RMP field, which will be studied in this paper. The nonlinear phenomenon of strike point splitting was found to be strongly dependent on the plasma response under RMP. These splitting heat flux distributions are qualitatively explained by the simulated magnetic footprints. The RMP phase scanning experiment shows that scanning in a certain range of relative phase can maintain good edge-localized mode (ELM) mitigation and simultaneously sweep the striations of heat flux on divertor target. Additionally, even in upper single null (USN) configurations, heat stripes are observed on the lower outer divertor (LO-div), attributed to RMP-induced additional magnetic connections to the LO-div, as confirmed by magnetic topology simulations. A dedicated investigation into the impact of the discrepancy between lower and upper separatrix radii mapped to the low field side mid-plane (

d

R

sep

) reveals its significant influence on both ELM control and heat flux distribution. Within a certain range of

d

R

sep

, the heat flux distribution is improved while ELM suppression is maintained. These findings contribute to divertor heat flux understanding under RMP conditions in tokamak operations.
Vibration condition analysis based on surface-underground engineering measurement parameters
Authors: Fan Jinchao , Fang Chao , Xu Zhaohui , Lin Zili
Published: December 2024

Accurate identification of abnormal vibration conditions is an important guarantee for drilling safety. In the process of deep oil and gas and unconventional oil and gas production, only the surface parameters can not effectively identify the abnormal vibration conditions in the drilling process. It is an important method to accurately identify abnormal vibration conditions to obtain the engineering parameters near the bit by using downhole parameter measurement tools and analyze the data combined with the surface logging data. To solve the above problems, this paper firstly studies the storage downhole parameter measurement tool, which can obtain the parameters of weight on bit, speed, torque, temperature, pressure and acceleration near the bit position. Finally, field tests are carried out, and the experimental results show that the tool can effectively obtain engineering parameters near the bit position, and can effectively identify abnormal downhole vibration conditions based on surface-downhole parameters, which can provide strong support for drilling operations.
Research on the factors influencing production capacity of backflow effect after fracturing
Authors: Bi Yancheng , Wu Yan , Sun Bing , Zhang Libao , Xu Zengqian , Song Zhiqun
Published: December 2024

In the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, fracturing has become a conventional way to improve single well recovery. The backflow process after fracturing, as the last process before production, is the key to determining the effectiveness of fracturing transformation. However, due to the complexity of the backflow problem, there is currently no mature theory of backflow after hydraulic fracturing. The on-site backflow process is often determined by experience, which has great blindness and arbitrariness. In response to this challenge, a comprehensive consideration is given to the issues of crack closure, formation fluid flow, and wellbore flow involved in fracturing backflow. Grey correlation degree and an improved grey correlation degree method are introduced to conduct grey correlation degree analysis on the parameters affecting the fracturing backflow effect. establish a systematic trend of change, and establish a model for the main factors affecting the effect. Analyze the patterns reflected in the changes of the system and provide the influencing factors with the highest weight. The research results have achieved theoretical guidance for stabilizing pressure, controlling liquid, and controlling sand during the backflow process, providing important scientific support for efficient backflow.
Intelligent prediction of oil well working conditions based on Transformer
Authors: Ma Yibo , Li Xiangyu , Yuan Chunhua
Published: December 2024

Intelligent prediction of oil well working conditions aims to realize intelligent troubleshooting of oil well faults through real-time monitoring and analysis of oil well operation status data. In order to improve well production efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and extend equipment life, this study proposes an intelligent prediction method based on Transformer model. This method uses the powerful sequence processing ability of Transformer to perform deep learning modeling on the well operation data, especially the analysis of key parameters such as phase A voltage, phase A current, phase B voltage, phase B current, phase C voltage, phase C current, power and power factor. Train and test the model to evaluate its accuracy and reliability in failure prediction. Experimental results show that the Transformer-based prediction model performs well in well failure prediction, can accurately identify potential faults and warn in advance, and significantly reduces unplanned downtime and maintenance costs. The model not only has a high numerical value in prediction accuracy, but also has a strong generalization ability, which is suitable for different types of oil wells and working conditions, and the prediction accuracy of the model reaches 92.31%. The intelligent prediction method of oil well working conditions based on Transformer has high application value and broad prospects. Future research can further optimize the structure and parameters of the model to improve its prediction performance under complex working conditions.
Research on trajectory measurement strategy while drilling based on screen lowering process
Authors: Qin Yi
Published: December 2024

In view of the soft coal seam drilling construction of small and medium-sized rotary drilling rigs in coal mines, the soft coal seam is usually used to support the hole wall due to the loose coal quality. The traditional wireless storage measurement trajectory instrument has a large outer diameter, which cannot realize the measurement while drilling in the drilling construction while the screen is lowered. In this paper, a reduced storage borehole trajectory measuring instrument is proposed, and the outer diameter and length of the probe tube are improved to be 20 mm and 692 mm. A fixed support structure for the probe pipe is designed, which can be applied to the drill pipe with an outer diameter of φ≥73mm, which is convenient for the measurement of the trajectory while drilling of the soft coal seam in the construction of the screen pipe. The industrial test shows that the measurement accuracy of the inclinometer is ± 0.2° in azimuth and plus or minus 0.1° in inclination, which realizes the process requirements of screen lowering without redrilling measurement.
Charge-exchange measurements of high-energy fast ions in LHD using negative-ion neutral beam injection
Authors: Hayashi W.H.J. , Heidbrink W.W. , Muscatello C.M. , Lin D.J. , Osakabe M. , Ogawa K. , Kawamoto Y. , Yamaguchi H. , Seki R. , Nuga H. , Isobe M. , Fujiwara Y. , Kamio S.
Published: December 2024

A new sightline geometry for the fast-ion D-alpha (FIDA)
diagnostic on the Large Helical Device (LHD) has been confirmed to
measure signals for high-energy fast ions produced by negative-ion
neutral beam injection. The newly installed sightline uses a
180 keV tangential negative-ion neutral beamline as the active
source. Due to the small angle between the beamline and FIDA
sightline, the relative velocity between fast ions and injected
neutrals is small. This allows for high-energy fast ions just below
the beam injection energy to produce measurable Doppler-shifted FIDA
emission. Experiments were conducted at LHD in order to compare the
new sightline, which views a high-energy negative-ion tangential
beamline, and the old sightline, which views a low-energy
perpendicular positive-ion neutral beamline. The measured FIDA
signal is validated against predictions from the synthetic fast-ion
diagnostic code FIDASIM with a distribution function modelled by the
5D transport code GNET. The results of the experiment confirm that
reducing the viewing angle with a tangential active beam allows FIDA
diagnostic to view high-energy fast ions with a sufficient
signal-to-noise ratio.
Impact of cloud radiative forcing on tropical cyclone frequency and intensity through tuning the cloud ice-to-snow diameter threshold
Authors: Zhang Lujia , Huang Yuanyuan , Lu Mengqian , Shi Xiaoming
Published: December 2024

Cloud radiative effect (CRE) is crucial for the development of tropical cyclones (TCs). This study investigates the impact of cloud radiation on TC seeds and TCs in an aquaplanet model by tuning ‘threshold diameter to convert cloud ice particles to snow’ (DCS). With increased cloud cover associated with higher DCS, seed frequency decreases, but the greater intensity increase of seeds leads to a higher survival rate from seeds to TCs. The changes in large-scale circulation within the models are responsible for the reduced seed frequency. Higher DCS enhances equatorial cloud liquid and ice amounts, thereby intensifying radiation heating to the tropics. Increased radiation leads to more moisture and higher temperatures at high levels and increases the temperature gradient from the tropics to the subtropics, thereby intensifying the Hadley circulation. The resulting decrease in convective available potential energy and intensification of vertical wind shear act as inhibiting factors for seed genesis. Besides, the presence of more high-level clouds accumulates both longwave and shortwave heating, creating favorable thermal conditions for the circulation to develop at the mesoscale. This process supports the growth of seeds into mature TCs, resulting in higher survival rates from seeds to TCs. The findings on TCs and CRE in aquaplanet models could serve as a foundation and provide evidence for studies conducted in more complex environmental conditions.
An improved empirical quantile mapping approach for bias correction of extreme values in climate model simulations
Authors: Byun Kyuhyun , Hamlet Alan F
Published: December 2024

Quantifying and correcting biases in modeling simulations is crucial for deriving meaningful findings across various scientific disciplines. Climate model simulations, in particular, often exhibit systemic biases when compared to observations. These biases may persist in future climate simulations, affecting the results of many climate change impact assessment studies. Empirical quantile mapping (QM) is a widely used method to correct these biases by mapping quantiles between observed and simulated cumulative distribution functions (CDFs). However, empirical QM faces a fundamental challenge when the CDF of future simulations differs from historical simulations, potentially leading to extreme values falling outside the historical CDF range. To address this issue, our study introduces a novel approach to extrapolate future extreme values for bias correction, preserving the rank order of simulated future extremes. By construction, our approach ensures that bias-corrected values are not exaggerated and retain the rank structure of the original simulated data while preserving climate change signals in the bias-corrected outputs. In addition, our approach includes a technique to adjust the wet-day frequency for precipitation by preserving the ratio of wet-day frequency between observations and historical model simulations.
Experimental investigation and modelling of the noise and vibration in screw compressors
Authors: Willie J F , Ganatra R
Published: December 2024

This article presents work on the extension of torsional models development for screw compressors. These compressors are common in industry and their vibration behavior and signature are very important. When neglected in the design, it can lead to torsional or structural resonance or lateral vibration in the machine during operation and in the worst case to catastrophic failure of the machine. The screw compressors presented here are used for bulk transport on trucks. They are designed and built by CVS Engineering GmbH. Measurements in the lab and field test showed that the torque peak in the drive shaft can fluctuate and show large values than normal when the first torsional mode is excited by 1 × the input speed. They also show that the nature of the excitation and hence the response of the machine depends on the drive and the excitation amplitude, which depends strongly on the prop-shaft angle. To predict this behavior, detailed free and forced torsional models are developed and validated with measurements. The latter enables the validation of the torque peaks obtained in measurement. The drive train configuration (branched or unbranched) is
Modeling intratumor heterogeneity in breast cancer
Authors: McDonough Elizabeth , Barroso Margarida , Ginty Fiona , Corr David T
Published: December 2024

Reduced therapy response in breast cancer has been correlated with heterogeneity in biomarker composition, expression level, and spatial distribution of cancer cells within a patient tumor. Thus, there is a need for models to replicate cell–cell, cell–stromal, and cell–microenvironment interactions during cancer progression. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models are convenient but cannot adequately represent tumor microenvironment histological organization, in vivo 3D spatial/cellular context, and physiological relevance. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro tumor models have been shown to provide an improved platform for incorporating compositional and spatial heterogeneity and to better mimic the biological characteristics of patient tumors to assess drug response. Advances in 3D bioprinting have allowed the creation of more complex models with improved physiologic representation while controlling for reproducibility and accuracy. This review aims to summarize the advantages and challenges of current 3D in vitro models for evaluating therapy response in breast cancer, with a particular emphasis on 3D bioprinting, and addresses several key issues for future model development as well as their application to other cancers.
Counterfactual restrictions and Bell’s theorem
Authors: Hance Jonte R
Published: December 2024

We show that the ability to consider counterfactual situations is a necessary assumption of Bell’s theorem, and that, to allow Bell inequality violations while maintaining all other assumptions, we just require certain measurement choices be counterfactually restricted, rather than the full removal of counterfactual definiteness. We illustrate how the counterfactual definiteness assumption formally arises from the statistical independence assumption. Counterfactual restriction therefore provides a way to interpret statistical independence violation different to what is typically assumed (i.e. that statistical independence violation means either retrocausality or superdeterminism). We tie counterfactual restriction to contextuality, and show the similarities to that approach.
Cost-effective control of air pollution in South Asia: modeling and policy applications
Authors: Purohit Pallav , Kiesewetter Gregor , Schöpp Wolfgang , Wagner Fabian , Klimont Zbigniew , Heyes Chris , Gómez-Sanabria Adriana , Srivastava Parul , Borken-Kleefeld Jens , Amann Markus
Published: December 2024

Air pollution poses a critical environmental challenge to sustainability, environmental health and public well-being in the South Asia Region (SAR). This study identifies hotspots of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across SAR, analyzing both concentration levels and exposure. Moreover, it aims at a comprehensive understanding of the various sources of air pollution in these critical areas and a systematic evaluation of the costs and benefits of relevant policy actions, utilizing the GAINS modeling framework. A wide variety of sources contribute to PM2.5 levels in ambient air, and effective air quality management requires a balance of measures across these sources. Current environmental policies, while effective in decoupling emissions from economic growth in SAR, are insufficient to achieve significant reductions in ambient PM2.5 concentrations. However, considerable scope exists for further measures beyond current policies that could help to bring the WHO Interim Targets (IT-1) for PM2.5 closer. Finally, it is shown that cost-optimal strategies for air quality management can achieve significant cost savings compared to conventional approaches; however, they require collaboration between states, regions and countries in South Asia.
Maize yields could benefit from increased vapor pressure deficit in hot managed environments
Authors: Galić Vlatko , Salaić Miroslav , Zdunić Zvonimir , Šimić Domagoj , Brkić Andrija , Ledenčan Tatjana , Brkić Josip , Atakul Ersan , Er Ülkü , Guberac Vlado , Jambrović Antun
Published: December 2024

Recent studies highlight the adverse effects of increasing vapor pressure deficit (VPD) due to climate change on maize yields. Maize breeders are utilizing available genetic diversity to address these challenges. However, contrasting ecophysiological properties and genotype by environment interactions (GEI) often hinder these efforts. This study by the Agricultural Institute Osijek, in collaboration with Turkish company Tarım Kredi Tohumculuk, explores the adaptation of maize germplasm to hot, managed environments in Türkiye, originally bred for Southeast and Central European rainfed conditions. Over an 11-year period (2009–2019), multi-environment trials (MET) were conducted in two stages. In cycle 0 (C0), 22 hybrids were evaluated across 17 environments in Croatia and Türkiye. In cycle 1 (C1), MET was conducted in 18 Turkish environments. Complete linkage hierarchical clustering based on hybrid performance and climatic variables revealed two distinct clusters with positive or negative responses to increasing VPD in C0. In C1, genetic variances increased with rising VPD, maintaining distinct responses. Our findings align with reports on the limited transpiration trait in maize and sorghum, suggesting that while such traits can reduce water loss, they may also limit yield potential in high-VPD environments.
Optimizing composting process through mixture design for a sustainable valorization of residual biomass from medicinal and aromatic plants
Authors: Mehdaoui Imane , Majbar Zineb , Saoudi Hassani El Mokhtar , Mahmoud Rachid , Ben Abbou Mohamed , Bougarne Loubna , Sakar El Hassan , Taleb Mustapha , Rais Zakia , Khoshnaw Fuad
Published: December 2024

Recently, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) gained a particular interest for their application in various fields such as food science, pharmacy, etc). MAP processing results in huge amounts of residual biomasses (RB). Such RB are valuable as they contain nutrients that can be recycled into high-value products rather than being considered waste. Composting emerges as a promising solution, effectively converting this biomass into a nutrient-rich product essential for plant growth. This research aimed to valorize RB from MAP through co-composting with green waste (GW) and poultry manure (PM) by optimising the initial mixture composition and evaluating the compost’s quality. A statistical mixture design approach was utilized to optimize the initial mixture composition. Sixteen of experiments were performed, focusing on pH and C/N ratio as response parameters. After monitoring the composting process, physicochemical parameters and the quality of the compost produced were evaluated. The results led to the successful development and validation of two response models using analysis of variance. The ideal mixture composition was found to be 45% RB-MAP, 25%PM, and 30% GW. The final compost exhibited a low C/N ratio, was rich in fertilizing and nutritive elements, and importantly, showed no phytotoxic effects. This research underscores the potential of composting as a sustainable method to convert RB into valuable agricultural resources.
Factors driving drinking water preferences among atlanta-area pediatric patients
Authors: Milani Alex , Livingston-Burns Belise , Philipsborn Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Background. Global environmental pressures threaten water safety and security. Climate-driven extreme weather stresses water infrastructure and supply, including in US cities. Even when water sources are classified as safe, individuals, including those from historically marginalized communities, may distrust their in-home tap water. Consumption of bottled water further contributes to plastic waste and environmental harm. This pilot study aims to understand the drinking water preferences of patients at a safety net pediatric clinic in Atlanta, Georgia towards informing individual and systems-level water-related climate and health adaptation measures. Methods. Guardians of patients >28 days to <12 years were invited to participate during their child’s well visit. Participants were administered a survey on their family’s drinking water consumption preferences, the reasoning behind these choices, and their access to information on water safety. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Findings. Of 201 participants, 77% (155) drank only bottled water, 21% (42) drank tap and bottled water, and only 2% (4) drank exclusively tap water. The most selected reasons for exclusive bottled water consumption were: concern that tap is not clean or safe (74%, 114), taste (56%, 86), convenience (26%, 40), and water clarity (13%, 20). Sixty-seven percent of participants did not know how to access emergency alerts like boil water advisories. Conclusion. The overwhelming majority of families who obtain their healthcare at our clinic choose bottled water over tap water, and water safety concerns are the key factor driving this decision. Most patients lack access to real-time basic public health messaging on water advisories. These findings suggest an opportunity for clinicians to provide guidance on drinking-water in clinical encounters and for interdisciplinary partnerships to support clinicians in this climate adaptation measure.
Swarming network inference with importance clustering of relative interactions
Authors: Hindes Jason , Daley Kevin , Stantchev George , Schwartz Ira B
Published: December 2024

Swarming is central to many problems in physics, biology, and engineering where collective motion and cooperation emerge through interactions of many agents. As a result, inferring network connections underlying swarms from time series data is an important problem with broad application. In this work, we propose a method based on phase-space regression of the observed dynamics with random forest models, from which relative interactions are clustered according to their Gini importance with respect to a given agent. Network connections are inferred by comparing how the statistics of the strongly and weakly important clusters overlap. Because the method entails fitting the dynamics and finding the most important interactions for each agent individually with general swarming assumptions, high accuracy can be maintained with relatively modest amounts of observation data and utilizing only a small number of generalizable hyperparameters across a variety of behavioral patterns, diverse physical ingredients, and heterogeneous network topologies.
Historical perspective and opportunity for computing in memory using floating-gate and resistive non-volatile computing including neuromorphic computing
Authors: Hasler Jennifer , Basu Arindam
Published: December 2024

The effort addresses the research activity around the usage of non-volatile memories (NVM) for storage of ‘weights’ in neural networks and the resulting computation through these memory crossbars. In particular, we focus on the CMOS implementations of, and comparisons between, memristor/resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices, and floating-gate (FG) devices. A historical perspective for illustrating FG and memristor/RRAM devices enables comparison of nonvolatile storage (addressing issues related to resolution, lifetime, endurance etc), feedforward computation (different variants of vector matrix multiplication, tradeoffs between power dissipation and signal to noise ratio etc), programming (addressing issues of selectivity, peripheral circuits, charge trapping etc), and learning algorithms (continuous time LMS or batch update), in these systems. We believe this historical perspective is necessary and timely given the increasing interest in using computation in memory with NVM for a wide variety of memory bound applications.
Future seasonal surface temperature predictability with and without ARISE-stratospheric aerosol injection-1.5
Authors: Mayer Kirsten J , Barnes Elizabeth A , Hurrell James W
Published: December 2024

To help reduce anthropogenic climate change impacts, various forms of solar radiation modification have been proposed to reduce the rate of warming. One method to intentionally reflect sunlight into space is through the introduction of reflective particles into the stratosphere, known as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). Previous research has shown that SAI implementation could lead to future climate impacts beyond surface temperature, including changes in El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. This response has the potential to modulate midlatitude variability and predictability through atmospheric teleconnections. Here, we explore possible differences in seasonal surface temperature predictability under a future with and without SAI implementation, using neural networks and the ARISE-SAI-1.5 simulations. We find significant future predictability changes in both boreal summer and winter under SSP2-4.5 with and without SAI. However, during boreal winter when SAI is implemented, seasonal predictability is more similar to the base climate than when SAI is not implemented, particularly in regions impacted by ENSO teleconnections.
Long time dynamics of the 𝑢^{𝑝} Klein-Gordon equation on general rectangular tori
Authors: Xu Fei , Li Yong
Published: December 2024

We address two interesting questions in the theory of the

u
p

u^p

Klein-Gordon equation defined on the general rectangular tori. First, we show the existence and uniqueness of solutions using an explicit combinatorial analysis under the exponential decay assumption in the Fourier space. The second question is the long time behavior of such a solution. In a weakly nonlinear setting, we can prove that the nonlinear solution is asymptotic to the linear solution.
Hydrogel-based therapies for diabetic foot ulcers: recent developments and clinical implications
Authors: Zhao Shuao , Hu Xinyu , Zhao Yiwen , Zhang Yige , Jin Yesheng , Hua Fei , Xu Yong , Ding Wenge
Published: December 2024

The diabetic foot ulcer is among the most serious diabetes-associated complications, with a long disease course considerably increasing the pain and economic burden of patients, leading to amputation and even death. High blood sugar is characteristic of diabetic foot ulcers, with insufficient blood supply, oxidative stress disorder, and high-risk bacterial infection posing great challenges for disease treatment. Advances in hydrogel dressings have shown potential for the management of diabetic foot ulcers involving multisystem lesions. This study comprehensively reviews the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers and advances in hydrogel dressings in treating diabetic foot ulcers, providing innovative perspectives for assessing the nursing care requirements and associated clinical applications.
Cardiovascular safety of assisted reproductive technology: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pivato Carlo Andrea , Inversetti Annalisa , Condorelli Gianluigi , Chieffo Alaide , Levi-Setti Paolo Emanuele , Latini Alessia Chiara , Busnelli Andrea , Messa Martina , Cristodoro Martina , Bragato Renato Maria , Francone Marco , Zuccolo Luisa , Ieva Francesca , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Stefanini Giulio , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

The increasing use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has raised concerns regarding its long-term cardiovascular safety due to potential hormonal imbalances and pro-thrombotic states. This study aimed to assess the long-term cardiovascular risk associated with fertility treatments in women.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed) from inception to January 2024. Randomized, cohort, or case-control studies were included if fulfilling the following criteria: the association between ART and the subsequent cardiovascular outcome was reported and adjusted for confounding factors (at least age); the presence of a control group; and minimum 1-year follow-up. Effect size (ES) estimates of the association between fertility therapy and subsequent cardiovascular disease were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 index. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024505605).

Results

Of the 7298 articles screened, 10 studies were included, encompassing 500 664 women undergoing ART and 36 395 240 controls. The analysis found no significant increase in the long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events [ES 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–1.23, I2 87.61%, P = .63], coronary heart disease (ES 0.88, 95% CI 0.71–1.10, I2 24.36%, P = .26), stroke (ES 1.21, 95% CI 0.92–1.59, I2 70.40%, P = .17), venous thromboembolism (ES 0.95, 95% CI 0.70–1.28, I2 49.13%, P = .73), hypertension (ES 1.08, 95% CI 0.88–1.32, I2 94.63%, P = .46), or diabetes (ES 1.03, 95% CI 0.86–1.22, I2 78.44%, P = .77). Assisted reproductive technology was associated with a lower risk of heart failure (ES 0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.94, I2 0.00%, P = .01).

Conclusions

Assisted reproductive technology use does not appear to be significantly associated with an increased long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases in women. While these findings suggest the cardiovascular safety of fertility treatments, further research is warranted.
Reckoning with Reconciliation: Art and Artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Redwood Henry , Fairey Tiffany , Kerr Rachel
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT∞

Reconciliation is often invoked as a primary goal of transitional justice and peacebuilding but it is a term that both resists easy definition and is hotly contested. Art, meanwhile, is posited as an alternative means of promoting reconciliation, but measuring its effectiveness is fraught with difficulty. This article takes a novel approach to answer the question of what art and artists can contribute to postconflict reconciliation by analysing two artworks commissioned to respond to the exhibition and collections of the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to the 1992–1995 Siege of Sarajevo: Memoria Bosniaca, by Vladimir Miladinović and Multiple Water Rocket Launcher 100 mm, by Mladen Miljanović. Based on our analysis of these two artworks, we propose a novel framing of ‘aesthetic reconciliation’ which embraces paradox and complexity, and is both personal and politically situated, critical and interpretive and fixed but open to contestation.
Diagnostic value of TAP, PIVKA-II, and AFP in hepatocellular carcinoma and their prognostic value for patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Gan Delu , Wang Yali , Yang Xin , Huang Juan , Zhang Lijun , Guo Bianqin , Li Pu , Gou Dan
Published: December 2024

Objective

The diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) present significant challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of tumor abnormal protein (TAP), Prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in diagnosing HCC as well as to investigate their prognostic significance in patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.

Methods

A total of 93 HCC patients were enrolled and 101 healthy individuals served as controls. Fresh venous blood samples were collected, and TAP, PIVKA-II, and AFP levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Significant differences in TAP, PIVKA-II, and AFP levels were found between HCC patients and healthy individuals. The combined assay of TAP, AFP, and PIVKA-II showed better diagnostic performance for HCC. Patients who underwent transarterial chemoembolization and achieved complete response (CR) had lower levels of prechemotherapy serum TAP, AFP, and PIVKA-II. There are significant differences in levels of TAP, AFP, and PIVKA-II between CR and partial response (PR), CR and stable disease (SD), and CR and progressive disease (PD).

Conclusion

Combined detection of TAP, PIVKA-II, and AFP has better diagnostic performance for HCC. Higher levels of prechemotherapy serum TAP, AFP, and PIVKA-II are significantly associated with poor clinical chemoresponse.