bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echoes of ancient introgression punctuate stable genomic lineages in the evolution of figs
Authors: Gardner Elliot M. , Bruun-Lund Sam , Niissalo Matti , Chantarasuwan Bhanumas , Clement Wendy L. , Geri Connie , Harrison Rhett D. , Hipp Andrew L. , Holvoet Maxime , Khew Gillian , Kjellberg Finn , Liao Shuai , Pederneiras Leandro Cardoso , Peng Yan-Qiong , Pereira Joan T. , Phillipps Quentin , Ahmad Puad Aida Shafreena , Rasplus Jean-Yves , Sang Julia , Schou Sverre Juul , Velautham Elango , Weiblen George D. , Zerega Nyree J. C. , Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhen , Baraloto Christopher , Rønsted Nina
Published: July 2023

Studies investigating the evolution of flowering plants have long focused on isolating mechanisms such as pollinator specificity. Some recent studies have proposed a role for introgressive hybridization between species, recognizing that isolating processes such as pollinator specialization may not be complete barriers to hybridization. Occasional hybridization may therefore lead to distinct yet reproductively connected lineages. We investigate the balance between introgression and reproductive isolation in a diverse clade using a densely sampled phylogenomic study of fig trees (Ficus, Moraceae). Codiversification with specialized pollinating wasps (Agaonidae) is recognized as a major engine of fig diversity, leading to about 850 species. Nevertheless, some studies have focused on the importance of hybridization inFicus, highlighting the consequences of pollinator sharing. Here, we employ dense taxon sampling (520 species) throughout Moraceae and 1,751 loci to investigate phylogenetic relationships and the prevalence of introgression among species throughout the history ofFicus. We present a well-resolved phylogenomic backbone forFicus, providing a solid foundation for an updated classification. Our results paint a picture of phylogenetically stable evolution within lineages punctuated by occasional local introgression events likely mediated by local pollinator sharing, illustrated by clear cases of cytoplasmic introgression that have been nearly drowned out of the nuclear genome through subsequent lineage fidelity. The phylogenetic history of figs thus highlights that while hybridization is an important process in plant evolution, the mere ability of species to hybridize locally does not necessarily translate into ongoing introgression between distant lineages, particularly in the presence of obligate plant–pollinator relationships.
An eosimiid primate of South Asian affinities in the Paleogene of Western Amazonia and the origin of New World monkeys
Authors: Marivaux Laurent , Negri Francisco R. , Antoine Pierre-Olivier , Stutz Narla S. , Condamine Fabien L. , Kerber Leonardo , Pujos François , Ventura Santos Roberto , Alvim André M. V. , Hsiou Annie S. , Bissaro Marcos C. , Adami-Rodrigues Karen , Ribeiro Ana Maria
Published: July 2023

Recent fossil discoveries in Western Amazonia revealed that two distinct anthropoid primate clades of African origin colonized South America near the Eocene/Oligocene transition (
ca.
34 Ma). Here, we describe a diminutive fossil primate from Brazilian Amazonia and suggest that, surprisingly, a third clade of anthropoids was involved in the Paleogene colonization of South America by primates. This new taxon,
Ashaninkacebus simpsoni
gen. et sp. nov., has strong dental affinities with Asian African stem anthropoids: the Eosimiiformes. Morphology-based phylogenetic analyses of early Old World anthropoids and extinct and extant New World monkeys (platyrrhines) support relationships of both
Ashaninkacebus
and
Amamria
(late middle Eocene, North Africa) to the South Asian Eosimiidae. Afro-Arabia, then a mega island, played the role of a biogeographic stopover between South Asia and South America for anthropoid primates and hystricognathous rodents. The earliest primates from South America bear little adaptive resemblance to later Oligocene-early Miocene platyrrhine monkeys, and the scarcity of available paleontological data precludes elucidating firmly their affinities with or within Platyrrhini. Nonetheless, these data shed light on some of their life history traits, revealing a particularly small body size and a diet consisting primarily of insects and possibly fruit, which would have increased their chances of survival on a natural floating island during this extraordinary over-water trip to South America from Africa. Divergence-time estimates between Old and New World taxa indicate that the transatlantic dispersal(s) could source in the intense flooding events associated with the late middle Eocene climatic optimum (ca. 40.5 Ma) in Western Africa.
Operando probing and adjusting of the complicated electrode process of multivalent metals at extreme temperature
Authors: Jiao Handong , An Jialiang , Jia Yongzheng , Liu Qiang , Wang Zhe , Gao Yang , Wang Mingyong , Fang Daining , Zhu Hongmin , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: July 2023

Nearly half of the elements in the periodic table are extracted, refined, or plated using electrodeposition in high-temperature melts. However, operando observations and tuning of the electrodeposition process during realistic electrolysis operations are extremely difficult due to severe reaction conditions and complicated electrolytic cell, which makes the improvement of the process very blind and inefficient. Here, we developed a multipurpose operando high-temperature electrochemical instrument that combines operando Raman microspectroscopy analysis, optical microscopy imaging, and a tunable magnetic field. Subsequently, the electrodeposition of Ti—which is a typical polyvalent metal and generally shows a very complex electrode process—was used to verify the stability of the instrument. The complex multistep cathodic process of Ti in the molten salt at 823 K was systematically analyzed by a multidimensional operando analysis strategy involving multiple experimental studies, theoretical calculations, etc. The regulatory effect and its corresponding scale-span mechanism of the magnetic field on the electrodeposition process of Ti were also elucidated, which would be inaccessible with existing experimental techniques and is significant for the real-time and rational optimization of the process. Overall, this work established a powerful and universal methodology for in-depth analysis of high-temperature electrochemistry.
Brokerage rents and intermediation networks
Authors: Choi Syngjoo , Goyal Sanjeev , Moisan Frédéric
Published: July 2023

This paper provides experimental evidence on the economic determinants of intermediation networks by considering two pricing rules—respectively, criticality and betweenness—and three group sizes of subjects—10, 50, and 100 subjects. We find that when brokerage benefits accrue only to traders who lie on all paths of intermediation, stable networks involve interconnected cycles, and trading path lengths grow while linking and payoff inequality remain modest as the number of traders grows. By contrast, when brokerage benefits are equally distributed among traders on the shortest paths, stable networks contain a few hubs that provide the vast majority of links, and trading path lengths remain unchanged while linking and payoff inequality explode as the number of traders grows.
NLRs derepress MED10b- and MED7-mediated repression of jasmonate-dependent transcription to activate immunity
Authors: Wu Qian , Tong Cong , Chen Zhengqiang , Huang Shen , Zhao Xiaohui , Hong Hao , Li Jia , Feng Mingfeng , Wang Huiyuan , Xu Min , Yan Yuling , Cui Hongmin , Shen Danyu , Ai Gan , Xu Yi , Li Junming , Zhang Hui , Huang Changjun , Zhang Zhongkai , Dong Suomeng , Wang Xuan , Zhu Min , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P. , Tao Xiaorong
Published: July 2023

Plant intracellular nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing receptors (NLRs) activate a robust immune response upon detection of pathogen effectors. How NLRs induce downstream immune defense genes remains poorly understood. The Mediator complex plays a central role in transducing signals from gene-specific transcription factors to the transcription machinery for gene transcription/activation. In this study, we demonstrate that MED10b and MED7 of the Mediator complex mediate jasmonate-dependent transcription repression, and coiled-coil NLRs (CNLs) in
Solanaceae
modulate MED10b/MED7 to activate immunity. Using the tomato CNL
Sw-5b
, which confers resistance to
tospovirus
, as a model, we found that the CC domain of Sw-5b directly interacts with MED10b. Knockout/down of
MED10b
and other subunits including
MED7
of the middle module of Mediator activates plant defense against
tospovirus
. MED10b was found to directly interact with MED7, and MED7 directly interacts with JAZ proteins, which function as transcriptional repressors of jasmonic acid (JA) signaling. MED10b–MED7–JAZ together can strongly repress the expression of JA-responsive genes. The activated Sw-5b CC interferes with the interaction between MED10b and MED7, leading to the activation of JA-dependent defense signaling against
tospovirus
. Furthermore, we found that CC domains of various other CNLs including helper NLR NRCs from
Solanaceae
modulate MED10b/MED7 to activate defense against different pathogens. Together, our findings reveal that MED10b/MED7 serve as a previously unknown repressor of jasmonate-dependent transcription repression and are modulated by diverse CNLs in
Solanaceae
to activate the JA-specific defense pathways.
Open millifluidics based on powder-encased channels
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Pang Xianglong , Jiang Haohao , Duan Mei , Liu Heng , Yang Zhujun , Xi Yuhang , Russell Thomas P.
Published: July 2023

Millifluidics, the manipulation of liquid flow in millimeter-sized channels, has been a revolutionary concept in chemical processing and engineering. The solid channels that contain the liquids, though, are not flexible in their design and modification, and prevent contact with the external environment. All-liquid constructs, on the other hand, while flexible and open, are imbedded in a liquid environment. Here, we provide a route to circumvent these limitations by encasing the liquids in a hydrophobic powder in air that jams on the surface, containing and isolating flowing fluids, offering flexibility and adaptability in design, as manifest in the ability to reconfigure, graft, and segment the constructs. Along with the open nature of these powder-contained channels that allow arbitrary connections/disconnections and substance addition/extraction, numerous applications can be opened in the biological, chemical, and material arenas.
Pharmacological YAP activation promotes regenerative repair of cutaneous wounds
Authors: Grzelak Edyta M. , Elshan N. G. R. Dayan , Shao Sida , Bulos Maya L. , Joseph Sean B. , Chatterjee Arnab K. , Chen Jian Jeffrey , Nguyên-Trân Vân , Schultz Peter G. , Bollong Michael J.
Published: July 2023

Chronic cutaneous wounds remain a persistent unmet medical need that decreases life expectancy and quality of life. Here, we report that topical application of PY-60, a small-molecule activator of the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP), promotes regenerative repair of cutaneous wounds in pig and human models. Pharmacological YAP activation enacts a reversible pro-proliferative transcriptional program in keratinocytes and dermal cells that results in accelerated re-epithelization and regranulation of the wound bed. These results demonstrate that transient topical administration of a YAP activating agent may represent a generalizable therapeutic approach to treating cutaneous wounds.
Pattern selection by material aging: Modeling chemical gardens in two and three dimensions
Authors: Batista Bruno C. , Morris Amari Z. , Steinbock Oliver
Published: July 2023

Chemical gardens are complex, often macroscopic, structures formed by precipitation reactions. Their thin walls compartmentalize the system and adjust in size and shape if the volume of the interior reactant solution is increased by osmosis or active injection. Spatial confinement to a thin layer is known to result in various patterns including self-extending filaments and flower-like patterns organized around a continuous, expanding front. Here, we describe a cellular automaton model for this type of self-organization, in which each lattice site is occupied by one of the two reactants or the precipitate. Reactant injection causes the random replacement of precipitate and generates an expanding near-circular precipitate front. If this process includes an age bias favoring the replacement of fresh precipitate, thin-walled filaments arise and grow—like in the experiments—at the leading tip. In addition, the inclusion of a buoyancy effect allows the model to capture various branched and unbranched chemical garden shapes in two and three dimensions. Our results provide a model of chemical garden structures and highlight the importance of temporal changes in the self-healing membrane material.
Mechanism of vorticity amplification by elastic waves in a viscoelastic channel flow
Authors: Li Yuke , Steinberg Victor
Published: July 2023

Inertia-less viscoelastic channel flow displays a supercritical nonnormal mode elastic instability due to finite-size perturbations despite its linear stability. The nonnormal mode instability is determined mainly by a direct transition from laminar to chaotic flow, in contrast to normal mode bifurcation leading to a single fastest-growing mode. At higher velocities, transitions to elastic turbulence and further drag reduction flow regimes occur accompanied by elastic waves in three flow regimes. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that the elastic waves play a key role in amplifying wall-normal vorticity fluctuations by pumping energy, withdrawn from the mean flow, into wall-normal fluctuating vortices. Indeed, the flow resistance and rotational part of the wall-normal vorticity fluctuations depend linearly on the elastic wave energy in three chaotic flow regimes. The higher (lower) the elastic wave intensity, the larger (smaller) the flow resistance and rotational vorticity fluctuations. This mechanism was suggested earlier to explain elastically driven Kelvin–Helmholtz-like instability in viscoelastic channel flow. The suggested physical mechanism of vorticity amplification by the elastic waves above the elastic instability onset recalls the Landau damping in magnetized relativistic plasma. The latter occurs due to the resonant interaction of electromagnetic waves with fast electrons in the relativistic plasma when the electron velocity approaches light speed. Moreover, the suggested mechanism could be generally relevant to flows exhibiting both transverse waves and vortices, such as Alfven waves interacting with vortices in turbulent magnetized plasma, and Tollmien–Schlichting waves amplifying vorticity in both Newtonian and elasto-inertial fluids in shear flows.
Discovery of another mechanism for the inhibition of particulate guanylyl cyclases by the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor
Authors: Liu Dianxin , Ceddia Ryan P. , Zhang Wei , Shi Fubiao , Fang Huafeng , Collins Sheila
Published: July 2023

The cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) control pivotal physiological actions such as fluid and electrolyte balance, cardiovascular homeostasis, and adipose tissue metabolism by activating their receptor enzymes [natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) and natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPRB)]. These receptors are homodimers that generate intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPRC), nicknamed the clearance receptor, lacks a guanylyl cyclase domain; instead, it can bind the NPs to internalize and degrade them. The conventional paradigm is that by competing for and internalizing NPs, NPRC blunts the ability of NPs to signal through NPRA and NPRB. Here we show another previously unknown mechanism by which NPRC can interfere with the cGMP signaling function of the NP receptors. By forming a heterodimer with monomeric NPRA or NPRB, NPRC can prevent the formation of a functional guanylyl cyclase domain and thereby suppress cGMP production in a cell-autonomous manner.
The new monstrous and its resonance with Frankenstein
Authors: Thomson David
Published: July 2023

Short Abstract

The commonplace that monster stories disguise collective anxiety is evaluated within the frame of nine Artificial Intelligence-themed films produced from 1979 and 2018. I conducted a machine learning classification task with the R open-source platform toward illustrating those films’ resonance with Shelley’s 1818 Frankenstein. This study concludes by calling for substitution of text sets in order to answer pressing questions in the digital humanities. In doing so I assert the cognitive mapping potential revealed in computer-aided reading.
Effect of initial microstructure on phase transformation and mechanical properties of Ti–3Al–5Mo–4Cr–2Zr–1Fe alloy
Authors: Zhu Qisong , Lu Bing , Xue Jiayu , Li Feng , Feng Liang , Chang Hui
Published: July 2023

Phase transformation, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of Ti–3Al–5Mo–4Cr–2Zr–1Fe alloy were investigated during a continuous heating process. Three microstructures, specifically lath, duplex, and lamellar structures, were examined. The activation energies for phase transition in these structures were measured as 277, 220, and 193 kJ mol−1, respectively. The phase transition follows: For the lath structure, β transforms into αacicular (550–660°C), αacicular converts to β (660–785°C), αlath does to β (660–850°C); For the duplex structure, β transforms into αacicular (545–660°C), αacicular converts to β (660–770°C), αlath does to β (660–850°C); For the lamellar structure, β transforms into αsecondary (560–615°C), αsecondary converts to β (615–705°C), αlamellar dose to β (615–850°C). The lath and duplex structures exhibited favorable comprehensive properties compared to lamellar microstructure.
Glass-contact refractory of the nuclear waste vitrification melters in the United States: a review of corrosion data and melter life
Authors: Jin Tongan , Hall Mark A. , Vienna John D. , Eaton William C. , Amoroso Jake W. , Wiersma Bruce J. , Li Wenxia , Abboud Alexander W. , Guillen Donna P. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: July 2023

The performance of the refractory lining in glass melters used for nuclear waste vitrification is critical to the melter reliability for long-term continuous operation. Monofrax® K-3, a high Cr2O3 fused cast refractory material, has been widely used to build the liners of nuclear waste glass melters in the United States. Corrosion behaviour of Monofrax® K-3 refractory has been evaluated based on crucible-scale testing, inspection of the refractory components following scaled melter testing, and inspections of the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) melter refractory after service. The literature generally consists of empirical models based on short-term testing to describe refractory corrosion dependence on glass composition. Corrosion data from tests with longer testing times, at various temperatures, in the presence of molten salts, and with different redox reactions in the plenum atmosphere exist, may be insufficient to provide accurate refractory service life estimates. Additionally, the corrosion data collected under actual and scaled melter operating conditions are limited. Recommendations to achieve more direct correlation between the laboratory refractory corrosion data predictions and the observed melter service life are discussed to allow for more accurate predictions of the useful life of melter refractory linings.
How Do Persons Found NCRMD and Identified as Indigenous Differ from Other Persons Found NCRMD: Profiles, Trajectories, and Outcomes
Authors: L. Nicholls Tonia , Charette Yanick , C. Seto Michael , Caulet Malijai , M. Muir Nicole , G. Crocker Anne
Published: July 2023

Indigenous individuals are vastly over-represented among people incarcerated in Canada. We collected extensive clinical information and outcome data from Review Board (RB) files and obtained lifetime criminal records for 1800 individuals found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder (NCRMD) in BC ( n = 222), ON ( n = 484), and QC ( n = 1094). Indigenous and non-Indigenous people were compared on (a) socio-demographic, clinical, and criminal histories; (b) index offenses; (c) processing by the RB; and (d) recidivism. Compared to published rates of the disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous people in prisons in Canada (30%), just 3.9% of people in custody with an NCRMD finding were identified as Indigenous. Compared to non-Indigenous people, Indigenous people had higher rates of substance use disorders, personality disorders, and lower rates of mood disorders at verdict and came from low population density neighborhoods but high population density homes. Indigenous individuals were detained in custody longer and remained under supervision longer than non-Indigenous individuals but recidivated at similar rates. Criminal histories, mental health characteristics, and index offenses of Indigenous people found NCRMD were similar to non-Indigenous people found NCRMD. Further research is required to determine if seriously mentally ill Indigenous people who come into contact with the justice system are considered for the NCRMD defense similarly to non-Indigenous people and to explore why Indigenous individuals receive more restrictive dispositions, yet time to reoffending is similar.
SUMOylation at the inner nuclear membrane facilitates nuclear envelope biogenesis during mitosis
Authors: Saik Natasha O. , Ptak Christopher , Rehman Saif , Aitchison John D. , Montpetit Ben , Wozniak Richard W.
Published: July 2023

As eukaryotic cells progress through cell division, the nuclear envelope (NE) membrane must expand to accommodate the formation of progeny nuclei. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, closed mitosis allows visualization of NE biogenesis during mitosis. During this period, the SUMO E3 ligase Siz2 binds the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and initiates a wave of INM protein SUMOylation. Here, we show these events increase INM levels of phosphatidic acid (PA), an intermediate of phospholipid biogenesis, and are necessary for normal mitotic NE membrane expansion. The increase in INM PA is driven by the Siz2-mediated inhibition of the PA phosphatase Pah1. During mitosis, this results from the binding of Siz2 to the INM and dissociation of Spo7 and Nem1, a complex required for the activation of Pah1. As cells enter interphase, the process is then reversed by the deSUMOylase Ulp1. This work further establishes a central role for temporally controlled INM SUMOylation in coordinating processes, including membrane expansion, that regulate NE biogenesis during mitosis.
Hnf4 activates mimetic-cell enhancers to recapitulate gut and liver development within the thymus
Authors: Michelson Daniel A. , Zuo Chong , Verzi Michael , Benoist Christophe , Mathis Diane
Published: July 2023

Mimetic cells are medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) that mimic extra-thymic cell types to tolerize T cells to self-antigens. Here, we dissected the biology of entero-hepato mTECs, mimetic cells expressing gut- and liver-associated transcripts. Entero-hepato mTECs conserved their thymic identity yet accessed wide swaths of enterocyte chromatin and transcriptional programs via the transcription factors Hnf4α and Hnf4γ. Deletion of Hnf4α and Hnf4γ in TECs ablated entero-hepato mTECs and downregulated numerous gut- and liver-associated transcripts, with a primary contribution from Hnf4γ. Loss of Hnf4 impaired enhancer activation and CTCF redistribution in mTECs but did not impact Polycomb-mediated repression or promoter-proximal histone marks. By single-cell RNA sequencing, Hnf4 loss produced three distinct effects on mimetic cell state, fate, and accumulation. Serendipitously, a requirement for Hnf4 in microfold mTECs was discovered, which exposed a requirement for Hnf4γ in gut microfold cells and the IgA response. Study of Hnf4 in entero-hepato mTECs thus revealed mechanisms of gene control in the thymus and periphery alike.
A Lay-up-Oriented CFRP-Substrate Metamaterial Absorber with High Insensitivity to Polarization
Authors: Ma Si-Hui , Li Ying-Guang , Zhou Jing , Zhu Ze-Xin
Published: July 2023

Metamaterial absorbers with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) substrates, which are called meta-CFRPs, have recently gained recognition for their excellent mechanical and electromagnetic performance. Different from traditional metamaterial absorbers with an isotropic substrate, meta-CFRPs with a highly anisotropic CFRP substrate are facing challenges in acquiring polarization-insensitive absorption. Here, a lay-up-oriented structure design method is proposed to solve this problem. Considering the lay-up configuration of CFRP laminates, metallic patterns are designed under corresponding polarization angles and then united together to form an integral structure. A meta-CFRP with a typical CFRP lay-up configuration([0°/45°/90°/−45°]3s
) is designed and tested. The experimental results exhibit over 99% microwave absorptivity at 2.44 GHz for all polarization angles. The maximum shift among the resonance peaks of the curves at all polarization angles is only 0.021 GHz. Further studies show that when there are cross-ply laminates in the first few layers of the CFRP substrate, the lay-up-oriented design method can be effectively simplified by ignoring the subsequent lay-up orientations after the first cross-ply layers. Our method can not only provide an effective way for acquiring polarization-insensitive microwave response on meta-CFRPs but also be expected to be promoted to metamaterial absorbers with other anisotropic materials.
Spectrum of the Hole Excitation in Spin-Orbit Mott Insulator Na2IrO3
Authors: Wang Wei , Dong Zhao-Yang , Yu Shun-Li , Li Jian-Xin
Published: July 2023

We study the motion of a hole with internal degrees of freedom, introduced to the zigzag magnetic ground state of Na2IrO3, by using the self-consistent Born approximation. We find that the low-, intermediate-, and high-energy spectra are primarily attributed to the singlet, triplet, and quintet hole contributions, respectively. The spectral functions exhibit distinct features such as the electron-like dispersion of low-energy states near the Γ point, the maximum M-point intensity of mid-energy states, and the hole-like dispersion of high-energy states. These features are robust and almost insensitive to the exchange model and Hund’s coupling, and are in qualitative agreement with the angular-resolved photoemission spectra observed in Na2IrO3. Our results reveal that the interference between internal degrees of freedom in different sublattices plays an important role in inducing the complex dispersions.
Nonuniform electron distributions in a solenoidal ioniser
Authors: Bergin M , Martens J , Dastoor P C
Published: July 2023

Solenoidal ionisers are a new class of highly efficient helium detectors that are increasingly important for high resolution atom scattering, molecular scattering and scanning helium microscopy. They operate via electron ionisation, where the electrons are trapped by the magnetic field of a solenoid and additional electrostatic potentials. Their ionisation efficiency scales with the electron population they contain, motivating large devices with high emission currents. However, these detectors typically become unstable at high electron densities, constraining their performance improvement. Through imaging the electron population at the exit of the ioniser, we demonstrate that these instabilities arise from non-uniformities in the electron distribution. Considering the ioniser as a non-neutral plasma leads to the proposal of the formation of a virtual cathode and a plasma instability as the origins of the non-uniformity.
Prediction of the distribution of tractor driver’s eye positions
Authors: Huang Qingyang , Chen Rui , Qiu Ruiqi , Jin Xiaoping
Published: July 2023

A predictive model of tractor driver’s eye positions based on the anthropometric parameters and tractor cab layout parameters was established using the statistical approach. To our knowledge, this model is the first published predictive model of tractor drivers’ eye positions that takes account of their body dimensions and tractor types. In order to predict the distribution of the drivers’ eye positions precisely, the fore-and-aft positions of the driving seat determined by 180 tractor drivers in three different tractors and the relative positions of the eyes to the designated reference points were recorded to quantitatively demonstrate the distribution rule of their eye positions. The multiple linear regression and principal component analysis were adopted to processing the feature parameters of human and tractor, and the prediction effect of the model was assessed according to the proportion of the driver’s eye positions from side view those were within the range of the eyellipse model. The experimental result revealed that the centroid positions and principal axis dip angle of the model differed from each other respectively, while the axis lengths were the same. The principal axis dip angle was horizontal or oblique forward-and-upward. And the tractor layout parameters had a significant impact on the centroid coordinate and principal axis dip angle of the model, while the dimension of the model was associated with the anthropometric parameters mainly. The prediction accuracy of the model exceeded 80%. The regression predictive model provides a reference tool for the visual field design of tractor displays and cab layouts.
Neural inertial navigation system on pedestrian
Authors: Huang Fengrong , Gao Min , Liu Qinglin , Tang Fulin , Wu Yihong
Published: July 2023

The recent research shows that data-driven inertia navigation technology can significantly alleviate the drift error of micro-electro-mechanical system inertial measurement unit (MEMS-IMU) in pedestrian localization. However, most existing methods must rely on attitude information provided by external procedure (such as smartphone API), which violates the original intention of full autonomy of inertial navigation, and attitude information is also inaccurate. To address the problem, we propose a pedestrian indoor neural inertial navigation system that does not rely on external information and is only based on low-cost MEMS-IMU. First, a deep learning based neural inertial network was designed to estimate attitude. Then, in order to obtain position estimation with both global and local accuracy, an invariant extended Kalman filter (IEKF) framework was proposed, where 3D displacement and its uncertainty regressed by a deep residual network are utilized to update IEKF. Extensive experimental results on a public dataset and a self-collected dataset show that the proposed method provides accurate attitude estimation and outperforms state-of-the-art methods in position estimation, demonstrating the superiority of our method in reliability and accuracy.
In situ anchoring of Fe3O4/CNTs hybrids on basalt fiber for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Si Tiantian , Xie Shuai , Ji Zhijiang , Wu Zihao , Ma Chao , Wu Junyu , Wang Jing
Published: July 2023

The development of practical and efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials is a challenging research problem. A mussel-inspired molecular structure regulation strategy using polydopamine to increase the roughness and functional groups of basalt fiber (BF) surface, which can improve the fiber interfacial adhesion. Herein, a novel BF-Fe3O4/CNTs heterostructure is synthesized through a dip-coating adsorption process. The three-dimensional network structure of Fe3O4/CNTs hybrid in situ anchored on the surface of BF, which endows the composite to have good intrinsic magnetic and dielectric properties. Modulation of EMW absorption performance by controlling the addition of CNTs, the minimum RL of BF-Fe3O4/7C reaches to −40.57 dB at a thickness of 1.5 mm with CNTs addition of 7%. The enhanced EMW absorption performance of BF-Fe3O4/7C heterostructure may be attributed to the synergistic effects of interfacial polarization between the hollow magnetic Fe3O4 spheres and CNTs, conduction loss, magnetic resonance loss and multiple reflection/scattering inside the BF. This work provides a simple pathway to design EMW absorbing materials with good environmental stability.
Array density effect on the optical and photoelectric properties of silicon nanowire arrays via Ag-assisted chemical etching
Authors: Chen Hui , Shi Yihao , Qin Jiahao , Sheng Guangshang , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Bingchang , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: July 2023

Ag-assisted chemical etching (AgACE) is a low-cost method to produce silicon nanowires (SiNWs) for photoelectric applications. Structure parameters of SiNWs have great impact on their optical and photoelectric properties, which are worth studying for fabricating high-performance devices. However, array density of SiNWs via AgACE, as an important structural parameter, has not been sufficiently investigated. Here, array density effect on the optical and photoelectric properties of SiNWs is experimentally investigated. SiNW arrays with different densities (silicon occupation ratio of 7%–34.5%) were prepared through controlling the reaction time of silicon wafers in the seed solution (t
seed). The SiNW array with a t
seed of 90 s shows optimum light absorption over 98% in the wavelength range of 300–1000 nm, though all the samples have light absorption over 95% due to the light trapping effect of nanowire array structure. In addition, the SiNW array with a t
seed of 90 s exhibits the best photoelectric property. SiNW arrays with shorter t
seed and higher density suffer more surface recombination, harming the photoelectric property. In SiNW arrays with longer t
seed than 90 s and lower density, some SiNWs topple down and break, which has an adverse effect on transport and collection of carriers. These results indicate that the array density of SiNWs via AgACE has obvious effect on their photoelectric property. SiNW arrays via AgACE with a t
seed of 90 s are ideal for photoelectric devices. This work is potential to guide SiNW fabrication for photoelectric applications.
Direct synthesis of nanopatterned epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide
Authors: Katzmarek David A , Mancini Andrea , Maier Stefan A , Iacopi Francesca
Published: July 2023

This article introduces a straightforward approach for the direct synthesis of transfer-free, nanopatterned epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide on silicon substrates. A catalytic alloy tailored to optimal SiC graphitization is pre-patterned with common lithography and lift-off techniques to form planar graphene structures on top of an unpatterned SiC layer. This method is compatible with both electron-beam lithography and UV-lithography, and graphene gratings down to at least ∼100 nm width/space can be realized at the wafer scale. The minimum pitch is limited by the flow of the metal catalyst during the liquid-phase graphitization process. We expect that the current pitch resolution could be further improved by optimizing the metal deposition method and lift-off process.
On the vorticity direction and the regularity of 3D Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Berselli Luigi C
Published: July 2023

This short paper presents a simplified and alternative proof of the regularity of weak solutions to the 3D Navier–Stokes equations with ‘sufficiently small’ jumps in the vorticity direction. Although the main result is very similar to a previously proven one, there are some relevant differences. Specifically, we prove that the smallness condition regarding the angle spanned by the vorticity direction needs to be checked, for each point x in the domain, only over a discrete set of surrounding points. These points lie in the direction of the coordinate axes and have a fixed positive distance from x. This is achieved by using a more direct approach which does not rely on the use of singular integrals theory, but which requires estimates on higher-order derivatives of the velocity.
The temporal neurovascular coupling response remains intact during sinusoidal hypotensive and hypertensive challenges
Authors: Burma Joel S , Rattana Selina , Oni Ibukunoluwa K , Lapointe Andrew P , Dunn Jeff F , Smirl Jonathan D
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Neurovascular coupling (NVC) describes the coupling of neuronal metabolic demand to blood supply, which has shown to be impaired with chronic hypertension, as well as with prolonged hypotension. However, it is unknown the extent the NVC response remains intact during transient hypo- and hyper-tensive challenges. Methods. Fifteen healthy participants (9 females/6 males) completed a visual NVC task (‘Where’s Waldo?’) over two testing sessions, consisting of cyclical 30 s eyes closed and opened portions. The Waldo task was completed at rest (8 min) and concurrently during squat-stand maneuvers (SSMs; 5 min) at 0.05 Hz (10 s squat/stand) and 0.10 Hz (5 s squat-stand). SSMs induce 30–50 mmHg blood pressure oscillations, resulting in cyclical hypo- and hyper-tensive swings within the cerebrovasculature, allowing for the quantification of the NVC response during transient hypo- and hyper-tension. Outcome NVC metrics included baseline, peak, relative increase in cerebral blood velocity (CBv), and area-under-the-curve (AUC30) within the posterior and middle cerebral arteries indexed via transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Within-subject, between-task comparisons were conducted using analysis of variance with effect size calculations. Results. Differences were noted between rest and SSM conditions in both vessels for peak CBv (all p < 0.045) and the relative increase in CBv (all p < 0.049) with small-to-large effect sizes. AUC30 metrics were similar between all tasks (all p > 0.090) with negligible-to-small effect sizes. Conclusions. Despite the SSMs eliciting ∼30–50 mmHg blood pressure oscillations, similar levels of activation occurred within the neurovascular unit across all conditions. This demonstrated the signaling of the NVC response remained intact during cyclical blood pressure challenges.
The propagation loss of ultrashort laser pulses in water clouds
Authors: Yang Zhi , Zhang Chong , Zhang Hongchao , Lu Jian
Published: July 2023

When a high-power laser beam is incident on water clouds, often along with optical breakdown occurs. In that case, the droplet becomes highly opaque and strongly absorbs incident laser light. In this study, we construct a transient coupling model to elucidate the evolution of the light field and the distribution of plasma in the interaction between laser and cloud droplet in detail, and further quantify the nonlinear absorption of droplet under the action of high-power laser. The results showed that linear dependence existed between the proportion of absorbed energy by the droplet and the incident laser wavelength at the same laser energy. Such a relationship, combined with existing scattering theory, can be used to evaluate the propagation distance of the ultrashort laser in water clouds and the specific light attenuation under different parameters. In the same type of water cloud, the laser propagation distance decreases with increasing laser intensity, thereby confirming the availability of non-linear absorption on the laser propagation. Furthermore, a smaller pulse duration typically corresponds to a larger peak power, which results in stronger non-linear absorption and a shorter propagation distance in water clouds. On the other hand, a comparison of laser propagation distances in different types of water clouds reveals that scattering effects dominate in dense water clouds, with stronger propagation losses to the incident laser. Finally, the light attenuation in different water clouds is given accordingly. This study opens up new perspectives for the assessment of laser propagation loss in different water clouds and the propagation distance.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and big data techniques for the advancements of superconducting technology: a road to smarter and intelligent superconductivity
Authors: Yazdani-Asrami Mohammad
Published: July 2023

The last 100 years of experience within the superconducting community have proven that addressing the challenges faced by this technology often requires incorporation of other disruptive techniques or technologies into superconductivity. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods including machine learning, deep learning, and big data techniques have emerged as highly effective tools in resolving challenges across various industries in recent decades. The concept of AI entails the development of computers that resemble human intelligence. The papers published in the focus issue, “Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for Superconductivity”, represent the cutting-edge and forefront research activities in the field of AI for superconductivity.
Current redistribution model of anomalous resistance behaviour in superconductor-topological insulator heterostructures
Authors: S Abhirami , Amaladass Edward Prabu , Sharma Prashant , K Vinod , A V Thanikaiarasu , Mani Awadhesh
Published: July 2023

Superconductor-topological insulator (TI) heterostructures are interesting due to induced p-wave superconductivity on the TI surface states near the interface. Transport studies carried out in this work on the TI surface of superconductor-TI (NbN-Bi1.95Sb0.05Se3) heterostructures have revealed anomalous resistance upturn and downturn at millimetre length scales away from the interface. Magnetotransport measurements have indicated that the anomaly is caused due to the superconducting transition of the NbN layer. The strength of the jump in resistance has been found to be strongest at the edges and the sign of the jump found to be opposite along opposite edges. Such resistance upturns and downturns have been previously reported in literature, wherein the upturns have been attributed to the antagonistic ground states of p-wave Cooper pairing and the spin-polarized TI states, and the downturns attributed to induced long-range proximity effects. However, the possibility of long-range superconducting proximity effect has been ruled out in this study through the observation of similar anomaly in NbN-Au and NbN-Al heterostructures. The present study demonstrates that the anomalies in resistance occur due to current redistribution (CRD) effects at the superconducting transition due to the geometry of the heterostructure. Results obtained from finite element analysis using COMSOL software have validated the proposed CRD model of long-range resistance anomalies in superconductor-TI and superconductor-metal heterostructures.
A dual-purpose sensor with a sawtooth U-shaped cavity and a rectangle-shaped cavity in a MIM waveguide structure
Authors: Su Mingrui , Qi Yunping , Li Hao , Zhang Shu , Wang Xiangxian
Published: July 2023

To improve the performance of subwavelength refractive index and temperature sensors, this paper proposes a subwavelength metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide structure consisting of a sawtooth U-shaped cavity and a rectangular cavity based on surface plasmon polaritons. The transmission spectrum of the system is simulated using the finite element method (FEM) and verified with multi-mode interference coupled-mode theory (MICMT). The results demonstrate excellent sensing characteristics for the system, with a refractive index sensitivity of 1300 nm RIU−1, a figure of merit (FOM*) of 191.262, and a temperature sensitivity of 0.525 nm/°C. This indicates that the nano-plasma system is highly significant in refractive index and temperature sensing.
Entropic force for quantum particles
Authors: Bhattacharya Jayarshi , Gangopadhyay Gautam , Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: July 2023

Entropic force has been drawing the attention of theoretical physicists following E Verlinde’s work in 2011 to derive Newton’s second law and Einstein’s field equations of general relativity. In this paper, we extend the idea of entropic force to the distribution of quantum particles. Starting from the definition of Shannon entropy for continuous variables, here we have derived quantum osmotic pressure as well as the consequent entropic forces for bosonic and fermionic particles. The entropic force is computed explicitly for a pair of bosons and fermions. The low temperature limit of this result show that the entropic force for bosons is similar to Hooke’s law of elasticity revealing the importance of this idea in the formation of a Bose–Einstein condensate. For fermions, the low temperature limit boils down to the well known Neumann’s radial force and also reveals the Pauli’s exclusion principle. The classical limit of the entropic force between quantum particles is then discussed. As a further example, the entropic force for quantum particles in noncommutative space is also computed. The result reveals a violation of the Pauli exclusion principle for fermions in noncommutative space.
Estimation of the size and location of an artificial weld seam defect based on the actual ultrasonic welding phenomenon for online inspection
Authors: Hussen Muktar Seid , Kyosev Yordan Kostadinov , Pietsch Kathrin , Boll Jessica , Kabish Abera Kechi
Published: July 2023

A series of research has been conducted to analyze the quality of weld seams by non-destructive testing methods. Research on defect analysis using the actual ultrasonic welding phenomenon has not been addressed yet. To ensure a comprehensive quality evaluation, this research estimates the size and location of artificial weld seam defects by the actual ultrasonic welding phenomenon without conventional inspection systems. The welding parameters (power, pressure force, and speed) were carefully selected to ensure optimal bond strength. A superimposed type of seam was produced longitudinally by PVC-coated hybrid textiles in rough to smooth surface contact for two welding groups, using a welding width of 10 mm with an activated cooling air effect. Artificial defects were introduced across the weld seam at five different locations spaced 50 mm apart using Teflon films of 3 and 5 mm width. The actual weld phenomenon of ultrasonic welding process parameters was determined after the recorded machine parameters were converted. The effect of welding process parameters on the seam quality was also analyzed, comparing the weld seam quality between different welding groups and Teflon widths. Based on the discovered graph of the actual welding phenomenon, the location and extent of artificial weld seam defects were estimated. The artificial weld seam defect with a thickness of 0.059 mm at a width of 3.85 mm was estimated at an interval of 50.77 mm using 275 N welding pressure force and 120 W welding power at 2 m min−1welding speed for 3 mm Teflon width. The results showed that the estimated values closely align with the actual size and position of defects. Overall, this research contributes to the development of a non-destructive testing approach for detecting weld seam defects in ultrasonic welding, emphasizing the importance of these techniques for online inspection and control of weld seam quality.