bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origami-Based Miura-Ori Metamaterial for Wave Propagation Control
Authors: Corradini Enrico , Lacarbonara Walter
Published: November 2024

A metamaterial inspired by a Miura-Ori pattern is discussed in the context of wave propagation control. The investigated metamaterial consists of two coupled Miura-Ori geometries.

Our study explores the integration of lightweight resonators within the facets of the Miura-Ori pattern to create locally resonant mechanisms giving rise to bandgaps stopping wave propagation across all directions.

The rigid foldable nature of Miura-Ori enables the integration of eight spider-web-like resonators per cell while ensuring the resonators’ shape and stiffness invariance for all folding angles. Through finite element modeling and experimental validation, we investigate the accuracy of the dynamic modeling and its feasibility for design purposes.

The main steps of the metamaterial design are discussed: from the initial idea, to the experimental investigation, the finite element model generation, the manufacturing of the physical prototype, and the geometry optimization.

A validation of the numerical results obtained via a finite element model implemented in MSC Nastran, was achieved using laser scanning vibrometry. The tested sample comprises a section of the metamaterial defined by a 4 × 4 cell configuration, containing 128 resonators.
Towards a Computational Framework for Hypervelocity-Induced Atmospheric Plasma Modeling
Authors: Graber Benjamin D. , Iliopoulos Athanasios P. , Michopoulos John G. , Steuben John C. , Birnbaum Andrew J. , Apetre Nicole A.
Published: November 2024

The work presented in this paper estimates the spectral radiance emitted from plasma induced by the interaction of hypervelocity moving structural/material systems with the atmosphere. The motivation for this effort originates from the need to compute the radiative heat fluxes imparted to hypersonic vehicles to facilitate their design, control, and maintenance. In response to this need, a computational framework was established to predict the fluid dynamics fields around a hypervelocity vehicle that in turn is coupled with the plasma physics that enables the calculation of the plasma fields and species dynamics. This framework implements a one-way coupling between fluid dynamics and plasma physics models. The framework solves the fluid dynamics partial differential equations representing the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. The computed pressure, velocity, and temperature fields are subsequently utilized to drive the plasma physics PDEs describing the mass transport and energetics of all the nitrogen-oxygen 11 species present according to the so-called Dunn plasma model. An application of this framework for a spherical body for a wide range of velocities is presented as a verification of the framework’s functionality. Typical distributions of the fluid and plasma dynamics are presented. Finally, the plasma radiance spectra are produced by employing statistical mechanics principles.
Reverse Engineering Through a Product Teardown Activity and Component-Function Identification
Authors: Furiato Mikala Y. , Murphy Alexander R.
Published: November 2024

Engineering educators have used reverse engineering activities as a pedagogical tool for decades. Product teardowns allow students to experientially learn how a product works and what components lie hidden inside of an engineered product. These activities help shape students’ mental models and bolster their systems thinking abilities. This study examines the impact of a product teardown activity on upper-level engineering students’ mental models of everyday products. Students’ mental models of three common products were measured through a direct elicitation method before and after taking apart a hair dryer. In addition, students identified the system’s components and assigned functionality to each. Results suggest no change in observed score between pre and post mental models for any of the three tested products, which implies that knowledge transfer is not occurring. In addition, the product teardown activity is shown to have a positive impact on component identification, but a negative impact on functional reasoning. Specifically, improvements in motor inclusion are observed, which suggests that a product teardown activity helps break from existing schema (treating a fan-motor assembly as a single component) that lead to erroneous mental models. These findings illustrate the importance of reverse engineering on the development of robust mental models of engineered systems, but also show a negative impact on functional reasoning and no evidence of knowledge transfer between systems as was otherwise expected. The results of the study build on prior work by providing a more nuanced analysis of the specific components and functions included on mental model representations of common products. The implications of these findings, comparisons to prior literature, and a description of future work are discussed.
Modeling the Social Impacts of Technology via Spectral Graph Theory
Authors: McKinnon Samuel A. , White Natalie J. , Mattson Christopher A. , Salmon John L.
Published: November 2024

Technology has social, economic, and environmental impacts. During the design process, these impacts are often adequately known for the direct users of a technology, but the same is not true for impacts on the wider society. Socio-technical models can be constructed and used to represent society and the impacts of technologies therein. These models can facilitate estimations of the social impacts that a particular technology, such as an engineered product, has on society. Diffusion theory provides a framework for representing impact propagation across a society using socio-technical models. This paper introduces a problem formulation for modeling impact diffusion. Spectral graph theory is used to solve the problem and estimate impacts across society. A simple impact diffusion illustration is provided relative to a rural community’s water supply and hand-pump technologies for accessing drinking water. The impact diffusion model for engineered products, presented in this paper, provides design insights on societal impact not yet found in the literature. These insights facilitate impact estimation across multiple levels of society (individual, household, community, nation state), which allows for meaningful exploration of technological interventions during the engineering design process.
Topology Optimization for Die Casting With Nonplanar Parting Surfaces
Authors: Fu Heting , Saitou Kazuhiro
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a density-based topology optimization method for the simultaneous design of die-castable geometry, die drawing direction, and arbitrarily nonplanar parting surface. Viewing a die casted part as a two-component system consisting of the cavities of die halves, an arbitrarily nonplanar parting surface is represented as the boundaries between adjacent partitioned domains similar to the joints in multi-component topology optimization (MTO). The draw direction of each die half is represented as a probability distribution to avoid premature convergence, and the undercut of a part geometry in the draw direction is evaluated using the gradient of the density field. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the advantages of the inclusion of nonplanar parting surfaces as optimization variables.
A Modular Method to Generate Disk Cam Profile by Using Class I Order II Assur Kinematic Chains With Cam Joint
Authors: Pan Tung-Hsin , Hsu Kuan-Lun
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces the Assur Groups with cam pairs in order to apply modular analysis while investigating cam mechanisms. Modular analysis for linkages has been studied for a period of time. By decomposing the overall linkage into individual modules for independent analysis, the analysis of linkages is no longer so complicated. Under the same concept, this paper provides some cam-related modules. By studying its geometric and kinematics features, those modules can mixed with the linkage modules and analyze more complicated cam-modulated linkages.

This paper demonstrated the process of developing the Assur Group with cam pairs and provided a classification system for those new Assur Groups. In the meantime, we deeply investigate the most basic Assur Group with a cam pair, which is class 1 order 2 RC module. It can conduct a forward geometric analysis to generate a cam profile while given the position of the cams and the external roller. This module can also conduct inverse kinematic analysis to acquire the follower angle while give the prescribed cam profile. The numerical example provided in the final section shows the convenience and efficiency of using modular analysis to analyze cam-modulated linkages. By developing those cam modules, it can simplify the cam analysis, thereby improving the implementation of cam mechanisms in industries.
Towards Reproducible Machine Learning-Based Process Monitoring and Quality Prediction Research for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Xie Jiarui , Safdar Mutahar , Romascanu Andrei Mircea , Lu Yan , Ko Hyunwoong , Yang Zhuo , Zhao Yaoyao Fiona
Published: November 2024

Machine learning (ML)-based monitoring systems have been extensively developed to enhance the print quality of additive manufacturing (AM). In-situ and in-process data acquired using sensors can be used to train ML models that detect process anomalies, predict part quality, and adjust process parameters. However, the reproducibility of the proposed AM monitoring systems has not been investigated. There has not been a method to evaluate and improve reproducibility in the joint domain of AM and ML. Consequently, some crucial information for reproducing the research is usually missing from the publications; thus, systems reproduced based on the publications often cannot achieve the claimed performance. This paper establishes the definition of reproducibility in this domain, proposes a reproducibility investigation pipeline, and composes a reproducibility checklist. A research is reproducible if a performance comparable to the original research can be obtained when reproduced by a different team using a different experiment setup. The reproducibility investigation pipeline sequentially guides the readers through all the necessary reproduction steps, during which the reproducibility checklist will help extract the reproducibility information from the publication. A case study that reproduced a vision-based warping detection system demonstrated the usage and validated the efficacy of the proposed pipeline and checklist. It has been observed that the reproducibility checklist can help the authors verify that all the information critical to reproducibility is provided in the publications. The investigation pipeline can help identify the missing reproducibility information, which should be acquired from the original authors to achieve the claimed performance.
Lidar-Readable Rotational Barcodes As Digital Traffic Signs
Authors: Galloway Kevin S.
Published: November 2024

We describe a method for encoding binary messages in a traffic infrastructure using specially designed rotating targets with barcode-like retroreflective characteristics which encode the data in reflected Lidar intensity patterns. These Lidar-readable Rotational Barcodes can be installed as elements of a traffic infrastructure for Infrastructure to Vehicle (ITV) signaling, and they can also be installed on vehicles to provide identification (e.g. for an emergency vehicle) or function for Vehicle to Vehicle (VTV) signaling. Since many self-driving vehicles already use Lidar for mapping the surrounding location and avoiding other vehicles and obstacles, our approach does not require any additional equipment on the vehicles themselves. The paper begins with a description of the the physical construction and operation of a Lidar-readable Rotational Barcode. We then develop a two-stage detection algorithm based on windowed standard deviation of the reflected Lidar intensity followed by comparison with neighboring bearings. Finally, a decoding algorithm is described that first implements median filtering and compensates for an “edge effect” before making an optimal assignment of bit numbers to bar widths. We give details of a proof-of-concept experimental setup and outline the results of our detection and decoding algorithms on data gathered by a Lidar-equipped wheeled robot in a lab environment.
Cornering Characteristics of a Passenger Car Tire Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Fathi Haniyeh , El-Sayegh Zeinab , Ren Jing
Published: November 2024

This paper delves into the cornering characteristics of a passenger car tire on a hard surface across diverse operating conditions. Specifically, it employs finite element analysis to model a 235/55R19 passenger car tire, utilizing multiple layers to simulate the tread, sidewall, cap ply, beads, rim, and carcass. The Mooney-Rivlin material model is utilized to accurately capture the hyperelastic behavior of the tire rubber compound. To ensure precision, the tire model undergoes rigorous verification in both static and dynamic scenarios against manufacturer-provided data. Verification includes assessing longitudinal, lateral, and vertical stiffness, alongside the first mode of vibration. Subsequently, the verified tire model is employed to explore the dynamics of tire-road interaction during cornering maneuvers. This investigation encompasses varying operating conditions such as vertical load (3 kN, 5 kN, and 8 kN), inflation pressure (172 kPa, 228 kPa, 352 kPa), and slip angles (ranging from 0 to 12 degrees). Moreover, the effect of high speed was captured on the cornering stiffness and cornering force. It concluded that the cornering force is very sensitive to the vertical load at large slip angles (higher than 4 degrees). Moreover, it was investigated that the cornering stiffness value is directly affected by the inflation pressure. The outcomes of this research are anticipated to yield valuable insights into the analysis of passenger car tire-road interaction, with implications for further testing and refinement of rubber compound material models.
Crack the Code: Impact of Engineering Design Prompt Objective and Linguistic Characteristics on Understanding and Creativity Perceptions of Students
Authors: Peng Aoran , Johnson Dan , Miller Scarlett R.
Published: November 2024

The current engineering education places a heavy emphasis on fostering creative and innovative problem-solving skills of students. One of the crucial factors of the creative design process that is linked to students’ creative outputs is the design prompt they receive. More specifically, it was found that slight variations in the design prompt, or whether the design prompt is easy to understand can significantly influence the students’ performance. However, the construction of design prompts, which is a crucial component of a design project, has received relatively little attention when compared with research on other steps of the design process. Therefore, the current work seeks to contribute to this gap in research by exploring 45 design prompts at their objective and text level using linguistic characteristics to investigate what could influence students’ perception of its readability and creativity. The results of this study show that at the text level, the overall objective only differed significantly in terms of word prevalence. The three objective groups studied here varied minimally in terms of their understandability and creativity perception. Finally, it was found that both the objective and the linguistic characteristics were unable to predict the percentage of people in each answer category for understandability and creativity. These results contribute towards understanding the construction of design prompts, as well as pointing out additional areas of future research in this area.
Analytical Investigation of Electromechanically Coupled Hierarchical Metamaterials for Simultaneous Vibration Attenuation and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Mebrat Ashenafi , LeGrande Joshua , Barry Oumar
Published: November 2024

Recent work has revealed the great value of electromechanical resonators for energy harvesting and bandgap tuning in metamaterials. However, thus far there have not been any studies of hierarchically configured resonators for energy harvesting. This work presents a theoretical study of electromechanically coupled resonator-based hierarchical metamaterials, focusing on zero-order, first-order outward, and first-order inward configurations. The study investigates the impact of integrating resistor shunt circuits on the band structure under weak and strong coupling conditions. Additionally, it explores the influence of variations in local resonator mass on the vibration attenuation and energy harvesting capability of the configurations. The dispersion relations are determined for each configuration with varying system parameters. Furthermore, the transmissibility frequency response functions are presented to observe vibration reduction and energy harvesting capability. The results reveal that a hierarchical design offers enhanced flexibility in tailoring the band structure and stronger vibration attenuation and energy harvesting. As the hierarchy level increases, there is a corresponding increase in the number of passbands. However, it’s noteworthy that weak electromechanical coupling does not influence the band structure across all hierarchy levels, while strong coupling does. Compared to the zero-order configuration’s baseline performance, both the outward and inward configurations exhibit superior abilities in vibration suppression and energy harvesting when the total system mass is constant. Results given here may be used for the optimal design of hierarchically configured energy harvesters.
Topology Optimization of Electronic Line Using Computer Aided Engineering Software
Authors: Miura Kotaro , Kudo Hiromu , Sasagawa Kazuhiko , Fujisaki Kazuhiro
Published: November 2024

In this study, we performed topology optimization of electronic lines to search structures for efficient electronic property using computer aided engineering (CAE) software. The general-purpose solver in CAE supports various physical problems, such as structure, heat, electricity, and fluids. Many CAE software have also a feature of topology optimization. However, the optimization function has limitations regarding the physical problems, materials, and objective functions that can be applied. Therefore, in this study, a topology optimization program was independently developed within the CAE software.

We considered a fundamental optimization problem as a milestone toward the final purpose of finding the optimal interconnect structure that prevents line failure due to electromigration (EM). By analogy with the basic objective function of the structure optimization problem, which is mean compliance, the optimization problem for the steady-state electronic current analysis was formulated to minimize the sum of the products of the nodal potential and the input nodal electronic current. The developed program in CAE software was applied to two different geometry models. The optimized configurations showed the material placement that connects the fixed potential part and the input nodal electronic current part in the shortest possible way.
High-Precision Thermal Characterization of Ultra-Low Thermal Resistance Copper Nano-Wire (CuNWs)-Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Composite Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) Tape
Authors: Jiang Kaiying , Kwon Heungdong , Qiao Hansen , He Yini , Asheghi Mehdi , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: November 2024

This work details high-precision thermal characterization of CuNWs-PDMS composite TIMs using infrared (IR) cross-sectional microscopy. To enhance measurement sensitivity and to reduce the thermal resistances across TIM tester components and sample, we apply thin layers of high thermal conductivity gallium-based liquid metal (LM) to reduce the dry contact thermal interface resistances from ∼10−4 to 1.4 × 10−6 m2KW−1. Application of the LM in combination with a 1 mm thick silicon wafer as the reference layer, yields thermal resistance of ∼(3.23 ± 0.6) × 10−6 m2KW−1 for the CuNWs/PDMS composite. Theoretical analyses suggest the potential for achieving even lower thermal resistance values with optimized LM wetting thickness while the accuracy of the measurements can be further improved by pattering a heater on the backside of the 1 mm thick silicon reference substrate.
The Key Factors for Impedance Control in Embedded Trace Substrates
Authors: Zhuang Ming-Han , Lin Ho-Chuan , Shih Chih-Yuan , Kang Andrew , Wang Yu-Po
Published: November 2024

As the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) version advances, impedance control on the substrate within the IC package becomes increasingly important. In order to reduce production costs, the control IC of the solid-state hard disk (SSD) has recently changed the original use of the Bismaleimide Triazine (BT) substrate containing core layer materials to the embedded trace substrate (ETS) using coreless. Therefore, the impedance control of the PCIe signal on the ETS substrate will become critical. However, the substrate suppliers have no experience in impedance control on the ETS substrate. So, this paper will explore the key factors of ETS substrate impedance control.
Cooling Electronics by Direct Contact With Liquids
Authors: Abdelmessih Amanie N. , Delgado David F. , Lopez Ezry , Michael Nathaniel P. , Napierala Grant P. , Ramos Nicholas J.
Published: November 2024

Electronic components have reached such miniature sizes that numerous of these components can be mounted in a single module (less than 1 × 1 cm). Failure of these modules while in operation is attributed to thermal stresses caused by high heat fluxes. The objective is to find alternate higher efficiency method for cooling these electronics.

There is an abundance of research and applications based on air cooling by natural and/or forced convection. Cooling by indirect contact with liquids such as the use of cold plates, microchannel cooling, and heat pipes has been used for many applications. In addition, thermoelectric cooling has been utilized. Also, research has been reported on phase change materials cooling, spray cooling, jet impingement cooling, and droplet electrowetting. But not much work reported on cooling by using liquids in direct contact with electronics during their operation. Consequently, the objective of this article is to design and construct an apparatus to test electronic cooling via direct contact with liquids.

Properties of liquids researched, as well as the rational for choosing the electronics we tested are given in this article. Description of the testing apparatus with circuitry completely immersed in liquid while operating is discussed. In addition, short- and long-term tests were performed. Details of the tests and the results are discussed in this article.
Evolution of Non-PFAS Underfill Properties Under High-Temperature Storage and Hygrothermal Exposure
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Kasturi Madhu , Janowsky Leyton , Davis Edward
Published: November 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been around since the 1940s and are used extensively in many different industries. Their distinct qualities, such as their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains, make them valuable. Because of their extraordinary persistence in the environment, they are frequently referred to as “forever chemicals”. Since PFAS has been detected in water supplies, soil, and wildlife, they are difficult to remove from the environment and can build up in our bodies over time. They have also been connected to a number of health problems, including immune system disorders, developmental problems, and certain cancers. Stricter rules and the phase-out of PFAS in consumer goods and industrial processes are demanded by governments, regulatory bodies, and advocacy groups. In this paper, the effect of high-temperature storage at different temperatures and hygrothermal exposure at different conditions on the evolution of non-PFAS underfill properties is investigated. The samples are stored at high temperatures of between 100°C and 150°C and stored in a humidity chamber for moisture absorption at 60°C/60% RH and 85°C/85% RH conditions. The underfill samples are then tested using DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer) with a 3-point bend mode. The oxidation layer formed after exposing the samples to a harsh environment is investigated using Polarized Optical Microscopy.
Reliability of Direct Write Additively Printed Sustainable Flexible Circuitry With ECA Under Sustained High-Temperature Operation
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Sarwar Md Golam , Miller Scott
Published: November 2024

Companies are incorporating recycled materials, eco-friendly packaging, and energy-efficient designs to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining performance and functionality. Direct write additive printing techniques have emerged as promising methods for fabricating sustainable electronics, offering advantages in terms of materials efficiency, design flexibility, and environmental friendliness. However, ensuring the reliability of these printed electronics under HTOL (High Temperature Operating Life) conditions remains a critical challenge. The HTOL test involves subjecting the device to temperatures significantly higher than its normal operating temperature. This elevated temperature accelerates the degradation processes within the device, allowing for quicker assessment of reliability. Identifying deficiencies in the current state of the art regarding the reliability of direct write additively printed sustainable flexible circuitry under HTOL conditions is crucial for guiding future development. The study focuses on evaluating the reliability of printed conductive traces and circuitry on sustainable, flexible substrates under sustained HTOL conditions. The morphology and microstructure of the conductive traces have also been studied using SEM and EDX. Insights from this research contribute to developing robust and environmentally friendly electronic devices suitable for a wide range of applications. Biodegradable polyethylene terephthalate (BPET) is used as substrate materials. The actual output of the printed circuitry before exposure to high temperature and during HTOL conditions is contrasted with the simulated performance of the circuit.
Breaking Abbe’s diffraction limit with harmonic deactivation microscopy
Authors: Murzyn Kevin , van der Geest Maarten L. S. , Guery Leo , Nie Zhonghui , van Essen Pieter , Witte Stefan , Kraus Peter M.
Published: November 2024

Nonlinear optical microscopy provides elegant means for label-free imaging of biological samples and condensed matter systems. The widespread areas of application could even be increased if resolution was improved, which the famous Abbe diffraction limit now restrains. Super-resolution techniques can break the diffraction limit but most rely on fluorescent labeling. This makes them incompatible with (sub)femtosecond temporal resolution and applications that demand the absence of labeling. Here, we introduce harmonic deactivation microscopy (HADES) for breaking the diffraction limit in nonfluorescent samples. By controlling the harmonic generation process on the quantum level with a second donut-shaped pulse, we confine the third-harmonic generation to three times below the original focus size of a scanning microscope. We demonstrate that resolution improvement by deactivation is more efficient for higher harmonic orders and only limited by the maximum applicable deactivation-pulse fluence. This provides a route toward sub-100-nanometer resolution in a regular nonlinear microscope.
Three modes of viral adaption by the heart
Authors: Griffiths Cameron D. , Shah Millie , Shao William , Borgman Cheryl A. , Janes Kevin A.
Published: November 2024

Viruses elicit long-term adaptive responses in the tissues they infect. Understanding viral adaptions in humans is difficult in organs such as the heart, where primary infected material is not routinely collected. In search of asymptomatic infections with accompanying host adaptions, we mined for cardio-pathogenic viruses in the unaligned reads of nearly 1000 human hearts profiled by RNA sequencing. Among virus-positive cases (~20%), we identified three robust adaptions in the host transcriptome related to inflammatory nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling and posttranscriptional regulation by the p38-MK2 pathway. The adaptions are not determined by the infecting virus, and they recur in infections of human or animal hearts and cultured cardiomyocytes. Adaptions switch states when NF-κB or p38-MK2 is perturbed in cells engineered for chronic infection by the cardio-pathogenic virus, coxsackievirus B3. Stratifying viral responses into reversible adaptions adds a targetable systems-level simplification for infections of the heart and perhaps other organs.
USP1 deubiquitinates PARP1 to regulate its trapping and PARylation activity
Authors: Nespolo Anna , Stefenatti Linda , Pellarin Ilenia , Gambelli Alice , Rampioni Vinciguerra Gian Luca , Karimbayli Javad , Barozzi Sara , Orsenigo Fabrizio , Spizzo Riccardo , Nicoloso Milena S. , Segatto Ilenia , D’Andrea Sara , Bartoletti Michele , Lucia Emilio , Giorda Giorgio , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Puglisi Fabio , Belletti Barbara , Schiappacassi Monica , Baldassarre Gustavo , Sonego Maura
Published: November 2024

PARP inhibitors (PARPi) represent a game-changing treatment for patients with ovarian cancer with tumors deficient for the homologous recombination (HR) pathway treated with platinum (Pt)–based therapy. PARPi exert their cytotoxic effect by both trapping PARP1 on the damaged DNA and by restraining its enzymatic activity (PARylation). How PARP1 is recruited and trapped at the DNA damage sites and how resistance to PARPi could be overcome are still matters of investigation. Here, we described PARP1 as a substrate of the deubiquitinase USP1. At molecular level, USP1 binds PARP1 to remove its K63-linked polyubiquitination and controls PARP1 chromatin trapping and PARylation activity, regulating sensitivity to PARPi. In both Pt/PARPi-sensitive and -resistant cells, USP1/PARP1 combined blockade enhances replicative stress, DNA damage, and cell death. Our work dissected the biological interaction between USP1 and PARP1 and recommended this axis as a promising and powerful therapeutic choice for not only sensitive but also chemoresistant patients with ovarian cancer irrespective of their HR status.
Unambiguous discrimination of general quantum operations
Authors: Cai Weizhou , Zhang Jing-Ning , Hua Ziyue , Wang Weiting , Pan Xiaoxuan , Liu Xinyu , Ma Yuwei , Hu Ling , Mu Xianghao , Wang Haiyan , Song Yipu , Zou Chang-Ling , Sun Luyan
Published: November 2024

The discrimination of quantum operations has long been an intriguing challenge, with theoretical research notably advancing our understanding of the quantum features in discriminating quantum objects. This challenge is closely related to the discrimination of quantum states, and proof-of-principle demonstrations of the latter have already been realized using optical photons. However, the experimental demonstration of discriminating general quantum operations, including both unitary and nonunitary operations, has remained elusive. In general quantum systems, especially those with high dimensions, the preparation of arbitrary quantum states and the implementation of arbitrary quantum operations and generalized measurements are nontrivial tasks. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the optimal unambiguous discrimination of up to six displacement operators and the unambiguous discrimination of nonunitary quantum operations. Our results demonstrate powerful tools for experimental research in quantum information processing and are expected to stimulate a wide range of valuable applications in the field of quantum sensing.
Rubbery organic frameworks (ROFs) toward ultrapermeable CO
2
-selective membranes
Authors: Sandru Marius , Prache Marie , Macron Thomas , Căta Lidia , Ahunbay Mehmet Göktuğ , Hägg May-Britt , Maurin Guillaume , Barboiu Mihail
Published: November 2024

The capture of CO
2
is of high interest in our society representing an essential tool to mitigate man-made climate warming. Membrane technology applied for CO
2
capture offers several advantages in terms of energy savings, simple operation, and easy scale-up. Glassy membranes are associated with low gas permeability that negatively affect on their industrial implementation. Oppositely, rubbery membranes offer high permeability, but their selectivity is low. Here we report rubbery organic frameworks (ROFs) combining the high permeability of soft matrices with the high sieving selectivity of molecular frameworks. The best performing membranes provide a CO
2
/N
2
selectivity up to 104 with a CO
2
permeability up to 1000 Barrer, representing relevant performances for industrial implementation. Water vapors have a positive effect on CO
2
permeability, and the CO
2
/N
2
selectivity is higher than in dry conditions, as most of CO
2
gas emissions are present in fully humidified gas streams. The synergetic high permeability/selectivity performances are superior to that observed with current state-of-the-art polymeric membranes.
Achieving strong optical nonlinearity and wide bandgap of pnictides via ionic motif–driven directed assembly of covalent groups
Authors: Gao Lihua , Chen Jindong , Shi Xuemei , Xiao Yan , Han Yinglei , Lin Chensheng , Jiang Huikang , Yang Guangsai , Peng Guang , Ye Ning
Published: November 2024

Noncentrosymmetric (NCS) pnictides are indispensable for nonlinear optics, ferroelectrics, magnetic Weyl electronics, etc., areas, yet their structure design remains a substantial challenge. By using asymmetric ionic unit–driven covalent groups orienting and rigidity-flexibility coupling dual strategy, we successfully design and synthesize four NCS pnictides: [Sr
4
Br]
2
[M
II
3
Si
25
P
40
] (M
II
= Mg, Cd) and [Ba
3
Br][M
III
Si
10
P
16
] (M
III
= Ga, In), which exhibit strong second harmonic generation effects (5.2 to 7.5 × AgGaS
2
), wide bandgaps (1.81 to 1.90 electron volts), and moderate birefringence (0.030 to 0.051). An unprecedented NCS structure-inducing mechanism analysis revealed that the (Sr
4
Br) and (Ba
4
Br) ionic units featuring the diamond-like electrostatic force field effectively break inversion symmetry and trigger uniform arrangement of the covalent tetrahedron groups. Furthermore, the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and birefringence can be remarkably tuned by the secondary covalent building blocks (M
II/III
P
4
tetrahedra) with distinct bond flexibility providing a broader space for regulating the key parameters. This work might expand chemical space for exploiting high-performance pnictide NLO materials.
Crucial hurdles to achieving human-robot harmony
Authors: Ghonasgi Keya , Higgins Taylor , Huber Meghan E. , O’Malley Marcia K.
Published: November 2024

Holistic consideration of the human and the robot is necessary to overcome hurdles in human-robot interaction.
Climate Warming Impacts Tuttuk (Caribou) Forage Availability in Tongait (Torngat) Mountains, Labrador
Authors: Johnson Alexandra , Trant Andrew , Hermanutz Luise , Davis Emma , Saunders Michelle , Siegwart Collier Laura , Way Robert , Knight Tom
Published: November 2024

Tuttuk [caribou (Rangifer tarandus)] populations are in decline across Canada, making them a major conservation concern for Inuit of Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and Nunavik (Northern Quebec). This study investigates changes to caribou forage over 14-years at two tundra sites in northern Nunatsiavut, Labrador. We ask: 1) How much of the total vegetation is suitable caribou forage and how has this changed with time and experimental warming; and 2) Which forage species are most affected by recent climate change? At control and warming plots, we identified selected, edible, and avoided caribou forage based on published literature, and modeled observed changes in forage availability. We found that the relative frequency of selected winter forage was lower than summer forage at both sites. Caribou appear to be more forage limited in the winter than summer, and birch (Betula spp.), and ericaceous shrub species (Vaccinium spp.), increased over time. Our research provides valuable insight into recent changes in caribou forage availability and develops a novel methodology that can be applied across other caribou ranges. This knowledge will inform conservation and management measures by helping identify possible forage limitations and can contribute to recovery targets across Nunatsiavut and ultimately the social-ecological resilience of northern communities.
Tomato Seed (Solanum lycopersicum) Meal Derived From Agrifood Waste as Functional Ingredient: Nutritional Value, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities, and Functional Properties
Authors: Chabi Ifagbémi Bienvenue , Omiyalé Olouchègoun Juladisse , Dèdéhou Sèna Emmanuelle Colombe Aurore , Ayégnon Bernold Paul , Idrissou Ibrahim , Boya Bawa , Kpoclou Yénoukounmè Euloge , Kayodé Adéchola Pierre Polycarpe
Published: November 2024

Agrifood wastes derived from fruits and vegetables are a major source of valuable bioactive compounds. They are therefore a potential functional ingredient that can be used for improving the physicochemical, and sensory, properties; health benefits; and shelf life of food. This study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of tomato seed (Solanum lycopersicum) meal derived from agrifood waste to be used as a functional ingredient for food preservation. To this end, proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial ability, and functional properties were evaluated using relevant methods. The seeds are the most nutrient‐rich part of the tomato. They contain major macronutrients such as proteins (29.97%, dw), lipids (28.32%, dw), carbohydrates (17.19%, dw), and dietary fibers (20.93%, dw). They are rich in minerals (3.57%, dw), and bioactive molecules include total phenolic (4.8 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (with 43.65 μg/g for lycopene and 23.62 μg/g for β‐carotene). Owing to their content of biomolecules, tomato seed meal extracts inhibited the growth of certain food‐borne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms with inhibition diameters of up to 25 cm. Methanolic extracts of these meals showed significant antioxidant activity (25.03% inhibition percentage of diphenyl‐picryl‐hydrazyl). Our findings highlight the importance of making better valorization of tomato seeds. Tomato seed meal has interesting potential as a functional ingredient, capable of improving the physicochemical properties, enriching the nutritional quality, and extending the shelf life of foods.
Species Diversity, Abundance, and Habitat Association of Medium‐ and Large‐Sized Mammals in Harego Forest, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Gezahegn , Yazezew Dereje
Published: November 2024

Despite the importance of the knowledge of mammals’ diversity, abundance, and habitat association for designing feasible conservation measures, most of the studies so far are emphasized in protected areas which in turn affects due understanding of the faunal records and conservation endeavors. Hence, we aimed to investigate species diversity, abundance, and habitat association of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals at Harego Forest, South Wollo, Ethiopia, from November 2020 to October 2021, covering both wet and dry seasons. We classified the study area into natural forest, bushland, and Erica woodland habitat types based on the topography and vegetation cover. The line transect technique was employed to study the diversity, abundance, and distribution of mammals. The counting of mammals was carried out along 16 transect lines from 06:00 to 10:00 h in the morning and from 15:00 to 18:00 h late in the afternoon when most animals are active in the study area. A total of 260 individual of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals belonging to 15 species, 10 families, and 5 orders were recorded. Among the recorded mammal species, Theropithecus gelada was the most abundant species while Felis serval was the least in the study area. The abundance of mammals varied significantly among the different habitat types. The highest and lowest mammalian species richness was recorded in the forest and Erica woodland habitats, respectively. The highest species similarity was observed between forest and bushland habitats. The study area is home to different species of mammals including the endemic mammals of Ethiopia that urges conservation stakeholders to design effective conservation measures to sustain the habitat and the mammalian species.
Presupuesto y Seguridad Pública
Authors: Díaz Carlos
Published: November 2024

El artículo analiza el Presupuesto 2025 de Chile, específicamente en materia de seguridad pública. El presidente Gabriel Boric presentó una expansión del gasto público del 2.7%, con énfasis en seguridad, acumulando un aumento del 15.3% durante su administración. Esta priorización responde a la preocupación ciudadana, donde el 65% identifica el crimen y la violencia como su principal inquietud. El presupuesto contempla inversiones en dotación policial, seguridad fronteriza y sistema penitenciario, incluyendo $28.000 millones para combatir el crimen organizado en cárceles. El análisis revela que el gasto en seguridad de Chile es proporcionalmente alto comparado con países similares de América Latina, aunque los resultados no necesariamente reflejan esta inversión. Se enfatiza la necesidad de abordar el hacinamiento carcelario y considerar alternativas a la prisión, como el monitoreo electrónico, para mejorar la efectividad del gasto público en seguridad.
Abstract A039: A sensitive tool for the detection of RNA modifications in blood samples
Authors: Price Andrew , Miles Zachary , Purse Byron , Stengel Gudrun
Published: November 2024

The epitranscriptome is the set of chemical modifications applied naturally to RNA to regulate seemingly all aspects of its function, including splicing, translation initiation and fidelity, trafficking, RNA folding and stability, and transcript lifetime. Detecting RNA in blood reliably continues to be a challenge due to its labile nature, and detecting RNA modifications is an even greater challenge. For this reason, current liquid biopsy approaches concentrate on determining the mutational burden in cell-free DNA and do not harness the potential of cfRNA. In contrast to cfDNA, cfRNA is a biomarker for dynamic events that are known to occur at early stages of carcinogenesis, such as alterations to transcriptional profiles and other aspects of the regulatory state of cells. In many RNA species, the modification state is linked to the RNA lifecycle, thus providing important insights into cell state. For example, pre-miRNA is modified before miRNA maturation, tRNA cleavage is initiated by changes to the modification pattern and mRNA is decapped for storage in stress granules. AlidaBio is introducing the EpiPlex platform, an assay platform with an integrated bioinformatics solution that is designed for ultra-low RNA input and has been tested with blood samples. In addition to its sensitivity, the EpiPlex platform has the advantage of detecting multiple RNA modifications in the same reaction, enabling users to elucidate how RNA modifications act in concert to fine-tune RNA function. The approach uses targeted, multiplexed barcoding to reveal co-localization of modifications on the same molecule and to provide semi-quantitative data on mod abundance. This sensitive, multiplexed target detection has the potential to advance the field of RNA liquid biopsy with new biomarker discovery.

Citation Format: Andrew Price, Zachary Miles, Byron Purse, Gudrun Stengel. A sensitive tool for the detection of RNA modifications in blood samples [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A039.
Abstract A040: Using mitochondrial abundance in tumor-derived extracellular vesicles for pancreatic cancer screening
Authors: Sun Dali
Published: November 2024

Pancreatic cancer, marked by a high mortality rate and rising incidence, often goes undetected until advanced stages, complicating treatment. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising cancer biomarkers due to their cargo from parent cells. However, current detection methods are often time-consuming, expensive, and complex. To overcome these challenges, we developed a screening assay for pancreatic cancer that uses the mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA ratio in tumor-derived EVs as a distinguishing feature. This assay combines immunoprecipitation with qPCR quantification for direct detection of tumor-derived EVs from serum, utilizing DNA-isolation-free techniques and duplexing probes for qPCR, thus saving at least 3 hours. Clinical sample testing demonstrated the assay's potential as a translational tool for cancer screening, showing a weak correlation with prognosis biomarkers and sufficient discriminatory power between healthy controls, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer cases.

Citation Format: Dali Sun. Using mitochondrial abundance in tumor-derived extracellular vesicles for pancreatic cancer screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A040.
Abstract B040: Cell-free DNA captures inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity in advanced bladder cancer
Authors: Schuster Samantha L , Itagi Pushpa , Arora Sonali , Galipeau Patricia C , Persse Thomas W , Yang Michael , Kreitman Allie , Min Alan , Vakar-Lopez Funda , Lee John K , Grivas Petros , Montgomery Robert B , Wright Jonathan L , Hsieh Andrew C , Lam Hung- Ming , Ha Gavin
Published: November 2024

Metastatic bladder cancer (BLCA) is an aggressive disease complicated by the emergence of variant histological subtypes. The UW/Fred Hutch metastatic BLCA rapid autopsy program is a first-of-its-kind program collecting cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and matched normal tissue, primary tumor, and metastatic tumor samples from advanced BLCA patients, with a focus on these variant subtype tumors. This dataset, consisting of 20 patients with up to five metastases per patient, is a unique opportunity to assess how cfDNA is able to capture heterogeneity across BLCA. We assessed both inter-patient heterogeneity between BLCA subtypes and inter-tumoral heterogeneity within each patient using epigenetic and genomic profiling. Using nucleosome profiling, we identified the activity of lineage markers and transcription factors that distinguish healthy individuals from BLCA patients, and between BLCA subtypes. Furthermore, we conducted a detailed analysis of whole genome (30X) and targeted (4,000X) cfDNA sequencing in their ability to capture the evolutionary history of tumor mutations. Detection of tumor mutations by cfDNA is highly dependent on clonality, with >90% of founder tumor mutations captured by either sequencing method, while capture is decreased for either subclonal mutations or those private to a single metastasis. Importantly, deleterious mutations in BLCA driver genes had close to 100% detection using targeted panel sequencing, even for subclonal mutations. These findings lay the groundwork for the use of cfDNA in clinical BLCA decision-making, including tracking the emergence of pathogenic, targetable mutations and variant subtypes.

Citation Format: Samantha L Schuster, Pushpa Itagi, Sonali Arora, Patricia C Galipeau, Thomas W Persse, Michael Yang, Allie Kreitman, Alan Min, Funda Vakar-Lopez, John K Lee, Petros Grivas, Robert B Montgomery, Jonathan L Wright, Andrew C Hsieh, Hung- Ming Lam, Gavin Ha. Cell-free DNA captures inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity in advanced bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B040.