bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for TIR domain–mediated innate immune signaling by Toll-like receptor adaptors TRIF and TRAM
Authors: Manik Mohammad K. , Pan Mengqi , Xiao Le , Gu Weixi , Kim Hyoyoung , Pospich Sabrina , Hedger Andrew , Vajjhala Parimala R. , Lee Morris Y. L. , Qian Xiaoqi , Landsberg Michael J. , Ve Thomas , Nanson Jeffrey D. , Raunser Stefan , Stacey Katryn J. , Wu Hao , Kobe Bostjan
Published: January 2025

Innate immunity relies on Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domain-containing TLR adaptors TRIF (TIR domain–containing adaptor-inducing interferon-β) and TRAM (TRIF-related adaptor molecule) are essential for MyD88-independent TLR signaling. However, the structural basis of TRIF and TRAM TIR domain–based signaling remains unclear. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of filaments formed by TRIF and TRAM TIR domains at resolutions of 3.3 Å and 5.6 Å, respectively. Both structures reveal two-stranded parallel helical arrangements. Functional studies underscore the importance of intrastrand interactions, mediated by the BB-loop, and interstrand interactions in TLR4-mediated signaling. We also report the crystal structure of the monomeric TRAM TIR domain bearing the BB loop mutation C117H, which reveals conformational differences consistent with its inactivity. Our findings suggest a unified signaling mechanism by the TIR domains of the four signaling TLR adaptors MyD88, MAL, TRIF, and TRAM and reveal potential therapeutic targets for immunity-related disorders.
A signaling molecule from intratumor bacteria promotes trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer cells
Authors: Qin Gege , Shao Xiying , Liu Xiaolong , Xu Jiachao , Wang Xiaojia , Wang Wenxi , Gao Lu , Liang Yuxin , Xie Lina , Su Dan , Yang Hongwei , Zhou Wei , Fang Xiaohong
Published: January 2025

Emerging evidence indicates that intratumor bacteria exist as an active and specific tumor component in many tumor types beyond digestive and respiratory tumors. However, the biological impact and responsible molecules of such local bacteria–tumor direct interaction on cancer therapeutic response remain poorly understood. Trastuzumab is among the most commonly used drugs targeting the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ErbB2) in breast cancer, but its resistance is inevitable, severely limiting its clinical effectiveness. Here, we demonstrate that the quorum-sensing signaling molecule N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3oc), a chemical compound released by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
P. aeruginosa
), one tumor-resident bacteria with a relative high abundance in breast cancer, promotes breast cancer cell resistance to trastuzumab. Mechanically, 3oc directly leads to spontaneous dimerization of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) type II serine/threonine kinase receptor on the cell membrane in a ligand-independent manner. The 3oc-induced TGF-β signaling subsequently triggers ErbB2 phosphorylation and its downstream target activation, overcoming the inhibition effect of trastuzumab on ErbB2. With specific real-time qPCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization imaging, and liquid chromatography ionization tandem mass spectrometry analyses of clinical samples, we confirmed that
P. aeruginosa
and its signaling molecule 3oc exist in breast cancer tissues and there is a clinical correlation between
P. aeruginosa
colonization and trastuzumab resistance. This work expands the biological functions of intratumor bacteria in cancer treatment responsiveness and provides a unique perspective for overcoming trastuzumab resistance.
Infants can create iconic gestures during natural interactions with caregivers
Authors: Green Kirsty R. , Osei-Cobbina Chloe , Perlman Marcus , Kita Sotaro
Published: January 2025

Adults across cultures produce iconic gestures, but little is known about the emergence of iconic gesturing in
infants. This study aimed to identify plausible instances of infants’ earliest iconic gestures to learn more about their form and
the interactional contexts in which they emerge. We identified the first 10 iconic gestures produced by five English-speaking
children in a naturalistic longitudinal video corpus. In identifying gestures, we cast a wide net that included gestures produced
during pretend play and those performed with objects in-hand. Analyses of gestures’ form and context show that children produced
their first iconic gesture between 12 and 20 months, the great majority of which depicted actions. We found mixed evidence
suggesting that children may produce conceptually less-challenging gestures earlier. Infants produced more object-in-hand gestures
than empty-hand gestures to depict transitive actions but also more imagined-object than body-part-as-object gestures. Most
gestures were produced independently of adult models, and many demonstrated innovation. Overall, within natural interactions,
infants demonstrated impressive representational abilities and did not always rely on parental scaffolding. Our findings highlight
the importance of considering the interactional context when conducting research on the development of gesture.
Gravitational helicity flux density from two-body systems
Authors: Long Jiang , Yu Run-Ze
Published: January 2025

The helicity flux density is a novel quantity which characterizes the angle-dependence of the helicity of radiative gravitons and it may be tested by gravitational wave experiments in the future. We derive a quadrupole formula for the helicity flux density due to gravitational radiation in the slow motion and the weak field limit. We apply the formula to the bound and unbound orbits in two-body systems and find that the total radiative helicity fluxes are always zero. However, the radiative helicity flux density, which is

O

(

G
3

)

in the Newtonian limit, still has non-trivial dependence on the angle. Furthermore, we also find a formula for the total helicity flux by including all contributions of the higher multipoles.
Automated alignment of an optical cavity using machine learning
Authors: Qin Jiayi , Kinder Katherine , Jadhav Shreejit , Chugh Praneel , Slagmolen Bram J J
Published: January 2025

Optimised alignment is important in optical systems, particularly in high-precision instrumentation such as gravitational wave detectors, in order to maximise the sensitivity. During operations, high performing optical wave-front sensing and feedback systems are used to maintain optical cavity performance. However, the need for an automated initial alignment process arises after maintenance or large environmental disturbances such as earthquakes, as it can be challenging to manually achieve optimised as well as consistent optical alignments. In this study, a machine learning control system is presented to determine the optimal input beam alignment of an optical cavity based on a digital camera stream of the transmitted cavity mode. We use convolutional neural networks to classify the cavity mode from its image, with 100% prediction accuracy for the desired mode. A genetic algorithm is applied to find experimental parameters that maximise the transmitted power of a chosen cavity mode. The system demonstrates consistent alignment outcomes that the median intensity over multiple trials exceeds 95% by the sixth generation of the algorithm. These results show that machine learning techniques can be implemented to automate the alignment process that is compatible for a broad range of optical resonator platforms.
Tilt-to-length coupling in LISA—uncertainty and biases
Authors: Hartig M-S , Marmor J , George D , Paczkowski S , Sanjuan J
Published: January 2025

The coupling of the angular jitter of the spacecraft and their sub-assemblies with the optical bench and the telescope into the interferometric length readout will be a major noise source in the LISA mission. We refer to this noise as tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling. It will be reduced directly by realignments, and the residual noise will then be subtracted in post-processing. The success of these mitigation strategies depends on an accurate computation of the TTL coupling coefficients. We present here a thorough analysis of the accuracy of the coefficient estimation under different jitter characteristics, angular readout noise levels, and gravitational wave sources. We analyze in which cases the estimates degrade using two estimators, the common least squares estimator and the instrumental variables estimator. Our investigations show that angular readout noise leads to a systematic bias of the least squares estimator, depending on the TTL coupling coefficients, jitter and readout noise level, while the instrumental variable estimator converges to an unbiased result as the data set length increases. We present an equation that predicts the estimation bias of the least squares method due to angular readout noise.
Efficient surface plasmonic vortex based on multi-arm Archimedes-spiral slot
Authors: Zhong Yang-wan , Wu Liang , Li Wen-hao , Xiao Qing-sheng , Xiao Shi-lei
Published: January 2025

An efficient and small volume surface plasmonic vortex (PV) based on multi-arm Archimedes-spiral slot with different spiral slot parameters m is proposed and investigated. By adding an auxiliary nanocavity under the primary Archimedes-spiral slot, the surface plasmonic polaritons can be efficiently transmitted inward to form surface PV inside the multi-arm Archimedes-spiral slot. The unidirectional excitation of the surface plasmonic polaritons can be achieved by numerically optimizing the geometrical parameters of the auxiliary nanocavity with the finite-difference time-domain method. The proposed multi-arm Archimedes-spiral slot can control the topological charge of the PV generated inside the Archimedes-spiral slot. When illuminated with circularly polarized beam, the relative strength of the primary ring can reach a maximum of 1.97 times as much as that when the auxiliary nanocavity is not provided. This structure can reduce the background noise and significantly improve the integration of nanophotonic circuits. The proposed structure is of great significance for the development of microparticle manipulation technology and the improvement of the integration of future photonic devices.
Effect of combined temperature and pressure variations on the PDIV of wedge-shaped, dielectric-bounded air gaps
Authors: Färber R , Šefl O , Franck C M
Published: January 2025

The variation of the partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) of wedge-shaped, dielectric-bounded air gaps under concurrent changes of air pressure (7.5 mbar to 950 mbar) and temperature (23 ∘C to 110 ∘C) is investigated in this paper. Two coating materials featuring distinctly different variations of their dielectric permittivity with temperature are used. The experimentally observed variation of the PDIV is shown to be in good agreement with a physical parametrization of the PDIV in terms of the general scaling parameter

p
T

⋅

s

ε
r

. The simplicity of the suggested parametrization makes it a powerful tool for insulation design considerations under a wide range of environmental conditions (pressure p and temperature T) and insulation configurations (insulation thickness s and dielectric permittivity ɛ
r), in particular for (more) electric aviation.
Precise calibration for error detection and correction in material extrusion additive manufacturing using digital fringe projection
Authors: Keller W , Girard J , Goldberg M W , Zhang S
Published: January 2025

This work proposes a novel calibration method to align the coordinate system of a digital fringe projection system and a material extrusion additive manufacturing machine for in-process error detection and correction. A calibration geometry is printed and measured with the DFP system. Three-dimensional and two-dimensional data processing techniques are then implemented to estimate a rigid transformation matrix between the coordinate systems. The proposed calibration method and geometry are designed to run every time before the start of the manufacturing process. This removes inaccuracies caused by processes in additive manufacturing such as homing and auto-leveling, and allows the transformation to have a high accuracy. The proposed calibration method has achieved a sub-millimeter accuracy with an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.028 mm. The proposed method was further used for process monitoring to detect and correct sub-layer under-extrusion errors on a layer-by-layer basis. This error correction process improved the average RMSE by a factor of 1.7 for a simple shape error.
On a deep analysis of the reference time of multi-GNSS final and real-time precise clock products with respect to UTC
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zheng Fu , Shi Chuang , Wang Zhen , Ren Fulong , Fan Lei , Hu Zhongshun
Published: January 2025

The underlying reference time of International GNSS Service (IGS) clock products is extensively used in the characteristic analysis of on-board oscillators and precise point positioning timing services. As a reference time used in timing applications, traceability to coordinated universal time (UTC) and high-performance of frequency stability are essential. In this study, based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations from timing laboratories and Circular T published by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, the time deviation with respect to UTC and frequency stability are evaluated for the reference time of IGS precise clock products. To comprehensively investigate the performance of the GPS, Galileo, and BeiDou-3 (BDS-3) reference time in the IGS products, five multi-GNSS experiment (MGEX) final products (COM, ESM, GBM, Information and Analysis Centre (IAC), and WUM), two real-time (RT) products (Wuhan University (WHU)-RT and CNES-RT), and the IGS final products are selected for analysis. The results indicate that the GPS reference time of most MGEX products is derived from the broadcast GPS system time (GPST), and the consistency with UTC is within 8 ns over a year. The COM, ESM and WUM define the Galileo and BDS-3 reference time by estimating the inter-system bias as a constant while the Galileo and BDS-3 reference time of GBM and IAC is derived from the broadcast Galileo system time (GST) and BDS system time (BDT). Benefited from the well-performance of GPST, the BDS-3 and Galileo reference time of COM and ESM shows the best performance for the time deviation from UTC. For the RT products, the deviation between the reference time and UTC is within 7 ns for GPS, whereas the peak-to-peak values of the time deviation of BDS-3 and Galileo exceed 15 and 30 ns for nearly two months, respectively. The frequency stability of GPS reference time in most final products can achieve 1.4–5.0 × 10−14, 3.2–5.9 × 10−15 and 3.3–5.3 × 10−15 with the averaging time of 120, 10 020 and 608 400 s, respectively. In addition, the frequency stability of Galileo and BDS-3 reference time is comparable to that of GPS reference time. However, the stability of the reference time of the RT products is inferior to that of the MGEX products, especially for short- and mid-term stability.
Parametric study on the role of energy and mobility on abnormal grain growth in systems undergoing complexion transition
Authors: De Partha Sarathi , Vadlamani Subramanya Sarma , Vedantam Srikanth
Published: January 2025

Despite many decades of research, the exact mechanism contributing to the persistence of abnormal grain growth (AGG) is poorly understood. In many materials, a structural transition at grain boundary (GB), known as complexion transition, has been suggested as a cause of AGG. However, the precise link between complexion transitions and AGG is still unclear and challenging to study experimentally. Recently, we proposed a thermodynamically consistent complexion transition model and using a phase field study we demonstrated persistent AGG induced by the proposed model. Building on our earlier research, this work aims to clarify the relationship between induced grain growth and the underlying complexion transitions. Complexion transitions can be characterized by their type, which is defined by changes in GB properties such as mobility and energy, and their likelihood of occurrence. By systematically varying the type and likelihood of these transitions, we map the development of microstructure and identified the parameter space for occurrence of AGG through two-dimensional phase-field simulations. Quantitative analysis of relative growth of abnormal grains provides valuable insights into the role of complexion transition parameters on AGG. The findings from this study can contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between processing parameters and microstructure during complexion transitions.
Exploring the coupled effects of interfaces and grain size gradients in heterogeneous laminate and gradient structures via a multiple mechanism based constitutive model
Authors: Wang Chun , Liu Eryong , Liu Hanyuan , Yuan Rui
Published: January 2025

As two promising types of heterogeneous materials, gradient structures and heterogeneous laminates possess superior mechanical properties, such as a combination of high strength and exceptional ductility, which can be attributed to back stress strengthening and strain hardening arising from their heterogeneous microstructures. Recent efforts have been made to combine these two unique microstructures to further improve their properties and performance. However, how heterogeneous interfaces and grain size gradients interplay with each other remains unknown. Therefore, this work aims at exploring the coupled effects of interfaces and grain size gradients in copper–bronze heterogeneous laminate and gradient samples via multiple mechanism-based constitutive modeling incorporating statistically stored dislocations, geometrically necessary dislocations, back stress and deformation twinning. It is revealed that different grain size gradients have profound influence on the deformation mechanisms and mechanical behaviors of the material: a monotonic grain size gradient in the copper layers strengthens the material yet reduces its ductility as a result of diminished back stress hardening due to weakened interface effects; a symmetric grain size gradient in the bronze layers leads to an increase in ductility and a decrease in strength; only by introducing a symmetric grain size gradient into the copper layers can the strength and ductility of the material be improved simultaneously, which is accredited to stronger back stress and grain boundary strengthening due to the synergistic effects between the interfaces and the grain size gradients. In addition, the distinct propensities for twinning in the copper and bronze layers can be attributed to both their different stacking fault energies and grain sizes.
A computational study of novel CsYMSe3 (M = Cd, Zn) materials: for their potential optoelectronic and thermoelectric application
Authors: Khan Muhammad Salman , Gul Banat , Aziz Siti Maisarah , Mohamed Abdelhay Salah , Abbas Faheem
Published: January 2025

The thermoelectric performance and adjustable optical properties of chalcogenides are noteworthy. Density functional theory is employed to study the electrical, optical, and thermoelectric properties of the novel CsYMSe3 (M = Cd, Zn) quaternary chalcogenides. A direct band gap nature was predicted based on the band profile study. Using Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation and TB-modified Becke–Johnson, the reported band gaps are 2.12 and 2.92 eV for CsYZnSe3 and 2.11 and 3.07 eV for CsYCdSe3, respectively. The results showed that in both materials, the hybridization of the orbital Cs–p/d and the Se–p were responsible for direct energy losses. The complex dielectric function and the important linear optical parameters were investigated for possible usage in optoelectronic devices. These materials exhibit stronger absorption of photons. These materials could be employed as particularly effective UV-reflecting materials from the noticed peaks in the reflectivity spectra. Because of their negative Seebeck coefficient values, both materials show n-type conductivity across the whole temperature range. CsYZnSe3 possesses better electrical conductivity than CsYCdSe3, which results in a larger ZT value.
Deep proximal gradient network for absorption coefficient recovery in photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Zheng Sun , Ranran Geng
Published: January 2025

Objective. The optical absorption properties of biological tissues in photoacoustic (PA) tomography are typically quantified by inverting acoustic measurements. Conventional approaches to solving the inverse problem of forward optical models often involve iterative optimization. However, these methods are hindered by several challenges, including high computational demands, the need for regularization, and sensitivity to both the accuracy of the forward model and the completeness of the measurement data. The aim of this study is to introduce a novel learned iterative method for recovering spatially varying optical absorption coefficients (OACs) from PA pressure measurements. Approach. The study introduces a deep learning-based approach that employs the proximal gradient descent mechanism to achieve optical inversion. The proposed framework consists of multiple cascaded structural units, which iteratively update the absorption coefficients through a learning process, unit by unit. Main results. The proposed method was validated through simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo studies. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the proposed approach outperforms traditional nonlearning and learning-based methods, achieving at least 12.85% improvement in relative errors, 3.50% improvement in peak signal-to-noise ratios, and 3.53% improvement in structural similarity in reconstructing the OAC distribution. Significance. This method significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of quantitative PA tomography. By addressing key challenges such as computational demand and sensitivity to the accuracy of the forward model and the completeness of the measurement data, the proposed framework offers a more reliable and efficient alternative to traditional methods, with potential applications in medical imaging and diagnostics.
Experimental characterization of turbulence properties in negative triangularity DIII-D plasmas
Authors: Stewart Samuel David , McKee G. R. , Chrystal Colin , Cote Tyler , Geiger Benedikt , Khabanov Filipp , Nelson Andrew Oakleigh , Qin Xijie , Paz-Soldan Carlos , Schmitz Lothar , Thome Kathreen E , Yan Z
Published: January 2025

Negative Triangularity (NT) plasmas have demonstrated robustly ELM-free high-performance operation and provide a unique testbed to study how plasma shaping affects turbulent transport. The Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES) diagnostic provides localized 2D measurements of low-k ($k_{\theta} \rho_s < 1$) density fluctuations. In a sweep of upper triangularity at fixed power, H-mode access is suppressed and an NT-edge is observed. The turbulence amplitude ($\tilde{n}/n$) is shown to decrease by $\sim50\%$ for $\rho<0.9$ in the NT-edge phase as compared to the H-mode phase. Additionally, low-velocity edge modes below 70 kHz are suppressed by triangularity and the dominant mode propagating in the electron diamagnetic direction is seen to broaden in wavenumber space in the NT-edge phase. In a strong NT plasma ($\delta_{avg}\sim-0.5$), low amplitude modes ($\tilde{n}/n <0.5\%$) propagating in the ion-diamagnetic direction with radially-poloidally symmetric eddy structure are identified for $\rho \sim 0.65-0.83$ consistent with Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG) turbulence. Modes consistent with Trapped Electron Mode (TEM) turbulence are observed propagating in the electron-diamagnetic direction for $\rho\gtrsim0.83$ with poloidally extended eddy structure and reduced amplitudes observed at the separatrix. The turbulence properties presented in this paper help validate our understanding of NT turbulence and help explain the improved confinement and unique edge features of NT plasmas.
Machine learning enhanced tomographic reconstruction for multispectral imaging on TCV
Authors: van Leeuwen Loek , Schoukens Maarten , Citrin Jonathan , van Berkel Matthijs , Duval Basil , Perek Artur ,   the TCV Team
Published: January 2025

A multispectral camera setup is used to infer a 2D map of plasma parameters in a tokamak from spectral emissions. However, the light measured by these cameras is line integrated in the toroidal direction, whereas emissivities on the poloidal plane are necessary for the inference. The poloidal plasma emissivity can be obtained by tomographic reconstruction, but classical techniques are too slow to use these emissivities for real-time control. We present two machine learning based approaches to accelerate the reconstruction of the poloidal emissivities from line integrated data measured by the camera setup. Both approaches yield more accurate results on synthetic data than the iterative approach while being, with the right implementation, fast enough for real-time control applications.
Measurement of the flexoelectric coefficients in van der Waals materials with separation of piezoelectricity
Authors: Liang Chaobo , Wang Tingjun , Cui Yuanyuan , Chen Yichong , Du Guoshuai , Chen Yabin , Wang Xueyun , Lun Yingzhuo , Hong Jiawang
Published: January 2025

The flexoelectric coefficient is a key material parameter describing the interaction between the electric polarization and strain gradient, which is of significance to design high-performance flexoelectric devices. The macroscopic cantilever bending and truncated pyramid compression are common approaches to measure the flexoelectric coefficients of bulk materials. However, these conventional methods are challenging for the small-sized van der Waals (vdW) materials that have recently emerged in the field of flexoelectricity, especially for piezoelectric ones to separate flexoelectric and piezoelectric contribution. In this work, we design vdW materials-embedded multilayer structures for accurately measuring its flexoelectricity. An oscillatory four-point bending deformation is applied to the multilayer structures and induces stable flexoelectric current. Combined with a theoretical model, the contribution of the piezoelectricity is separated through measuring the current variation among the multilayer structures in which the vdW material is embedded in different plane position. The flexoelectric coefficients of two typical vdW materials, piezoelectric CuInP2S6 and non-piezoelectric 2H-MoS2, are measured as −25.6 nC m−1 and 174.1 nC m−1, respectively. And large flexocoupling coefficients are found in both vdW materials. This work provides a new method for the intrinsic flexoelectric measurements of small-sized vdW materials with separating piezoelectric contribution and brings new insights into the exploration of high-performance flexoelectric materials.
4D printing of generative AI-assisted designs
Authors: Nafea Marwan
Published: January 2025

This paper presents, for the first time, the concept of four-dimensional (4D) printing of actuators that are designed using a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool. The generative AI tool used in this work is Ideogram, which is a text-to-image tool that allows creating images based on the user’s prompts. These prompts are carefully formulated to assess the ability of Ideogram to generate designs that have uniform shapes with uniform infill patterns, uniform shapes with nonuniform infill patterns, and nonuniform shapes with nonuniform infill patterns. Two prompts are used to address each case in a different way, adding up to a total of six prompts. Each prompt is used to generate four different images that are used as designs. This process is followed by extracting each design’s path using Inkscape and exporting it to SolidWorks. Each design is then sliced using two different approaches via Simplify3D, which leads to the development of 48 designs. The first method prints the passive parts of the actuator with a 100% infill and the active parts with a 0% infill (except for a single outline perimeter), while the second uses a 100% infill for both parts. The designs are then 4D printed from polylactic acid (PLA) using fused deposition modeling and then activated in hot water. The bending performance of the activated PLA actuators is then characterized using Kinovea. The different approaches of printing cause the bending performance to be significantly altered. Therefore, the bending angles of these designs range from 9.3° to 72.8°, while the directions of bending range from 0° to 170°. The developed designs in this work demonstrate complex bending performance due to the randomness of the directions of the induced strain during the printing process. The results illustrate that the proposed concept in this work is promising for various types of 4D printing applications that require developing complex and creative designs, offering new possibilities for 4D printing where standard design methods may fall short.
Design, construction and test of a 13 T no-insulation REBCO magnet: validation of an improved circuit model considering the screening current
Authors: Zheng Hengkang , Wang Yijun , Liu Mengyu , Song Yunxing , Li Liang
Published: January 2025

No-insulation (NI) (RE)Ba2Cu3O
y
(REBCO (RE = Rare Earth)) magnets show great potential in producing ultra-high magnetic field due to their excellent self-protection behaviors, high current density, and compact structure. However, the complexity of their fabrication process, along with the intrinsic screening current induced in the coated REBCO layer, poses challenges for large-scale applications. The screening current not only generates an unwanted irregular magnetic field and overstress, but also leads to a non-uniform current distribution within winding, affecting the inductance and dynamic voltages of NI REBCO magnets. To accurately simulate the electromagnetic behaviors of each pancake coil in an NI REBCO magnet, we propose an improved network circuit integrated with the homogenous T-A formulation model. This model accounts for the screening current and simulates the detailed electromagnetic characteristics of each pancake coil without the need for pre-calculating the current-dependent inductance matrix. A 13 T NI REBCO superconducting magnet was developed for high-frequency gyrotrons in our lab. The design, construction and energizing test of this magnet are presented. The accuracy and validity of the improved circuit model are verified by comparing experimental voltage measurement with simulated results with or without considering the screening current. The voltage data reveals significant dynamic drift during the low-current ramping stage, attributed to the temporal changes in the screening current before it reaches saturation.
Development and performance of high-temperature superconducting CORC® cables with CFD REBCO tapes
Authors: Ben Saâd Haïfa , Lacroix Christian , Horn-Bourque Delano , Nilsson Emelie , Rouquette Jean-François , van der Laan Danko , Weiss Jeremy , Radcliff Kyle , Sirois Frédéric
Published: January 2025

Increasing the normal zone propagation velocity (NZPV) in superconducting cables based on rare earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) tapes is expected to cause a paradigm shift by enabling the development of faster and more reliable quench detection systems to mitigate the development of destructive hot spots. Furthermore, a higher NZPV is beneficial in terms of fault current limitation capabilities by accelerating the homogenization of the quench in superconducting power devices. One way envisioned to increase the NZPV of cables based on REBCO tapes is the current flow diverter (CFD) concept. A Conductor on Round Core (CORC®) cable made with CFD REBCO tapes, called CFD CORC® cable, and a CORC® cable made with regular REBCO tapes, were fabricated and tested. The critical current of the CFD and regular CORC® cables were obtained at temperatures ranging from 67 to 77 K in self-field. Measurements showed that the NZPV was increased by a factor of 4–4.5 in the case of the CFD CORC® cable. Furthermore, the results suggest that the NZPV depends only on the applied current, similar to what has been observed previously on single REBCO tapes. These results demonstrate the successful integration of CFD REBCO tapes in CORC® cables, without compromising their superconducting properties or their enhanced NZPV. The possibility of enhancing the NZPV of REBCO-based cables could facilitate quench detection, which remains an important issue in HTS magnet applications. This advancement also holds promise for the fault current limitation functionality of CORC® cables.
Minimal operational theories: classical theories with quantum features
Authors: Rolino Davide , Erba Marco , Tosini Alessandro , Perinotti Paolo
Published: January 2025

We introduce a class of probabilistic theories, termed Minimal Strongly Causal Operational Probabilistic Theories, where system dynamics are constrained to the minimal set of operations consistent with the set of states and permitting conditional tests. Specifically, the allowed instruments are limited to those derived from compositions of preparations, measurements, swap transformations, and conditional operations. We demonstrate that minimal theories with conditioning and a spanning set of non-separable states satisfy two quantum no-go theorems: no-information without disturbance and no-broadcasting. As a key example, we construct Minimal Strongly Causal Bilocal Classical Theory, a classical toy-theory that lacks incompatible measurements, preparation uncertainty relations, and is noncontextual (both Kochen–Specker and generalised), yet exhibits irreversibility of measurement disturbance, no-information without disturbance, and no-broadcasting. Therefore, the latter three properties cannot be understood per se as signatures of non-classicality. We further explore distinctions between a theory and its minimal strongly causal counterpart, showing that while the minimal strongly causal version of quantum theory diverges from full quantum theory, the same does not hold for classical theory. Additionally, we establish the pairwise independence of the properties of simpliciality, strong causality, and local discriminability.
Cataclysmic Variables and AM CVn Binaries in SRG/eROSITA + Gaia: Volume Limited Samples, X-Ray Luminosity Functions, and Space Densities
Authors: Rodriguez Antonio C. , El-Badry Kareem , Suleimanov Valery , Pala Anna F. , Kulkarni Shrinivas R. , Gaensicke Boris , Mori Kaya , Rich R. Michael , Sarkar Arnab , Bao Tong , de Oliveira Raimundo Lopes , Ramsay Gavin , Szkody Paula , Graham Matthew , Prince Thomas A. , Caiazzo Ilaria , Vanderbosch Zachary P. , Roestel Jan van , Das Kaustav K. , Qin Yu-Jing , Kasliwal Mansi M. , Wold Avery , Groom Steven L. , Reiley Daniel , Riddle Reed
Published: January 2025

We present volume-limited samples of cataclysmic variables (CVs) and AM CVn binaries jointly selected from SRG/eROSITA eRASS1 and Gaia DR3 using an X-ray + optical color–color diagram (the “X-ray Main Sequence”). This tool identifies all CV subtypes, including magnetic and low-accretion rate systems, in contrast to most previous surveys. We find 23 CVs, 3 of which are AM CVns, out to 150 pc in the Western Galactic Hemisphere. Our 150 pc sample is spectroscopically verified and complete down to L
X = 1.3 × 1029 erg s−1 in the 0.2–2.3 keV band, and we also present CV candidates out to 300 pc and 1000 pc. We discovered two previously unknown systems in our 150 pc sample: the third nearest AM CVn and a magnetic period bouncer. We find the mean L
X of CVs to be 〈L
X〉 ≈ 4.6 × 1030 erg s−1, in contrast to previous surveys which yielded 〈L
X〉 ∼ 1031−1032 erg s−1. We construct X-ray luminosity functions that, for the first time, flatten out at L
X ∼ 1030 erg s−1. We infer average number, mass, and luminosity densities of ρ
N,CV = (3.7 ± 0.7) × 10−6pc−3,

ρ

M

=
(
5.0
±
1.0
)
×
1

0

−
5

M

⊙

−
1

, and

ρ

L
X

=
(
2.3
±
0.4
)
×
1

0
26

erg

s

−
1

M
⊙

−
1

, respectively, in the solar neighborhood. Our uniform selection method also allows us to place meaningful estimates on the space density of AM CVns, ρ
N,AM CVn = (5.5 ± 3.7) × 10−7 pc−3. Magnetic CVs and period bouncers make up 35% and 25% of our sample, respectively. This work, through a novel discovery technique, shows that the observed number densities of CVs and AM CVns, as well as the fraction of period bouncers, are still in tension with population synthesis estimates.
The Avogadro constant is not the defining constant of the mole
Authors: Kacker Raghu N , Irikura Karl K
Published: January 2025

The SI (2019) claims that the Avogadro constant N
A has the same character as the other six defining constants Δν
Cs, c, h, e, k, and K
cd, and that the same approach that is used to redefine the other base units may also be used to redefine the mole based on N
A. The SI (2019) states that the expression N
A = 6.022 140 76 × 1023 × mol−1 is a defining relation whose inversion provides the algebraic definition of the mole. This Letter shows that N
A is not the defining constant of the mole. The unit mole is defined by the SI description of the Avogadro number {N
A}.
Local field potential phase modulates the evoked response to electrical stimulation in visual cortex
Authors: Allison-Walker Tim , Hagan Maureen A , Meikle Sabrina J , Price Nicholas S C , Wong Yan T
Published: January 2025

Objective. Development of cortical visual prostheses requires optimization of evoked responses to electrical stimulation to reduce charge requirements and improve safety, efficiency, and efficacy. One promising approach is timing stimulation to the local field potential (LFP), where action potentials have been found to occur preferentially at specific phases. To assess the relationship between electrical stimulation and the phase of the LFP, we recorded action potentials from primary (V1) and secondary (V2) visual cortex in marmosets while delivering single-pulse electrical microstimulation at different phases of the LFP. Approach. A 64-channel 4 shank probe was inserted into V1 and V2. Microstimulation (single biphasic pulse, 10 µA and 200 µs per phase) was applied to selected channels in V1, and action potentials recorded simultaneously in V1 and V2. Microstimulation pulses were jittered in time to randomize the phase of the LFP at the time of stimulation. Results. We found frequency-specific phase modulation in a subset of units, where microstimulation in V1 evokes a higher firing rate in both V1 and V2 when delivered at specific phases of the LFP. We characterize phase modulation in terms of the preferred phase and frequency of V1 stimulation for responses in both V1 and V2, and effect size as a function of phase estimation accuracy. Significance. Phase modulation could reduce charge requirements for neural activation, reducing the volume of activated tissue and improving the safety, efficacy, and specificity of cortical visual prostheses. Phase modulation could allow cortical visual prostheses to stimulate using more simultaneous electrodes, with improved neural specificity, and, potentially, targeting downstream cortical activation.
Unveiling the inhibitory effect of hydrogen-decorated voids and dislocation loops on the glide of edge dislocation in tungsten
Authors: Ren Qing-Yuan , Li Yu-Hao , Du Yu-Chen , Yang Tian-Ren , Terentyev Dmitry , Han Wei-Zhong , Zhou Hong-Bo , Lu Guang-Hong
Published: January 2025

Tungsten (W), as the most promising candidate for plasma-facing materials, will experience significant irradiation hardening in nuclear fusion environment, which is originated from the formation of displacement damages, such as voids and dislocation loops. Hydrogen (H) can further exacerbate the hardening effect, but the underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the impact of H aggregation within voids and ½ <111> dislocation loops on obstructing the glide of ½ <111> edge dislocations. On the one hand, the pinning effect of H-void complexes is closely related to the ratio of H to vacancy (H:Vac). When the H:Vac ratio is high, H atoms will overflow from the H-void complexes along the dislocation, enhancing the attractive interaction of complexes with dislocation and thereby causing a significant increase in the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS). On the other hand, the accumulation of H around dislocation loops can increase the CRSS by an order of magnitude. This is mainly because the binding of H to the dislocation loop hinders its movement along with the edge dislocation. Our findings advocate that the presence of interstitial impurities can dramatically modify the mechanical properties of materials underirradiation, and provide an important reference for the prediction of W performance and the development of advanced nuclear materials.
Aerodynamic analysis of complex flapping motions based on free-flight biological data
Authors: Shen Yishi , Xu Yi , Zhang Shi , Chen Tianyi , Huang Weimin , Shi Qing
Published: January 2025

The wings of birds contain complex morphing mechanisms that enable them to perform remarkable aerial maneuvers. Wing morphing is often described using five wingbeat motion parameters: flapping, bending, folding, sweeping, and twisting. However, the specific impact of these motions on the aerodynamic performance of wings throughout the wingbeat cycle, and their potential to inform engineering applications, remains insufficiently explored. To bridge this gap and better incorporate the properties of coupled motions into the design of biomimetic aircraft, we present a numerical investigation of four flapping-based coupled motions during different flight phases (i.e. take-off, level flight, and landing) using a pigeon-like airfoil model. The wingbeat motion data for these four coupled motions were based on real flying pigeons and divided into: flap-bending, flap-folding, flap-sweeping, and flap-twisting. We used computational fluid dynamic simulations to study the effects of these coupled motions on the flow field, generation of transient aerodynamic forces, and work done by different motions on flapping. It was found that, first, the flap-bending motion causes unstable changes in the effective angle of attack (AoA), which affects the attachment of the leading-edge vortex (LEV), thereby producing more lift at smaller bending angles. Next, the flap-folding motion causes the LEV to attach to the wing earlier and regulates the detachment of vortices. Significant changes in the folding angle are used to influence lift generation and the flap-sweeping motion has minimal effect on the flow field structure across the three flight phases. Finally, flap-twisting motion leads to notable changes in the effective AoA, allowing for dynamic adjustments to control aerodynamics at different stroke stages, resulting in less drag during take-off and more drag during landing. This study enhances the understanding of the aerodynamic performance of bird with coupled motions in different flight phases and provides theoretical guidance for the design of bionic flapping-wing aircraft with multi-degree-of-freedom wings.
In vitro evaluation of bioabsorbable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) warp-knitted spacer fabric scaffolds for osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Caronna Flavia , Limem Skander , Do Ly Dang Khoa , Ronan William , Dolan Eimear B
Published: January 2025

Bioabsorbable textile scaffolds are promising for bone tissue engineering applications. Their tuneable, porous, fibre-based architecture resembles that of native extracellular matrix, and they can sustain tissue growth while being gradually absorbed in the body. In this work, immortalized mouse calvaria preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro on two warp-knitted bioabsorbable spacer fabric scaffolds made of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), to investigate their osteogenic properties. Scaffold structure and yarn properties were characterized after manufacturing. Cells were seeded on the two scaffolds and treated with osteogenic media for up to 35 days. Both scaffolds supported similar cell growth patterns, featuring a higher cell density on multifilament yarns, which could be beneficial to drive cell proliferation or related phenomena in localized area of the construct. The increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and the calcium deposition observed on some PLA and P4HB scaffolds after 28 and 35 days of culture, confirm their potential to support MC3T3-E1 cells differentiation, however inconsistent mineralization was observed on the scaffolds. Due to their structural and morphological features, ability to support cell attachment and growth, and their limited osteogenic potential, these PLA and P4HB bioabsorbable textile scaffolds are recommended for further investigation for bone tissue engineering applications.
Subwavelength grating-assisted high-performance on-chip TM polarizer with large bandwidth
Authors: Li Yongchang , Lin Zongxing , Chen Ting , He Sailing
Published: January 2025

A novel on-chip TM polarizer with high performance is proposed on the 340 nm-thick silicon-on-insulator platform. The polarizer is mainly based on the designed subwavelength gratings, in which the fundamental TM mode acts as guided mode, while the fundamental TE mode acts as leaky mode. Simulations indicate that the polarizer with the SU8 cladding exhibits a broad bandwidth covering all optical communication bands with low insertion loss (IL < 0.5 dB), high polarization extinction ratio (PER > 25 dB), and compact footprint (16.9 × 10.5 μm2). The TM polarizer exhibits strong robustness to wafer thickness and fabrication error. Due to its unique working principle, our proposed polarizer can be compatible with different materials of the upper cladding. By optimizing the parameters, the polarizer can achieve outstanding performance with other upper cladding, such as silica.
A review on properties of bamboo fiber polymer composites and bamboo/glass fiber/nanoclay hybrid composites
Authors: Ahmad Syed Mansoor , Gowrishankar M C , Shettar Manjunath
Published: January 2025

Bamboo fiber-reinforced composites have emerged as environmentally friendly, plentiful, and high-mechanical-performance materials used in recent years. This review presents an overview of the mechanical and water uptake properties of bamboo fiber polymer composites and bamboo/glass fiber/nanoclay hybrid composites to consider their structural and industrial applications. Bamboo fibers have better mechanical properties compared to polymers. Moisture absorption and fiber surface treatments influence their long-term functionality. Hybrid composites of bamboo, glass fibers, and nanoclay have revealed synergistic mechanical and water uptake properties. Adding nanoclay enhances interfacial adhesion and prevents void formation, improving overall mechanical performance. This review also discusses the impact of hybridization ratios and fiber surface treatments on bamboo fiber composite behavior. The results suggest that, whereas bamboo fiber polymer composites are suitable for applications requiring lightweight composites, hybrid composites exhibit better mechanical properties to be used in advanced engineering applications. Future research topics will include the optimization of hybrid compositions and sustainable treatment strategies to enhance the performance and longevity of these composites further.