bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rolling down that mountain: microgeographical adaptive divergence during a fast population expansion along a steep environmental gradient in European beech
Authors: Modica Andrea , Lalagüe Hadrien , Muratorio Sylvie , Scotti Ivan
Published: June 2024

Forest tree populations harbour high genetic diversity thanks to large effective population sizes and strong gene flow, allowing them to diversify through adaptation to local environmental pressures within dispersal distance. Many tree populations also experienced historical demographic fluctuations, including spatial population contraction or expansions at various temporal scales, which may constrain their ability to adapt to environmental variations. Our aim is to investigate how recent contraction and expansion events interfere with local adaptation, by studying patterns of adaptive divergence between closely related stands undergoing environmentally contrasted conditions, and having or not recently expanded. To investigate genome-wide signatures of local adaptation while accounting for demography, we analysed divergence in a European beech population by testing pairwise differentiation among four tree stands at ~35k Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms from ~9k genomic regions. We applied three divergence outlier search methods resting on different assumptions and targeting either single SNPs or contiguous genomic regions, while accounting for the effect of population size variations on genetic divergence. We found 27 signals of selective signatures in 19 target regions. Putatively adaptive divergence involved all stand pairs. We retrieved signals both when comparing old-growth stands and recently colonised areas and when comparing stands within the old-growth area. Therefore, adaptive divergence processes have taken place both over short time spans, under strong environmental contrasts, and over short ecological gradients, in populations that have been stable in the long term. This suggests that standing genetic variation supports local, microgeographic divergence processes, which can maintain genetic diversity at the landscape level.
Focused ultrasound enables selective actuation and Newton-level force output of untethered soft robots
Authors: Hao Bo , Wang Xin , Dong Yue , Sun Mengmeng , Xin Chen , Yang Haojin , Cao Yanfei , Zhu Jiaqi , Liu Xurui , Zhang Chong , Su Lin , Li Bing , Zhang Li
Published: June 2024

Untethered miniature soft robots have significant application potentials in biomedical and industrial fields due to their space accessibility and safe human interaction. However, the lack of selective and forceful actuation is still challenging in revolutionizing and unleashing their versatility. Here, we propose a focused ultrasound-controlled phase transition strategy for achieving millimeter-level spatially selective actuation and Newton-level force of soft robots, which harnesses ultrasound-induced heating to trigger the phase transition inside the robot, enabling powerful actuation through inflation. The millimeter-level spatial resolution empowers single robot to perform multiple tasks according to specific requirements. As a concept-of-demonstration, we designed soft robot for liquid cargo delivery and biopsy robot for tissue acquisition and patching. Additionally, an autonomous control system is integrated with ultrasound imaging to enable automatic acoustic field alignment and control. The proposed method advances the spatiotemporal response capability of untethered miniature soft robots, holding promise for broadening their versatility and adaptability.
Traumatic brain injury promotes neurogenesis at the cost of astrogliogenesis in the adult hippocampus of male mice
Authors: Bielefeld P. , Martirosyan A. , Martín-Suárez S. , Apresyan A. , Meerhoff G. F. , Pestana F. , Poovathingal S. , Reijner N. , Koning W. , Clement R. A. , Van der Veen I. , Toledo E. M. , Polzer O. , Durá I. , Hovhannisyan S. , Nilges B. S. , Bogdoll A. , Kashikar N. D. , Lucassen P. J. , Belgard T. G. , Encinas J. M. , Holt M. G. , Fitzsimons C. P.
Published: June 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in long-lasting changes in hippocampal function. The changes induced by TBI on the hippocampus contribute to cognitive deficits. The adult hippocampus harbors neural stem cells (NSCs) that generate neurons (neurogenesis), and astrocytes (astrogliogenesis). While deregulation of hippocampal NSCs and neurogenesis have been observed after TBI, it is not known how TBI may affect hippocampal astrogliogenesis. Using a controlled cortical impact model of TBI in male mice, single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we assessed how TBI affected hippocampal NSCs and the neuronal and astroglial lineages derived from them. We observe an increase in NSC-derived neuronal cells and a concomitant decrease in NSC-derived astrocytic cells, together with changes in gene expression and cell dysplasia within the dentate gyrus. Here, we show that TBI modifies NSC fate to promote neurogenesis at the cost of astrogliogenesis and identify specific cell populations as possible targets to counteract TBI-induced cellular changes in the adult hippocampus.
Permittivity tensor imaging: modular label-free imaging of 3D dry mass and 3D orientation at high resolution
Authors: Yeh Li-Hao , Ivanov Ivan E. , Chandler Talon , Byrum Janie R. , Chhun Bryant B. , Guo Syuan-Ming , Foltz Cameron , Hashemi Ezzat , Perez-Bermejo Juan A. , Wang Huijun , Yu Yanhao , Kazansky Peter G. , Conklin Bruce R. , Han May H. , Mehta Shalin B.
Published: June 2024

The dry mass and the orientation of biomolecules can be imaged without a label by measuring their permittivity tensor (PT), which describes how biomolecules affect the phase and polarization of light. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of PT has been challenging. We present a label-free computational microscopy technique, PT imaging (PTI), for the 3D measurement of PT. PTI encodes the invisible PT into images using oblique illumination, polarization-sensitive detection and volumetric sampling. PT is decoded from the data with a vectorial imaging model and a multi-channel inverse algorithm, assuming uniaxial symmetry in each voxel. We demonstrate high-resolution imaging of PT of isotropic beads, anisotropic glass targets, mouse brain tissue, infected cells and histology slides. PTI outperforms previous label-free imaging techniques such as vector tomography, ptychography and light-field imaging in resolving the 3D orientation and symmetry of organelles, cells and tissue. We provide open-source software and modular hardware to enable the adoption of the method.
A biomechanics and energetics dataset of neurotypical adults walking with and without kinematic constraints
Authors: Baček Tomislav , Sun Mingrui , Liu Hengchang , Chen Zhongxiang , Manzie Chris , Burdet Etienne , Kulić Dana , Oetomo Denny , Tan Ying
Published: June 2024

Numerous studies have explored the biomechanics and energetics of human walking, offering valuable insights into how we walk. However, prior studies focused on changing external factors (e.g., walking speed) and examined group averages and trends rather than individual adaptations in the presence of internal constraints (e.g., injury-related muscle weakness). To address this gap, this paper presents an open dataset of human walking biomechanics and energetics collected from 21 neurotypical young adults. To investigate the effects of internal constraints (reduced joint range of motion), the participants are both the control group (free walking) and the intervention group (constrained walking - left knee fully extended using a passive orthosis). Each subject walked on a dual-belt treadmill at three speeds (0.4, 0.8, and 1.1 m/s) and five step frequencies ( − 10% to 20% of their preferred frequency) for a total of 30 test conditions. The dataset includes raw and segmented data featuring ground reaction forces, joint motion, muscle activity, and metabolic data. Additionally, a sample code is provided for basic data manipulation and visualisation.
Hollow carbon fiber wrapped by regular rGO wave-like folds for efficient solar driven interfacial water steam generation
Authors: Yang Jie , Liu Peiqi , Fan Zhiyuan , Li Yingying , Qiao Hongtao , Xu Xingyu , Han Sheng , Suo Xidong
Published: June 2024

Efficient seawater desalination is an effective way to solve the shortages of fresh water and energy but with limitations of the low fresh water production rate and high cost. Here, a hollow carbon fiber (HCF) wrapped by regular reduced graphene oxide (rGO) wave-like folds (rGO@HCF) is prepared on account of the differences in thermal shrinkage performance between graphene oxide (GO) and willow catkins fiber. Under one sun irradiation (1 kW m−2), the dry and wet surface temperature of the resulting evaporator reached up to 119.1 °C and 61.7 °C, respectively, and the water steam production rate reached 3.42 kg m−2 h−1. Also, for the outdoor experiment, the rGO@HCF exhibits good evaporator performance which reach up 27.8 kg m−2 day−1. Additionally, rGO@HCF also shows good seawater desalination performance and excellent durability for longtime work. DSC results indicate that the evaporation enthalpy of bulk water and adsorbed water decreased from 2503.92 to 1020.54 J g−1. The excellent evaporating performance is mainly attributed to the regular wave-like microstructure surface of the HCF, which can enhance the light absorption, reduced the vaporization enthalpy of the adsorption water. The findings not only introduce a novel approach for agricultural utilization, but also establish a crucial theoretical foundation for the design of regular wave-like microstructures.
Steel ribbed dome structural performance with different node connections and bracing system
Authors: Jeleniewicz Katarzyna , Jaworski Jacek , Żółtowski Mariusz , Uziębło Izabela , Stefańska Anna , Dixit Saurav
Published: June 2024

The conventional design of steel structure objects relies on a first-order elastic analysis, where the entire object is treated as a set of individual structural elements requiring time-consuming, semi-empirical design calculations. Such an approach leads to inefficient design time and excessive material consumption and may additionally result in designing on the verge of structural safety. The AEC sector's technological and digitization advancement process forces designers to use advanced design methods. Hence, it is necessary to indicate the benefits of using effective optimization. The paper presents a comparative analysis of steel domes using two design approaches: traditional first-order analysis and an advanced second-order analysis. The latter method considers the influence of structural deformation on the magnitude of internal forces. Eight models were developed, varying in terms of the connection's stiffness. The work results identify the differences between the two selected design approaches and present opportunities for further structural performance of steel structures.
Mutations found in cancer patients compromise DNA binding of the winged helix protein STK19
Authors: Li Jian , Ma Xinli , Wang Xiaoyu , Hu Xiaotong , Fang Shaobo , Jin Guoguo , Liu Kangdong , Dong Zigang
Published: June 2024

Serine/threonine protein kinase 19 (STK19) has been reported to phosphorylate and activate oncogenic NRAS to promote melanomagenesis. However, concerns have been raised about whether STK19 is a kinase. STK19 has also been identified as a putative factor involved in the transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) pathway. In this study, we determined the 1.32 Å crystal structure of human STK19. The structure reveals that STK19 is a winged helix (WH) protein consisting of three tandem WH domains. STK19 binds more strongly to double-stranded DNA and RNA (dsDNA/dsRNA) than to ssDNA. A positively charged patch centered on helix WH3-H1 contributes to dsDNA binding, which is unusual because the WH domain typically uses helix H3 as the recognition helix. Importantly, mutations of the conserved residues in the basic patch, K186N, R200W, and R215W, are found in cancer patients, and these mutations compromise STK19 DNA binding. Other mutations have been predicted to produce a similar effect, including two mutations that disrupt the nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif. These mutations may indirectly impact the DNA binding capacity of STK19 by interfering with its nuclear localization.
PHF2-mediated H3K9me balance orchestrates heterochromatin stability and neural progenitor proliferation
Authors: Aguirre Samuel , Pappa Stella , Serna-Pujol Núria , Padilla Natalia , Iacobucci Simona , Nacht A Silvina , Vicent Guillermo P , Jordan Albert , de la Cruz Xavier , Martínez-Balbás Marian A
Published: June 2024

Heterochromatin stability is crucial for progenitor proliferation during early neurogenesis. It relays on the maintenance of local hubs of H3K9me. However, understanding the formation of efficient localized levels of H3K9me remains limited. To address this question, we used neural stem cells to analyze the function of the H3K9me2 demethylase PHF2, which is crucial for progenitor proliferation. Through mass-spectroscopy and genome-wide assays, we show that PHF2 interacts with heterochromatin components and is enriched at pericentromeric heterochromatin (PcH) boundaries where it maintains transcriptional activity. This binding is essential for silencing the satellite repeats, preventing DNA damage and genome instability. PHF2’s depletion increases the transcription of heterochromatic repeats, accompanied by a decrease in H3K9me3 levels and alterations in PcH organization. We further show that PHF2’s PHD and catalytic domains are crucial for maintaining PcH stability, thereby safeguarding genome integrity. These results highlight the multifaceted nature of PHF2’s functions in maintaining heterochromatin stability and regulating gene expression during neural development. Our study unravels the intricate relationship between heterochromatin stability and progenitor proliferation during mammalian neurogenesis.
Molecular causality in the advent of foundation models
Authors: Lobentanzer Sebastian , Rodriguez-Mier Pablo , Bauer Stefan , Saez-Rodriguez Julio
Published: June 2024

Correlation is not causation: this simple and uncontroversial statement has far-reaching implications. Defining and applying causality in biomedical research has posed significant challenges to the scientific community. In this perspective, we attempt to connect the partly disparate fields of systems biology, causal reasoning, and machine learning to inform future approaches in the field of systems biology and molecular medicine.
Systemic immune challenge exacerbates neurodegeneration in a model of neurological lysosomal disease
Authors: Mandolfo Oriana , Parker Helen , Aguado Èlia , Ishikawa Learmonth Yuko , Liao Ai Yin , O’Leary Claire , Ellison Stuart , Forte Gabriella , Taylor Jessica , Wood Shaun , Searle Rachel , Holley Rebecca J , Boutin Hervé , Bigger Brian W
Published: June 2024

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) is a rare paediatric lysosomal storage disorder, caused by the progressive accumulation of heparan sulphate, resulting in neurocognitive decline and behavioural abnormalities. Anecdotal reports from paediatricians indicate a more severe neurodegeneration in MPS IIIA patients, following infection, suggesting inflammation as a potential driver of neuropathology. To test this hypothesis, we performed acute studies in which WT and MPS IIIA mice were challenged with the TLR3-dependent viral mimetic poly(I:C). The challenge with an acute high poly(I:C) dose exacerbated systemic and brain cytokine expression, especially IL-1β in the hippocampus. This was accompanied by an increase in caspase-1 activity within the brain of MPS IIIA mice with concomitant loss of hippocampal GFAP and NeuN expression. Similar levels of cell damage, together with exacerbation of gliosis, were also observed in MPS IIIA mice following low chronic poly(I:C) dosing. While further investigation is warranted to fully understand the extent of IL-1β involvement in MPS IIIA exacerbated neurodegeneration, our data robustly reinforces our previous findings, indicating IL-1β as a pivotal catalyst for neuropathological processes in MPS IIIA.
Palladium-catalyzed site-selective functionalization of unactivated alkenes with vinylcyclopropanes aided by weakly coordinating native amides
Authors: Keerthana Meledath Sudhakaran , Jeganmohan Masilamani
Published: June 2024

A palladium-catalyzed β-selective allylation of unactivated alkenes with vinylcyclopropanes assisted by weak-coordinating native amides has been demonstrated.
Additive engineering via multiple-anchoring enhances 2D perovskite solar cells’ performance
Authors: Zheng Liangding , Zhao Yuanju , Zhao Rongjun , Xie Lin , Hua Yong
Published: June 2024

This work reports that incorporating an additive (TEMPIC) with multi-carbonyl functional groups in 2D perovskite can effectively passivate trap-states and reduce charge carrier recombination in the device, thus enhancing device performance.
Regulating iminophosphorane PN bond reactivity through geometric constraints with cage-shaped triarylphosphines
Authors: Hu Lei , Chakraborty Sayandip , Tumanov Nikolay , Wouters Johan , Robiette Raphaël , Berionni Guillaume
Published: June 2024

Structure–reactivity investigations and parametrization of steric and electronic properties of geometrically constrained iminophosphoranes enabled to design frustrated Lewis pairs with unusual properties due to the cage-shaped triptycene scaffold.
N-Benzylhydroxylamine as a novel synthetic block in “C1N1” embedding reaction via α-C(sp3)–H activation strategy
Authors: Tang Yong-Xing , Zhou You , Wu Hao-Xuan , Wang Li-Sheng , Wu Chun-Yan , Zhuang Shi-Yi , Wu An-Xin
Published: June 2024

A novel process using N-benzylhydroxylamine hydrochloride as a “C1N1 synthon” in [2+2+1] cyclization for the construction of 1,2,5-trisubstituted imidazoles has been described for the first time.
Light-induced β-hydroxy sulfone synthesis in DNA-encoded libraries
Authors: Xue Lijun , Yu Jiaqing , Zhong Ying , Chen Junyun , Li Chao , Yang Kexin , Duchemin Nicolas , Hu Yun Jin
Published: June 2024

Visible-light photooxidation of sulfinate salts with common alkenes to yield β-hydroxy sulfones on DNA for DNA-encoded library synthesis.
The interaction of size-selected Ru3 clusters with TiO2: depth-profiling of encapsulated clusters
Authors: Howard-Fabretto Liam , Gorey Timothy J. , Li Guangjing , Osborn D. J. , Tesana Siriluck , Metha Gregory F. , Anderson Scott L. , Andersson Gunther G.
Published: June 2024

Ru metal clusters can get encapsulated into TiO2 upon heat treatment or cluster source deposition.
Coalescence of AuPd nanoalloys in implicit environments
Authors: Zinzani Sofia , Baletto Francesca
Published: June 2024

The optimal design of nanoparticles and nanoalloys arises from the control of their morphology which depends on the synthesis process they undergo.
Probing the modulation in facilitated diffusion guided by DNA–protein interactions in target search processes
Authors: Thonnekottu Diljith , Chatterjee Debarati
Published: June 2024

In this work, modulation in the target search mechanism governed by 1D and 3D diffusion is quantified for a flexible and rigid DNA via a coarse grained molecular dynamics simulation.
Predicting melting temperatures across the periodic table with machine learning atomistic potentials
Authors: Andolina Christopher M. , Saidi Wissam A.
Published: June 2024

Understanding how materials melt is crucial for their practical applications and development, machine learning atomistic potentionals are enabling us to better predict these behaviors in real-world environmental conditions.
Thermal deprotonation and condensation of melamine in the presence of indium(iii)chloride
Authors: Bayat Elaheh , Ströbele Markus , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas , Meyer H.-Jürgen
Published: June 2024

The thermal deprotonation of melamine in the presence of InCl3 leads to the novel [C12N20H8]4− tetramer, based on four melaminate ions.
Assessing the realism of clean energy projections
Authors: Rostami Fatemeh , Patrizio Piera , Jimenez Laureano , Pozo Carlos , Mac Dowell Niall
Published: June 2024

Integrated assessment models (IAMs) need to be improved by considering materials availability and higher technological resolution to reflect real-world complexities and provide more realistic advice to policymakers.
Atomically dispersed multi-site catalysts: bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts boost flexible zinc–air battery performance
Authors: Wang Shengchen , Zhang Mengyang , Mu Xueqin , Liu Suli , Wang Dingsheng , Dai Zhihui
Published: June 2024

Based on the advancements in atomically dispersed multi-site catalysts for FZABs, this review discusses the design methodologies to regulate the performance of bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts from the electronic and geometric structures.
Droplet drinking in constrictions
Authors: Feng Shi , Xue Chundong , Pan Cunliang , Tao Shengyang
Published: June 2024

When droplets pass through constrictions, they exhibit a behavior akin to cellular pinocytosis, forming intricate multiple emulsions.
A highly stable full-polymer electrochemical deionization system: dopant engineering & mechanism study
Authors: Tu Yi-Heng , Huang Hung-Yi , Yang Yu-Hsiang , de Smet Louis C. P. M. , Hu Chi-Chang
Published: June 2024

Dopants with high charge density and structural complexity, combined with balanced operating conditions, can significantly enhance the performance and stability of a full-polymer ECDI system.
Efficient synthesis of 1-azakenpaullone, a selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β for cellular regeneration
Authors: Xu Yujiao , Liu Jianguang , Li Gengwu , Wu Hua , Du Xinghan , Ma Tianhua , Liu Dan , Tang Shibing
Published: June 2024

The selective GSK-3β inhibitor 1-azakenpaullone has broad applications in cellular regeneration and regenerative medicine. A two-step protocol featuring an indium-trichloride-mediated intramolecular cyclization to 1-azakenpaullone is disclosed.
Unleashing the potential: type I CRISPR-Cas systems in actinomycetes for genome editing
Authors: Wang Shuliu , Zeng Xiaoqian , Jiang Yue , Wang Weishan , Bai Linquan , Lu Yinhua , Zhang Lixin , Tan Gao-Yi
Published: June 2024

This review introduces the potential of type I CRISPR-Cas systems in actinomycetes for genome editing and discusses how to establish and develop genome editing tools based on type I CRISPR-Cas systems in actinomycetes.
Chemical synthesis and functional evaluation of glycopeptides and glycoproteins containing rare glycosyl amino acid linkages
Authors: Yang Weizhun , Ramadan Sherif , Zu Yan , Sun Mengxia , Huang Xuefei , Yu Biao
Published: June 2024

This review summarizes the synthetic approaches to the glycoproteins/peptides bearing twenty-one types of “rare” glycosyl amino acid linkages and the functional effects of the glycan modification.
Stabilization versus competing de-metalation, trans-metalation and (cyclo)-dehydrogenation of Pd porphyrins at a copper surface
Authors: Baronio Stefania , Bassotti Mattia , Armillotta Francesco , Frampton Eleanor , Vinogradov Nikolay A. , Schio Luca , Floreano Luca , Verdini Alberto , Vesselli Erik
Published: June 2024

Competition with de-metalation, trans-metalation and (cyclo)-dehydrogenation of Pd porphyrins at a copper surface can be tuned by means of an oxygen decoupling layer, which stabilizes the pristine PdTPP species.
Analytical method for the determination of the absorption coefficient of DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters
Authors: Romolini Giacomo , Cerretani Cecilia , Rück Vanessa , Liisberg Mikkel Baldtzer , Mollerup Christian Brinch , Vosch Tom
Published: June 2024

A new analytical method to determine the absorption coefficient of DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters by combining UV-Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.
Deciphering substitution effects on reductive hydroalkoxylation of alkynyl aminols for stereoselective synthesis of morpholines and 1,4-oxazepanes: total synthesis of tridemorph and fenpropimorph
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Kalita Deepika , Somani Shipra , Pal Juhi
Published: June 2024

Depending on the alkynyl-substitution, N-alkynyl aminols gave divergent outcomes of morpholines and 1,2-oxazepanes via reductive etherification. Further, the method was used for the total synthesis of the fungicides tridemorph and fenpropimorph.
Construction of a reversible-cycling bifunctional electrocatalyst CoP2@Co(CO3)0.5OH/Cu/NF with Mott–Schottky structure for overall water splitting
Authors: Liao Xinyuan , Lang Xiaomin , Zhang Ting , Li Chunmei , Zou Jian , Li Qing , Hu Weihua , Lin Hua
Published: June 2024

In recent years, interchangeable catalysts with combined functions of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have emerged as a focal point in water electrolysis.
Molecular “backbone surgery” of electron-deficient heteroarenes based on dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole: conformation-dependent crystal structures and charge transport properties
Authors: Chen Yuzhong , Wu Zeng , Chen Zekun , Zhang Shuixin , Li Wenhao , Zhao Yan , Wang Yang , Liu Yunqi
Published: June 2024

A conformation engineering strategy is proposed to manipulate the crystal structure of electron deficient heteroarenes for superior n-type organic semiconductors with an electron mobility of 3.5 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Effect of polymerization on free water in polyacrylamide hydrogels observed with Brillouin spectroscopy
Authors: Gorman Britta R. , McNeil L. E.
Published: June 2024

Brillouin spectroscopy is used to determine the effects of polymer concentration, crosslinking density, and polymerization on the longitudinal storage and loss moduli of polyacrylamide hydrogels.
Correction: A passive star polymer in a dense active bath: insights from computer simulations
Authors: Yadav Ramanand Singh , Sharma Sanaa , Metzler Ralf , Chakrabarti Rajarshi
Published: June 2024

Correction for ‘A passive star polymer in a dense active bath: insights from computer simulations’ by Ramanand Singh Yadav et al., Soft Matter, 2024, 20, 3910–3922, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SM00144C.
African American Preschoolers' Performance on Norm-Referenced Language Assessments: Examining the Effect of Dialect Density and the Use of Scoring Modifications
Authors: Marencin Nancy C. , Edwards Ashley A. , Terry Nicole Patton
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

We investigated and compared the outcomes from two standardized, norm-referenced screening assessments of language (i.e., Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Preschool–Second Edition [CELFP-2], Diagnostic Evaluation of Language Variation–Screening Test [DELV-ST]) with African American preschoolers whose spoken dialect differed from that of General American English (GAE). We (a) described preschoolers' performance on the CELFP-2 Core Language Index (CLI) and its subtests with consideration of degree of dialect variation (DVAR) observed, (b) investigated how the application of dialect-sensitive scoring modifications to the expressive morphology and syntax Word Structure (WS) subtest affected CELFP-2 CLI scores, and (c) evaluated the screening classification agreement rates between the DELV-ST and the CELFP-2 CLI.

Method:

African American preschoolers (
N
= 284) completed the CELFP-2 CLI subtests (i.e., Sentence Structure, WS, Expressive Vocabulary) and the DELV-ST. Density of spoken dialect use was estimated with the DELV-ST Part I Language Variation Status, and percentage of DVAR was calculated. The CELFP-2 WS subtest was scored with and without dialect-sensitive scoring modifications.

Results:

Planned comparisons of CELFP-2 CLI performance indicated statistically significant differences in performance based on DELV-ST–determined degree of language variation groupings. Scoring modifications applied to the WS subtest increased subtest scaled scores and CLI composite standard scores. However, preschoolers who demonstrated strong variation from GAE continued to demonstrate significantly lower performance than preschoolers who demonstrated little to no language variation. Affected-status agreement rates between assessments (modified and unmodified CELFP-2 CLI scores and DELV-ST Part II Diagnostic Risk Status) were extremely low.

Conclusions:

The application of dialect-specific scoring modifications to standardized, norm-referenced assessments of language must be simultaneously viewed through the lenses of equity, practicality, and psychometry. The results of our multistage study reiterate the need for reliable methods of identifying risk for developmental language disorder within children who speak American English dialects other than GAE.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26017978
RailPC: A large‐scale railway point cloud semantic segmentation dataset
Authors: Jiang Tengping , Li Shiwei , Zhang Qinyu , Wang Guangshuai , Zhang Zequn , Zeng Fankun , An Peng , Jin Xin , Liu Shan , Wang Yongjun
Published: June 2024

Semantic segmentation in the context of 3D point clouds for the railway environment holds a significant economic value, but its development is severely hindered by the lack of suitable and specific datasets. Additionally, the models trained on existing urban road point cloud datasets demonstrate poor generalisation on railway data due to a large domain gap caused by non‐overlapping special/rare categories, for example, rail track, track bed etc. To harness the potential of supervised learning methods in the domain of 3D railway semantic segmentation, we introduce RailPC, a new point cloud benchmark. RailPC provides a large‐scale dataset with rich annotations for semantic segmentation in the railway environment. Notably, RailPC contains twice the number of annotated points compared to the largest available mobile laser scanning (MLS) point cloud dataset and is the first railway‐specific 3D dataset for semantic segmentation. It covers a total of nearly 25 km railway in two different scenes (urban and mountain), with 3 billion points that are finely labelled as 16 most typical classes with respect to railway, and the data acquisition process is completed in China by MLS systems. Through extensive experimentation, we evaluate the performance of advanced scene understanding methods on the annotated dataset and present a synthetic analysis of semantic segmentation results. Based on our findings, we establish some critical challenges towards railway‐scale point cloud semantic segmentation. The dataset is available at https://github.com/NNU‐GISA/GISA‐RailPC, and we will continuously update it based on community feedback.
A method for calculating the time‐varying equivalent circuit parameters of large‐capacity synchronous condenser considering field mutual leakage reactance
Authors: Han Xiao , Liang Yanping , Bian Xu , Wang Weihao
Published: June 2024

Accurate calculation of equivalent circuit parameters is a prerequisite for accurately calculating the large‐capacity synchronous condenser parameter model. Due to its special transient operating conditions, the high transient magnetic saturation effect during operation causes the non‐linearity and time‐varying of the equivalent circuit parameters. The field mutual leakage reactance is the critical factor affecting the field current, and the time‐varying of the equivalent circuit parameters is closely related to the field current. However, the existing equivalent circuit parameter calculation methods considering field leakage reactance cannot achieve time‐varying parameters. A calculation method of time‐varying equivalent circuit parameters based on a back propagation neural network algorithm is proposed, which solves the calculation problem of time‐varying equivalent circuit parameters considering field mutual leakage reactance. Then, a 300MVar condenser is taken as the research object, and the proposed method is used to simulate the different operating conditions of the condenser and verified by the finite element method and experiment. The results show that the method improves the calculation accuracy of the equivalent circuit parameter model, reduces the calculation time, and applies to different operating conditions.
A black‐box method for the stability analysis of multi‐inverter‐fed power systems using Bode diagrams
Authors: Li Yonggang , Wu Binyuan , Li Jianwen , Wang Yue
Published: June 2024

A multi‐inverter‐fed power system is susceptible to small‐signal instability owing to weak grid influence. This study proposes a black‐box method for small‐signal stability analysis of a multi‐inverter‐fed power system based on Bode diagrams. Not only did it consider the technical confidentiality on the engineering site, but it also took into account the presence of right‐half‐plane (RHP) pole in the aggregated impedance, achieving Nyquist circle acquisition through Bode diagrams. The stability analysis process is thus more accurate, intuitive, and convenient. First, black‐box impedance fitting for a single grid‐connected inverter and impedance aggregation for a multi‐inverter‐fed power system are discussed. Second, the principle of the proposed method is elaborated. Using the Bode diagram, the number of RHP poles of the aggregated impedance and actual number of circles for Nyquist curves are identified. Third, a multi‐inverter‐fed power system is constructed, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using case analysis and hardware‐in‐the‐loop real‐time experiments based on RT‐LAB. Finally, the advantages of the proposed method are revealed by comparing it to the IF method.
MA‐ResUNet: Multi‐attention optic cup and optic disc segmentation based on improved U‐Net
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Lin Ying , Li Linxuan , Zeng Jingyu , Lan Xianmei , Zhang Xinyi , Jia Yongjian , Tao Ye , Wang Lin , Wang Yu , Li Yu , Zong Yang , Jin Xin , Liu Panhong , Cheng Xinyu , Zhu Huanhuan
Published: June 2024

Glaucoma poses a significant threat to vision, capable of causing irreversible damage and, in severe instances, leading to permanent blindness. Accurate optic cup (OC) and optic disc (OD) segmentation are essential in glaucoma screening. In this study, a novel OC and OD segmentation approach is proposed. Based on U‐Net, it is optimized by introducing cardinality dimensions. Moreover, attention gates are implemented to reinforce salient features while suppressing irrelevant information. Additionally, a convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is integrated into the decoder segment. This fusion hones in on effective information in both channel and spatial dimensions. Meanwhile, an image processing procedure is proposed for image normalization and enhancement. All of these increase the accuracy of the model. This model is evaluated on the ORIGA and REFUGE datasets, demonstrating the model's superiority in OC and OD segmentation compared to the state‐of‐the‐art methods. Additionally, after the proposed image processing, cup‐to‐disc ratio (CDR) prediction on a batch of 155 in‐house fundus images yields an absolute CDR error of 0.099, which is reduced by 0.04 compared to the case where only conventional processing was performed.
Strain for toughened epoxy resin composites for GIL tri‐post insulators under tension and electric fields
Authors: Hao Liucheng , Ren Weibin , Chen Rui , Wang Yaxiang , Yang Minzheng , Zhang Mufeng , Yuan Duanpeng , Shen Yang
Published: June 2024

Toughening plays a key role in epoxy resins (EPs) and their composites for high voltage gas‐insulated switchgear (GIL) tri‐post insulators and receives a lot of attention. However, there are still limited research studies on strain and its distribution for the toughened EPs and composites under tension and especially under high electric fields. Herein, the intrinsically toughening mechanism of EPs (toughening ability: EP‐B > EP‐A) and their composites with Al2O3 (toughening ability: EP‐Bcom > EP‐Acom) was explored in terms of chemical characterisation by IR and molecular motion via differential scanning calorimetry and dielectric spectra. A low rigid segment content in EPs contributes to the excellent toughness. Two‐dimensional digital image correlation (2D‐DIC) and three‐dimensional DIC (3D‐DIC) were utilised to probe strain and its distribution in EPs and their composites under tension and electric fields, respectively. EP‐B with more toughness endows it with a larger strain εF under tensile fields and a greater strain amplitude |εE| under electric fields than EP‐A, such as 9278 με at 1 kN, 16.9% greater than EP‐A and 9767 με at 10 kV/mm, 19.3% higher than EP‐A. In addition, all samples show minus strain under electric fields due to compression. With the introduction of Al2O3, EP‐Bcom exhibits a εF of 2870 με at 1 kN, 69.1% lower than that of EP‐B and 49.4% greater than that of EP‐Acom, and it provides |εE| of 5351 με at 10 kV/mm, 45.2% lower than that of EP‐B and 13.2% greater than that of EP‐Acom. Further, samples with more toughness deliver more uniform strain distribution whether under tension or electric fields.
Performance evaluation of PUC7‐based multifunction single‐phase solar active filter in real outdoor environments: Experimental insights
Authors: Khettab Soufiane , Kheldoun Aissa , Bradai Rafik , Oubelaid Adel , Kumar Sandeep , Khosravi Nima
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a novel architecture to enhance the performance of grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) systems through the introduction of several key novelties. Firstly, a packed U‐cell seven‐level (PUC7)‐based single‐phase solar active filter is implemented, offering a comprehensive solution for harmonics mitigation, reactive power compensation, and efficient power extraction from the PV source, while facilitating the injection of real power into the grid. Secondly, the p‐q power injection algorithm is modified to accommodate the extraction of solar power from the PV generator to the grid, simultaneously addressing the need for harmonic current injection to improve power quality. This modification ensures dynamic performance by extracting reference current with harmonic content and solar power information, thereby enhancing the system's overall efficiency. Lastly, the proposed architecture undergoes real outdoor testing, validating its performance in various key aspects including maximum power tracking, reduction of total harmonic distortion in comparison with previous work, operation at unity power factor, and testing the effective operation of the multifunction feature. These contributions collectively demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in enhancing power injection quality and reactive power compensation under real outdoor conditions of PV systems connected to the grid.
QSOFEED: Relationship between star formation and active galactic nuclei feedback
Authors: Bessiere P. S. , Ramos Almeida C. , Holden L. R. , Tadhunter C. N. , Canalizo G.
Published: June 2024

Context. Large-scale cosmological simulations suggest that feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGN) plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. More specifically, outflows are one of the mechanisms by which the accretion energy of the AGN is transferred to the interstellar medium (ISM), heating and driving out gas and impacting star formation (SF).

Aims. The purpose of this study is to directly test this hypothesis utilising SDSS spectra of a well-defined sample of 48 low-redshift (z < 0.14) type 2 quasars (QSO2s).

Methods. By exploiting these data, we were able to characterise the kinematics of the warm ionised gas by performing a non-parametric analysis of the [OIII]λ5007 emission line. We also constrained the properties of the young stellar populations (YSP; tysp < 100 Myr) of their host galaxies via spectral synthesis modelling.

Results. These analyses revealed that 85% of the QSO2s display velocity dispersions in the warm ionised gas phase greater than that of the stellar component of their host galaxies, indicating the presence of AGN-driven outflows. We compared the gas kinematics with the intrinsic properties of the AGN and found that there is a positive correlation between gas velocity dispersion and 1.4 GHz radio luminosity – but not with the AGN bolometric luminosity or Eddington ratio. This either suggests that the radio luminosity is the key factor driving outflows or that the outflows themselves are shocking the ISM and producing synchrotron emission. We found that 98% of the sample host YSPs to varying degrees, with star formation rates (SFRs) of 0 ≤ SFR ≤ 92 M⊙ yr−1, averaged over 100 Myr. We compared the gas kinematics and outflow properties to the SFRs to establish possible correlations that could suggest that the presence of the outflowing gas could be impacting SF, but we found that no such correlation exists. This leads us to the conclusion that on the scales probed by the SDSS fibre (between 2 and 7 kpc diameters), AGN-driven outflows do not impact SF on the timescales probed in this study. However, we find a positive correlation between the light-weighted stellar ages of the QSO2s and the black hole mass, which might indicate that successive AGN episodes lead to the suppression of SF over the course of galaxy evolution.
A linearized coupled model of acoustic-gravity waves and the lower ionosphere at Mars
Authors: Wang Xing , Xu Xiaojun , Cui Jun , Yi Siqi , Gu Hao , Zhou Zilu , Man Hengyan , Luo Lei , He Peishan , Yang Pu , Li Hui
Published: June 2024

Context. Highly variable ionospheric structures were recently detected on Mars using spacecraft measurements. Acoustic-gravity waves (AGWs) could be the underlying mechanism. Studying the response of the Martian ionosphere to AGWs could provide us with an important understanding of the neutral wave-ionospheric coupling processes.

Aims. We developed a linearized wave model to explore the plasma-neutral coupling driven by AGWs in the lower ionosphere of Mars. This model can describe the propagation and dissipation of AGWs in a realistic atmosphere and is the first of its kind to incorporate plasma behaviors associated with photochemistry and electromagnetic fields.

Methods. We adopted a full-wave model as the first part of our coupled model to delineate wave propagation in a realistic atmosphere. The second part of our model consists of the governing equations describing the plasma behaviors. Therefore, our model not only replicates the result of the full-wave model, but can also be used to investigate the wave-driven variations in the plasma velocity and density, electromagnetic field, and thermal structures.

Results. Our model results reveal that ions are mainly dragged by neutrals and oscillate along the wave phase line below ~200 km altitude. Electrons are primarily subject to gyro-motion along the magnetic field lines. The wave-driven distinct motions among charged particles can generate the perturbed electric current and electric field, further contributing to localized magnetic field fluctuations. Major charged constituents, including electrons, O+, O2+, and CO2+, have higher density amplitudes when interacting with waves of larger periods. The presence of photochemistry leads to a decrease in the plasma density amplitude, and there exists a moderate correlation between the density variations of plasma and those of neutrals. Our numerical results indicate that the wave-driven variations range from several percent to ~80% in the plasma density and from ~0.2% to 17% in the magnetic field, values that are consistent with the spacecraft observations. Further calculations reveal that the wave-induced plasma–neutral coupling can heat the neutrals yet cool the plasmas. Electrons are cooler than ions in the coupling process. The wave-driven heating by neutral–ion collisions exceeds that by neutral-electron collisions but tends to be lower than the wave dissipative heating and photochemical heating. Our model has potential applications in studying the AGW-driven variable ionospheric structures and can be used for other planets.
Physical parameters and orbital evolution of asteroids in retrograde orbits
Authors: Wlodarczyk I.
Published: June 2024

Context. We studied the dynamical orbital and physical evolution of all 21 numbered and 13 selected unnumbered asteroids in retrograde orbits.

Aims. Based on all published observations of studied asteroids in retrograde orbits, we computed their starting orbital elements, absolute magnitudes, and diameters, together with the non-gravitational parameters A2 and da/dt.

Methods. Using publicly available orbital computation methods, we studied the dynamical evolution of orbital elements and the physical parameters of asteroids: rotation period, spin direction, and the non-gravitational parameters A2.

Results. Lyapunov times (LT) for studied asteroids are short, from 60 to 36 496 yr, with a mean of 5978. Without considering non-gravitational effects, LT is longer: values range from 328 to 63 165 yr, with a mean of 6392. Over the next 10 Myr and beyond, the rotation period of the studied asteroids P decreases by approximately 8%. Moreover, 15% of the clones slow down.

Conclusions. The starting spin distribution becomes flatter, with only one large maximum in the range (0–5) deg containing 279 clones (i.e. approximately 13%). However, the non-gravitational parameter da/dt has a maximum value of around (0–0.04)× 10−5 au day−2 .
Vertical shear instability with dust evolution and consistent cooling times
Authors: Pfeil Thomas , Birnstiel Til , Klahr Hubert
Published: June 2024

Context. Gas in protoplanetary disks mostly cools via thermal accommodation with dust particles. Thermal relaxation is thus highly sensitive to the local dust size distributions and the spatial distribution of the grains. So far, the interplay between thermal relaxation and gas turbulence has not been dynamically modeled in hydrodynamic simulations of protoplanetary disks with dust.

Aims. We aim to study the effects of the vertical shear instability (VSI) on the thermal relaxation times, and vice versa. We are particularly interested in the influence of the initial dust grain size on the VSI and whether the emerging turbulence is sustained over long timescales.

Methods. We ran three axisymmetric hydrodynamic simulations of a protoplanetary disk including four dust fluids that initially resemble MRN size distributions of different initial grain sizes. From the local dust densities, we calculated the thermal accommodation timescale of dust and gas and used the result as the thermal relaxation time of the gas in our simulation. We included the effect of dust growth by applying the monodisperse dust growth rate and the typical growth limits.

Results. We find that the emergence of the VSI is strongly dependent on the initial dust grain size. Coagulation also counteracts the emergence of hydrodynamic turbulence in our simulations, as shown by others before. Starting a simulation with larger grains (100 μm) generally leads to a less turbulent outcome. While the inner disk regions (within ∼70 au) develop turbulence in all three simulations, we find that the simulations with larger particles do not develop VSI in the outer disk.

Conclusions. Our simulations with dynamically calculated thermal accommodation times based on the drifting and settling dust distribution show that the VSI, once developed in a disk, can be sustained over long timescales, even if grain growth is occurring. The VSI corrugates the dust layer and even diffuses the smaller grains into the upper atmosphere, where they can cool the gas. Whether the instability can emerge for a specific stratification depends on the initial dust grain sizes and the initial dust scale height. If the grains are initially ≳100 μm and if the level of turbulence is initially assumed to be low, we find no VSI turbulence in the outer disk regions.