bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting sparsity for localisation of large‐scale wireless sensor networks
Authors: Khan Shiraz , Hwang Inseok , Goppert James
Published: February 2024

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) localisation refers to the problem of determining the position of each of the agents in a WSN using noisy measurement information. In many cases, such as in distance and bearing‐based localisation, the measurement model is a non‐linear function of the agents' positions, leading to pairwise interconnections between the agents. As the optimal solution for the WSN localisation problem is known to be computationally expensive in these cases, an efficient approximation is desired. The authors show that the inherent sparsity in this problem can be exploited to greatly reduce the computational effort of using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for large‐scale WSN localisation. In the proposed method, which the authors call the L‐Banded Extended Kalman Filter (LB‐EKF), the measurement information matrix is converted into a banded matrix by relabelling (permuting the order of) the vertices of the graph. Using a combination of theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, it is shown that typical WSN configurations (which can be modelled as random geometric graphs) can be localised in a scalable manner using the proposed LB‐EKF approach.
Global prevalence and risk factors of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yanchun , Li Xiao-Man , Yang Xing , Wang Xiang-Yu , Wei Yong-Jie , Cai Yanan , Geng Hong-Li , Yang Xin-Bo , Yu Hai-Long , Cao Hongwei , Jiang Jing
Published: February 2024

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E. bieneusi infection in endemic regions and analyze the various potential risk factors. A total of 75 studies were included. Among 31,644 individuals tested, 2,291 (6.59%) were E. bieneusi-positive. The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in the male population was 5.50%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in different age groups was varied, with 10.97% in teenagers. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in asymptomatic patients (6.49%) is significantly lower than that in HIV-infected patients (11.49%), and in patients with diarrheal symptoms (16.45%). Rural areas had a higher rate (7.58%) than urban ones. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans was the highest (6.42%) at altitudes <10 m. Moreover, the temperate zone marine climate (13.55%) had the highest prevalence. A total of 69 genotypes of E. bieneusi have been found in humans. This is the first global study regarding E. bieneusi prevalence in humans. Not only people with low immunity (such as the elderly, children, people with HIV, etc.), but also people in Europe in temperate marine climates should exercise caution to prevent infection with E. bieneusi during contact process with animals.
Hyaluronic acid turnover controls the severity of cerebral cavernous malformations in bioengineered human micro-vessels
Authors: Yordanov Teodor E. , Keyser Mikaela S. , Enriquez Martinez Marco A. , Esposito Tyron , Tefft Juliann B. , Morris Elysse K. , Labzin Larisa I. , Stehbens Samantha J. , Rowan Alan E. , Hogan Benjamin M. , Chen Christopher S. , Lauko Jan , Lagendijk Anne K.
Published: February 2024

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions that predominantly form in blood vessels of the central nervous system upon loss of the CCM multimeric protein complex. The endothelial cells within CCM lesions are characterized by overactive MEKK3 kinase and KLF2/4 transcription factor signaling, leading to pathological changes such as increased endothelial cell spreading and reduced junctional integrity. Concomitant to aberrant endothelial cell signaling, non-autonomous signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) have also been implicated in CCM lesion growth and these factors might explain why CCM lesions mainly develop in the central nervous system. Here, we adapted a three-dimensional microfluidic system to examine CCM1 deficient human micro-vessels in distinctive extracellular matrices. We validate that pathological hallmarks are maintained in this model. We further show that key genes responsible for homeostasis of hyaluronic acid, a major extracellular matrix component of the central nervous system, are dysregulated in CCM. Supplementing the matrix in our model with distinct forms of hyaluronic acid inhibits pathological cell spreading and rescues barrier function. Hyaluronic acid acts by dampening cell–matrix adhesion signaling in CCM, either downstream or in parallel of KLF2/4. This study provides a proof-of-principle that ECM embedded 3D microfluidic models are ideally suited to identify how changes in ECM structure and signaling impact vascular malformations.
Apparent ferrimagnetism in Sr(Fe0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Ti0.2V0.2)O3 high-entropy oxide perovskite thin films
Authors: Regmi Balaram , Miertschin Duncan , Cocconcelli Maria , Stramaglia Federico , Crater Davis , Yao Lide , Piamonteze Cinthia , van Dijken Sebastiaan , Farhan Alan
Published: February 2024

We present a study on the structural and magnetic properties of Sr(Fe0.2Mn0.2Co0.2Ti0.2V0.2)O3 (S5BO) high-entropy oxide perovskite thin films. We use synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy employing x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and reveal an enhanced presence of high-spin Co2+, which appears to feature a magnetic response opposing that of the two other magnetic transition metal elements, Fe and Mn. This is marked by both opposite XMCD signals and an inverted XMCD hysteresis loop for Co, while Fe and Mn show regularly shaped hysteresis curves, as the picture of a ferrimagnetic ground state emerges for S5BO.
Mesoscopic irreversible thermodynamics of aging kinetics of alpha polypeptides [DNA] under various constraints: Special reference to the simple spring mechanics
Authors: Ogurtani Tarik Omer
Published: February 2024

The mesoscopic irreversible thermodynamic treatment of α-polypeptides and the helical polynucleotides (DNA) furnishes two sets of analytical expressions, which allow us not only to analyze the reversible force–extension experiments performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) but also to predict the irreversible “aging” kinetics of the single-stranded and double-stranded polynucleotides (ssDNA and dsDNA) helical conformations exposed to aqueous solutions and applied static stress systems under the various constraints. The present physicochemical cage model emphasizes the fact that the global Helmholtz free energy of the helical conformation acts not only under the stored “intrinsic” unusual torsional and bending elastic energies inherited by the unfolded helical structure of the amino-acid (peptides) or the nucleic-acid (nucleotide) backbone but also reveals the importance of the interfacial Helmholtz free energy density associated with the interaction of the side-wall branches within the surrounding aqueous solutions. The analytical expression obtained for the unfolding force vs extension (FE) shows a strong non-linear elasticity behavior under the twist angle constraint when the interfacial Helmholtz energy term is incorporating into the scenario. This behavior is in excellent quantitative agreement with the AFM test results obtained by Idiris et al. (2000) on the poly-L-glutamic acid [Glu(n)-Cys] exposed to aqueous solutions, which show that acidity increases the degrees of helicity.
Influence of principal stress orientation on stress distribution and plastic zone evolution of rock surrounding tunnels
Authors: Zhao Honggang , Deng Bozhi , Huang Gun , Zhang Dongming , Song Zhenlong
Published: February 2024

During the excavation of tunnels, the principal stress orientation changes, with a significant impact on the stress distribution, mechanical properties, and plastic zone evolution of rocks surrounding tunnels, causing severe deformation control, and monitoring problems in the stability of tunnels. Currently, biaxial compression tests were conducted to explore the influence of principal stress orientation on mechanical properties of rocks surrounding tunnels. The analytical solution of stress and the model of plastic zone of rocks considering the principal stress orientation and the distance from the excavation boundary were established to reveal the failure mechanism of surrounding rock under different principal stress orientations. With an increase in the angle between the principal stress orientation and the long axis of tunnel, the maximum tangential stress around the tunnel gradually changed to the minimum horizontal principal stress direction, and its value gradually increased, leading to quicker failure of surrounding rocks, and reducing the strength enhancement effect of the same section size of the tunnel. However, the increase in the angle reduced the damage range and the range of the plastic zone around the tunnel and caused the plastic zone to gradually approach the bottom and roof. The maximum depth of the plastic zone remained parallel to or nearly parallel to the minimum horizontal principal stress direction. When the principal stress orientation was kept constant, the maximum depth of the plastic zone shifted to the minimum horizontal principal stress direction with an increase in the vertical principal stress.
Millipixel accuracy optical localization for point-like targets on pixelated image sensors
Authors: Zhan Haiyang , Zhang Li , Cao Hongjing , Chen Xuedi , Xing Fei , You Zheng
Published: February 2024

Localizing point-like targets, such as stars and single molecules on pixelated image sensors, are of great importance in optical measurement fields, including astronomy and microscopy. To date, a localization accuracy of 0.01 pixels has been considered high in practical applications. It is difficult to assess or achieve a higher accuracy (e.g., millipixel level) using experimental data due to noise from conventional setups or environment. Here, we propose a millipixel-scale localization accuracy assessment and realization method. The method combines organic light emitting diode subpixel precise motion control and large-ratio optical scaling to form spot array motion with ultrahigh accuracy in digital images for localization assessment and uses effective point spread function (PSF) modeling and maximum likelihood estimation fitting to realize millipixel localization performance. A localization accuracy better than 0.001 pixels has been demonstrated on two types of practical spots. The work not only provides an experimental assessment method for localization techniques with ultrahigh accuracy but also verifies the ability of optical localization as a powerful tool to measure 2D displacements at nano-scale accuracy in advanced manufacturing.
Conditions of acceleration and deceleration of the cancer cell growth under osmotic pressure
Authors: Svetlitsyna N. , Semenova N. , Tuchin V. V.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we study a pattern formation in the epidermal layer of skin during tumor development and appearance of a binary surface consisting of healthy and cancer cells forming Turing patterns under external osmotic pressure. The basic methodology of introducing the external influences, for example, time-targeted drug therapy or radiation exposure, influence of electromagnetic fields, laser radiation or other tumor-targeting physical influences act differently in different phases of the cell cycle. In some cases, this can lead to a slowdown in the growth of cancer cells, and sometimes vice versa. Therefore, it is of particular interest to choose the right parameters such as starting time of external pressure, its magnitude and duration depending on the cell cycle of developing cancer cells. We propose a biologically inspired model that allows us to simulate the growth of cancer cells under conditions of osmotic pressure. We divide this growth into two phases. The first is characterized by active cell division, and the second by their growth. In this article, we introduce two types of pressure: short-term and long-term, and looked at what this leads to in different phases. We have found an interesting result, that there are some resonant points in time both in the first and second phases, when the introduction of additional pressure leads to the most significant slowdown in the growth of cancer cells.
Effect of conformation of interfacial adsorbed chains on physical aging of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Luo Jintian , Luo Yuhang , Tong Ben , Tian Houkuan , Yang Yuhui , Zuo Biao
Published: February 2024

The dynamics of polymer nanocomposites varies depending on the physics and chemistry at the polymer–nanoparticle interface. The physical aging of the nanocomposites is accelerated or retarded based on interfacial interactions and the state of polymer adsorption at the interfaces. In this study, we investigated the aging kinetics of silica–polystyrene nanocomposites using differential scanning calorimetry, focusing on the effect of local conformations of chains adsorbed on the nanofiller surface. The results show that the temperature dependence of the aging rate follows a Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann relationship at high temperatures, whereas it exhibits an Arrhenius-like behavior below a characteristic temperature (Tc). Notably, at T < Tc, the aging rate decreases with increasing loop height of the chains adsorbed on the filler surface, but the activation energy remains unchanged. We proposed that the suppression of the aging rate at T < Tc is likely related to an increase in the length scale over which the slow interfacial dynamics can propagate due to the increased topological interactions between the chain loops of a larger size and the free chains in the matrix. The increased packing frustration occurring at the filler surface occupied by the larger loops might also contribute to the decreased aging rate.
Enhancing hydrofoil velocity estimation through residual learning
Authors: Xu Yuhang , Sha Yangyang , Wang Cong , Wei Yingjie
Published: February 2024

Recovering flow states from limited observations provides supports for flow control and super-resolution. Advances in deep learning have made it possible to construct precise state estimators. In this work, a deep learning estimator with an initialization branch and a residual branch is proposed to predict velocity fields from sparse pressure on the hydrofoil surface. In detail, on the one hand, the pre-trained proper orthogonal decomposition-based model as an initialization branch is employed to generate initial predictions. On the other hand, the U-shaped neural network-based model as the residual branch is trained to learn the residual between the initial predictions and the ground truth. Compared to previous models, the proposed model not only enhances prediction accuracy but also improves the interpretability of the model. Furthermore, the incorporation of the initialization branch has little influence on training and inference speed. Test results illustrate that residual learning provides additional model capacity for improving the prediction of transverse velocity fields and flow details. Moreover, even in the presence of intense velocity fluctuations near the trailing edge, predictions from the improved model are more consistent with ground truth. Visualization of feature maps underscores a significant advantage of the improved model over the baseline model in terms of structural features and increased distinctiveness among features, thereby facilitating interpretability enhancements.
Perspective on nanoscale magnetic sensors using giant anomalous Hall effect in topological magnetic materials for read head application in magnetic recording
Authors: Nakatani Tomoya , Kulkarni Prabhanjan D. , Suto Hirofumi , Masuda Keisuke , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Sakuraba Yuya
Published: February 2024

Recent advances in the study of materials with topological electronic band structures have revealed magnetic materials exhibiting giant anomalous Hall effects (AHEs). The giant AHE has not only attracted the research interest in its mechanism but also opened up the possibility of practical application in magnetic sensors. In this article, we describe simulation-based investigations of AHE magnetic sensors for applications to read head sensors (readers) of hard disk drives. With the shrinking of magnetic recording patterns, the reader technology, which currently uses multilayer-based tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) devices, is associated with fundamental challenges, such as insufficient spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in sensors with dimensions below 20 nm. The structure of an AHE-based device composed of a single ferromagnetic material is advantageous for magnetic sensors with nanoscale dimensions. We found that AHE readers using topological ferromagnets with giant AHE, such as Co2MnGa, can achieve a higher SNR than current TMR readers. The higher SNR originates from the large output signal of the giant AHE as well as from the reduced thermal magnetic noise, which is the dominant noise in TMR readers. We highlight a major challenge in the development of AHE readers: the reduction in the output signal due to the shunting of the bias current and the leakage of the Hall voltage through the soft magnetic shields surrounding the AHE reader. We propose reader structures that overcome this challenge. Finally, we discuss the scope for future research to realize AHE readers.
High-frequency magnetic response of crystalline and nanocrystalline antiferromagnetic NiO
Authors: Brzuszek Kacper , Ross Caroline A. , Janutka Andrzej
Published: February 2024

Performing micromagnetic simulations, we study the efficiency of response of bulk and polycrystalline nickel oxide (NiO) to high-frequency (up to 100 GHz) magnetic fields with relevance to potential application of the antiferromagnet as a core material to high-frequency coils and resonators. NiO is advantageous due to its insulating property and high Néel temperature. Though the dynamical susceptibility of the antiferromagnet is low, the achievable product of susceptibility and frequency (“performance factor”) appears to be relatively high, comparable to that of previously considered superferromagnetic systems. This makes NiO a potential core material for operating at extremely-high (sub-THz) frequency. The influence of thermal fluctuations on the susceptibility is estimated to be weak up to room temperature even for a nanocrystalline antiferromagnet, whereas, the magnetic response is linear for much wider ranges of frequencies and field amplitudes than for ferromagnetic and superferromagnetic systems.
The magnetic anisotropy of field-assisted 3D printed nylon strontium ferrite composites
Authors: Khadka Mandesh , Arigbabowo Oluwasola K. , Tate Jitendra S. , Geerts Wilhelmus J.
Published: February 2024

Magnetic Field Assisted Additive Manufacturing (MFAAM), 3D printing in a magnetic field, has the potential to fabricate high magnetic strength anisotropic bonded magnets. Here, 10, 35, and 54 wt% strontium ferrite bonded magnets using polyamide 12 binder were developed by twin screw compounding process and then printed via MFAAM samples in zero, and in 0.5 Tesla (H parallel to the print direction and print bed). The hysteresis curves were measured using a MicroSense EZ9 Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) for 3 different mount orientations of the sample on the sample holder to explore the magnetic anisotropy. The samples printed in zero field exhibited a weak anisotropy with an easy axis perpendicular to the print direction. This anisotropy is caused by the effect of shear flow on the orientation of the magnetic platelets in the 3D printer head. For the MFAAM samples, the S values are largest along the print bed normal. This anisotropy is caused by the field. The alignment of the magnetic particles happens when the molten suspension is in the extruder. When the material is printed, it is folded over on the print bed and its easy axis rotates 90° parallel to the print bed normally. Little realignment of the particles happens after it is printed, suggesting a sharp drop in temperature once the composite touches the print bed, indicating that field-induced effects in the nozzle dominate the anisotropy of MFAAM deposited samples.
Simulation analysis on magnetic core loss characteristic of valve reactor in UHVDC system
Authors: Wang Yifan , Yuan Jiaxin , Mo Zuoquan , Tan Jiefu , Li Xuzhe , Zhou Hang , Chen Tie
Published: February 2024

Valve reactors (VR) with multiple magnetic cores are important electrical components in ultra-high voltage direct current systems. The impact current and high-order harmonics during their operation can lead to additional losses and temperature rise in the valve reactors, posing a threat to insulation aging, and even causing serious incidents such as combustion and explosions. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately quantify and analyze the loss characteristics of valve reactors under different magnetic materials. This article first theoretically analyzes the electromagnetic and temperature characteristics during the actual operation of VR; then, it analyzes and calculates the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic losses of a single magnetic core. Finally, it establishes a three-dimensional equivalent model of VR and conducts transient electromagnetic-thermal coupled finite element simulation to reveal the magnitude and spatial distribution of VR temperature changes.
The impact of management option on out-of-pocket costs and perceived financial burden among men with localised prostate cancer in Australia within 6 months of diagnosis
Authors: Lindsay Daniel , Schofield Penelope , Nabukalu Doreen , Roberts Matthew J. , Yaxley John , Quinn Stephen , Richards Natalie , Frydenberg Mark , Gardiner Robert , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Juraskova Ilona , Murphy Declan G. , Gordon Louisa G.
Published: February 2024

Objective This study aimed to quantify the out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and perceived financial burden among Australian men with localised prostate cancer in the first 6 months after diagnosis, by primary management option. Methods This cost-analysis quantified OOP costs using administrative claims data and self-reported survey data. Financial burden was assessed using the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity–Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) tool. Participants were recruited into a randomised control trial from public or private treatment centres in Victoria and Queensland. Generalised linear models were used to predict OOP costs and COST-FACIT scores. Results Median total OOP costs within 6 months of diagnosis for 256 Australian patients with localised prostate cancer was A$1172 (A$343–2548). Up to 50% of the sample reported A$0 costs for most medical services. Compared with those managed with active surveillance, men having active treatment had 6.4 (95% CI: 3.2–12.7) times greater total OOP costs. Management option, higher Gleason score at diagnosis and having multiple comorbidities were significant predictors of higher OOP costs. Overall high scores on the COST-FACIT indicated low levels of financial burden for the entire sample. Conclusion Largely attributable to being managed with active surveillance, Australian men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer reported relatively low OOP costs and financial burden in the first 6 months post-diagnosis. Together with clinical outcomes, clinicians can use this up to date evidence on costs and perceived financial burdens to assist localised prostate cancer patients and their families make informed decisions about their preferred management option.
Functional constraints on the number and shape of flight feathers
Authors: Kiat Yosef , O’Connor Jingmai K.
Published: February 2024

As a fundamental ecological aspect of most organisms, locomotor function significantly constrains morphology. At the same time, the evolution of novel locomotor abilities has produced dramatic morphological transformations, initiating some of the most significant diversifications in life history. Despite significant new fossil evidence, it remains unclear whether volant locomotion had a single or multiple origins in pennaraptoran dinosaurs and the volant abilities of individual taxa are controversial. The evolution of powered flight in modern birds involved exaptation of feathered surfaces extending off the limbs and tail yet most studies concerning flight potential in pennaraptorans do not account for the structure and morphology of the wing feathers themselves. Analysis of the number and shape of remex and rectrix feathers across a large dataset of extant birds indicates that the number of remiges and rectrices and the degree of primary vane asymmetry strongly correlate with locomotor ability revealing important functional constraints. Among these traits, phenotypic flexibility varies reflected by the different rates at which morphological changes evolve, such that some traits reflect the ancestral condition, whereas others reflect current locomotor function. While Mesozoic birds and
Microraptor
have remex morphologies consistent with extant volant birds, that of anchiornithines deviate significantly providing strong evidence this clade was not volant. The results of these analyses support a single origin of dinosaurian flight and indicate the early stages of feathered wing evolution are not sampled by the currently available fossil record.
A submerged Stone Age hunting architecture from the Western Baltic Sea
Authors: Geersen Jacob , Bradtmöller Marcel , Schneider von Deimling Jens , Feldens Peter , Auer Jens , Held Philipp , Lohrberg Arne , Supka Ruth , Hoffmann Jasper Justus Lutz , Eriksen Berit Valentin , Rabbel Wolfgang , Karlsen Hans-Jörg , Krastel Sebastian , Brandt David , Heuskin David , Lübke Harald
Published: February 2024

The Baltic Sea basins, some of which only submerged in the mid-Holocene, preserve Stone Age structures that did not survive on land. Yet, the discovery of these features is challenging and requires cross-disciplinary approaches between archeology and marine geosciences. Here, we combine shipborne and autonomousunderwater vehicle hydroacoustic data with up to a centimeter range resolution, sedimentological samples, and optical images to explore a Stone Age megastructure located in 21 m water depth in the Bay of Mecklenburg, Germany. The structure is made of 1,673 individual stones which are usually less than 1 m in height, placed side by side over a distance of 971 m in a way that argues against a natural origin by glacial transport or ice push ridges. Running adjacent to the sunken shoreline of a paleolake (or bog), whose youngest phase was dated to 9,143 ±36 ka B.P., the stonewall was likely used for hunting the Eurasian reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) during the Younger Dryas or early Pre-Boreal. It was built by hunter–gatherer groups that roamed the region after the retreat of the Weichselian Ice Sheet. Comparable Stone Age megastructures have become known worldwide in recent times but are almost unknown in Europe. The site represents one of the oldest documented man-made hunting structures on Earth, and ranges among the largest known Stone Age structure in Europe. It will become important for understanding subsistence strategies, mobility patterns, and inspire discussions concerning the territorial development in the Western Baltic Sea region.
Intracellular C3 protects β-cells from IL-1β-driven cytotoxicity via interaction with Fyn-related kinase
Authors: Kulak Klaudia , Kuska Katarzyna , Colineau Lucie , Mckay Marina , Maziarz Karolina , Slaby Julia , Blom Anna M. , King Ben C.
Published: February 2024

One of the hallmarks of type 1 but also type 2 diabetes is pancreatic islet inflammation, associated with altered pancreatic islet function and structure, if unresolved. IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine which detrimentally affects β-cell function. In the course of diabetes, complement components, including the central complement protein C3, are deregulated. Previously, we reported high C3 expression in human pancreatic islets, with upregulation after IL-1β treatment. In the current investigation, using primary human and rodent material and CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited β-cells deficient in C3, or producing only cytosolic C3 from a noncanonical in-frame start codon, we report a protective effect of C3 against IL-1β-induced β-cell death, that is attributed to the cytosolic fraction of C3. Further investigation revealed that intracellular C3 alleviates IL-1β-induced β-cell death, by interaction with and inhibition of Fyn-related kinase (FRK), which is involved in the response of β-cells to cytokines. Furthermore, these data were supported by increased β-cell death in vivo in a β-cell-specific C3 knockout mouse. Our data indicate that a functional, cytoprotective association exists between FRK and cytosolic C3.
Coordination between circadian neural circuit and intracellular molecular clock ensures rhythmic activation of adult neural stem cells
Authors: Liu Qiang , Luo Xing , Liang Ziqi , Qin Dezhe , Xu Mingyue , Wang Min , Guo Weixiang
Published: February 2024

The circadian clock throughout the day organizes the activity of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of adult hippocampus temporally. However, it is still unclear whether and how circadian signals from the niches contribute to daily rhythmic variation of NSC activation. Here, we show that norepinephrinergic (NEergic) projections from the locus coeruleus (LC), a brain arousal system, innervate into adult DG, where daily rhythmic release of norepinephrine (NE) from the LC NEergic neurons controlled circadian variation of NSC activation through β3-adrenoceptors. Disrupted circadian rhythmicity by acute sleep deprivation leads to transient NSC overactivation and NSC pool exhaustion over time, which is effectively ameliorated by the inhibition of the LC NEergic neuronal activity or β3-adrenoceptors-mediated signaling. Finally, we demonstrate that NE/β3-adrenoceptors-mediated signaling regulates NSC activation through molecular clock BMAL1. Therefore, our study unravels that adult NSCs precisely coordinate circadian neural circuit and intrinsic molecular circadian clock to adapt their cellular behavior across the day.
Relay interpreting (chongyi) as auspicious rhetoric in discourse on China-bound diplomatic
visits
Authors: Lung Rachel
Published: February 2024

Interpreting is considered no more than a technical necessity in modern times. Yet millennia ago, China-bound
relay interpreting, chongyi 重譯,
could symbolize auspiciousness, often foreshadowed via anomalies in plants or astrology. Its subtle ideological associations can
be inferred by analyzing related tokens of usage. Drawing on texts and treatises circulated and written before seventh-century
China, this article reports, from a close analysis of four texts, a rhetorical pattern on the formulaic references to
chongyi. Interestingly, these texts all depict “diplomatic visits to China through chongyi”
as an event validating an auspicious sign in nature spotted earlier. My analysis suggests that the documentation of
chongyi bears more of a figuratively auspicious, rather than a sheer mediating, connotation. The elevation of
a relay interpreting act to a cultural icon or ideological dimension is ubiquitous in the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE) writings,
which served to leverage the state-sanctioned Confucian and divination overtones to reinforce the emperor’s mandate. This article
aims at examining the epistemology and ideology of classical references to chongyi and identifying a rhetorical
pattern denoting the conceptual link between chongyi and auspiciousness in the broader Confucian framework.
The language of threat
Authors: Andersson Marta
Published: February 2024

This paper examined news reports published by a Swedish alternative newspaper in connection with the Black Lives
Matter demonstrations in June 2020. The primary objective was to assess the role of strategic employment of distinctive linguistic
features in shaping a portrayal of the protests through implications of threat, fear, and xenophobia. As the results indicate, the
characteristics that contribute the most to such a depiction consistently involve an ominous vision of the spatial and ideological
proximity of external entities and values to the in-group (‘us’). These findings are related to the particulars of the corpus, as
the purpose of news reports is to create a sense of immediacy and reduce distance. However, since the goal of alternative news is
to appeal to readers’ sensibilities in critical areas of their lives, despite masquerading as traditional media, these outlets
tend to communicate threat and concern rather than a reliable picture of reality.
Making community policing work: A panacea to crimes and rural conflicts in Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim-Olesin Sikiru , Ogunlade Israel , Adefalu Lateef Lawal , Ayandeji Lateef Akanbi , Njoku Loveday Chukwudi
Published: February 2024

In Nigeria, several community development initiatives abound either through the government or donor agencies. Despite all these efforts, little concern has been placed on the security of rural dwellers. This has enabled incessant conflicts in rural communities, leading to the loss of lives and an overall negative effect on food production. This chapter employed different conflict and mediation theories to explain the causes, drivers, and ways to resolve the conflicts. Materials were sourced from top-tier databases, including reports and publications from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum, and other reliable sources. It found that conflicts in rural communities have resulted in the destruction of lives and livelihood assets, a reduction in crop yield and income, an increase in fear and ethno-religious stereotypes, food shortages and rape. It identified a partial implementation of community policing strategy but noted the centralization of power to the Nigerian Police Force as an impediment to its effectiveness. Worthy approaches to ensuring the effectiveness of community policing strategy as a panacea to crimes and rural conflicts are: constitutional redress; developing programs and needed resources; training and re-training of officers and partners; planning an effective strategy using civilian volunteers; aligning performance measures of officers and partners; demonstrating leadership and taking risks; and making changes to the organization of departments under the community policing structure. However, it recommends operational community policing that incorporates all actors in the states and local governments with reliable legal frameworks for securing the farm and rural farming communities in Nigeria.
The Growth of Tourism and ‘Development’ in an Indigenous Setting: Exploring a Case of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Authors: Rosy Sabiha Yeasmin
Published: February 2024

This case study examines the process of tourism development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, where multidimensional concerns related to Indigenous communities are coming to the fore. This area contains valuable natural resources that provide huge potential for the growth of tourism. However, accounts of discrimination and violations by the state towards Indigenous peoples indicate the potential for inequality and exploitation while developing tourism. Eleven Indigenous groups live in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a historically conflict-ridden area where there is tension between the dominant ethnic Bangalee and the Indigenous groups due to the latter's limited control over their way of life and the environment. Structurally, the state endorses mass tourism, where powerful actors – government, military, politically influential individuals, and companies – are engaged in determining the ‘development’ for the Indigenous people and modernising the place as a part of capitalist ventures to gain profits. Given that state actors or private investors wield power and control over tourism, exploitation ranges from Indigenous peoples' lack of control over the planning to limited participation in tourism. Therefore, this case study explores the implications of tourism development for Indigenous peoples, analysing the state’s economic intervention in favour of the Bangalee people, who are an ethnically dominant group in Bangladesh. Moreover, this case study raises questions about how the ‘development’ is taking place and identifies the practice of ‘development’ in an Indigenous setting and how the Indigenous peoples are situated in this capitalistic venture in a post-conflict setting. The case study is based on empirical findings collected through an ethnographic study as part of a PhD. The study followed ethical guidelines approved by the Macquarie University Ethics Committee in 2017.

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Quantum degeneracy and spin entanglement in ideal quantum gases
Authors: Zouari Ahmed Fatma , Meftah Mohammed Tayeb , Roscilde Tommaso
Published: February 2024

Quantum degeneracy is the central many-body feature of ideal quantum gases stemming from quantum mechanics. In this work we address its relationship to the most fundamental form of non-classicality in many-body system, i.e. many-body entanglement. We aim at establishing a quantitative link between quantum degeneracy and entanglement in spinful ideal gases, using entanglement witness criteria based on the variance of the collective spin of the spin ensemble. We show that spin-1/2 ideal Bose gases do not possess entanglement which can be revealed from such entanglement criteria. On the contrary, ideal spin-1/2 Fermi gases exhibit spin entanglement revealed by the collective-spin variances upon entering quantum degeneracy, due to the formation of highly non-local spin singlets. We map out the regime of detectable spin entanglement for Fermi gases in free space as well as in a parabolic trap, and probe the robustness of spin entanglement to thermal effects and spin imbalance. Spin entanglement in degenerate Fermi gases is amenable to experimental observation using state-of-the-art spin detection techniques in ultracold atoms.
The influence of Ohmic noise on the dynamics of three-spin open quantum system
Authors: Javed Muhammad , Salim Sidra , Said Sumayya , Shah Khushnood , ur Rahman Atta
Published: February 2024

The dynamics of open quantum systems under decoherence effects remain a hotly debated topic in the case of the practical deployment of quantum information processing. In this regard, we examine how the three-qubit mixed state is affected by changes in the cut-off frequency of the Ohmic spectral density in a harmonic reservoir. Specifically, the degree of quantum memory-assisted entropic uncertainty (QMA-EU), along with the entanglement, coherence, and purity of the system, is to be demonstrated. A thorough exercise is done to investigate any underlying relationship between the three-qubit quantum characteristics. We show that a harmonic reservoir controlled by Ohmic noise prevails a monotonic-like decay in the current case where, sooner or later, the state becomes completely disentangled, decoherent, and mixed. The QMA-EU has always been found to have an increasing function causing the quantum resourcefulness to be reduced. Although, there is no pathway to avoid the Ohmic noise consequences and complete decay, however, we provided parameterization which would lead to prolonged preservation of quantum correlations with time. Finally, we provide various settings for the tuning of cut-off frequency regarding the Ohmic type bath and state parameters on the initial as well as final levels of quantum features.
Estimating vegetation water content from Sentinel-1 C-band SAR data over savanna and grassland ecosystems
Authors: Bernardino Paulo N , Oliveira Rafael S , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Hirota Marina , Furtado Mariana N , Sanches Isabela A , Somers Ben
Published: February 2024

Studying vegetation water content (VWC) dynamics is essential for understanding plant growth, water and carbon cycles, and ecosystem stability. However, acquiring field-based VWC estimates, consistently through space and time, is challenging due to time and resource constraints. This study investigates the potential of Sentinel-1 C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for estimating VWC in natural ecosystems in central Brazil. We assessed (i) how well Sentinel-1 SAR data can capture variations in VWC over three different vegetation types (i.e. dry and waterlogged grasslands, and savannas) and (ii) how the studied vegetation types respond to seasonal dry periods in terms of water content. Field data from 82 plots, distributed across the three vegetation types and revisited in four different seasons, were used to calibrate and validate a model for VWC estimation. The calibrated model, with an R
2 of 0.52 and RMSE of 0.465 kg m−2, was then applied to Sentinel-1 SAR backscatter data to generate monthly VWC maps for grassland and savanna ecosystems at 30 m spatial resolution between April 2015 and September 2023. These maps, combined with rainfall and potential evapotranspiration data, provided insights into how the studied vegetation types respond to water shortage during the dry season at the community scale. More specifically, savannas showed to be better able to retain higher levels of water content during the dry season, probably due to a higher water holding capacity of the woody component together with its deep-root system ability to access deeper groundwater. This research demonstrates the potential of Sentinel-1 SAR data for monitoring VWC in natural ecosystems, allowing for future studies to assess ecosystems’ response to drought events and changes in their functioning, ultimately supporting land management decisions.
One (photon), two(-dimensional crystals), a lot (of potential): a quick snapshot of a rapidly evolving field
Authors: Cianci Salvatore , Blundo Elena , Felici Marco
Published: February 2024

We present a concise overview of the state of affairs in the development of single-photon sources based on two-dimensional (2D) crystals, focusing in particular on transition-metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride. We briefly discuss the current level of advancement (i) in our understanding of the microscopic origin of the quantum emitters (QEs) identified in these two material systems, and (ii) in the characterisation of the optical properties of these emitters; then, we survey the main methods developed to enable the dynamic control of the QEs’ emission energy. Finally, we summarise the main results stemming from the coupling of QEs embedded in 2D materials with photonic and plasmonic structures.
Delirium is frequently underdiagnosed among older hospitalised patients despite available information in hospital medical records
Authors: Titlestad Irit , Haugarvoll Kristoffer , Solvang Stein-Erik H , Norekvål Tone Merete , Skogseth Ragnhild E , Andreassen Ole A , Årsland Dag , Neerland Bjørn Erik , Nordrehaug Jan Erik , Tell Grethe S , Giil Lasse M
Published: February 2024

Background

In-hospital delirium is associated with adverse outcomes and is underdiagnosed, limiting research and clinical follow-up.

Objective

To compare the incidence of in-hospital delirium determined by chart-based review of electronic medical records (D-CBR) with delirium discharge diagnoses (D-DD). Furthermore, to identify differences in symptoms, treatments and delirium triggers between D-CBR and D-DD.

Method

The community-based cohort included 2,115 participants in the Hordaland Health Study born between 1925 and 1927. Between 2018 and 2022, we retrospectively reviewed hospital electronic medical records from baseline (1997–99) until death prior to 2023. D-DD and D-CBR were validated using The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria for delirium.

Results

Of the 2,115 participants, 638 had in-hospital delirium. The incidence rate (IR) of D-CBR was 29.8 [95% confidence interval 28, 32] per 1,000 person-years, whereas the IR by D-DD was 3.4 [2.8, 4.2]. The IR ratio was 9.14 (P < 0.001). Patients who received pharmacological treatment for delirium (n = 121, odds ratio (OR) 3.4, [2.1, 5.4], P < 0.001), who were affected by acute memory impairment (n = 149, OR 2.8, [1.8, 4.5], P < 0.001), or change in perception (n = 137, OR 2.9, [1.8, 4.6] P < 0.001) had higher odds for D-DD. In contrast, post-operative cases (OR 0.2, [0.1, 0.4], P < 0.001) had lower odds for D-DD.

Conclusion

Underdiagnosis of in-hospital delirium was a major issue in our study, especially in less severe delirium cases. Our findings emphasise the need for integrating systematic delirium diagnostics and documentation into hospital admission and discharge routines.
Path integration deficits are associated with phosphorylated tau accumulation in the entorhinal cortex
Authors: Koike Riki , Soeda Yoshiyuki , Kasai Atsushi , Fujioka Yusuke , Ishigaki Shinsuke , Yamanaka Akihiro , Takaichi Yuta , Chambers James K , Uchida Kazuyuki , Watanabe Hirohisa , Takashima Akihiko
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating disease that is accompanied by dementia, and its incidence increases with age. However, no interventions have exhibited clear therapeutic effects. We aimed to develop and characterize behavioural tasks that allow the earlier identification of signs preceding dementia that would facilitate the development of preventative and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease. To this end, we developed a 3D virtual reality task sensitive to the activity of grid cells in the entorhinal cortex, which is the region that first exhibits neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated path integration (assessed by error distance) in a spatial navigation task sensitive to grid cells in the entorhinal cortex in 177 volunteers, aged 20–89 years, who did not have self-reported dementia. While place memory was intact even in old age, path integration deteriorated with increasing age. To investigate the relationship between neurofibrillary tangles in the entorhinal cortex and path integration deficit, we examined a mouse model of tauopathy (P301S mutant tau-overexpressing mice; PS19 mice). At 6 months of age, PS19 mice showed a significant accumulation of phosphorylated tau only in the entorhinal cortex, associated with impaired path integration without impairments in spatial cognition. These data are consistent with the idea that path integration deficit is caused by the accumulation of phosphorylated tau in the entorhinal cortex. This method may allow the early identification of individuals likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Early and specific detection of Alzheimer’s disease: more than a (virtual) reality?
Authors: Almeida Osborne F X
Published: February 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Path integration deficits are associated with phosphorylated tau accumulation in the entorhinal cortex’, by Koike et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad359).