bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of Superfluorescence of ZnO Nanosheets
Authors: Ding Cai Rong , Zeng Xue Ran , Liang Chao Lun , Lv Ze Sheng , Wang Zi Xin
Published: October 2023

ZnO nanostructures are attractive candidates as source media for realizing optoelectronic devices. Based on the comparison of cathodoluminescence images and scanning electron microscope morphology images, the mixing color images of ZnO nanosheets indicate that the emission of the ZnO nanosheet is emitted from its flat surface. In time‐resolved photoluminescence, a sharp emission pulse is observed after the delay time τD of 56 ps relative to zero time at the threshold excitation power, the pulse peak intensity exhibits a superlinear increase proportional to P2.7 (P is the excitation power density), the reduction of τD is proportional to , oscillation is demonstrated in the decay trace at high excitation power, and the time interval of two oscillation emissions is 36 ps. Experimental results indicate that superfluorescence (SF) is demonstrated at room temperature and it is assigned to coherent dipole states in the population version localized to approximately 3 nm thick ZnO nanosheet. SF of coherent dipole states is characterized by the delay time τD—the unique feature of SF and the Burnham–Chiao ringing behavior. Experimental observation of SF of ZnO nanosheets may have potential value for the investigation of room temperature many‐body quantum phenomena, coherent control, and applications for high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
A Quantum Moving Target Segmentation Algorithm for Grayscale Video
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Wang Lu , Wu Qingshan
Published: October 2023

The moving target segmentation (MTS) aims to segment out moving targets in the video, however, the classical algorithm faces the huge challenge of real‐time processing in the current video era. Some scholars have successfully demonstrated the quantum advantages in some video processing tasks, but not concerning moving target segmentation. In this paper, a quantum moving target segmentation algorithm for grayscale video is proposed, which can use quantum mechanism to simultaneously calculate the difference of all pixels in all adjacent frames and then quickly segment out the moving target. In addition, a feasible quantum comparator is designed to distinguish the grayscale values with the threshold. Then several quantum circuit units are designed in detail to construct the complete quantum circuits for segmenting the moving target. For a quantum video with 2mframes (every frame is a image withqgrayscale levels), the complexity of our algorithm can be reduced to O. Compared with the classic counterpart, it is an exponential speedup, while its complexity is also superior to the existing quantum algorithms. Finally, the experiment is conducted on IBM Quantum Experience (IBM Q) to show the feasibility of our algorithm in the noisy intermediate‐scale quantum era.
The Stokes–Einstein–Sutherland Equation at the Nanoscale Revisited
Authors: Baer Andreas , Wawra Simon E. , Bielmeier Kristina , Uttinger Maximilian J. , Smith David M. , Peukert Wolfgang , Walter Johannes , Smith Ana‐Sunčana
Published: October 2023

The Stokes–Einstein–Sutherland (SES) equation is at the foundation of statistical physics, relating a particle's diffusion coefficient and size with the fluid viscosity, temperature, and the boundary condition for the particle‐solvent interface. It is assumed that it relies on the separation of scales between the particle and the solvent, hence it is expected to break down for diffusive transport on the molecular scale. This assumption is however challenged by a number of experimental studies showing a remarkably small, if any, violation, while simulations systematically report the opposite. To understand these discrepancies, analytical ultracentrifugation experiments are combined with molecular simulations, both performed at unprecedented accuracies, to study the transport of buckminsterfullerene C60 in toluene at infinite dilution. This system is demonstrated to clearly violate the conditions of slow momentum relaxation. Yet, through a linear response to a constant force, the SES equation can be recovered in the long time limit with no more than 4% uncertainty both in experiments and in simulations. This nonetheless requires partial slip on the particle interface, extracted consistently from all the data. These results, thus, resolve a long‐standing discussion on the validity and limits of the SES equation at the molecular scale.
Effect of Potential on the Nanostructure Dynamics of Ethylammonium Nitrate at a Graphite Electrode
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Jianan , Warr Gregory G. , Atkin Rob
Published: October 2023

Video‐rate atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to study the near‐surface nanostructure dynamics of the ionic liquid ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) at a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrode as a function of potential in real‐time for the first time. The effects of varying the surface potential and adding 10 wt% water on the nanostructure diffusion coefficient are probed. For both EAN and the 90 wt% EAN‐water mixture, disk‐like features ≈9 nm in diameter and 1 nm in height form above the Stern layer at all potentials. The nanostructure diffusion coefficient increases with potential (from OCP −0.5 V to OCP +0.5 V) and with added water. Nanostructure dynamics depends on both the magnitude and direction of the potential change. Upon switching the potential from OCP −0.5 V to OCP +0.5 V, a substantial increase in the diffusion coefficients is observed, likely due to the absence of solvophobic interactions between the nitrate (NO3−) anions and the ethylammonium (EA+) cations in the near‐surface region. When the potential is reversed, EA+ is attracted to the Stern layer to replace NO3−, but its movement is hindered by solvophobic attractions. The outcomes will aid applications, including electrochemical devices, catalysts, and lubricants.
3D Oxide‐Derived Ru Catalyst for Ultra‐Efficient Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zhuang Zewen , Chen Xin , Wang Yu , Li Xiaoxian , Yang Mingde , Wu Yulong , Peng Qing , Chen Chen , Li Yadong
Published: October 2023

γ‐valerolactone (GVL) is a key value‐added chemical catalytically produced from levulinic acid (LA), an important biomass derivative platform chemical. Here an ultra‐efficient 3D Ru catalyst generated by in situ reduction of RuZnOx nanoboxes is reported; the catalyst features a well‐defined structure of highly dispersed in situ oxide‐derived Ru (IOD‐Ru) clusters (≈1 nm in size) spatially confined within the 3D nanocages with rich mesopores, which guarantees a maximized atom utilization with a high exposure of Ru active sites as well as a 3D accessibility for substrate molecules. The IOD‐Ru exhibits ultrahigh performance for the hydrogenation of LA into GVL with a record‐breaking turnover frequency (TOF) up to 59400 h−1, 14 times higher than that of the ex situ reduction of RuZnOx nanoboxes catalyst. Structural characterizations and theoretical calculations collectively indicate that the defect‐rich and coordination‐unsaturated IOD‐Ru sites can boost the activation of the carbonyl group in LA with a significantly lowered energy barrier of hydrogenation.
Promoting OH− Adsorption and Diffusion Enables Ultrahigh Capacity and Rate Capability of Nickel Sulfide Cathode for Aqueous Alkaline Zn‐Based Batteries
Authors: He Jinjun , Shi Xin , Liu Qiyu , Wu Haibo , Yu Yanxia , Lu Xihong , Yang Zujin
Published: October 2023

Aqueous alkaline Zn‐based batteries (AAZBs) possess great promise for large‐scale applications thanks to their higher discharging plateau and unique reaction mechanism. However, the capacity and rate capability of Ni‐based cathodes are still unsatisfactory due to their insufficient OH− adsorption and diffusion ability. Herein, heterostructured Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with outstanding electrochemical performance are synthesized via a facile chemical etching strategy. The heterostructured Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 nanosheet cathode shows significantly increased capacity and rate capability due to its boosted OH− adsorption and diffusion ability compared to Ni3S2. Consequently, the assembled Zn//Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 cell can deliver an ultrahigh capacity of 2.26 mAh cm−2, an excellent rate performance (0.91 mAh cm−2 at 100 mA cm−2) and a satisfying cycling stability (1.01 mAh cm−2 at 20 mA cm−2 after 500 cycles). Moreover, a prominent energy density of 3.86 mWh cm−2 is obtained, which exceeds the majority of recently reported AAZBs. This work is expected to provide a new modification direction for developing high‐performance nickel sulfide cathode for AAZBs.
Ligand Mediation for Tunable and Oxide Suppressed Surface Gold‐Decorated Liquid Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Ziyang , Guan Mingyang , Bao Ziting , Dong Fengyi , Cui Xiaolin , Liu Guozhen
Published: October 2023

Gallium‐based liquid metal systems hold vast potential in materials science. However, maximizing their possibilities is hindered by gallium's native oxide and interfacial functionalization. In this study, small‐molecule ligands are adopted as surfactants to modify the surface of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) nanoparticles and suppress oxidation. Different p‐aniline derivatives are explored. Next, the reduction of chloroanric acid (HAuCl4) onto these p‐aniline ligand modified EGaIn nanoparticles is investigated to produce gold‐decorated EGaIn nanosystems. It is found that by altering the concentrations of HAuCl4 or the p‐aniline ligand, the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on EGaIn can be manipulated. The reduction of interfacial oxidation and presence of AuNPs enhances electrical conductivity, plasmonic performance, wettability, stability, and photothermal performance of all the p‐aniline derivative modified EGaIn. Of these, EGaIn nanoparticles covered with the ligand of p‐aminobenzoic acid offer the most evenly distributed AuNPs decoration and perfect elimination of gallium oxides, resulting in the augmented electrical conductivity, and highest wettability suitable for patterning, enhanced aqueous stability, and favorable photothermal properties. The proof‐of‐concept application in photothermal therapy of cancer cells demonstrates significantly enhanced photothermal conversion performance along with good biocompatibility. Due to such unique characteristics, the developed gold‐decorated EGaIn nanodroplets are expected to offer significant potential in precise medicine.
Atomically‐Thin Holey 2D Nanosheets of Defect‐Engineered MoN–Mo5N6 Composites as Effective Hybridization Matrices
Authors: Lee Jihyeong , Lee Junsoo , Jin Xiaoyan , Kim Hyungjun , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: October 2023

The defect engineering of inorganic solids has received significant attention because of its high efficacy in optimizing energy‐related functionalities. Consequently, this approach is effectively leveraged in the present study to synthesize atomically‐thin holey 2D nanosheets of a MoN–Mo5N6 composite. This is achieved by controlled nitridation of assembled MoS2 monolayers, which induced sequential cation/anion migration and a gradual decrease in the Mo valency. Precise control of the interlayer distance of the MoS2 monolayers via assembly with various tetraalkylammonium ions is found to be crucial for synthesizing sub‐nanometer–thick holey MoN–Mo5N6 nanosheets with a tunable anion/cation vacancy content. The holey MoN–Mo5N6 nanosheets are employed as efficient immobilization matrices for Pt single atoms to achieve high electrocatalytic mass activity, decent durability, and low overpotential for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In situ/ex situ spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the presence of cation‐deficient Mo5N6 domain is crucial for enhancing the interfacial interactions between the conductive molybdenum nitride substrate and Pt single atoms, leading to enhanced electron injection efficiency and electrochemical stability. The beneficial effects of the Pt‐immobilizing holey MoN–Mo5N6 nanosheets are associated with enhanced electronic coupling, resulting in improvements in HER kinetics and interfacial charge transfer.
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in Wound Healing: Design, Paradigms, and Clinical Application
Authors: Liao Yuheng , Zhang Zhenhe , Ouyang Lizhi , Mi Bobin , Liu Guohui
Published: October 2023

The severe quality of life and economic burden imposed by non‐healing skin wounds, infection risks, and treatment costs are affecting millions of patients worldwide. To mitigate these challenges, scientists are relentlessly seeking effective treatment measures. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising cell‐free therapy strategy, attracting extensive attention from researchers. EVs mediate intercellular communication, possessing excellent biocompatibility and stability. These features make EVs a potential tool for treating a plethora of diseases, including those related to wound repair. However, there is a growing focus on the engineering of EVs to overcome inherent limitations such as low production, relatively fixed content, and targeting capabilities of natural EVs. This engineering could improve both the effectiveness and specificity of EVs in wound repair treatments. In light of this, the present review will introduce the latest progress in the design methods and experimental paradigms of engineered EVs applied in wound repair. Furthermore, it will comprehensively analyze the current clinical research status and prospects of engineered EVs within this field.
Facilitating Proton Coupled Electron Transfer Reaction through the Interfacial Micro Electric Field with Fe─N4─C in FeMOFs Glass
Authors: Zuo Shiyu , Wang Yan , Wan Jinquan , Ma Yongwen , Yan Zhicheng
Published: October 2023

The proton‐coupled electron transfer(PCET) reaction plays a crucial role in the chemical transformation process andhas become one of the most concerned elementary reactions. However, the complex kinetics of PCET reaction, which requires the simultaneous transfer of protons and electrons, leads to the dilemma that thermodynamics and kinetics cannot bebalanced and restricts its further development. In this, an interface micro‐electric field (IMEF) basedon Fe─N4 in FeMOFs (Fe‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks) glass is designed tosynchronize proton/electron interface behavior for the first time to realizeefficient PCET reaction and optimize reaction thermodynamics and kinetics. The IMEF facilitates the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, and accelerates Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle. Driven by near‐surface electric field force, the protons near surfacemigrate to Fe sites and participate in Fe(IV)═O formation and reaction, lowering the reaction energy barrier. Based on the interface regulation ofIMEF, a high‐efficiency PCET reaction is realized, and kinetic reactionrate constant of photocatalytic oxidation of emerging contaminants is increasedby 3.7 times. This study highlights a strategy for IMEFs to modulate PEC Treactions for a wide range of potential applications, including environmental and ecological applications.
Recent Progress in Phage‐Based Nanoplatforms for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Li Xiao‐Tong , Peng Shu‐Yi , Feng Shao‐Mei , Bao Ting‐Yu , Li Sheng‐Zhang , Li Shi‐Ying
Published: October 2023

Nanodrug delivery systems have demonstrated a great potential for tumor therapy with the development of nanotechnology. Nonetheless, traditional drug delivery systems are faced with issues such as complex synthetic procedures, low reproducibility, nonspecific distribution, impenetrability of biological barrier, systemic toxicity, etc. In recent years, phage‐based nanoplatforms have attracted increasing attention in tumor treatment for their regular structure, fantastic carrying property, high transduction efficiency and biosafety. Notably, therapeutic or targeting peptides can be expressed on the surface of the phages through phage display technology, enabling the phage vectors to possess multifunctions. As a result, the drug delivery efficiency on tumor will be vastly improved, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy while reducing the side effects on normal tissues. Moreover, phages can overcome the hindrance of biofilm barrier to elicit antitumor effects, which exhibit great advantages compared with traditional synthetic drug delivery systems. Herein, this review not only summarizes the structure and biology of the phages, but also presents their potential as prominent nanoplatforms against tumor in different pathways to inspire the development of effective nanomedicine.
Regulating Deposition Pressures During Rapid Thermal Evaporation Processes to Enable Efficient Sb2Se3 Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xinsheng , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Shiqi , Sun Xiaoman , Zhuang Yujun , Liu Jingling , Wang Gang , cheng Ke , Du Zuliang
Published: October 2023

Sb2Se3 solar cells deposited by rapid thermal evaporation (RTE) have drawn extensive attention owing to their compatibility with the commercial production line of CdTe solar cells and can be used to fabricate high‐quality Sb2Se3 films with high reproducibility. However, the deposition pressure during the RTE process has not been clearly explored, although it has a significant effect on the Sb2Se3 film quality. A novel two‐step deposition strategy is proposed that finely regulates the deposition pressure to improve the quality of Sb2Se3 absorber layers, thereby improving the device performance of Sb2Se3 solar cells. This novel method includes a rapid deposition process under a low pressure (5 mTorr) and an in situ annealing process under a relatively high pressure (200 Torr). The maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Sb2Se3 solar cells fabricated by two‐step deposited approach is up to 8.12%. The PCE enhancement is attributed to the increased grain size, reduced grain boundaries, modified surface Fermi level gradient of the absorber layer, and improved defect performance. This innovative deposition technique is expected to benefit other low‐melting‐point metal sulfoselenides for solar cell applications.
Evaluation of the Aging of Oil‐Paper Insulation Using an Improved Fractional Poynting‐Thomson Model
Authors: Mandala Antonio Tome , Tao Zhang
Published: October 2023

Assessment of the aging of oil‐paper insulation is analyzed in this article, based on an improved fractional Poynting‐Thomson model, which includes dc and hopping conductivity (P‐T model2). Based on samples of oil paper produced in laboratories with different thermal aging times, it has been found that the proposed improved model provides a better fit and a higher index of coincidence concerning the measured values than the traditional P‐T model and the model that only incorporates the effect of dc conductivity (P‐T model1). Nevertheless, comparing the proposed improved P‐T model with the traditional Cole–Cole (C‐C), Davidson–Cole (D‐C), and Havriliak–Negami (H‐N) models, the improved P‐T model2 also demonstrated a superior fit for the measured value and a higher coincidence index than another model. In addition, there was an excellent exponential relationship between the quantities εa, εb and τ of the improved model and the furfural content of the samples. Consequently, these characteristic quantities could be utilized to estimate the furfural content in the oil‐paper insulation and evaluate the insulation's condition. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Computed tomography findings in poxvirus pneumonia in a cat
Authors: Molera Ros Angela , Darcy Hannah , Covey Heather , Muñiz Moris Laura
Published: October 2023

A 2‐year‐old, domestic shorthair cat was presented to a referral hospital with a 4‐day history of inappetence and lethargy, which had progressed to dyspnoea and tachypnoea. Investigations performed included full haematology and biochemistry and computed tomography of the thorax. A large, heterogeneously contrast enhancing and poorly marginated mass lesion was noted in the left caudal lung lobe, along with areas of ground‐glass attenuation throughout the left lung field. Fine‐needle aspirates of the pulmonary mass revealed neutrophilic and macrophagic inflammation, with moderate numbers of mildly atypical epithelial cells. The cat was treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics and returned with multifocal crusted cutaneous lesions 5 days later. Poxvirus polymerase chain reaction was performed on the skin lesion smears and subsequently on the pulmonary mass aspirates, both proving positive for poxvirus. Repeat computed tomography was performed 5 weeks later, revealing complete resolution of the pulmonary changes.
Introduction
Authors: Kushartanti Bernadette , Djenar Dwi Noverini
Published: October 2023

This edited volume presents studies on language practices broadly related to children and youth in Indonesia. The chapters are written predominantly by emerging Indonesian scholars in collaboration with their supervisors.
Javanese Personal Names in Traditional and Global Contexts
Authors: Untoro  , Rahyono F. X.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to explain the different references that the Javanese use in determining personal names in both traditional and new global context. The study is based on the theory of meaning originating in Ogden and Richards (1952) and the process of semiosis in Pierce (The philosophy of peirce: Selected writings, Harcourt, 1940). Data is obtained from (1) written sources in the form of birth data of Javanese individuals from Sukorejo, Ngasem, and Kediri, (2) interviews, and (3) a questionnaire. The informants were asked about the meaning of their names and the way they were selected. Information from the interviews supports the other qualitative data. This study shows that reference of personal names in traditional and global contexts does indeed differ. In particular, names in global context do not represent traditional Javanese culture. An important finding that should be studied further is that the ability to produce and use signs in naming as a coherent marker of identity is the result of deep thought processes.
Lexical Cohesion in the Narrative Produced by Javanese School-Age Children in Pati
Authors: Puspita Rizma A. , Kushartanti Bernadette
Published: October 2023

This chapter presents a study which discussed the narrations in Bahasa Indonesia by children in Pati, Central Java, who still use Javanese at home. Our focus is on lexical cohesive devices, based on Halliday and Hasan’s (Cohesion in English. Longman, 1976) theory. The participants in this study are school-age children (N = 51) aged 6–9 years old, classified into three groups based on their grades at school. This study uses semi-structured elicitation technique with silent film The Pear Story (developed by Chafe in The pear film, 1975) as the main instrument. Instruction is in Indonesian. The analysis is supported by our observation at school and parental questionnaires on language use. Descriptive statistics analysis is conducted to observe the tendency of the use of the lexical cohesive device. It is found that children use Indonesian- and Javanese cohesive devices in their story and use code-mixing, as well. The result shows that the use of repetition cohesive device in Indonesian is being very dominant, compared to other cohesive devices. The most dominant ones in all grades are the repetitions of nouns and verbs.
The Dynamics of the Graphemic Transcription of the Javanese Language in the Instant Messaging Apps, Line and WhatsApp
Authors: Fauzi Andri Imam , Puspitorini Dwi
Published: October 2023

In social media, the development of Javanese is primarily evident from the variations in its graphemic transcription. Such variations occur not only at the phonological level but also morphological level. Javanese sound system and word formation, including its graphemic conventions, have been prescribed in Pedoman Umum Ejaan Bahasa Jawa yang Disempurnakan (Balai Bahasa Yogyakarta, in Pedoman Umum Ejaan Bahasa Jawa yang Disempurnakan [General Guidelines for the Improved Javanese Spelling], revised edn. Penerbit Kanisius, 2006). However, the use of Javanese in social media, particularly in nine chat groups on instant messaging apps Line and WhatsApp, shows some graphemic deviations from the prescribed system. This research uses a qualitative method by describing variations of Javanese graphemic transcription found in the data. The analysis reveals that there are at least three categories of Javanese graphemic variation found in social media, namely variation in vowel transcription (for phonemes /a/, /i/, and /u/), variation in consonant transcription (for phonemes /dh/, /t/, and /th/), and reduction in phoneme transcription (phonemes /y/ and /u/). These findings demonstrate how netizens who represent the younger generation of Javanese speakers use graphemic transcriptions based on the sounds they hear, without consulting the prescribed Javanese spelling system. In other words, Javanese in social media is the writing form of oral language.
The Discourse of Motivation: Judges’ Comments in The Voice Kids Indonesia
Authors: Simatupang Lisnawaty , Muta’ali Abdul
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the comments of judges of The Voice Kids Indonesia (TVKI), a competition program broadcast on television involving children. This study applies pragmatic approaches using Brown & Levinson’s politeness theory (Politeness: some universal in language used. Cambride University Press, 1987) and Searle’s theory (1969) on illocution. The focus of this study is the judges’ motivational comments toward children’s performance as contestants. The analysis is also supported by Maslow’s theory (A theory of human motivation. Nalanda Digital Library, 1943) on motivation. The data are collected from TVKI judges’ open comments of assessment in TVKI Blind audition session to battle round session (episodes 1−4 and 9−11) which are taken from TVKI's official YouTube Channel. Analysis based on the politeness theory reveals that positive and negative politeness strategies help shape contestants’ needs for self-actualization. The judges’ motivating comments genuinely address each contestant’s skills and put the contestant at ease. Thus, this study can explain the existence of the relationship between politeness strategy and the hierarchy of fulfillment of human needs informing potentially motivational comments.
Perturbative soft photon theorems in de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Bhatkar Sayali , Jain Diksha
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We define a perturbative S-matrix in a local patch of de Sitter background in the limit when the curvature length scale (ℓ) is large and study the ‘soft’ behavior of the scalar QED amplitudes in de Sitter spacetime in generic dimensions. We obtain the leading and subleading perturbative corrections to flat space soft photon theorems in the large ℓ limit, and comment on the universality of these corrections. We compare our results with the electromagnetic memory tails obtained earlier in d = 4 using classical radiation analysis.
Higher order corrections to the Hagedorn temperature at strong coupling
Authors: Bigazzi Francesco , Canneti Tommaso , Cotrone Aldo L.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We propose a general formula for higher order corrections to the value of the Hagedorn temperature of a class of holographic confining gauge theories in the strong coupling expansion. Inspired by recent proposals in the literature, the formula combines the sigma-model string expansion with an effective approach. In particular, it includes the sigma-model contributions to the Hagedorn temperature at next-to-next-to leading order, which are computed in full generality. For $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM on S3 our result agrees with numerical estimates with excellent precision. We use the general formula to predict the value of the Hagedorn temperature for ABJM on S2 and for the dual of purely RR global AdS3.
Identities amongst the two loop partial amplitudes of Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Dunbar David C.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We characterise possible identities among the two-loop partial amplitudes of gluon scattering in Yang-Mills theory. We use known amplitudes in an exhaustive search to identify potential new relations. We find two candidate relations which may extend to all-n amplitudes.
Constitutive relationships for osteonal microcracking in human cortical bone using statistical mechanics
Authors: García-Vilana S. , Sánchez-Molina D.
Published: October 2023

The post-elastic mechanical behavior of cortical bone, which is represented by extensive microcracking once the elastic regime is exceeded, has been characterized by a nonlinear constitutive relationship for osteonal microcracking. The relationship/model is based on the formalism of Statistical Mechanics, allowing the degree of irreversibility to be calculated using the increase in entropy associated with the progression of microcracking. Specific tensile and bending tests were conducted to compare theoretical predictions of constitutive relationships to empirical curves. In addition, the tests were utilized to determine the model’s parameters, whose values were used to explicitly calculate the entropy increase. A large sample was used: 51 cortical bone coupons (dog-bone-shaped specimens) were extracted from the 4th ribs of numerous individuals and subjected to uniaxial tensile testing. Additionally, fifteen complete 4th ribs were used for bending tests. Displacement and strain fields were measured for both types of tests using digital image correlation or video recordings of the tests. All experimental specimen data were successfully fitted to the model, and all constitutive parameter values were found to be correlated with anthropometric variables. Explicit entropy calculations indicate that microcracking is minimal for low strain and, initially, stress is nearly proportional to strain. After a certain point, significant microcracking occurs, and the relationship between stress and strain becomes invalid. Several significant associations between constitutive parameters and age have also been identified.
Identification and quantification of biosurfactants produced by the marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis by hyphenated techniques
Authors: Lipphardt Anna , Karmainski Tobias , Blank Lars M. , Hayen Heiko , Tiso Till
Published: October 2023

A novel biosurfactant was discovered to be synthesized by the marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis in 1992. This bacterium is abundant in marine environments affected by oil spills, where it helps to degrade alkanes and, under such conditions, produces a glycine-glucolipid biosurfactant. The biosurfactant enhances the bacterium’s attachment to oil droplets and facilitates the uptake of hydrocarbons. Due to its useful properties expected, there is interest in the biotechnological production of this biosurfactant. To support this effort analytically, a method combining reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was developed, allowing the separation and identification of glycine-glucolipid congeners. Accurate mass, retention time, and characteristic fragmentation pattern were utilized for species assignment. In addition, charged-aerosol detection (CAD) was employed to enable absolute quantification without authentic standards. The methodology was used to investigate the glycine-glucolipid production by A. borkumensis SK2 using different carbon sources. Mass spectrometry allowed us to identify congeners with varying chain lengths (C6–C12) and degrees of unsaturation (0–1 double bonds) in the incorporated 3-hydroxy-alkanoic acids, some previously unknown. Quantification using CAD revealed that the titer was approximately twice as high when grown with hexadecane as with pyruvate (49 mg/L versus 22 mg/L). The main congener for both carbon sources was glc-40:0-gly, accounting for 64% with pyruvate and 85% with hexadecane as sole carbon source. With the here presented analytical suit, complex and varying glycolipids can be identified, characterized, and quantified, as here exemplarily shown for the interesting glycine-glucolipid of A. borkumensis.

Graphical Abstract
Regular semigroups weakly generated by one element
Authors: Oliveira Luís
Published: October 2023

In this paper we study the regular semigroups weakly generated by a single element x, that is, with no proper regular subsemigroup containing x. We show there exists a regular semigroup $$F_{1}$$

F
1

weakly generated by x such that all other regular semigroups weakly generated by x are homomorphic images of $$F_{1}$$

F
1

. We define $$F_{1}$$

F
1

using a presentation where both sets of generators and relations are infinite. Nevertheless, the word problem for this presentation is decidable. We describe a canonical form for the congruence classes given by this presentation, and explain how to obtain it. We end the paper studying the structure of $$F_{1}$$

F
1

. In particular, we show that the ‘free regular semigroup $${\textrm{FI}}_2$$

FI
2

weakly generated by two idempotents’ is isomorphic to a regular subsemigroup of $$F_{1}$$

F
1

weakly generated by $$\{xx',x'x\}$$

{
x

x
′

,

x
′

x
}

.
Multiscale modeling of functionally graded shell lattice metamaterials for additive manufacturing
Authors: Shojaee M. , Valizadeh I. , Klein D. K. , Sharifi P. , Weeger O.
Published: October 2023

In this work, an experimentally validated multiscale modeling framework for additively manufactured shell lattice structures with graded parameters is introduced. It is exemplified in application to the Schwarz primitive triply periodic minimal surface microstructure and 3D printing using masked stereolithography of a photopolymer material. The systematic procedure starts with the characterization of a hyperelastic material model for the 3D printed material. This constitutive model is then employed in the finite element simulation of shell lattices at finite deformations. The computational model is validated with experimental compression tests of printed lattice structures. In this way, the numerical convergence behavior and size dependence of the model are assessed, and the range in which it is reasonable to assume linear elastic behavior is determined. Then, representative volume elements subject to periodic boundary conditions are simulated to homogenize the mechanical behavior of Schwarz primitives with varying aspect ratios and shell thicknesses. Subsequently, the parameterized effective linear elasticity tensor of the metamaterial is represented by a physics-augmented neural network model. With this constitutive model, functionally graded shell lattice structures with varying microstructural parameters are simulated as macroscale continua using finite element and differential quadrature methods. The accuracy, reliability and effectiveness of this multiscale simulation approach are investigated and discussed. Overall, it is shown that this experimentally validated multiscale simulation framework, which is likewise applicable to other shell-like metamaterials, facilitates the design of functionally graded structures through additive manufacturing.

Graphical Abstract
Tract-wise microstructural analysis informs on current and future disability in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ravano Veronica , Piredda Gian Franco , Krasensky Jan , Andelova Michaela , Uher Tomas , Srpova Barbora , Havrdova Eva Kubala , Vodehnalova Karolina , Horakova Dana , Nytrova Petra , Disselhorst Jonathan A. , Hilbert Tom , Maréchal Bénédicte , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Kober Tobias , Richiardi Jonas , Vaneckova Manuela
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Microstructural characterization of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been shown to correlate better with disability compared to conventional radiological biomarkers. Quantitative MRI provides effective means to characterize microstructural brain tissue changes both in lesions and normal-appearing brain tissue. However, the impact of the location of microstructural alterations in terms of neuronal pathways has not been thoroughly explored so far. Here, we study the extent and the location of tissue changes probed using quantitative MRI along white matter (WM) tracts extracted from a connectivity atlas.

Methods

We quantified voxel-wise T1 tissue alterations compared to normative values in a cohort of 99 MS patients. For each WM tract, we extracted metrics reflecting tissue alterations both in lesions and normal-appearing WM and correlated these with cross-sectional disability and disability evolution after 2 years.

Results

In early MS patients, T1 alterations in normal-appearing WM correlated better with disability evolution compared to cross-sectional disability. Further, the presence of lesions in supratentorial tracts was more strongly associated with cross-sectional disability, while microstructural alterations in infratentorial pathways yielded higher correlations with disability evolution. In progressive patients, all major WM pathways contributed similarly to explaining disability, and correlations with disability evolution were generally poor.

Conclusions

We showed that microstructural changes evaluated in specific WM pathways contribute to explaining future disability in early MS, hence highlighting the potential of tract-wise analyses in monitoring disease progression. Further, the proposed technique allows to estimate WM tract-specific microstructural characteristics in clinically compatible acquisition times, without the need for advanced diffusion imaging.
Neuroanatomical correlates of aggressiveness: a case–control voxel- and surface-based morphometric study
Authors: Seidenbecher Stephanie , Schöne Maria , Kaufmann Jörn , Schiltz Kolja , Bogerts Bernhard , Frodl Thomas
Published: October 2023

Aggression occurs across the population ranging on a symptom continuum. Most previous studies have used magnetic resonance imaging in clinical/forensic samples, which is associated with several confounding factors. The present study examined structural brain characteristics in two healthy samples differing only in their propensity for aggressive behavior. Voxel- and surface-based morphometry (SBM) analyses were performed on 29 male martial artists and 32 age-matched male controls. Martial artists had significantly increased mean gray matter volume in two frontal (left superior frontal gyrus and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex) and one parietal (bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus) brain clusters compared to controls (whole brain: p < 0.001, cluster level: family-wise error (FWE)-corrected). SBM analyses revealed a trend for greater gyrification indices in martial artists compared to controls in the left lateral orbital frontal cortex and the left pars orbitalis (whole brain: p < 0.001, cluster level: FWE-corrected). The results indicate brain structural differences between martial artists and controls in frontal and parietal brain areas critical for emotion processing/inhibition of emotions as well as empathic processes. The present study highlights the importance of studying healthy subjects with a propensity for aggressive behavior in future structural MRI research on aggression.
Low microsatellite instability: A distinct instability type in gastric cancer?
Authors: Kohlruss Meike , Chakraborty Shounak , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Jesinghaus Moritz , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Novotny Alexander , Sisic Leila , Gaida Matthias M. , Ott Katja , Weichert Wilko , Pfarr Nicole , Keller Gisela
Published: October 2023

Purpose

We recently showed that low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) is associated with a good response to platinum/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) in gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to characterize the instability pattern and to investigate an association of MSI-L tumors with mutations in genes of DNA repair pathways and with total tumor mutation burden (TMB).

Methods

MSI patterns were compared between 67 MSI high (-H) and 35 MSI-L tumors. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 34 microsatellite stable (MSS) and 20 MSI-L tumors after or without neoadjuvant CTx.

Results

Of the 35 MSI-L tumors, 33 tumors had instability at a dinucleotide repeat marker. In the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, 10 of the 34 (29%) MSS and 10 of the 20 (50%) MSI-L tumors showed variants (p = 0.154). In the DNA damage tolerance pathway, 6 of the 34 (18%) MSS and 7 of the 20 (35%) MSI-L tumors had variants (p = 0.194). The HR deficiency score was similar in both tumor groups. TMB was significantly higher in MSI-L compared to MSS tumors after CTx (p = 0.046). In the MSS and MSI-L tumors without CTx no difference was observed (p = 1.00).

Conclusion

MSI-L due to instability at dinucleotide repeat markers was associated with increased TMB after neoadjuvant CTx treatment, indicating sensitivity to platinum/5-FU CTx. If confirmed in further studies, this could contribute to refined chemotherapeutic options including immune-based strategies for GC patients with MSI-L tumors.
Knowledge and attitudes towards medicinal cannabis and complementary and integrative medicine (CIM): a survey of healthcare professionals working in a cancer hospital in Australia
Authors: Grant Suzanne J. , Gonzalez Maria , Heller Gillian , Soliman Sarah , Spiegel Gretel , Lacey Judith
Published: October 2023

Purpose

We investigated attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals (HCPs) to medicinal cannabis (MC) and complementary and integrative medicine (CIM), including individual therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, herbs, dietary supplements, nutrition and exercise. We explored whether healthcare occupation influenced attitudes to CIM and MC; referral pathways for advice on CIM; and interest in a pharmacy service to evaluate herbs and supplements.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey. All clinical staff at a comprehensive cancer hospital were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire about CIM and MC. We used descriptive analysis to describe the respondent’s knowledge and attitudes, and Fisher’s exact test to test for differences by occupation, length of time at the hospital and age.

Results

Most of the 116 HCPs respondents supported integrating CIM into cancer care (94.8%) and wanted to learn more (90%) and to understand benefits and contraindications. Most respondents believed that CIM (87.9%) could benefit patients with cancer, and MC could benefit those with advanced cancer (49–51%). Whilst just over half (52.6%) felt confident discussing CIM with patients, only 10% felt they had sufficient knowledge to discuss MC. Most felt they did not have sufficient knowledge to specifically discuss mind and body practices (63.8%) or herbs and supplements (79%). HCPs (63%) would be more inclined to allow use of herbs and supplements with cancer treatment if a pharmacy service was available to evaluate interactions. Occupation, length of time at hospital and age influenced confidence and knowledge about CIM.

Conclusions

The integration of evidence-based CIM and MC into cancer care is hampered by a lack of knowledge of benefits and contraindications, and gaps in education. Effective and safe integration may require targeted development of services such as pharmacy to evaluate the safety of herbs and supplements, and inclusion of cancer specialists who have received training in individual CIM therapies and MC.
Offline reinforcement learning in high-dimensional stochastic environments
Authors: Hêche Félicien , Barakat Oussama , Desmettre Thibaut , Marx Tania , Robert-Nicoud Stephan
Published: October 2023

Offline reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a promising paradigm for real-world applications since it aims to train policies directly from datasets of past interactions with the environment. The past few years, algorithms have been introduced to learn from high-dimensional observational states in offline settings. The general idea of these methods is to encode the environment into a latent space and train policies on top of this smaller representation. In this paper, we extend this general method to stochastic environments (i.e., where the reward function is stochastic) and consider a risk measure instead of the classical expected return. First, we show that, under some assumptions, it is equivalent to minimizing a risk measure in the latent space and in the natural space. Based on this result, we present Latent Offline Distributional Actor-Critic (LODAC), an algorithm which is able to train policies in high-dimensional stochastic and offline settings to minimize a given risk measure. Empirically, we show that using LODAC to minimize Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) outperforms previous methods in terms of CVaR and return on stochastic environments.
Structural Dynamics of Protein Interactions Using Site-Directed Spin Labeling of Cysteines to Measure Distances and Rotational Dynamics with EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Roopnarine Osha , Thomas David D.
Published: October 2023

Here we review applications of site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) with engineered cysteines in proteins, to study the structural dynamics of muscle and non-muscle proteins, using and developing the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic techniques of dipolar EPR, double electron electron resonance (DEER), saturation transfer EPR (STEPR), and orientation measured by EPR. The SDSL technology pioneered by Wayne Hubbell and collaborators has greatly expanded the use of EPR, including the measurement of distances between spin labels covalently attached to proteins and peptides. The Thomas lab and collaborators have applied these techniques to elucidate dynamic interactions in the myosin–actin complex, myosin-binding protein C, calmodulin, ryanodine receptor, phospholamban, utrophin, dystrophin, β-III-spectrin, and Aurora kinase. The ability to design and engineer cysteines in proteins for site-directed covalent labeling has enabled the use of these powerful EPR techniques to measure distances, while showing that they are complementary with optical spectroscopy measurements.
Echocardiographic mechanical dyssynchrony predicts long-term mortality in patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Abdelbaset , Gercek Muhammed , Sommer Philipp , Rudolph Volker , Dumitrescu Daniel , Faber Lothar , Fox Henrik
Published: October 2023

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 35%; HFrEF) and conduction disturbances (QRS duration ≥ 130 ms). The presence of mechanical dyssynchrony (MD) on echocardiography has been hypothesised to be of predictive value in determining indication for CRT. This study investigated the impact of MD (apical rocking [AR] and septal flash [SF]) on long-term survival in CRT recipients. HFrEF patients (n = 425; mean age 63.0 ± 10.6 years, 72.3% male, 60.7% non-ischaemic aetiology) with a guideline-derived indication for CRT underwent device implantation. MD markers were determined at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 11.5 ± 8.0 months; long-term survival was also determined. AR and/or SF were present in 307 (72.2%) participants at baseline. During post-CRT follow-up, AR and/or SF disappeared in 256 (83.4%) patients. Overall mean survival was 95.9 ± 52.9 months, longer in women than in men (109.1 ± 52.4 vs. 90.9 ± 52.4 months; p < 0.001) and in younger (< 60 years) versus older patients (110.6 ± 53.7 vs. 88.6 ± 51.1 months; p < 0.001). Patients with versus without MD markers at baseline generally survived for longer (106.2 ± 52.0 vs. 68.9 ± 45.4 months; p < 0.001), and survival was best in patients with resolved versus persisting MD (111.6 ± 51.2 vs. 79.7 ± 47.6 months p < 0.001). Age and MD at baseline were strong predictors of long-term survival in HFrEF patients undergoing CRT on multivariate analysis. Novel echocardiography MD parameters in HFrEF CRT recipients predicted long-term mediated better outcome, and survival improved further when AR and/or SF disappear after CRT implantation.

Graphical abstract