bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GelMA-glycol chitosan hydrogels for cartilage regeneration: The role of uniaxial mechanical stimulation in enhancing mechanical, adhesive, and biochemical properties
Authors: Paul Sattwikesh , Schrobback Karsten , Tran Phong Anh , Meinert Christoph , Davern Jordan William , Weekes Angus , Nedunchezhiyan Udhaya , Klein Travis Jacob
Published: September 2023

Untreated osteochondral defects are a leading cause of osteoarthritis, a condition that places a heavy burden on both patients and orthopedic surgeons. Although tissue engineering has shown promise for creating mechanically similar cartilage-like constructs, their integration with cartilage remains elusive. Therefore, a formulation of biodegradable, biocompatible biomaterial with sufficient mechanical and adhesive properties for cartilage repair is required. To accomplish this, we prepared biocompatible, photo-curable, mechanically robust, and highly adhesive GelMA-glycol chitosan (GelMA-GC) hydrogels. GelMA-GC hydrogels had a modulus of 283 kPa and provided a biocompatible environment (>70% viability of embedded chondrocytes) in long-term culture within a bovine cartilage ring. The adhesive strength of bovine chondrocyte-laden GelMA-GC hydrogel to bovine cartilage increased from 38 to 52 kPa over four weeks of culture. Moreover, intermittent uniaxial mechanical stimulation enhanced the adhesive strength to ∼60 kPa, indicating that the cartilage-hydrogel integration could remain secure and functional under dynamic loading conditions. Furthermore, gene expression data and immunofluorescence staining revealed the capacity of chondrocytes in GelMA-GC hydrogel to synthesize chondrogenic markers (COL2A1 and ACAN), suggesting the potential for tissue regeneration. The promising in vitro results of this work motivate further exploration of the potential of photo-curable GelMA-GC bioadhesive hydrogels for cartilage repair and regeneration.
Machine learning enhanced droplet microfluidics
Authors: Barnes Claire , Sonwane Ashish R. , Sonnenschein Eva C. , Del Giudice Francesco
Published: September 2023

Machine learning has recently been introduced in the context of droplet microfluidics to simplify the process of droplet formation, which is usually controlled by a variety of parameters. However, the studies introduced so far have mainly focused on droplet size control using water and mineral oil in microfluidic devices fabricated using soft lithography or rapid prototyping. This approach negated the applicability of machine learning results to other types of fluids more relevant to biomedical applications, while also preventing users that do not have access to microfluidic fabrication facilities to take advantage of previous findings. There are a number of different algorithms that could be used as part of a data driven approach, and no clear comparison has been previously offered among multiple machine learning architectures with respect to the predictions of flow rate values and generation rate. We here employed machine learning to predict the experimental parameters required for droplet generation in three commercialized microfluidic flow-focusing devices using phosphate buffer saline and biocompatible fluorinated oil as dispersed and continuous liquid phases, respectively. We compared three different machine learning architectures and established the one leading to more accurate predictions. We also compared the predictions with a new set of experiments performed at a different day to account for experimental variability. Finally, we provided a proof of concept related to algae encapsulation and designed a simple app that can be used to generate accurate predictions for a given droplet size and generation rate across the three commercial devices.
Helical structures of achiral liquid crystals under cylindrical confinement
Authors: Zhou Ming , Sun Yu-Wei , Li Zhan-Wei , Zhu You-Liang , Li Bing , Sun Zhao-Yan
Published: September 2023

Confined liquid crystals (LCs) exhibit complex and intriguing structures, which are fascinating fundamental problems in soft matter. The helical structure of cylindrical cavities is of great importance in LC studies, particularly for their application in optical devices. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to explore the behavior of achiral smectic-B LCs confined in narrow cylindrical cavities, where geometric frustration plays an important role. By increasing the cylinder size, LCs exhibit a transition from multi-helical to layered structures. Notably, we observe two stable structures, namely the helical structure and the layered structure, at moderate cylinder size. We also investigate the effects of the arrangement of cylindrical wall particles (hexagonal or square array) and anchoring strength on the LC structure. Our findings reveal that both the hexagonal array and strong anchoring strength promote the formation of helical structures. Our study provides novel insights into the confinement physics of LCs and highlights the potential for achieving helical structures in achiral LCs, which will expand the future applications of LCs.
Proof of concept for measuring growth of shelf marine calcifiers: ‘a Bryozoan odyssey’
Authors: Achilleos Katerina , Smith Abigail M.
Published: September 2023

Context The variation observed in growth rate estimates of bryozoans raise questions regarding the validity of the methods used to measure growth in these animals. Naturally, the best way for measuring growth rate is to understand the growth in situ, but access is not always straightforward. Aims This study assesses a field experiment for measuring in situ growth of heavily calcified bryozoans in the open ocean at 56 m, the deepest such deployment attempted for bryozoans. Methods Cellaria immersa colonies were collected by dredge from the continental shelf off Otago, marked using calcein, mounted on a purpose-built frame, called ‘Odyssey’, and returned to the shelf for 3 months in the Austral summer (November–February). Key results Data from 10 internodes indicated that growth was, on average, 0.97 ± 0.84 mm year−1 and showed some interesting intracolonial growth patterns. Conclusions and implications The data obtained from this study are only indicative at this stage, but we have succeeded in developing a reproducible experimental set-up for in situ growth experiments of shelf bryozoans, enabling us to record growth, lifespan, and calcification rates of heavily calcified and ecologically important species. Understanding such key species is critical to identifying their role in the ecosystem and providing valuable information for future conservation initiatives.
Request strategies
Authors: Jauhari Edy , Handayani Dwi
Published: September 2023

This research investigates request strategies in the Javanese community and the influence of the ± Power (±P), ±
social Distance (±D), and ± Rank of imposition (±R) on the use of request strategies. The data were collected through Discourse
Completion Tasks (DCTs) and analyzed according to Blum-Kulka et al. (1989). The results
show that in the (+P+D+R) context, requests tend to be expressed indirectly. This is influenced by the (+) which is attached to
all the variables. In the (−P−D−R) context, requests tend to be expressed directly. This is influenced by the (−) which is
attached to all the variables. In the contexts of (+P+D−R), (+P−D+R), (−P−D+R), and (−P+D+R), there is a tug-of-war between the
(+) and (−). However, the influence of the (+) appears to be stronger than the (−). Therefore, in these contexts requests are more
likely to be expressed indirectly rather than directly.
The function of names
Authors: Lee Duck-Young , Ogi Naomi
Published: September 2023

The current study investigates the use of a person’s name
in Japanese and Korean. A name is the first appellation given to an
individual, and functions not only to identify and address them, but also to
establish and maintain everyday interactions. In many languages, a name can
typically be either a given name or family name only, or both in full, and
each form of a name (i.e., given name, family name or full name) may
function differently from language to language. The current study aims to
explore the differences between Japanese and Korean in terms of the
distribution of different forms of names, and the social functions and
pragmatic effects of these forms. Based on the analysis of three Japanese TV
drama series and their Korean remake versions, the study shows that, in
terms of frequency, Japanese can be characterised as a “family name”
language whereas Korean can be characterised as a “full name” language. The
study also demonstrates that there are differences in the use of family
names and full names between the two languages.
Differences in the forms of address between standard Hungary Hungarian
and Slovakia Hungarian
Authors: Vančo Ildikó , Kozmács István
Published: September 2023

It is a documented fact that the Hungarian varieties
spoken outside of Hungary exhibit differences from standard Hungary
Hungarian at all levels of the language system (c.f. Lanstyák 2000). However there is little data on how
address forms have changed where Hungarian is spoken outside of Hungary.
According to Domonkosi
(2002: 146), 16 basic address variants can be distinguished with
combinations of personal suffixes of the verb, pronouns and nominal address
forms, but the data refer only to Hungarian speakers in Hungary. Our study
is the first attempt to compare the address forms used by the respondents of
Hungary Hungarians and Hungarian minorities living outside the borders of
Hungary. The results suggest significant differences between the language
use of the two groups in the use of V and T forms, in the use of the
auxiliary verb
tetszik
, and in the use of
address avoidance.
Investigating address in regional varieties of Italian
Authors: Bresin Agnese
Published: September 2023

In the context of great linguistic diversity
characterising Italy, the case of singular V pronouns is a prime example of
regional variation. Surprisingly, an updated and geographically
comprehensive account – after Rohlfs’s
study (1968) – is missing. This chapter contrasts the
methodologies employed in two relevant studies, namely the LinCi project
(Nesi & Poggi Salani
2013), and Bresin (2021).
Common methodological issues are: comparability of data from the various
research sites, authenticity of data, and generalisability of findings
(connected to representativeness of samples). However, geographical
comprehensiveness emerges as the most compelling methodological challenge in
the Italian context. This chapter outlines the basic characteristics of an
ideal methodology that would produce a geographically comprehensive account
of address in Italian.
Enhanced nitrobenzene sensing in metal anchored gamma-graphyne: predictions from density functional theory
Authors: Lakshmy Seetha , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Chakraborty Brahmananda
Published: September 2023

Nitrobenzene (NB), being a toxic industrial effluent, its adsorption performance on pristine and metals (Al, Cu and Sc) anchored 2D graphyne (GY) monolayer was studied systematically via the first principles DFT simulations. The NB was found to be weakly adsorbed on the pristine monolayer with an energy of −0.46 eV due to the long-range van der Waals interactions. The NB was strongly adsorbed on the anchored metal site except for the case of Cu. The adsorption energy calculations suggest that the Al-anchored GY monolayer is excellent for the NB sensing because of the reasonable adsorption energy of −1.18 eV, charge transfer of 0.57 e and attainable recovery time of 2.4 s at 450 K. The work function sensitivity of the Al anchored system towards the NB molecule is 10% higher than the pristine system. Moreover, the ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations have predicted the room temperature structural steadiness of the Al-anchored GY monolayer. Overall, our research suggests that the Al-anchored GY monolayer is promising to adsorb the NB molecules effectively and can be potentially applied as an excellent NB biomolecule sensor.
Efficiency of cathodic arc-grown N-doped TiO2 films for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under UV-Vis irradiation
Authors: Kleiman A , Meichtry J M , Xaubet M , Grondona D , Litter M I , Márquez A
Published: September 2023

The photocatalytic activity of undoped and N-doped TiO2 anatase films with different thicknesses prepared by cathodic arc deposition on glass substrates is reported. After TiO2 deposition, the doping of the films was carried out by plasma immersion ion implantation in a nitrogen environment. The composition of the films was studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the surface morphology was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and the crystalline structure was examined by x-ray diffraction. The thickness was determined by observing the film cross section with scanning electron microscopy. The transmittance of the films in the UV-Vis range was studied as well. The photocatalytic activity of the films was evaluated through the efficiency in the reduction of Cr(VI) in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid under UV-Vis irradiation. N-doped films presented a higher photocatalytic efficiency than undoped films: Cr(VI) reduction after 5 h irradiation augmented from 58% (pure TiO2) to 85% (N-doped TiO2) for films of 300 nm thickness, and from 69% to 85% for films with a thickness of 440 nm. On the other hand, pure TiO2 films of 790 nm thickness were more efficient (99% of Cr(VI) reduction) but the effect of doping on the photocatalytic activity was negligible.
FedSiM: a similarity metric federal learning mechanism based on stimulus response method with Non-IID data
Authors: Wang Shuangzhong , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2023

Federal learning based on parameter sharing under the assumption that the data obey independent identical distribution (IID has already achieved good results in areas such as fault diagnosis. Data collected by the decentralized devices often do not obey IID. However, when faced with the scenario of client data obeying Non-IID distribution, its diagnostic accuracy is usually weak. Based on this, we did an investigation on the mechanism causing this phenomenon and found that it was attributed to the weight shift of the network. Therefore, based on the stimulus response principle, we investigated the network similarity of federal clients under different data distributions and explain the reasons for the weight shift. Firstly, it was pointed out that there are differences in the regions where the network is activated when performing different classification tasks. Then, similarity metric federal learning (FedSiM) was proposed based on the principle that there are differences between the activated regions. Finally, experiments were designed on the Case Western Reserve University bearing failure dataset for different degrees of IID cases. The results show that FedSiM can improve the diagnostic accuracy by 15.8 percentage points in the case of Non-IID, and a few shared FedSiM methods to further improve the accuracy were also given.
An adaptive time–frequency demodulation method and its applications in rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Yang Huan , Zhang Kun , Jiang Zuhua , Zhang Xiangfeng , Xu Yonggang
Published: September 2023

Rolling bearings are critical and easily damaged components of mechanical equipment. In practical engineering applications, the collected signals typically contain a large amount of noise, which makes fault diagnosis difficult. Based on this, this paper proposes an adaptive time–frequency demodulation method for rolling bearing diagnosis. The proposed method first obtains the complex envelope of the vibration signal in the time–frequency domain using the S transform (ST), and the time–frequency coefficient of ST can be used as the complex envelope, which is proved in detail in this paper. Subsequently, the complex envelope of the optimal slice frequency is obtained by frequency slicing to significantly weaken the interference of irrelevant noise and highlight the fault characteristics. An indicator is proposed to adaptively select an optimal slice frequency component that contains the most fault information. Finally, the slice envelope spectrum of the optimal slice frequency is obtained using Fourier transform for fault diagnosis. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified using the simulated signal. The application results of the bearing inner and outer ring fault experimental signals indicate that the proposed method is more accurate and effective for bearing fault diagnosis. Comparisons with other commonly used methods also verified the superiority of the proposed method.
Microwave emissions from the cold atmospheric helium plasma jet
Authors: Liu Yi , Lin Li , Keidar Michael
Published: September 2023

One of the recently observed effects of plasma in medical applications is the physical effect, suggesting that the electromagnetic (EM) emission of cold atmospheric plasmas can lead to cell membrane oscillations and sensitization to the chemical active ingredient of treatments such as cancer drugs. This is a new aspect that must be considered along with the plasma chemical effects for the future dose definition which is the most urgent research topic of plasma medicine. However, unlike the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated from plasma chemistry which is well-known as playing a key role in apoptosis cancer cells, the EM emission power spectrum and emission mechanism are still unquantified. This makes the uncertainty of the physical dosage of the therapy and thus impedes the further understanding and optimization of the plasma therapy. In this paper, we compute the 3D spatial distribution of the power density spectrum of EM emission from a cold atmospheric helium plasma jet. The simulations indicate that the plasma oscillations following the plasma streamer propagation are the main source of EM emission, while the emissions of the bulk current caused by net charge movements and the bremsstrahlung due to charge collisions are negligible. The results are also verified by a microwave power measurement using a heterodyne frequency sweep. These findings will thus fill out the last missing piece of the jigsaw before the plasma medicine community can define the dose in the future.
Corrigendum: Atomic real-space perspective of light-field-driven currents in graphene (2022 New J. Phys.
24 033051)
Authors: Morimoto Yuya , Shinohara Yasushi , Ishikawa Kenichi L , Hommelhoff Peter
Published: September 2023

In the published version of the paper, we made an error in choosing the value of the effective nuclear charge Z in equation (7). The correct value is Z = 4.00. Correcting this does not affect the main claims of the work, namely, the atomic-scale maps of the obtained currents and the Rabi oscillations appearing in the real-space charge densities. We also correct typographical errors in equation (10) and that in the definition of the hopping integral

γ

, and add a normalization constant in equation (7) for better clarity.
Optimal control strategies for a SAIQR model of epidemic disease
Authors: Dadkhah Mahmood
Published: September 2023

In this paper, an extended SIR mathematical model (SAIQR) along with an optimal control strategy is proposed to investigate the prevalence of a hypothetical epidemic. By providing controls and examining suitable strategies for control, the cost of control has been minimized. This is while the infected people have been reduced to a minimum in order to control the epidemic. After the full introduction of the model, while explaining the controls used in it, we will check the dimensions of these controls on different compartments. The simulations performed with the MATLAB software show the effectiveness of the controls applied on the model in the significant reduction of infected people.
Electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of CaO:F mono-layer: a DFT study
Authors: Salehi Khaled , Arghavaninia Borhan , Rezaeei Sahar
Published: September 2023

Based on density functional theory, structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of CaO and CaO:F mono-layer compounds have been investigated. Both structures have elastic stability, with Young’s and Shear’s moduli of 57.78 (N/m) and 23.85 (N/m), respectively, which shows the resistance of these compounds against stress and strain. The reduction of Poisson’s ratio with the introduction of F atom indicates the tendency to ionic bonds between atoms, and its magnetic moment reaches to 0.84 μ
B. The CaO compound is a p-type semiconductor with 2.6 eV, and by adding a F atom to it, it has become a half-metal. In the CaO:F mono-layer, we see a red shift in the real- and imaginary-dielectric function compared to the CaO one. At a temperature of 50 K, the Seebeck coefficient is 32 (μVK−1) and at room temperature it reaches 24 (μVK−1), also the figure of merit coefficient at these temperatures is 1.2 and 0.8, which indicates its thermoelectric capability.
Estimation of optimal control for two-level and three-level quantum systems with bounded amplitude
Authors: Li Xikun
Published: September 2023

A systematic scheme is proposed to numerically estimate the quantum speed limit and temporal shape of optimal control in two-level and three-level quantum systems with bounded amplitude. For the two-level system, two quantum state transitions are studied as illustration. Comparisons between numerical and analytical results are made, and deviations are significantly small. For the three-level system, two critical time points are determined with high accuracy, and optimal controls are obtained for different durations. The shape of optimized control field is simple and does not switch frequently, thus are easy to implement in experiment. In addition, we compare our method with the chopped random basis (CRAB), and the performance of our method is much better than that of CRAB. Our scheme is of importance in estimating the quantum speed limit and optimal control for cases in which analytical solution is absent.
The Wigner-Vlasov formalism for time-dependent quantum oscillator
Authors: Perepelkin E E , Sadovnikov B I , Inozemtseva N G , Korepanova A A
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the problem of a harmonic oscillator with time-depending frequencies in the framework of the Vlasov theory and the Wigner function apparatus for quantum systems in the phase space. A new method is proposed to find an exact solution of this problem using a relation of the Vlasov equation chain with the Schrödinger equation and with the Moyal equation for the Wigner function. A method of averaging the energy function over the Wigner function in the phase space can be used to obtain time-dependent energy spectrum for a quantum system. The Vlasov equation solution can be represented in the form of characteristics satisfying the Hill equation. A particular case of the Hill equation, namely the Mathieu equation with unstable solutions, has been considered in details. An analysis of the dynamics of an unstable quantum system shows that the phase space square bounded with the Wigner function level line conserves in time, but the phase space square bounded with the energy function line increases. In this case the Vlasov equation characteristic is situated on the crosspoint of the Wigner function level line and the energy function line. This crosspoint moves in time with a trajectory that represents the unstable system dynamics. Each such trajectory has its own energy, and the averaging of these energies by the Wigner function results in time-dependent discreet energy spectrum for the whole system. An explicit expression has been obtained for the Wigner function of the 4th rank in the generalized phase space

x
,
p
,

p
̇

,

p
̈

.
FPGA implementation of orthogonal hyperchaotic sequences generator based on the CNN: application in multi-user chaotic communications
Authors: Fennouh Ibrahim , Sadoudi Said , Teguig Djamal , Tanougast Camel
Published: September 2023

In this article, we propose an efficient orthogonal hyperchaotic sequences generator for application in multi-user chaotic communication systems. The proposed generator consists of two blocks. The first block generates binary hyperchaotic sequences of varying lengths using a 6-Dimensional Cellular Neural Network (CNN) system, offering a wide range of sequence length choices. The second block uses an optimized selection method to generate multiple sets of orthogonal sequences with interesting correlation properties. The method is based on the balance and correlation properties, where zero cross-correlation between any two sequences is considered. A FPGA-based implementation of the proposed generator is presented. The hardware architecture is designed in VHDL and deployed on a Xilinx Virtex-6 FPGA ML605 evaluation kit. The generator is then analyzed and compared with the existing generator in terms of logic area consumption, throughput, latency, and randomness quality. The comparative analysis results show the effectiveness of the proposed generator, which can achieve a high throughput, low latency, and successfully pass all NIST statistical tests. Moreover, the generated orthogonal hyperchaotic sequences exhibit promising performance in a multi-user Differential Chaos Shift Keying (MU-DCSK) system, outperforming the Walsh-Hadamard sequences in terms of bit-error rate under various channel conditions.
Multistep design simulation of heterojunction solar cell architecture based on SnS absorber
Authors: Islam M T , Thakur A K
Published: September 2023

We report, a novel multi-step design simulation results on SnS absorber based solar cell architecture with is 4.5 times efficiency enhancement vis-à-vis reported experimental results. It is ascribed to an efficient control over inherent loss mechanism via device design novelty. The multi-step design modification in the device architecture comprised; (a) absorber bandgap widening at the interface, (b) considering donor interfacial defects at the SnS/buffer junction, (c) limiting the presence of the majority carrier at the interface via asymmetric doping at the SnS/buffer interfaces, and (d) employing back surface field at the absorber/back metal contact interface. This design approach resulted in achieving an optimal design configuration that exhibited significant improvements in open circuit voltage (119%), short circuit current (61%), fill factor (25.8%), and efficiency (347.6%) compared to the experimental benchmark. An overall effect of improved parameters, in the modified architecture of the SnS absorber based solar cell, led to substantial enhancement in efficiency close to ∼19% vis-à-vis 4.23% reported in literature.
Antiferromagnetically coupled CoFe/MgO/CoFe stacks
Authors: Ahn Sung–Min
Published: September 2023

Exchange coupling (EC) in as-deposited and annealed Co80Fe20 (CoFe)/MgO/Co80Fe20 (CoFe) for MgO thickness spanning 0.45 to 4.5 nm has been studied. Unlike relevant existing results and theories, antiferromagnetic EC behaviors were observed in annealed CoFe/MgO/CoFe with 2.7-nm MgO insulating barrier. Interestingly, a transition from antiferromagnetic to nearly paramagnetic response to applied magnetic field was found around 520 °C corresponding to Néel temperature of CoFe2O4. Based on grazing incidence x-ray diffraction study, oxide phases of CoO, Co3O4, and CoFe2O4 starts to be built in the interface annealed at 150 °C and then those of CoO, Fe3O4, Fe2O3, and CoFe2O4 are mostly distributed over the interface annealed at 250 °C. This indicates CoO and CoFe2O4 formed at the Co-rich interface act as antiferromagnetic sources giving rise to the exchange-coupled antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (AFM/FM) interface and then AFM EC into the CoFe/MgO/CoFe.
Retracted: Numerical study of heat and mass transfer for micropolar fluid flow due to two symmetrical stretchable disks
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Ramzan Nabeela , Ahmad Shahzad , Ali Haider , Alshehri Mansoor , Shah Nehad Ali
Published: September 2023

In this study, heat transfer is analyzed for an incompressible steady laminar micropolar fluid flow among two symmetrical stretchable disks. The associated partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through appropriate similarity transformations and then solved numerically by applying the quasi-linearization method along with the finite difference method (FDM). This impact from certain inclusive parameters in the heat transfer and fluid flow is presented schematically. The results are tabulated and depict that the shear stress rises for the upper disk and the opposite trend for the lower disk. It is also noted that a couple stress and heat transfer rates were reduced across the disks. The slip factor enhances the tangential stress on the top disc and it reduces on the bottom disc. Twisting stress decreases where

ϕ

′

η

increases due to the effect of the slip factors.
Phenomenological model of a free-electron laser using machine learning
Authors: Kalitenko A M
Published: September 2023

Free electron lasers (FELs) are used in various fields of scientific research. Programs and methods are created for their design and calibration. The development of machine learning has opened up opportunities for new methods of research and data analysis. This paper presents a technique for building a neural network for analyzing FEL parameters. We collected numerical simulation data of about 2000 configurations, found the optimal architecture and trained a neural network that can analyze several FEL configurations depending on the undulator and the electron beam parameters in a short time. This technique is capable of simulating more complex systems (FEL with helical undulators, etc.) and can be applied to facilities for their optimization.
Bekenstein-Smarr formula and quantization of Kerr black holes
Authors: Li Zhao-Xi , Li Yu-Shan , Jiang Ji-Jian
Published: September 2023

By solving the zero surface equation and studying the black holes law, we derive the equivalent Bekenstein-Smarr formula for Kerr black holes. With the reduced phase space method and canonical transformation, we establish the quantum mechanical model for Kerr black hole which is a standard two-mode simple harmonic oscillator model. With the help of this model, we further derive the spectra of the event horizon area and corresponding eigen wave functions for the Kerr black holes, which are proved that the area of a black hole event horizon is quantized.
Holographic Schwinger effect in an anisotropic background with Gauss-Bonnet corrections*
Authors: Chang 常 Wen-Bin 文彬 , Hou 侯 De-fu 德富
Published: September 2023

Using the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence, we study the holographic Schwinger effect in an anisotropic background with the Gauss-Bonnet term. As the background geometry is anisotropic, we consider both cases of the test particle pair and the electric field perpendicular to and parallel to the anisotropic direction. It is shown that the Schwinger effect is enhanced in the perpendicular case when anisotropy rises. In the parallel case, this effect is reversed. Additionally, the potential barrier and the critical electric field in the parallel case are more significantly modified by anisotropy compared to the perpendicular case. We also find that the presence of the Gauss-Bonnet coupling tends to increase the Schwinger effect.
Systematic extraction of the strong absorption distance and Coulomb barrier from elastic scattering*
Authors: Yang 杨 Yun 赟 , Wen 温 Pei-Wei 培威 , Lin 林 Cheng-Jian 承键 , Jia 贾 Hui-Ming 会明 , Yang 杨 Lei 磊 , Ma 马 Nan-Ru 南茹 , Yang 杨 Feng 峰 , Luo 骆 Tian-Peng 天鹏 , Mo 莫 Teng-Huan 腾欢 , Chang 常 Chang 昶 , Duan 段 Hai-Rui 海锐 , Zhang 张 Ming-Hao 明昊 , Huang 黄 Zhi-Jie 志杰 , Yin 尹 Cheng 诚
Published: September 2023

The reduced strong absorption distance

and Coulomb barrier height

are extracted from the quarter-point recipe from a series of experimental elastic scattering angle distributions. The nuclei with different binding energies are systematically studied as the projectile, including the tightly bound, weakly bound, and halo nuclei. It is found that the mean

for halo nuclei is significantly larger than that of tightly and weakly bound nuclei. The complex behavior of

regarding the binding energy and properties of the target is observed for halo nuclei. The linear relationship of the reduced distance with system size may be used to estimate the Coulomb barrier radius

, which is difficult to obtain from fusion reactions. The rule of

concerning the Coulomb parameter z is in agreement with other theoretical barrier laws extracted from the fusion reaction. Furthermore, the reason why the binding energy or deformation has little effect on the linear relationship of

as a function of z is clarified.
Isolating the effect of biomass burning aerosol emissions on 20th century hydroclimate in South America and Southeast Asia
Authors: Magahey Shay , Kooperman Gabriel J
Published: September 2023

Biomass burning is a significant source of aerosol emissions in some regions and has a considerable impact on regional climate. Earth system model simulations indicate that increased biomass burning aerosol emissions contributed to statistically significant decreases in tropical precipitation over the 20th century. In this study, we use the Community Earth System Model version 1 Large Ensemble (CESM1-LENS) experiment to evaluate the mechanisms by which biomass burning aerosol contributed to decreased tropical precipitation, with a focus on South America and Southeast Asia. We analyze the all-but-one forcing simulations in which biomass burning aerosol emissions are held constant while other forcings (e.g., greenhouse gas concentrations) vary throughout the 20th century. This allows us to isolate the influence of biomass burning aerosol on processes that contribute to decreasing precipitation, including cloud microphysics, the radiative effects of absorbing aerosol particles, and alterations in regional circulation. We also show that the 20th century reduction in precipitation identified in the CESM1-LENS historical and biomass burning experiments is consistent across Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models with interactive aerosol schemes and the CESM2 single-forcing experiment. Our results demonstrate that higher concentrations of biomass burning aerosol increases the quantity of cloud condensation nuclei and cloud droplets, limiting cloud droplet size and precipitation formation. Additionally, absorbing aerosols (e.g., black carbon) contribute to a warmer cloud layer, which promotes cloud evaporation, increases atmospheric stability, and alters regional circulation patterns. Corresponding convectively coupled circulation responses, particularly over the tropical Andes, contribute to further reducing the flow of moisture and moisture convergence over tropical land. These results elucidate the processes that affect the water cycle in regions prone to biomass burning and inform our understanding of how future changes in aerosol emissions may impact tropical precipitation over the 21st century.
Impacts of large-scale Saharan solar farms on the global terrestrial carbon cycle
Authors: Power Katherine , Lu Zhengyao , Zhang Qiong
Published: September 2023

Amassing the available solar energy over the Sahara desert, through the installation of a large-scale solar farm, would satisfy the world’s current electricity needs. However, such land use changes may affect the global carbon cycle, possibly offsetting mitigation efforts. Here a fully coupled Earth System model EC-Earth was used to investigate the impact of a Saharan solar farm on the terrestrial carbon cycle, simulated with prescribed reduced surface albedo approximating the albedo effect of photovoltaic solar panels over the Sahara desert. The resulting changes to the carbon cycle were an enhancement of the carbon sink across Northern Africa, particularly around the Sahel but a simultaneous weakening of the carbon sink in the Amazon basin. This is observed through spatial pattern changes to the values of net biome production (NBP), more evident during Northern Hemisphere summer season. NBP changes are contributed by competing responses in the net primary production and heterotrophic respiration rates. These changes to carbon exchange correspond to a wetter and warmer climate occurring in Northern Africa and a drier and warmer climate in the Amazon, with stronger driving effects of precipitation. Due to these coupled responses and complex teleconnections, thorough investigation of remote impacts of solar farms are needed to avoid unintended consequences on the terrestrial carbon cycle.
Determining the clinical utility of a breath test for screening an asbestos-exposed population for pleural mesothelioma: baseline results
Authors: Zwijsen Kathleen , Schillebeeckx Eline , Janssens Eline , Cleemput Joris Van , Richart Tom , Surmont Veerle F , Nackaerts Kristiaan , Marcq Elly , van Meerbeeck Jan P , Lamote Kevin
Published: September 2023

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive cancer of the serosal lining of the thoracic cavity, predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Due to nonspecific symptoms, PM is characterized by an advanced-stage diagnosis, resulting in a dismal prognosis. However, early diagnosis improves patient outcome. Currently, no diagnostic biomarkers or screening tools are available. Therefore, exhaled breath was explored as this can easily be obtained and contains volatile organic compounds, which are considered biomarkers for multiple (patho)physiological processes. A breath test, which differentiates asbestos-exposed (AEx) individuals from PM patients with 87% accuracy, was developed. However, before being implemented as a screening tool, the clinical utility of the test must be determined. Occupational AEx individuals underwent annual breath tests using multicapillary column/ion mobility spectrometry. A baseline breath test was taken and their individual risk of PM was estimated. PM patients were included as controls. In total, 112 AEx individuals and six PM patients were included in the first of four screening rounds. All six PM patients were correctly classified as having mesothelioma (100% sensitivity) and out of 112 AEx individuals 78 were classified by the breath-based model as PM patients (30% specificity). Given the large false positive outcome, the breath test will be repeated annually for three more consecutive years to adhere to the ‘test, re-test’ principle and improve the false positivity rate. A low-dose computed tomography scan in those with two consecutive positive tests will correlate test positives with radiological findings and the possible growth of a pleural tumor. Finally, the evaluation of the clinical value of a breath-based prediction model may lead to the initiation of a screening program for early detection of PM in Aex individuals, which is currently lacking. This clinical study received approval from the Antwerp University Hospital Ethics Committee (B300201837007).
Herbal bioactive encapsulated nano-formulations for the treatment of gastric cancer: a concise review
Authors: Rai Arya , Kaur Simrandeep , Rawat Shristhi Sohan , Singh Inderbir
Published: September 2023

Gastric cancer is a prominent cause of death globally. The major risk factors responsible for its development include age, H. pylori infection, excessive salt intake, and lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet. It is diagnosed using ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopic biopsy, and by detection of certain biomarkers. The conventional therapies for treatment of gastric cancer include the use of radiations, surgical resection, and chemotherapy. However, there are certain major issues associated with these treatments, like high risk of tumour reoccurrence, drug resistance development, less bioavailability of the drug at target site, rapid drug metabolism and high systemic toxicity due to drug doses. All such limitations of conventional treatments can be overcome with the use of herbal bio-actives as they exhibit less toxicity to normal healthy cells and reduce the risk of tumour recurrence and resistance development. Nano-formulations are developed to aid in targeted drug delivery, and to enhance the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of phytoconstituents. With the emergence of nanomaterials, different imaging modalities have been integrated into one single platform, and combined therapies with synergetic effects against gastric cancer were established. Moreover, the development of theragnostic strategies with simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic ability was boosted by multifunctional nanoparticles. The present review discusses about the gastric cancer including its mortality rate, secular trends, pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and different treatment approaches with major emphasis on herbal bioactives (quercetin, paclitaxel, resveratrol, curcumin and ginsenosides) and different herbal constituent encapsulated nano-formulations (such as nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, nano-emulsion, and micelles). Challenges and future prospects of herbal bioactive encapsulated nano-formulations for the treatment/management of gastric cancers has been included in the later part of the manuscript.
Normative Data for a Neuropsychological Test Battery in the French Aging Population: 20-Year Follow-Up From the “PROgnostic OF Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events” Study
Authors: Ceresetti Romain , Celle Sébastien , Roche Frédéric , Barthélémy Jean-Claude , Michael George A , Borg Céline
Published: September 2023

Objective

The study aimed to present relevant norms for the evaluation of pathological aging in the French population over a 20-year period, utilizing the “PROgnostic OF cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events” test and questionnaire.

Methods

Three neuropsychological evaluations were administered over 20 years with 929 participants at the first cognitive evaluation (62–69 years old), 631 at the second (71–78 years old), and 293 at the third (81–88 years old). The tests and questionnaires were administered in the following order: McNair’s Cognitive Complaints Questionnaire, Depression Questionnaire of Pichot, Mini Mental State Examination, Free and Cued Selective Reminding test, Benton Visual Retention Test, Digit-Symbol Substitution Test of the WAIS-III, Trail Making Test, Stroop Test, Verbal Fluency, and the Similarities subtest of the WAIS-III.

Results

Normative data were presented at three time points of the repeated evaluation over 20 years (62–69 years, 71–78 years, and 81–88 years) and four educational levels (no diploma, primary school certificate, certificate of professional aptitude, and baccalaureate and above). The data showed a significant effect of educational level in all neuropsychological tests regardless of age. Gender primarily affected memory, Stroop scores, and Similarities scores.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of educational level and gender in the evaluation of the memory and executive function of elderly persons. Furthermore, the presented norms consider the self-report cognitive complaints and depression symptoms over a long period of life.
How Priority Ordering of Offence Codes Undercounts Gendered Violence: An Analysis of the Crime Survey for England and Wales
Authors: Pullerits Merili , Phoenix Jessica
Published: September 2023

The Offence Classification System (OCS) of the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) applies a priority order of offences that undercounts violence. By prioritizing burglary and criminal damage above some types of assault, physical violence that co-occurs with property crimes is discounted from official counts of incidents and victims of violence. Analyzing CSEW data from 2010/11 to 2019/20, we find the OCS omits approximately 210,000 incidents of violence every year. Out of these incidents, 51 per cent are domestic violence against women, contributing further evidence to the CSEW’s gendered data gap. Socioeconomically disadvantaged victims are also disproportionately undercounted. Whilst prior research has highlighted the undercounting of violence prevalence and repetition in the CSEW, the OCS undercounts the concurrency of violence.
The future of clinical trials—is it virtual?
Authors: Ng Cho Ee , Bowman Sarah , Ling Jonathan , Bagshaw Rachael , Birt Angela , Yiannakou Yan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Participant recruitment to clinical trials is often sub-optimal. Decentralized clinical trials have the potential to address challenges in traditional site-based clinical trial recruitment.

Sources of Data

This review is based on recently published literature and the experience of running a large industry-sponsored interventional trial using both traditional and decentralized methods.

Areas of Agreement

Efficient delivery of clinical trials is essential to continue to provide therapeutic improvements in a timely and cost-efficient way. Clinical trial designs are constantly evolving to achieve effective trial delivery, manage the complexity of new therapeutic algorithms and conform to cultural developments.

Areas of Controversy

Digitally innovative decentralized clinical trials may be a solution to improve recruitment and retention. Although many trials incorporate digital innovations to reduce patient burden, decentralized clinical trials allow remote access to clinical research, potentially enhancing geographical diversity as well as reducing participant burden.

Growing Points

Areas for development currently being discussed are developing a ‘recruitment platform’ that exploits the reach of digital connectivity, automated identification of eligible participants from volunteers, employing technology for remote interaction and exploring the logistic process of delivering the interventions.

Areas timely for relevant research

The focus of development must ensure that the overall impact will widen participation and reduce inequalities in healthcare.