bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model for Thaw and Erosion of Permafrost Riverbanks
Authors: Douglas Madison M. , Lamb Michael P.
Published: April 2024

How will bank erosion rates in Arctic rivers respond to a warming climate? Existing physical models predict that bank erosion rates should increase with water temperature as permafrost thaws more rapidly. However, the same theory predicts much faster erosion than is typically observed. We propose that these models are missing a key component: a layer of thawed sediment on the bank that buffers heat transfer and slows erosion. We developed a 1D model for this thawed layer, which reveals three regimes for permafrost riverbank erosion. Thaw‐limited erosion occurs in the absence of a thawed layer, such that rapid pore‐ice melting sets the pace of erosion, consistent with existing models. Entrainment‐limited erosion occurs when pore‐ice melting outpaces bank erosion, resulting in a thawed layer, and the relatively slow entrainment of sediment sets the pace of erosion similar to non‐permafrost rivers. Third, the intermediate regime occurs when the thawed layer goes through cycles of thickening and failure, leading to a transient thermal buffer that slows thaw rates. Distinguishing between these regimes is important because thaw‐limited erosion is highly sensitive to water temperature, whereas entrainment‐limited erosion is not. Interestingly, the buffered regime produces a thawed layer and relatively slow erosion rates like the entrainment‐limited regime, but erosion rates are temperature sensitive like the thaw‐limited regime. The results suggest the potential for accelerating erosion in a warming Arctic where bank erosion is presently thaw‐limited or buffered. Moreover, rivers can experience all regimes annually and transition between regimes with warming, altering their sensitivity to climate change.
Cell death as an architect of adult skin stem cell niches
Authors: Lecomte Kim , Toniolo Annagiada , Hoste Esther
Published: April 2024

Our skin provides a physical and immunological barrier against dehydration and environmental insults ranging from microbial attacks, toxins and UV irradiation to wounding. Proper functioning of the skin barrier largely depends on the interplay between keratinocytes- the epithelial cells of the skin- and immune cells. Two spatially distinct populations of keratinocyte stem cells (SCs) maintain the epidermal barrier function and the hair follicle. These SCs are inherently long-lived, but cell death can occur within their niches and impacts their functionality. The default cell death programme in skin is apoptosis, an orderly and non-inflammatory suicide programme. However, recent findings are shedding light on the significance of various modes of regulated necrotic cell death, which are lytic and can provoke inflammation within the local skin environment. While the presence of dying cells was generally regarded as a mere consequence of inflammation, findings in various human dermatological conditions and experimental mouse models of aberrant cell death control demonstrated that cell death programmes in keratinocytes (KCs) can drive skin inflammation and even tumour initiation. When cells die, they need to be removed by phagocytosis and KCs can function as non-professional phagocytes of apoptotic cells with important implications for their SC capacities. It is becoming apparent that in conditions of heightened SC activity, distinct cell death modalities differentially impact the different skin SC populations in their local niches. Here, we describe how regulated cell death modalities functionally affect epidermal SC niches along with their relevance to injury repair, inflammatory skin disorders and cancer.
A dataset of storm surge reconstructions in the Western North Pacific using CNN
Authors: Dang Wen , Feng Jianlong , Li Delei , Fan Mengzhen , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2024

The relatively short duration of available tide gauge records poses challenges for conducting comprehensive statistical analyses of storm surges in the Western North Pacific. To address this issue, we employ a convolutional neural network model to reconstruct the maximum daily storm surge at 160 tide gauges from 1900 to 2010 in the Western North Pacific. The reconstructed dataset serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it facilitates the identification of regions where notable changes in the storm surges have occurred in the past. Additionally, the dataset enables long-term analyses of the storm surge climate, offering insights into historical patterns and variations. Furthermore, it provides a solid foundation for conducting robust extreme value analyses. To ensure accessibility, the data are publicly available through a repository, allowing for easy access and utilization by the broader scientific community and the general public. Overall, our research contributes to the field of oceanography by providing a dataset that aids in understanding the historical storm surge dynamics in the Western North Pacific region.
Efficiency assessment of a novel automatic mosquito pupae sex separation system in support of area-wide male-based release strategies
Authors: Mamai W. , Bueno-Masso O. , Wallner T. , Nikièma S. A. , Meletiou S. , Deng L. , Balestrino F. , Yamada H. , Bouyer J.
Published: April 2024

This study provides a comparative analysis of two state-of-the-art automatic mosquito pupae sex sorters currently available: the ORINNO and the WOLBAKI Biotech pupae sex separation systems, which both exploit the sexual size dimorphism of pupae. In Aedes aegypti, the WOLBAKI sex sorter and the ORINNO with a sieve mesh size of 1.050 mm achieved sex separation with female contamination rates below 1%, low pupae mortality rates and high male flight capacity. However, in Ae. albopictus, there was more variability, with female contamination rates above the 1% threshold and pupae mortality reaching 27% when using the ORINNO sorter. On the other hand, the WOLBAKI sorter achieved a male pupae recovery of 47.99 ± 8.81% and 50.91 ± 11.77% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, while the ORINNO sorter with a smaller sieve size achieved male pupae recoveries of 38.08 ± 9.69% and 40.16 ± 2.73% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. This study provides valuable information for researchers and practitioners in the field, assisting in the selection of the most suitable system for mosquito control, management and research programs depending on their specific requirements.
The Arabic EAT-10 and FEES in dysphagia screening among cancer patients: a comparative prospective study
Authors: Abdel-Hay Da’ad , Abdelhay Osama , Ghatasheh Hamza A. , Al-Jarrah Sameer , Eid Suhaib , Al Tamimi Mutaz A. , Al-Mayata Ibrahim
Published: April 2024

Head and neck cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, have diverse effects on patients, leading to dysphagia as a significant post-treatment issue. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Arabic version of the EAT-10 screening instrument (A-EAT-10) using Fiber-Optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) as an imperfect gold standard. Additionally, we seek to establish a correlation between A-EAT-10 and PEG tube insertion in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Our sample comprised 130 head and neck cancer patients with varying cancer types at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). We followed these patients throughout their distinct treatment plans up to one month after their final treatment session. During follow-up visits, we administered the A-Eat-10 instrument to monitor dysphagia. FEES were conducted at the initial and concluding visits to compare results with A-EAT-10 scores. The results in our tests, assuming independence or dependence, demonstrated excellent agreement. A-EAT-10 exhibited outstanding predictive capabilities with an AUC ranging from 93 to 97%. A-EAT-10 tended to slightly overestimate dysphagia at later treatment stages by approximately 20% compared to FEES, with an RR of 1.2 (95% CI 0.91, 1.56, p-value = 0.21), indicating statistical insignificance. In conclusion, A-EAT-10 is an excellent option for dysphagia evaluation, offering non-invasive, straightforward, and cost-effective advantages compared to FEES. Its utility extends to predicting the need for PEG tube insertion at initial patient visits, making it a valuable tool for informed treatment decisions. Notably, A-EAT-10 demonstrates a diminishing correlation with FEES over time.
Optimization of wear parameters for ECAP-processed ZK30 alloy using response surface and machine learning approaches: a comparative study
Authors: Shaban Mahmoud , Alsunaydih Fahad Nasser , Kouta Hanan , El-Sanabary Samar , Alrumayh Abdulrahman , Alateyah Abdulrahman I. , Alawad Majed O. , El-Garaihy Waleed H. , El-Taybany Yasmine
Published: April 2024

The present research applies different statistical analysis and machine learning (ML) approaches to predict and optimize the processing parameters on the wear behavior of ZK30 alloy processed through equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique. Firstly, The ECAPed ZK30 billets have been examined at as-annealed (AA), 1-pass, and 4-passes of route Bc (4Bc). Then, the wear output responses in terms of volume loss (VL) and coefficient of friction (COF) have been experimentally investigated by varying load pressure (P) and speed (V) using design of experiments (DOE). In the second step, statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA), 3D response surface plots, and ML have been employed to predict the output responses. Subsequently, genetic algorithm (GA), hybrid DOE–GA, and multi-objective genetic algorithm techniques have been used to optimize the input variables. The experimental results of ECAP process reveal a significant reduction in the average grain size by 92.7% as it processed through 4Bc compared to AA counterpart. Furthermore, 4Bc exhibited a significant improvement in the VL by 99.8% compared to AA counterpart. Both regression and ML prediction models establish a significant correlation between the projected and the actual data, indicating that the experimental and predicted values agreed exceptionally well. The minimal VL at different ECAP passes was obtained at the highest condition of the wear test. Also, the minimal COF for all ECAP passes was obtained at maximum wear load. However, the optimal speed in the wear process decreased with the number of billets passes for minimum COF. The validation of predicted ML models and VL regression under different wear conditions have an accuracy range of 70–99.7%, respectively.
Acute interval running induces greater excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and lipid oxidation than isocaloric continuous running in men with obesity
Authors: Jiang Lang , Zhang Yihong , Wang Zhengzhen , Wang Yan
Published: April 2024

Studies seem to show that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a more time-efficient protocol for weight loss, compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Our aim was to compare the acute effects of energy expenditure (EE) matched HIIT vs. MICT on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and substrate metabolism in male college students with obesity. Twenty-one untrained male college students (age, 22 ± 3 years; body fat, 28.4 ± 4.5%) completed two acute interventions (~ 300 kcal) on a treadmill in a randomized order: (1) HIIT: 3 min bouts at 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) with 2 min of recovery at 25% of VO2max; (2) MICT: 60% of VO2max continuous training. EPOC and substrate metabolism were measured by indirect calorimetry during and 30 min after exercise. Results showed that EPOC was higher after HIIT (66.20 ± 14.36 kcal) compared to MICT (53.91 ± 12.63 kcal, p = 0.045), especially in the first 10 min after exercise (HIIT: 45.91 ± 9.64 kcal and MICT: 34.39 ± 7.22 kcal, p = 0.041). Lipid oxidation rate was higher after HIIT (1.01 ± 0.43 mg/kg/min) compared to MICT (0.76 ± 0.46 mg/kg/min, p = 0.003). Moreover, the percentage of energy from lipid was higher after HIIT (37.94 ± 14.21%) compared to MICT (30.09 ± 13.54%, p = 0.020). We conclude that HIIT results in greater total EE and EPOC, as well as higher percentage of energy from lipid during EPOC than EE matched MICT in male college students with obesity.
HBCVTr: an end-to-end transformer with a deep neural network hybrid model for anti-HBV and HCV activity predictor from SMILES
Authors: Meewan Ittipat , Panmanee Jiraporn , Petchyam Nopphon , Lertvilai Pichaya
Published: April 2024

Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) are significant causes of chronic liver diseases, with approximately 350 million infections globally. To accelerate the finding of effective treatment options, we introduce HBCVTr, a novel ligand-based drug design (LBDD) method for predicting the inhibitory activity of small molecules against HBV and HCV. HBCVTr employs a hybrid model consisting of double encoders of transformers and a deep neural network to learn the relationship between small molecules’ simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) and their antiviral activity against HBV or HCV. The prediction accuracy of HBCVTr has surpassed baseline machine learning models and existing methods, with R-squared values of 0.641 and 0.721 for the HBV and HCV test sets, respectively. The trained models were successfully applied to virtual screening against 10 million compounds within 240 h, leading to the discovery of the top novel inhibitor candidates, including IJN04 for HBV and IJN12 and IJN19 for HCV. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations identified IJN04, IJN12, and IJN19 target proteins as the HBV core antigen, HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and HCV NS3/4A serine protease, respectively. Overall, HBCVTr offers a new and rapid drug discovery and development screening method targeting HBV and HCV.
Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy is safe and feasible for breast conserving surgery or immediate reconstruction
Authors: Yuan Jingjing , Zhang Meilin , Wang Maoli , Zhang Mingdi , Wu Kejin , Chen Hongliang
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the survival outcomes of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (NARCT) for early breast cancer. Female patients ≤ 80 years old with unilateral T1-T4 invasive ductal breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radiation therapy (RT) between 2006 and 2015 were enrolled from SEER database. Baseline differences in clinical and pathological characteristics were evaluated using chi-square test. The survival outcomes were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared using Cox hazards models. The effects of baseline differences on survival outcome in patients treated with neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NART) and post-operation radiation therapy (PORT) were circumvented by propensity score matching (PSM). Altogether 14,151 patients receiving NAC and RT were enrolled, among whom 386 underwent NART. Based on a 1:4 PSM cohort, NART was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort. However, among patients receiving breast conserving surgery (BCS) (HR 1.029, P = 0.915 for BCSS; HR 1.003, P = 0.990 for OS) or implant-based immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) (HR 1.039, P = 0.921 for BCSS; HR 1.153, P = 0.697 for OS), those treated with NART had similar survival outcomes compared with patients treated with PORT. In conclusion, NARCT was a safe and feasible approach for patients undergoing BCS and IBR.
A new method for unmanned aerial vehicle path planning in complex environments
Authors: He Yong , Hou Ticheng , Wang Mingran
Published: April 2024

To solve the problems of UAV path planning, such as low search efficiency, uneven path, and inability to adapt to unknown environments, this paper proposes A double-layer optimization A* and dynamic window method for UAV path planning. Firstly, the neighboring node clip-off rule is defined to optimize the node expansion mode of the A* algorithm, and the obstacle coverage model is designed to dynamically adjust the heurizing function of the A* algorithm to improve the path search efficiency. Then, the Bresenham algorithm is adopted for collision detection and critical path nodes are extracted to significantly reduce the number of path turning points. Secondly, a new tracking index is proposed to optimize the evaluation function of the dynamic window method to make the local path fit the global path further. By detecting the dangerous distance, the dynamic adaptive method of evaluation function weight is designed to improve the fixed weight of the dynamic window method. Finally, the key turning point of optimizing the A* algorithm is taken as the temporary target point to improve the DWA algorithm, and the local part follows the global part, and the fusion of the two algorithms is realized. Simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the efficiency and smoothness of mobile robot path planning, enhance the real-time obstacle avoidance and adaptive ability of unknown environments, and better meet the requirements of complex planning tasks.
Salience network connectivity is altered in 6-week-old infants at heightened likelihood for developing autism
Authors: Tsang Tawny , Green Shulamite A. , Liu Janelle , Lawrence Katherine , Jeste Shafali , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Dapretto Mirella
Published: April 2024

Converging evidence implicates disrupted brain connectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the mechanisms linking altered connectivity early in development to the emergence of ASD symptomatology remain poorly understood. Here we examined whether atypicalities in the Salience Network – an early-emerging neural network involved in orienting attention to the most salient aspects of one’s internal and external environment – may predict the development of ASD symptoms such as reduced social attention and atypical sensory processing. Six-week-old infants at high likelihood of developing ASD based on family history exhibited stronger Salience Network connectivity with sensorimotor regions; infants at typical likelihood of developing ASD demonstrated stronger Salience Network connectivity with prefrontal regions involved in social attention. Infants with higher connectivity with sensorimotor regions had lower connectivity with prefrontal regions, suggesting a direct tradeoff between attention to basic sensory versus socially-relevant information. Early alterations in Salience Network connectivity predicted subsequent ASD symptomatology, providing a plausible mechanistic account for the unfolding of atypical developmental trajectories associated with vulnerability to ASD.
Selective deforestation and exposure of African wildlife to bat-borne viruses
Authors: Fedurek Pawel , Asiimwe Caroline , Rice Gregory K. , Akankwasa Walter J. , Reynolds Vernon , Hobaiter Catherine , Kityo Robert , Muhanguzi Geoffrey , Zuberbühler Klaus , Crockford Catherine , Cer Regina Z. , Bennett Andrew J. , Rothman Jessica M. , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A. , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: April 2024

Proposed mechanisms of zoonotic virus spillover often posit that wildlife transmission and amplification precede human outbreaks. Between 2006 and 2012, the palm Raphia farinifera, a rich source of dietary minerals for wildlife, was nearly extirpated from Budongo Forest, Uganda. Since then, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, and red duiker were observed feeding on bat guano, a behavior not previously observed. Here we show that guano consumption may be a response to dietary mineral scarcity and may expose wildlife to bat-borne viruses. Videos from 2017–2019 recorded 839 instances of guano consumption by the aforementioned species. Nutritional analysis of the guano revealed high concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Metagenomic analyses of the guano identified 27 eukaryotic viruses, including a novel betacoronavirus. Our findings illustrate how “upstream” drivers such as socioeconomics and resource extraction can initiate elaborate chains of causation, ultimately increasing virus spillover risk.
Static vector solitons in a topological mechanical lattice
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhang Yafei , Long Jiaxin , Wang Aoxi , Chen Chang Qing
Published: April 2024

Topological solitons, renowned for their stability and particle-like collision behaviors, have sparked interest in developing macroscopic-scale information processing devices. However, the exploration of interactions between multiple topological solitons in mechanical systems remains elusive. In this study, we construct a topological mechanical lattice supporting static vector solitons that represent quantized degrees of freedom and can freely propagate across the system. Drawing inspiration from coupled double atomic chains with sublattice symmetry breaking, we design a mechanical analogue featuring topologically protected boundary modes and induce independent modes to finite motions along branched motion pathways. Through a continuum theory, we describe the evolution of boundary modes with vector solitons composed of superposed kink solutions, identifying them as minimum energy pathways on the rugged effective potential surface with multiple degenerate ground states. Our results reveal the connection between transformable topological lattices and multistable systems, providing insight into nonlinear topological mechanics.
Measuring algorithmic bias to analyze the reliability of AI tools that predict depression risk using smartphone sensed-behavioral data
Authors: Adler Daniel A. , Stamatis Caitlin A. , Meyerhoff Jonah , Mohr David C. , Wang Fei , Aranovich Gabriel J. , Sen Srijan , Choudhury Tanzeem
Published: April 2024

AI tools intend to transform mental healthcare by providing remote estimates of depression risk using behavioral data collected by sensors embedded in smartphones. While these tools accurately predict elevated depression symptoms in small, homogenous populations, recent studies show that these tools are less accurate in larger, more diverse populations. In this work, we show that accuracy is reduced because sensed-behaviors are unreliable predictors of depression across individuals: sensed-behaviors that predict depression risk are inconsistent across demographic and socioeconomic subgroups. We first identified subgroups where a developed AI tool underperformed by measuring algorithmic bias, where subgroups with depression were incorrectly predicted to be at lower risk than healthier subgroups. We then found inconsistencies between sensed-behaviors predictive of depression across these subgroups. Our findings suggest that researchers developing AI tools predicting mental health from sensed-behaviors should think critically about the generalizability of these tools, and consider tailored solutions for targeted populations.
The impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiota of children recovering from watery diarrhoea
Authors: Le Son-Nam H. , Nguyen Ngoc Minh Chau , de Sessions Paola Florez , Jie Song , Tran Thi Hong Chau , Thwaites Guy E. , Baker Stephen , Pham Duy Thanh , Chung The Hao
Published: April 2024

Infectious diarrhoeal diseases remain a substantial health burden in young children in low- and middle-income countries. The disease and its variable treatment options significantly alter the gut microbiome, which may affect clinical outcomes and overall gut health. Antibiotics are often prescribed, but their impact on the gut microbiome during recovery is unclear. Here, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate changes in the gut microbiota in Vietnamese children with acute watery diarrhoea, and highlight the impact of antibiotic treatment on these changes. Our analyses identified that, regardless of treatment, recovery was characterised by reductions in Streptococcus and Rothia species and expansion of Bacteroides/Phocaeicola, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcacae taxa. Antibiotic treatment significantly delayed the temporal increases in alpha- and beta-diversity within patients, resulting in distinctive patterns of taxonomic change. These changes included a pronounced, transient overabundance of Enterococcus species and depletion of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum. Our findings demonstrate that antibiotic treatment slows gut microbiota recovery in children following watery diarrhoea.
Cold denaturation of DNA origami nanostructures
Authors: Dornbusch Daniel , Hanke Marcel , Tomm Emilia , Kielar Charlotte , Grundmeier Guido , Keller Adrian , Fahmy Karim
Published: April 2024

Cold-induced site-specific structural damage of DNA origami at the nanoscale originates in heat capacity changes upon molecular scale transitions within the entire DNA suprastructure.
The mechanism of water oxidation using transition metal-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts
Authors: Yang Shujiao , Liu Xiaohan , Li Sisi , Yuan Wenjie , Yang Luna , Wang Ting , Zheng Haoquan , Cao Rui , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) mechanisms using transition metal-based electrocatalysts are instrumental in providing novel insights into both natural and artificial energy conversion processes.
Fluorescent coumarin-alkynes for labeling of amino acids and peptides via manganese(i)-catalyzed C–H alkenylation
Authors: Kopp Adelina , Oyama Tsuyoshi , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2024

The late-stage fluorescent labeling of structurally complex peptides bears immense potential for molecular imaging.
Luminescence center modulation for the synthesis of a narrow-band green phosphor: mechanism and backlighting display application
Authors: Chen Gongli , Cao Yaxin , Li ZhenHua , Wang Xicheng , Wang Yuhua
Published: April 2024

A highly efficient and stable green phosphor with a narrow emission-band was developed based on the energy transfer between Eu2+ and Mn2+ luminescence centers.
Difference in reaction mechanism between ZnZrOx and InZrOx for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Tada Shohei , Ogura Yurika , Sato Motohiro , Yoshida Akihiro , Honma Tetsuo , Nishijima Masahiko , Joutsuka Tatsuya , Kikuchi Ryuji
Published: April 2024

For ZnZrOx, methoxy group decomposition is partially suppressed due to its relatively high stability, whereas InZrOx promotes methoxy species conversion to methyl groups through strong adsorption of the methyl group on In3+.
Site preference and local structural stability of Bi(iii) substitution in hydroxyapatite using first-principles simulations
Authors: Quindoza Gerardo Martin , Nakagawa Yasuhiro , Mizuno Hayato Laurence , Anraku Yasutaka , Espiritu Richard , Ikoma Toshiyuki
Published: April 2024

Bismuth substitution in hydroxyapatite lattice was investigated via first-principles simulations, revealing a preference for the Ca(2) site and clarifying structural changes critical for optimization.
Computation-guided engineering of distal mutations in an artificial enzyme
Authors: Casilli Fabrizio , Canyelles-Niño Miquel , Roelfes Gerard , Alonso-Cotchico Lur
Published: April 2024

In silico prediction of distal hotspots was used to introduce distal mutations in an artificial enzyme that improved its reactivity and thermostability by shifting its conformational distribution.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of amino-esters as precursors of ammonium salt-based surfactants from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)
Authors: Moriana Herraiz Carlos , Arias Karen S. , Climent Maria J. , Iborra Sara , Corma Avelino
Published: April 2024

Precursors of ammonium salt biosurfactants have been obtained from HMF by coupling cobalt-catalyzed reductive amination with selective bio-esterification using an immobilized lipase CALB. The process has been optimized in batch and flow reactors.
Correction: Direct laser writing-enabled 3D printing strategies for microfluidic applications
Authors: Young Olivia M. , Xu Xin , Sarker Sunandita , Sochol Ryan D.
Published: April 2024

Correction for ‘Direct laser writing-enabled 3D printing strategies for microfluidic applications’ by Olivia M. Young et al., Lab Chip, 2024, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00743J.
Evaluation of the adsorption and degradation performance of lanthanum-modified mesoporous carbon nitride composite materials for tetracycline wastewater treatment
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Li Yueyi , Jiang Pengxi , Ma Sisi , Dong Wenfei , Zhao Hongjian , Feng Enke , Wang Xu-Ming
Published: April 2024

Lanthanum-modified mesoporous graphite nitride carbon composites (La-g-C3N4) were synthesized using a thermal shrinkage polymerization method. The La30-g-C3N4 sample exhibited rapid and efficient degradation, along with excellent adsorption capacity for both TC and AF.
ATI: Assemble topological interaction overcomes consistency–cohesion trade‐off in bird flocking
Authors: Huang Jialei , Zhu Bo , Hu Tianjiang
Published: April 2024

In nature, various animal groups like bird flocks display proficient collective navigation achieved by maintaining high consistency and cohesion simultaneously. Both metric and topological interactions have been explored to ensure high consistency among groups. The topological interactions found in bird flocks are more cohesive than metric interactions against external perturbations, especially the spatially balanced topological interaction (SBTI). However, it is revealed that in complex environments, pursuing cohesion via existing interactions compromises consistency. The authors introduce an innovative solution, assemble topological interaction, to address this challenge. Contrasting with static interaction rules, the new interaction empowers individuals with self‐awareness to adapt to the complex environment by switching between interactions through visual cues. Most individuals employ high‐consistency k‐nearest topological interaction when not facing splitting threats. In the presence of such threats, some switch to the high‐cohesion SBTI to avert splitting. The assemble topological interaction thus transcends the limit of the trade‐off between consistency and cohesion. In addition, by comparing groups with varying degrees of these two features, the authors demonstrate that group effects are vital for efficient navigation led by a minority of informed agents. Finally, the real‐world drone‐swarm experiments validate the applicability of the proposed interaction to artificial robotic collectives.
The role of absorption mechanism on the optimization of processing commercial polymers under high repetition rate femtosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Bernabeu Andrés P. , Nájar Guillem , Ruiz Alberto , Bravo Juan C. , Ramirez Manuel G. , Gallego Sergi , Márquez Andrés , Puerto Daniel
Published: April 2024

The response of three of the most used commercial polymers (poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP)) under irradiation with high repetition rate (1 kHz–1 MHz) femtosecond (450 fs) multi-pulse (N = 10–1500) laser atλ = 343 nm, 515 nm (1.40 J/cm2for both former wavelengths) and 1030 nm (1.70 J/cm2) is reported, obtaining a study on how the absorption mechanism influences the processing efficiency for these materials. Tunable ablation depth and diameters are accomplished by modifying repetition rates at a constant fluence and number of pulses. The results highlight the role of absorption mechanism, repetition rate ranges and thermal properties of the materials for benefiting ablation efficiency. Furthermore, the use of high repetition rates improves the laser processing, reducing extended thermal effects and increasing ablation uniformity.
Wirbelsäulendiagnostik – Blick in die Medizin
Authors: Tkatschenko Dimitri
Published: April 2024

Die Entscheidung zwischen einer konservativen oder einer operativen Therapie bei Schmerzen und Bewegungseinschränkungen der Wirbelsäule treffen Mediziner*innen anhand einer Vielzahl von Faktoren. Der Wirbelsäulenchirurg Dimitri Tkatschenko erklärt das diagnostische und therapeutische Vorgehen anhand von Bandscheibenvorfall, Spinalkanalstenose und Spondylodiszitis.
Geringere Kosten nach Schulunfällen durch Einsatz von
Schulgesundheitsfachkräften
Authors: Gänsslen Jan-Christoph , Striegel Ulrich , Protsch Michael , Melcher Barbara , Vey Denise , Maulbecker-Armstrong Catharina Christine
Published: April 2024

Die Bundesländer Brandenburg und Hessen haben im Rahmen des Modellprojektes
„Schulgesundheitsfachkräfte an öffentlichen Schulen“ den Einsatz von
Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegekräften an jeweils mehreren Schulen exemplarisch
mit großem Erfolg umgesetzt. Erste Analysen zeigen, dass neben vielen anderen
positiven Effekten durch den Einsatz von Schulgesundheitsfachkräften die durch
Unfälle entstehenden Kosten deutlich gesenkt werden konnten.

Kurz-Abstract Durch den Einsatz von Schulgesundheitsfachkräften konnten
sowohl Rettungswageneinsätze als auch die aus Unfällen resultierenden
Heilbehandlungskosten reduziert werden. Insgesamt ergab die Analyse landesweit
deutliche Einsparpotenziale.
Open Water Swimming in Elite Triathletes: Physiological and
Biomechanical Determinants
Authors: López-Belmonte Óscar , Gay Ana , Ruiz-Navarro Jesús J. , Cuenca-Fernández Francisco , Cejuela Roberto , Arellano Raúl
Published: April 2024

This study aimed (i) to analyze the 1500 m open water swimming performance, (ii)
to examine the associations between physiological and biomechanical variables
with swimming performance, and (iii) to determine which variables can predict
swimming performance in triathletes. Fourteen elite triathletes (23.4±3.8 y)
performed a 1500 m test in open water swimming conditions. Swimming performance
was assessed using World Aquatics Points Scoring, and data were obtained from
the 1500 m open water swimming test. Heart rate, end-exercise oxygen uptake
(EE˙VO2) and blood lactate concentrations were measured. The
initial 250 m of the 1500 m swimming test presented the highest values of
biomechanical variables in males (i. e. swimming speed, stroke rate (SR), length
(SL), index (SI)). A decrease in SL was observed in the last 250 m in both
sexes. Positive association were found between EE˙VO2 (r=0.513;
p=0.030), swimming speed (r=0.873; p<0.001) and SI
(r=0.704; p=0.002) with swimming performance. In contrast, time constant
of the oxygen uptake (r=−0.500; p=0.034) and buoy-turn times (r=−0.525;
p=0.027) were negatively associated with performance. SI was the main
predictor (R
2=0.495) of open water swimming performance in
triathletes. In conclusion, triathletes and coaches must conduct open water
training sessions to maximize SI (i. e. swimming efficiency).
Pd-Catalyzed Regioselective Tandem C–S/C–N Bond Formation for Modular Synthesis of Pyrimidine-Fused Benzothiazoles from o-Dihaloarenes and 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2-thiones
Authors: Chen Chunxia , Peng Jinsong , Hu Xuying , Liu Ruiqi , Fu Shiwen , Shi Lianxu
Published: April 2024

A Pd-catalyzed annulation reaction for the synthesis of 4H-pyrimido[2,1-b]benzothiazole derivatives via regioselective tandem C–S/C–N bond formation was developed. With PdCl2(PPh3)2 as the precatalyst, Davephos as the ligand, and K2CO3 as the base, the reactions of various 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-thiones with o-dihaloarenes proceeded smoothly, and the desired products were obtained in moderate to good yields.
Monoartrite persistente do joelho como apresentação de doença de Lyme: Um desafio diagnóstico – Relato de caso
Authors: Alçada Rita , Gonçalves Nuno Pina , Torres Rita , Lourenço Maria Helena , Flor de Lima Bárbara , Guerra Pinto Francisco
Published: April 2024

Na investigação da monoartrite do joelho deverão ser considerados vários diagnósticos diferenciais. Relata-se o caso de uma doente com episódios recorrentes de derrame do joelho, em que a clínica inespecífica implicou várias hipóteses diagnósticas, imprecisões terapêuticas e um atraso na implementação de terapêutica adequada.

Durante mais de 2 anos, a doente foi avaliada em diferentes consultas de Ortopedia e Reumatologia. Realizou múltiplas terapêuticas incluindo uma artroscopia do joelho com meniscectomia parcial, com melhoria transitória das queixas, contudo sem diagnóstico definitivo. Após coleta de amostras de líquido sinovial com exames microbiológicos sucessivamente negativos, verificou-se uma sobreposição de artrite séptica por microrganismos atípicos isolados no tecido sinovial (Pantoea spp. e Staphylococcus saprophyticus) e artrite de Lyme. Foi realizada lavagem e desbridamento cirúrgico, seguido de antibioterapia dirigida com resposta transitória, por infeção persistente (estadio 3).

O caso apresentado demonstra a necessidade de uma abordagem multidisciplinar da monoartrite do joelho.
Lossy compression of infrared videos in WEST (W Environment in Steady-state Tokamak)
Authors: Moncada Victor , Courtois Xavier , Dubus Leo , Mitteau Raphael
Published: April 2024

During the 2019 C4 experimental campaign of the WEST (W Environment in Steady-state Tokamak) (France), the infrared diagnostic produced more than seven terabytes of uncompressed video data. Constraints on the computer infrastructure required for storage, backup, and especially offline access to infrared videos made the use of a compression algorithm mandatory. This paper proposes an innovative method to compress infrared videos with controlled temperature precision. This compression method is based on a controlled averaging of the video that maximizes the compression potential of standard lossless video codecs such as H264/AVC or HEVC. The combination of the loss introduction algorithm and the H264/AVC lossless video codec obtains the best compression ratio in the range of 8 to 41 with a maximum temperature error of 2 °C. This method also outperforms the JPEG-LS algorithm in terms of compression ratio and image quality for the same temperature precision.
Catastrophic cascade of failures in interdependent hypergraphs
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhu Yanpeng , Meng Fanyuan , Liu Run-Ran
Published: April 2024

The failures of individual agents can significantly impact the functionality of associated groups in interconnected systems. To reveal these impacts, we develop a threshold model to investigate cascading failures in double-layer hypergraphs with interlayer interdependence. We hypothesize that a hyperedge disintegrates when the proportion of failed nodes within it exceeds a threshold. Due to the interdependence between a node and its replica in the other layer, the disintegrations of these hyperedges could trigger a cascade of events, leading to an iterative collapse across these two layers. We find that double-layer hypergraphs undergo abrupt, discontinuous first-order phase transitions during systemic collapse regardless of the specific threshold value. Additionally, the connectivity measured by average cardinality and hyperdegree plays a crucial role in shaping system robustness. A higher average hyperdegree always strengthens system robustness. However, the relationship between system robustness and average cardinality exhibits non-monotonic behaviors. Specifically, both excessively small and large average cardinalities undermine system robustness. Furthermore, a higher threshold value can boost the system’s robustness. In summary, our study provides valuable insights into cascading failure dynamics in double-layer hypergraphs and has practical implications for enhancing the robustness of complex interdependent systems across domains.
Physical insight into the abnormal VTH instability of Schottky p-GaN HEMTs under high-frequency operation
Authors: Chen Xinghuan , He Zhiyuan , Shi Yijun , Wang Zeheng , Wang Fangzhou , Sun Ruize , Chen Yiqiang , Chen Yuan , He Liang , Lu Guoguang , Chen Wanjun , Liu Chao , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2024

In this Letter, we investigate the threshold voltage (VTH) instability of Schottky p-GaN gate high electron mobility transistors (SP-HEMTs) under high-frequency operation by a resistive-load hard switching method. The abnormal VTH instability is observed, which is different between fully and partially depleted SP-HEMTs (FD- and PD-HEMTs). Notably, for FD-HEMT, VTH shifts positively with effective stress time. However, the VTH instability in PD-HEMT is more complex. At low VGS (e.g., 3 V) and high VGS (e.g., 6 V), VTH shifts positively with stress time consistently. Nevertheless, at intermediate VGS levels (e.g., 4 and 5 V), VTH initially shifts positively and then negatively, displaying a non-monotonous variation. Furthermore, the frequency dependence of VTH is contingent upon VGS. At low VGS, VTH exhibits a negative shift with the increase in frequency. This trend inverses when VGS exceeds 4 V. And it should be noted that the extracted VTH under high-frequency operation is lower than their quasi-static values for both transistor types. This work depicts the physical process and mechanism of the abnormal VTH instability; different from the quasi-static case, hole accumulation effects will be enhanced due to the high dV/dt, which results in a lower VTH. The distinct VTH behaviors of FD- and PD-HEMTs are closely related to the trapping effects, as well as hole accumulation and insufficiency, within the two different p-GaN gate layers.
Low-noise inverse magnetoelectric magnetic field sensor
Authors: Thormählen L. , Hayes P. , Elzenheimer E. , Spetzler E. , Schmidt G. , Höft M. , McCord J. , Meyners D. , Quandt E.
Published: April 2024

In the development of any type of magnetic field sensor based on magnetic films, special consideration must be given to the magnetic layer component. The presented work investigates the use of scalable flux closing magnetostrictive multilayers for inverse magnetoelectric sensors. In such a type of magnetic field sensor, highly sensitive AC and DC field detection relies on strong excitation of the incorporated magnetic layers by piezoelectrically driven cantilever oscillation at mechanical resonances. The provoked periodic flux change is influenced by the magnetic field to be measured and is picked up by a coil, which generates the measured output. The multilayered inverse magnetoelectric sensor is investigated with regard to linearity, noise behavior, and detection limit of DC and AC signals. A significant advancement for inverse magnetoelectric thin film sensors is demonstrated in this study. Using exchange bias stabilized magnetic multilayers with flux closure structures, detection limits are improved by an order of magnitude to less than 8 pT/Hz1/2 at 10 Hz and 18 pT/Hz1/2 at DC.
Meander-gated dual cap GaN HEMT-based portable noninvasive COVID-19 detection platform
Authors: Thakur Rajiv Ranjan , Saini Anil Kumar , Taliyan Rajeev , Chaturvedi Nidhi
Published: April 2024

In this Letter, an epitaxial and device design has been proposed for the noninvasive detection of COVID-19 using a portable hand-held system. A ∼1.5-fold enhancement in sensitivity was observed for the meander-gated biosensor as compared to the conventional design. The sensitivity was further enhanced by ∼1.70 times when a dual cap layer was used instead of a conventional epitaxial design. A peak sensitivity of 252.70 μA/pg/ml with good linearity was observed for IL-6 detection in hyposmia. Thus, the importance of biosensor epitaxial and device design has been demonstrated. Saliva-based noninvasive detection of IL-6 in COVID-19 offers a sensitivity of 22.96 μA/pg/ml. The biosensing platform has a shelf-life of around 4 weeks with a minute change of ∼1.26% in sensitivity, fast detection (<10 s), limit of detection of 0.24 fg/ml, and a linear dynamic range of 0.1–80.0 pg/ml. The proposed biosensing platform has the potential for early detection, prognosis, and management of COVID-19 in point-of-care application areas.
Nickel–silicon interfacial adhesion strength measured by laser spallation
Authors: Yan Xiao , Diamond Jacob M. , Fritz Nathan J. , Matsuo Satoshi , Rabbi Kazi F. , Zarin Ishrat , Miljkovic Nenad , Braun Paul V. , Sottos Nancy R.
Published: April 2024

Thin films of amorphous silicon (a-Si) coated on metals such as nickel (Ni) are one of the most promising anode architectures for high-energy-density lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The performance and longevity of batteries with this type of electrode depend on the integrity of the Ni/a–Si interface. The integrity of the a-Si /Ni bonded interface during cycling is critical, but the experimental characterization of interfacial failure of this material system is highly challenging and there is a sparsity of interface strength data in the literature. Here, we describe a laser spallation (LS) technique to characterize the interfacial adhesion strength of Ni/a–Si multilayer films created by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The LS technique enables the non-contact measurement of the tensile interfacial strength with high precision when compared to conventional methods for characterizing adhesion. Interferometric measurement combined with finite element analysis shows that the Ni/a–Si interface, created via the CVD of a-Si on Ni surfaces can withstand ≈46–72 MPa in tension before failure initiation. To ensure successful and precise characterization of interfacial adhesion strength using LS, we further develop a design criterion for multi-layer samples by analyzing the thin-film mechanics. Our study provides insights into the strength of the Ni/a–Si interface that governs the performance and durability of high-energy-density anodes and offers design guidelines for improving thin-film electrode integrity.
Experimental study of single droplet impingement on a thin liquid film under a non-uniform electric field
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Hu Tian , Xu Haojie , Li Bufa , Sun Rui , Xu Yaxian
Published: April 2024

Droplet impingement on a thin liquid film has been extensively applied in the field of spray cooling due to its powerful heat and mass transfer properties. In this study, the impact dynamics of a single droplet impacting on a thin liquid film under a non-uniform electric field was experimentally investigated. Ethanol was employed as the working fluid, and the impact behaviors were captured by high-speed photography technology. The results showed that the impact process sequentially exhibits the phenomena of the liquid crown and liquid column. Five typical crown patterns were identified, and the unique “jet crown” mode was first reported. The crown dimension analysis indicated that the maximum crown height increased with the increase in electric Bond number (0 ≤ BoE ≤ 583.48), while the crown width was likely independent of BoE. Furthermore, this study provided the splashing threshold of the crown under a non-uniform electric field by coupling the BoE with an empirical formula determining the splashing threshold. In addition, a unique phenomenon of jetting liquid columns was obtained. During the ascent phase of the liquid column, the vertical downward acceleration of the liquid column was significantly greater than the gravitational acceleration. The presence of an electric field introduced fluctuations in the liquid column's acceleration, causing the direction of acceleration to alternate between upward and downward. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying the electric field modulation of droplet impingement behavior.
Demonstration of high-impedance superconducting NbRe Dayem bridges
Authors: Battisti S. , Koch J. , Paghi A. , Ruf L. , Gulian A. , Teknowijoyo S. , Cirillo C. , Kakhaki Z. Makhdoumi , Attanasio C. , Scheer E. , Di Bernardo A. , De Simoni G. , Giazotto F.
Published: April 2024

Here, we demonstrate superconducting Dayem-bridge weak-links made of different stoichiometric compositions of NbRe. Our devices possess a relatively high critical temperature, normal-state resistance, and kinetic inductance. In particular, the high kinetic inductance makes this material a good alternative to more conventional niobium-based superconductors (e.g., NbN or NbTiN) for the realization of superinductors and high-quality factor resonators, whereas the high normal-state resistance yields a large output voltage in superconducting switches and logic elements realized upon this compound. Moreover, out-of-plane critical magnetic fields exceeding 2 T ensure that possible applications requiring high magnetic fields can also be envisaged. Altogether, these features make this material appealing for a number of applications in the framework of quantum technologies.