bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging WGC from the Dirac particle around black holes
Authors: Sadeghi Jafar , Alipour Mohammad Reza , Gashti Saeed Noori
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study the Dirac particle near the event horizon of the charged Bañados-Teitelboim-Zanelli (BTZ) black hole and Reissner–Nordström (R-N) black holes to obtain its energy spectrum for discussing the weak gravity conjecture (WGC). The corresponding energy has both real and imaginary parts. We encounter the quasi-normal mode. Because the considered black holes have mass [Formula: see text] and charge [Formula: see text], this property allows us to examine the WGC using the energy spectrum with specific conditions. We attempt to investigate the WGC for these black holes by utilizing the Dirac particle energy spectrum obtained near charged black holes. Also, we impose conditions on the energy spectrum of particles for which the WGC holds for charged black holes, i.e. [Formula: see text]. To approve the WGC near the event horizon of black holes, we determine that the Dirac particle has a specified charge viz [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for R-N and charged BTZ black holes, respectively.
Analyzing the effect of Hilbert transform on diffraction of a plane wave by an oscillating half-plane
Authors: Nizami Imran Fareed , Maqbool Khadija , Mann Amer Bilal , Hasan Saad ul
Published: October 2023

In this study, we are analyzing the effect of the Hilbert Transform (HT) on diffraction of a plane wave by an oscillating half-plane. Both the incident wave and oscillating half-plane have different oscillating frequencies. After the necessary mathematical computations for several types of time-dependent oscillating functions, it is verified graphically that the HT induces a shift of [Formula: see text], which can be observed from the flipping effect in the magnitude of the sinusoidal components occurring in their respective diffracted fields. Graphical illustrations presenting the effects of the HT are presented and discussed.
Multiple nonlinear wave solutions of a generalized Heisenberg ferromagnet model and their interactions
Authors: Liu Qin-Ling , Hao Hui-Qin , Guo Rui
Published: October 2023

Under investigation in this paper is a generalized Heisenberg ferromagnet (HF) equation which is named the Zhanbota-IIA equation. It is one of the integrable generalizations of the HF equation that plays an important role in nonlinear magnetization dynamics. Through the establishment of the N-fold Darboux transformation, a series of solutions will be obtained, including multi-solitons, one- and two-breathers, first- and higher-order rogue waves. Dynamic behaviors of those solutions will be analyzed, including several structures of rogue waves such as fundamental structure, triangular structure, ring structure and ring-fundamental structure, the coexistence of rogue waves and breathers, i.e. semi-rational solution and the interaction of two breathers.
Cenozoic sedimentary evolution of the Tiereke section on the northern Tarim Basin: implications for the intracontinental mountain building of the Eastern Tian Shan
Authors: Huang Jialun , Lin Xiubin , An Kaixuan , Qu Yang , Li Li , Jiang Lin , Chen Zhuxin , Chen Hanlin , Cheng Xiaogan , Wang Lining , Chen Cai , Zhang Liang , Liu Wei , Yang Xianzhang , Li Yong , Zhang Yuqing , Su Nan
Published: October 2023

The Tian Shan is one of the world's largest intracontinental orogens and provides an excellent example for deciphering the intracontinental responses to the tectonics of plate boundaries. Despite its significance, the timing and driving mechanism of the Cenozoic mountain building of the Tian Shan in the context of the India–Eurasia collision remain controversial. In this study, Cenozoic stratigraphy of the Tiereke section along the western Kuqa Depression of the northern Tarim Basin on the south foreland of Eastern Tian Shan (east of 80°E) has been investigated. The results indicate that the Cenozoic deposition of the Tiereke region sequentially experienced a transgression from the Kumugeliemu Group to the Suweiyi Formation and a regression from the Suweiyi to the Kuqa Formations. Based on the contact relationships and conglomerate textures, three stages of high-energy alluvial deposition have been identified in the lower Kumugeliemu Group, upper Jidike and Kangcun–Kuqa Formations, respectively. These sedimentary events were interpreted to represent phases of Eastern Tian Shan mountain building at
c.
54 Ma,
c.
27 Ma and since
c.
9.7 Ma according to previous magnetostratigraphic results, which were possibly related to the initial India–Eurasia collision, the collision between the India and Tarim lithospheric mantles, and the basinward propagation of deformation, respectively.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonics, landscape and climate change collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/mesozoic-and-cenozoic-tectonics-landscape-and-climate-change
The Potwar Siwaliks: an impressive Neogene record of terrestrial rocks and fossils
Authors: Flynn Lawrence J. , Raza S. Mahmood , Morgan Michèle E. , Barry John C. , Pilbeam David
Published: October 2023

Outcropping sedimentary deposits of the Potwar Plateau in northern Pakistan comprise the most complete record of Neogene Siwalik rocks and faunas to be found in the Indian subcontinent documenting an extraordinary record of terrestrial vertebrate fossils for the Miocene Epoch. The Potwar Plateau is a portion of the Siwalik Hills, the mountainous terrane of the outer Himalayas extending over 2000 km across the northern margin of the Indian subcontinent. Siwalik strata accumulated as a molassic sedimentary wedge shed southward with the erosion of the rising crust as it was uplifted via plate tectonics. The long Potwar record of numerous superposed assemblages of fossil vertebrates preserves a history spanning many millions of years, and constitutes a unique geoheritage resource for Asia and for the world. The record can be dated and interpreted with a high degree of precision rarely achieved in terrestrial settings. The Potwar Siwalik sediments document 18 million years of change in the subtropical ecosystem of South Asia, in which global to regional climate change directly impacted terrestrial palaeofloras and palaeofaunas, forcing coevolution of elements of the terrestrial food web, and with that the modernization of mammalian groups. The potential to trace coincidence of abiotic changes with evolution within lineages is unusual.
Enabling Binary Neural Network Training on the Edge
Authors: Wang Erwei , Davis James J. , Moro Daniele , Zielinski Piotr , Lim Jia Jie , Coelho Claudionor , Chatterjee Satrajit , Cheung Peter Y. K. , Constantinides George A.
Published: October 2023

The ever-growing computational demands of increasingly complex machine learning models frequently necessitate the use of powerful cloud-based infrastructure for their training. Binary neural networks are known to be promising candidates for on-device inference due to their extreme compute and memory savings over higher-precision alternatives. However, their existing training methods require the concurrent storage of high-precision activations for all layers, generally making learning on memory-constrained devices infeasible. In this article, we demonstrate that the backward propagation operations needed for binary neural network training are strongly robust to quantization, thereby making on-the-edge learning with modern models a practical proposition. We introduce a low-cost binary neural network training strategy exhibiting sizable memory footprint reductions while inducing little to no accuracy loss
vs
Courbariaux & Bengio’s standard approach. These decreases are primarily enabled through the retention of activations exclusively in binary format. Against the latter algorithm, our drop-in replacement sees memory requirement reductions of 3–5×, while reaching similar test accuracy (± 2 pp) in comparable time, across a range of small-scale models trained to classify popular datasets. We also demonstrate from-scratch ImageNet training of binarized ResNet-18, achieving a 3.78× memory reduction. Our work is open-source, and includes the Raspberry Pi-targeted prototype we used to verify our modeled memory decreases and capture the associated energy drops. Such savings will allow for unnecessary cloud offloading to be avoided, reducing latency, increasing energy efficiency, and safeguarding end-user privacy.
Dataset Discovery and Exploration: A Survey
Authors: Paton Norman W. , Chen Jiaoyan , Wu Zhenyu
Published: October 2023

Data scientists are tasked with obtaining insights from data. However, suitable data is often not immediately at hand, and there may be many potentially relevant datasets in a data lake or in open data repositories. As a result, data discovery and exploration are necessary, but often time consuming, steps in a data analysis workflow. Data discovery is the process of identifying datasets that may meet an information need. Data exploration is the process of understanding the properties of candidate datasets and the relationships between them. Data discovery and data exploration often go hand in hand and benefit from tool support. This article surveys research areas that can contribute to data discovery and exploration, particularly considering dataset search, data navigation, data annotation and schema inference. For each of these areas, we identify key dimensions that can be used to characterize approaches and the values they can hold, and apply the dimensions to describe and compare prominent results. In addition, by surveying several adjacent areas that are often considered in isolation, we identify recurring techniques and alternative approaches to related challenges, thereby placing results within a wider context than is generally considered.
An Encapsulation-Based Zn Electroplating/Stripping via 3D Hollow PPy
Authors: Xi Murong , Liu Zhenjie , Qi Zihan , Sheng Rui , Huang Yudai
Published: October 2023

Zn dendrite growth in aqueous electrolyte greatly shorten the cycle life of zinc ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZHS). However, conventional physical modification layers and electrode structure designs cannot buffer the large volume changes during Zn deposition and stripping. Herein, we design and construct 3D hollow polypyridine (PPy) framework to achieve the deposition and growth of Zn metal on the inner wall of hollow PPy foam. We explore the deposition patterns of Zn within 3D PPy and find electroplating/stripping behavior depend on the limitation of metallic Zn within 3D PPy. This behavior avoids dendrite problem, improves the reversibility of the battery, and achieves an average coulomb efficiency (CE) of 99% for 150 cycles. The ZHS assembled with Zn@PPy and AC exhibits stable cycles over 10,000 times with near 100% CE and capacity retention ratio at 50% DODZn. Importantly, this strategy provides new insights and ideas for solving the Zn anode dendrite problem.
Dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist treatment reduces biomarkers associated with kidney fibrosis in diabetic rats
Authors: Melander Simone Anna , Møller Alexandra Louise , Mohamed Khaled Elhady , Rasmussen Daniel Guldager Kring , Genovese Federica , Karsdal Morten Asser , Henriksen Kim , Larsen Anna Thorsø
Published: October 2023

These studies describe the beneficial effects of using a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) for diabetes-related kidney complications. DACRA treatment reduced levels of serological biomarkers associated with kidney fibrosis. These reductions were further reflected by reduced collagen expression in diabetic kidneys. In general, these results validate the use of serological biomarkers while demonstrating the potential effect of DACRAs in treating diabetes-related long-term complications.
Odor modality is transmitted to cortical brain regions from the olfactory bulb
Authors: Craft Michelle F. , Barreiro Andrea K. , Gautam Shree Hari , Shew Woodrow L. , Ly Cheng
Published: October 2023

Whether ortho (sniffing odors) versus retro (exhalation and eating) is encoded from the olfactory bulb to other brain areas is not completely known. Using multielectrode array recordings in anesthetized rats, we show that the olfactory bulb transmits this information downstream via spikes. Altering inhibition degrades ortho/retro information on average. We use theory and computation to explain our results, which should have implications on cortical processing considering that only food odors occur retronasally.
Persistent changes in motor adaptation strategies after perturbations that require exploration of novel muscle activation patterns
Authors: Berger Denise J. , d’Avella Andrea
Published: October 2023

Motor skill learning requires the acquisition of novel muscle patterns, whereas motor adaptation requires adjusting existing ones. We wondered whether training a new motor skill affects motor adaptation strategies. We show that learning an incompatible perturbation, a complex skill requiring new muscle synergies, affects the muscle patterns observed during adaption to a compatible perturbation, which requires adjusting the existing synergies. Our results suggest that motor skill learning results in persistent changes in the exploration strategy.
Radial Expansion Favors the Burrowing Behavior of Urechis unicinctus
Authors: Li Shanpeng , Zhang Yun , Zhang Ruihua , Liu Jianlin
Published: October 2023

Urechis unicinctus can utilize the ability of large deformation to advance in sands by radial expansion, just using a small force. However, the large deformation of U. unicinctus skin and the discrete nature of the sands make it hard to analyze this process quantitatively. In this study, we aim to uncover the burrowing mechanism of U. unicinctus in granular sediments by combining discrete and finite elements. We observe that U. unicinctus will expand radially at the head, and then the head will shrink to move forward. The radial expansion will collapse the sands and let them flow, making it easy to advance. U. unicinctus mainly relies on the skin’s large deformation and sufficient pressure to achieve radial expansion. Thus, we first establish the large deformation constitutive model of the skin. The stress–strain relationship can be expressed by the Yeoh model. Meanwhile, the pressure required for radial expansion is indirectly measured by the balloon experiment. To study the effect of radial expansion on the burrowing behavior, we use the finite element method–discrete element method (FEM–DEM) coupling model to simulate the expansion process of burrowing. The simulated pressure for radial expansion is very close to the experimental data, verifying the reliability of the simulation. The results show that the expansion can drastically reduce the pressure of sand particles on the head front face by 97.1% ± 0.6%, significantly decreasing the difficulty of burrowing. This unique underwater burrow method of U. unicinctus can provide new ideas for engineering burrowing devices in soft soil, especially for granular sediments.
Exploring the Impact of Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting on Male Rats’ Testicular Health: An Analysis of Hormonal Regulation, Oxidative Stress, and Spermatogenesis
Authors: Üstündağ Hilal , Doğanay Songül , Öztürk Büşra , Köse Fadime , Kurt Nezahat , Aydemi̇r Celep Nevra , Huyut Mehmet Tahir , Özgeriş Fatma Betül
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ketogenic diet (KD), intermittent fasting (IF), and their combination on testicular tissue and hormonal changes in adult male rats. Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control diet (CD), KD, IF, and KD combined with IF (IF + KD). Body and testicular weights were recorded, serum estradiol and testosterone levels were analyzed, and oxidative stress parameters and nitric oxide (NO) in testicular tissue were assessed. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of testicular tissue was conducted. KD notably enhanced body and testis weights and testosterone levels and reduced estradiol levels. Additionally, KD and IF + KD improved oxidative status by decreasing malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase and increasing glutathione, catalase, and NO in testicular tissue. Histopathological examination showed enhanced spermatogenesis in KD and IF + KD groups. These findings suggest KD and IF may enhance male fertility via hormonal, oxidative, and histological improvements.
Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies and Biological Activity of Curculigo latifolia Plant Organs for Natural Skin-Whitening Compound Candidate
Authors: Nur Syamsu , Setiawan Heri , Hanafi Muhammad , Elya Berna
Published: October 2023

Curculigo latifolia (family Amaryllidaceae) is used empirically for medicinal purposes. It is distributed throughout Asian countries, especially Indonesia. This study aimed at standardizing the C. latifolia plant, analyzing its phytochemical profile, and evaluating its pharmacological effects. The powder from each organ (root, stem, and leaves) was standardized organoleptically and microscopically. Samples were extracted by graded maceration using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The extracts were determined for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant (radical scavenging and metal ion reduction) and antityrosinase activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Extracts were analysed for phytochemical profiles by LC-ESI-MS. The highest TPC and TFC were found in the ethanolic extract of the root organ (68.63 ± 2.97 mg GAE/g) and the ethyl acetate extract of the stem (14.33 ± 0.71 mg QE/g extract). High antioxidant activities were found in the ethanolic root extract (20.42 ± 0.33 µg/mL) and ethanolic stem extract (45.65 ± 0.77 µg/mL) by DPPH• and NO• assays, respectively. The ion reduction activity (by CUPRAC assay) was most significant in the ethyl acetate stem extract (390.42 ± 14.49 µmol GAEAC/g extract). Ethanolic root extract was the most active in inhibiting tyrosinase (IC50 value of 108.5 µg/mL). The correlation matrix between TPC and antioxidant activities showed a moderate to robust correlation, whereas the TPC and antityrosinase activity showed a robust correlation. The TFC and antioxidant or antityrosinase activities showed a weak to moderate correlation. The LC-ESI-MS data identified major phenols in the active extracts, including methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoate, quercetin, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid-1, and curculigoside. Overall, this study suggests that extracts from the C. latifolia plant offer potent antioxidant and antityrosinase activities, allowing them to be used as natural antioxidants and candidates for skin-lightening compounds.
Empagliflozin Reverses Oxidized LDL-Induced RECK Suppression, Cardiotrophin-1 Expression, MMP Activation, and Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Chandrasekar Bysani , Mummidi Srinivas , DeMarco Vincent G. , Higashi Yusuke
Published: October 2023

Persistent oxidative stress and inflammation contribute causally to smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration, the characteristic features of vascular proliferative diseases. Oxidatively modified low-density lipoproteins (OxLDL) elevate oxidative stress levels, inflammatory responses, and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) activation, resulting ultimately in SMC migration, proliferation, and phenotype change. Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is a membrane-anchored MMP inhibitor. Empagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor and exerts pleiotropic cardiovascular protective effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated (i) whether OxLDL regulates RECK expression, (ii) whether ectopic expression of RECK reverses OxLDL-induced SMC migration and proliferation, and (iii) whether pretreatment with empagliflozin reverses OxLDL-induced RECK suppression, MMP activation, and SMC migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Indeed, results show that OxLDL at pathophysiological concentration promotes SMC migration and proliferation via NF-κB/miR-30b-dependent RECK suppression. Moreover, OxLDL changed the SMC phenotype to a more pro-inflammatory type, and this effect is blunted by RECK overexpression. Further, treatment with empagliflozin reversed OxLDL-induced miR-30b induction, RECK suppression, MMP activation, SMC migration, proliferation, and proinflammatory phenotype changes. OxLDL-induced cardiotrophin (CT)-1 expression and CT-1 stimulated SMC proliferation and migration in part via leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) and glycoprotein 130 (gp130). Ectopic expression of RECK inhibited these effects by physically associating with LIFR and gp130, as evidenced by immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting and double immunofluorescence. Importantly, empagliflozin inhibited CT-1-induced mitogenic and migratory effects. Together, these results suggest the therapeutic potential of sustaining RECK expression or empagliflozin in vascular diseases characterized by SMC proliferation and migration.
Electron Beam-Initiated Grafting of Methyl Methacrylate on Silicon Nanowires: Investigating Optical and Structural Properties
Authors: Mohd Yassin Muhammad Abdullah Izat Bin , Hamzah Khaidzir , Ghoshal Sib Krishna
Published: October 2023

Silicon nanowire (SiNW) is a one-dimensional nanostructured material that had been widely studied due to its potential applications in various fields. Combination of polymers and nanostructured materials offers great potential for enhanced material with many possible applications. The investigation focuses on how this grafting process influences the optical properties of SiNWs, aiming to uncover potential applications for these hybrid materials. This paper comprehensively presents the methodology and characterization of these SiNWs-MMA hybrid materials, exploring their potential applications. The experimental process begins with the preparation of six SiNWs using RF magnetron sputtering, involving the deposition of an Au catalyst and subsequent growth of SiNWs. The radiation-induced grafting involves exposing SiNWs to electron beams and subsequently grafting MMA onto the surface. The outcomes reveal that the grafting percentage of MMA onto SiNWs increases with higher radiation doses, leading to a polymer layer covering the SiNWs. This grafting is confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which shows characteristic peaks of MMA on the surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrates changes in crystallite size, microstrain, and dislocation density upon grafting, which are attributed to stress relief and the effect of polymer on SiNWs’ lattice. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images exhibit the increasing MMA layer on SiNWs as the grafting percentage increases. UV-visible spectroscopy shows that the introduction of MMA increases the optical band gap of SiNWs, attributed to changes in surface roughness due to the carbon from MMA. This study introduces a novel method of hybridizing SiNWs with MMA through radiation-induced grafting. The detailed characterization of the resulting SiNWs-MMA hybrid materials sheds light on their structural and optical properties. These findings hold the promise of innovative applications in various technological fields, further advancing nanotechnology.
Response of Sunmuscat (Vitis vinifera L.) to Varying Cane Numbers When Managed on a Shaw Swing-Arm Trellis for Dried Grape Production
Authors: Clingeleffer P. R. , Tarr C. A.
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims. Dried grapes from Sunmuscat compose more than 50% of Australia’s production. Sunmuscat is late ripening which can lead to suboptimal drying conditions and darkening of the final product. The response of Sunmuscat to varying cane number per vine was studied with the aim to promote earlier ripening and optimise berry size and yield, without detrimental effects on dried product quality. Methods and Results. The study was conducted in a trellis dried, commercial vineyard with pruning level treatments of 6, 9, 12, and 15 canes per vine over 3 seasons. It included assessment of budburst and fruitfulness in spring; monitoring of grape ripening; measurement of yield, bunch number, and moisture content at harvest; and post-harvest assessment of dry berry mass and fruit colour. Traits strongly affected by season were fruitfulness, yield, berry development, juice composition (TSS, pH, and TA), and dried grape quality (colour, dry berry mass, and sugar per berry). Retention of high cane numbers produced a slight delay in ripening (i.e., a mean of 1.1°Brix), small berries, and an asymptotic yield response without an effect on dried fruit colour or moisture. A linear response for bunch loss between spring and harvest was found with increasing cane number. Conclusions. Retention of fewer canes increased berry size and promoted earlier ripening, but at the expense of yield. Significance of the Study. Bunch loss between spring and harvest was the major yield determinant being more important than budburst, shoot fruitfulness, or berries per bunch.
Growth and Yield Performance of Oyster Mushroom (P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kummer) Using Waste Leaves and Sawdust
Authors: Argaw Biniam , Tesfay Teklemichael , Godifey Tesfay , Asres Negasi
Published: October 2023

Mushroom is a fungus growing on decomposing substrates. It is the substrate type that affects the yield and quality of oyster mushroom. It can be cultivated by landless people to alleviate poverty. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and yield performance of oyster mushroom in waste leaves and sawdust. Spawn were purchased from YB Plant Micropropagation Plc; Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. Euclea racemosa waste leaves, Cordia africana waste leaves, and sawdust were prepared and inoculated with the spawn. Cotton husks were used as a control. 60 grams of spawn was used for 1000 g of each substrate and supplemented with 3% wheat bran and 1% gypsum. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A one-way ANOVA model was used to indicate significant mean differences at 95% confidence interval between flushes. Treatment means were compared using Turkey’s t test. In the first flush, primordial initiation was fastest and took 6.33 days in Cordia africana waste leaves and provide higher (166 ± 48.49, 131.6 ± 32.71, 49.66 ± 15.53 gram) mean yield and BE (16.6 ± 4.84, 13.16 ± 3.27, 4.96 ± 5.5%) in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd flushes, respectively. However, in the 2nd and 3rd flushes, a lower (24.66 ± 4.61, 14.66 ± 0.57 gram) mean yield was recorded in Euclea racemosa waste leaves. Higher (10.63 ± 1.00, 7.83 ± 3.92, 6.56 ± 2.26 cm) mean pileus diameter and pileus thickness (8.3 ± 1.47, 7.76 ± 1.32, 4.10 ± 0.85 mm) were noted in sawdust in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd flushes, respectively. This study confirmed that the waste leaves of Cordia africana and Euclea racemosa could be used as an alternative substrate for the cultivation of oyster mushroom.
A Flexible Wearable Antenna with Annular Solar Eclipse Structure for ISM/WLAN/WIMAX/Bluetooth Applications
Authors: Yu Zhen , Sun Runzhi , Zhang Guodong , Niu Ruirong , Ran Xiaoying , Lin Ziheng
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a wearable flexible dual-band antenna that covers the 2.34–2.68 GHz and 4.05–5.26 GHz frequency bands. This antenna employs a novel nested imitation annular solar eclipse structure, where the main radiator is a gradually widening loop, and another loop is coupled inside the radiator. The antenna, with overall dimensions of 40

∗

32

∗

0.3 mm³, utilizes polyimide as the dielectric material. The gain, efficiency, and cross-polarization of the antenna were tested using a microwave anechoic chamber. The antenna achieves a maximum gain of 6 dBi and a maximum efficiency of 79.6%. We tested the SAR of the antenna at 10 mm from the human body, which was significantly below the international standard of 2.0 W/kg. The flexible antenna presented in this paper exhibits a broad low-frequency bandwidth, enabling coverage of various communication bands such as ISM, WLAN, WIMAX, and Bluetooth. The antenna delivers satisfactory simulation and measurement results while meeting the requirements of minimizing radiation exposure to the human body.
Serious Games Accessibility Design Model for Low-Vision Children
Authors: Othman Nurul Izzah , Mohamed Hazura , Mat Zin Nor Azan
Published: October 2023

The evolution in information technology has brought worldwide access to information. Information technology has become an approach for effective learning in the education sector. This development provides an opportunity for people with disabilities. However, many educational software and applications in the market, such as serious games, cannot be accessed by low-vision children due to the visual properties in game design. For instance, small text and graphic sizes, lack of colour contrast, complex visual effects, or reliance on visual cues for instructions are among the visual properties that contribute to these accessibility challenges. They can play serious games as long as they are designed based on their accessibility needs. This paper proposed a serious games design model for low-vision children. The three main components are accessibility, game design, and pedagogy. The serious game accessibility design model is implemented using a low-fidelity prototype that takes the form of a serious game mockup. This prototype allows for basic interaction and testing of the game’s features, with a focus on accessibility considerations. The expert validation was conducted on the prototype using heuristic evaluation to assess its usability. Based on the evaluation, the experts agreed on implementing the proposed model to the prototype.
Community Outreach and Engagement at U.S. Cancer Centers: Notes from the Third Cancer Center Community Impact Forum
Authors: Leader Amy E. , Brandt Heather M. , Briant Katherine J. , Curry Gina , Ellis Kiara , Gonzalez Evelyn T. , Guerra Carmen E. , Harding Garrett , Hull Pamela C. , Israel Aimee , Mellilo Rebecca , Mesia Rachel J. , Schiffelbein Jenna E. , Song Yawei , Surani Zul , Tiro Jasmin A. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Vanderpool Robin C. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: October 2023

Community outreach and engagement (COE) is a fundamental activity of cancer centers as they aim to reduce cancer disparities in their geographic catchment areas. As part of COE, NCI-Designated Cancer Centers must monitor the burden of cancer in their catchment area, implement and evaluate evidence-based strategies, stimulate catchment area relevant research, support clinical trial enrollment, and participate in policy and advocacy initiatives, in addition to other responsibilities. The Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (CCCIF) is a national annual meeting of COE professionals who work at or with cancer centers across the country. CCCIF grew out of earlier discussions at American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) annual meetings, where COE was often discussed, but not exclusively. The third annual CCCIF meeting—hosted by the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University—was held in June 2022 in Philadelphia, PA, where more than 200 participants listened to dynamic presentations across 12 COE-related panel sessions. CCCIF leadership and ASPO AD/PL Workshop Planners worked together on the agenda. The 12 sessions used a COE lens to focus on: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Policy; State Cancer Coalitions; Evaluation and Metrics; Implementation Science; In-reach; Outreach; Training and Education; Funding, Personnel and Resources; Clinical Trials; Innovative Methods; and Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. This article is a summary of main points and key lessons from each session, as well as a summary of overarching themes that were evident across the sessions.
Tumor-Agnostic Approvals: Insights and Practical Considerations
Authors: Lu Chengxing Cindy , Beckman Robert A. , Li Xiaoyun Nicole , Zhang Weidong , Jiang Qi , Marchenko Olga , Sun Zhiping , Tian Hong , Ye Jingjing , Yuan Shuai Sammy , Yung Godwin ,   on behalf of the Master Protocol subteam of the Statistical Methods in Oncology Scientific Working Group, Biopharmaceutical Session, American Statistical Association
Published: October 2023

Since the first approval of a tumor-agnostic indication in 2017, a total of seven tumor-agnostic indications involving six drugs have received approval from the FDA. In this paper, the master protocol subteam of the Statistical Methods in Oncology Scientific Working Group, Biopharmaceutical Session, American Statistical Association, provides a comprehensive summary of these seven tumor-agnostic approvals, describing their mechanisms of action; biomarker prevalence; study design; companion diagnostics; regulatory aspects, including comparisons of global regulatory requirements; and health technology assessment approval. Also discussed are practical considerations relating to the regulatory approval of tumor-agnostic indications, specifically (i) recommendations for the design stage to mitigate the risk that exceptions may occur if a treatment is initially hypothesized to be effective for all tumor types and (ii) because drug development continues after approval of a tumor-agnostic indication, recommendations for further development of tumor-specific indications in first-line patients in the setting of a randomized confirmatory basket trial, acknowledging the challenges in this area. These recommendations and practical considerations may provide insights for the future development of drugs for tumor-agnostic indications.
Safety and Efficacy of NY-ESO-1 Antigen-Specific T-Cell Receptor Gene-Transduced T Lymphocytes in Patients with Synovial Sarcoma: A Phase I/II Clinical Trial
Authors: Kawai Akira , Ishihara Mikiya , Nakamura Tomoki , Kitano Shigehisa , Iwata Shintaro , Takada Kohichi , Emori Makoto , Kato Koji , Endo Makoto , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Kakunaga Shigeki , Sato Eiichi , Miyahara Yoshihiro , Morino Kunihiko , Tanaka Shinya , Takahashi Shuichi , Matsuo Fujio , Matsumine Akihiko , Kageyama Shinichi , Ueda Takafumi
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To determine, for patients with advanced or recurrent synovial sarcoma (SS) not suitable for surgical resection and resistant to anthracycline, the safety and efficacy of the infusion of autologous T lymphocytes expressing NY-ESO-1 antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) gene and siRNA to inhibit the expression of endogenous TCR (product code: TBI-1301).

Patients and Methods:

Eligible Japanese patients (HLA-A*02:01 or *02:06, NY-ESO-1-positive tumor expression) received cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 on days −3 and −2 (induction period) followed by a single dose of 5×109 (±30%) TBI-1301 cells as a divided infusion on days 0 and 1 (treatment period). Primary endpoints were safety-related (phase I) and efficacy-related [objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1/immune-related RECIST (irRECIST); phase II]. Safety- and efficacy-related secondary endpoints were considered in both phase I/II parts.

Results:

For the full analysis set (N = 8; phase I, n = 3; phase II, n = 5), the ORR was 50.0% (95% confidence interval, 15.7–84.3) with best overall partial response in four of eight patients according to RECIST v1.1/irRECIST. All patients experienced adverse events and seven of eight patients (87.5%) had adverse drug reactions, but no deaths were attributed to adverse events. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in four of eight patients (50.0%), but all cases recovered with prespecified treatment. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, replication-competent retrovirus, and lymphocyte clonality were absent.

Conclusions:

Adoptive immunotherapy with TBI-1301 to selectively target NY-ESO-1-positive tumor cells appears to be a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced or recurrent SS with acceptable toxicity.
Unique Cabozantinib Dosing Considerations in People Living with HIV and Cancer
Authors: Eisenmann Eric D. , Sparreboom Alex
Published: October 2023

A recent article characterized dosing recommendations for cabozantinib in people living with HIV (PLWH) and cancer, a group that is often excluded from clinical trials. This study suggests cabozantinib is effective in cancers disproportionately impacting PLWH and has translational implications for the design of studies evaluating drug-drug interactions.

See related article by Haigentz et al., p. 5038
Data from Cholesterol Efflux Drives the Generation of Immunosuppressive Macrophages to Promote the Progression of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Wang Yongchun , Xing Rui , Zeng Huilan , Yu Xing-Juan , Zhang Yao-jun , Xu Jing , Zheng Limin
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cholesterol is often enriched in tumor microenvironment (TME); however, its impact on disease progression varies in different tissues and cells. Monocytes/macrophages (Mφ) are major components and regulators of the TME and play pivotal roles in tumor progression and therapeutic responses. We aimed to investigate the profile, effects, and regulatory mechanisms of Mφ cholesterol metabolism in the context of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we found that patients with high serum levels of cholesterol had shorter survival times and lower response rates to anti–PD-1 treatment. However, the cholesterol content in tumor-infiltrating monocytes/Mφ was significantly lower than that in their counterparts in paired nontumor tissues. The expression of the cholesterol efflux transporter, ABCA1, was upregulated in tumor monocytes/Mφ, and ABCA1 upregulation positively associated with decreased cellular cholesterol content and increased serum cholesterol levels. Mechanistically, autocrine cytokines from tumor-treated monocytes increased LXRα and ABCA1 expression, which led to the generation of immature and immunosuppressive Mφ. Although exogenous cholesterol alone had little direct effect on Mφ, it did act synergistically with tumor-derived factors to promote ABCA1 expression in Mφ with more immunosuppressive features. Moreover, high numbers of ABCA1+ Mφ in HCC tumors associated with reduced CD8+ T-cell infiltration and predicted poor clinical outcome for patients. Our results revealed that dysregulated cholesterol homeostasis, due to the collaborative effects of tumors and exogenous cholesterol, drives the generation of immunosuppressive Mφ. The selective modulation of cholesterol metabolism in Mφ may represent a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
On the identity of Rumex uliginosus and the occurrence of R. dentatus in Italy (Polygonaceae)
Authors: IAMONICO DUILIO , DOMINA GIANNIANTONIO , CONTI FABIO
Published: October 2023

The identity of the name Rumex uliginosus is investigated. This species was validly described by Giovanni Gussone from central Italy (Abruzzo region) and currently considered as synonym of R. dentatus or R. palustris. The occurrence in Italy of R. dentatus is based on an old record in NW-Sicily (Boccadifalco near Palermo) as R. uliginosus by M. Lojacono-Pojero in his Flora Sicula but, actually, it is not supported by herbarium material. This Sicilian locality was reported as the only place in which R. dentatus occurs in Italy. The study of the original material of R. uliginosus allowed to: 1) lectotypify the name (on a NAP specimen) and 2) highlight that this taxon can be ascribed to R. palustris (lectotypified in this paper on a Pitchford’s collection at LINN, from Great Britain). Therefore, we here propose to exclude R. dentatus from the flora of Italy.
Introduction / སྔོན་གླེང་གི་གཏམ། / 导论
Authors: Tso Bendi , Gyatso Marnyi , Tsering Naljor , Turin Mark
Published: October 2023

Shépa is an encyclopaedic collection of antiphonal songs that have been practiced by the Choné people, a Tibetan subgroup residing in Gansu Province of northwest China, for centuries. This collection details Tibetan cosmology, geography, history, social customs, and cultural-religious objects, among other themes. It also contains cultural elements from neighbouring civilisations that were adopted by Tibetans. The content and performative styles of Shépa overlap with other forms of Tibetan oral tradition from northern Amdo to the southern Himalayas. Shépa also has a long-standing and entangled relationship with Tibetan literature, blurring the boundaries between orality and textuality and resisting strict demarcation. Currently, the performance and transmission of Shépa face new challenges and opportunities in the context of intangible cultural heritage preservation. For the Choné people as well as for broader Tibetan society, Shépa constitutes a repository of Indigenous, Bon, and Buddhist knowledge.
Rübel / རུས་སྦལ། / 龟说
Authors: Tso Bendi , Gyatso Marnyi , Tsering Naljor , Turin Mark , Members of the Choné Tibetan Community
Published: October 2023

This chapter delves into Rübel, a tortoise-shaped deity that appears in both Bon and Buddhist traditions. It provides a detailed account of Rübel’s life and residence in the sea, followed by how Mañjuśrī tamed Rübel and transformed it into the foundation of the world. The narration also explores the divinatory schemes embodied in Rübel, such as the five elements, eight trigrams, nine magic squares, and Zodiac animals that play an indispensable role in Tibetan astrology.
Jikten Chakluk / འཇིག་རྟེན་ཆགས་གླུ། / 成世说
Authors: Tso Bendi , Gyatso Marnyi , Tsering Naljor , Turin Mark , Members of the Choné Tibetan Community
Published: October 2023

This chapter adapts content from Tibetan Buddhist classics to depict the destruction and formation of both the world and sentient beings, with a particular focus on gods and humans. The narration elucidates the structure of Buddhist cosmology, the elements of all matter, the physical world produced by the collective karma of sentient beings, the movement of the planets, and the characteristics of all the beings in the Three Realms. This chapter also describes the origin of the Tibetan people and the development of Buddhism in the Tibetan Plateau.
Traditional and Novel Methods of Rainfall Observation and Measurement: A Review
Authors: Wang Xing , Shi Shuaiyi , Zhu Litao , Nie Yunfeng , Lai Guojun
Published: October 2023

Because of its high spatial and temporal variability, rainfall remains one of the most challenging meteorological variables to measure accurately. Obtaining high-quality rainfall products is essential for flood monitoring, disaster warning, and weather forecasting systems, but this is not always possible on the basis of current rainfall observation networks. Innovative alternatives draw inspiration from “citizen science” and “crowdsourcing,” allowing for opportunistic sensing of rainfall from existing measurements at a low cost, which has become a popular topic and is beginning to play an important role in developing rainfall observation systems. This paper reviews the current state of new rainfall observation approaches and explores their opportunities to complement more traditional ways of rainfall data collection in a hydrological context. Furthermore, the challenges of each new approach are discussed. Although these new options show great potential in enhancing the current rainfall network, they still face problems in terms of their accuracy, real-time accessibility, and limited applicability when individually employed. In contrast, the fusion of new measurements with traditional observation networks is feasible and will be effective for regional rainfall monitoring. This study also serves as an important reference in developing monitoring techniques for other environmental factors.

Significance Statement

New rainfall observation techniques provide a meaningful supplement to current rainfall networks in terms of spatiotemporal resolution and accuracy. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of the innovations in rainfall observation and their popularity in different regions around the world. Then, the application value and future opportunities that new techniques bring to hydrological research are analyzed. It is anticipated that this paper will be of value to researchers with an interest in improving the quality of rainfall data, thus paving the way to accelerate these studies, as well as the application and implementation of their findings, to the next stage. Furthermore, we expect to prompt a rethink on utilizing and exploiting these new rainfall products to enhance our understanding and optimization of current rainfall sensing systems.
Role of Midlatitude Baroclinic Condition in Heavy Rainfall Events Directly Induced by Tropical Cyclones in South Korea
Authors: Park Chanil , Son Seok-Woo , Takayabu Yukari N. , Park Sang-Hun , Cha Dong-Hyun , Cha Eun Jeong
Published: October 2023

Recurving tropical cyclones (TCs) in the western North Pacific often cause heavy rainfall events (HREs) in East Asia. However, how their interactions with midlatitude flows alter the characteristics of HREs remains unclear. The present study examines the synoptic–dynamic characteristics of HREs directly resulting from TCs in South Korea with a focus on the role of midlatitude baroclinic condition. The HREs are categorized into two clusters based on midlatitude tropopause patterns: strongly (C1) and weakly (C2) baroclinic conditions. C1, which is common in late summer, is characterized by a well-defined trough–ridge couplet and jet streak at the tropopause. As TCs approach, the trough–ridge couplet amplifies, but is anchored by divergent TC outflow. This leads to phase locking of the upstream trough with TCs and thereby prompts substantial structural changes of TCs reminiscent of extratropical transition. The synergistic TC–midlatitude flow interactions allow for widely enhanced quasigeostrophic forcing for ascent to the north of the TC center. This allows HREs to occur even before TC landfall with more inland rainfall than C2 HREs. In contrast, C2, which is mainly observed in midsummer, does not accompany the undulating tropopause. In the absence of strong interactions with midlatitude flows, TCs rapidly dissipate after HREs while maintaining their tropical features. The upward motion is confined to the inherent TC convection, and thus HREs occur only when TCs are located in the vicinity of the country. These findings suggest that midlatitude baroclinic condition determines the spatial extent of TC rainfall and the timing of TC-induced HREs in South Korea.

Significance Statement

This study suggests that the midlatitude flows can substantially modulate heavy rainfall events directly caused by tropical cyclones. By analyzing the 42-yr tropical cyclone–induced heavy rainfall events in South Korea, it is found that tropical cyclones and midlatitude flows strongly interact with each other, especially when the midlatitude flows meander in conjunction with a strong jet stream. Their synergistic interactions result in a poleward expansion of the tropical cyclones’ precipitation shields, leading to heavy rainfall events even before they make landfall in the country. Consequently, it is advisable to carefully monitor the midlatitude conditions as well as tropical cyclones themselves as earlier heavy rainfall warnings may be necessary depending on the former.