bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonclassical Heat Transfer and Recent Progress
Authors: Su Chuanjin , Wu Huan , Dai Lingyun , Zhang Zhihan , Li Suixuan , Hu Yongjie
Published: October 2024

Heat transfer in solids has traditionally been described by Fourier's law, which assumes local equilibrium and a diffusive transport regime. However, advancements in nanotechnology and the development of novel materials have revealed nonclassical heat transfer phenomena that extend beyond this traditional framework. These phenomena, which can be broadly categorized into those governed by kinetic theory and those extending beyond it, include ballistic transport, phonon hydrodynamics, coherent phonon transport, Anderson localization, and glass-like heat transfer. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have focused on characterizing these nonclassical behaviors using methods such as the Boltzmann transport equation, molecular dynamics, and advanced spectroscopy techniques. In particular, the dual nature of phonons, exhibiting both particle-like and wave-like characteristics, is fundamental to understanding these phenomena. This review summarizes state-of-the-art findings in the field, highlighting the importance of integrating both particle and wave models to fully capture the complexities of heat transfer in modern materials. The emergence of new research areas, such as chiral and topological phonons, further underscores the potential for advancing phonon engineering. These developments open up exciting opportunities for designing materials with tailored thermal properties and new device mechanisms, potentially leading to applications in thermal management, energy technologies, and quantum science.
A simple model of a gravitational lens from geometric optics
Authors: Szafraniec Bogdan , Harford James F.
Published: October 2024

We propose a simple geometric optics analog of a gravitational lens with a refractive index equal to one at large distances and scaling like n(r)2=1+C2/r2, where C is a constant. We obtain the equation for ray trajectories from Fermat's principle of least time and the Euler equation. Our model yields a very simple ray trajectory equation. The optical rays bending, reflecting, and looping around the lens are all described by a single trigonometric function in polar coordinates. Optical rays experiencing fatal attraction are described by a hyperbolic function. We use our model to illustrate the formation of Einstein rings and multiple images.
On cat–human interaction from the viewpoint of physics: An equation of motion
Authors: Biasi Anxo
Published: October 2024

This paper provides an enjoyable example through which several concepts of classical mechanics can be understood. We introduce an equation that models the motion of a cat in the presence of a person. The cat is considered as a point particle moving in a potential induced by the person. We demonstrate that this approach to the problem reproduces characteristic behaviors of these curious animals. For instance, the fact that cats do not typically come when they are called, or that they remain longer on the lap of their favorite person; even “zoomies” are reproduced (cats randomly run back and forth across the house). We use this model problem to explore topics of current research such as stochastic equations and periodically driven systems. The pedagogical value of this work and its potential use in teaching are discussed.
Temporal speech cue perception in listeners with cochlear implants depends on the time between those cues and previous sound energy
Authors: Tinnemore Anna R. , Doyle Erin , Goupell Matthew J.
Published: October 2024

Cochlear implants (CIs) provide precise temporal information that listeners use to understand speech. Other acoustic cues are not conveyed as precisely, making unambiguous temporal speech cues vital to a listener's ability to understand speech. Several speech sounds are differentiated by small differences in the timing of acoustic features. Previous studies have shown differences in the perception of these differences, depending on whether the speech sound was heard in a single word or embedded in a sentence. This study expands on previous research by exploring forward masking as a possible contributor to the mechanisms driving the effects observed when temporal cues were embedded in sentences. Listeners using CIs performed a phoneme categorization task on words from four continua that each varied mainly on a single temporal dimension. The differentiating phonemes were located at the beginning of the word in two continua and at the end of the word in two others. Silent intervals of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ms between the preceding sentence and the target words were tested. Results showed an increasing effect on performance as the inter-stimulus interval duration decreased for the two word-initial phonemic contrasts, lending support to forward masking as an influence on speech understanding.
Influence of Menstrual-Cycle Phase on Sleep and Recovery Following High- and Low-Intensity Training in Eumenorrheic Endurance-Trained Women: The Female Endurance Athlete Project
Authors: Taylor Madison Y. , Hrozanova Maria , Nordengen Liv , Sandbakk Øyvind , Osborne John O. , Noordhof Dionne A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To investigate the influence of menstrual-cycle (MC) phase on objective sleep and perceived recovery following high- (HIT) and low-intensity training (LIT) in endurance-trained women. Methods: Fifteen naturally menstruating, endurance-trained women completed standardized HIT and LIT sessions during the early follicular phase (EFP), ovulatory phase (OP), and midluteal phase (MLP) of 2 MCs. Overnight sleep was monitored using a Somnofy sleep monitor after each training session, and perceived recovery was assessed after 24 hours using self-report scales. MC phases were determined using the 3-step method, and noneumenorrheic MCs were retrospectively excluded from analysis. Results: MC phase had a main effect on wake after sleep onset (P ≤ .001), with higher values in MLP (33 [22] min) than EFP (22 [19] min, P = .043) and OP (14 [9] min, P = .001), sleep efficiency (P = .033), with lower values in MLP (87% [6%]) than OP (90% [8%], P = .047), and light sleep (P = .023) with higher values in MLP (59% [6%]) than EFP (54% [7%], P = .037). Session type had a main effect on perceived recovery (P < .018) and perceived muscle soreness (P = .007), indicating lower perceived recovery and higher perceived muscle soreness following HIT compared to LIT (P < .001, P = .018, respectively). No interactions were found between MC phase and session type for any of the measured variables. Conclusions: Objective sleep quality, but not perceived recovery, was influenced by MC phase, as indicated by small impairments to multiple indices of objective sleep during MLP. There were no interactions between MC phase and session type, indicating that the effect of MC on sleep and recovery is consistent regardless of session type.
Historical insights at scale: A corpus-wide machine learning analysis of early modern astronomic tables
Authors: Eberle Oliver , Büttner Jochen , el-Hajj Hassan , Montavon Grégoire , Müller Klaus-Robert , Valleriani Matteo
Published: October 2024

Understanding the evolution and dissemination of human knowledge over time faces challenges due to the abundance of historical materials and limited specialist resources. However, the digitization of historical archives presents an opportunity for AI-supported analysis. This study advances historical analysis by using an atomization-recomposition method that relies on unsupervised machine learning and explainable AI techniques. Focusing on the “Sacrobosco Collection,” consisting of 359 early modern printed editions of astronomy textbooks from European universities (1472–1650), totaling 76,000 pages, our analysis uncovers temporal and geographic patterns in knowledge transformation. We highlight the relevant role of astronomy textbooks in shaping a unified mathematical culture, driven by competition among educational institutions and market dynamics. This approach deepens our understanding by grounding insights in historical context, integrating with traditional methodologies. Case studies illustrate how communities embraced scientific advancements, reshaping astronomic and geographical views and exploring scientific roots amidst a changing world.
Anisotropic membrane with high proton conductivity sustaining upon dehydration
Authors: Li Jian , Singh Jay Prakash , Neklyudov Vadim , Stolov Mikhail , Yuan Ziyi , Schilt Yaelle , Raviv Uri , Dekel Dario R. , Freger Viatcheslav
Published: October 2024

In fuel cells and electrolyzers, suboptimal proton conductivity and its dramatic drop at low humidity remain major drawbacks in proton exchange membranes (PEMs), including current benchmark Nafion. Sustained through-plane (TP) alignment of nanochannels was proposed as a remedy but proved challenging. We report an anisotropic composite PEM, mimicking the water-conductive composite structure of bamboo that meets this challenge. Micro- and nanoscale alignment of conductive pathways is achieved by in-plane thermal compression of a mat composed of co-electrospun Nafion and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers stabilizing the alignment. This translates to pronounced TP-enhanced proton conductivity, twice that of pure Nafion at high humidity, 13 times larger at low humidity, and 10 times larger water diffusivity. This remarkable improvement is elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations, which indicate that stronger nanochannels alignment upon dehydration compensates for reduced water content. The presented approach paves the way to overcoming the major drawbacks of ionomers and advancing the development of next-generation membranes for energy applications.
Single-cell chemoproteomics identifies metastatic activity signatures in breast cancer
Authors: Smitha Pillai Kavya , Laxton Olivia , Li Gang , Lin Jing , Karginova Olga , Nanda Rita , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tay Savaş , Moellering Raymond E.
Published: October 2024

Protein activity state, rather than protein or mRNA abundance, is a biologically regulated and relevant input to many processes in signaling, differentiation, development, and diseases such as cancer. While there are numerous methods to detect and quantify mRNA and protein abundance in biological samples, there are no general approaches to detect and quantify endogenous protein activity with single-cell resolution. Here, we report the development of a chemoproteomic platform, single-cell activity-dependent proximity ligation, which uses automated, microfluidics-based single-cell capture and nanoliter volume manipulations to convert the interactions of family-wide chemical activity probes with native protein targets into multiplexed, amplifiable oligonucleotide barcodes. We demonstrate accurate, reproducible, and multiplexed quantitation of a six-enzyme (Ag-6) panel with known ties to cancer cell aggressiveness directly in single cells. We further identified increased Ag-6 enzyme activity across breast cancer cell lines of increasing metastatic potential, as well as in primary patient-derived tumor cells and organoids from patients with breast cancer.
Thermoelectric transport in molecular crystals driven by gradients of thermal electronic disorder
Authors: Elsner Jan , Xu Yucheng , Goldberg Elliot D. , Ivanovic Filip , Dines Aaron , Giannini Samuele , Sirringhaus Henning , Blumberger Jochen
Published: October 2024

Thermoelectric materials convert a temperature gradient into a voltage. This phenomenon is relatively well understood for inorganic materials but much less so for organic semiconductors (OSs). These materials present a challenge because the strong thermal fluctuations of electronic coupling between the molecules result in partially delocalized charge carriers that cannot be treated with traditional theories for thermoelectricity. Here, we develop a quantum dynamical simulation approach revealing in atomistic detail how the charge carrier wave function moves along a temperature gradient in an organic molecular crystal. We find that the wave function propagates from hot to cold in agreement with the experiment, and we obtain a Seebeck coefficient in good agreement with experimental measurements that are also reported in this work. Detailed analysis reveals that gradients in thermal electronic disorder play an important role in determining the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient, opening unexplored avenues for the design of OSs with improved Seebeck coefficients.
Robotic manipulation of cardiomyocytes to identify gap junction modifiers for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dou Wenkun , Shan Guanqiao , Zhao Qili , Malhi Manpreet , Jiang Aojun , Zhang Zhuoran , González-Guerra Andrés , Fu Shaojie , Law Junhui , Hamilton Robert M. , Bernal Juan A. , Liu Xinyu , Sun Yu , Maynes Jason T.
Published: October 2024

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young adults. Aberrant gap junction remodeling has been linked to disease-causative mutations in plakophilin-2 (
PKP2
). Although gap junctions are a key therapeutic target, measurement of gap junction function in preclinical disease models is technically challenging. To quantify gap junction function with high precision and high consistency, we developed a robotic cell manipulation system with visual feedback from digital holographic microscopy for three-dimensional and label-free imaging of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). The robotic system can accurately determine the dynamic height changes in the cells’ contraction and resting phases, microinject drug-treated healthy and diseased iPSC-CMs in their resting phase with constant injection depth across all cells, and deposit a membrane-impermeable dye that solely diffuses between cells through gap junctions for measuring the gap junction diffusion function. The robotic system was applied toward a targeted drug screen to identify gap junction modulators and potential therapeutics for ACM. Five compounds were found to dose-dependently enhance gap junction permeability in cardiomyocytes with
PKP2
knockdown. In addition, PCO 400 (pinacidil) reduced beating irregularity in a mouse model of ACM expressing mutant PKP2 (R735X). These results highlight the utility of the robotic cell manipulation system to efficiently assess gap junction function in a relevant preclinical disease model, thus providing a technique to advance drug discovery for ACM and other gap junction–mediated diseases.
Ted Chiang imagines a computational theory of robots
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: October 2024

Two short science fiction stories, “Exhalation” and “Seventy-Two Letters”, explore robots inside and out.
Characterization of clonal dynamics using duplex sequencing in donor-recipient pairs decades after hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Oshima Masumi Ueda , Higgins Jacob , Jenkins Isaac , Randolph Timothy , Smith Thomas , Valentine Charles , Salk Jesse , Yeung Cecilia , Beppu Lan , Campbell Judy , Carpenter Paul A. , Lee Stephanie J. , Flowers Mary E. , Radich Jerald P. , Storb Rainer
Published: October 2024

After allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a very small number of donor stem cells reconstitute the recipient hematopoietic system, whereas the donor is left with a near-normal pool of stem cells. We hypothesized that the increased replicative stress on transplanted donor cells in the recipient could lead to the disproportionate proliferation of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) variants. We obtained blood samples from 16 related donor-recipient pairs at a median of 33.8 years (range: 6.6 to 45.7) after HCT, including the longest surviving HCT recipients in the world. For 11 of 16 pairs, a donor sample from the time of HCT was available for comparison. We performed ultrasensitive duplex sequencing of genes recurrently mutated in myeloid malignancies and CH, as well as a set of functionally neutral genomic regions representative of human genomic content at large. CH variants were observed in all donors, even those as young as 12 years old. Where donor pre-HCT sample was available, the average mutation rate in donors compared to recipients post-HCT was similar (2.0% versus 2.6% per year, respectively) within genes recurrently mutated in myeloid malignancies. Twenty-two (5.6%) of the 393 variants shared between paired donors and recipients post-HCT showed ≥10-fold higher variant allele frequency (VAF) in the recipient. A longer time since HCT was positively associated with the expansion of shared variant VAFs in the recipient. In conclusion, even decades after HCT, there does not appear to be widespread accelerated clonal expansion in the transplanted cells, highlighting the immense regenerative capacity of the human hematopoietic system.
Effects of the combination of anti-PcrV antibody and bacteriophage therapy in a mouse model of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
pneumonia
Authors: Junya Ohara , Jumpei Fujiki , Kinoshita Mao , Sudo Kazuki , Kawaguchi Ken , Inoue Keita , Naito Yoshifumi , Moriyama Kiyoshi , Nakamura Tomohiro , Iwano Hidetomo , Sawa Teiji
Published: October 2024

Acute lung injury caused by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is attributed to the translocation of cytotoxin into pulmonary epithelial cells via the
P. aeruginosa
type III secretion system. This virulence can be blocked with a specific antibody against PcrV in this secretion system. However, because anti-PcrV antibodies do not have bactericidal activity, the treatment of bacteria depends on the phagocytic system of the host. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of combination therapy with an anti-PcrV antibody and bactericidal bacteriophages on acute lung injury and subsequent death in mice compared with a single treatment. After the mice intratracheally received a lethal dose of the cytotoxic
P. aeruginosa
strain, a second instillation was performed with saline, anti-PcrV IgG, bacteriophages, or a mixture of anti-PcrV and bacteriophages. The survival rates 24 h after infection were as follows: 7.1% in the saline group, 26.7% in the anti-PcrV group, 41.2% in the phage group, and 66.7% in the anti-PcrV + phage group (
P
< 0.001 vs saline-treated group). The activity of surviving mice in the anti-PcrV + phage group was significantly greater than that in the saline group. The lung weight in the anti-PcrV + phage group was significantly lower than that in the anti-PcrV group. In conclusion, combination therapy with an anti-PcrV antibody and a bacteriophage reduces acute lung injury and suggests improved survival compared with each treatment alone. This combination therapy, which does not rely on conventional antibiotics, could constitute a new strategy for treating multidrug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
infections.

IMPORTANCE

Combination therapy with either bacteriophages alone or in combination with anti-PcrV antibodies in a mouse model of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
pneumonia may reduce the acute lung injury and improve survival. This combination therapy, which does not rely on conventional antibiotics, may be a new strategy to treat multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections.
Supplemental Material: Substantial in situ Ti isotope variations in rutile record source and fluid evolution of porphyry copper mineralization systems
Authors: Jiang Xiaojia , Chen Xin , al. et
Published: October 2024

Methodology and supplemental tables.
‘Can you have it all?’ Exploring perceived gender roles in leadership through the lens of the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s clinical fellows 2023/24
Authors: Trivedi Ashifa , Aggarwal Kaniksha , Chaudry Amira , Ibrahim Summer , Khan-Patel Amna , Lal Natasha , Nasim Maria , Senya HoJan , Teli Shy , Thakrar Nisha , Thomson Clare
Published: October 2024

Background

Women often face the challenge of balancing professional growth with societal expectations around family and household responsibilities. Conversely, men encounter limitations due to restrictive paternity leave policies, often receiving undue praise for basic parenting duties. Through the lens of the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s clinical fellows 2023/24, we explore the question: ‘Can you have it all?’

Methods

We explore stereotypical gender norms alongside the challenges and expectations faced by individuals of all genders on their leadership journeys. Through personal reflections, literature review and informal conversations with senior leaders, we explore how societal expectations and gendered norms shape the professional and personal lives of women in leadership roles.

Results

Commitment to reflection provides opportunities to pause and assess our journeys. Peer support networks are invaluable for professional development, helping to break down barriers and hierarchies. Coaching and mentoring offer significant support and guidance to aspiring leaders from underrepresented backgrounds providing new perspectives.

Conclusion

Balancing leadership and family responsibilities is challenging but achievable with the right support systems and a shift in workplace culture. However, we recognise, through all of this, self-care and prioritisation of mental well-being must be at the forefront to sustain a healthy balance. As clinical fellows, we have had the unique opportunity to share the complexities faced in the workplace. Through collective effort, we aim to foster environments that empower individuals on their leadership journeys, illustrating that, with the right support and conditions, it is possible to truly ‘have it all’.
Space use of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in Davis Strait in relation to sea ice and harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus)
Authors: Thelin Larissa , Richardson Evan , Stenson Garry , Hedlin Erik , Derocher Andrew E.
Published: October 2024

Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) rely on seals as their primary prey, yet predator–prey spatial relationships are poorly understood. We examined the spatial relationship between Davis Strait polar bears and harp seals ( Pagophilus groenlandicus Erxleben, 1777), using satellite telemetry for both species. We analyzed sea ice trends using remote sensing (1979–2021) to examine how their environment may be changing using four sea ice seasons (freeze-up, winter, break-up, and summer). Sea ice cover decreased and summer season lengthened over time. Polar bears ( n = 18) tracked in 1991–2001 for 7–12 months had a mean 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home range size of 108 146 km2 (standard error of the mean (SE) = 18 252 km2) and a mean 95% kernel density home range size (kernel density estimate (KDE)) of 76 863 km2 (SE = 12 260 km2). Harp seals ( n = 22) tracked for 5–8 months in 1993–2005 had a mean 95% MCP of 693 403 km2 (SE = 74 384 km2) and a mean 95% KDE of 395 316 km2 (SE = 48 688 km2). During freeze-up, the core-use areas of both species did not overlap, but the broad-use areas did. During break-up, the broad-use areas overlapped more than the core-use areas. The space use of both species was influenced by the sea ice seasons and these seasons have changed over time.
Greater biomass from Arctic greening absorbs increased grazing pressure from a large herbivore
Authors: Dwinnell Samantha P.H. , Loe Leif Egil , Köhn Ida F. , Albon Steve D. , Beumer Larissa T. , Pedersen Åshild Ø. , van der Wal René
Published: October 2024

Arctic warming is causing widespread “greening” of tundra ecosystems. What this means for plant–herbivore relations, including the grazing pressure herbivores exert on increasingly productive tundra ecosystems, is poorly understood. Svalbard is one of the fastest warming places on Earth, with concomitant increases in both forage biomass and reindeer numbers. In 11 years between 1998 and 2023, we measured grass biomass and the proportion of shoots grazed in mesic grass-dominated tundra to evaluate whether increased forage biomass of grass absorbed the grazing pressure of more reindeer. Also, we used GPS data from adult female reindeer (2009–2023) to identify if grazing pressure was relieved by spillover into other habitats. During the study period, reindeer abundance, estimated by annual capture-mark-recapture, tripled, while grass biomass only doubled. Grazing pressure increased from 4% to 8%, which was lower than expected from the increased reindeer density. This discrepancy was not caused by spillover into other habitats, but rather by increased grazing in higher-biomass patches that have emerged with summer warming. Our findings support the notion that increased summer forage has contributed to Svalbard reindeer population growth, notably by making available higher biomass grass swards that allow for greater food offtake.
Corrosion effects on flexural behaviour of EPS sandwich concrete panels: a study using acoustic emission technique
Authors: Garhwal Anil , Sharma Shruti , Danie Roy A.B.
Published: October 2024

The experimental research utilized expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels sized at 1300 × 600 × 130 mm (length × width × thickness) and induced with corrosion via an impressed current method. Varied extents of corrosion were applied for 120, 240, 360, and 480 h, resulting in mass loss percentages of 6.67%, 8.41%, 10.76%, and 18.13% of reinforcement in different panels. The flexural testing along with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring were performed for evaluation of EPS panels. Results obtained defend the correlation of AE energy with the load energy in the EPS panels. The AE parameters of rise angle and average frequency assist in distinguishing between tensile and shear crack types. The energy released during tensile crack formation in EPS panels is minimal compared to that during shear crack formation. These findings are a basis for further AE investigations into EPS panels and developing AE sensor-based methods for identifying corrosion-induced degradation in EPS panels within structures.
Fast Total Cleaning Proactive Wash Droplet Routing for Digital Microfluidics Biochip
Authors: Swain Jyotiranjan , Pyne Sumanta
Published: October 2024

Digital Microfluidic Biochips (DMFBs) provide an alternative platform for synthesizing biochemical protocols and performing operations. Based on the electro-wetting principle, fluid droplets are moved from a source cell to a destination cell by a crawling mechanism. However, biochemical protocols that involve large molecular fluids, such as proteins, often face contamination issues. As these fluid droplets traverse their route, they can leave behind traces of residue, which may lead to unwanted mixing with subsequent droplets. Contamination in DMFB occurs when multiple droplets share certain cells along their route. To prevent this, wash droplets are introduced to clean the residues left behind. These wash droplets must reach the contaminated cells, perform the cleaning, and leave before the next functional droplet arrives. This paper presents a proactive wash droplet routing strategy that takes into account wash capacity, achieving thorough cleaning by appending a wash droplet behind every functional droplet. Simulation results show improvements in the latest arrival time by 13.74% and 10.97% compared to baseline methods I and II, respectively.
Vacuum energy density for interacting real and complex scalar fields in a Lorentz symmetry violation scenario
Authors: Farias A. J. D. , Smirnov A. , Santana Mota Herondy F. , Bezerra de Mello E. R.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the vacuum energy density and generation of topological mass are investigated for a system of a real and complex scalar fields interacting with each other. In addition to that, it is also included the quartic self-interaction for each one of the fields. The condition imposed on the real field is the periodic condition, while the complex field obey a quasi-periodic condition. The system is placed in a scenario where the CPT-even aether-type Lorentz symmetry violation takes place. We allow that the Lorentz violation affects the fields with different intensities. The vacuum energy density, its loop correction, and the topological mass are evaluated analytically. It is also discussed the possibility of different vacuum states and their corresponding stability requirements, which depends on the conditions imposed on the fields, the interaction coupling constants and also the Lorentz violation parameters. The formalism used here to perform this investigation is the effective potential one, which is written as a loop expansion via path integral in quantum field theory.
Genus g Zhu recursion for vertex operator algebras and their modules
Authors: Tuite Michael P. , Welby Michael
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we describe Zhu recursion for a vertex operator algebra (VOA) and its modules on a genus [Formula: see text] Riemann surface in the Schottky uniformization. We show that [Formula: see text]-point (intertwiner) correlation functions can be written as linear combinations of [Formula: see text]-point functions with universal coefficients given by derivatives of the differential of the third kind, the Bers quasiform and certain holomorphic forms. We use this formula to describe conformal Ward identities framed in terms of a canonical differential operator which acts with respect to the Schottky moduli and to the insertion points of the [Formula: see text]-point function. We consider the generalized Heisenberg VOA and determine all its correlation functions by Zhu recursion. We also use Zhu recursion to derive linear partial differential equations for the Heisenberg VOA partition function and various structures such as the bidifferential of the second kind, holomorphic [Formula: see text]-forms, the prime form and the period matrix. Finally, we compute the genus [Formula: see text] partition function for any rational Euclidean lattice generalized VOA.
Exceptionally preserved burrows of ichnogenus
Asterosoma
from the lower Silurian of south China: systematic ichnology, palaeoecology and implications for ecosystem recovery following the late Ordovician mass extinction
Authors: Yang Liao , Feng Xueqian , Zheng Zijie , Zheng Zemin , Chen Hongfei , Chen Zhong-Qiang
Published: October 2024

Exceptionally preserved complex burrows are described from the lower Silurian of South China, and they are identified as
Asterosoma ludwigae
Schlirf, 2000
, which is characterized by straight or curved bulbs that bud from an axial, vertical or horizontal, cylindrical burrow following a dichotomous or fan-like pattern. Striae and concentric lamination of burrow fills indicate that the special mining behaviour of the tracemaker reflects appendages that imprinted the burrow wall during their activities, implying that polychaetes or holothuroids could be strong candidates for the tracemaker of
A
.
ludwigae
. Abundant organic-matter-rich peloids and muddy matrix in burrow fills may consist of tracemaker's secretions or excrement. Abundant extracellular polymeric substance and clay minerals in filling sediment indicate the possible presence of microbes, implying that
Asterosoma
is not a simple fodinichnion, but rather created a beneficial symbiosis between tracemakers and microbes in burrows. Phanerozoic spatiotemporal distributions indicate that
Asterosoma
was distributed in broad habitats from deep sea to delta, but showed a strong preference for the shallow sea. Compilation of new ichnofossils and previously reported ichnotaxa from South China reveals that ichnospecies richness, burrow size and complexity all increased significantly during the late Aeronian, indicating a full recovery after the late Ordovician mass extinction.
Fragment of Interest: Personalized Video Fragment Recommendation with Inter-Fragment & Intra-Fragment Contextual Effect
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Kwok Ricky Y.k. , Ngai Edith C.h.
Published: October 2024

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the attention span of users consuming video content is alarmingly brief, often as short as 15 seconds for music or entertainment videos and 6 minutes for lecture videos. This presents a significant challenge for video producers and platform providers as they seek to engage users with longer content. One promising solution involves recommending specific fragments within longer videos that align with individual user profiles. In this article, we address this challenge by introducing a novel framework for video fragment recommendations, guided by three key insights. First, we implement a Self-Attention Block that captures the inter-fragment contextual effect, enhancing the relevance of recommendations. Second, we incorporate video-level preferences to ensure that the fragment recommendations are consistent with users’ overall interests. Third, we propose a Self-Attentive Herding Effect (SAHE) module to model the intra-fragment contextual effect, specifically the herding effect of time-sync comments within a fragment. To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed method, we conduct extensive experiments comparing our model against the state-of-the-art approaches in terms of NDCG@K and Recall@K. Our results demonstrate that the model effectively leverages inter-fragment and intra-fragment contextual effects along with video-level preferences, outperforming existing methods. Additionally, we carry out empirical experiments to analyze the key components and parameters of the proposed model, providing further insights into its performance.

1
Side-Reactions of Polyvinylidene Fluoride and Polyvinylidene Chloride Binders with Aluminum Chloride-Based Ionic Liquid Electrolyte in Rechargeable Aluminum-Batteries
Authors: Zemlyanushin Eugen , Müller Annika Lykka , Tsuda Tetsuya , Dsoke Sonia
Published: October 2024

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) use a Lewis acidic aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMImCl) ionic liquid electrolyte. Electrode fabrication often relies on procedures from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), including the use of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) as a binder. However, PVdF reacts with Al2Cl7
− in the RAB electrolyte, making it unsuitable for new battery types. The literature lacks details on the products formed, changes in the ionic liquid electrolyte, and the implications for electrochemical performance. With potential European Chemical Agency restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2025, Polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) is being explored as an alternative binder. In contact with AlCl3:EMImCl (1.50:1.00) electrolyte, both, PVdF and PVdC transform into amorphous carbon during dehydrofluorination and dehydrochlorination, respectively, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, via 19F-NMR, it is shown that the reaction time between the soaked polymers and the ionic liquid has a significant influence on the newly formed aluminum chlorofluoride complexes. Electrochemical tests of graphite-based electrodes indicate increasing specific capacity of PVdF compared to PVdC with a continuous number of cycles. Amorphous carbon can prevent the disintegration of graphite and enhance conductivity. Furthermore, newly formed AlF4
− can run a co-intercalation and lead to increasing specific capacity.
Exploring the Factors Preventing Older Adults From Reporting Cybercrime and Seeking Help: A Qualitative, Semistructured Interview Study
Authors: Havers Benjamin , Tripathi Kartikeya , Burton Alexandra , Martin Wendy , Cooper Claudia
Published: October 2024

Background: Older adults under‐report cybercrime, despite being more likely than younger people to experience repeat victimisation, financial loss and more severe emotional consequences. Considering vulnerabilities more common in old age, we sought to identify, and consider ways to address, barriers that older people experience when reporting cybercrime to statutory agencies with a role in reporting.

Methods: From community groups, police and victim support, and health and social care organisations, we purposively invited people aged 60+ who had experienced cybercrime (n = 16), their supporting family members (n = 2) and professional stakeholders (n = 15) to participate in semistructured in‐person or virtual interviews and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Across 33 interviews, we identified four themes: (1) Shame and fear of repercussion; (2) Reporting unhelpful to emotional and financial recovery; (3) Lack of knowledge of scams and sources of support; and (4) Social support makes a difference.

Conclusions: Digital ageism, evidenced by structural barriers, stigma and disempowerment experienced by older adults deciding whether to report cybercrime, warrants attention from the FJN and authorities. Independent “advocates” such as health, social care and third sector professionals can support older victims of cybercrime to navigate such reporting challenges.
Cell‐Free Fetal DNA for Prenatal Screening of Aneuploidies and Autosomal Trisomies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Belabbes Kenza Benchekroun , Tufanisco Elena Bendala , Sheth Chirag C.
Published: October 2024

Aim: This study was aimed at comparing the positive predictive value of a high‐risk cell‐free fetal DNA test result for sex chromosome aneuploidies (45,X0, 47,XXX, 47,XXY, and 47,XYY) and autosomal trisomies (T21, T18, and T13) with confirmatory tests in singleton pregnancies. Additionally, we identify the main reason for discordant and inconclusive results.

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from 2017 for primary research articles on cell‐free fetal DNA testing of autosomal trisomies and sex chromosome aneuploidies in singleton pregnancies. The methodological characteristics and the statistical results of the studies were collected, and the risk of bias was assessed.

Results: Fourteen studies were included. Among the autosomal trisomies, T21 had the highest, whereas T13 showed the lowest positive predictive values. As for the sex chromosome aneuploidies, the lowest values were found with 45,X0. Although discordant and inconclusive results were reported inconsistently, false positives were mainly caused by mosaicism, and inconclusive results were mostly secondary to a low fetal DNA fraction.

Conclusion: Cell‐free fetal DNA is a reliable screening tool for autosomal trisomies. It is also useful for sex chromosome aneuploidies, although the positive predictive values are lower. A positive screening result should be followed with a confirmatory test.
Fermentation Kinetics and Physicochemical Characterization of Nonalcoholic Wine Produced From Cashew Apple Juice
Authors: Akyereko Yaw Gyau , Wireko-Manu Faustina Dufie , Alemawor Francis , Adzanyo Mary
Published: October 2024

There is an increasing demand for nonalcoholic wines owing to religious beliefs, responsible driving, harmful effects of alcohol, and strict alcohol regulatory measures. Alcohol removal methods, used for nonalcoholic wine production, have negative impact on flavour characteristics and consumer acceptance. This study seeks to determine the fermentation kinetics and physicochemical properties of nonalcoholic wine developed from cashew apple juice using cold fermentation in combination with special yeast. The extracted cashew apple must was inoculated with S. ludwigii and Z. rouxii yeast culture separately and allowed to ferment at 0°C–4°C for 7 days in a completely randomized design. The pH, total soluble solids (TSS), temperature, specific gravity, titratable, volatile, and nonvolatile acidities of the fermenting must and wine were determined using standard methods. All the yeast strains maintained comparable fermentation trends with respect to pH, TSS, specific gravity, volatile acidity, titratable acidity, and fixed acid, but with different alcohol yields of 0.89 and 0.68% for S. ludwigii and Z. rouxii, respectively. The wine produced using S. ludwigii had a lower reducing sugar (3.58 mg/L) and TSS (6.65°Brix) compared to Z. rouxii (6.23 mg/L and 7.65°Brix), respectively. However, no significant differences existed in pH, titratable acidity, specific gravity, alcohol content, and colour characteristics: brightness (L∗). The matured wine products recorded 0% alcohol content and had distinct appealing colours. The application of cold fermentation combined with special yeast in nonalcoholic wine production is promising and deserves more research to explore its full potential in meeting the increasing demand for nonalcoholic wines.
A Cross‐Sectional Study on the Occurrence of Maternal Mortality in Some Selected Hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis Using Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial
Authors: Agyekum Gerald Ohene , Ofori Michael Fosu , Adarkwa Samuel Akwasi , Ofori Michael Arthur
Published: October 2024

Background: Maternal mortality is one of the most devastating and emotionally distressing occurrences that can be experienced by a family or society. The objective of the study was to investigate the risk factors associated with maternal mortality across the various sub‐metros using zero‐inflated models.

Methods: The study used secondary data obtained from eight health facilities within Kumasi metropolis from 2018 to 2022. The zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) is useful when dealing with count outcomes that show greater variability than would be expected in a standard Poisson distribution, a phenomenon known as overdispersion.

Results: The maternal mortality rates (MMRs) for 2018 to 2022 were 427.53, 385.68, 284.21, 323.74, and 440.78 per 100,000 live births, respectively, in the Kumasi metropolis. The study found unsafe abortion, sepsis, tuberculosis, hemorrhage, and hypertension to be significantly associated with maternal mortality.

Conclusion: We recommend a continuous health education campaign to encourage pregnant women to seek prompt medication when they suspect sepsis, hypertension, tuberculosis, and hemorrhage. Also, awareness about the risk associated with unsafe abortions should be promoted.
Analysis of Polysulfides in Aged Sparkling Wines From Different Vintages
Authors: Dekker Susanne , Nardin Tiziana , Roman Tomas , Larcher Roberto
Published: October 2024

Traditional sparkling wines are obtained from a vinification process with an additional ‘second’ fermentation in the bottle, which has an essential impact on the sensorial characteristics. During this maturation phase, several compounds are released from the yeast in autolysis, including the tripeptide glutathione. This compound has recently gained more interest due to its role in the formation of polysulfides and the subsequent possibility of H2S release post‐bottling. Hence, the release of sulphur‐containing compounds like glutathione during an ageing ‘sur lies’ ought to be considered regarding the accumulation and persistence of polysulfides. In this study, the presence of polysulfides in traditional sparkling wines was validated to gain a preliminary understanding of the role of ageing time and glutathione. UHPLC‐HRMS allowed the detection of two glutathionyl trisulfides in a selection of different naturally sparkling wines. Besides, it was found that the wines from vintage 2020 had a relatively high formation of GS3G and GS3C compared to vintages 2018 and 2019. Moreover, a trend between the trisulfides and GSSC was observed, possibly related to glutathione condensation and cysteine uptake by the yeast. This study showed the presence of polysulfides in various sparkling wines for the first time, increasing the availability of the current knowledge on this topic.
Predictive Value of Triglyceride‐Glucose Index for All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Feng Xiaoxuan , Deng Yishou , Chen Chaolei , Liu Xiaocong , Huang Yuqing , Feng Yingqing
Published: October 2024

Objective: To determine the associations between triglyceride‐glucose (TyG) index and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular causes in diabetic population.

Methods: 3349 participants with diabetes mellitus (DM) from the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), aged 18–85 years were included and grouped based on the TyG index in quintiles. Mortality was followed up through December 31th, 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We clarified the shape of association between TyG index and mortality using restricted cubic splines and piecewise linear regression.

Results: After a median follow‐up period of 82 months, 800 (23.9%) deaths occurred, of which 190 (5.7%) were due to cardiovascular causes. Participants in the top quintile had higher risks of all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04–1.48) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.32–4.45) than those in the lowest quintile. TyG index and all‐cause mortality had a J‐shaped relationship with a threshold value of 9.32, while TyG index and cardiovascular mortality had a reversed L‐shaped relationship with a threshold value of 9.37. Higher TyG index was associated with increased risks of all‐cause mortality (per SD increment, HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.27–1.82) and cardiovascular mortality (per SD increment, HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.54–3.04) when above the threshold values. The sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar findings.

Conclusions: TyG index in diabetic patients was nonlinearly correlated with mortality risks, potentially predicting all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Porphyra Polysaccharides Alleviated High‐Carbohydrate Diet‐Induced Growth Retardation, Lipid Deposition, Impairment of Immune and Antioxidant Functions, and Intestinal Morphology in Rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus)
Authors: Li Ruixin , Li Wenkai , Xie Jiaying , Liu Zhixiao , Xiao Yi , Tocher Douglas R. , Chen Cuiying , Lin Fan , Liu Xiaojuan , Xie Dizhi , Hong Yucong , Wang Shuqi
Published: October 2024

Porphyra polysaccharide (PPS), derived from marine red seaweeds of the Porphyra genus, has been reported to improve growth performance, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capability in animals. The present study investigated the effects of PPS supplementation to a high‐carbohydrate diet on growth performance, lipid metabolism, immunity, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microbial composition in rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus). Rabbitfish were fed a basal starch diet (BSD, 15% starch) and high‐starch diets (HSD, 25% starch) supplemented with varying levels of PPS (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) for 8 weeks. The results showed that HSD intake significantly decreased body weight and increased hepatosomatic index compared to rabbitfish fed BSD. But all dietary levels of PPS reversed these two indicators of fish fed HSD. In addition, the supplementation of 2.5% and 5% PPS significantly reduced the higher lipid contents in whole fish and abdominal muscle of fish fed HSD. Notably, 2.5% PPS reduced lipid droplets in the liver, possibly through the downregulation of genes associated with lipid synthesis and the upregulation of genes associated with lipid catabolism. Moreover, all levels of PPS supplementation decreased the higher serum alanine aminotransferase activity in fish fed HSD, indicating the alleviation of HSD‐induced liver impairment. Additionally, PPS inclusion significantly increased the activity of serum lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, and catalase while decreasing serum malondialdehyde in fish fed HSD, suggesting improvements in immunity and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, PPS inclusion mitigated damage to intestinal villi induced by HSD. Interestingly, 2.5% PPS increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes while reducing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Spirochetes, indicating the reshaping of gut microbiota. In summary, dietary PPS alleviated the negative effects of HSD on growth performance, lipid metabolism, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology and altered microbial composition in rabbitfish. This highlighted the beneficial effects of dietary PPS in fish and suggested it could contribute to the new strategies for treating metabolic syndrome and health impacts in aquatic animals.