bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of IOT-based low-cost MEMS pressure sensor for groundwater level monitoring
Authors: Barzegar Milad , Blanks Stan , Gharehdash Saba , Timms Wendy
Published: July 2023

Groundwater level monitoring is critical to the protection and management of groundwater resources. Properly designed and executed instrumentation can play an important role in increasing the quality and reliability of collected data and reducing total monitoring costs. The efficiency of the instrumentation depends mainly on the accuracy and reliability of the installed sensors. This study presents the testing and application of a cost-effective pressure sensor (0–689 kPa range) for water level monitoring based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology and the internet of things concept. The sensor performance, in terms of accuracy, precision, repeatability, and temperature, was investigated in laboratory columns (with constant water level, increasing and decreasing water levels at various rates) and in situ conditions in an observation bore (with natural groundwater level fluctuations). The results show that the MEMS sensor is capable of providing a reliable and adequate monitoring scheme with an accuracy of 0.31% full scale (FS) (2.13 kPa).
Simple two-layer dispersive models in the Hamiltonian reduction formalism
Authors: Camassa R , Falqui G , Ortenzi G , Pedroni M , Vu Ho T T
Published: July 2023

A Hamiltonian reduction approach is defined, studied, and finally used to derive asymptotic models of internal wave propagation in density stratified fluids in two-dimensional domains. Beginning with the general Hamiltonian formalism of Benjamin (1986 J. Fluid Mech.
165 445–74) for an ideal, stably stratified Euler fluid, the corresponding structure is systematically reduced to the setup of two homogeneous fluids under gravity, separated by an interface and confined between two infinite horizontal plates. A long-wave, small-amplitude asymptotics is then used to obtain a simplified model that encapsulates most of the known properties of the dynamics of such systems, such as bidirectional wave propagation and maximal amplitude travelling waves in the form of fronts. Further reductions, and in particular devising an asymptotic extension of Dirac’s theory of Hamiltonian constraints, lead to the completely integrable evolution equations previously considered in the literature for limiting forms of the dynamics of stratified fluids. To assess the performance of the asymptotic models, special solutions are studied and compared with those of the parent equations
Unfolding the Hong–Ou–Mandel interference between heralded photons from narrowband twin beams
Authors: Laiho K , Dirmeier T , Shafiee G , Marquardt Ch
Published: July 2023

The Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference is one of the most intriguing quantum optical phenomena and crucial in performing quantum optical communication and computation tasks. Lately, twin beam emitters such as those relying on the process of parametric down-conversion (PDC) have become confident sources of heralded single photons. However, if the pump power is high enough, the pairs produced via PDC—often called signal and idler—incorporate multiphoton contributions that usually distort the investigated quantum features. Here, we derive the temporal characteristics of the HOM interference between heralded states from two independent narrowband PDC sources. Apart from the PDC multiphoton content, our treatment also takes into account effects arriving from an unbalanced beam splitter ratio and optical losses. We perform a simulation in the telecommunication wavelength range and provide a useful tool for finding the optimal choice for PDC process parameters. Our results offer insight in the properties of narrowband PDC sources and turn useful when driving quantum optical applications with them.
Chemical vapor reaction synthesis and photoelectronic properties of CuS and Cu3SbS4 thin films
Authors: Xiao Liu , Liu Zhiying , Feng Wenlin
Published: July 2023

Chemical vapor reaction is a simple and efficient experimental means of preparing metal sulphide films. Through systematically studying the effect of vulcanisation temperature on the growth of copper sulfide (CuS) thin film. The copper antimony sulfide (Cu3SbS4) thin film was obtained by further vulcanized Sb/Cu mental film. The structure and optical properties of the as-prepared films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Raman and photoluminescence spectra. The hexagonal structure of CuS film was confirmed and Cu3SbS4 grew preferentially along the (112) crystal plane. The surface grains of CuS and Cu3SbS4 films were finally condensed into spheres. The content of S and the resistance of the films increase with the increase in temperature, but the bandgap of the films will be decreased. The bandgap of Cu2−xS films prepared at 195 °C−350 °C is in the range of 2.2–2.5 eV and that of Cu3SbS4 thin films prepared at 350 °C is 1.77 eV, and has good absorption in the visible light range. In addition, The Hall effect measurement indicated CuS and Cu3SbS4 films have p-type semiconducting behavior. The carrier concentration and mobility are 2.45 × 1021 cm−3 and 1.28 cm2 Vs−1 for CuS, and 4.30 × 1017 cm−3 and 185.93 cm2 Vs−1 for Cu3SbS4, respectively. The I-T tests show that the CuS and Cu3SbS4 thin films have photoconductive properties.
Cosmological inference from the EFTofLSS: the eBOSS QSO full-shape analysis
Authors: Simon Théo , Zhang Pierre , Poulin Vivian
Published: July 2023

We present cosmological results inferred from the effective-field theory (EFT) analysis of the full-shape of eBOSS quasars (QSO) power spectrum.
We validate our analysis pipeline against simulations, and find overall good agreement between the analyses in Fourier and configuration space.
Keeping the baryon abundance and the spectral tilt fixed, we reconstruct at 68% CL the fractional matter abundance Ω
m
, the reduced Hubble constant h, and the clustering amplitude σ
8, to respectively Ω
m
= 0.327 ± 0.035, h = 0.655 ± 0.034, and σ
8 = 0.880 ± 0.083 from eBOSS QSO alone.
These constraints are consistent at ≲ 1.8σ with the ones from Planck and from the EFT analysis of BOSS full-shape. Interestingly S
8 reconstructed from eBOSS QSO is slightly higher than that deduced from Planck and BOSS, although statistically consistent.
In combination with the EFT likelihood of BOSS, supernovae from Pantheon, and BAO from lyman-α and 6dF/MGS, constraints improve to Ω
m
= 0.2985 ± 0.0069 and h = 0.6803 ± 0.0075, in agreement with Planck and with similar precision.
We also explore one-parameter extensions to ΛCDM and find that results are consistent with flat ΛCDM at ≲ 1.3σ.
We obtain competitive constraints on the curvature density fraction Ω
k
= -0.039 ± 0.029, the dark energy equation of state w
0 = -1.038 ± 0.041, the effective number of relativistic species N
eff = 3.44+0.44
-0.91 at 68% CL, and the sum of neutrino masses ∑ mν
< 0.274 eV at 95% CL, without Planck data.
Including Planck data, contraints significantly improve thanks to the large lever arm in redshift between LSS and CMB measurements. In particular, we obtain the stringent constraint ∑ mν
< 0.093 eV, competitive with recent lyman-α forest power spectrum bound.
Multi-channel generation of vortex beams with controllable polarization states and orbital angular momentum
Authors: Lyu 吕 Ziyao 子瑶 , Wang 王 Pan 潘 , Wang 王 Changshun 长顺
Published: July 2023

Optical vortices with tunable polarization states and topological charges are widely investigated in various physical systems and practical devices for high-capacity optical communication. However, this kind of structured light beams is usually generated using several polarization and spatial phase devices, which decreases the configurability of optical systems. Here, we have designed a kind of polarized optical multi-vortices generator based on the Stokes–Mueller formalism and cross-phase modulation. In our scheme, multi-channel generation of polarized vortex beams can be realized through a single optical element and a single-input Gaussian beam. The polarization states and orbital angular momentum of the generated light beams are all-optically controllable. Furthermore, the proposed polarized optical multi-vortices generator has also been demonstrated experimentally through one-step holographic recording in an azobenzene liquid-crystalline film and the experimental results agree with theoretical analysis.
Research on corrosion resistance of ship propeller’s coating fabricated by laser
Authors: Liu Yu , Xu Tianhao
Published: July 2023

A novel method for the additive manufacturing was proposed to fabricate Ni-WC coating. The laser power and scanning speed were 1400 W and 200 mm/min-1, respectively. The microstructure, composition, hardness, friction properties and corrosion resistance were analyzed. The experimental results exhibit the coating’s average hardness is 614.3 HV0.5. It is about 3.1 times higher than the copper substrate. The wear rate of Ni-WC coating is only 9.7×10-5 mm3·N-1·m-1 due to the existence of hard phase and WC reinforced phase. The Ni-WC coating’s corrosion current density is 2.34×10-7 mA·mm-2, which shows a good corrosion resistance than the substrate. The performance of the coating is improved compared with the substrate. The bonding is good without defects.
Research on the influence of mortar powder content on the performance of recycled concrete
Authors: Lu Zhaoyang , Zhang Baiquan , Yan Baobao , Yang Wu
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the utilization rate of mortar powder in concrete, the influence of mortar powder on the workability, compressive strength, impermeability, and volume stability of recycled concrete was studied by using the control variable method. The results show that recycled aggregate can improve the workability and mechanical properties of recycled concrete by containing the appropriate amount of mortar powder. The content of mortar powder is less than 5%, the workability and compressive strength of recycled concrete will gradually improve with the increase of the content. When the content of fine mortar powder exceeds 5%, the workability and mechanical properties of concrete will deteriorate to some extent. The mortar powder can improve the impermeability and volume stability of concrete to a certain extent. When the content is 8%, the 56d chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete is 24.5 × 10-13 m2/s, which is 52.8% lower than that of concrete without mortar powder.
Study on Fluorescence Sensing of 2D Calcium Metal-Organic Frameworks to Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Wang Sibo , Sun Bo , Su Zhongmin , Sun Jing , Li Xiao
Published: July 2023

Detection methods based on changes in fluorescence intensity have been widely studied because of their convenience, fast response, and high sensitivity. In many fluorescent materials, luminescent metal-organic frameworks(LMOF) exhibit the characteristics of simple preparation and recyclability, which has become a new type of detection material. Thus, a two-dimensional structure is prepared by combining amide functionalization ligand with alkaline earth metal calcium (namely CUST-620), not only the fluorescent intensity is improved, but also the thermal stability is ideal. The excellent luminescence properties and fluorescent sensing of antibiotics are commonly used in aqueous environments. The results present significant quenching occurring when tetracycline hydrochloride is added to CUST-620. It is expected to become a novel antibiotic fluorescent sensor.
Study on Preparation and Properties of a liquid segregation resistance agent
Authors: Lin Zeyu
Published: July 2023

New concrete often deteriorates performance, segregation, water secretion, and other phenomena ₒ Concrete workability and pumpability are reduced, and concrete segregation resistance agents can effectively solve the problem, and effectively improve the construction performance of fresh concrete. This study shows that acrylamide is 3.40%, AMPS is 1.50%, H2O2 is 0.06%, and suspension block is 0.2%. The optimum performance of the best performing liquid segregation resistance agent allows for a significant reduction in the amount of liquid segregation resistance agent used while the performance of the concrete remains unchanged.
Discrimination and Experimental Study of HSCCC Operational Modal based on LSCF
Authors: Yin Qin , Gong Xiaorong , Shu Ruizhi , Zhang Kaifei
Published: July 2023

The dynamic characteristics of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) have a significant impact on its separation efficiency and equipment stability. The accurate discrimination of the dynamic characteristic during the separation process constitutes the prerequisite for clarifying the separation mechanism and performance improvement. This study establishes the HSCCC operational modal discrimination model using the least-square complex frequency domain method (LSCF) and then derives the discrimination function based on the cross-power spectral density (CPSD) function and cross-half power spectral density (PSD) function. Then an operational modal acquisition and analysis system was built for the operational modal in three directions at six common speeds. Finally, the inherent frequencies and mode of vibration of the experimental modes were verified by the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC), Mean Phase Deviation (MPD), Modal Phase Collinearity (MPC), and Mode Indicator Functions (MIF) in this study. The results prove the feasibility of the proposed method. It shows that the CPSD function is more applicable to the HSCCC dynamic performance analysis, which should be considered in the actual separation process analysis.
Feasibility study on PGNAA experiments using a prototype neutron beam at Isfahan MNSR
Authors: Choopan Dastjerdi M.H. , Mokhtari J. , Toghyani M. , Soleimani B.
Published: July 2023

In this study, the feasibility study of Prompt Gamma Neutron
Activation Analysis (PGNAA) experiments at Isfahan Miniature Neutron
Source Reactor (MNSR) has been done using a prototype neutron
beam. This neutron beam was not originally created for this purpose,
but previous studies on this neutron beam have shown that it has
enough neutron flux to carry out some irradiations outside the
reactor core. This prototype neutron beam provided a neutron flux of
order 105 n·cm-2·s-1 and a circular
diameter of 5 cm for the experiments. In addition, an appropriate
setup for High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe) was done at the beam
outlet, where the sample is irradiated. A simple shield was also
installed to prevent radiation damage to the detector. Experiments
were conducted for bulk samples of salt solution with different
concentrations and the prompt gamma spectrums have been obtained and
analyzed.
Biomimethics: a critical perspective on the ethical implications of biomimetics in technological innovation
Authors: Broeckhoven Chris , Winters Sabine
Published: July 2023

Biomimetics, bioinspiration, biomimicry, and related nature-inspired activities—collectively known as biom*—are witnessing an unprecedented surge in popularity, as they offer unparalleled opportunities for technological advancement, innovation, and sustainable development. The growing prevalence of biom*, however, has sparked moral debates regarding their approaches, emphasizing the need for universally applicable ethical guidelines that can effectively guide practitioners in their work. In this perspective, we outline some of the moral, ethical, and legal challenges associated with biom*, particularly the scientific discipline of biomimetics, focusing on various issues surrounding our motivations for pursuing these approaches, the valuation of nature within them, and regulations in the commercialization of biological knowledge. By highlighting the challenges inherent in biom*, this perspective aims to empower practitioners in the field to make informed decisions and take purposeful action. Specific recommendations are provided to guide them in choosing the right course of action for the right reasons.
Band structure and spin texture of 2D materials for valleytronics: insights from spin and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Bussolotti F , Maddumapatabandi T D , Goh K E J
Published: July 2023

In this review, we present a perspective on the use of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and spin-resolved ARPES (SARPES) for the study of the electronic properties of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), a prime example of two-dimensional (2D) materials for valleytronics applications. In the introductory part, we briefly describe the structural and electronic properties of semiconducting TMDCs and the main valleytronics related physical effects. After a short presentation of theoretical methods utilized in the band structure and spin texture calculation of semiconducting TMDCs, we illustrate the basic principles and methodology of photoemission techniques and then provide a detailed survey on the electronic band structure studies of these materials. In particular, by selecting and comparing seminal results in the field, we highlight the critical role played by the sample preparation strategy on the amount and quality of information that can be extracted in the ARPES investigations of TMDCs. This is followed by a detailed discussion on the impact of interface potential landscape and doping on their electronic properties, considering the importance of their contact with metal electrode and/or dielectric substrate in determining the electrical transport in real devices’ architecture. Finally, we summarize key SARPES findings on the spin texture of TMDCs and conclude by pointing out current open issues and potential directions for future photoemission-based studies on these 2D systems.
Robotic Astronomy
Authors: Copperwheat Chris
Published: July 2023

Robotic telesopes are essential in studying time domain astronomy. Astronomer-in-Charge at the Liverpool Telescope Chris Copperwheat expounds its benefits, and gives us a preview of coming interactions with the Liverpool Telescope's planned successor.
All (X-ray) eyes on Mercury
Authors: Bunce Emma
Published: July 2023

In the 2022 RAS Presidential Address, Emma Bunce explores the mysteries of Mercury with BepiColombo
Peacock spiders prefer image statistics of average natural scenes over those of male ornamentation
Authors: Hardenbicker Marie-Christin , Tedore Cynthia
Published: July 2023

The origins of preferences that drive the evolution of arbitrary sexual signals have been hotly debated for more than 150 years. An emerging but little-tested theory, efficient coding theory, proposes that male visual courtship displays are adapted to pre-existing processing biases shaped by the statistical properties of the natural environment. Natural scenes show strong spatial correlations with average amplitudes of spatial frequencies falling with an average spectral slope of –1 and humans have been shown to prefer random amplitude spectrum images that possess similar slopes. It has been proposed that other animals may also prefer the statistics of their natural environment and that this preference drives the evolution of sexual signaling displays. Here, we measure the spectral slope of the male display pattern of the Australian peacock jumping spider Maratus spicatus and test for a general preference toward that slope. We present spiders (male, female and juvenile) with random images of the male slope of –1.7 compared with: (a) a shallower slope of –1.0 and (b) a steeper slope of –2.3. Spiders spent more time oriented toward the shallower slope than toward the male slope and spent the same amount of time oriented toward the male slope and the steeper slope. Our results indicate that spiders, like humans, prefer the average natural slope of –1, suggesting that this is likely the slope typically found in their natural habitat. Rather than exploiting a potential processing bias it seems that males have evolved slopes that contrast with the visual background to enhance conspicuousness.
Experimental and molecular support for Cfap70 as a causative gene of ‘multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella’ with male infertility
Authors: Chen Jingwen , Wang Yaling , Wu Bangguo , Shi Huijuan , Wang Lingbo
Published: July 2023

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella, a severe form of asthenozoospermia, can lead to male infertility. Recent studies have implicated an association between human CFAP70 deficiency and multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella; however, the underlying biological mechanism and supporting experimental evidence in animal models remain unclear. To address this gap, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate Cfap70-deficient mice to investigate the relationship between Cfap70 deficiency and multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella. Our findings show that the loss of CFAP70 leads to multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella and spermiogenesis defects. Specifically, the lack of CFAP70 impairs sperm flagellum biogenesis and head shaping during spermiogenesis. Late-step spermatids from Cfap70-deficient mouse testis exhibited club-shaped sperm heads and abnormal disassembly of the manchette. Furthermore, we found that CFAP70 interacts with DNAI1 and DNAI2; Cfap70 deficiency also reduces the level of AKAP3 in sperm flagella, indicating that CFAP70 may participate in the flagellum assembly and transport of flagellar components. These findings provide compelling evidence implicating Cfap70 as a causative gene of multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella and highlight the consequences of CFAP70 loss on flagellum biogenesis.
Endoscopic Lesions of Postoperative Anastomotic Area in Patients With Crohn’s Disease in the Biologic Era: A Japanese Multi-Centre Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Ueda Takeshi , Koyama Fumikazu , Sugita Akira , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Futami Kitaro , Fukushima Kouhei , Nezu Riichiro , Iijima Hideki , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Itabashi Michio , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Hata Keisuke , Shinagawa Takahide , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Takenaka Kento , Sasaki Makoto , Nagayama Manabu , Yamamoto Hironori , Shinozaki Masaru , Fujiya Mikihiro , Kato Jun , Ueno Yoshitaka , Tanaka Shinji , Okita Yoshiki , Hashimoto Yoshinari , Kobayashi Taku , Koganei Kazutaka , Uchino Motoi , Fujii Hisao , Suzuki Yasuo , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Many patients have endoscopic evidence of recurrent Crohn’s disease [CD] at 1 year after intestinal resection. These lesions predict future clinical recurrence. We endoscopically evaluated postoperative anastomotic lesions in CD patients from a large cohort of postoperative CD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled CD patients who underwent surgical resection between 2008 and 2013 at 19 inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]-specialist institutions. The initial analyses included patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy ~1 year after intestinal resection. Follow-up analyses assessed any changes in the endoscopic findings over time. We evaluated the postoperative endoscopic findings, which were classified into four categories [no lesion, mild, intermediate, severe] at the sites of the anastomotic line and peri-anastomosis.

Results

In total, 267 CD patients underwent postoperative ileocolonoscopy. Postoperative anastomotic lesions were widely detected in index ileocolonoscopy [61.0%] and were more frequently detected in follow-up ileocolonoscopy [74.9%]. Endoscopic severity also increased. Patients with intermediate or severe peri-anastomotic or anastomotic line lesions at the index ileocolonoscopy required significantly more interventions, including endoscopic dilatation or surgery, than patients with mild lesions or no lesions.

Conclusions

Frequent anastomotic lesions were observed at the postoperative index ileocolonoscopy. These gradually increased for subsequent ileocolonoscopy, even in the biologic era. Regarding lesions on the anastomotic line, intermediate lesions on the anastomotic line [e.g. irregular or deep ulcers] might be considered recurrent disease, and mild lesions [e.g. linear superficial ulcers] might be considered non-recurrent disease. Prospective studies are needed to resolve this issue, including treatment enhancement.
Bacterial endophytes of sugar maple leaves vary more idiosyncratically than epiphytes across a large geographic area
Authors: Demarquest Garance , Lajoie Geneviève
Published: July 2023

Bacteria from the leaf surface and the leaf tissue have been attributed with several beneficial properties for their plant host. Though physically connected, the microbial ecology of these compartments has mostly been studied separately such that we lack an integrated understanding of the processes shaping their assembly. We sampled leaf epiphytes and endophytes from the same individuals of sugar maple across the northern portion of its range to evaluate if their community composition was driven by similar processes within and across populations differing in plant traits and overall abiotic environment. Leaf compartment explained most of the variation in community diversity and composition across samples. Leaf epiphytic communities were driven more by host and site characteristics than endophytic communities, whose community composition was more idiosyncratic across samples. Our results suggest a greater importance of priority effects and opportunistic colonization in driving community assembly of leaf endophytes. Understanding the comparative assembly of bacterial communities at the surface and inside plant leaves may be particularly useful for leveraging their respective potential for improving the health of plants in natural and anthropized ecosystems.
Exploration of the shared gene signatures and molecular mechanisms between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease: evidence from transcriptome data
Authors: Zhan Chi , Zhou Zhaocai , Huang Yaxian , Huang Shuheng , Lin Zhengmei , He Feng , Song Zhi
Published: July 2023

Background

Periodontitis disease (PD) is associated with a systemic disorder of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The immune response is the common feature of the two conditions, but the more precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

Differential expressed genes (DEGs) analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed on PD and Crohn's disease (CD) data sets to identify crosstalk genes linking the two diseases. The proportions of infiltrating immune cells were calculated by using Single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. In addition, a data set of isolated neutrophils from the circulation was performed via WGCNA to obtain PD-related key modules. Then, single-cell gene set enrichment scores were computed for the key module and grouped neutrophils according to score order in the IBD scRNA-seq data set. Single-cell gene enrichment analysis was used to further explore the biological process of the neutrophils.

Results

A total of 13 crosstalk genes (IL1B, CSF3, CXCL1, CXCL6, FPR1, FCGR3B, SELE, MMP7, PROK2, SRGN, FCN1, TDO2 and CYP24A1) were identified via DEGs analysis and WGCNA by combining PD and CD data sets. The enrichment analysis showed that these genes were involved in interleukin-10 signaling and inflammatory response. The immune infiltration analysis showed a significant difference in the proportion of neutrophils in PD and CD compared with healthy patients. Neutrophils were scored based on the expression of a periodontitis-related gene set in the scRNA-seq data set of IBD. The enrichment analysis demonstrated that inflammatory response, TNFα signaling via NF-κB and interferon-gamma response were upregulated in the high-score group, which expressed more pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared with the low-score group.

Conclusions

This study reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism linking periodontitis and IBD through crosstalk genes and neutrophils, which provides a theoretical framework for future research.
Perspective: Social License as a Lens for Improving Ethical and Welfare Standards in Cephalopod Research
Authors: Crook Robyn J
Published: July 2023

Synopsis

Interest in cephalopods as comparative models in neuroscience, cognition, behavior, and ecology is surging due to recent advances in culture and experimental techniques. Although cephalopods have a long history in research, their use had remained limited due to the challenges of funding work on comparative models, the lack of modern techniques applicable to them, and the small number of labs with the facilities to keep and house large numbers of healthy animals for long periods. Breakthroughs in each of these areas are now creating new interest in cephalopods from researchers who trained and worked in other models, as well as allowing established cephalopod labs to grow and collaborate more widely. This broadening of the field is essential to its long-term health, but also brings with it new and heightened scrutiny from animal rights organizations, federal regulatory agencies, and members of the public. As a community, it is critical that scientists working with cephalopods engage in discussions, studies, and communication that promote high standards for cephalopod welfare. The concept of “social license to operate,” more commonly encountered in industry, recreation, and agriculture, provides a useful lens through which to view proactive steps the cephalopod research community may take to ensure a strong future for our field. In this Perspective, I discuss recent progress in cephalopod ethics and welfare studies, and use the conceptual framework of Social License to Operate to propose a forward-looking, public-facing strategy for the parallel development of welfare-focused best practices and scientific breakthroughs.
Biventricular repair using subvalvular techniques for unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect
Authors: Shinohara Gen , Oda Shinichiro , Fujita Satoshi , Shiose Akira
Published: July 2023

We report the case of a 19-month-old girl with a right-dominant unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect and severe right-sided atrioventricular valve regurgitation who underwent biventricular repair using basal chordae resection, artificial chordae reconstruction and a left-sided atrioventricular valvuloplasty. At 14-month postoperative follow-up, the patient had minimal heart failure, gained weight and adapted to biventricular circulation.
Broken stitch detection system for industrial sewing machines using HSV color space and image processing techniques
Authors: Kim Hyungjung , Lee Hyunsu , Ahn Semin , Jung Woo-Kyun , Ahn Sung-Hoon
Published: July 2023

Sewing defect detection is an essential step in garment production quality control. Although sewing defects significantly influence the quality of clothing, they are yet to be studied widely compared to fabric defects. In this study, to address sewing defect detection and develop an appropriate method for small and labor-intensive garment companies, an on-machine broken stitch detection system is proposed. In hardware, a versatile mounting kit, including clamping, display, and adjustable linkage for a camera, is presented for easy installation on a typical industrial sewing machine and for placing the camera close to the sewing position. Additionally, a prototype is implemented using a low-cost single-board computer, Raspberry Pi 4 B, its camera, and Python language. For automated broken stitch detection, a method is proposed that includes removing the texture of the background fabric, image processing in the HSV color space, and edge detection for robust broken detection under various fabric and thread colors and lighting conditions. The proposed system demonstrates reasonable real-time detection accuracy. The maximum accuracy obtained on a sewing stitch dataset with 880 images and on-site tests of various industrial sewing machines is 82.5%, which is 12.1–34.6% higher than that of the two existing methods.
Estrogen receptor α-mediated signaling inhibits type I interferon response to promote breast carcinogenesis
Authors: Cao Li-Bo , Ruan Zi-Lun , Yang Yu-Lin , Zhang Nian-Chao , Gao Chuan , Cai Cheguo , Zhang Jing , Hu Ming-Ming , Shu Hong-Bing
Published: July 2023

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an important driver and therapeutic target in ∼70% of breast cancers. How ERα drives breast carcinogenesis is not fully understood. In this study, we show that ERα is a negative regulator of type I interferon (IFN) response. Activation of ERα by its natural ligand estradiol inhibits IFN-β-induced transcription of downstream IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), whereas ERα deficiency or the stimulation with its antagonist fulvestrant has opposite effects. Mechanistically, ERα induces the expression of the histone 2A variant H2A.Z to restrict the engagement of the IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) complex to the promoters of ISGs and also interacts with STAT2 to disrupt the assembly of the ISGF3 complex. These two events mutually lead to the inhibition of ISG transcription induced by type I IFNs. In a xenograft mouse model, fulvestrant enhances the ability of IFN-β to suppress ERα+ breast tumor growth. Consistently, clinical data analysis reveals that ERα+ breast cancer patients with higher levels of ISGs exhibit higher long-term survival rates. Taken together, our findings suggest that ERα inhibits type I IFN response via two distinct mechanisms to promote breast carcinogenesis.
Patients’ attitudes and preferences toward delayed disease progression in the absence of improved survival
Authors: Brundage Michael D , Booth Christopher M , Eisenhauer Elizabeth A , Galica Jacqueline , Kankesan Janarthanan , Karim Safiya , Koven Rachel , McDonald Valerie , Ng Terry , O’Donnell Jennifer , ten Hove Julia , Robinson Andrew
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer patients’ attitudes toward progression-free survival (PFS) gains offered by treatment are not well understood, particularly in the absence of overall survival (OS) gains. The objectives were to describe patients’ willingness to accept treatment that offers PFS gains without OS gains, to compare these findings with treatments offering OS gains, and to qualitatively summarize patients’ reasons for their preferences.

Methods

A multicenter, cross-sectional, convergent mixed-methods study design recruited patients who had received at least 3 months of systemic therapy for incurable solid tumors. A treatment trade-off exercise determined the gains in imaging PFS that patients require to prefer additional systemic treatment for a scenario of a newly diagnosed, asymptomatic, incurable abdominal tumor. A qualitative, descriptive, thematic analysis explored factors influencing patients’ decisions, and a narrative method integrated the quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results

In total, 100 patients participated (63% were older than 60 years of age). If additional treatment with added toxicity offered no OS advantage, 17% would prefer it for no PFS benefit; 26% for some PFS benefit (range, 3-9 months), whereas 51% would decline it regardless of PFS benefit. Similarly, 71% preferred additional treatment offering a 6-month OS advantage dependent on described toxicity levels (P = .03). A spectrum of reasons for these preferences reflected the complexity of participants’ attitudes and values.

Conclusions

Prolongation of time to progression was not universally valued. Most patients did not prefer treatments that negatively affect quality of life for PFS gains alone. Implications for individual decision making, policy, and trials research are discussed.
An Improved Average Atomic Number Calculation for Estimating Backscatter and Continuum Production in Compounds
Authors: Donovan John , Ducharme Andrew , Schwab Joseph J , Moy Aurélien , Gainsforth Zack , Wade Benjamin , McMorran Benjamin
Published: July 2023

It is often assumed that electron backscatter and continuum (bremsstrahlung) productions emitted from electron-solid interactions during X-ray microanalysis in compounds can be extrapolated from pure element observations by means of the assumption of average atomic number, or Z-bar (Z¯). For pure elements the average Z is equal to the atomic number, but this direct approach fails for compounds. The use of simple atomic fractions yields completely spurious results, and while the commonly used mass fraction Z averaging produces fairly reasonable results, we know from physical considerations that the mass of the neutron plays only a negligible role in such interactions below ∼1 MeV. Therefore, including the mass or atomic weight in such calculations can only introduce further errors in these models. We present an expression utilizing atomic fractions of the atomic numbers of the elements in the compound (Z fraction), with an exponent to account for the variation in nuclear screening as a function of the element Z value.
Correlations between QPO frequencies and spectral parameters of GRS 1915+105 using AstroSat observations
Authors: Dhaka Ruchika , Misra Ranjeev , Yadav J S , Jain Pankaj
Published: July 2023

In this work, we study the correlation between quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) frequency and the spectral parameters during various X-ray states in the black hole binary GRS 1915+105 which matches well with the predicted relativistic dynamic frequency (i.e. the inverse of the sound crossing time) at the truncated radii. We have used broad-band data of Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter and Soft X-ray Telescope instruments onboard AstroSat. Spectral fitting shows that the accretion rate varies from ∼0.1 to ∼5.0 × 1018 gm s−1 and the truncated radius changing from the last stable orbit of an almost maximally spinning black hole, ∼1.2 to ∼19 gravitational radii. For this wide range, the frequencies of the C-type QPO (2–6 Hz) follow the trend predicted by the relativistic dynamical frequency model and interestingly, the high-frequency QPO at ∼70 Hz also follows the same trend, suggesting they originate from the innermost stable circular orbit with the same mechanism as the more commonly observed C-type QPO. While the qualitative trend is as predicted, there are quantitative deviations between the data and the theory, and the possible reasons for these deviations are discussed.
Local positive feedback in the overall negative: the impact of quasar winds on star formation in the FIRE cosmological simulations
Authors: Mercedes-Feliz Jonathan , Anglés-Alcázar Daniel , Hayward Christopher C , Cochrane Rachel K , Terrazas Bryan A , Wellons Sarah , Richings Alexander J , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Moreno Jorge , Su Kung Yi , Hopkins Philip F , Quataert Eliot , Kereš Dušan
Published: July 2023

Negative feedback from accreting supermassive black holes is considered crucial in suppressing star formation and quenching massive galaxies. However, several models and observations suggest that black hole feedback may have a positive effect, triggering star formation by compressing interstellar medium gas to higher densities. We investigate the dual role of black hole feedback using cosmological hydrodynamic simulations from the Feedback In Realistic Environment (FIRE) project, incorporating a novel implementation of hyper-refined accretion-disc winds. Focusing on a massive, star-forming galaxy at z ∼ 2 ($M_{\rm halo} \sim 10^{12.5}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$), we demonstrate that strong quasar winds with a kinetic power of ∼1046 erg s−1, persisting for over 20 Myr, drive the formation of a central gas cavity and significantly reduce the surface density of star formation across the galaxy’s disc. The suppression of star formation primarily occurs by limiting the availability of gas for star formation rather than by evacuating the pre-existing star-forming gas reservoir (preventive feedback dominates over ejective feedback). Despite the overall negative impact of quasar winds, we identify several potential indicators of local positive feedback, including (1) the spatial anticorrelation between wind-dominated regions and star-forming clumps, (2) higher local star formation efficiency in compressed gas at the edge of the cavity, and (3) increased contribution of outflowing material to local star formation. Moreover, stars formed under the influence of quasar winds tend to be located at larger radial distances. Our findings suggest that both positive and negative AGN feedback can coexist within galaxies, although the local positive triggering of star formation has a minor influence on global galaxy growth.
EHT observables as a tool to estimate parameters of supermassive black holes
Authors: Afrin Misba , Ghosh Sushant G
Published: July 2023

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration unveiled event-horizon-scale images of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) M87* and Sgr A*, revealing a dark brightness depression, namely the black hole shadow, whose shape and size may encode the parameters of the SMBHs, and the shadow is consistent with that of a Kerr black hole. It furnishes another encouraging tool to estimate black hole parameters and test theories of gravity in extreme regions near the event horizon. We propose a technique that uses EHT observables, the angular shadow diameter dsh, and the axis ratio $\mathcal {D}_A$, to estimate the parameters associated with SMBHs, described by the Kerr metric. Unlike previous methods, our approach explicitly considers the uncertainties in the measurement of EHT observables. Modelling Kerr–Newman and three rotating regular space–times to be M87* and Sgr A* and applying our technique, we estimate the associated charge parameters along with spin. Our method is consistent with the existing formalisms and can be applied to shadow shapes that are more general and may not be circular. We can use the technique for other SMBHs once their EHT observables become accessible. With future, more accurate measurements of the EHT observables, the estimation of various SMBH parameters like the spin and inclination angles of M87* and Sgr A* would be more precise.
Jellyfish galaxies with the IllustrisTNG simulations – when, where, and for how long does ram pressure stripping of cold gas occur?
Authors: Rohr Eric , Pillepich Annalisa , Nelson Dylan , Zinger Elad , Joshi Gandhali D , Ayromlou Mohammadreza
Published: July 2023

Jellyfish galaxies are prototypical examples of satellite galaxies undergoing strong ram pressure stripping (RPS). We analyse the evolution of 512 unique, first-infalling jellyfish galaxies from the TNG50 cosmological simulation. These have been visually inspected to be undergoing RPS sometime in the past 5 Byr (since z = 0.5), have satellite stellar masses $M_\star ^{\rm sat}\sim 10^{8\!-\!10.5}\, {\rm M}_\odot$, and live in hosts with $M_{\rm 200c}\sim 10^{12\!-\!14.3}\, {\rm M}_\odot$ at z = 0. We quantify the cold gas (T ≤ 104.5 K) removal using the tracer particles, confirming that for these jellyfish, RPS is the dominant driver of cold gas loss after infall. Half of these jellyfish are completely gas-less by z = 0, and these galaxies have earlier infall times and smaller satellite-to-host mass ratios than their gaseous counterparts. RPS can act on jellyfish galaxies over long time-scales of ≈1.5–8 Gyr. Jellyfish in more massive hosts are impacted by RPS for a shorter time span and, at a fixed host mass, jellyfish with less cold gas at infall and lower stellar masses at z = 0 have shorter RPS time spans. While RPS may act for long periods of time, the peak RPS period – where at least 50 per cent of the total RPS occurs – begins within ≈1 Gyr of infall and lasts ≲2 Gyr. During this period, the jellyfish are at host-centric distances ∼0.2–2R200c, illustrating that much of RPS occurs at large distances from the host galaxy. Interestingly, jellyfish continue forming stars until they have lost ≈98 per cent of their cold gas. For groups and clusters in TNG50 $(M_{\rm 200c}^{\rm host}\sim 10^{13\!-\!14.3}\, {\rm M}_\odot)$, jellyfish galaxies deposit more cold gas ($\sim 10^{11\!-\!12}\, {\rm M}_\odot$) into haloes than what exists in them at z = 0, demonstrating that jellyfish, and in general satellite galaxies, are a significant source of cold gas accretion.
Testing space–time geometries and theories of gravity at the Galactic centre with pulsar’s time delay
Authors: Della Monica Riccardo , De Martino Ivan , De Laurentis Mariafelicia
Published: July 2023

We developed a numerical methodology to compute the fully relativistic propagation time of photons emitted by a pulsar in orbit around a massive compact object, like the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* in the Galactic centre, whose gravitational field is described by a generic spherically symmetric space–time. Pulsars at the Galactic centre are usually regarded as the next major precision probe for theories of gravity, filling the current experimental gap between horizon-scale gravity tests and those at larger scales. We retain a completely general approach, which allows us to apply our code to the Schwarzschild space–time (by which we successfully validate our methodology) and to three different well-motivated alternatives to the standard black hole paradigm. The results of our calculations highlight departures spanning several orders of magnitudes in timing residuals, that are supposed to be detectable with future observing facilities like the Square Kilometer Array.
Coronal properties of low-accreting AGNs using Swift, XMM–Newton, and NuSTAR observations
Authors: Jana Arghajit , Chatterjee Arka , Chang Hsiang-Kuang , Nandi Prantik , Rubinur K , Kumari Neeraj , Naik Sachindra , Safi-Harb Samar , Ricci Claudio
Published: July 2023

We studied the broad-band X-ray spectra of Swift/Burst Alert Telescope selected low-accreting active galactic nuclei (AGNs) using the observations from XMM–Newton, Swift, and NuSTAR in the energy range of 0.5–150 keV. Our sample consists of 30 AGNs with Eddington ratio, λEdd < 10−3. We extracted several coronal parameters from the spectral modelling, such as the photon index, hot electron plasma temperature, cutoff energy, and optical depth. We tested whether there exist any correlation/anticorrelation among different spectral parameters. We observe that the relation of hot electron temperature with the cutoff energy in the low accretion domain is similar to what is observed in the high accretion domain. We did not observe any correlation between the Eddington ratio and the photon index. We studied the compactness–temperature diagram and found that the cooling process for extremely low-accreting AGNs is complex. The jet luminosity is calculated from the radio flux, and observed to be related to the bolometric luminosity as $L_{\rm jet} \propto L_{\rm bol}^{0.7}$, which is consistent with the standard radio-X-ray correlation.
Effectively utilizing publicly available databases for cancer target evaluation
Authors: Croft Daniel , Lodhia Puja , Lourenco Sofia , MacKay Craig
Published: July 2023

The majority of compounds designed against cancer drug targets do not progress to become approved drugs, mainly due to lack of efficacy and/or unmanageable toxicity. Robust target evaluation is therefore required before progressing through the drug discovery process to reduce the high attrition rate. There are a wealth of publicly available databases that can be mined to generate data as part of a target evaluation. It can, however, be challenging to learn what databases are available, how and when they should be used, and to understand the associated limitations. Here, we have compiled and present key, freely accessible and easy-to-use databases that house informative datasets from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. We also highlight comprehensive target review databases that aim to bring together information from multiple sources into one-stop portals. In the post-genomics era, a key objective is to exploit the extensive cell, animal and patient characterization datasets in order to deliver precision medicine on a patient-specific basis. Effective utilization of the highlighted databases will go some way towards supporting the cancer research community achieve these aims.