bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of coexisting attractors and ghost orbiting in an optomechanical microresonator
Authors: Chapman D. M. , Burton E. K. T. , Hall J. R. , Rosenberger A. T. , Bandy D. K.
Published: April 2024

We explore the nonlinear interactions of an optomechanical microresonator driven by two external optical signals. Optical whispering-gallery waves are coupled to acoustic surface waves of a fused silica medium in the equatorial plane of a generic microresonator. The system exhibits coexisting attractors whose behaviors include limit cycles, steady states, tori, quasi-chaos, and fully developed chaos with ghost orbits of a known attractor. Bifurcation diagrams demonstrate the existence of self-similarity, periodic windows, and coexisting attractors and show high-density lines within chaos that suggests a potential ghost orbit. In addition, the Lyapunov spectral components as a function of control parameter illuminate the dynamic nature of attractors and periodic windows with symmetric and asymmetric formations, their domains of existence, their bifurcations, and other nonlinear effects. We show that the power-shift method can access accurately and efficiently attractors in the optomechanical system as it does in other nonlinear systems. To test whether the ghost orbit is the link between two attractors interrupted by chaos, we examine the elements of the bifurcation diagrams as a function of control parameter. We also use detuning as a second control parameter to avoid the chaotic region and clarify that the two attractors are one.
Ordered phases in ternary wurtzite group-III nitrides: A first-principles study
Authors: Mizuseki Hiroshi , Gueriba Jessiel Siaron , Cadatal-Raduban Marilou , Sarukura Nobuhiko , Tamiya Eiichi , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2024

A first-principles-based lattice model is applied to investigate the ordered phases of mixed group-III nitride ternary alloys. The model surveys the atomistic configurations with the lowest formation enthalpy for a wide range of compositions. We found novel ordered phases in wurtzite structures having specific compositions of three- and four-sevenths molar fractions of group-III cations. The configurations of group–III atoms on cation sites in those phases consist of a characteristic fragment of the ordered phases of one-third and one-half ordered phases that were previously reported. The simulation results indicate that group-III cations in ternary nitrides follow spatial positioning “atomistic distancing rules” that can be described by the pairwise interaction energy of group-III cations to realize the stabilities of the ordered structures. To minimize the formation enthalpy of a mixed crystal, the minor B, Al, Ga, and In atoms on cation sites remain neither too close to nor too distant from each other, allowing those ordered phases to be realized.
Robust photo-induced pure spin current in graphene–graphane superlattices
Authors: Fu Zhentao , Yan Pinglan , Li Jin , He Chaoyu , Ouyang Tao , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: April 2024

The photogalvanic effect has been demonstrated to be an effective method to generate pure spin current. However, obtaining robust pure spin current remains a big challenge as most of the photo-induced pure spin current is dependent on the light polarization/phase angle, photon energies, or the spin alignment of electrodes. In this paper, we present a scheme for obtaining robust pure spin current in zigzag graphene–graphane superlattices (ZGSLs). Through systemic first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that robust generation of pure spin current can occur in ZGSLs with varying widths due to the centrosymmetry of the system's geometric structure and the antiferromagnetic magnetic features. Moreover, the generation of pure spin current does not depend on the photon energy or the polarization/phase angles for both linearly and elliptically polarized light, exhibiting very strong robustness. Our study suggests that ZGSLs could be highly promising candidates for practically realizing pure spin current in spintronics experiments, which presents an avenue for using graphene and its derivatives in advanced electronic devices. Furthermore, considering the experimental advancements in graphene and graphene-like materials, our investigation presents a universally applicable methodology for the generation of robust pure spin currents within low-dimensional graphene-like systems.
The surface chemistry of colloidal lead halide perovskite nanowires
Authors: Oddo Alexander M. , Arnold Marcel , Yang Peidong
Published: April 2024

This study explored the interplay between the ligand–surface chemistry of colloidal CsPbBr3 nanowires (NWs) and their optical properties. The ligand equilibrium was probed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and by perturbing the equilibrium via dilution, the gradual removal of ligands from the CsPbBr3 surface was observed. This removal was correlated with an increase in the surface defect density, as suggested by a broadening of the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, a decrease in the PL quantum yield (PLQY), and quenching of the PL decay. These results highlight similar surface binding between the traditional CsPbBr3 quantum dots and our NWs, thereby expanding the scope of well-established ligand chemistry to a relatively unexplored nanocrystal morphology. By controlling the dilution factor, it was revealed that CsPbBr3 NWs achieve a PLQY of 72% ± 2% and a relatively long average PL lifetime of 400 ± 10 ns, without relying on additional surface passivation techniques, such as ligand exchange.
Coherent acoustic vibrations of Au nanoblocks and their modulation by Al2O3 layer deposition
Authors: Imaeda Keisuke , Shikama Yuto , Ushikoshi Shimba , Sakai Satoshi , Ryuzaki Sou , Ueno Kosei
Published: April 2024

Coherent acoustic phonons induced in metallic nanostructures have attracted tremendous attention owing to their unique optomechanical characteristics. The frequency of the acoustic phonon vibration is highly sensitive to the material adsorption on metallic nanostructures and, therefore, the acoustic phonon offers a promising platform for ultrasensitive mass sensors. However, the physical origin of acoustic frequency modulation by material adsorption has been partially unexplored so far. In this study, we prepared Al2O3-deposited Au nanoblocks and measured their acoustic phonon frequencies using time-resolved pump–probe measurements. By precisely controlling the thickness of the Al2O3 layer, we systematically investigated the relation between the acoustic phonon frequency and the deposited Al2O3 amounts. The time-resolved measurements revealed that the acoustic breathing modes were predominantly excited in the Au nanoblocks, and their frequencies increased with the increment of the Al2O3 thickness. From the relationship between the acoustic phonon frequency and the Al2O3 thickness, we revealed that the acoustic phonon frequency modulation is attributed to the density change of the whole sample. Our results would provide fruitful information for developing quantitative mass sensing devices based on metallic nanostructures.
Broadband tunable acoustic impedance matching using gradient-distributed piezoelectric structure
Authors: Hou Yongqi , Mao Feilong , Wu Yusen , Zhu Yifan , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose a broadband tunable acoustic matching layer (BTAML) comprising an array of piezoelectric elements with non-uniform gradient shunt circuits (NGSCs). The effective impedance of the BTAML can be controlled in real time by regulating the parameters of NGSCs. The theoretical results demonstrate that BTAML is capable of adjusting impedance from 1.5 to 20 MRayl and has a broad bandwidth compared with the traditional matching layer. Furthermore, we experimentally verified the acoustic transmission property of the BTAML, and good agreement was achieved with numerical simulations. The approach can significantly promote research on tunable acoustic matching and offer effective impedance matching layers with a broad bandwidth in industrial applications.
Magnetic switching driven by spin–orbit torque in topological-insulator-based (Bi0.5Sb0.5)2Te3/Ta/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/IrMn heterostructure
Authors: Zhou Tong , Wang Shaoting , Zhang Zherui , He Lanping , Jiang Yang , Yao Yijun , Tao Xiaobo , Zhang Hui , Ge Weifeng , Qiu Huaili , Yang Yuanjun
Published: April 2024

The giant spin–orbit torque (SOT) generated by topological surface states in topological insulators (TIs) provides an energy-efficient writing method for magnetic memory. In this study, we demonstrate a topological insulator/spin valve (TI/SV) device that operates at room temperature. An ultrathin, high-quality TI (Bi0.5Sb0.5)2Te3 (BST) thin film is epitaxially grown as a functional layer on a (0001)-Al2O3 substrate via molecular beam epitaxy in ultrahigh vacuum. Subsequently, Ta/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/IrMn layers are grown on BST/Al2O3 thin films using magnetron sputtering to form TI/SV devices via a subsequent standard lithography process. The resulting TI/SV devices exhibit a giant magnetoresistance of up to ∼1.1% at room temperature. Additionally, a low switching current density of approximately 1.25 × 105 A cm−2 is achieved, which implies high potential for further reducing the energy consumption of SOT-based devices. The SOT conversion efficiency and charge-spin conversion efficiency of the TI layer are approximately 4.74 × 10−6 Oe A−1 cm2 and 1.33, respectively, as extracted from the SOT-induced shift of the magnetic switching field. Moreover, the switching current density reduces steadily with the device size scaling down. This study can facilitate the realization of energy-efficient magnetic memory devices in the future.
Simultaneously realizing reversal of piezoelectric coefficient and enhancement of piezoresponse by chromium-doping in aluminum nitride films
Authors: Yuan Langru , Yu Hongcai , Xiong Yaonan , Li Zhou , Wang Tingjun , Shan Dongliang , Chen Shulin , Hong Jiawang , Liu Yunya , Yang Bin
Published: April 2024

Polarity inversion is an interesting phenomenon in non-centrosymmetric wurtzite-structured aluminum nitride (AlN), which offers an important platform to establish acoustic devices with heteropolar junctions. However, previous studies showed that switching polarity generally resulted in only reversing the piezoelectric coefficient (d33) in AlN films. Here, we discovered that appropriate Cr-doping would not only allow to reverse d33 but also improve piezoelectric response in the c-axis oriented AlN films by co-sputtering dual targets of Cr and Al. Specifically, the d33 was reversed from +2.6 pC/N for the undoped AlN to −2.6 pC/N for the 6.2 at. % Cr-doped CrxAl(1−x)N films. As the Cr-doping ratio increased to 9.3 at. %, d33 was −7.0 pC/N, which was 1.7 times higher than that of the undoped AlN films. Independent PFM phase image measurement offered further evidence of the polarity inversion by comparing the undoped and 9.3 at. % Cr-doped CrxAl(1−x)N films. This work offers a simple doping strategy that allows for simultaneous reversal of piezoelectric coefficient and enhancement of piezoresponse. As a result, it establishes a promising foundation for the design and development of acoustic wave devices featuring heteropolar junctions.
Thickness dependence of Morin transition of Ru-doped α-Fe2O3 films detected by spin Hall magnetoresistance measurements
Authors: Tanaka Masaaki A. , Yokoyama Koki , Furuta Akihiro , Fujii Kazuki , Mibu Ko
Published: April 2024

We conducted spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) measurements to investigate the Ru-doping effect on the Morin transition of α-Fe2O3(0001) films, which is the transition from the low-temperature antiferromagnetic state with c-axis magnetic moments to the high-temperature weak ferromagnetic state with c-plane magnetic moments, under a thickness of 6–100 nm. We clarified that the Morin temperature of the 2.6 at. % Ru-doped α-Fe2O3 film was greater than 400 K when the thickness was 100 nm and decreased with a decrease in thickness. Our results demonstrated that SMR measurements are a valid verification method for the Morin transition of very thin α-Fe2O3 films down to several nm.
On a priori bounding the growth of thermal instability waves
Authors: Beron-Vera F. J.
Published: April 2024

We have previously shown that the nonlinear growth of a finite-amplitude perturbation to a basic state given by a baroclinic zonal flow on the β-plane in a thermal quasigeostrophic reduced-gravity model can be a priori bounded. In this note, we show that, unlike we stated earlier, Lyapunov stability can be proved even when buoyancy varies linearly with the meridional coordinate. In addition to rectifying our earlier results, we expand them by deriving an instability saturation bound by making use of the existence of such a class of Lyapunov-stable basic states. This bound can be smaller than that one we estimated before, reinforcing our previous conclusions. We also present a numerical test of the accuracy of the derived bound.
Higher dose makes higher lethality? A dose–response model of pulsed electric fields inactivation from multiscale coarse-graining method
Authors: Wu Feiyu , Li Lei , Chen Kai , Chen Yue , Mao Yilong , Yao Chenguo
Published: April 2024

As an emerging technology in liquid inactivation, one of the main challenges of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) inactivation lies in quantitatively describing and predicting its lethality to microorganisms. However, due to its cross-scaled complexity and the consequent numerous regulatory factors, there is currently still no unified framework to understand the PEF dose–response relationship and the population dynamics theoretically. In this study, a simple yet powerful model from multiscale coarse-graining method is proposed to simulate the bacterial inactivation in suspensions during PEF processing. The complex dose–response effects at the macroscale are successfully reconstructed from simple evolution rules and several coarse-graining parameters, while considering the damage and death of a single bacterium at the microscale. Our model uncovers the seemingly chaotic and even controversial dose–response relationship of PEF in literatures and systematically explores the regulatory effect of experimental parameters in a unified framework. One of the interesting findings is that PEF with shorter pulsed width enhances lethality and reduces the minimal inhibitory time at a constant energy output per pulse, owing to the phase transitions in three bacterial population dynamics (Bistability mode, Avalanche mode, and Hybrid mode). Our study provides a new insight for numerically modeling PEF lethality in liquid inactivation and could serve as a guide for dosage management in practical applications.
Exogenous Streptomyces spp. enhance the drought resistance of naked oat (Avena nuda) seedlings by augmenting both the osmoregulation mechanisms and antioxidant capacities
Authors: Qiao Meixia , Lv Siyuan , Qiao Yuejing , Lin Wen , Gao Zhiqiang , Tang Xiwang , Yang Zhenping , Chen Jie
Published: April 2024

Drought is a major obstacle to the development of naked oat industry. This work investigated mechanisms by which exogenous Streptomyces albidoflavus T4 and Streptomyces rochei D74 improved drought tolerance in naked oat (Avena nuda) seedlings. Results showed that in the seed germination experiment, germination rate, radicle and hypocotyl length of naked oat seeds treated with the fermentation filtrate of T4 or D74 under PEG induced drought stress increased significantly. In the hydroponic experiment, the shoot and root dry weights of oat seedlings increased significantly when treated with the T4 or D74 fermentation filtrate under the 15% PEG induced drought stress (S15). Simultaneously, the T4 treatment also significantly increased the surface area, volume, the number of tips and the root activity of oat seedlings. Both T4 and D74 treatments elicited significant increases in proline and soluble sugar contents, as well as the catalase and peroxidase activities in oat seedlings. The results of comprehensive drought resistance capacity (CDRC) calculation of oat plants showed that the drought resistance of oat seedlings under the T4 treatment was better than that under the D74 treatment, and the effect was better under higher drought stress (S15). Findings of this study may provide a novel and effective approach for enhancing plant defenses against drought stress.
Empirical modeling of agricultural climate risk
Authors: Burney Jennifer , McIntosh Craig , Lopez-Videla Bruno , Samphantharak Krislert , Gori Maia Alexandre
Published: April 2024

Effective policies for adaptation to climate change require understanding how impacts are related to exposures and vulnerability, the dimensions of the climate system that will change most and where human impacts will be most draconian, and the institutions best suited to respond. Here, we propose a simple method for more credibly pairing empirical statistical damage estimates derived from recent weather and outcome observations with projected future climate changes and proposed responses. We first analyze agricultural production and loan repayment data from Brazil to understand vulnerability to historical variation in the more predictable components of temperature and rainfall (trend and seasonality) as well as to shocks (both local and over larger spatial scales). This decomposed weather variation over the past two decades explains over 50% of the yield variation in major Brazilian crops and, critically, can be constructed in the same way for future climate projections. Combining our estimates with bias-corrected downscaled climate simulations for Brazil, we find increased variation in yields and revenues (including more bad years and worse outcomes) and higher agricultural loan default at midcentury. Results in this context point to two particularly acute dimensions of vulnerability: Intensified seasonality and local idiosyncratic shocks both contribute to worsening outcomes, along with a reduced capacity for spatially correlated (“covariate”) shocks to ameliorate these effects through prices. These findings suggest that resilience strategies should focus on institutions such as water storage, financial services, and reinsurance.
Climate change impacts on mesophotic regions of the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: McWhorter Jennifer K. , Halloran Paul R. , Roff George , Mumby Peter J.
Published: April 2024

Climate change projections for coral reefs are founded exclusively on sea surface temperatures (SST). While SST projections are relevant for the shallowest reefs, neglecting ocean stratification overlooks the striking differences in temperature experienced by deeper reefs for all or part of the year. Density stratification creates a buoyancy barrier partitioning the upper and lower parts of the water column. Here, we mechanistically downscale climate models and quantify patterns of thermal stratification above mesophotic corals (depth 30 to 50 m) of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Stratification insulates many offshore regions of the GBR from heatwaves at the surface. However, this protection is lost once global average temperatures exceed ~3 °C above preindustrial, after which mesophotic temperatures surpass a recognized threshold of 30 °C for coral mortality. Bottom temperatures on the GBR (30 to 50 m) from 2050 to 2060 are estimated to increase by ~0.5 to 1 °C under lower climate emissions (SSP1-1.9) and ~1.2 to 1.7 °C under higher climate emissions (SSP5-8.5). In short, mesophotic coral reefs are also threatened by climate change and research might prioritize the sensitivity of such corals to stress.
Identification of secretory autophagy as a mechanism modulating activity-induced synaptic remodeling
Authors: Chang Yen-Ching , Gao Yuan , Lee Joo Yeun , Peng Yi-Jheng , Langen Jennifer , Chang Karen T.
Published: April 2024

The ability of neurons to rapidly remodel their synaptic structure and strength in response to neuronal activity is highly conserved across species and crucial for complex brain functions. However, mechanisms required to elicit and coordinate the acute, activity-dependent structural changes across synapses are not well understood, as neurodevelopment and structural plasticity are tightly linked. Here, using an RNAi screen in
Drosophila
against genes affecting nervous system functions in humans, we uncouple cellular processes important for synaptic plasticity and synapse development. We find mutations associated with neurodegenerative and mental health disorders are 2-times more likely to affect activity-induced synaptic remodeling than synapse development. We report that while both synapse development and activity-induced synaptic remodeling at the fly NMJ require macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy), bifurcation in the autophagy pathway differentially impacts development and synaptic plasticity. We demonstrate that neuronal activity enhances autophagy activation but diminishes degradative autophagy, thereby driving the pathway towards autophagy-based secretion. Presynaptic knockdown of Snap29, Sec22, or Rab8, proteins implicated in the secretory autophagy pathway, is sufficient to abolish activity-induced synaptic remodeling. This study uncovers secretory autophagy as a transsynaptic signaling mechanism modulating synaptic plasticity.
Caenorhabditis elegans
telomere-binding proteins TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 adapt the Myb module to dimerize and bind telomeric DNA
Authors: Padmanaban Shilpa , Lambacher Nils J. , Tesmer Valerie M. , Zhang Jingjing , Shibuya Hiroki , Nandakumar Jayakrishnan
Published: April 2024

Protecting chromosome ends from misrecognition as double-stranded (ds) DNA breaks is fundamental to eukaryotic viability. The protein complex shelterin prevents a DNA damage response at mammalian telomeres. Mammalian shelterin proteins TRF1 and TRF2 and their homologs in yeast and protozoa protect telomeric dsDNA. N-terminal homodimerization and C-terminal Myb-domain-mediated dsDNA binding are two structural hallmarks of end protection by TRF homologs. Yet our understanding of how
Caenorhabditis elegans
protects its telomeric dsDNA is limited. Recently identified
C. elegans
proteins TEBP-1 (also called DTN-1) and TEBP-2 (also called DTN-2) are functional homologs of TRF proteins, but how they bind DNA and whether or how they dimerize is not known. TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 harbor three Myb-containing domains (MCDs) and no obvious dimerization domain. We demonstrate biochemically that only the third MCD binds DNA. We solve the X-ray crystal structure of TEBP-2 MCD3 with telomeric dsDNA to reveal the structural mechanism of telomeric dsDNA protection in
C. elegans
. Mutagenesis of the DNA-binding site of TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 compromises DNA binding in vitro, and increases DNA damage signaling, lengthens telomeres, and decreases brood size in vivo. Via an X-ray crystal structure, biochemical validation of the dimerization interface, and SEC-MALS analysis, we demonstrate that MCD1 and MCD2 form a composite dimerization module that facilitates not only TEBP-1 and TEBP-2 homodimerization but also heterodimerization. These findings provide fundamental insights into
C. elegans
telomeric dsDNA protection and highlight how different eukaryotes have evolved distinct strategies to solve the chromosome end protection problem.
Cross-kingdom RNA interference mediated by insect salivary microRNAs may suppress plant immunity
Authors: Zhang Ze-Long , Wang Xiao-Jing , Lu Jia-Bao , Lu Hai-Bin , Ye Zhuang-Xin , Xu Zhong-Tian , Zhang Chao , Chen Jian-Ping , Li Jun-Min , Zhang Chuan-Xi , Huang Hai-Jian
Published: April 2024

Communication between insects and plants relies on the exchange of bioactive molecules that traverse the species interface. Although proteinic effectors have been extensively studied, our knowledge of other molecules involved in this process remains limited. In this study, we investigate the role of salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) from the rice planthopper
Nilaparvata lugens
in suppressing plant immunity. A total of three miRNAs were confirmed to be secreted into host plants during insect feeding. Notably, the sequence-conserved miR-7-5P is specifically expressed in the salivary glands of
N. lugens
and is secreted into saliva, distinguishing it significantly from homologues found in other insects. Silencing miR-7-5P negatively affects
N. lugens
feeding on rice plants, but not on artificial diets. The impaired feeding performance of miR-7-5P-silenced insects can be rescued by transgenic plants overexpressing miR-7-5P. Through target prediction and experimental testing, we demonstrate that miR-7-5P targets multiple plant genes, including the immune-associated bZIP transcription factor 43 (OsbZIP43). Infestation of rice plants by miR-7-5P-silenced insects leads to the increased expression of
OsbZIP43
, while the presence of miR-7-5P counteracts this upregulation effect. Furthermore, overexpressing OsbZIP43 confers plant resistance against insects which can be subverted by miR-7-5P. Our findings suggest a mechanism by which herbivorous insects have evolved salivary miRNAs to suppress plant immunity, expanding our understanding of cross-kingdom RNA interference between interacting organisms.
Dehydration-induced corrugated folding in
Rhapis excelsa
plant leaves
Authors: Guo Kexin , Liu Mingchao , Vella Dominic , Suresh Subra , Hsia K. Jimmy
Published: April 2024

Plant leaves, whose remarkable ability for morphogenesis results in a wide range of petal and leaf shapes in response to environmental cues, have inspired scientific studies as well as the development of engineering structures and devices. Although some typical shape changes in plants and the driving force for such shape evolution have been extensively studied, there remain many poorly understood mechanisms, characteristics, and principles associated with the vast array of shape formation of plant leaves in nature. Here, we present a comprehensive study that combines experiment, theory, and numerical simulations of one such topic—the mechanics and mechanisms of corrugated leaf folding induced by differential shrinking in
Rhapis excelsa
. Through systematic measurements of the dehydration process in sectioned leaves, we identify a linear correlation between change in the leaf-folding angle and water loss. Building on experimental findings, we develop a generalized model that provides a scaling relationship for water loss in sectioned leaves. Furthermore, our study reveals that corrugated folding induced by dehydration in
R. excelsa
leaves is achieved by the deformation of a structural architecture—the “hinge” cells. Utilizing such connections among structure, morphology, environmental stimuli, and mechanics, we fabricate several biomimetic machines, including a humidity sensor and morphing devices capable of folding in response to dehydration. The mechanisms of corrugated folding in
R. excelsa
identified in this work provide a general understanding of the interactions between plant leaves and water. The actuation mechanisms identified in this study also provide insights into the rational design of soft machines.
Fluctuating cognitive benefits in children attending early bilingual immersive instruction
Authors: Barbu Cristina-Anca , Gillet Sophie , Poncelet Martine
Published: April 2024

Cognitive benefits have been reported in early bilinguals as well as in children attending a Content and Language
Integrated Learning (CLIL) school programme. Recent findings, however, show divergent results. These inconsistent findings seem to
be attributable, among other factors, to the divergent tasks applied. This study aimed to determine whether a two-year CLIL
programme has positive effects by applying the same tasks for which advantages were shown previously and to examine whether
potential gains might impact children’s academic performance. Thirty 7-year-old French-speaking pupils who had been enrolled in a
CLIL programme since the age of 5 and 30 French-speaking monolinguals following a traditional school programme were compared on
different attentional and executive tasks after being matched on potential confounding variables. No attentional and executive
differences were observed, but a significant effect was observed in favour of monolinguals on a task assessing mathematical
skills. The implications of these results are discussed.
Of infiltrators and wild beasts
Authors: Demata Massimiliano
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses Benjamin Netanyahu’s border discourse in the context of radical right-wing populism. It
discusses how, in the speeches and statements appearing in his official government website, Netanyahu construes groups located
spatially outside Israel’s borders, mainly terrorists and migrants (the “wild beasts” and the “infiltrators”), as existential
threats to Israel. The aim is to prove that, in legitimizing the militarization of borders through “security fences”, so that the
“other” can be excluded from the nation, Netanyahu uses the same power geometries and discursive strategies, i.e. Proximization
(Cap 2013) and dehumanizing metaphors (Santa
Ana 1999, Musolff 2015, Taylor
2021), typically used by right-wing populist parties and leaders. By appealing to both populism and certain
interpretations of Zionism, his ethnonationalist view of borders is based on the normalization of the discourse of delegitimation
and exclusion of those groups considered as a threat to the nation.
Sentence processing in bilingual children
Authors: Pontikas George , Cunnings Ian , Marinis Theodoros
Published: April 2024

Research in sentence processing in bilingual children is emergent but incomplete as very few studies examine the
processing of structurally complex sentences or bilingual children’s real-time interpretation of sentences. One underexplored
linguistic feature which can offer insights in this direction are garden-path sentences, i.e., sentences with temporary syntactic
ambiguity. These are difficult to process for monolingual children as incremental processing results in an initial
misinterpretation and the need for reanalysis. Studies on bilingual children’s processing of garden-path sentences have used
paradigms with limited ecological validity and which are not informative about one’s interpretation while listening. This study
bridges this gap by investigating the processing of garden-path sentences in bilingual children with the visual-world eye-tracking
paradigm. It further explores the role of referential context in the visual stimuli to aid disambiguation. Monolingual and
bilingual children aged 8–11 years completed a task similar to Trueswell et al. (1999).
The results showed similar difficulty with revising garden-path sentences as evidenced by comprehension accuracy for both groups
but only the monolinguals showed real-time garden-path effects in the gaze data. We interpret these findings as a manifestation of
slower sentence processing in bilingual children. Both groups made limited use of the referential context to facilitate
processing.
Teratosphaeria destructans (Wingfield & Crous) Wingfield & Crous
Authors: CABI  , EPPO
Published: April 2024

A new distribution map is provided for Teratosphaeria destructans (Wingfield & Crous) Wingfield & Crous Dothideomycetes: Mycosphaerellales: Teratosphaeriaceae Host: Eucalyptus spp.
Contextual variables associated with differences in educational performance between European Union countries / Variables contextuales asociadas a las diferencias de rendimiento educativo entre los países de la Unión Europea
Authors: Rodríguez-Santero Javier , Gil-Flores Javier
Published: April 2024

Extensive literature exists which shows the relation between academic performance and other variables of a contextual nature. A secondary analysis of the results corresponding to performance in PISA 2015 has enabled us to classify European Union countries into two different levels. The degree of relation between performance and contextual variables such as socioeconomic level, schooling indicators, resources allocated to education and organizational culture and school governance has also been studied at a national level. Subsequently, after selecting the variables that correlate the most with performance, the effects of the contextual variables on the differences of countries with high and low performance have been measured using a logistic regression model. Results show the role of some of the variables considered, with the economic level of the country standing out in particular, as well as parental involvement in decision-making. By way of conclusion, a series of recommendations are formulated to advance towards improvements in performance and to achieve educational convergence among EU countries.
LLPS of FXR proteins drives replication organelle clustering for β-coronaviral proliferation
Authors: Li Meng , Hou Yali , Zhou Yuzheng , Yang Zhenni , Zhao Hongyu , Jian Tao , Yu Qianxi , Zeng Fuxing , Liu Xiaotian , Zhang Zheng , Zhao Yan G.
Published: April 2024

β-Coronaviruses remodel host endomembranes to form double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) as replication organelles (ROs) that provide a shielded microenvironment for viral RNA synthesis in infected cells. DMVs are clustered, but the molecular underpinnings and pathophysiological functions remain unknown. Here, we reveal that host fragile X–related (FXR) family proteins (FXR1/FXR2/FMR1) are required for DMV clustering induced by expression of viral non-structural proteins (Nsps) Nsp3 and Nsp4. Depleting FXRs results in DMV dispersion in the cytoplasm. FXR1/2 and FMR1 are recruited to DMV sites via specific interaction with Nsp3. FXRs form condensates driven by liquid–liquid phase separation, which is required for DMV clustering. FXR1 liquid droplets concentrate Nsp3 and Nsp3-decorated liposomes in vitro. FXR droplets facilitate recruitment of translation machinery for efficient translation surrounding DMVs. In cells depleted of FXRs, SARS-CoV-2 replication is significantly attenuated. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 exploits host FXR proteins to cluster viral DMVs via phase separation for efficient viral replication.
Fragmentation and charge transfer in cyclic dipeptides with an aromatic side chain induced by VUV radiation
Authors: Carlini Laura , Casavola Anna Rita , Chiarinelli Jacopo , Porcelli Francesco , Molteni Elena , Mattioli Giuseppe , Bolognesi Paola , Sangalli Davide , Vismarra Federico , Wu Yingxuan , Borrego-Varillas Rocio , Nisoli Mauro , Singh Manjot , Valadan Mohammadhassan , Altucci Carlo , Richter Robert , Avaldi Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

The fragmentation of three cyclic dipeptides (c-Glycil-Phenylalanine, c-Tryptophan-Tyrosine and c-Tryptophan-Tryptophan), characterized by an aromatic side chain, has been investigated by synchrotron radiation and photoelectron-photoion coincidence (PEPICO) experiments, assisted by atomistic simulations. The PEPICO experiments show that the charged moiety containing the aromatic side chain is the main fragment in the three samples. The theoretical exploration of the potential energy surfaces has allowed to identify the possible fragmentation paths leading to the formation of these fragments. Then, the analysis of the differences in the electronic density distributions of the neutral molecule and the cation and a molecular dynamics simulation provided an understanding of the preferred localization of the positive charge on the aromatic side chain of the cyclic dipeptide.
A Hopular based weighting scheme for improving kinematic GNSS positioning in deep urban canyon
Authors: Zhou Zelin , Liu Baoyu , Yang Hongzhou
Published: April 2024

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positioning performance in the urban dense environment experiences significant deterioration due to frequent non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and multipath errors. An accurate weighting scheme is critical for positioning, especially in urban environment. Traditional methods for determining the weights of observations typically rely on the carrier-to-noise density ratio (C/N0) and the elevations from satellites to receivers. Nevertheless, the performance of these methods is degraded in the dense urban settings, as C/N0 and elevation measurements fail to fully capture the intricacies of NLOS and multipath errors. In this paper, a novel GNSS observations weighting scheme based on Hopular GNSS signal classifier, which can accurately identify the LOS/NLOS signals using medium-sized training dataset, is proposed to improve the urban kinematic navigation solution in real-time kinematic positioning mode. Four GNSS features: C/N0, time-differenced code-minus-carrier, loss of lock indicator and satellite’s elevation, are employed in the training of the Hopular based signal classifier. The performance of the new method is validated using two urban kinematic datasets collected by a U-blox F9P receiver with a low-cost antenna, in downtown Calgary. For the first testing dataset, the results show that the Hopular based weighting scheme outperforms the three most commonly used GNSS observations weighting schemes: C/N0, elevation, and a combined C/N0-elevation approach. Approximately 10.089 m of horizontal root-mean-squared (RMS) positioning error and 12.592 m of vertical RMS error are achieved using the proposed method; with improvements of 78.83%, 46.82% and 43.27% on horizontal positioning accuracy and 54.00%, 47.51% and 49.69% on vertical positioning accuracy, compared to using C/N0, elevation and C/N0-elevation combined weighting schemes, respectively. For the second testing dataset, a similar performance is achieved with nearly 11.631 m of horizontal RMS error and 10.158 m of vertical RMS error; improvements of 64.58%, 32.90% and 22.40% on horizontal positioning accuracy and 71.99%, 65.24% and 55.88% on vertical positioning accuracy are achieved, compared to using C/N0, elevation and C/N0-elevation combined weighting schemes, respectively.
Improved DBO-VMD and optimized DBN-ELM based fault diagnosis for control valve
Authors: Zhang Dengfeng , Zhang Chi , Han Xiaodong , Wang Cunsong
Published: April 2024

Control valves play a vital role in process production. In practical applications, control valves are prone to blockage and leakage faults. At the small control valve openings, the vibration signals exhibit the drawbacks of significant interference and weak fault characteristics, which causes subpar fault diagnosis performance. To address the issue, a diagnostic model based on optimized variational mode decomposition (VMD) and improved deep belief network-extreme learning machine (DBN-ELM) is proposed. Firstly, good point set population initialization, nonlinear convergence factor, and adaptive Gaussian–Cauchy mutation strategies are applied in the dung beetle optimization algorithm (DBO) to escape local optima. Then, the improved DBO (IDBO) is used to optimize VMD parameters to obtain a series of modal components. Next, the generalized dispersion entropy (GDE) is formed by the combination of generalized Gaussian distribution and refined composite multiscale fluctuation-based dispersion entropy. The maximum correlation coefficient modal components are applied to extract GDE. Finally, the IDBO is applied to optimize the parameters of the DBN-ELM network to improve the classification performance of control valve faults. The comparative experiment results demonstrate that the proposed model can extract effective features and the diagnostic accuracy reaches 99.87%.
Understanding the effects of microbubble concentration on localization accuracy in super-resolution ultrasound imaging
Authors: Lerendegui Marcelo , Yan Jipeng , Stride Eleanor , Dunsby Christopher , Tang Meng-Xing
Published: April 2024

Super-resolution ultrasound (SRUS) through localising and tracking of microbubbles (MBs) can achieve sub-wavelength resolution for imaging microvascular structure and flow dynamics in deep tissue in vivo. The technique assumes that signals from individual MBs can be isolated and localised accurately, but this assumption starts to break down when the MB concentration increases and the signals from neighbouring MBs start to interfere. The aim of this study is to gain understanding of the effect of MB–MB distance on ultrasound images and their localisation. Ultrasound images of two MBs approaching each other were synthesised by simulating both ultrasound field propagation and nonlinear MB dynamics. Besides the distance between MBs, a range of other influencing factors including MB size, ultrasound frequency, transmit pulse sequence, pulse amplitude and localisation methods were studied. The results show that as two MBs approach each other, the interference fringes can lead to significant and oscillating localisation errors, which are affected by both the MB and imaging parameters. When modelling a clinical linear array probe operating at 6 MHz, localisation errors between 20 and 30 μm (∼1/10 wavelength) can be generated when MBs are ∼500 μm (2 wavelengths or ∼1.7 times the point spread function (PSF)) away from each other. When modelling a cardiac probe operating at 1.5 MHz, the localisation errors were as high as 200 μm (∼1/5 wavelength) even when the MBs were more than 10 wavelengths apart (2.9 times the PSF). For both frequencies, at smaller separation distances, the two MBs were misinterpreted as one MB located in between the two true positions. Cross-correlation or Gaussian fitting methods were found to generate slightly smaller localisation errors than centroiding. In conclusion, caution should be taken when generating and interpreting SRUS images obtained using high agent concentration with MBs separated by less than 1.7 to 3 times the PSF, as significant localisation errors can be generated due to interference between neighbouring MBs.
Electron ITB formation in EAST high poloidal beta plasmas under dominant electron heating
Authors: Wang Z H , Zhang B , Gong X Z , Qian J P , Li P , Hu Y C , Wang W , Jia T Q , Guo Y T , Zang Q , Wang S X , Lu D A
Published: April 2024

Plasma confinement and transport in tokamaks play a crucial role in the development of high poloidal beta steady-state operation scenarios. Therefore, it is very important to study the relevant mechanism of internal transport barriers (ITBs), which can help plasmas to obtain better confinement in order to achieve higher fusion gain. This paper mainly introduces the analysis of the characteristics of electron heat transport of discharges with ITB in high

β

P

operation regime in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Based on the statistical analysis of stable discharges with

β

P

> 1.5, it is found that there is an obvious bifurcation of the normalised electron temperature gradient (ETG) (

R

/

L

T

e

) in the range of

β

P

= 2–2.2. Then the discharges of lower

β

P

(

β

P

< 2, where the value of

β

P

is below the bifurcation threshold) and of higher

β

P

(

β

P

> 2.2, where the value of

β

P

is above the threshold) were selected for analysis. The diagnostic data provided by Thomson scattering, x-ray crystal spectrometry and charge exchange recombination spectroscopy are used to provide reliable parameter profiles and then combined with the data of external magnetic probe measurements and the polarisation interferometer diagnosis system to fully reconstruct the balance. A relevant plasma current calculation model is used to calculate and analyse the current density profiles and power deposition, and then the transport analysis is carried out. Interestingly, in the higher

β

P

discharges, it is found that the turbulence intensity provided by the CO2 laser collective scattering system gradually decreases and the normalised ETG

R

/

L

T
e

gradually increases. It is also found that the electron heat transport coefficient decreases in the discharge with higher

β

P

and the growth rate of the electron-scale turbulence calculated by transport gyro-Landau fluid (TGLF) is significantly reduced. Meanwhile, similar conclusions are also obtained in the discharges when the

β

P

is further increased.
Comparison of detachment in Ohmic plasmas with positive and negative triangularity
Authors: Février O , Tsui C K , Durr-Legoupil-Nicoud G , Theiler C , Carpita M , Coda S , Colandrea C , Duval B P , Gorno S , Huett E , Linehan B , Perek A , Porte L , Reimerdes H , Sauter O , Tonello E , Zurita M , Bolzonella T , Sciortino F ,   the TCV Team,   the EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation Team
Published: April 2024

In recent years, negative triangularity (NT) has emerged as a potential high-confinement L-mode reactor solution. In this work, detachment is investigated using core density ramps in lower single null Ohmic L-mode plasmas across a wide range of upper, lower, and average triangularity (the mean of upper and lower triangularity: δ) in the TCV tokamak. It is universally found that detachment is more difficult to access for NT shaping. The outer divertor leg of discharges with

δ
≈
−
0.3

could not be cooled to below

5
 

eV

through core density ramps alone. The behavior of the upstream plasma and geometrical divertor effects (e.g. a reduced connection length with negative lower triangularity) do not fully explain the challenges in detaching NT plasmas. Langmuir probe measurements of the target heat flux widths (λ

q
) were constant to within 30% across an upper triangularity scan, while the spreading factor S was lower by up to 50% for NT, indicating a generally lower integral scrape-off layer width, λ
int. The line-averaged core density was typically higher for NT discharges for a given fuelling rate, possibly linked to higher particle confinement in NT. Conversely, the divertor neutral pressure and integrated particle fluxes to the targets were typically lower for the same line-averaged density, indicating that NT configurations may be closer to the sheath-limited regime than their PT counterparts, which may explain why NT is more challenging to detach.
Study on stray electrons ejecting from a long-pulse negative ion source for fusion
Authors: Yang Yuwen , Wei Jianglong , Gu Yuming , Xie Yahong , Hu Chundong
Published: April 2024

The negative ion based neutral beam injection is a desirable plasma heating and current drive method for the large-scale magnetic fusion devices. Due to the strict requirements and difficult development of the negative ion source for fusion, a long-pulse negative ion source has been developed under the framework of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology in China. This negative ion source consists of a single radio frequency (RF) driver plasma source and a three-electrode accelerator. The typical extraction and acceleration voltage are 4–8 kV and 40–50 kV, respectively. During one shot of the long-pulse (∼100 s) beam extraction, the gas pressure in the vacuum vessel increased sharply and the temperature of the cryopump rise from 8 K to 20 K. Moreover, the vessel wall appeared a high temperature after several long-pulse shots. A self-consistent simulation of beam-gas interaction revealed that the heat loads on the vessel wall should be caused by the stray electrons ejecting from the accelerator. Those stray electrons are mainly generated via the stripping or ionization collisions and strongly deflected by the downstream side of the deflection magnetic field for the co-extracted electron. The location of hot spots measured by infrared thermography is consistent with the simulation results. To solve this problem, a series of electron dumps are designed to avoid the direct impinging of the ejecting electrons on the cryopump and the vessel wall. And the results suggest that the hot spots are almost eliminated.