bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Profiling of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Calu-3 Cells Reveals Immune-Related Signaling Pathways
Authors: Pereira Eric Petterson Viana , da Silva Felipe Stela Mirla , de Freitas Raquel Martins , da Cruz Freire José Ednésio , Oliveira Antonio Edson Rocha , Canabrava Natália , Soares Paula Matias , van Tilburg Mauricio Fraga , Guedes Maria Izabel Florindo , Grueter Chad Eric , Ceccatto Vânia Marilande
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 disease, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, becoming a pandemic that infected millions of people and caused significant deaths. COVID-19 continues to be a major threat, and there is a need to deepen our understanding of the virus and its mechanisms of infection. To study the cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, we performed an RNA sequencing of infected vs. uninfected Calu-3 cells. Total RNA was extracted from infected (0.5 MOI) and control Calu-3 cells and converted to cDNA. Sequencing was performed, and the obtained reads were quality-analyzed and pre-processed. Differential expression was assessed with the EdgeR package, and functional enrichment was performed in EnrichR for Gene Ontology, KEGG pathways, and WikiPathways. A total of 1040 differentially expressed genes were found in infected vs. uninfected Calu-3 cells, of which 695 were up-regulated and 345 were down-regulated. Functional enrichment analyses revealed the predominant up-regulation of genes related to innate immune response, response to virus, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. These transcriptional changes following SARS-CoV-2 infection may reflect a cellular response to the infection and help to elucidate COVID-19 pathogenesis, in addition to revealing potential biomarkers and drug targets.
Influence of Housing Temperature and Genetic Diversity on Allogeneic T Cell-Induced Tissue Damage in Mice
Authors: Enriquez Josue , McDaniel Mims Brianyell , Stroever Stephanie , dos Santos Andrea Pires , Jones-Hall Yava , Furr Kathryn L. , Grisham Matthew B.
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine how housing temperature and genetic diversity affect the onset and severity of allogeneic T cell-induced tissue damage in mice subjected to reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). We found that adoptive transfer of allogeneic CD4+ T cells from inbred donors into sub-lethally irradiated inbred recipients (I→I) housed at standard housing temperatures (ST; 22–24 °C) induced extensive BM and spleen damage in the absence of injury to any other tissue. Although engraftment of T cells in RIC-treated mice housed at their thermo-neutral temperature (TNT; 30–32 °C) also developed similar BM and spleen damage, their survival was markedly and significantly increased when compared to their ST counterparts. In contrast, the adoptive transfer of allogeneic T cells into RIC-treated outbred CD1 recipients failed to induce disease in any tissue at ST or TNT. The lack of tissue damage was not due to defects in donor T cell trafficking to BM or spleen but was associated with the presence of large numbers of B cells and myeloid cells within these tissues that are known to contain immunosuppressive regulatory B cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that housing temperature affects the survival of RIC-treated I→I mice and that RIC-conditioned outbred mice are resistant to allogeneic T cell-induced BM and spleen damage.
Intraoperative Bleeding in Pediatric Otolaryngology: Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , Cocuzza Salvatore , Mitchell Ron B. , La Mantia Ignazio , La Via Luigi
Published: November 2023

A significant challenge that ENT surgeons often encounter is managing intraoperative bleeding, a task that requires precision, adept judgment, and a thorough knowledge of the latest techniques and procedures [...]
Parallel Implementation of CNOTN and C2NOT2 Gates via Homonuclear and Heteronuclear Förster Interactions of Rydberg Atoms
Authors: M. Farouk Ahmed , Beterov Ilya I. , Xu  Peng , Bergamini  Silvia , Ryabtsev  Igor I.
Published: November 2023

We analyze schemes of high-fidelity multi-qubit CNOTN and C2NOT2 gates for alkali metal neutral atoms used as qubits. These schemes are based on the electromagnetically induced transparency and Rydberg blockade. The fidelity of homonuclear multi-qubit CNOTN gate based on Rydberg blockade was limited by the undesirable interaction between the target atoms and by the coupling laser intensity. We propose overcoming these limits by using strong heteronuclear dipole–dipole interactions via Förster resonances for control and target atoms, while the target atoms are coupled by a weaker van der Waals interaction. We optimized the gate performance in order to achieve higher fidelity, while keeping the coupling laser intensity as small as possible in order to improve the experimental feasibility of the gate schemes. We also considered the optimization of the schemes of the C2NOT2 gates, where the fidelity is affected by the relation between the control–control, control–target and target–target interaction energies. Our numeric simulations confirm that the fidelity of the CNOT4 gate (single control and four target atoms) can be up to 99.3% and the fidelity of the C2NOT2 (two control and two target atoms) is up to 99.7% for the conditions which are experimentally feasible.
Measurement of Submicron Particle Size Using Scattering Angle-Corrected Polarization Difference with High Angular Resolution
Authors: Shi Chaoyi , Zhu Zuwei , Yin Gaofang , Gao Xianhe , Wang Zhongma , Zhang Sheng , Zhou Zehua , Hu Xueyou
Published: November 2023

The particle size of submicron particles significantly affects their properties; thus, the accurate measurement of submicron particle size is essential to ensure its excellent properties. Polarized light scattering is an important tool for measuring the particle size of the ensemble of particles in suspension. However, in the existing measurement systems, the polarized scattered light is detected using a CCD detector or an array of single-point detectors. The CCD detector misses a large part of the polarized scattered light due to its narrow detection range of scattering angles, and the array of single-point detectors has the problem of low angular resolution due to the limited number of detectors. According to the above problems, this paper designs a submicron particle size measurement method based on the polarization difference in polarized scattered light with high angular resolution. The vertically and horizontally polarized scattered light was acquired with high angular resolution (angular separation = 2°) over a scattering angle range of 50°–110° using a photomultiplier coupled with a turntable. The scattering angle of the acquired vertically and horizontally polarized scattered light were corrected to eliminate the scattering angle deviations caused by obliquely incident light, and then the polarization difference in the vertically and horizontally polarized scattered light was computed, from which the submicron particle size distribution was inverted subsequently. Experiments were performed using polystyrene microsphere standard particles with particle sizes of 350 nm, 200 nm, and 100 nm. The experimental results show that (1) the Pearson correlation coefficient of the linearly fitted curve of the corrected polarization difference to the theoretical polarization difference is larger than 0.997, and the slope and intercept of the linearly fitted curve are, respectively, close to 1 and 0, indicating that the corrected polarization difference is highly consistent with the theoretical polarization difference; (2) the mean relative error and coefficient of variation of the particle size distribution parameter D50 obtained from the polarization difference with high angular resolution (angular separation = 2°) are better than those of the parameter D50 obtained from the polarization difference with low angular resolution (angular separation = 12°), indicating better accuracy and repeatability of the particle size distribution inverted from the polarization difference with high angular resolution; and (3) for the particle size distribution parameters D10, D50, and D90 obtained from the scattering angle-corrected polarization difference with high angular resolution, the deviation of the measured values from the average value are all smaller than the thresholds given in the international standard, indicating a good repeatability of the proposed method.
Processing Accuracy of Microcomb-Based Microwave Photonic Signal Processors for Different Input Signal Waveforms
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Yang , Wu Jiayang , Ren Guanghui , Corcoran Bill , Xu Xingyuan , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent. E. , Morandotti Roberto , Mitchell Arnan , Moss David J.
Published: November 2023

Microwave photonic (MWP) signal processors, which process microwave signals based on photonic technologies, bring advantages intrinsic to photonics such as low loss, large processing bandwidth, and strong immunity to electromagnetic interference. Optical microcombs can offer a large number of wavelength channels and compact device footprints, which make them powerful multi-wavelength sources for MWP signal processors to realize a variety of processing functions. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate the capability of microcomb-based MWP signal processors to handle diverse input signal waveforms. In addition, we quantify the processing accuracy for different input signal waveforms, including Gaussian, triangle, parabolic, super Gaussian, and nearly square waveforms. Finally, we analyse the factors contributing to the difference in the processing accuracy among the different input waveforms, and our theoretical analysis well elucidates the experimental results. These results provide guidance for microcomb-based MWP signal processors when processing microwave signals of various waveforms.
Bound States in the Continuum and Induced Resonances in a Simple Plasmonic Waveguide with Sensing Application
Authors: Rezzouk Yamina , Khattou Soufyane , Amrani Madiha , Noual Adnane , El Boudouti El Houssaine , Talbi Abdelkrim , Djafari-Rouhani Bahram
Published: November 2023

A Friedrich–Wintgen bound state in the continuum (FW-BIC) is of particular interest in the field of wave physics phenomena. It is induced via the destructive interference of two modes that belong to the same cavity. In this work, we analytically and numerically show the existence of FW-BIC in a T-shaped cavity composed of a stub of length d0 and two lateral branches of lengths d1 and d2, attached to an infinite waveguide. The whole system consists of metal–insulator–metal (MIM) plasmonic waveguides that operate in the telecommunication range. Theoretically, when d1 and d2 are commensurated, BIC is induced by these two branches. This latter is independent of d0 and the infinite waveguide, where the T structure is grafted. By breaking the BIC condition, we obtain a plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) resonance. The PIT resonance’s sensitivity to the dielectric material of the waveguide may be exploited to design a sensitive nanosensor suitable for sensing platforms, thanks to its very small footprint. A sensitivity of 1400 nm/RIU and a resolution of 1.86×10−2 RIU showed a high level of performance that the designed structure achieved. Moreover, this structure could also be used as a biosensor, in which we have studied the detection of the concentration in the human body, such as Na+, K+, and glucose solutions, and these sensitivities can reach 0.21, 0.28, and 1.74 nm dL/mg, respectively. Our designed structure advances with technology and has good application prospects, working as a biosensor to detect the blood’s hemoglobin level. The analytical results, obtained via Green’s function method, are validated via numerical simulations using Comsol Multiphysics software based on the finite element method.
Redirecting Incident Light with Mie Resonance-Based Coatings
Authors: Shklyaev Alexander A. , Utkin Dmitrii E. , Zheng Zhu , Tsarev Andrei V.
Published: November 2023

The efficiency of thin film photoelectric devices can be improved by redirecting incident electromagnetic radiation along their surface layers. Redirection can be achieved using antireflection coatings made of subwavelength dielectric particle arrays. In this study, we fabricate such coatings, consisting of Ge particles on quartz glass substrates via solid-state dewetting, transforming thin Ge films into compact particles. Using optically transparent substrates, we measure reflection and transmission spectra and determine absorption spectra, showing that substrates coated with Ge particles absorb much more strongly than substrates coated with continuous Ge films. The spectra obtained using objective lenses with different aperture angles indicate that scattered radiation is predominantly directed at glancing angles to the substrate surface. The lateral propagation of scattered radiation is the result of destructive interference, which suppresses both reflected and transmitted radiation.
Spin Hall Effect of Two-Index Paraxial Vector Propagation-Invariant Beams
Authors: Kotlyar Victor V. , Kovalev Alexey A.
Published: November 2023

We investigate a simple paraxial vector beam, which is a coaxial superposition of two single-ringed Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams, linearly polarized along the horizontal axis, with topological charges (TC) n and −n, and of two LG beams, linearly polarized along the vertical axis, with the TCs m and −m. In the initial plane, such a vector beam has zero spin angular momentum (SAM). Upon propagation in free space, such a propagation-invariant beam has still zero SAM at several distances from the waist plane (initial plane). However, we show that at all other distances, the SAM becomes nonzero. The intensity distribution in the cross-section of such a beam has 2m (if m > n) lobes, the maxima of which reside on a circle of a certain radius. The SAM distribution has also several lobes, from 2m till 2(m + n), the centers of which reside on a circle with a radius smaller than that of the maximal-intensity circle. The SAM sign alternates differently: one lobe has a positive SAM, while two neighbor lobes on the circle have a negative SAM, or two neighbor pairs of lobes can have a positive and negative SAM. When passing through a plane with zero SAM, positive and negative SAM lobes are swapped. The maximal SAM value is achieved at a distance smaller than or equal to the Rayleigh distance.
Green Extraction Techniques of Phytochemicals from Hedera helix L. and In Vitro Characterization of the Extracts
Authors: Gavrila Adina I. , Zalaru Christina M. , Tatia Rodica , Seciu-Grama Ana-Maria , Negrea Cristina L. , Calinescu Ioan , Chipurici Petre , Trifan Adrian , Popa Ioana
Published: November 2023

Hedera helix L. contains phytochemicals with good biological properties which are beneficial to human health and can be used to protect plants against different diseases. The aim of this research was to find the most suitable extraction method and the most favorable parameters for the extraction of different bioactive compounds from ivy leaves. Different extraction methods, namely microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional heating extraction (CHE), were used. The most suitable method for the extraction of saponins is MAE with an extraction efficiency of 58%, while for carbohydrates and polyphenols, the best results were achieved via UAE with an extraction efficiency of 61.7% and 63.5%, respectively. The antioxidant activity (AA) of the extracts was also determined. The highest AA was obtained via UAE (368.98 ± 9.01 µmol TR/gDM). Better results were achieved at 50 °C for 10 min of extraction, using 80% ethanol in water as solvent. In order to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxicity, the extracts richest in bioactive compounds were tested on NCTC fibroblasts. Their influence on the DNA content of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was also tested. Until 200 µg/mL, the extracts obtained via UAE and MAE were cytocompatible with NCTC fibroblasts at 48 h of treatment. Summarizing the above, both MAE and UAE can be employed as green and efficient methods for producing extracts rich in bioactive compounds, exhibiting strong antioxidant properties and good noncytotoxic activity.
A Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profile of Heat Shock Transcription Factor (Hsf) Gene Family in Rhododendron simsii
Authors: Xu Yanan , Jin Ying , He Dan , Di Haochen , Liang Ying , Xu Yanxia
Published: November 2023

Heat shock transcription factors are key players in a number of transcriptional regulatory pathways that function during plant growth and development. However, their mode of action in Rhododendron simsii is still unclear. In this study, 22 RsHsf genes were identified from genomic data of R. simsii. The 22 genes were randomly distributed on 12 chromosomes, and were divided into three major groups according to their phylogenetic relationships. The structures and conserved motifs were predicted for the 22 genes. Analysis of cis-acting elements revealed stress-responsive and phytohormone-responsive elements in the gene promoter regions, but the types and number varied among the different groups of genes. Transcriptional profile analyses revealed that RsHsfs were expressed in a tissue-specific manner, with particularly high transcript levels in the roots. The transcriptional profiles under abiotic stress were detected by qRT-PCR, and the results further validated the critical function of RsHsfs. This study provides basic information about RsHsf family in R. simsii, and paves the way for further research to clarify their precise roles and to breed new stress-tolerant varieties.
Influence of Voltage, Pulselength and Presence of a Reverse Polarized Pulse on an Argon–Gold Plasma during a High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering Process
Authors: Guljakow Jürgen , Lang Walter
Published: November 2023

This work aims to provide information about the deposition of gold via bipolar high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) in order to identify suitable process parameters. The influences of voltage, pulse length and the kick-pulse on an argon–gold plasma during a bipolar high-power impulse magnetron sputtering deposition process were analysed via optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and oscilloscope. The voltage was varied between 700 V and 1000 V, the pulse length was varied between 20 µs and 100 µs and the process was observed once with kick-pulse and once without. The influence of the voltage on the plasma was more pronounced than the influence of the pulse width. While the intensity of several Au I lines increased up to 13-fold with increasing voltages, only a less-than linear increase in Au I brightness with time could be identified for changes in pulse length. The intensity of excited argon is only minimally affected by changes in voltages, but follows the evolution of the discharge current, with increasing pulse lengths. Contrary to the excited argon, the intensity emitted by ionized argon grows nearly linearly with voltage and pulse length. The reverse polarised pulse mainly affects the excited argon atoms in the plasma, while the influence on the ionized argon is less pronounced, as can be seen in the the spectra. Unlike the excited argon atoms, the excited gold atoms appear to be completely unaffected by the kick-pulse. No ionization of gold was observed. During the pulse, a strong rarefaction of plasma takes place. Very short pulses of less than 50 µs and high voltages of about 1000 V are to be preferred for the deposition of gold layers. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the gold spectrum during a HIPIMS process and makes use of optical emission spectroscopy as a simple measuring approach for evaluation of the reverse polarized pulse during a bipolar process. Future uses of the process may include the metallization of polymers.
Petal-like Patterning of Polylactide/Poly (Butylene Succinate) Thin Films Induced by Phase Separation
Authors: Wang Lili , Wang Yujie , Mou Chudi , Wang Wanjie , Zhu Chengshen , He Suqin , Liu Hao , Liu Wentao
Published: November 2023

Biodegradable plastics are attracting attention as a solution to the problems caused by plastic waste. Among biodegradable plastics, polylactide (PLA) and poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) are particularly noteworthy because of their excellent biodegradability. However, the drawbacks of their mechanical properties prompts the need to compound them to achieve the desired strength. The characteristics of the interface of the composite material determine the realization of its final performance. The study of the interface and microstructure of composites is essential for the development of products from degradable polymers. The morphology evolution and microcrystal structure of spin-casted fully biodegradable (PLA/PBS) blend films were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanomechanical mapping. Results show that intact blend films present an obvious phase separation, where the PBS phase is uniformly dispersed in the PLA phase in the form of pores. Furthermore, the size and number of the PBS phase have a power exponential relationship and linear relationship with PBS loading, respectively. Intriguingly, after annealing at 80 °C for 30 min, the PLA phase formed an orderly petal-like microcrystalline structure centered on the PBS phase. Moreover, the microcrystalline morphology changed from a “daisy type” to a “sunflower type” with the increased size of the PBS phase. Since the size of the PBS phase is controllable, a new method for preparing microscopic patterns using fully biodegradable polymers is proposed.
A Comparative Study on the Mechanical Properties of Open-Hole Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Composite Materials
Authors: Han Liu , Song Yao , Qi Hui , Yang Jin-Shui , Li Shuang , Liu Ping-An
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the damage initiation/propagation mechanisms and failure modes of open-hole carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites and thermosetting composites with tension, compression, and bearing loads are investigated, respectively, by experiments and finite element simulations. The experimental evaluations are performed on the specimens using the Combined Loading Compression (CLC) test method, the tensile test method, and the single-shear test method. The differences in macroscopic damage initiation, evolution mode, and damage characteristics between thermoplastic composite materials and thermosetting composite material open-hole structures are obtained and analyzed under compressive load. Based on scanning electron microscope SEM images, a comparative analysis is conducted on the micro-failure modes of fibers, matrices, and fiber/matrix interfaces in the open-hole structures of thermoplastic and thermosetting composites under compressive load. The differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting composites were analyzed from the micro-failure mechanism. Finally, based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM), a damage model is also developed for predicting the initiation and propagation of damage in thermoplastic composites. The model, which can capture fiber breakage and matrix crack, as well as the nonlinear response, is used to conduct virtual compression tests, tensile test, and single-shear test, respectively. Numerical simulation results are compared with the extracted experimental results. The displacement-load curve and failure modes match the experimental result, which indicates that the finite element model has good reliability.
Graphene Oxide from Graphite of Spent Batteries as Support of Nanocatalysts for Fuel Hydrogen Production
Authors: Sperandio Gabriel , Junior Iterlandes Machado , Bernardo Esteefany , Moreira Renata
Published: November 2023

The increasing production of electronic waste and the rising demand for renewable energy are currently subjects of debate. Sustainable processes based on a circular economy are required. Then, electronic devices could be the main source for the synthesis of new materials. Thus, this work aimed to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) from graphite rod of spent Zn-C batteries. This was used as support for Ni/Co bimetallic nanocatalysts in the evolution of hydrogen from NaBH4 for the first time. The graphene oxide (GO) exhibited a diffraction peak at 2θ = 9.1°, as observed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), along with the presence of oxygenated groups as identified using FTIR. Characteristic bands at 1345 and 1574 cm−1 were observed using Raman spectroscopy. A leaf-shaped morphology was observed using SEM. GO sheets was observed using TEM, with an interplanar distance of 0.680 nm. Ni/Co nanoparticles, with an approximate size of 2 nm, were observed after deposition on GO. The material was used in the evolution of hydrogen from NaBH4, obtaining an efficiency close to 90%, with a kinetic constant of 0.0230 s−1 at 296.15 K and activation energy of 46.7 kJ mol−1. The material showed an efficiency in seven reuse cycles. Therefore, a route of a new material with added value from electronic waste was obtained from an eco-friendly process, which can be used in NaBH4 hydrolysis.
Assessing Biodegradation Processes of Atrazine in Constructed Wetland Using Compound-Specific Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Chen Songsong , Wang Yuncai , Ma Limin
Published: November 2023

To bridge the gap between lab-scale microcosm research and field application in the compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of atrazine, we studied the characteristics of carbon and nitrogen isotope fractionation in the atrazine degradation processes within a constructed wetland. In the wetland, we observed multiple element (C, N) isotope fractionation parameters, such as kinetic isotope effects and dual isotope slopes. These parameters are very consistent with those observed in the cultivation of AtzA- or TrzN-harboring strains, suggesting a similarity in the pathway and reaction mechanism of atrazine biodegradation between the two settings. However, we recorded variable carbon (εC: −3.2 ± 0.6‰ to −4.3 ± 0.6‰) and nitrogen isotope fractionation (εN: 1.0 ± 0.3‰ to 2.2 ± 0.3‰) across different phases. This variance could lead to an over- or underestimation of the biodegradation extent of atrazine when employing the large or small enrichment factor of the carbon isotope. Intriguingly, the estimation accuracy improved considerably when using the enrichment factor (−4.6‰) derived from the batch cultivation of the pore water. This study advances the application of CSIA in tracking atrazine biodegradation processes in ecosystems, and it also underlines the importance of the careful selection and application of the enrichment factor in quantifying the intrinsic biodegradation of atrazine in ecosystems.
The Fox from Bajiazui (Qingyang, Central China) and an Update on Early Pleistocene Foxes from China
Authors: Bartolini-Lucenti Saverio , Jiangzuo Qigao , Jiang Hao , Li Zhaoyu , Xie Kun , Madurell-Malapeira Joan
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: despite the fact that nowadays the genus Vulpes Frisch, 1775, is the most diverse among extant Canidae, its fossil record is utterly scarce, especially in the Asian Pliocene. The sparse nature of this record further complicates the reconstruction of the evolutionary scenario to fit these taxa with extant species. The situation seems to change slightly in the Early Pleistocene when two species are recorded: Vulpes alopecoides (Del Campana, 1913) in Europe and Vulpes chikushanensis, Young, 1930, in Asian localities. Unlike the former, which has an extensive record, the remains of the Chinese V. chikushanensis are sporadic and the validity of the taxon has also been questioned. (2) Methods: the study of the specimens from the Early Pleistocene site of Bajiazui (1.8–1.2 Ma, Qingyang, Gansu) in comparison to an extensive sample of Vulpes spp. The Pliocene–Early Pleistocene is relevant for the delimitation of fossil foxes variability; (3) Results: morphologically and morphometrically, the specimens of Bajiazui fit with the specimens of V. chikushanensis from other Chinese localities of the Early Pleistocene, e.g., Longdan (Gansu) and Huiyu (Fangshang), highlighting some difference with the latest Early Pleistocene forms of Jigushan fox; (4) Conclusions: the revision of the Asian fossil record of Vulpes is crucial in our attempt to understand and reconstruct the evolution of carnivoran guild during the late Early Pleistocene (1.8–0.8 Ma). The fox remains from Bajiazui, although fragmentary, add a valuable piece to our knowledge of V. chikushanensis, a species possibly strongly related to the extant Vulpes corsac (Linnaeus, 1768).
Chromium–Aluminum Coatings for Oxidation Protection of Titanium–Aluminum Intermetallic Alloys
Authors: Nazarov Almaz , Maslov Alexey , Korznikova Elena , Ramazanov Kamil
Published: November 2023

This article explores the utilization of cathodic-arc deposition Cr-Al overlay coatings as oxidation protection for Ti-Al-Nb intermetallic alloys. The primary objective is to investigate PVD Al-Cr coatings deposited via cathodic-arc deposition without subsequent vacuum annealing. The microstructure, phase, and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Isothermal exposure of samples in a laboratory air furnace was conducted, revealing the efficacy of Cr-Al coatings in protecting the Ti49-11Al-40Nb-1.5Zr-0.75V-0.75Mo-0.2Si (mass%) intermetallic alloy VTI-4 against oxidation. The findings highlight that the as-deposited coatings possess a layered structure and contain Al-Cr intermetallics. Post-exposure to the furnace without prior vacuum annealing results in coatings exhibiting a porous microstructure, raising concerns regarding oxidation protection. This investigation of Cr-Al coatings on a VTI-4 alloy substrate yields valuable insights into their nanolaminate structure and challenges associated with aluminum droplet fractions. The proposed additional vacuum heat treatment at 650 °C for 500 h effectively homogenizes the coating, leading to predominant Cr2Al and Ti-Al phases. Additionally, the formation of diffusion layers at the “coating–substrate” interface and the presence of oxide barriers contribute to the coatings’ heat resistance. Our research introduces possibilities for tailoring coating properties for specific high-temperature applications in aerospace, energy, or industrial contexts. Further refinement of the heat treatment process offers the potential for developing advanced coatings with enhanced performance characteristics.
Recovery of Kish Graphite from Steelmaking Byproducts with a Multi-Stage Froth Flotation Process
Authors: Chen Ying-Liang , Chiang Wei-Ping , Hsieh Ping-Yu
Published: November 2023

Steelmaking processes inevitably generate large amounts of byproducts, including slags, specks of dust, etc., and their treatment has been a critical issue for the steelmaking industry. Kish graphite is a valuable substance existing in steelmaking byproducts, and the recovery of Kish graphite has attracted more attention in recent years. The purpose of this study was to use a multi-stage froth flotation process for the beneficiation of Kish graphite and to investigate the influence of flotation conditions on the mass distribution of graphite and impurities. The results showed that the dust D2 contained ~34 wt.% of graphite and thus had the highest potential for the recovery of Kish graphite. The dosages of frother (methyl isobutyl carbinol, MIBC) at 0.005 kg/t and collector (kerosene) at 1 kg/t were optimal for the flotation of Kish graphite. After three-stage froth flotation, the graphite content of the concentrate was progressively increased to 84.09 wt.%, and the entire recovery rate was 93.05%. During the multi-stage froth flotation process, most of the impurities were separated in stage I, but the Fe-containing impurities were mainly separated in stage II. Some Ca2+, Na+, and K+ were leached out, and there were barely any heavy metals in the liquid phases.
On Augustinian Studies in China: A Chinese and Western Discourse on a Family-State Relationship
Authors: Wang Yinli
Published: November 2023

There is a growing interest in Augustine’s social and political philosophy as a result of the popularity of Augustinian studies in modern-day China. The Augustinian idea that the fall of Western classical civilization occurred when the natural order of “family-state” was replaced by a “denaturalized, de-politicized fellowship” is one discernible trend. This trend involves using the ancient natural order of “the unity of family and state” as a “righteous” standard to explain Augustinian thought. This interpretation calls into question our understanding of “the natural order” in the contemporary world as well as how people interact with one another in society. This paper compares and contrasts the fundamental debate between “family” and “society” in both Chinese and Western contexts. It begins by outlining three different natural orders in relation to “family-state unity” in pre-modern China and the West. It then uses Augustine’s context, especially The City of God, to illustrate the notion of the natural order. The essay contends that Augustine reformulates the Roman “natural order” using a “family-state unity” model derived from Caritas. This essay also makes the case that Augustine is used in the Chinese context in a way that shows how deeply concerned Chinese intellectuals are with family issues.
CryoSat Long-Term Ocean Data Analysis and Validation: Final Words on GOP Baseline-C
Authors: Naeije Marc , Di Bella Alessandro , Geminale Teresa , Visser Pieter
Published: November 2023

ESA’s Earth explorer mission CryoSat-2 has an ice-monitoring objective, but it has proven to also be a valuable source of observations for measuring impacts of climate change over oceans. In this paper, we report on our long-term ocean data analysis and validation and give our final words on CryoSat-2’s Geophysical Ocean Products (GOP) Baseline-C. The validation is based on a cross comparison with concurrent altimetry and with in situ tide gauges. The highlights of our findings include GOP Baseline-C showing issues with the ionosphere and pole tide correction. The latter gives rise to an east–west pattern in range bias. Between Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Low-Resolution Mode (LRM), a 1.4 cm jump in range bias is explained by a 0.5 cm jump in sea state bias, which relates to a significant wave height SAR-LRM jump of 10.5 cm. The remaining 0.9 cm is due to a range bias between ascending and descending passes, exhibiting a clear north–south pattern and ascribed to a timing bias of +0.367 ms, affecting both time-tag and elevation. The overall range bias of GOP Baseline-C is established at −2.9 cm, referenced to all calibrated concurrent altimeter missions. The bias drift does not exceed 0.2 mm/yr, leading to the conclusion that GOP Baseline-C is substantially stable and measures up to the altimeter reference missions. This is confirmed by tide gauge comparison with a selected set of 309 PSMSL tide gauges over 2010–2022: we determined a correlation of R = 0.82, a mean standard deviation of σ=5.7 cm (common reference and GIA corrected), and a drift of 0.17 mm/yr. In conclusion, the quality, continuity, and reference of GOP Baseline-C is exceptionally good and stable over time, and no proof of any deterioration or platform aging has been found. Any improvements for the next CryoSat-2 Baselines could come from sea state bias optimization, ionosphere and pole tide correction improvement, and applying a calibrated value for any timing biases.
GPU-Accelerated Signal Processing for Passive Bistatic Radar
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Liu Peng , Wang Bingnan , Jin Yaqiu
Published: November 2023

Passive bistatic radar is a novel radar technology that passively detects targets without actively emitting signals. Since passive bistatic radar entails larger data volumes and computations compared to traditional active radiation radar, the development of hardware and software platforms capable of efficiently processing signals from passive bistatic radar has emerged as a research focus in this field. This research investigates the signal processing flow of passive bistatic radar based on its characteristics and devises a parallel signal processing scheme under graphic processing unit (GPU) architecture for computation-intensive tasks. The proposed scheme utilizes high-computing-power GPU as the hardware platform and compute unified device architecture (CUDA) as the software platform and optimizes the extensive cancellation algorithm batches (ECA-B), range Doppler and constant false alarm detection algorithms. The detection and tracking of a single target are realized on the passive bistatic radar dataset of natural scenarios, and experiments show that the design of this algorithm can achieve a maximum acceleration ratio of 113.13. Comparative experiments conducted with varying data volumes revealed that this method significantly enhances the signal processing rate for passive bistatic radar.
Landslide Dynamic Susceptibility Mapping Base on Machine Learning and the PS-InSAR Coupling Model
Authors: Miao Fasheng , Ruan Qiuyu , Wu Yiping , Qian Zhao , Kong Zimo , Qin Zhangkui
Published: November 2023

Complex and fragile geological conditions combined with periodic fluctuations in reservoir water levels have led to frequent landslide disasters in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. With the development of remote sensing technology, many scholars have applied it to landslide susceptibility assessment to improve model accuracy; however, how to couple these two to obtain the optimal susceptibility assessment model remains to be studied. Based on Sentinel-1 data, relevant data, and existing research results, the information value method (IV), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and convolutional neural network (CNN) models were selected to analyze landslide susceptibility in the urban area of Wanzhou. Models with superior performance will be coupled with PS-InSAR deformation data using two methods: joint training and weighted overlay. The accuracy of different models was assessed and compared with the aim of determining the optimal coupling model and the role of InSAR in the model. The results indicate that the accuracy of different landslide susceptibility prediction models is ranked as RF > SVM > CNN > IV. Among the coupled dynamic models, the performance ranking was as follows: InSAR jointly trained RF (IJRF) > InSAR weighted overlay RF (IWRF) > InSAR jointly trained SVM (IJSVM) > InSAR weighted overlay SVM (IWSVM). Notably, the IJRF model, which combines InSAR deformation data through joint training, exhibited the highest accuracy, with an AUC value of 0.995. In the factor importance analysis within the IJRF model, InSAR deformation data ranked third after hydrological distance (0.210) and elevation (0.163), with a value of 0.154. A comparison between landslide dynamic susceptibility mapping (LDSM) and landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) revealed that the inclusion of InSAR deformation data effectively reduced false positives around the landslide areas. The results suggest that joint training is the most suitable coupling method, allowing for the optimal expression of InSAR deformation data and enhancing the predictive accuracy of the model. This study serves as a reference for future research and provides a foundation for landslide risk management.
Spatial Prediction of Fluvial Flood in High-Frequency Tropical Cyclone Area Using TensorFlow 1D-Convolution Neural Networks and Geospatial Data
Authors: Trong Nguyen Gia , Quang Pham Ngoc , Cuong Nguyen Van , Le Hong Anh , Nguyen Hoang Long , Tien Bui Dieu
Published: November 2023

Fluvial floods endure as one of the most catastrophic weather-induced disasters worldwide, leading to numerous fatalities each year and significantly impacting socio-economic development and the environment. Hence, the research and development of new methods and algorithms focused on improving fluvial flood prediction and devising robust flood management strategies are essential. This study explores and assesses the potential application of 1D-Convolution Neural Networks (1D-CNN) for spatial prediction of fluvial flood in the Quang Nam province, a high-frequency tropical cyclone area in central Vietnam. To this end, a geospatial database with 4156 fluvial flood locations and 12 flood indicators was considered. The ADAM algorithm and the MSE loss function were used to train the 1D-CNN model, whereas popular performance metrics, such as Accuracy (Acc), Kappa, and AUC, were used to measure the performance. The results indicated remarkable performance by the 1D-CNN model, achieving high prediction accuracy with metrics such as Acc = 90.7%, Kappa = 0.814, and AUC = 0.963. Notably, the proposed 1D-CNN model outperformed benchmark models, including DeepNN, SVM, and LR. This achievement underscores the promise and innovation brought by 1D-CNN in the realm of susceptibility mapping for fluvial floods.
Factory-Calibrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Type 1 Diabetes: Accuracy during In-Clinic Exercise and Home Use
Authors: Lundemose Sissel Banner , Laugesen Christian , Ranjan Ajenthen Gayathri , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: November 2023

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are valuable tools for improving glycemic control, yet their accuracy might be influenced by physical activity. This study sought to assess the accuracy of the three latest factory-calibrated CGM systems available in Europe at the time the study was conducted, both during aerobic exercise and in typical daily scenarios. The accuracy evaluation, based on metrics such as the median absolute relative difference (MARD) and point and rate error-grid analyses (PEGA and REGA), involved 13 adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants wore all sensors during a 1 h in-clinic exercise session followed by a subsequent 3-day home period, with blood glucose measurements serving as reference values in both contexts. During exercise, no statistically significant differences in MARD were observed (Dexcom G6: 12.6%, Guardian 4: 10.7%, and Freestyle Libre 2: 17.2%; p = 0.31), and similarly, no significant differences emerged in PEGA-zone-AB (100%, 100%, 96.8%; p = 0.37). Nevertheless, Freestyle Libre 2 showed comparatively diminished accuracy in estimating glucose trends during exercise (REGA-zone-AB: 100%, 93.0%, 73.3%; p = 0.0003). In the home environment, Freestyle Libre 2 exhibited a significantly higher MARD when compared to the other systems (10.2%, 11.9%, 16.7%, p = 0.02). Overall, Dexcom G6 and Guardian 4 demonstrated superior accuracy in both exercise and daily life scenarios compared to Freestyle Libre 2.
Novel Information-Driven Smoothing Spline Linearization Method for High-Precision Displacement Sensors Based on Information Criterions
Authors: Zhang Wen-Hao , Dai Lin , Chen Wang , Sun Anyu , Zhu Wu-Le , Ju Bing-Feng
Published: November 2023

A noise-resistant linearization model that reveals the true nonlinearity of the sensor is essential for retrieving accurate physical displacement from the signals captured by sensing electronics. In this paper, we propose a novel information-driven smoothing spline linearization method, which innovatively integrates one new and three standard information criterions into a smoothing spline for the high-precision displacement sensors’ linearization. Using theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation, the proposed linearization method is demonstrated to outperform traditional polynomial and spline linearization methods for high-precision displacement sensors with a low noise to range ratio in the 10−5 level. Validation experiments were carried out on two different types of displacement sensors to benchmark the performance of the proposed method compared to the polynomial models and the the non-smoothing cubic spline. The results show that the proposed method with the new modified Akaike Information Criterion stands out compared to the other linearization methods and can improve the residual nonlinearity by over 50% compared to the standard polynomial model. After being linearized via the proposed method, the residual nonlinearities reach as low as ±0.0311% F.S. (Full Scale of Range), for the 1.5 mm range chromatic confocal displacement sensor, and ±0.0047% F.S., for the 100 mm range laser triangulation displacement sensor.
Aberration Estimation for Synthetic Aperture Digital Holographic Microscope Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Jeon Hosung , Jung Minwoo , Lee Gunhee , Hahn Joonku
Published: November 2023

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a valuable technique for investigating the optical properties of samples through the measurement of intensity and phase of diffracted beams. However, DHMs are constrained by Lagrange invariance, compromising the spatial bandwidth product (SBP) which relates resolution and field of view. Synthetic aperture DHM (SA-DHM) was introduced to overcome this limitation, but it faces significant challenges such as aberrations in synthesizing the optical information corresponding to the steering angle of incident wave. This paper proposes a novel approach utilizing deep neural networks (DNNs) for compensating aberrations in SA-DHM, extending the compensation scope beyond the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective lens. The method involves training a DNN from diffraction patterns and Zernike coefficients through a circular aperture, enabling effective aberration compensation in the illumination beam. This method makes it possible to estimate aberration coefficients from the only part of the diffracted beam cutoff by the circular aperture mask. With the proposed technique, the simulation results present improved resolution and quality of sample images. The integration of deep neural networks with SA-DHM holds promise for advancing microscopy capabilities and overcoming existing limitations.
Damage Identification in Cement-Based Structures: A Method Based on Modal Curvatures and Continuous Wavelet Transform
Authors: Cosoli Gloria , Martarelli Milena , Mobili Alessandra , Tittarelli Francesca , Revel Gian Marco
Published: November 2023

Modal analysis is an effective tool in the context of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) since the dynamic characteristics of cement-based structures reflect the structural health status of the material itself. The authors consider increasing level load tests on concrete beams and propose a methodology for damage identification relying on the computation of modal curvatures combined with continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to highlight damage-related changes. Unlike most literature studies, in the present work, no numerical models of the undamaged structure were exploited. Moreover, the authors defined synthetic damage indices depicting the status of a structure. The results show that the I mode shape is the most sensitive to damages; indeed, considering this mode, damages cause a decrease of natural vibration frequency (up to approximately −67%), an increase of loss factor (up to approximately fivefold), and changes in the mode shapes morphology (a cuspid appears). The proposed damage indices are promising, even if the level of damage is not clearly distinguishable, probably because tests were performed after the load removal. Further investigations are needed to scale the methodology to in-field applications.