bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Added Value of Three‐Dimensional Horizontal Winds From Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder for Typhoon Forecast in a Regional NWP Model
Authors: Meng Deming , Tan Zhe‐Min , Li Jun , Ma Zheng , Chen Yaodeng
Published: March 2024

High temporal resolution geostationary hyperspectral infrared sounders can simultaneously profile atmospheric temperature and moisture, and track moisture features to provide 3D horizontal winds in clear and partially cloudy scenarios. The thermodynamic information obtained has been integral to enhancing tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts. However, the potential benefits derived from the dynamic information provided by geostationary hyperspectral infrared sounders (GeoHIS) are yet to be fully comprehended for numerical weather prediction (NWP). With the re‐estimated observation error and multivariate hydrometeor background error covariance, the 3D horizontal winds from the Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS) are synergistically assimilated with the hydrometeor information. The impact of the GIIRS‐derived 3D horizontal wind assimilation on Typhoon Maria (2018) and Lekima (2019) analysis and forecast are evaluated. The results show that the assimilating GIIRS‐derived 3D horizontal wind notably reduces the RMSEs of analysis and forecast, particularly in the U and V components. The improvement in accuracy of large‐scale fields substantially enhances the forecasts of typhoons' track and maximum wind speed, as well as the central sea‐level pressure. Moreover, the prediction of the spatial distribution and intensity for landfall precipitation is also improved. The detailed diagnoses of the Maria show that a more southerly subtropical high generated by the additional horizontal wind assimilation improves the rainfall spatial distribution, and the reasonable water vapor transportation caused by the improved dynamic conditions corrects the precipitation intensity. This work highlights the importance of dynamic information in TC forecasting and emphasizes the need for efficient and high‐precision 3D wind measurements to improve NWP.
Quartz-enhanced multiheterodyne resonant photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jiapeng , Wu Hongpeng , Sampaolo Angelo , Patimisco Pietro , Spagnolo Vincenzo , Jia Suotang , Dong Lei
Published: March 2024

The extension of dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) to all wavelengths of light along with its ability to provide ultra-large dynamic range and ultra-high spectral resolution, renders it extremely useful for a diverse array of applications in physics, chemistry, atmospheric science, space science, as well as medical applications. In this work, we report on an innovative technique of quartz-enhanced multiheterodyne resonant photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEMR-PAS), in which the beat frequency response from a dual comb is frequency down-converted into the audio frequency domain. In this way, gas molecules act as an optical-acoustic converter through the photoacoustic effect, generating heterodyne sound waves. Unlike conventional DCS, where the light wave is detected by a wavelength-dependent photoreceiver, QEMR-PAS employs a quartz tuning fork (QTF) as a high-Q sound transducer and works in conjunction with a phase-sensitive detector to extract the resonant sound component from the multiple heterodyne acoustic tones, resulting in a straightforward and low-cost hardware configuration. This novel QEMR-PAS technique enables wavelength-independent DCS detection for gas sensing, providing an unprecedented dynamic range of 63 dB, a remarkable spectral resolution of 43 MHz (or ~0.3 pm), and a prominent noise equivalent absorption of 5.99 × 10-6 cm-1·Hz-1/2.
Exercise intervention in middle-aged and elderly individuals with insomnia improves sleep and restores connectivity in the motor network
Authors: Chen Rongrong , Wang Shilei , Hu Qinzi , Kang Ning , Xie Haijiang , Liu Meng , Shan Hongyu , Long Yujie , Hao Yizhe , Qin Bolin , Su Hao , Zhuang Yongchang , Li Li , Li Weiju , Sun Wei , Wu Dong , Cao Wentian , Mai Xiaoqin , Chen Gong , Wang Dongmin , Zou Qihong
Published: March 2024

Exercise is a potential treatment to improve sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Understanding exercise-induced changes in functional plasticity of brain circuits that underlie improvements in sleep among middle-aged and older adults can inform treatment of sleep problems. The aim of the study is to identify the effects of a 12-week exercise program on sleep quality and brain functional connectivity in middle-aged and older adults with insomnia. The trial was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR2000033652). We recruited 84 healthy sleepers and 85 individuals with insomnia. Participants with insomnia were assigned to receive either a 12-week exercise intervention or were placed in a 12-week waitlist control condition. Thirty-seven middle-aged and older adults in the exercise group and 30 in the waitlist group completed both baseline and week 12 assessments. We found that middle-aged and older adults with insomnia showed significantly worse sleep quality than healthy sleepers. At the brain circuit level, insomnia patients showed decreased connectivity in the widespread motor network. After exercise intervention, self-reported sleep was increased in the exercise group (P < 0.001) compared to that in the waitlist group. We also found increased functional connectivity of the motor network with the cerebellum in the exercise group (P < 0.001). Moreover, we observed significant correlations between improvement in subjective sleep indices and connectivity changes within the motor network. We highlight exercise-induced improvement in sleep quality and functional plasticity of the aging brain.
Nuclear localization of heparanase 2 (Hpa2) attenuates breast carcinoma growth and metastasis
Authors: Hilwi Maram , Shulman Katherina , Naroditsky Inna , Feld Sari , Gross-Cohen Miriam , Boyango Ilanit , Soboh Soaad , Vornicova Olga , Farhoud Malik , Singh Preeti , Bar-Sela Gil , Goldberg Hadassah , Götte Martin , Sharrocks Andrew D. , Li Yaoyong , Sanderson Ralph D. , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel
Published: March 2024

Unlike the intense research effort devoted to exploring the significance of heparanase in cancer, very little attention was given to Hpa2, a close homolog of heparanase. Here, we explored the role of Hpa2 in breast cancer. Unexpectedly, we found that patients endowed with high levels of Hpa2 exhibited a higher incidence of tumor metastasis and survived less than patients with low levels of Hpa2. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that in normal breast tissue, Hpa2 localizes primarily in the cell nucleus. In striking contrast, in breast carcinoma, Hpa2 expression is not only decreased but also loses its nuclear localization and appears diffuse in the cell cytoplasm. Importantly, breast cancer patients in which nuclear localization of Hpa2 is retained exhibited reduced lymph-node metastasis, suggesting that nuclear localization of Hpa2 plays a protective role in breast cancer progression. To examine this possibility, we engineered a gene construct that directs Hpa2 to the cell nucleus (Hpa2-Nuc). Notably, overexpression of Hpa2 in breast carcinoma cells resulted in bigger tumors, whereas targeting Hpa2 to the cell nucleus attenuated tumor growth and tumor metastasis. RNAseq analysis was performed to reveal differentially expressed genes (DEG) in Hpa2-Nuc tumors vs. control. The analysis revealed, among others, decreased expression of genes associated with the hallmark of Kras, beta-catenin, and TNF-alpha (via NFkB) signaling. Our results imply that nuclear localization of Hpa2 prominently regulates gene transcription, resulting in attenuation of breast tumorigenesis. Thus, nuclear Hpa2 may be used as a predictive parameter in personalized medicine for breast cancer patients.
Dynamical order and many-body correlations in zebrafish show that three is a crowd
Authors: Zampetaki Alexandra , Yang Yushi , Löwen Hartmut , Royall C. Patrick
Published: March 2024

Zebrafish constitute a convenient laboratory–based biological system for studying collective behavior. It is possible to interpret a group of zebrafish as a system of interacting agents and to apply methods developed for the analysis of systems of active and even passive particles. Here, we consider the effect of group size. We focus on two– and many–body spatial correlations and dynamical order parameters to investigate the multistate behavior. For geometric reasons, the smallest group of fish which can exhibit this multistate behavior consisting of schooling, milling and swarming is three. We find that states exhibited by groups of three fish are similar to those of much larger groups, indicating that there is nothing more than a gradual change in weighting between the different states as the system size changes. Remarkably, when we consider small groups of fish sampled from a larger group, we find very little difference in the occupancy of the state with respect to isolated groups, nor is there much change in the spatial correlations between the fish. This indicates that fish interact predominantly with their nearest neighbors, perceiving the rest of the group as a fluctuating background. Therefore, the behavior of a crowd of fish is already apparent in groups of three fish.
Predicting nuclear G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins with roles in transcription and phase separation
Authors: Luige Johanna , Armaos Alexandros , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Ørom Ulf Andersson Vang
Published: March 2024

RNA-binding proteins are central for many biological processes and their characterization has demonstrated a broad range of functions as well as a wide spectrum of target structures. RNA G-quadruplexes are important regulatory elements occurring in both coding and non-coding transcripts, yet our knowledge of their structure-based interactions is at present limited. Here, using theoretical predictions and experimental approaches, we show that many chromatin-binding proteins bind to RNA G-quadruplexes, and we classify them based on their RNA G-quadruplex-binding potential. Combining experimental identification of nuclear RNA G-quadruplex-binding proteins with computational approaches, we build a prediction tool that assigns probability score for a nuclear protein to bind RNA G-quadruplexes. We show that predicted G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins exhibit a high degree of protein disorder and hydrophilicity and suggest involvement in both transcription and phase-separation into membrane-less organelles. Finally, we present the G4-Folded/UNfolded Nuclear Interaction Explorer System (G4-FUNNIES) for estimating RNA G4-binding propensities at http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/G4FUNNIES.
Atmospheric isoprene measurements reveal larger-than-expected Southern Ocean emissions
Authors: Ferracci Valerio , Weber James , Bolas Conor G. , Robinson Andrew D. , Tummon Fiona , Rodríguez-Ros Pablo , Cortés-Greus Pau , Baccarini Andrea , Jones Roderic L. , Galí Martí , Simó Rafel , Schmale Julia , Harris Neil. R. P.
Published: March 2024

Isoprene is a key trace component of the atmosphere emitted by vegetation and other organisms. It is highly reactive and can impact atmospheric composition and climate by affecting the greenhouse gases ozone and methane and secondary organic aerosol formation. Marine fluxes are poorly constrained due to the paucity of long-term measurements; this in turn limits our understanding of isoprene cycling in the ocean. Here we present the analysis of isoprene concentrations in the atmosphere measured across the Southern Ocean over 4 months in the summertime. Some of the highest concentrations ( >500 ppt) originated from the marginal ice zone in the Ross and Amundsen seas, indicating the marginal ice zone is a significant source of isoprene at high latitudes. Using the United Kingdom Earth System Model we show that current estimates of sea-to-air isoprene fluxes underestimate observed isoprene by a factor >20. A daytime source of isoprene is required to reconcile models with observations. The model presented here suggests such an increase in isoprene emissions would lead to >8% decrease in the hydroxyl radical in regions of the Southern Ocean, with implications for our understanding of atmospheric oxidation and composition in remote environments, often used as proxies for the pre-industrial atmosphere.
Efficient palladium-catalyzed electrocarboxylation enables late-stage carbon isotope labelling
Authors: Batista Gabriel M. F. , Ebenbauer Ruth , Day Craig , Bergare Jonas , Neumann Karoline T. , Hopmann Kathrin H. , Elmore Charles S. , Rosas-Hernández Alonso , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: March 2024

Carbon isotope labelling of bioactive molecules is essential for accessing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of new drug entities. Aryl carboxylic acids represent an important class of structural motifs ubiquitous in pharmaceutically active molecules and are ideal targets for the installation of a radioactive tag employing isotopically labelled CO2. However, direct isotope incorporation via the reported catalytic reductive carboxylation (CRC) of aryl electrophiles relies on excess CO2, which is incompatible with carbon-14 isotope incorporation. Furthermore, the application of some CRC reactions for late-stage carboxylation is limited because of the low tolerance of molecular complexity by the catalysts. Herein, we report the development of a practical and affordable Pd-catalysed electrocarboxylation setup. This approach enables the use of near-stoichiometric 14CO2 generated from the primary carbon-14 source Ba14CO3, facilitating late-stage and single-step carbon-14 labelling of pharmaceuticals and representative precursors. The proposed isotope-labelling protocol holds significant promise for immediate impact on drug development programmes.
Layer-polarized ferromagnetism in rhombohedral multilayer graphene
Authors: Zhou Wenqiang , Ding Jing , Hua Jiannan , Zhang Le , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Zhu Wei , Xu Shuigang
Published: March 2024

Flat-band systems with strongly correlated electrons can exhibit a variety of phenomena, such as correlated insulating and topological states, unconventional superconductivity, and ferromagnetism. Rhombohedral multilayer graphene has recently emerged as a promising platform for investigating exotic quantum states due to its hosting of topologically protected surface flat bands at low energy, which have a layer-dependent energy dispersion. However, the complex relationship between the surface flat bands and the highly dispersive high-energy bands makes it difficult to study correlated surface states. In this study, we introduce moiré superlattices as a method to isolate the surface flat bands of rhombohedral multilayer graphene. The observed pronounced screening effects in the moiré potential-modulated rhombohedral multilayer graphene indicate that the two surface states are electronically decoupled. The flat bands that are isolated promote correlated surface states in areas that are distant from the charge neutrality points. Notably, we observe tunable layer-polarized ferromagnetism, which is evidenced by a hysteretic anomalous Hall effect. This is achieved by polarizing the surface states with finite displacement fields.
Quality-by-design ecofriendly potentiometric sensor for rapid monitoring of hydroxychloroquine purity in the presence of toxic impurities
Authors: Draz Mohammed E. , Edrees Fadwa H. , Mohamed Heba M. , Hammad Sherif F. , Saad Ahmed S.
Published: March 2024

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is prescribed to treat malaria and certain autoimmune diseases. Recent studies questioned its efficiency in relieving COVID-19 symptoms and improving clinical outcomes. This work presents a quality-by-design approach to develop, optimize, and validate a potentiometric sensor for the selective analysis of HCQ in the presence of its toxic impurities (key starting materials), namely 4,7-Dichloroquinoline (DCQ) and hydroxynovaldiamine (HND). The study employed a custom experimental design of 16 sensors with different ion exchangers, plasticizers, and ionophores. We observed the Nernstian slopes, correlation coefficients, quantification limit, response time, and selectivity coefficient for DCQ and HND. The computer software constructed a prediction model for each response. The predicted responses strongly correlate to the experimental ones, indicating model fitness. The optimized sensor achieved 93.8% desirability. It proved a slope of 30.57 mV/decade, a correlation coefficient of 0.9931, a quantification limit of 1.07 × 10–6 M, a detection limit of 2.18 × 10–7 M, and a fast response of 6.5 s within the pH range of 2.5–8.5. The sensor was successfully used to determine HCQ purity in its raw material. The sensor represents a potential tool for rapid, sensitive, and selective monitoring of HCQ purity during industrial production from its starting materials.
Proteomic profiling reveals that ESR1 mutations enhance cyclin-dependent kinase signaling
Authors: De Marchi Tommaso , Lai Chun-Fui , Simmons Georgia M. , Goldsbrough Isabella , Harrod Alison , Lam Thai , Buluwela Lakjaya , Kjellström Sven , Brueffer Christian , Saal Lao H. , Malmström Johan , Ali Simak , Niméus Emma
Published: March 2024

Three quarters of all breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER, ESR1 gene), which promotes tumor growth and constitutes a direct target for endocrine therapies. ESR1 mutations have been implicated in therapy resistance in metastatic breast cancer, in particular to aromatase inhibitors. ESR1 mutations promote constitutive ER activity and affect other signaling pathways, allowing cancer cells to proliferate by employing mechanisms within and without direct regulation by the ER. Although subjected to extensive genetic and transcriptomic analyses, understanding of protein alterations remains poorly investigated. Towards this, we employed an integrated mass spectrometry based proteomic approach to profile the protein and phosphoprotein differences in breast cancer cell lines expressing the frequent Y537N and Y537S ER mutations. Global proteome analysis revealed enrichment of mitotic and immune signaling pathways in ER mutant cells, while phosphoprotein analysis evidenced enriched activity of proliferation associated kinases, in particular CDKs and mTOR. Integration of protein expression and phosphorylation data revealed pathway-dependent discrepancies (motility vs proliferation) that were observed at varying degrees across mutant and wt ER cells. Additionally, protein expression and phosphorylation patterns, while under different regulation, still recapitulated the estrogen-independent phenotype of ER mutant cells. Our study is the first proteome-centric characterization of ESR1 mutant models, out of which we confirm estrogen independence of ER mutants and reveal the enrichment of immune signaling pathways at the proteomic level.
New point-of-care calcaneal ultrasound densitometer (Osteosys BeeTLE) compared to standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Authors: Adami Giovanni , Rossini Maurizio , Gatti Davide , Serpi Paolo , Fabrizio Christian , Lovato Roberto
Published: March 2024

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) represents the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). However, its size and bulkiness limit its use in mass screening. Portable and easily accessible instruments are more suitable for this purpose. We conducted a study to assess the repeatability, sensitivity, accuracy, and validation of a new ultrasound densitometer for the calcaneus (OsteoSys BeeTLe) compared to standard DXA. BMD (g/cm2) was measured at the femoral and lumbar spine levels using DXA (Discovery Acclaim (Hologic, Waltham, MA, USA) or Lunar Prodigy (GE Healthcare, Madison, WI, USA) devices). Bone Quality Index (BQI, a dimensionless measure of bone quality derived from measures of SOS [Speed Of Sound] and BUA [broadband ultrasound attenuation]) was measured with OsteoSys BeeTLe. The Bland–Altman test and simple linear regression were used to evaluate the association between values measured with the two instruments. Additionally, the ability of the T-score calculated with BeeTLe to identify patients with previous osteoporotic fractures was tested using ROC curves. A total of 201 patients (94.5% females) with a mean age of 62.1 ± 10.2 were included in the study. The BeeTLe instrument showed a coefficient of variation (CV, in 75 repeated measurements) of 1.21%, which was not statistically different from the CV of DXA (1.20%). We found a significant association between BQI and BMD at the femoral neck (r2 = 0.500, p < 0.0001), total femur (r2 = 0.545, p < 0.0001), and lumbar spine (r2 = 0.455, p < 0.0001). T-scores bias were 0.215 (SD 0.876), 0.021 (SD 0.889) and 0.523 (SD 0.092), for femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine respectively. AUC for discriminating fracture and non-fractured patients were not significantly different with OsteoSys BeeTLe and standard DXA. In this preliminary study, BeeTLe, a new point-of-care ultrasound densitometer, demonstrated good repeatability and performance similar to DXA. Therefore, its use can be proposed in screening for osteoporosis.
Association of factors with childhood asthma and allergic diseases using latent class analysis
Authors: To Teresa , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Anderson Laura N. , Birken Catherine S. , Dell Sharon D. , Janus Magdalena , Maguire Jonathon L. , Moraes Theo J. , Parkin Patricia C. , Subbarao Padmaja , Van Dam Anne , Guttman Beverly , Terebessy Emilie , Zhang Kimball , Zhu Jingqin
Published: March 2024

We hypothesize that children characterized by deprived factors have poorer health outcomes. We aim to identify clustering of determinants and estimate risk of early childhood diseases. This 1993–2019 longitudinal cohort study combines three Canadian pediatric cohorts and their families. Mothers and children are clustered using latent class analysis (LCA) by 16 indicators in three domains (maternal and newborn; socioeconomic status [SES] and neighbourhood; environmental exposures). Hazard ratios (HR) of childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and eczema are quantified with Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression. Rate ratios (RR) of children’s health services use (HSU) are estimated with Poisson regression. Here we report the inclusion of 15,724 mother–child pairs; our LCA identifies four mother-clusters. Classes 1 and 2 mothers are older (30–40 s), non-immigrants with university education, living in high SES neighbourhoods; Class 2 mothers have poorer air quality and less greenspace. Classes 3 and 4 mothers are younger (20–30 s), likely an immigrant/refugee, with high school-to-college education, living in lower SES neighborhoods with poorer air quality and less greenspace. Children’s outcomes differ by Class, in comparison to Class 1. Classes 3 and 4 children have higher risks of asthma (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11–1.37 and HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.22–1.59, respectively), and similar higher risks of AR and eczema. Children with AR in Class 3 have 20% higher all-cause physician visits (RR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.30) and those with eczema have 18% higher all-cause emergency department visits (RR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.09–1.28) and 14% higher all-cause physician visits (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.09–1.19). Multifactorial-LCA mother-clusters may characterize associations of children’s health outcomes and care, adjusting for interrelationships.
Color-CADx: a deep learning approach for colorectal cancer classification through triple convolutional neural networks and discrete cosine transform
Authors: Sharkas Maha , Attallah Omneya
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits a significant death rate that consistently impacts human lives worldwide. Histopathological examination is the standard method for CRC diagnosis. However, it is complicated, time-consuming, and subjective. Computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems using digital pathology can help pathologists diagnose CRC faster and more accurately than manual histopathology examinations. Deep learning algorithms especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are advocated for diagnosis of CRC. Nevertheless, most previous CAD systems obtained features from one CNN, these features are of huge dimension. Also, they relied on spatial information only to achieve classification. In this paper, a CAD system is proposed called “Color-CADx” for CRC recognition. Different CNNs namely ResNet50, DenseNet201, and AlexNet are used for end-to-end classification at different training–testing ratios. Moreover, features are extracted from these CNNs and reduced using discrete cosine transform (DCT). DCT is also utilized to acquire spectral representation. Afterward, it is used to further select a reduced set of deep features. Furthermore, DCT coefficients obtained in the previous step are concatenated and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) feature selection approach is applied to choose significant features. Finally, machine learning classifiers are employed for CRC classification. Two publicly available datasets were investigated which are the NCT-CRC-HE-100 K dataset and the Kather_texture_2016_image_tiles dataset. The highest achieved accuracy reached 99.3% for the NCT-CRC-HE-100 K dataset and 96.8% for the Kather_texture_2016_image_tiles dataset. DCT and ANOVA have successfully lowered feature dimensionality thus reducing complexity. Color-CADx has demonstrated efficacy in terms of accuracy, as its performance surpasses that of the most recent advancements.
Determining information system end-user satisfaction and continuance intension with a unified modeling approach
Authors: Tessema Worku Mekonnen , Cavus Nadire
Published: March 2024

With the different characters of datatypes and large amount of data going to be managed in open-source database, localization to the specific linguistics is the major concern in Ethiopia, as the nation used different datatypes compared to the Gregorian systems. In this regard Amharic localization in open-source database can handle the difficulties in managing data for governmental and non-governmental organizations. Amharic Extension Module was introduced to governmental organizations for the data management capabilities. But, there is no research that can explore the system’s quality, the users’ satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of both computer literates and illiterates. Therefore, this research work attempt or try to empirically examine and analyze the system quality, the users’ satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of all users in POESSA The major purpose/aim of this study/research is to brand or make up the research break/gap in the area of localization specific to the Amharic locals, and to show the implication of the practical and theoretical way based on the results of the research. For this purpose, questionnaires were used for the collection of the research data. A total of 395 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and 385 of them are collected without any problem from the organization indicated herewith. The statistical analysis tools such as SPSS and AMOS, and methods such as Structural equation model were used for the analysis of the research data. The results of the research recommended and suggested that system quality can significantly influence confirmation. Meanwhile, confirmation can directly and significantly influence perceived usefulness, performance expectations, and satisfaction. Additionally, performance expectation, perceived usefulness and confirmation can significantly impact/influence satisfaction. The satisfaction directly and most importantly and significantly influences the continuance intension. Finally, the research delivers/provides a concert indication for the legitimacy and validity of the integrated and combined models of UTUAT, ECTM, and D&M ISS in the field of localizations which can be a hypothetical and theoretical foundation for Amharic Extension Module—AEM users’ and services of it.
Construction, observation and knowledge abstraction for go endgames on small boards
Authors: Hsu Chia-Ming , Lin Hung-Cheng , Chen Yueh-Ting , Hsueh Chih-Wen , Hsu Tsan-sheng
Published: March 2024

A Go endgame database consists of optimal game values and moves for every legal arrangement of no more than S pieces on an N by N board. This paper describes methods for constructing such databases when $$1 < N \le 5$$

1
<
N
≤
5

and $$S = N^2$$

S
=

N
2

. When cycles of plies with lengths greater than 4 are encountered, two rules, one allowing cycles and the other disallowing them, are implemented. Observations and knowledge are obtained for these endgames, which may elucidate the fundamental properties of the popular game Go. First, the optimal game values are different when N is even and odd, regardless of whether the repetition of positions is allowed. When N is odd, the first player can occupy the whole board, while this is not the case when N is even. Second, allowing cycles makes the first and second players equal in strength when N is even, whereas the first player always dominates when N is odd. Using the state-of-the-art open-source deep learning Go engine KataGo to correctly solve a given position as an indicator, factors affecting level of difficulty are found, including the distributions of the optimal game values among all legal plies and the cardinality and values of the true optimal plies. A simple formula is designed that works on more than 10% of the positions so that positions with a given level of difficulty can be found with a high probability.
Statistical computation for heat and mass transfers of water-based nanofluids containing Cu, Al2O3, and TiO2 nanoparticles over a curved surface
Authors: Lone Showkat Ahmad , Raizah Zehba , Saeed Anwar , Bognár Gabriella
Published: March 2024

Nanofluid is a specially crafted fluid comprising a pure fluid with dispersed nanometer-sized particles. Incorporation these nanoparticles into pure fluid results in a fluid with improved thermal properties in comparison of pure fluid. The enhanced properties of nanofluids make them highly sought after, in diverse applications, consisting of coolant of devices, heat exchangers, and thermal solar systems. In this study hybrid nanofluid consisting of copper, alumina and titanium nanoparticles on a curved sheet has investigated with impact of chemical reactivity, magnetic field and Joule heating. The leading equations have converted to normal equations by using appropriate set of variables and has then evaluated by homotopy analysis method. The outcomes are shown through Figures and Tables and are discussed physically. It has revealed in this study that Cu-nanofluid flow has augmented velocity, temperature, and volume fraction distributions than those of Al2O3-nanofluid and TiO2-nanofluid. Also, the Cu-nanofluid flow has higher heat and mass transfer rates than those of Al2O3-nanofluid and TiO2-nanofluid.
Examining the optimum panel pillar dimension in longwall mining considering stress distribution
Authors: Yetkin Mustafa Emre , Ozfirat Muharrem Kemal , Onargan Turgay
Published: March 2024

Longwall mining method is widely used for underground coal production in the world. Additional stresses occur surrounding the longwall during underground mining. Stresses occurring surrounding the longwall are investigated by many researchers for years. How these stresses affect longwall production, gob, main gate, tailgate and main haulage road has been always an important issue. In this study, the effect of the safety pillar left at the end of the panel on the main haulage road is investigated. For this purpose, 6 models with different pillar distances are created and the stresses occurring in the main haulage road, tailgate and main gate at different pillar distances are examined. It has been demonstrated with numerical models that the optimum pillar distance according to these stress conditions does not damage the main haulage road, tailgate and main gate. In addition, the pillar distance of 10 m gives maximum coal recovery efficiency, and it has been shown by numerical models that the stresses occurring in the main haulage road, main gate and tailgate are not damaging to these galleries.
Lateral heterostructures of WS2 and MoS2 monolayers for photo-synaptic transistor
Authors: Park Jaeseo , Kim Jun Oh , Kang Sang-Woo
Published: March 2024

Von Neumann architecture-based computing, while widely successful in personal computers and embedded systems, faces inherent challenges including the von Neumann bottleneck, particularly amidst the ongoing surge of data-intensive tasks. Neuromorphic computing, designed to integrate arithmetic, logic, and memory operations, has emerged as a promising solution for improving energy efficiency and performance. This approach requires the construction of an artificial synaptic device that can simultaneously perform signal processing, learning, and memory operations. We present a photo-synaptic device with 32 analog multi-states by exploiting field-effect transistors based on the lateral heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) WS2 and MoS2 monolayers, formed through a two-step metal–organic chemical vapor deposition process. These lateral heterostructures offer high photoresponsivity and enhanced efficiency of charge trapping at the interface between the heterostructures and SiO2 due to the presence of the WS2 monolayer with large trap densities. As a result, it enables the photo-synaptic transistor to implement synaptic behaviors of long-term plasticity and high recognition accuracy. To confirm the feasibility of the photo-synapse, we investigated its synaptic characteristics under optical and electrical stimuli, including the retention of excitatory post-synaptic currents, potentiation, habituation, nonlinearity factor, and paired-pulse facilitation. Our findings suggest the potential of versatile 2D material-synapse with a high density of device integration.
Higher level of physical activity reduces mental and neurological symptoms during and two years after COVID-19 infection in young women
Authors: Takács Johanna , Deák Darina , Koller Akos
Published: March 2024

Previous studies found that regular physical activity (PA) can lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection and post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), yet its specific effects in young women have not yet been investigated. Thus, we aimed to examine whether regular physical activity reduces the number of symptoms during and after COVID-19 infection among young women aged between 18 and 34 (N = 802), in which the confounding effect of other morbidities could be excluded. The average time since infection was 23.5 months. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high PA categories based on the reported minutes per week of moderate and vigorous PA. Using the Post-COVID-19 Case Report Form, 50 different symptoms were assessed. Although regular PA did not decrease the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and PCC but significantly reduced the number of mental and neurological symptoms both in acute COVID-19 and PCC. Importantly, the high level of PA had a greater impact on health improvements. In addition, the rate of reinfection decreased with an increased level of PA. In conclusion, a higher level of regular PA can reduce the risk of reinfection and the number of mental and neurological symptoms in PCC underlying the importance of regular PA, even in this and likely other viral disease conditions.
Enhancement of the photoacoustic effect during the light–particle interaction
Authors: Ji Yukun , Sun Jianping , Ren Yatao , Qi Hong , Gao Renxi
Published: March 2024

For a short pulse duration, increasing the interfacial thermal conductivity can enhance the heat transfer effectively. The enhancement effect of photoacoustic signal by increasing the interfacial thermal conductivity is affected by pulse duration.
Hollow cubic CuSe@CdS with tunable size for plasmon-induced Vis-NIR driven photocatalytic properties
Authors: Li Ning , Li Linping , Qiu Yanping , Liu Xuhui , Zhang Jiatong , Gao Yangqin , Ge Lei
Published: March 2024

The rational design of the dimension and geometry of a plasmonic semiconductor cocatalyst is vitally important for efficient utilization of near-infrared (NIR) light and superior photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Recent advances in DDAH1 inhibitor design and discovery: insights from structure–activity relationships and X-ray crystal structures
Authors: Doman Anthony J. , Perkins Michael V. , Tommasi Sara , Mangoni Arduino A. , Nair Pramod C.
Published: March 2024

DDAH1 inhibitors with diverse chemical structures are needed for the development of new therapeutics in NO related disorders.
Click chemistry modifications for the selective crosslinking of wood pulp fibers – effect on the physical and mechanical properties of paper
Authors: Blal Abdelhadi , Brouillette François , Loranger Éric , Lebrun Gilbert
Published: March 2024

The Cu(i)-catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition click chemistry reaction is of particular interest in the production of paper sheets or natural fiber composites since it leads to the formation of chemically stable bonds between two fibers.
Synergistic effect of KI on the corrosion inhibition of a poly(diallylammonium chloride)-based cyclocopolymer containing bis-cationic motifs for mild steel corrosion in 20% formic acid
Authors: Goni Lipiar K. M. O. , Yaagoob Ibrahim Y. , Mazumder Mohammad A. J. , Ali Shaikh A.
Published: March 2024

The syntheses of poly(diallylammonium chloride) (3) and its copolymers (8a–c) containing hydrophilic/hydrophobic pendants and their role in mitigating mild steel corrosion in aggressive 20% HCOOH is not frequently discussed in the literature.
Lycopene from tomatoes and tomato products exerts renoprotective effects by ameliorating oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory injury in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Gao Xiaomin , Lin Binwei , Chen Chen , Fang Ziyu , Yang Jinzhao , Wu Shuzhi , Chen Qing , Zheng Kewen , Yu Zhixian , Li Yeping , Gao Xiaofeng , Lin Guanyang , Chen Lianguo
Published: March 2024

Several mechanisms underlying nephrolithiasis, one of the most common urological diseases, involve calcium oxalate formation, including oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, fibrosis, pyroptosis, and apoptosis.
Origami nanogap electrodes for reversible nanoparticle trapping
Authors: Dogru-Yuksel Itir Bakis , Mosk Allard P. , Faez Sanli
Published: March 2024

Drawing inspiration from the time-honored origami technique, we crafted electrodes from a conductive plastic sheet in a single step, enabling the reversible trapping of nanoparticles for analysis within the image plane.
Scorpion-inspired fluorescent polymers
Authors: Wu Wenjin , Yang Xuhua , Zhang Haozhen , Huang Xiaowen , Zhang Wanqi , Pan Maoling , Wu Yingliang , Zhang Lidong , Huang Kun
Published: March 2024

A novel strategy to prepare a scorpion-inspired polymer material with highly transparent, fluorescent features under UV light and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria is reported for the first time.
Synthesis, structural, spectroscopic and electric/dielectric studies of a nanocrystalline Ni(ii) complex based on [(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene]thiocarbonohydrazide
Authors: Fouad R. , Ali Tarik E. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Shenouda S. S.
Published: March 2024

A Ni2+ nanocomplex based on a heterocyclic ligand containing a pyrazole moiety was developed in this work, and its electric conductivity and dielectric characteristics were studied.
Novel mono substituted pyridoimidazoisoquinoliniums via a silver-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization and their applications in cellular imaging
Authors: Kawakubo Masato , Inoh Yoshikazu , Murata Yuki , Matsumura Mio , Furuno Tadahide , Yasuike Shuji
Published: March 2024

Intramolecular cyclization to obtain mitochondrially localized pyrido[1′,2′;2,3]imidazo[5,1-a]isoquinoliniums proceeded with Ag catalysts at room temperature with a short reaction time.
A computational study of cell membrane damage and intracellular delivery in a cross-slot microchannel
Authors: Lu Ruixin , Yu Peng , Sui Yi
Published: March 2024

The inertial effect increases the cell deformation and membrane damage in the channel cross-slot; however, the enhancement can be reversed by the cell membrane viscosity.
Mechanical guidance to self-organization and pattern formation of stem cells
Authors: Zhou Wei-Hua , Qiao Lin-Ru , Xie She-Juan , Chang Zhuo , Yin Xu , Xu Guang-Kui
Published: March 2024

We introduce a mechanical model based on the dynamic balance between cell-ECM-culture environment, and demonstrate that it can capture specific phenomena in stem cell pattern formation experiments guided by geometric constraints.
A non‐antibiotic organic coating on ZA6‐1 surface releasing different concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulphate/levulinic acid for orthopaedic application
Authors: Zou Feng , Zhao Deren , Liu Yangkai , Lu Qiqi , Liu Hulin , Chen Zilin , Fang Yaxing , Tan Xiaodong , Xiang Yunjie , Feng Xue , Zhang Yongping , Rao Xi
Published: March 2024

Bone implantation surgery is often accompanied by bacterial infection, resulting in infectious bone non‐union, pathological fracture and other serious consequences, which will aggravate the pain of patients. A non‐antibiotic coating consisting of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and levulinic acid (LA) with different concentrations was prepared by the authors on the zinc–aluminium alloy (ZA6‐1) using a wet chemistry treatment for orthopaedic application. The influence of SDS/LA concentrations on the surface morphology, composition and performance of the developed coating was investigated. The results showed that as‐prepared coating on a zinc alloy surface could improve the substrate's corrosion resistance and increase the degradation rate from 0.82 to 19.70 μm/year upon raising the SDS/LA concentration. Furthermore, higher hydrophilicity (<14°), better cell proliferation (>100%) and morphology, as well as good cell adhesion and differentiation (ALP >95% for 7 days) were observed on coated zinc alloys. The increased SDS/LA concentration slightly weakens the biocompatibility and enhances the antibacterial performance of coated zinc alloys due to the synergistic effect of SDS/LA. Overall, the coating comprising 6 wt.% SDS and 9 wt.% LA showed excellent antibacterial action with a high level of biocompatibility, confirming its potential application for orthopaedic implants.
Joint contribution of RTEM and AGC system for frequency stabilisation in renewable energy integrated power system
Authors: Debbarma Liza , Debbarma Sanjoy , Roy Kingshuk , Roy Siddhartha Deb , Singh Piyush Pratap
Published: March 2024

Increasing penetration of variable renewable generations will diminish system inertia thereby degrading the conventional frequency regulation capability. As a result, maintaining frequency stability will be more and more challenging with traditional approaches. Even though renewable sources integration would jeopardise the grid stability, it also presents several opportunities as well. For example, converter‐interfaced generators can bid in real‐time electricity markets (RTEM) and provide short‐time dispatch to minimise load‐generation mismatch. In this paper, an integrated approach that accommodates discrete automatic generation control (AGC) system with a regulation mileage framework and RTEM model to balance generation and consumption is proposed. The RTEM model is assumed to have a five‐minute dispatch trading interval which is to some extent comparable to the discrete AGC system. Furthermore, a fractional order PID (FOPID) controller is equipped in the AGC system whose parameters are tuned using a novel metaheuristic‐based optimisation called Lichtenberg Algorithm (LA). The proposed framework is tested in a three‐area system under several operating conditions to reveal the improvement in the dynamic performance of the system. The objective function is also incorporated with mileage payment that allows a fair compensation rule for all the units.
Gas production analysis for the buffer layer of high‐voltage cross‐linked polyethylene cables
Authors: Zhou Wenqing , Li Licheng , Cheng Hao , Wu Xun , Liu Gang
Published: March 2024

The cross‐linked polyethylene insulated cables with corrugated aluminium‐sheathed are widely used in urban power systems. Recently, a new type of power cable fault has emerged, primarily due to defects in the buffer layer. However, there is a notable lack of effective evaluation methods for these defects in high‐voltage (HV) cables. Initially, a theoretical analysis of the gas generation mechanism in the cable buffer layer was conducted, identifying distinct gas products at different stages. Subsequently, the diffusion kinetics of gas within the cable was studied, highlighting the importance of gas in determining the state of the buffer layer. The authors then collected and analysed 60 sets of buffer layer gases from two operational 110 kV HV cables using gas chromatography technology. Combining these results with the findings from on‐site inspections, the characteristic gas components and concentration distribution under various defect conditions were summarised. The results found higher concentrations of CH4 in normal cables and defective cables, while there are higher concentrations of H2, CO and CO2 in defective cables, and the oxygen content decreases. The discoveries made in this research may offer a new approach for assessing the state of the cable buffer layer.
The dependence of the magnetism of a near-limb sunspot on height
Authors: Benko M. , Balthasar H. , Gömöry P. , Kuckein C. , González Manrique S. J.
Published: March 2024

Context. The physical parameters of the sunspot are not fully understood, especially the height dependence of the magnetic field. So far, it is also an open question as to which heights the He I 10 830 Å spectral line is formed at.

Aims. Our aim is to investigate the magnetic and dynamical properties in the atmosphere above a sunspot, from the photosphere to the chromosphere. We analyzed the photospheric and chromospheric magnetic field properties of a stable sunspot in AR 12553 on June 20, 2016 using spectropolarimetric observations obtained with the GREGOR Infrared Spectrograph (GRIS) at the 1.5-meter GREGOR telescope.

Methods. A spectral-line inversion technique was used to infer the magnetic field vector and Doppler velocities from the full Stokes profiles. In total, three spectral lines were inverted and the variation of the magnetic properties was qualified using the average values of the radial circles. The sunspot is located close to the solar limb, and thus this allows us to make a geometrical determination of the height of the spectral line He I 10 830 Å.

Results. We find the height of helium spectral line to be 970 km above the photospheric spectral lines directly from observation at a stable sunspot. The total magnetic field strength decreases with height over the sunspot; the rates are −0.34 G km−1 for the umbra and −0.28 G km−1 for the penumbra. The inclination increases with increasing height in the umbra, but decreases in the penumbra. In the umbra, the vertical component (Bz) decreases with height, while the horizontal component (Bhor) remains almost constant. In the penumbra this is reversed, as Bz remains nearly constant over height, while Bhor decreases. We also observe fast velocities with 30 km s−1 in small chromospheric patches on the central side of the spot.

Conclusions. The key parameters depending on height in the sunspot are the Bz component of the magnetic field for the umbra and the Bhor component of the magnetic field for the penumbra. The observation revealed supersonic downward velocities in and near the outer penumbra.