bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive assessment of body mass index effects on short-term and long-term outcomes in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Hu Hai , Hu Lili , Li Kun , Jiang QiHua , Tan JunTao , Deng ZiQing
Published: June 2024

To examine the influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) on laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) short-term and long-term outcomes for gastric cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted on gastric cancer patients undergoing LG at the Third Hospital of Nanchang City from January 2013 to January 2022. Based on WHO BMI standards, patients were categorized into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups. Factors such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and overall survival were assessed. Across different BMI groups, it was found that an increase in BMI was associated with longer operative times (average times: 206.22 min for normal weight, 231.32 min for overweight, and 246.78 min for obese), with no significant differences noted in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, or long-term survival among the groups. The impact of BMI on long-term survival following LG for gastric cancer was found to be insignificant, with no notable differences in survival outcome between different BMI groups. Although higher BMI is associated with increased operative time in LG for gastric cancer, it does not significantly affect intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, recovery, or long-term survival. LG is a feasible treatment choice for obese patients with gastric cancer.
Traffic planning in modern large cities Paris and Istanbul
Authors: Ayözen Yunus Emre , İnaç Hakan
Published: June 2024

The enhancement of flexibility, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness constitutes a widely acknowledged trend in the development of urban infrastructure. The proliferation of various types of transportation vehicles exacerbates the complexity of traffic regulation. Intelligent transportation systems, leveraging real-time traffic status prediction technologies, such as velocity estimation, emerge as viable solutions for the efficacious management and control of urban road networks. The objective of this project is to address the complex task of increasing accuracy in predicting traffic conditions on a big scale using deep learning techniques. To accomplish the objective of the study, the historical traffic data of Paris and Istanbul within a certain timeframe were used, considering the impact of variables such as speed, traffic volume, and direction. Specifically, traffic movie clips based on 2 years of real-world data for the two cities were utilized. The movies were generated with HERE data derived from over 100 billion GPS (Global Positioning System) probe points collected from a substantial fleet of automobiles. The model presented by us, unlike the majority of previous ones, takes into account the cumulative impact of speed, flow, and direction. The developed model showed better results compared to the well-known models, in particular, in comparison with the SR-ResNet model. The pixel-wise MAE (mean absolute error) values for Paris and Istanbul were 4.299 and 3.884 respectively, compared to 4.551 and 3.993 for SR-ResNET. Thus, the created model demonstrated the possibilities for further enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of intelligent transportation systems, particularly in large urban centres, thereby facilitating heightened safety, energy efficiency, and convenience for road users. The obtained results will be useful for local policymakers responsible for infrastructure development planning, as well as for specialists and researchers in the field. Future research should investigate how to incorporate more sources of information, in particular previous information from physical traffic flow models, information about weather conditions, etc. into the deep learning framework, as well as further increasing of the throughput capacity and reducing processing time.
Characteristic effect of hydroxyurea on the higher-order structure of DNA and gene expression
Authors: Ogawa Haruto , Nishio Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuko , Sadakane Koichiro , Kenmotsu Takahiro , Koga Tomoyuki , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: June 2024

Hydroxyurea (HU; hydroxycarbamide) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer and other diseases such as sickle cell anemia. HU inhibits DNA synthesis by targeting ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). Recent studies have suggested that HU also causes oxidative stress in living systems. In the present study, we investigated if HU could directly affect the activity and/or conformation of DNA. We measured in vitro gene expression in the presence of HU by adapting a cell-free luciferase assay. HU exhibited a bimodal effect on gene expression, where promotion or inhibition were observed at lower or higher concentrations (mM range), respectively. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the higher-order structure of DNA was revealed to be partially-thick with kinked-branching structures after HU was added. An elongated coil conformation was observed by AFM in the absence of HU. Single DNA molecules in bulk aqueous solution under fluctuating Brownian motion were imaged by fluorescence microscopy (FM). Both spring and damping constants, mechanical properties of DNA, increased when HU was added. These experimental investigations indicate that HU directly interacts with DNA and provide new insights into how HU acts as a chemotherapeutic agent and targets other diseases.
A case control study of the relationship between persistent serum creatine kinase elevation and polyneuropathy
Authors: Bekkelund Svein I. , Abeler Karin , Lilleng Hallvard , Løseth Sissel
Published: June 2024

Creatine kinase (CK) has been associated with neuropathy, but the mechanisms are uncertain. We hypothesized that peripheral nerve function is impaired in subjects with persistent CK elevation (hyperCKemia) compared to age- and sex matched controls in a general population. The participants were recruited from the population based Tromsø study in Norway. Neuropathy impairment score (NIS), nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) in subjects with persistent hyperCKemia (n = 113; 51 men, 62 women) and controls (n = 128; 61 men, 67 women) were performed. The hyperCKemia group had higher NIS score than the controls (p = 0.050). NCS of the tibial nerve showed decreased compound motor action potential amplitude (p < 0.001), decreased motor conduction velocity (p < 0.001) and increased F-wave latency (p = 0.044). Also, reduced sensory amplitudes of the median, ulnar, and sural nerves were found. EMG showed significantly increased average motor unit potential amplitude in all examined muscles. CK correlated positively with glycated hemoglobin and non-fasting glucose in the hyperCKemia group, although not when controlled for covariates. The length dependent polyneuropathy demonstrated in the hyperCKemia group is unexplained, but CK leakage and involvement of glucose metabolism are speculated on.
Nonlocal correlations transmitted between quantum dots via short topological superconductor
Authors: Górski G. , Wójcik K. P. , Barański J. , Weymann I. , Domański T.
Published: June 2024

We study the quasiparticle states and nonlocal correlations of a hybrid structure, comprising two quantum dots interconnected through a short-length topological superconducting nanowire hosting overlaping Majorana modes. We show that the hybridization between different components of this setup gives rise to the emergence of molecular states, which are responsible for nonlocal correlations. We inspect the resulting energy structure, focusing on the inter-dependence between the quasiparticles of individual quantum dots. We predict the existence of nonlocal effects, which could be accessed and probed by crossed Andreev reflection spectroscopy. Our study would be relevant to a recent experimental realization of the minimal Kitaev model [T. Dvir et al., Nature 614, 445 (2023)], by considering its hybrid structure with side-attached quantum dots.
Ramadan intermittent fasting is associated with improved anticoagulant activity among healthy people: a case–control study
Authors: Al-Ghumlas Abeer Khalid
Published: June 2024

Data on the pathophysiological mechanisms of hemostatic alterations in the thrombotic events that occur during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), particularly in the natural coagulation inhibitors, are very limited. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of RIF on the natural anticoagulants level, antithrombin, protein C, and total and free protein S (PS) in healthy participants. Participants were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 29 healthy fasting participants whose blood samples were taken after 20 days of fasting. Group II included 40 healthy non-fasting participants whose blood samples were taken 2–4 weeks before the month of Ramadan. Coagulation screening tests including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and plasma fibrinogen level, natural anticoagulants; antithrombin, protein C, free and total PS and C4 binding protein (C4BP) levels were evaluated in the two groups. High levels of total and free PS without change in antithrombin, protein C, and C4BP levels were noted in the fasting group as compared with non-fasting ones (p < 0.05). PT and APTT showed no difference between the two groups. However, the fibrinogen level was higher in the fasting group. In conclusion, RIF was found to be associated with improved anticoagulant activity in healthy participants, which may provide temporal physiological protection against the development of thrombosis in healthy fasting people.
Disruption in glutathione metabolism and altered energy production in the liver and kidney after ischemic acute kidney injury in mice
Authors: Baker Peter R. , Li Amy S. , Griffin Benjamin R. , Gil Hyo-Wook , Orlicky David J. , Fox Benjamin M. , Park Bryan , Sparagna Genevieve C. , Goff Jared , Altmann Christopher , Elajaili Hanan , Okamura Kayo , He Zhibin , Stephenson Daniel , D’Alessandro Angelo , Reisz Julie A. , Nozik Eva S. , Sucharov Carmen C. , Faubel Sarah
Published: June 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a systemic disease that affects energy metabolism in various remote organs in murine models of ischemic AKI. However, AKI-mediated effects in the liver have not been comprehensively assessed. After inducing ischemic AKI in 8–10-week-old, male C57BL/6 mice, mass spectrometry metabolomics revealed that the liver had the most distinct phenotype 24 h after AKI versus 4 h and 7 days. Follow up studies with in vivo [13C6]-glucose tracing on liver and kidney 24 h after AKI revealed 4 major findings: (1) increased flux through glycolysis and the tricarboxylic (TCA) cycle in both kidney and liver; (2) depleted hepatic glutathione levels and its intermediates despite unchanged level of reactive oxygen species, suggesting glutathione consumption exceeds production due to systemic oxidative stress after AKI; (3) hepatic ATP depletion despite unchanged rate of mitochondrial respiration, suggesting increased ATP consumption relative to production; (4) increased hepatic and renal urea cycle intermediates suggesting hypercatabolism and upregulation of the urea cycle independent of impaired renal clearance of nitrogenous waste. Taken together, this is the first study to describe the hepatic metabolome after ischemic AKI in a murine model and demonstrates that there is significant liver-kidney crosstalk after AKI.
REEP3 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltration in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Guo-Hua , Tan Xiao-Yu , Xu Zhen-Yue , Li Jia-Xing , Zhong Guo-Hui , Zhai Jing-Wei , Li Ming-Yi
Published: June 2024

Receptor Expression-Enhancing Protein 3 (REEP3) serves as a pivotal enzyme crucial for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) clearance during mitosis and is implicated in the advancement of diverse malignancies. Nonetheless, the biological role and mechanisms of REEP3 in pancreatic cancer patients, along with its interplay with immune infiltration, remain inadequately elucidated. In this study, we initially analyzed the differential expression of REEP3 between pancreatic cancer tissues and normal pancreas tissues using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GTEx and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Subsequently, we utilized Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox regression and ROC curve to determine the predictive value of REEP3 for the clinical outcomes of pancreatic cancer patients. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), were conducted to explore the potential signaling pathways and biological functions associated with pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the PPI network, miRNA, RBP and transcription factor interactions of REEP3 using databases such as GeneMania, STRING, StarBase, KnockTK, ENCODE, Jaspar and hTFtarget. Lastly, the “ssGSEA” algorithm and TIMER database were employed to investigate the correlation between REEP3 expression and immune infiltration as well as immune checkpoints. The expression of REEP3 in pancreatic cancer showed a significantly higher level compared to that in normal tissues. ROC curve analysis indicated that REEP3 holds substantial diagnostic potential for pancreatic cancer patients. Elevated REEP3 expression correlated with unfavorable outcomes in terms of both overall survival and relapse-free survival, establishing it as a notable adverse prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that REEP3 maintained an independent association with overall survival. Functional enrichment analyses revealed pathways significantly linked to REEP3, including cytoplasmic translation, wound healing, viral processes, regulation of cellular component size and actin filament organization. Additionally, REEP3 expression displayed a significant positive correlation with CD8+ T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. REEP3 is a potential diagnostic, prognostic marker and immunotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
An innovative method of the vertical coupling effect improvement to the tandem Cu(In, Ga)Se2/perovskite solar cells using Ag cluster nanostructures
Authors: Zarerasouli Parisa , Aghaei Fatemeh , Bahador Hamid
Published: June 2024

The efficiency of double-junction CIGS/Perovskite-based solar cells has significantly improved through recent research. This study presents a new plasmonic structure for these optical devices, utilizing cluster nanostructures to increase photon absorption between 650 and 1137 nm wavelength ranges. The proposed nanostructure includes two vertically coupled silver nanoparticles embedded at the center of the bottom active layer (CIGS) that absorb most of the incoming light to CIGS within the active layer. The electric field produced by the coupling of the nanoparticles has a superior performance. To analyze the effect of nanoparticle coupling on CIGS/Perovskite solar cell performance, evaluated the short-circuit current density and power conversion efficiency for single and cluster nanostructures with a single nanoparticle in the middle of CIGS. The structures with a single nanoparticle displayed Jsc = 16.89 mA cm−2 and PCE = 31.76%, while the cluster nanostructure represents Jsc = 19 mA cm−2 and PCE = 35.81%. Not only did the use of the cluster nanostructure significantly improve absorption and performance compared to the bare case, but it also exhibited a suitable improvement compared to the single nanoparticle.
Mixed methods study on latent tuberculosis among agate stone workers and advocacy for testing silica dust exposed individuals in India
Authors: Rupani Mihir P. , Balachandar Rakesh , Kharkwal Gitika , Kulkarni Nikhil P. , Modi Bhavesh V. , Asodia Rutu N. , Vaghela Krishna K. , Nimavat Deizy R.
Published: June 2024

The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for silica-dust-exposed individuals is underemphasized. Focusing on an estimated 52 million silica-dust-exposed workers, particularly agate-stone workers in Khambhat, Gujarat, our study aims to estimate LTBI prevalence, identify predictors, and gather insights from TB and silicosis experts. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional study involved 463 agate-stone workers aged ≥ 20 years in Khambhat, using IGRA kits for LTBI testing. In-depth interviews with experts complemented quantitative findings. Among agate-stone workers, 58% tested positive for LTBI, with predictors including longer exposure, type of work, and BCG vaccination. Our findings reveal a nearly double burden of LTBI compared to the general population, particularly in occupations with higher silica dust exposure. Experts advocate for including silica-dust-exposed individuals in high-risk groups for LTBI testing, exploring cost-effective alternatives like improved skin sensitivity tests, and shorter TB preventive treatment regimens to enhance compliance. Future research should explore upfront TB preventive treatment for silica-dust-exposed individuals with high LTBI prevalence and optimal exposure duration. This study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and innovative approaches to TB prevention among silica-dust-exposed populations, impacting global occupational health strategies.
Destabilization damage characteristics and infrared radiation response of coal-rock complexes
Authors: Li Bo , Shi Zhen , Jiang Mengsheng , Zhang Junxiang , Li Li
Published: June 2024

To investigate the characteristics of destabilization damage in coal-rock complexes. Mechanical property tests were conducted on coal, rock, and their complexes. An infrared thermal camera was employed to real-time monitor the infrared (IR) radiation response signals during the destabilization damage process. A numerical model of coal-rock destabilization damage was developed, and its validity was verified. Deformed stress fields and displacement contours were obtained during the destabilization damage process. Upon destabilization, numerous cracks form at the base of the “coal” section, extending towards the interface, resulting in the formation of a wave-like deformation region. The differentiation in infrared thermal images is more pronounced in the “coal” section compared to the “rock” section. A high-stress region is evident at the interface, resulting in an area of high stress differentials. However, the bottom of the “coal” section also exhibits a region with high stress differentials and a more pronounced tendency towards destabilization damage. Displacement contours revealed that numerous units at the bottom of the “coal” section had slipped and misaligned, leading to the accumulation of damage and an elevation in the local damage level. It is a crucial factor contributing to the notable phenomenon of IR thermal image differentiation.
An unusually prolonged Pacific-North American pattern promoted the 2021 winter Quad-State Tornado Outbreaks
Authors: Kim Dongmin , Lee Sang-Ki , Lopez Hosmay , Jeong Jong-Hoon , Hong Jin-Sil
Published: June 2024

This study examines the large-scale atmosphere-ocean environments that led to the winter tornado outbreak across the Ohio Valley on 10–11 December 2021, also known as the Quad-States Tornado Outbreaks. Here, we show that the Quad-States Tornado Outbreaks occurred under an exceptionally strong and prolonged negative Pacific-North American pattern (PNA), which developed around December 1 and persisted for a month. This unusual PNA produced a strong atmospheric ridge along the south and eastern US seaboard, which in turn helped warm the Gulf of Mexico and produced large-scale environments conducive for tornadogenesis across the Ohio Valley. Further analysis shows that a broad region across the Ohio Valley is particularly vulnerable to extensive winter tornado outbreaks during long-lived negative PNA, whereas a limited region in the central US is exposed to winter tornado activity during short-lived negative PNA. Finally, although the PNA is a mode of internal variability that occurs with or without El Niño—Southern Oscillation, the occurrence of prolonged negative PNA is more frequent during La Niña than during El Niño.
Deriving PM2.5 from satellite observations with spatiotemporally weighted tree-based algorithms: enhancing modeling accuracy and interpretability
Authors: Li Tongwen , Wang Yuan , Wu Jingan
Published: June 2024

Tree-based machine learning algorithms, such as random forest, have emerged as effective tools for estimating fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from satellite observations. However, they typically have unchanged model structures and configurations over time and space, and thus may not fully capture the spatiotemporal variations in the relationship between PM2.5 and predictors, resulting in limited accuracy. Here, we propose geographically and temporally weighted tree-based models (GTW-Tree) for remote sensing of surface PM2.5. Unlike traditional tree-based models, GTW-Tree models vary by time and space to simulate the variability in PM2.5 estimation, and they can output variable importance for every location for the deeper understanding of PM2.5 determinants. Experiments in China demonstrate that GTW-Tree models significantly outperform the conventional tree-based models with predictive error reduced by >21%. The GTW-Tree-derived time-location-specific variable importance reveals spatiotemporally varying impacts of predictors on PM2.5. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) contributes largely to PM2.5 estimation, particularly in central China. The proposed models are valuable for spatiotemporal modeling and interpretation of PM2.5 and other various fields of environmental remote sensing.
Microsecond-response perovskite light-emitting diodes for active-matrix displays
Authors: Gao Yun , Li Hongjin , Dai Xingliang , Ying Xingjian , Liu Zhe , Qin JiaJun , Guo Jie , Han Zhongkang , Zhang Yujing , Zhu Meiyi , Wu Xiaohui , Cai Qiuting , Yang Yixing , Feng Linrun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Huang Jingyun , He Haiping , Gao Feng , Ye Zhizhen
Published: June 2024

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) could be of use in the development of active-matrix displays. However, due to ion migration in crystal structure, PeLEDs have electroluminescence rise times over milliseconds, which is problematic for the development of high-refresh-rate displays. Here, we show that the electroluminescence rise time of PeLEDs can be reduced to microseconds using an individual-particle passivation strategy. The approach is based on BF4− ions that can passivate every nanocrystal in a perovskite emissive layer during film deposition. It leads to a defect-free film with discrete nanostructure and excellent crystallinity, which inhibits ion migration. Our strategy can be applied in perovskite nanocrystal films with different colours: red (635 nm), green (520 nm) and blue (475 nm). These PeLEDs all demonstrate response times within microseconds and high external quantum efficiencies of 22.7%, 26.2% and 18.1%, respectively. This allows us to create microsecond-response active-matrix PeLEDs that exhibit external quantum efficiencies above 20% at a display brightness of 500–3,000 cd m−2 for green devices with a resolution of 30 pixels per inch. We also develop microsecond-response red, green and blue active-matrix displays with 90 pixels per inch.
Haplotype-resolved assembly of a pig genome using single-sperm sequencing
Authors: Niu Yongchao , Fan Xinhao , Yang Yalan , Li Jiang , Lian Jinmin , Wang Liu , Zhang Yongjin , Tang Yijie , Tang Zhonglin
Published: June 2024

Single gamete cell sequencing together with long-read sequencing can reliably produce chromosome-level phased genomes. In this study, we employed PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing on a male Landrace pig, coupled with single-sperm sequencing of its 102 sperm cells. A haplotype assembly method was developed based on long-read sequencing and sperm-phased markers. The chromosome-level phased assembly showed higher phasing accuracy than methods that rely only on HiFi reads. The use of single-sperm sequencing data enabled the construction of a genetic map, successfully mapping the sperm motility trait to a specific region on chromosome 1 (105.40–110.70 Mb). Furthermore, with the assistance of Y chromosome-bearing sperm data, 26.16 Mb Y chromosome sequences were assembled. We report a reliable approach for assembling chromosome-level phased genomes and reveal the potential of sperm population in basic biology research and sperm phenotype research.
Digital spatial profiling of the microenvironment of muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Eyers Michael , Irlam Joely , Marshall Gayle , Smith Vicky , Baker Alexander , Frost Lucy , Hoskin Peter , Choudhury Ananya , West Catharine
Published: June 2024

Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a molecularly diverse disease with varied clinical outcomes. Molecular studies typically employ bulk sequencing analysis, giving a transcriptomic snapshot of a section of the tumour. However, tumour tissues are not homogeneous, but are composed of distinct compartments such as the tumour and stroma. To investigate the molecular profiles of bladder cancer, whilst also maintaining the spatial complexity of the tumours, we employed whole transcriptome Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP). With this method we generated a dataset of transcriptomic profiles of tumour epithelium, stroma, and immune infiltrate. With these data we investigate the spatial relationship of molecular subtype signatures and ligand signalling events. We find that Basal/Squamous and Classical subtypes are mostly restricted to tumour regions, while the stroma-rich subtype signatures are abundant within the stroma itself. Additionally, we identify ligand signalling events occurring between tumour, stroma, and immune infiltrate regions, such as immune infiltrate derived GPNMB, which was highly correlated with VEGFA expression within the tumour. These findings give us new insights into the diversity of MIBC at a molecular level and provide a dataset with detailed spatial information that was not available before in bladder cancer research.
Controlled enzymatic synthesis of oligonucleotides
Authors: Pichon Maëva , Hollenstein Marcel
Published: June 2024

Oligonucleotides are advancing as essential materials for the development of new therapeutics, artificial genes, or in storage of information applications. Hitherto, our capacity to write (i.e., synthesize) oligonucleotides is not as efficient as that to read (i.e., sequencing) DNA/RNA. Alternative, biocatalytic methods for the de novo synthesis of natural or modified oligonucleotides are in dire need to circumvent the limitations of traditional synthetic approaches. This Perspective article summarizes recent progress made in controlled enzymatic synthesis, where temporary blocked nucleotides are incorporated into immobilized primers by polymerases. While robust protocols have been established for DNA, RNA or XNA synthesis is more challenging. Nevertheless, using a suitable combination of protected nucleotides and polymerase has shown promises to produce RNA oligonucleotides even though the production of long DNA/RNA/XNA sequences (>1000 nt) remains challenging. We surmise that merging ligase- and polymerase-based synthesis would help to circumvent the current shortcomings of controlled enzymatic synthesis.
Exciton migration in two-dimensional materials
Authors: Malakhov Mikhail , Cistaro Giovanni , Martín Fernando , Picón Antonio
Published: June 2024

Excitons play an essential role in the optical response of two-dimensional materials. These are bound states showing up in the band gaps of many-body systems and are conceived as quasiparticles formed by an electron and a hole. By performing real-time simulations in hBN, we show that an ultrashort (few-fs) UV pulse can produce a coherent superposition of excitonic states that induces an oscillatory motion of electrons and holes between different valleys in reciprocal space, leading to a sizeable exciton migration in real space. We also show that an ultrafast spectroscopy scheme based on the absorption of an attosecond pulse in combination with the UV pulse can be used to read out the laser-induced coherences, hence to extract the characteristic time for exciton migration. This work opens the door towards ultrafast electronics and valleytronics adding time as a control knob and exploiting electron coherence at the early times of excitation.
Merging mechanical bound states in the continuum in high-aspect-ratio phononic crystal gratings
Authors: Tong Hao , Liu Shengyan , Fang Kejie
Published: June 2024

Mechanical bound states in the continuum (BICs) present an alternative avenue for developing high-frequency, high-Q mechanical resonators, distinct from the conventional band structure engineering method. While symmetry-protected mechanical BICs have been realized in phononic crystals, the observation of accidental mechanical BICs—whose existence is independent of mode symmetry and tunable by structural parameters—has remained elusive. This challenge is primarily attributed to the additional radiation channel introduced by the longitudinal component of elastic waves. Here, we employ a coupled wave theory to predict and experimentally demonstrate mechanical accidental BICs within a high-aspect-ratio gallium arsenide phononic crystal grating. We observe the merging process of accidental BICs with symmetry-protected BICs, resulting in reduced acoustic radiation losses compared to isolated BICs. This finding opens up new possibilities for phonon trapping using BIC-based systems, with potential applications in sensing, transduction, and quantum measurements.
Glacial troughs as centres of organic carbon accumulation on the Norwegian continental margin
Authors: Diesing Markus , Paradis Sarah , Jensen Henning , Thorsnes Terje , Bjarnadóttir Lilja Rún , Knies Jochen
Published: June 2024

The role of continental margin sediments in the carbon cycle and the associated management potential for climate mitigation are currently poorly understood. Previous work has indicated that margin sediments store significant amounts of organic carbon, but few studies have quantified the rates at which organic carbon is accumulated. Here, we use machine learning to make spatial predictions of the organic carbon stocks and accumulation rates of sediments on the Norwegian continental margin. We show that surface sediments (upper 10 cm) store 814 Tg and accumulate 6 Tg yr−1 of organic carbon. Shelf-incised glacial troughs account for 39% of the stocks and 48% of the accumulation, with the main accumulation hotspot located in the Skagerrak. Continental margin sediments accumulate organic carbon at scales much larger than vegetated coastal ecosystems in Norway because of their larger extent. Future studies should explore to what extent management interventions could increase accumulation rates, e.g., by minimising anthropogenic disturbance of seafloor sediments.
Ice-template-induced highly ionic conductive PVA/PEG-SiO2 gel polymer electrolyte for zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Wan Fu , Hu Kaida , Liu Ruiqi , Zhang Sida , Li Shufan , Lei Yu , Yang Da , Wang Changding , Xia Yaoyang , Chen Weigen
Published: June 2024

An inorganic filler-doped porous hydrogel polymer electrolyte for zinc ion batteries.
PGM-free single atom catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Bai Jirong , Lin Yao , Xu Jinnan , Zhou Wangkai , Zhou Pin , Deng Yaoyao , Lian Yuebin
Published: June 2024

The progress of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in the clean energy sector is notable for its efficiency and eco-friendliness, although challenges remain in terms of durability, cost and power density.
Investigating the potential of pyrazine dioxide based-compounds as organic electrodes for batteries
Authors: Lambert F. , Hetzel A. L. , Danten Y. , Franco A. A. , Gatti C. , Frayret C.
Published: June 2024

In view of taking part to the quest of organic electrodes materials, pyrazine dioxide based-compounds (PZDO and its methylated counterpart, TeMePzDO) were thoroughly examined.
An integrative temperature-controlled microfluidic system for budding yeast heat shock response analysis at the single-cell level
Authors: Hong Jie , He Hao , Xu Yinjia , Wang Shujing , Luo Chunxiong
Published: June 2024

Three forms of temperature changes (step, gradient, and oscillations) were realized in a novel microfluidic platform. The feasibility of this temperature-controlled platform for studying the protein dynamic behavior of yeast cells was demonstrated.
Utilizing a compact diamino-based ligand as a charge balancer in quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Choi Minseok , Jung Woon Ho , Lee Jaeyeop , Bae Yeyun , Lee Kyoungeun , Oh Jiyoon , Lim Jaehoon , Rhee Seunghyun , Roh Jeongkyun
Published: June 2024

The symmetrical treatment of quantum dots with 1,4-diaminobutane significantly improves charge balance, resulting in a 1.5-fold increase in external quantum efficiency and a 4.5-fold increase in lifetime of quantum dot light-emitting diodes.
Efficient adsorption and separation of Mn–Cu–Cd composite pollutants using MOF-based calcium alginate composite hydrogels
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Zhang Peicong , Hu Qiaolin , Huang Yi , Li Junfeng , Du Haiying , Zhang Wentao , Chen Xianfei , Yu Daming
Published: June 2024

ZIF-8, a metal–organic framework that has significant benefits such as a substantial specific surface area, abundant active sites, and high porosity, has extensive application in environmental remediation.
Effect of buffer on direct lithium extraction from Tibetan brine by formed titanium-based lithium ion sieves
Authors: Tang Chunmei , Zhang Lin , Li Jiayu , Yue Huihui , Sun Wenjun , Cui Qun , Wang Haiyan
Published: June 2024

To improve the adsorption capacity of HTO-P (formed titanium-based lithium ion sieves) for Li+, the adsorption characteristics and dynamic performance in Tibetan brine–NaHCO3 were studied.
Directing group controlled regioselective C–H borylation of 2-arylphenolic compounds at room temperature
Authors: Kang Jiao , Liu Jing , Chen Zhilong
Published: June 2024

The Fe(OTf)3-promoted directing group-controlled regioselective C–H borylation of 2-arylarenolic compounds was achieved at room temperature, affording two useful arylboronic acids efficiently.
Automated self-optimization of continuous crystallization of nirmatrelvir API
Authors: Nandiwale Kakasaheb Y. , Pritchard Robert P. , Armstrong Cameron T. , Guinness Steven M. , Girard Kevin P.
Published: June 2024

Automated self-optimization platform for the continuous crystallization of APIs.
Correction: An un-forgotten classic: the nitro-Mannich reaction between nitrones and silyl nitronates catalysed by B(C6F5)3
Authors: Guerzoni Michael G. , van Ingen Yara , Babaahmadi Rasool , Wirth Thomas , Richards Emma , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: June 2024

Correction for ‘An un-forgotten classic: the nitro-Mannich reaction between nitrones and silyl nitronates catalysed by B(C6F5)3’ by Michael G. Guerzoni et al., Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 2648–2654, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC05672D.
Overcoming the luminescence instability of colloidal mixed-halide perovskite quantum dots through ion motion confinement
Authors: Wang Xinli , Sun Yang , Gao Jie , Huang Xiao , Cao Dandan , Gao Xiaowen , Wang Hao-Yi , Li Qi , Wang Yi , Fu Li-Min , Ai Xi-Cheng , Xu Dongsheng , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: June 2024

High-efficiency and ultrastable photoluminescence of colloidal mixed-halide perovskite quantum dots is realized through ion motion confinement with a combination of zwitterionic ligand post-treatment and pulse-width modulated photoexcitation.
Integrating Speech-Language Pathologists Into Primary Care to Improve Early Identification of Developmental Concerns: A Brief Report
Authors: Lopez Leslie C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Many young children in need of early intervention are not identified in a timely manner. This preliminary study explored the emerging role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), providing training to improve the use of developmental screening in pediatric primary care.

Method:

A quantitative, descriptive methodology with a one-group pretest, posttest interventional design was utilized to assess the impact of an SLP-led educational intervention on the knowledge of 17 paraprofessional medical support personnel to administer a standardized developmental screening tool.

Results:

Data analysis revealed a significant increase on knowledge posttest scores from pretest scores.

Conclusion:

SLPs providing educational training in pediatric primary care is an important first step in identifying solutions to improving the early identification of children with developmental concerns.
Joint safety and security risk analysis in industrial cyber‐physical systems: A survey
Authors: Sun Zhicong , Chen Guang , Ding Yulong , Yang Shuang‐Hua
Published: June 2024

Industrial Cyber‐Physical Systems (iCPSs) represent a new generation of industrial systems that enable a profound integration of industrial processes and informational spaces, thereby empowering the fourth industrial revolution. iCPSs confront more severe safety and security (S&S) challenges compared to traditional industrial systems. One of the most critical challenges is the joint risk analysis of S&S. Many scholars have devoted their research to this area. However, there is a dearth of literature reviews encapsulating recent advancements, which provides the motivation for this study. The authors review the methodologies in this field, delve into the S&S relationships involved, and propose 12 criteria for evaluating these methods. Furthermore, the current research limitations were analysed and potential directions were suggested for future research.
Resilience quantification model for cyber‐physical power systems
Authors: AlMuhaini Mohammad
Published: June 2024

As power grids develop, their structure becomes more complex, multi‐dimensional, and digitalised—hence, it is referred to as cyber‐physical infrastructure. The sensitivity of grids to extreme cyber and physical events is becoming a hot research topic due to the increasing rate of such events and their catastrophic consequences. To produce accurate and comprehensive measures, modelling and assessing the resilience of power systems must include both the physical and cyber domains. However, resilience quantification models that include both domains have not received sufficient attention. A novel resilience model and quantification framework are proposed. The model is based on a resilience trapezoid that depicts the different phases of the cyber and physical domains during severe natural or anthropogenic events. A resilience index is also proposed to measure the resilience levels of local nodes and entire systems, including various factors that contribute to the modelled degradation states. Severe weather conditions were modelled to examine the impact of this category of events on the proposed resilience model.
Adaptive fuzzy disturbance suppression for constrained nonlinear systems under faulty condition
Authors: Yang Meiying , Tang Li
Published: June 2024

For a class of full‐states constraints nonlinear system with actuator failure, an adaptive fuzzy disturbance observer tracking design is carried out by using Lyapunov function and the dynamic surface method. The integral explosion problem is avoided by using the dynamic surface design method. Because the disturbance of the system is unknown, a nonlinear fuzzy disturbance observer is designed to estimate the unknown disturbance. And the unknown nonlinear function is approximated fuzzy logic systems. Based on the Lyapunov function method and backstepping approach, the stability of considered systems are analysed. And the proposed method can guarantee that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded and the system output can track the desired signal to the small neighbourhood range. In addition, the fuzzy disturbance observer can estimate the unknown disturbance state well. Finally, several sets of simulation examples are given and compared with other method, and the experimental results are quantitatively analysed. Then, the robustness and superiority of the proposed control scheme are verified and demonstrated.
Optimal data injection attack design for spacecraft systems via a model free Q‐learning approach
Authors: Yuan Huanhuan , Wang Mengbi , Xi Chao
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to analyse the dynamic response of a corrupted spacecraft rendezvous system from the perspective of attacker. The optimal data injection attack problem is formulated by constructing a tradeoff cost function in a quadratic form. First, the optimal attack strategy and associated sufficient condition for its existence are derived similar to optimal control for attacker without being detected. Breaking the assumption in most existing works, the goal of this paper is to explore the optimal attack strategy without knowing system matrices. A model free Q‐learning approach is designed with the application to solve attacker's optimization problem. Critic network and action network are used to adaptive tuning the value and action for attacker in a forward time. For a more practical situation, a model free attack strategy design is implemented only based on measured input/output data. Finally, the simulation results on the spacecraft system are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method for model free attack strategy design.
A mismatched composite disturbance observer‐based adaptive tracking controller for robotic manipulators
Authors: Liu Zhongtao , He Weikai , Li Xiangbao , Liu Cungen , Shao Huaizhi , Fu Peng
Published: June 2024

The paper is devoted to the adaptive tracking control based on the mismatched disturbance observer for motor‐driven robotic manipulators. A novel mismatched disturbance observer is introduced, which does not make bounded derivative assumptions on mismatched disturbances in the robotic manipulator system. Additionally, a new adaptive tracking controller for a motor‐driven robotic manipulator based on the mismatched disturbance observer is designed, which guarantees that all closed‐loop signals are globally uniformly bounded and the tracking error is asymptotic stable. Finally, the simulation comparisons are carried out between the proposed and existing control strategies to demonstrate the superiority of the developed controller.
Filter design for cyber‐physical systems against DoS attacks and unreliable networks: A Markovian approach
Authors: Oliveira Pedro M. , Palma Jonathan M. , Lacerda Márcio J.
Published: June 2024

This article proposes a novel approach for designing a mode‐dependent full‐order dynamic filter for a cyber‐physical system (CPS) that is subject to polytopic uncertainties. The CPS operates on an unreliable network that is susceptible to transmission failures and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. The attackers have limited energy resources, and the duration of the DoS attack is limited to a maximum number of consecutive time instants. The network is modeled after a proposed non‐homogeneous Markov chain whose transition probability matrix may feature uncertain and unknown probabilities, which are dependent on time‐varying parameters. The design conditions for the filter are obtained using parameter‐dependent linear matrix inequalities. The proposed filter is shown to be effective in reducing the impact of DoS attacks and transmission failures on the CPS. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed filter design method, demonstrating its ability to mitigate the effects of uncertainties and attacks on the CPS.
An emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system considering queue spillbacks along routes and negative impacts on non‐priority traffic
Authors: Chen Yen‐Yu , Wang Jin‐Yuan , Lo Shih‐Ching , Sung Wei‐Ting
Published: June 2024

In urban areas, emergency vehicles (EVs) need efficient traffic signal preemption to ensure timely responses during peak hours. While emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption (EVTSP) has garnered significant attention in the literature, the issues of queue spillbacks and negative impacts on non‐priority traffic have been relatively underreported. These issues are particularly critical during peak hours, notably in densely populated urban areas. This study presents an EVTSP system that considers queue spillbacks on approaches along the routes of EVs and the negative impacts of signal preemption on non‐priority traffic. The proposed control system has four key components: (1) a queue length management algorithm to ensure that an EV will not be impeded by excessive queues, particularly on its initial approaches along its route; (2) a signal preemption algorithm to guarantee uninterrupted passage of an EV even for approaches experiencing queue spillbacks; (3) a traffic status recovery algorithm to alleviate the extra waiting time for non‐priority vehicles after an EV crosses each intersection; and (4) a signal plan recovery algorithm to smoothly transit traffic signals to normal operation. The experimental results confirm that the proposed system considerably improves the travel time of an EV and mitigates the negative impacts on non‐priority traffic.
Combined intensity and coherent change detection with four classes for laboratory multistatic polarimetric synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Hagelberg Alexander , Andre Daniel , Finnis Mark
Published: June 2024

Satellites and drone swarms can be used to collect multistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. Synthetic Aperture Radar images can be used for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance. One method is to use Coherent Change Detection (CCD) to identify changes such as objects or tracks in the scene. This paper investigates a two‐stage change detector, formed using intensity change and CCD images, extended to laboratory measured multistatic SAR data. A variety of performance metrics are used to quantitatively assess the results. Bistatic results are compared to a variety of multistatic and fully polarimetric results. The improvement in performance of multistatic and fully polarimetric images over bistatic images is shown. Additionally challenges and limitations of using multistatic datasets are highlighted.
Incentivising peers in local transactive energy markets: A case study for consumers, prosumers and prosumagers
Authors: Kwateng Yaa S. A. , Qiu Dawei , Strbac Goran
Published: June 2024

A decarbonised future grid should couple technological novelty with innovative market models to efficiently capture the value of grid‐edge decarbonised assets. The transactive energy (TE) concept inverts the centralised grid model by leveraging the evolution of consumers to prosumers to prosumagers. The principal TE market design challenge is transactive control—using market and pricing mechanisms to coordinate autonomous peer interactions, to optimally allocate power and incentivise peers. Peer attraction, incentivisation and retention are all critical for practical TE implementation along three adoption stages, starting from independent peer transactions with the centralised market; to decentralised peer coordination; towards distributed peer‐to‐peer trading. Addressing gaps in related scholarship, the authors investigate the economic positions of distinct peer roles in each adoption stage and two local pricing strategies. Using a real market dataset, trading decisions are simulated over a 1‐year horizon at hourly granularity. Coordinated action achieves better transactive control for the community, with economic superiority over centralised and distributed mechanisms. Distinct peer incentives should equitably align with their contribution to market functionality, such as the value ascribed to prosumagers' flexibility in local pricing and the constrained bargaining power of prosumers in distributed bilateral negotiations.