bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal patterns of gene expression in response to inoculation with a virulent Anaplasma phagocytophilum strain in sheep
Authors: Eskeland Sveinung , Bø-Granquist Erik G. , Stuen Snorre , Lybeck Kari , Wilhelmsson Peter , Lindgren Per-Eric , Makvandi-Nejad Shokouh
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to characterize the gene expression of host immune- and cellular responses to a Norwegian virulent strain of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the cause of tick-borne fever in sheep. Ten sheep were intravenously inoculated with a live virulent strain of A. phagocytophilum. Clinical-, observational-, hematological data as well as bacterial load, flow cytometric cell count data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and host’s gene expression post infection was analysed. The transcriptomic data were assessed for pre-set time points over the course of 22 days following the inoculation. Briefly, all inoculated sheep responded with clinical signs of infection 3 days post inoculation and onwards with maximum bacterial load observed on day 6, consistent with tick-borne fever. On days, 3–8, the innate immune responses and effector processes such as IFN1 signaling pathways and cytokine mediated signaling pathways were observed. Several pathways associated with the adaptive immune responses, namely T-cell activation, humoral immune responses, B-cell activation, and T- and B-cell differentiation dominated on the days of 8, 10 and 14. Flow-cytometric analysis of the PBMCs showed a reduction in CD4+CD25+ cells on day 10 and 14 post-inoculation and a skewed CD4:CD8 ratio indicating a reduced activation and proliferation of CD4-T-cells. The genes of important co-stimulatory molecules such as CD28 and CD40LG, important in T- and B-cell activation and proliferation, did not significantly change or experienced downregulation throughout the study. The absence of upregulation of several co-stimulatory molecules might be one possible explanation for the low activation and proliferation of CD4-T-cells during A. phagocytophilum infection, indicating a suboptimal CD4-T-cell response. The upregulation of T-BET, EOMES and IFN-γ on days 8–14 post inoculation, indicates a favoured CD4 Th1- and CD8-response. The dynamics and interaction between CD4+CD25+ and co-stimulatory molecules such as CD28, CD80, CD40 and CD40LG during infection with A. phagocytophilum in sheep needs further investigation in the future.
All-passive microwave-diode nonreciprocal metasurface
Authors: Yang Xiaozhen , Wen Erda , Sievenpiper Daniel
Published: November 2023

Breaking reciprocity in the microwave frequency range is strongly desirable in the development of modern electronic systems, as it enables nonreciprocal wave absorbing, nonreciprocal beam steering, frequency conversion, and protection of sensitive devices from high energy sources. However, the typical approaches involve bulky biasing magnets or complex spatial-temporal modulations. As such, resorting to lightweight and all-passive platforms would result in optimal configurations and efficient integration. Starting from a circuit model, we theoretically demonstrate the nonreciprocal behavior on a transmission line building block creating a strong field asymmetry with a switchable matching stub to enable two distinct working states. After translating to an electromagnetic model, this concept is first proved by simulation and then experimentally verified on a microstrip-line-based diode-integrated metasurface showing nonreciprocal transmission. This printed circuit board design is expected to find various applications in electromagnetic protecting layers, communication systems, microwave isolators and circulators.
A chimeric hairpin DNA aptamer-based biosensor for monitoring the therapeutic drug bevacizumab
Authors: Huang Shengfeng , Zhang Mengyun , Chen Feng , Wu Huihui , Li Minyi , Crommen Jacques , Wang Qiqin , Jiang Zhengjin
Published: November 2023

The accurate and rapid detection of specific antibodies in blood is very important for efficient diagnosis and precise treatment.
A recyclable Eu3+-functionalized dual-emissive metal–organic framework for portable, rapid detection and efficient removal of malachite green
Authors: Yuan Hou-Qun , Li Wei , Xia Yi-Fan , Liu Si-Yi , Zhong Yu-Fei , Dou Zhen-Chong , Wei Xia , Wang Ran , Chen Peiyao , Li Yan-Xia , Bao Guang-Ming
Published: November 2023

A europium-functionalized, dual-emissive, metal–organic framework-based fluorescence sensor (EuUCNDA) was constructed via post-synthetic modification of an UiO-66-type precursor through coordination interactions.
SERS-based immunoassay on a plasmonic syringe filter for improved sampling and labeling efficiency of biomarkers
Authors: Ebbah Eunice , Amissah Anthony , Kim Jun-Hyun , Driskell Jeremy D.
Published: November 2023

Rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of biomarkers is needed for early diagnosis of disease and surveillance of infectious outbreaks.
Expanded ensemble predictions of absolute binding free energies in the SAMPL9 host–guest challenge
Authors: Hurley Matthew F. D. , Raddi Robert M. , Pattis Jason G. , Voelz Vincent A.
Published: November 2023

An expanded ensemble (EE) method was deployed in distributed molecular simulations to make blind predictions of host–guest binding affinities in SAMPL9. Results suggest EE can efficiently predict and rank absolute binding free energies.
Water dynamics in eutectic solutions of sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate: implications for life in Europa's subsurface ocean and ice shell
Authors: Sieme Daniel , Rezaei-Ghaleh Nasrollah
Published: November 2023

NMR methods show greater water mobility in NaCl than MgSO4 solution within eutectic melts, as likely to be found in the ice shell of Europa.
Double strengthening induced by grain boundary segregation of solute elements in gradient nano Ni–Co alloys
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guo Xin , Ren Junqiang , Li Junchen , Xue Hongtao , Tang Fuling , La Peiqing , Lu Xuefeng
Published: November 2023

Gradient induced unusual strain hardening achieves the equilibrium of the strength and plasticity of alloys, and is an important strategy for the optimization of the mechanical properties of metals and alloys.
The effect of collisions on the chemomechanics of ice-covered silica slabs: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Alfaridzi Raihan , Urbassek Herbert M. , Rosandi Yudi
Published: November 2023

Collisions between ice-covered silica slabs lead to bouncing at high velocities and induce surface chemical reactions.
Machine-learning prediction of thermal expansion coefficient for perovskite oxides with experimental validation
Authors: McGuinness Kevin P. , Oliynyk Anton O. , Lee Sangjoon , Molero-Sanchez Beatriz , Addo Paul Kwesi
Published: November 2023

The support vector machine model produced the best results with a root mean square error of 1.54 × 10−6 K−1. The model was applied to 3 593 726 possible AA′BB′O3 compositions, resulting in 150 451 predictions in the model confidence region.
Near 100% selectivity for ammonia synthesis at a high current density by promoting nitrate protonation on the copper dispersed todorokite-type manganese oxide
Authors: Li Shijia , Xiao Chuqian , Chen Rongzhen , Wang Mengyi , Ma Yuting , Luo Kaiwen , Shen Muyao , Zhu Yihua , Li Yuhang , Li Chunzhong
Published: November 2023

The Cu-dispersed OMS-1 promotes NO3− protonation to produce ammonia with a Faraday efficiency of ∼100% and production rate of 0.51 mmol h−1 cm−2.
Integrating multi-method approaches for the green separation and retrieval of nickel and phosphorus from spent electroless nickel plating solutions
Authors: Dong Zhontian , Zhao Zhiren , Wang Fenghe , Wang Fengyun , Xia Mingzhu
Published: November 2023

The spent electroless nickel plating (SENP) solution comprises abundant complexed nickel, hypophosphite, and phosphite ions, alongside scant organic additives.
Correction: Utilization of fluoroform for difluoromethylation in continuous flow: a concise synthesis of α-difluoromethyl-amino acids
Authors: Köckinger Manuel , Ciaglia Tania , Bersier Michael , Hanselmann Paul , Gutmann Bernhard , Oliver Kappe C.
Published: November 2023

Correction for ‘Utilization of fluoroform for difluoromethylation in continuous flow: a concise synthesis of α-difluoromethyl-amino acids’ by Manuel Köckinger et al., Green Chem., 2018, 20, 108–112, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7GC02913F.
Hyperfine structure measurements for neutral and singly ionized terbium by Fourier-transform spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Yu , Ma Huiting , Liu Meina , Li Xintong , Wei Jia , Dai Zhenwen
Published: November 2023

Fourier transform spectrum and its fit with the colored arrows indicating individual hyperfine structure components distinguished by the transition rules.
Neuromorphic devices realised using self-forming hierarchical Al and Ag nanostructures: towards energy-efficient and wide ranging synaptic plasticity
Authors: Attri Rohit , Mondal Indrajit , Yadav Bhupesh , Kulkarni Giridhar U. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: November 2023

Self-formed hierarchical structures of Al and Ag closely mimicking the biological neural network offer wide range synaptic plasticity with ultra-low energy usage. Al islands can be exploited as contact pads to introduce multiple sensory signals.
Adhesion of impure ice on surfaces
Authors: Chatterjee Rukmava , Thanjukutty Rajith Unnikrishnan , Carducci Christopher , Neogi Arnab , Chakraborty Suman , Bapu Vijay Prithiv Bathey Ramesh , Banik Suvo , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian K. R. S. , Anand Sushant
Published: November 2023

Impurities in water affect ice adhesion strength on surfaces. Depending on the freezing rate, they can be trapped in ice or pushed out, forming a lubricating layer. They also affect the quasi-liquid layer between ice and surface, impacting adhesion.
Transition-metal-free synthesis and photophysical studies of highly functionalized (E)-stilbenes
Authors: Mamgain Ritu , R. J. Gana , Malik Abhrajeet , Singh Fateh V.
Published: November 2023

Functionalized blue florescent (E)-stilbenes 13 were synthesized by the carbanion-induced ring transformation of α-pyranones 9 with ketones and their photophysical behaviour was studied by using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for fluorescence sensing, anti-counterfeiting and logic gate operations
Authors: Xu Li , Qian Yi , Bao Lei , Wang Wei , Deng Nengmei , Zhang Li , Wang Guanglin , Fu Xucheng , Fu Wei
Published: November 2023

Fluorescent nitrogen-doped CQDs were successfully fabricated for application in fluorescence sensing, anti-counterfeiting, and logic gate operations by a solvothermal method using ammonia, citric acid and phloroglucinol as precursors.
Ultrastable and highly efficient hydrogen evolution by heterogeneous NiO/Ni catalysts under industrial electrolysis conditions
Authors: Chen Feng , Peng Wenfeng , Zhou Junshuang , Ma Xuezheng , Wang Yan , Zhang Ying , Gao Faming
Published: November 2023

The heterojunction of NiO/Ni synergistically optimizes the kinetics during the alkaline hydrogen evolution process, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance beyond that of Pt/C.
A rare-earth-mediated conversion of white phosphorus into PBn3 and highly functionalized norbornane-P7
Authors: Zhang Fangjun , Han Keyu , Cai Jiamin , Ye Zihao , Zhang Jie , Zhou Xigeng , Li Zhiming
Published: November 2023

A rare-earth promoted catalytic-like conversion of P4 to organic PBn3 (I) and highly functionalized norbornane-BnP7(SiMe3)4 (II) has been realized by a stepwise reaction of TpMe2LuCl2(THF) with KBn, P4, and Me3SiCl.
A rational guide to improve the activity of a hydrogen-evolving polymeric carbon nitride photocatalyst
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , Maeda Tomoharu , Suppaso Chomponoot , Nishioka Shunta , Kamakura Yoshinobu , Yasuda Shuhei , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: November 2023

Light intensity-dependence and the H–D isotope effect studies on Pt-loaded C/N polymer photocatalyst, along with photoelectrochemical measurements, revealed that promoting the oxidation reaction by holes was critical for improved H2 evolution.
Psychische Aspekte des Arzneimittelbilds von Mandragora
officinarum
Authors: Koch Ulrich
Published: November 2023

Im Verhältnis zu ihrer kulturgeschichtlichen Bedeutung als eine der
wichtigsten Heil- und Mysterienpflanzen seit dem Altertum ist Mandragora in der
Homöopathie völlig unterrepräsentiert. Die meisten
Prüfungen wurden mit Tiefpotenzen durchgeführt und ergaben
primär körperliche Symptome. Um ein deutlicheres Bild der
psychischen Verfassung von Mandragora zu erhalten, werden
Prüfungssymptome zusammengetragen und durch homöopathische
Arzneimittelselbstversuche und Fallgeschichten ergänzt.
Hygienestandards im OP – führen sie nachhaltig zur Verbesserung der Qualität?
Authors: Holz Mathias , Lippross Sebastian , Seekamp Andreas
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund Nosokomiale Infektionen und postoperative
Wundinfektionen sind in Deutschland eine für das Gesundheitssystem und die betroffenen
Patientinnen und Patienten erhebliche Belastung. Eine postoperative Wundinfektion geht oft mit
einer massiven Verschlechterung der Qualität des Behandlungserfolges chirurgischer Maßnahmen
bez. der Patientenbelastung, der funktionellen Ergebnisse und der Wirtschaftlichkeit einer
Behandlung für den Leistungserbringer einher. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die aktuellen
Hygienevorgaben für das perioperative Setting verständlich darzustellen und für alle am
Operationsablauf Beteiligten zu erläutern.

Methode Erläutert wird zunächst die Bedeutung hygienischer
Maßnahmen sowie in einer kurzen Übersicht die Entwicklung bis hin zu modernen Hygienekonzepten
der heutigen Zeit. Anschließend werden die aktuellen Empfehlungen der KRINKO (Kommission für
Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention beim Robert Koch-Institut): „Prävention
postoperativer Wundinfektionen, Empfehlung der Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und
Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) beim Robert Koch-Institut“ dargestellt.

Schlussfolgerung Hygienisches Arbeiten ist eine
Grundvoraussetzung der Arbeit im operativen Bereich, denn überzeugende Behandlungsergebnisse
mit guten funktionellen Ergebnissen können in vielen Bereichen (z. B. moderne Endoprothetik)
ohne eine suffiziente Hygiene überhaupt nicht erzielt werden. Die modernen Vorgaben zum
hygienischen Arbeiten sind komplex und betreffen alle Bereiche des Krankenhauses. Nur unter
Beachtung aller Säulen der modernen Hygienekonzepte kann das bestmögliche Maß an
Prozessqualität gewährleistet werden.
Long Term Follow-Up Of Patients With Nonrefluxing
Hydronephrosis
Authors: Yılmaz Songül , Özçakar Zeynep Birsin , Cakar Nilgun , Biral Coşkun Burcu , Burgu Berk , Yalcinkaya Fatoş
Published: November 2023

Backgound The aim of this study is to examine the long-term prognosis of
children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction-like hydronephrosis (UPJO-like
HN).

Patients and Methods The files of children with hydronephrosis (HN) were
analyzed retrospectively. Patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and other
genitourinary anomalies were excluded. The final status of the HN, the need for
surgery, and urinary tract infection (UTI) frequency were evaluated.

Results The study included 219 patients with 302 renal units (RU) with HN.
Surgery rate was higher in RUs with larger kidney size and parenchymal thinning
(p:<0.001 for both). Hydronephrosis resolved in 113 (40.2%) RUs,
improved in 66 (23.3%), unchanged in 100 (35.5%) and worsened in
4 (1.4%). The frequency of recovery and improvement was found to be less
in RUs with severe HN, large kidney size, and thin parenchyma. The UTI frequency
was higher in severe HN group (12.2% vs 30.6%
p:<0.001).

Conclusions Children with mild HN had an excellent prognosis. Although the
majority of the patients with high-grade HN had also a good prognosis, it seems
important to closely follow up patients with severe HN, increased kidney size,
and accompanying parenchymal thinning. Clinicians should be aware of the
increased frequency of UTIs in children with severe HN.
Asymmetric Cu(I)-Catalyzed Conjugate Borylation of α,β-Unsaturated Acyl Silanes
Authors: Rousseaux Sophie A. L. , Palermo Anthony F. , Imbriaco Bianca , Chan Samantha C. , Doan Brian A.
Published: November 2023

We report the development of a Cu(I)-catalyzed conjugate borylation of α,β-unsaturated acyl silanes using bis(pinacoloto)diboron. Racemic borylations of β-aryl- and β-alkyl-substituted silyl enones were achieved using ligand-free conditions to access β-borylated acyl silanes in up to 97% yield. Josiphos enabled the synthesis of enantioenriched boronic esters in up to 58% yield and 94% ee. The racemic reaction was demonstrated on 5.0 mmol scale and isolation of the boronic esters was achieved using simple filtration and normal-phase chromatography. This work supplements known methods to access boronic esters from electron-deficient olefins using Cu(I) catalysis.
Ion concentration ratio measurements of ion beams generated by a commercial microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasma source
Authors: Abe Shota , Koel Bruce E.
Published: November 2023

A commercially available electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source (GenII Plasma Source, tectra GmbH) is widely used for surface processing. This plasma source is compatible with ultrahigh vacuum systems, and its working pressure is relatively low, around 10−6–10−4 Torr even without differential pumping. Here, we report ion flux concentration ratios for each ion species in an ion beam from this source, as measured by a mass/energy analyzer that is a combination of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, an electrostatic energy analyzer, and focusing ion optics. The examined beams were those arising from plasmas produced from feed gases of H2, D2, N2, O2, Ar, and dry air over a range of input power and working pressures. H2(D2) plasmas are widely used for nuclear fusion applications and, hence, the ion concentration ratios of H+, H2+, and H3+ reported here will be useful information for research that applies this plasma source to well-controlled plasma-material interaction studies. Ion energy distributions, stability of operation, and impurity concentrations were also assessed for each of the plasma species investigated.
Study on the propagation properties of terahertz waves in spacecraft dusty plasma sheath
Authors: Zhao Yuexing , Su Ruiming , Shao Kaihua , Wang Qingqing , Tu Pu , Ji Lingzhao , Ma Jinping , Song Yan , Shi Yuren
Published: November 2023

Terahertz (THz) wave transmission in non-uniform dielectric layer containing dusty plasmas and aluminum (Al) is investigated by using the Wentzel–Kramer–Brillouin method. The application of magnetic field and increase in electromagnetic waves frequency are up-and-coming solutions for the “blackout” issue. Therefore, this work considers the effect of external magnetic field and electron density distribution. The electron density distributions are assumed to be double Gaussian profile, uniform distribution, Epstein distribution, and both right- and left-hand circularly polarized waves are analyzed. Then the effects of physical parameters and THz frequency on the transmission properties are analyzed. Results show that the presence of Al can shield electromagnetic waves, but we can still control THz waves in lower frequency band to achieve communication. By adjusting THz waves frequency and plasma parameters, waves can pass through the Al plasma sheath effectively under certain circumstances. It is expected to mitigate the blackout issue of hypersonic spacecraft.
Effect of triangular perforated flat cone-shaped inserts on performance of double-tube heat exchanger
Authors: Bidari Mallikarjuna Veerabhadrappa , Nagaraj P. B. , Lalagi Gururaj , Rajesh K.
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effect of triangular perforations with flat conical inserts in a double-tube heat exchanger. Triangular perforations with flat cone-shaped inserts were placed inside the inner tube to enhance the heat transfer coefficient. The experiments were conducted for a number of flat conical strips (m) and pitch ratios (P = p/di) for flows varying from Re = 3000 to 9000 at a constant attack angle (α  = 20°). The results showed that a triangular perforation with flat cone-shaped inserts remarkably increases the heat transfer factor, in contrast to flat conical inserts. The rise in the coefficient of heat was attributed to the creation of turbulence and disturbance of the boundary layer caused by perforated inserts. Furthermore, it was observed that the heat transfer coefficient increased with the Reynolds number, indicating that the effect of the inserts was more significant at higher fluid velocities. Correlations were developed to compare and analyze the results of the Nusselt number and friction factor. The developed correlation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The findings obtained from this study can be implemented to enhance the performance and optimize the design parameters of industrial heat exchangers.
Bloodstain tails: Asymmetry aids reconstruction of oblique impact
Authors: Lee Garam , Attinger Daniel , Martin Kenneth F. , Shiri Samira , Bird James C.
Published: November 2023

In the field of forensic science, elongated bloodstains formed from oblique impact of droplets are sometimes used to reconstruct aspects of a bloodletting event. For low impact angles, these stains can include an asymmetric tail that bloodstain analysts can use qualitatively to establish directionality. Quantitative analysis of these bloodstain tails, and any insight that they can provide into the impact dynamics, is lacking due to experimental challenges. Previous studies of bloodstain shapes have predominantly focused on relatively large drip drops that fall vertically on flat and inclined surfaces; yet, for inclinations that produce low impact angles, gravitational effects can reshape and obscure tails, preventing insight into how tails develop on horizontal surfaces. Here, we carry out systematic experiments in which human blood droplets with diameters less than a millimeter impact a horizontal surface at impact angles ranging from 16° to 65°. High-speed imagery confirms that the tail is not part of a prompt splashing event, but rather forms at the last moments of spreading, maintaining its shape as it dries. For each stain, we link the tail length and elliptical geometry to the blood drop size and impact velocity vector that created it. Additionally, we report a power-law correlation of the dimensionless tail length with the angle and Weber and Reynolds numbers, and we describe how this correlation in conjunction with other existing correlations can improve reconstruction of the droplet size and impact velocity.
Laser-induced, single droplet fragmentation dynamics revealed through megahertz x-ray microscopy
Authors: Reuter Fabian , Sato Tokushi , Bellucci Valerio , Birnsteinova Sarlota , Deiter Carsten , Koliyadu Jayanath C. P. , Letrun Romain , Villanueva-Perez Pablo , Bean Richard , Mancuso Adrian P. , Meents Alke , Vagovic Patrik , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: November 2023

The fragmentation dynamics of single water droplets from laser irradiation is studied with megahertz frame rate x-ray microscopy. Owed to the nearly refraction-free and penetrating imaging technique, we could look into the interior of the droplet and reveal that two mechanisms are responsible for the initial explosive fragmentation of the droplet. First, reflection and diffraction of the laser beam at the droplet interface result in the formation of laser ray caustics that lead to non-homogeneous heating of the droplet, locally above the critical temperature. Second, homogeneous cavitation in the droplet that is likely caused from shockwaves reflected as tension waves at the acoustic soft boundaries of the droplet. Further atomization occurs in three stages, first a fine sub-micrometer sized mist forms on the side of the droplet posterior to laser incidence, then micrometer sized droplets are expelled from the rim of an expanding liquid sheet, and finally into droplets of larger size through hole and ligament formation in the thinning liquid sheet where ligaments pinch off.
An abrupt spin reorientation transition and complex magnetic behavior in Dy0.7Nd0.3FeO3 single crystal
Authors: Shang Jiamin , Zhang Ranran , Jiang Jiewen , Su Liangbi , Mishina Elena D. , Pavlov Victor V. , Barilo Sergei N. , Shen Hui , Wu Anhua
Published: November 2023

Discovery of novel functional materials is the cornerstone of spintronics and other emerging technologies. We report an abrupt spin reorientation transition from Γ4(Gx, Ay, Fz) to Γ2(Fx, Cy, Gz) in Dy0.7Nd0.3FeO3 single crystal that combines the Morin transition characteristics of DyFeO3 and the Γ2 spin configuration of NdFeO3. The Γ2 transition along a-axis has two critical temperatures corresponding to the rotation of Dy3+/Nd3+ spins and the spin reorientation of Fe3+ sublattice, respectively. At 5 kOe, the Γ4–Γ2 transition becomes a continuous one beginning at 27.3 K and the Γ4 spin configuration re-emerges at 7.8 K unexpectedly. The b-axis exhibits non-zero magnetization and Nd-related transition that disappear at 10 kOe at TSR due to a structural phase transition. The anomalous change in the mode frequencies and linewidth near the transition temperature observed in Raman spectroscopy reveals clear evidence of spin–phonon coupling in Dy0.7Nd0.3FeO3 single crystal.
Laser heating of ferroelectric cubes for tunable electromagnetic properties in metamaterials
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Qian , Jain Aditya , Koschny Thomas
Published: November 2023

In this experimental study, we demonstrate the feasibility of a thermally tunable, resonant dielectric microwave metasurface based on sub-wavelength Mie resonances of ferroelectric dielectric cubes (Calcium titanate, CaTiO3) in which the temperature of the meta-atoms can be locally and dynamically controlled by heating with an optical laser beam over a large range of temperatures and, consequently, values of the dielectric constant of the cube and corresponding resonance frequency of the meta-atoms. This avoids any interference of otherwise necessary heating elements or power supply wires with the propagation of the microwave signal and can be made spatially addressable. The concept scales at least to the THz domain. This contactless approach opens up an alternative avenue to tunability and active control of metamaterials.
Enhancement of microwave fields in pulse EPR of quantum paraelectrics
Authors: Laguta V. , Bovtun V. , Kempa M. , Laguta O. , Neugebauer P. , Šimėnas M. , Banys J. , Kamba S.
Published: November 2023

The pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is widely used in different branches of material and life sciences, including promising applications in quantum information processing and quantum sensing. Here, we study the effect of the high polarizability of KTaO3 and SrTiO3 quantum paraelectrics on local electric and magnetic field components of microwaves (MW) at Fe3+ and Mn2+ paramagnetic ions. The measurements are performed with a commercial EPR spectrometer using dielectric and split-ring resonators. It is found that the power of MW pulses used in coherent spin manipulation at nanoseconds timescale decreases to milliwatts as compared to the tens–hundreds of watts usually used for spins in conventional materials. The amplification of MW fields is related to the very high dielectric permittivity (up to 25 000 in SrTiO3) of quantum paraelectrics at GHz frequencies and temperatures below 20 K. This creates the large induced polarization and, thus, huge displacement current and in turn the secondary MW magnetic field. Numerical simulations support the observation of the enhanced magnetic MW field in the high-permittivity sample. The low MW power for excitation of spin transitions in quantum paraelectrics eliminates the requirement of expensive high-power MW equipment. This approach also allows to globally control spin qubits in tandem with integrated devices based on conventional semiconductor MW circuits working at mW powers. It is suggested that quantum paraelectrics can also be used as substrates for deposition of nanoparticles or films of other materials, which would be manipulated by the low-power MW pulses.
Effects of inflow velocity on transverse jet injection in a supersonic cavity combustor
Authors: Zhang Lin , Cao Yitao , Liang Jianhan , Wang Yi , Sun Mingbo
Published: November 2023

The flow, mixing, and combustion mechanisms in the wide range scramjet engine are complex and far from clear. In the present work, the mixing flow of a sonic transverse jet injection in a supersonic cavity combustor is numerically investigated at two typical inflow velocities. The basic flow structures, unsteady flow dynamics, average flow structures, and several significant mixing performance parameters are well captured and compared based on high-resolution large eddy simulation. The simulation results show that separation shock induced by the jet is gradually merged with the bow shock at low Mach inflow so that the curved shock flow patter is produced. In addition, smaller large-scale coherent structures at the windward side and slower large-scale vortex transport are observed at low Mach inflow. At low Mach inflow, moreover, much narrower range of jet species mass fraction distributions and more upstream large-scale vortices breakdown and dissipation can be observed. The low Mach inflow generates weaker pair of counter-rotating vortices and some trailing counter-rotating vortices, which primarily leads to the weaker jet/cavity interaction. The baroclinic term effects are considerably weaker at low Mach inflow in the near field. In view of mixing efficiency and flammability efficiency, the effect of the cavity in enhancing mixing is more evident at low Mach inflow.
RAD51-mediated R-loop formation acts to repair transcription-associated DNA breaks driving antigenic variation in
Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Girasol Mark John , Krasilnikova Marija , Marques Catarina A. , Damasceno Jeziel D. , Lapsley Craig , Lemgruber Leandro , Burchmore Richard , Beraldi Dario , Carruthers Ross , Briggs Emma M. , McCulloch Richard
Published: November 2023

RNA–DNA hybrids are epigenetic features of all genomes that intersect with many processes, including transcription, telomere homeostasis, and centromere function. Increasing evidence suggests that RNA–DNA hybrids can provide two conflicting roles in the maintenance and transmission of genomes: They can be the triggers of DNA damage, leading to genome change, or can aid the DNA repair processes needed to respond to DNA lesions. Evasion of host immunity by African trypanosomes, such as
Trypanosoma brucei
, relies on targeted recombination of silent Variant Surface Glycoprotein (
VSG
) genes into a specialized telomeric locus that directs transcription of just one
VSG
from thousands. How such
VSG
recombination is targeted and initiated is unclear. Here, we show that a key enzyme of
T. brucei
homologous recombination, RAD51, interacts with RNA–DNA hybrids. In addition, we show that RNA–DNA hybrids display a genome-wide colocalization with DNA breaks and that this relationship is impaired by mutation of RAD51. Finally, we show that RAD51 acts to repair highly abundant, localised DNA breaks at the single transcribed
VSG
and that mutation of RAD51 alters RNA–DNA hybrid abundance at 70 bp repeats both around the transcribed
VSG
and across the silent
VSG
archive. This work reveals a widespread, generalised role for RNA–DNA hybrids in directing RAD51 activity during recombination and uncovers a specialised application of this interplay during targeted DNA break repair needed for the critical
T. brucei
immune evasion reaction of antigenic variation.
Modifying requests in a foreign language
Authors: Li Wei
Published: November 2023

This longitudinal study examines the pragmatic development of Australian learners of Chinese in their use of
internal modifiers of requests over the course of a semester. An eight-situation DCT was used to collect data. A perception
questionnaire and informal interviews were also used to aid the interpretation of the data. Results indicate that despite
considerable pragmalinguistic development in some areas, learners’ overall use of Chinese internal modifiers still lagged far
behind that of native speakers. Moreover, there was only a little evidence of situational variation. Hence this study suggests the
precedence of pragmalinguistic over sociopragmatic development. The study adds to the small but growing body of research on
pragmatic development in L2 Chinese.
Evidentiality, discourse prominence and grammaticalization
Authors: Boye Kasper
Published: November 2023

This paper seeks to answer three questions: (1) What is the difference between grammatical and lexical indications of information source? (2) What qualifies an element for grammaticalization as an evidential? (3) How can we identify grammatical evidentials and instances of evidential grammaticalization? The answers proposed are as follows: (1) The difference between grammatical and lexical indications of information source is a difference between indications conventionalized as discourse secondary and indications conventionalized as potentially discourse primary. (2) A candidate for grammaticalization as an evidential must (i) have propositional scope, (ii) belong in the conceptual domain of information source, (iii) be frequent enough to pass the threshold for conventionalization, and (iv) be discourse secondary, but not by convention. (3) Grammatical evidentials and instances of evidential grammaticalization can be identified based on focusablity, addressability and modifiability.
A tutorial of characterization methods on flexible pressure sensors: fundamental and applications
Authors: Wan Yongbiao , Qiu Zhiguang , Yuan Jun , Yang Junlong , Li Junze , Guo Chuan Fei
Published: November 2023

Flexible pressure sensors that respond to normal contact force, play a pivotal role in a wide range of applications, such as health monitoring, robotic perception and artificial intelligence. With the increasing demand for specialized and high-performance pressure sensors, the key parameters of these sensors, including sensitivity, detection range, linearity, response time, and cyclic stability, etc, have become crucial factors in determining their suitability for specific applications. The characterization of these key parameters has therefore become an essential step in the overall research process. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive tutorial on the characterization methods for flexible pressure sensors. Sections 1 and 2 provide a brief introduction to the research motivation and sensing mechanism, respectively. In section 3, we systematically discuss the fundamental of characterization methods on flexible pressure sensors, covering study facilities and characterization methods for assessing basic performances and analyzing device mechanism. Furthermore, in section 4, we present approaches for evaluating the application potential of flexible pressure sensors. Lastly, we address critical challenges and offer perspectives on the advancement and characterization methods of flexible pressure sensors. Our aim is to provide a valuable tutorial guideline that assists researchers, particularly beginners, in establishing their experimental facilities and study platforms, while enabling them to effectively characterize the performance of flexible pressure sensors.
The role of surface roughness on the electrical behavior of flexible and stretchable screen-printed silver ink on Kapton substrate
Authors: Abdelatty Mohamed Y , Umar Ashraf , Khinda Gurvinder S , Cadwell Ryan J , Levy Joshua A , Huang Nancy , Weerawarne Darshana L , Alhendi Mohammed , Miller Scott M , Poliks Mark D
Published: November 2023

Changes in the morphology and profile of the printed electronic traces affect the radio frequency (RF) performance, especially when compared to the simulated designs, which are primarily rectangular and smooth. The shape and morphology of the printed traces depend on the printing system, a combination of ink and substrate properties, and the printed technology used for fabrication. This paper investigates the significance of printing parameters like roughness, height, width, and profile shape on the RF performance of screen-printed traces statistically. This paper also derives a model based on actual profile shape and roughness measurements from incorporating these effects into the simulations. From the statistical study, we found that the role of surface roughness becomes more significant as the frequency increases. Thus, modeling surface roughness in flexible hybrid electronics simulations is fundamental for accurate results. Different simulated profile shapes also showed their effect on the RF performance, when combined with roughness, showed better correlation with experimental data. Our proposed model combines the modified Morgan and Hammerstad equation with the compound conductor model. Our proposed model uniquely integrates the modified Morgan and Hammerstad equation with the compound conductor model, leveraging a comprehensive approach focused on the quality and uniformity of printed electronics trace. This integration is aimed at constructing a model that is firmly grounded in actual roughness data, resulting in a solution that is both straightforward to implement and exceptionally accurate in its outcomes. The model agreed well with experimental measurement data over 7 GHz–40 GHz with a root-mean-square error average of 5.7%.
Feasibility of sequential anaerobic-aerobic integrated settler-based biofilm reactor for onsite treatment of domestic wastewater
Authors: Singh Surya Pratap , Sharma Meena Kumari , Sarangi Shailesh Kumar , Pandey Shatrudhan , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Hasnain S M Mozammil
Published: November 2023

The present study investigates the applicability of sequential anaerobic aerobic integrated settler-based biofilm reactor (SAABR) for the onsite treatment of domestic wastewater. The main aim of the study is to overcome the inherent flaws in an anaerobic system as well as enhancing the effluent quality by means of aerobic post-treatment. The sequential system consisted of an anaerobic settler is followed by two biofilters, anaerobic as well aerobic in series. The first biofilter is anaerobic and the second one is aerobic. The system was run on two hydraulic loading conditions (steady and non-steady flow) with a 24-hour hydraulic retention time (HRT) for the anaerobic system and a 2-hour HRT of aerobic filters. It was found that the performance of the system at steady flow stood at 93.9 ± 2.6, 93.3 ± 1.8, 91.2 ± 4.2, 75.8 ± 3.8 and 98.7 ± 1.1% in terms of total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and faecal coliform (FC), respectively while at non-steady flow, it decreased slightly. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) showed the presence of anaerobic bacteria in the system. The system is able to overcome the major flaws of the anaerobic systems and able to deliver high effluent quality. The study demonstrated that the sequential system can be a sustainable alternative for the onsite treatment of domestic wastewater, particularly in rural areas of the developing countries like India.
Global Regularity for Gravity Unstable Muskat Bubbles
Authors: Gancedo Francisco , García-Juárez Eduardo , Patel Neel , Strain Robert
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study the dynamics of fluids in porous media governed by Darcy’s law: the Muskat problem. We consider the setting of two immiscible fluids of different densities and viscosities under the influence of gravity in which one fluid is completely surrounded by the other. This setting is gravity unstable because along a portion of the interface, the denser fluid must be above the other. Surprisingly, even without capillarity, the circle-shaped bubble is a steady state solution moving with vertical constant velocity determined by the density jump between the fluids. Taking advantage of our discovery of this steady state, we are able to prove global in time existence and uniqueness of dynamic bubbles of nearly circular shapes under the influence of surface tension. We prove this global existence result for low regularity initial data. Moreover, we prove that these solutions are instantly analytic and decay exponentially fast in time to the circle.
Epic of Erra
Authors: Weiershäuser Frauke
Published: November 2023

The “Epic of Erra” is a major Babylonian literary composition, dating from the first half of the 1st millennium bce. The text describes the horrors of war, caused by the god Erra running amok, in an unusually rich imagery of destruction, unrest, and misery. It is a very dynamic composition with a high proportion of dialogues that push the plot forward. Erra’s furious heart is eventually pacified, and peace then returns to Babylonia.
Validation of the OPTICS and H2FPEF risk scores for post-capillary pulmonary hypertension in an asian cohort
Authors: Jiang H , Loh S , Ruan W , Oh Y Z , Ismail A , Lim C L , Sumathy P , Low A , Hong C , Ng S A , Phua G C , Sewa D W , Lim S T , Tan J L , Yap J
Published: November 2023

Background

The differentiation between pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) plays a significant impact in the management of PH patients. Right heart catheterization (RHC) serves as an important test to facilitate this differentiation. However, the RHC is invasive and oftentimes in Asia, the uptake and availability of the RHC due to costs and other considerations may be limited. The OPTICS score was previously developed to predict a raised pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in patients with PH. The H2FPEF score is typically used to predict heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) but has been suggested to be able to predict raised PCWP as well. Both scores have been validated in European cohorts, however the utility of this score in an Asian population is unknown.

Purpose

We aim to validate the utility of the OPTICS and H2FPEF scores in predicting the presence of a raised PCWP in an Asian population.

Methods

Available data from patients admitted to a tertiary cardiac center in Asia who had received a RHC between July 2018 to June 2022 were included. The established cut offs for the OPTICS and H2FPEF scores of ≥104 and ≥6 respectively were applied retrospectively to predict the presence of raised PCWP (defined as ≥15 mmHg) and the results compared to the actual PCWP from RHC. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under curves (AUC) were calculated. A sensitivity analysis was performed with the exclusion of patients with mixed PH (PCWP ≥15 mmHg with pulmonary vascular resistance ≥3 WU).

Results

433 patients were included, of which 274 had a raised PCWP ≥15 mmHg and 159 had a PCWP <15 mmHg. With a cut-off of ≥104, the OPTICS risk score had a specificity of 96%, sensitivity of 20%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 90%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 41%, and accuracy of 48%. With a cut-off of ≥6, the H2FPEF score had a specificity of 86%, sensitivity of 30%, PPV of 79%, NPV of 42%, and accuracy of 51%. The OPTICS and H2FPEF scores had an AUC of 0.69 and 0.66 respectively (Figure 1). Sensitivity analysis excluding patients with mixed PH (n=173) was performed and similar results were obtained.

Conclusion

In our Asian cohort, the high specificity of the OPTICS score may help in better identifying a subset of PH patients with postcapillary PH, potentially reducing the need of RHC in this group and guiding overall management. The lower sensitivity of both scores suggest that these scores should not be used as routine screening tools.ROC curves of OPTICS vs H2FPEF scores
Urinary proteomic analysis for biomarker discovery of pulmonary arterial hypertension-induced right ventricular failure
Authors: Qin X , Guo X , Fang Q , Fang L , Sun W , Zhang J , Qin Y , Du L
Published: November 2023

Background

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is one of the independent and strong predictors of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Urine is more suitable and sensitive for biomarker discovery with no need for homeostatic control compared to blood.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate candidate urinary biomarkers for RV structural and functional monitoring during PAH progression.

Methods

The urinary proteome of 21 monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rats (8 controls, 8 of compensated RV group, 5 of decompensated RV group) were identified using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). And the differential proteins were verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)-targeted quantitative proteomics. Candidate biomarkers were further validated using ELISA in the urine of PAH patients.

Results

In total, 1811 urinary proteins were identified with at least 1 unique peptide (FDR≤1%). Compared to the control group of rats, 118 and 184 proteins were altered in the compensated and decompensated groups, respectively, and 62 differential proteins were found between the two stages (2.0-fold change, p< 0.05). The canonical pathways revealed that complement system, glutathione metabolism and iron homeostasis were enriched in the compensated stage, while interferon signaling, fibrosis, Wnt signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were enriched in the failing stage. Four proteins confirmed by PRM, which were also of good discrimination ability of two RV stages were selected for further validation. ELISA results of the urine of PAH patients showed that IL18BP, IFNABR, LGALS3BP and α2-AP were sequentially elevated as disease progressed. Correlation analysis with clinical indicators showed that these proteins were positively correlated with right atrial pressure and right heart dilation, and negatively correlated with cardiac index and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. The combination of these four proteins panel could significantly distinguish PAH patients from healthy controls (AUC=0.985, 95%CI 0.955-1) and performs well in distinguishing high-risk PAH patients from low-risk ones (AUC=0.922, 95%CI 0.807-1).

Conclusions

Novel RVF candidate urinary biomarkers were found through in-depth proteomic analysis of PAH rat model. The panel of these four proteins, which were significantly correlated with RV structural remodeling and systolic function, showed good performance in diagnosis and risk stratification of PAH patients.Figure 1.Study workflowFigure 1.Main results of the study