bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration arrest and transendothelial trafficking of human pathogenic-like Th17 cells are mediated by differentially positioned chemokines
Authors: Parween Farhat , Singh Satya P. , Kathuria Nausheen , Zhang Hongwei H. , Ashida Shinji , Otaizo-Carrasquero Francisco A. , Shamsaddini Amirhossein , Gardina Paul J. , Ganesan Sundar , Kabat Juraj , Lorenzi Hernan A. , Riley Deanna J. , Myers Timothy G. , Pittaluga Stefania , Bielekova Bibiana , Farber Joshua M.
Published: February 2025

Human Th17/type 17 cells express the chemokine receptor CCR6, but the functions of CCR6 and other chemokine receptors in human type 17 Th cell extravasation have not been fully delineated. Here we show that human peripheral blood CD4+CCR6+ T cells co-expressing CCR2 have a pathogenic Th17 signature, can produce inflammatory cytokines without T cell receptor activation, and show enhanced expression of pathogenicity-associated and activation-associated genes in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis as compared to controls. In flow chambers with activated endothelial cell (EC) monolayers, CD4+CCR6+CCR2+ T cells are efficient at transendothelial migration (TEM). Ligands for CCR5, CCR6 and CXCR3 localize to EC surfaces and mediate only arrest, whereas CCR2 ligands fail to bind well to ECs and mediate only TEM. Conversely, expressing a chimeric CCR2 ligand engineered to bind glycosaminoglycans on ECs results in CCR2-mediated arrest but blocks TEM induction. Our results from human pathogenic-like type 17 cells thus suggest that T cell migration arrest requires chemokine bound to EC surfaces, whereas TEM requires a transendothelial chemokine gradient.
A lightweight shape-memory alloy with superior temperature-fluctuation resistance
Authors: Song Yuxin , Xu Sheng , Sato Shunsuke , Lee Inho , Xu Xiao , Omori Toshihiro , Nagasako Makoto , Kawasaki Takuro , Kiyanagi Ryoji , Harjo Stefanus , Gong Wu , Grabec Tomáš , Stoklasová Pavla , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: February 2025

In advanced applications such as aerospace and space exploration, materials must balance lightness, functionality and extreme thermal fluctuation resistance1,2. Shape-memory alloys show promise with strength, toughness and substantial strain recovery due to superelasticity, but maintaining low mass and effective operation at cryogenic temperatures is challenging3–6. We hereby introduce a new shape-memory alloy that adheres to these stringent criteria. Predominantly composed of Ti and Al with a chemical composition of Ti75.25Al20Cr4.75, this alloy is characterized by a low density (4.36 × 103 kg m−
3) and a high specific strength (185 × 103 Pa m3 per kg) at room temperature, while showing excellent superelasticity. The superelasticity, owing to a reversible stress-induced phase transformation from an ordered body-centred cubic parent phase to an ordered orthorhombic martensite, allows for a recoverable strain exceeding 7%. This functionality persists across a broad range of temperatures, from deep cryogenic 4.2 K to above room temperature, arising from an unconventional temperature dependence of transformation stresses. Below a certain threshold during cooling, the critical transformation stress inversely correlates with temperature. We interpret this behaviour from the perspective of a temperature-dependent anomalous lattice instability of the parent phase. This alloy holds potential in everyday appliances requiring flexible strain accommodation, as well as components designed for extreme environmental conditions such as deep space and liquefied gases.
The conserved HIV-1 spacer peptide 2 triggers matrix lattice maturation
Authors: Stacey James C. V. , Hrebík Dominik , Nand Elizabeth , Shetty Snehith Dyavari , Qu Kun , Boicu Marius , Anders-Össwein Maria , Uchil Pradeep D. , Dick Robert A. , Mothes Walther , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Müller Barbara , Briggs John A. G.
Published: February 2025

The virus particles of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are released in an immature, non-infectious form. Proteolytic cleavage of the main structural polyprotein Gag into functional domains induces rearrangement into mature, infectious virions. In immature virus particles, the Gag membrane-binding domain, MA, forms a hexameric protein lattice that undergoes structural transition, following cleavage, into a distinct, mature MA lattice1. The mechanism of MA lattice maturation is unknown. Here we show that released spacer peptide 2 (SP2), a conserved peptide of unknown function situated about 300 residues downstream of MA, binds MA to induce structural maturation. By high-resolution in-virus structure determination of MA, we show that MA does not bind lipid into a side pocket as previously thought1, but instead binds SP2 as an integral part of the protein–protein interfaces that stabilize the mature lattice. Analysis of Gag cleavage site mutants showed that SP2 release is required for MA maturation, and we demonstrate that SP2 is sufficient to induce maturation of purified MA on lipid monolayers in vitro. SP2-triggered MA maturation correlated with faster fusion of virus with target cells. Our results reveal a new, unexpected interaction between two HIV-1 components, provide a high-resolution structure of mature MA, establish the trigger of MA structural maturation and assign function to the SP2 peptide.
CESNET-TimeSeries24: Time Series Dataset for Network Traffic Anomaly Detection and Forecasting
Authors: Koumar Josef , Hynek Karel , Čejka Tomáš , Šiška Pavel
Published: February 2025

Anomaly detection in network traffic is crucial for maintaining the security of computer networks and identifying malicious activities. Most approaches to anomaly detection use methods based on forecasting. Extensive real-world network datasets for forecasting and anomaly detection techniques are missing, potentially causing overestimation of anomaly detection algorithm performance and fabricating the illusion of progress. This manuscript tackles this issue by introducing a comprehensive dataset derived from 40 weeks of traffic transmitted by 275,000 active IP addresses in the CESNET3 network—an ISP network serving approximately half a million customers daily. It captures the behavior of diverse network entities, reflecting the variability typical of an ISP environment. This variability provides a realistic and challenging environment for developing forecasting and anomaly detection models, enabling evaluations that are closer to real-world deployment scenarios. It provides valuable insights into the practical deployment of forecast-based anomaly detection approaches.
An intelligent network framework for driver distraction monitoring based on RES-SE-CNN
Authors: Lei Jichong , Ni Zining , Peng Zhiqiang , Hu Hong , Hong Jun , Fang Xiaoyong , Yi Cannan , Ren Changan , Wasaye Muhammad Abdul
Published: February 2025

As the quantity of motor vehicles and drivers experiences a continuous upsurge, the road driving environment has grown progressively more complex. This complexity has led to a concomitant increase in the probability of traffic accidents. Ample research has demonstrated that distracted driving constitutes a primary human - related factor precipitating these accidents. Therefore, the real - time monitoring and issuance of warnings regarding distracted driving behaviors are of paramount significance. In this research, an intelligent driver state monitoring methodology founded on the RES - SE - CNN model architecture is proposed. When compared with three classical models, namely VGG19, DenseNet121, and ResNet50, the experimental outcomes indicate that the RES - SE - CNN model exhibits remarkable performance in the detection of driver distraction. Specifically, it attains a correct recognition rate of 97.28%. The RES - SE - CNN network architecture model is characterized by lower memory occupancy, rendering it more amenable to deployment on vehicle mobile terminals. This study validates the potential application of the intelligent driver distraction monitoring model, which is based on transfer learning, within the actual driving environment.
miR-16-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p in circulating vesicles as psoriasis biomarkers
Authors: Guzmán-Martín Carlos A. , Jiménez-Ortega Rogelio F. , Ortega-Springall María Fernanda , Peña-Peña Mario , Guerrero-Ponce Ana Elena , Vega-Memije María Elisa , Amezcua-Guerra Luis M. , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto , Springall Rashidi
Published: February 2025

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder marked by fast skin cell growth, leading to thick, red, scaly patches. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This study investigates miR-16-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p expression in psoriasis EVs and assesses their biomarker potential, exploring associated target genes and pathways via bioinformatics. A cross-sectional and case-control study included 40 psoriasis patients, with blood samples collected in EDTA tubes. RNA from extracellular vesicles was isolated using Qiagen kits, and miRNAs were quantified via RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analysis predicted target genes using databases like miRDB and TargetScan. Gene expression data from GEO was processed, and differentially expressed genes were identified. This study assessed miR-16-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p expression in psoriasis patients’ circulating vesicles versus controls, finding significantly lower levels in patients. ROC analysis confirmed their diagnostic potential. A positive correlation of miR-16-5p with the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) suggests severity marker potential. Bioinformatics identified 378 common dysregulated genes, revealing key pathways and gene interactions in psoriasis. A heat map confirmed miRNA-mediated gene suppression in the disease. This study identifies miR-16-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p as potential psoriasis biomarkers, in addition to finding significant gene interactions and pathways involved in psoriasis pathophysiology.
Assessment of anthropogenic activities impact based on metals in soil and tree leaves along roadside in Bangladesh
Authors: Anwar Armin , Mezbah Uddin A. H.M. , Hasan Md. Siddiq , Parvez Md. Sohel , Sipos Bianka , Bibi Dina , Sajtos Zsófi , Tótmérész Béla , Magura Tibor , Simon Edina
Published: February 2025

The assessment of heavy metal pollution in leaves and soils is essential in environmental health monitoring. We assessed the effect of anthropogenic activities along an industrial–urban–rural gradient in the roadside soil and tree leaves of Bangladesh based on their metal concentration. The concentrations of Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd were analysed in leaves of Ficus benghalensis, Swietenia macrophylla, and Polyalthia longifolia and topsoil samples using ICP-OES. We used pollution indices to quantify the impact of contaminants on ecosystems. Our findings indicated that there were higher metal concentrations, especially Cd and Pb, in soil and leaves in close proximity to locations with substantial traffic and industrial activities. Igeo index indicated moderately to strongly polluted areas by Cd. The contamination factor (CF) for Cd indicated a severe contamination, while moderately contamination show by Cr, Pb, and Ni. The value of the ecological risk factor was below 40 for Cr, Ni, and Pb; thus, negligible ecological risks were considered for these elements. But, the ecological risk assessment indices showed that Cd poses high ecological risks in soil and leaves across all study areas. Bioaccumulation analysis indicated substantial heavy metal absorption in tree foliage, with F. benghalensis and P. longifolia exhibiting elevated Pb accumulation in urban environments. The PCA indicated that Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb mostly derived from anthropogenic sources in leaves and soil samples, too. Our results demonstrated that F. benghalensis, S. macrophylla, and P. longifolia are good indicator to assess the effect of anthropogenic activities on the terrestrial ecosystem. Our results also indicated the critical need for environmental monitoring and mitigation techniques in urban and industrial zones to reduce heavy metal pollution in roadside ecosystems.
Peptides: Potential Delivery Systems for mRNA
Authors: Liang Huiting , Xing Yun , Wang Kexin , Zhang Yaping , Yin Feng , Li Zigang
Published: February 2025

mRNA-based therapies hold broad applications for various disease treatments and have been applied in protein replacement therapy, gene editing, and vaccine development. Numerous researches were carried out aiming to increase...
A comprehensive understanding on the anionic redox chemistry of high-voltage cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Zhou Dong , Chu Mihai , Liu Zhongqing , Yang Liangtao , Wu Wei , Ning De , Li Wenyuan , Liu Xingbo , Li Jie , Passerini Stefano , Wang Jun
Published: February 2025

This review systematically discusses the structure, reaction mechanisms, and challenges as well as countermeasures for high-voltage Li-rich, LiCoO2, and Ni-rich cathode materials, attributing their anion redox activity to O 2p non-bonding states.
Study on the size and spatial configuration of liquid metal droplets in conductive hydrogels induced by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Zhao Siyu , Liu Zhaomiao , Zheng Nan , Zhang Chenchen , Zheng Kai , Shi Shuai , Pang Yan
Published: February 2025

Conductive hydrogels based on liquid metal microdroplets can be widely used as wearable electronic devices.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of ternary CuO/ZrO2@S-doped g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Alebachew Nigussie , Demissie Taye B. , Murthy H. C. Ananda , Gonfa Bedasa Abdisa , von Eschwege Karel G. , Coetsee Elizabeth , Langner Ernst H. G. , Jayadev  , Doreswamy B. H.
Published: February 2025

CuO/ZrO2@S-doped g-C3N4 nanocomposites enhance catalysis and biosensing of environmental pollutants by improving electron–hole separation and increasing active sites, showing high electrocatalytic performance.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of malachite green and trypan blue using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized iron oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Mbuyazi Thandi B. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: February 2025

Photocatalytic degradation of biochar-capped iron oxide nanocomposite was evaluated with malachite green and trypan blue dyes using the response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design.
Reactivity of canonical bacterial cytochrome c peroxidases: insights into the electronic structure of Compound I
Authors: Hewitt Patrick , Hendrich Michael P , Elliott Sean
Published: February 2025

Bacterial cytochrome c peroxidase (bCcP) family members include di-heme enzymes that are capable of producing various high oxidation states in their reactions with the substrate H2O2. Canonical family members such...
Regulation of Microcrystalline and Pore Structures in Pitch-Based Hard Carbon via Liquid-Phase Crosslinking-Assisted Grain Boundary Etching to Enhance Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Wang Zenghao , Lou Bin , Li Jun , Shi Nan , Yang Xiu-Jie , Zhang Jichang , Wu Jing , Wen Fushan , Wang Yifan , Liu Dong
Published: February 2025

Heavy oils, known for their high carbonization yield, typically form highly ordered structures with narrow interlayer spacing of carbon layer during carbonization, which limits their sodium storage performance. To address...
Interlayer pillaring influences the octahedral tilting and electrochemical capacity of tungsten oxides
Authors: Ding Ran , Spencer Michael A. , Holzapfel Noah P. , Chagnot Matthew , Augustyn Veronica
Published: February 2025

Pillaring tungsten oxides with alkylammonium cations increases the interlayer spacing but decreases the band gap, leading to low electrochemical capacity.
Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Arylalkylation of Alkenes: 5-Exo Cyclization vs. 6-Endo Cyclization vs. 1,2-Aryl Migration to 6-Endo Product
Authors: Du Yuxin , Wu Hongli , Yang Miao , She Yuanbin , Yang Yun-Fang
Published: February 2025

The detailed mechanisms of Ni-catalyzed reductive arylalkylation of unactivated alkenes with aryl bromides to synthesize benzene-fused 5-exo and 6-endo cyclic compounds were systematically investigated by DFT calculations. Our finding reveals...
Terahertz bands multifunctional metamaterial transmission-absorption switching device based on vanadium dioxide
Authors: Wang Xinmei , He Xianding , Tang Chaojun , Shui Bin , Yi Zao
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a vanadium dioxide (VO2)-based terahertz device is proposed to realize the conversion between broadband absorption and broadband transmission functions, including VO2 bottom layer, dielectric layer and VO2...
Manganese-based nanoenzymes: From catalytic chemistry to design principle and antitumor/antibacterial therapy
Authors: Qiu Long , Diao Zhengying , Cai Xinyi , Dou Zhang , Liu Xuyi , Sun Jianbo , Younis Muhammad Rizwan , Cui Daxiang , Yin Ting
Published: February 2025

Manganese (Mn)-based materials have been extensively investigated for a wide range of biomedical applications due to their fantastic catalytic chemistry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capacity, biodegradability, low toxicity, and good...
Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Doping Modification of Weyl Semimetal PtBi2 Acidic Solution
Authors: Liu Yinghui , Chen Qiubo , An Yukai , Qiu Hailong , Ma Shihui , Liu Hongjun , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: February 2025

We synthesized centimeter-scale type-I Weyl semimetal layered trigonal PtBi2 (t-PtBi2) crystals, including intrinsic and doped with diverse elements. Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution tests were conducted in acidic solutions, allowing for a...
Successive energy-transfer catalytic dearomative reactions of quinolines with bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes for the synthesis of pyridine-fused 3D complicated molecules
Authors: Cai Yi-Ping , Chen Shi-Ru , Song Qin-Hua
Published: February 2025

Successive energy-transfer-mediated dearomative [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition/1,6-HAT cascade reaction of quinolines with bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes provides a facile synthesis of pyridine-fused 3D complicated molecules.
High-capacity organic cathode boosted by coordination chemistry for energy-dense aqueous zinc-organic batteries
Authors: Ma Guanzhong , Ju Zhengyu , Chen Yutong , Wang Runmo , Yuan ZiHao , Du Huiping , Cai Mian , Gao Meng , Wang Yaqun , Yu Guihua
Published: February 2025

N-type organic cathode materials containing carbonyl and imine groups have emerged as promising candidates for zinc-ion batteries due to their excellent charge storage capability, which arise from the synergic storage...
Adipose derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Seeded Regenerated Silk Fibroin Reverse Liver Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: li weilong , Shi Xiaonan , Zhang Daxu , Hu Jingjing , Zhao Shuo , Ye Shuojun , Wang Jingyi , Liu Xiaojiao , Zhang Qian , Wang Zhanbo , Zhang Yaopeng , Yan Li
Published: February 2025

Liver fibrosis (LF) is an important process in the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. We have previously demonstrated that RSF+ADSCs can repair acute liver injury. In this study,...
Cough Suppression Therapy in Patients With Chronic Refractory Cough and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
Authors: Chen ShengYing A. , Kim Jessica F. , Krishna Priya , Simmons Ethan , Crawley Brianna K. , Murry Thomas
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Chronic refractory cough (CRC), defined as cough lasting over 8 weeks despite medical intervention, is a prevalent condition with a number of associated comorbidities. Cough suppression therapy (CST) has been demonstrated to be a promising avenue for treating CRC by improving airway control and coordination. However, little is known about the effects of CST in CRC patients diagnosed with comorbid oropharyngeal dysphagia (DYS) despite a large subset of patients with both conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine if CST affects self-assessment of DYS severity in patients diagnosed with both CRC and oropharyngeal DYS.

Method:

The charts of 106 patients with a primary diagnosis of CRC who completed CST were reviewed. A total of 30 age- and gender-matched individuals, 15 with CRC and oropharyngeal DYS (CRC + DYS) and 15 with CRC only, were identified. All patients underwent stroboscopic examinations by an otolaryngologist and completed the Cough Severity Index and Eating Assessment Tool–10 surveys. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare pre- and posttreatment symptom severity, gender, age, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities.

Results:

Self-reported severity of DYS decreased in all 15 CRC + DYS patients, and their average post-treatment score was statistically similar to that of patients with only CRC. Both groups had comparable reductions in their self-assessment of cough severity. The two groups presented no statistically significant difference in pretreatment cough severity, treatment duration, number of treatment sessions, comorbidities, age, and gender.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that CRC patients with oropharyngeal DYS and no evidence of aspiration had statistically significant improved self-assessment of swallowing disorder severity when treated with CST.
Routing in quantum networks with end‐to‐end knowledge
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Cicconetti Claudio , Conti Marco , Passarella Andrea
Published: February 2025

Given the diverse array of physical systems available for quantum computing and the absence of a well‐defined quantum Internet protocol stack, the design and optimisation of quantum networking protocols remain largely unexplored. To address this, the authors introduce an approach that facilitates the establishment of paths capable of delivering end‐to‐end fidelity above a specified threshold, without requiring detailed knowledge of the quantum network's properties. In this study, the authors define algorithms that are specific instances of this approach and evaluate them in comparison to Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm and a fully knowledge‐aware algorithm through simulations. The authors’ results demonstrate that one of the proposed algorithms consistently outperforms the other methods in delivering paths above the fidelity threshold, across various network topologies and the number of source‐destination pairs involved, while maintaining significant levels of fairness among the users and being robust to inaccurate estimations of the expected end‐to‐end fidelity.
Open‐DS: An Open‐Set Modulation Recognition Method for Low Probability of Interception Radar Emitters Based on Dictionary Similarity
Authors: Sun Gangyin , Chen Shiwen , Wu Chaopeng , Zhang Li , Fang Haikun
Published: February 2025

The recognition of radar emitters modulation in an open‐set scenario presents a challenging task, particularly when identifying unknown modulation. This paper proposes a dictionary similarity based method for low intercept probability radar signal open‐set modulation recognition (OMR), designed to address the unknown modulation in open‐set scenarios. First, deep features of the input 1‐D signal are extracted, and a random Fourier transform is applied to map the signal into a high‐dimensional space, thereby converting the nonlinear feature optimisation problem into a linear optimisation problem. Next, an inter‐class discreteness (ICD) module and an intra‐class similarity (ICS) module are designed. Based on the Hilbert‐Smith independence criterion, the correlation between features is quantified, and the quantitative values of ICD and ICS are used as loss functions to constrain the network's learning process. This approach effectively enhanced the representational power of the class dictionaries and significantly improved the model’s overall performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy successfully extracts high‐dimensional feature prototypes, achieving high accuracy in closed‐set recognition while effectively performing open‐set recognition tasks.
Effects of the September 2014 coronal mass ejection chain in the inner Solar System and the response of the Martian ionosphere
Authors: Ippolito A. , Sánchez-Cano B. , Harada Y.
Published: February 2025

During September 2014, intense solar activity led to a number of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) propagating in the heliosphere. The strong perturbation in the interplanetary magnetic field and the remarkable enhancements in the energetic particle fluxes accelerated by the shock waves associated with the CMEs affected the environments of the inner planets of the Solar System. Taking advantage of a relatively favorable position in terms of angular distance among Mercury, Earth, and Mars, our purpose is to observe the evolution and impact of strong solar events, providing an overview of the impact of the same solar phenomena on different planetary environments, with special interest in the response of Mars’ ionosphere as this may have implications for future exploration of the red planet. We used observations from a fleet of spacecraft distributed in the inner Solar System, such as STEREO B, MESSENGER, Mars Express, and SOHO, to perform a characterization of the interaction with the planets, investigating some of the main effects of the CMEs on the different planetary environments. Besides, we applied a numerical simulation to reconstruct the magnetic connection from Mercury, Earth, and Mars to the solar corona on the dates on which the CME events occurred. We find that the CMEs events analyzed here induced remarkable effects that affected all the environments of the inner planets of the Solar System. Enhancements in the solar energetic particle fluxes were observed at Mercury, Earth, and Mars, with different characteristics. In addition, a solar radio burst was observed both at Earth and Mars, together with strong disturbances in the geomagnetic field, and diffuse echoes and radio black outs in the Martian ionosphere. The proposed multi-spacecraft and multiparameter analysis, along with the numerical simulations for reconstructing the magnetic footpoints of the Parker spiral on the Sun’s surface, offer a detailed cause-and-effect framework for studying space weather events in the Solar System.
The impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on renewable energy trade in countries along the belt and road: A cascading failure model
Authors: Zhang Zifan , Jiang Chenming , Gao Cuixia , Tang Biao
Published: February 2025

As pivotal energy suppliers, the Russia–Ukraine conflict has had a profound impact on the trade of renewable energy products among countries participating in the belt and road initiative (BRI). However, the precise mechanisms by which this conflict influences and the overall stability of the trading system remain underexplored. This study applies multi-layer network modeling and cascade failure theory to examine both intra-layer and inter-layer structural dynamics, as well as the propagation of risks, in the trade of solar, wind, biomass, and hydro energy products across 66 BRI countries from 2013 to 2021. The results provide several key insights. First, the trade networks for wind, biomass, and hydro energy products exhibit distinct community structures. Notably, the hydro energy trade network displays a “rich club” phenomenon, characterized by a continual increase in the size of its largest community. In contrast, the biomass network has experienced a trend of community fragmentation. Second, due to its high trade volume, the solar energy network shares considerable similarity with the other three subnetworks, although this similarity has been diminishing over time. Moreover, the solar energy network is the least robust among all the networks analyzed. Third, the disruption risks stemming from the Russia–Ukraine conflict have the most significant impact on the biomass network, followed by the wind and hydro networks, while the solar network is the least affected. When Russia and Ukraine are excluded from the analysis, the biomass network exhibits the highest level of robustness. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the empirical findings and offering policy recommendations aimed at enhancing resilience in renewable energy trade within the BRI framework.
Dynamic analysis of deterministic and stochastic SEIR models incorporating the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Saha Pritam , Kumar Pal Kalyan , Ghosh Uttam , Kumar Tiwari Pankaj
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we introduce a Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) epidemic model and analyze it in both deterministic and stochastic contexts, incorporating the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. The model incorporates a nonlinear incidence rate and a saturated treatment response. We establish the basic properties of solutions and conduct a comprehensive stability analysis of the system’s equilibria to assess its epidemiological relevance. Our results demonstrate that the disease will be eradicated from the population when R0<1, while the disease will persist when R0>1. Furthermore, we explore various bifurcation phenomena, including transcritical, backward, saddle-node, and Hopf, and discuss their epidemiological implications. For the stochastic model, we demonstrate the existence of a unique global positive solution. We also identify sufficient conditions for the disease extinction and persistence. Additionally, by developing a suitable Lyapunov function, we establish the existence of a stationary distribution. Several numerical simulations are conducted to validate the theoretical findings of the deterministic and stochastic models. The results provide a comprehensive demonstration of the disease dynamics in constant as well as noisy environments, highlighting the implications of our study.
Contribution of holes to the thermoelectric properties of gated bilayer graphene junctions
Authors: Briones-Torres J. A. , Rodríguez-González R. , Pérez-Álvarez R. , Molina-Valdovinos S. , Rodríguez-Vargas I.
Published: February 2025

The study of 2D materials in renewable energies has been of great interest due to the growing demand for energy generation without affecting the environment. This includes 2D materials such as bilayer graphene in the context of thermoelectricity. Here, we study the thermoelectric properties of bilayer graphene junctions, in particular, the Seebeck coefficient, power factor, and figure of merit in single and double junctions as well as superlattices. We employ the hybrid matrix method and the Landauer–Bütikker formalism. We pay special attention to the contribution of holes to the mentioned thermoelectric properties. We find that the accessibility of the holes as well as the thermal activation of the charge carriers have a considerable impact on the Seebeck coefficient, power factor, and figure of merit around the bilayer graphene charge neutrality point. In particular, the thermoelectric properties at low temperatures improve when the hole contribution is taken into account. The thermal activation of the charge carriers in conjunction with the accessibility of the holes give rise to a reduction of the thermoelectric properties. In short, our findings indicate that the contribution of holes is fundamental in shaping the thermoelectric properties of bilayer graphene junctions around the charge neutrality point.
Influences of individual interaction validity on coupling propagation of information and disease in a two-layer higher-order network
Authors: Li Ming , Huo Liang’an
Published: February 2025

All complex phenomena in complex systems arise from individual interactions, which include pairs and higher-order forms. Research indicates that various physical and mental factors can impact the validity of these interactions, potentially preventing diffusion phenomena. This paper explores the influences of the interaction validity on coupling propagation of information and disease in a two-layer higher-order network. Interaction validity is defined using a threshold function based on the individual activity level. The dynamic evolution equations of the nodes are derived by using the microscopic Markov chain approach, and the transmission threshold of the disease is determined. Extensive numerical simulations on both artificial and real-world networks reveal that higher-order interactions significantly enhance the diffusion of disease and related information. Reducing individual activity levels diminishes interaction validity, thereby restricting disease transmission. Moreover, optimizing disease control can be achieved by increasing public activity in virtual social networks while reducing it in physical contact networks. Strengthening interlayer coupling enhances self-protective measures, thus amplifying the suppression of disease by information.
Drought resistance or herbivory defense strategy? Oxalate druses function in a forage xeric species
Authors: Jaume D. F. , Pelliza Y. I. , Nanni A. , Tadey M.
Published: February 2025

Oxalate druse synthesis in plants helps to reduce drought stress by maintaining osmotic balance and might also act as a defence against herbivory by reducing nutritional quality. This study experimentally investigated the role of druses in Atriplex lampa under drought and herbivory treatments. We propose that both stressors trigger druse synthesis. Furthermore, if druse production is an adaptation to stress, the allocation of resources to other physiological functions should not be affected. These hypotheses were experimentally tested under greenhouse and natural field conditions. Leaves of A. lampa were collected from eight rangelands in Monte Desert in Argentina, which shared similar environmental characteristics but differed in stocking rates. The manipulative experiment in the greenhouse consisted in applying drought and herbivory treatments to A. lampa seedlings. The highest druse abundance was observed at intermediate stocking rates, suggesting resource limitation for druse synthesis at extreme stocking rates. The adaptive advantage of druse synthesis was evident only for drought stress treatment, where higher druse abundance was correlated with improved growth rates. When both stressors were combined, there was no difference in druse abundance with respect to control treatment, indicating that herbivory negatively influenced the adaptive response to drought. Druse synthesis is an adaptation to drought that is susceptible to herbivory stress.
Research on Multi-task Collaborative Enhancement Matrix Machine and Its Application in Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Chunan , Pan Haiyang , Zheng Jinde , Tong Jinyu , Cheng Jian
Published: February 2025

Support matrix machine, as an effective classification method, is widely used in single task fault diagnosis. However, for the entire mechanical equipment system, the state information between different components is coupled with each other, and it is difficult to fully express the completion state information of a task by only constructing a diagnostic model for that task. In view of this, this paper proposes a Multi-task Collaborative Enhancement Matrix Machine (MTCEMM) method. First, a dimension enhancement term is defined, in which nonlinear offsets are used to help the model capture nonlinear relationships in the data, thus improving the information fusion power of the multiple models. Then, the classification hyperplane for different tasks is constructed simultaneously, which completes information sharing among multiple tasks during the construction process, thereby achieving collaborative enhancement of multi-task sample information. Finally, the MTCEMM method is applied to multi-task fault diagnosis of mechanical system, and five evaluation indicators are also selected to display the classification results.
3DΠ: three-dimensional positron imaging, a novel total-body PET scanner using xenon-doped liquid argon scintillator
Authors: Zabihi Azam , Li Xinran , Ramirez Alejandro , Ahmad Iftikhar , Da Rocha Rolo Manuel Dionisio , Franco Davide , Gabriele Federico , Galbiati Cristiano , Lai Michela , Marlow Daniel R , Renshaw Andrew , Westerdale Shawn , Wada Masayuki
Published: February 2025

Objective: This paper introduces a novel PET imaging methodology called 3-dimensional positron imaging (3DΠ), which integrates total-body (TB) coverage, time-of-flight (TOF) technology, ultra-low dose imaging capabilities, and ultra-fast readout electronics inspired by emerging technology from the DarkSide collaboration. Approach: The study evaluates the performance of 3DΠ using Monte Carlo simulations based on NEMA NU 2-2018 protocols. The methodology employs a homogenous, monolithic scintillator composed of liquid argon (LAr) doped with xenon (Xe) with silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) operating at cryogenic temperatures. Main results: Significant enhancements in system performance are observed, with the 3DΠ system achieving a noise equivalent count rate (NECR) of 3.2 Mcps which is approximately two times higher than uEXPLORER's peak NECR (1.5 Mcps) at 17.3 (kBq/mL). Spatial resolution measurements show an average FWHM of 2.7 mm across both axial positions. The system exhibits superior sensitivity, with values reaching 373 kcps/MBq with a line source at the center of the field of view. Additionally, 3DΠ achieves a TOF resolution of 151 ps at 5.3 kBq/mL, highlighting its potential to produce high-quality images with reduced noise levels. Significance: The study underscores the potential of 3DΠ in improving PET imaging performance, offering the potential for shorter scan times and reduced radiation exposure for patients. The Xe-doped LAr offers advantages such as fast scintillation, enhanced light yield, and cost-effectiveness. Future research will focus on optimizing system geometry and further refining reconstruction algorithms to exploit the strengths of 3DΠ for clinical applications.
Metal artifacts correction based on a physics-informed nonlinear sinogram completion model
Authors: Fan Shuqiong , Li Mengfei , Huang Chuwen , Deng Xiaojuan , Li Hongwei
Published: February 2025

Objective. Metal artifacts seriously deteriorate CT image quality. Current metal artifacts reduction methods suffer from insufficient correction or easily introduce secondary artifacts. To better suppress metal artifacts, we propose a sinogram completion approach extracting and utilizing useful information that contained in the corrupted metal trace projections. Approach. Our method mainly contains two stages: sinogram interpolation by an improved normalization technique for initial correction and physics-informed nonlinear sinogram decomposition for further improvement. In the first stage, different from the popular normalized metal artifact reduction method, we propose a more meaningful normalization scheme for the interpolation procedure. In the second stage, instead of performing a linear sinogram decomposition as done in the physics-informed sinogram completion method, we introduce a nonlinear decomposition model that can accurately separate the sinogram into metal and non-metal contributions by better modeling the physical scanning process. The interpolated sinogram and physics-informed correction compensate each other to reach the optimal correction results. Main results. Experimental results on simulated and real data indicate that, in terms of both structures preservation and detail recovery, the proposed PNSC method achieves very competitive performance for metal artifacts reduction compared to existing methods. Significance. According to our knowledge, it's for the first time that a nonlinear sinogram decomposition model is proposed in the literature for metal artifacts correction. It might motivate further research exploring this idea for various sinogram processing tasks.
Design and Analysis of a Miniaturized Rhombus-Rectangular Antenna for WMTS and ISM Bands
Authors: BalaMurali Selvamani , Elakkiya Kaliappan , Kumaravel Shanmugam , M Karthikeyan , Mishra Naveen , Natarajan Rajesh
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a novel implantable antenna for biomedical applications. Implantable antennas are used in biomedical devices for wireless communication, enabling applications like health monitoring, drug delivery, and bio-sensing within the human body. The proposed antenna structure features a compact configuration consisting of three rhombus-shaped resonators of varying sizes attached to a rectangular resonator. The antenna is ideal for implantation because of its small size (5 x 5 x 1.27 mm³), which adds up to a total volume of 31.75 mm³. Compatibility with essential wireless communication standards for medical applications is ensured by the antenna's dual-band resonance at 2.42 GHz in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band and 1.4 GHz in the Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) band. A notable feature of the design is its high fractional bandwidth of 18.29%, which is superior compared to similar implantable antennas. Additionally, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is substantially within the IEEE safety standards' permissible bounds, guaranteeing safe operation close to human flesh. A promising option for next-generation biomedical devices, this small, dual-frequency, wideband antenna allows for dependable and effective wireless communication for implanted applications.
Corrigendum: The Effect of Indonesian Coal Characteristics on The Pyrolysis Activation Energy (2024 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1437 012008)
Authors: Putri Wijayanti Meilinda , Haris Widayat Agus , Anggayana Komang , Halim Nurulhuda , Al Hamda Aisyah
Published: February 2025

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Recent strides in artificial intelligence for predicting thermoelectric properties and materials discovery
Authors: Barua Nikhil K , Lee Sangjoon , Oliynyk Anton O , Kleinke Holger
Published: February 2025

Machine learning models as part of artificial intelligence have enjoyed a recent surge in answering a long-standing challenge in thermoelectric materials research. That challenge is to produce stable, and highly efficient, thermoelectric materials for their application in thermoelectric devices for commercial use. The enhancements in these models offer the potential to identify the best solutions for these challenges and accelerate thermoelectric research through the reduction in experimental and computational costs. This perspective underscores and examines recent advancements and approaches from the materials community in artificial intelligence to address the challenges in the thermoelectric area and to surpass existing limitations. Additionally, it presents insights into the material features influencing model decisions for thermoelectric property predictions and in some cases new thermoelectric material discovery. In the end, the perspective addresses current challenges and future potential studies beyond classical machine learning studies for thermoelectric research.
Pragmatic Conceptual Engineering
Authors: Thomasson Amie L
Published: February 2025

This chapter develops a pragmatic approach to conceptual engineering that uses functional assessments to do conceptual engineering in a way that is not arbitrary and that can give us grounds for critiquing conceptual choices, but without appealing to deep “metaphysical facts” to guide our decisions. For we can evaluate concepts with respect to how well they fulfill their functions, and whether those are functions we should pursue. Conceptual re-engineering may be needed because we reject the functions served (as with race terms), because of technological or social change (as with concepts of death or marriage), or because our concerns have evolved (as with the concept of fish). On this model, conceptual engineering is a difficult practical matter, but that does not mean that our choices are arbitrary or unconstrained. Taking a pragmatic approach to conceptual engineering enables us to make better-informed and more transparent conceptual decisions.
The Perennial Philosophical Project
Authors: Thomasson Amie L
Published: February 2025

This work in conceptual engineering still deserves to be called “metaphysics” to emphasize the continuities with much past work in historical metaphysics—some of which can be seen as engaged in reverse engineering, and other parts of which can be seen as engaged in metalinguistic negotiation over how our terms such as “person,” “freedom,” or “art” should be used. Moreover, this reconception of metaphysics ensures that its work is very much worth doing. For what language and concepts we use has enormous consequences for how we think and live, how we organize our institutions and scientific investigations. It is also work that is never finished, since our concepts and terms must be constantly rethought in new social, environmental, and technological contexts. Rethinking metaphysics as conceptual engineering demonstrates its role as an important and perennial human project.
IBC Oxford University Oral Abstract 12 - Video abstract: a visual concerto: exploring the wide array of bowel obstructions following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Sestito M , Ma P , Higa K , Abunnaja S
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a significant source of morbidity in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. In addition to variable anatomic locations, SBO have a wide range of clinical presentations. Delays or inexperience in managing such cases can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Methods

Data from chart review and intraoperative recordings were compiled to create a video case series.

Results

Five representative cases were selected. One case involved the management of an acute SBO secondary to an internal hernia at the Jejunojejunal mesenteric defect. The second case addressed recurrent partial obstructive symptoms caused by internal hernia at the Peterson space. The third case involved a closed-loop SBO secondary to an adhesive band. The fourth case addressed acute small bowel obstruction secondary to intussusception at the Jejunojejunal anastomosis. Finally, the last case discussed the management of a rare case of small bowel obstruction from a food bezoar lodged at the ileocecal valve. Each case had a distinct location and level of complexity requiring different operative approaches. All cases were managed successfully with laparoscopic approach and discharged home safely.

Conclusions

SBO in RYGB patients has a wide range of complex clinical presentations. Managing such complex cases requires not only timely intervention and understanding of intricate anatomical variances but also the technical skill to achieve resolution.
IBC Oxford University Oral Abstract 15 - Video abstract: management of intra-thoracic band slippage and severe GERD following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: a video case study
Authors: Amar M Ben , Masmoudi A , Sallemi M , Trigui A
Published: February 2025

Introduction

As a bariatric procedure, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) led to an increased prevalence of complications, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), band slippage and dysphagia. This explains the high reported failure rate. This video abstract presents the management of an intra-thoracic band slippage associated with severe GERD.

Methods

A 53-year-old man with a history of morbid obesity, underwent LAGB 19 years prior. Despite initial weight loss (BMI = 51 kg/m2 to 22 kg/m2), he presented with symptomatic GERD and vomiting. Investigations revealed intra-thoracic band slippage with a portion of the stomach herniated into the chest cavity. Laparoscopic removal of the gastric band was carried out after careful dissection of the hiatal region. Afterwards, the oesophagus was mobilised, and the hernia sac was dissected and excised down to the anterior wall of the oesophagus and around the gastroesophageal junction. Closure of the crura was performed using non-absorbable sutures and was followed by placement of a Toupet fundoplication.

Results

The operative time was 130 minutes. The patient was allowed oral liquids after one postoperative day and subsequently discharged on second postoperative day. There were no postoperative complications. The patient experienced resolution of GERD symptoms, and no weight regain at 9 months follow-up (BMI: 26 kg/m2). The surgical methods used in this instance are given in the accompanying video, which also offers insightful information about the steps of the procedure.

Conclusions

This case highlights the feasibility and efficacy of removal of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band combined with Toupet fundoplication. Revisional bariatric surgeries should probably be reserved for cases when GERD is associated with weight regain.