bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The HD 260655 system: Two rocky worlds transiting a bright M dwarf at 10 pc
Authors: Luque R. , Fulton B. J. , Kunimoto M. , Amado P. J. , Gorrini P. , Dreizler S. , Hellier C. , Henry G. W. , Molaverdikhani K. , Morello G. , Peña-Moñino L. , Pérez-Torres M. , Pozuelos F. J. , Shan Y. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Béjar V. J. S. , Bergond G. , Boyle A. W. , Caballero J. A. , Charbonneau D. , Ciardi D. R. , Dufoer S. , Espinoza N. , Everett M. , Fischer D. , Hatzes A. P. , Henning Th. , Hesse K. , Howard A. W. , Howell S. B. , Isaacson H. , Jeffers S. V. , Jenkins J. M. , Kane S. R. , Kemmer J. , Khalafinejad S. , Kidwell R. C. , Kossakowski D. , Latham D. W. , Lillo-Box J. , Lissauer J. J. , Montes D. , Orell-Miquel J. , Pallé E. , Pollacco D. , Quirrenbach A. , Reffert S. , Reiners A. , Ribas I. , Ricker G. R. , Rogers L. A. , Sanz-Forcada J. , Schlecker M. , Schweitzer A. , Seager S. , Shporer A. , Stassun K. G. , Stock S. , Tal-Or L. , Ting E. B. , Trifonov T. , Vanaverbeke S. , Vanderspek R. , Villaseñor J. , Winn J. N. , Winters J. G. , Zapatero Osorio M. R.
Published: June 2022

We report the discovery of a multiplanetary system transiting the M0 V dwarf HD 260655 (GJ 239, TOI-4599). The system consists of at least two transiting planets, namely HD 260655 b, with a period of 2.77 d, a radius of Rb = 1.240 ± 0.023 R⊕, a mass of Mb = 2.14 ± 0.34 M⊕, and a bulk density of ρb = 6.2 ± 1.0 g cm−3, and HD 260655 c, with a period of 5.71 d, a radius of ${R_c} = 1.533_{ - 0.046}^{ + 0.051}{R_ \oplus }$, a mass of Mc = 3.09 ± 0.48 M⊕, and a bulk density of ${\rho _c} = 4.7_{ - 0.8}^{ + 0.9}{\rm{g}}$ g cm−3. The planets have been detected in transit by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission and confirmed independently with archival and new precise radial velocities obtained with the HIRES and CARMENES instruments since 1998 and 2016, respectively. At a distance of 10 pc, HD 260655 has become the fourth closest known multitransiting planet system after HD 219134, LTT 1445 A, and AU Mic. Due to the apparent brightness of the host star (J = 6.7 mag), both planets are among the most suitable rocky worlds known today for atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope, both in transmission and emission.
Research on the problem of solar energy storage system based on AHP
Authors: Chai Xianyi , Zhu Yanqi , Qiu Lichuan , Cao Shenhui
Published: June 2022

Solar energy storage, while currently widely used as a clean and sustainable resource, is a critical issue that impacts the widespread use of solar energy technology. Using solar power to provide electricity can overcome the constraint of avoiding geography, which is crucial for the electricity problem associated with homes built in remote areas. However, it is limited by the sun’s irradiation. We should solve the electricity storage problem to support energy requirements at night and on a cloudy day. In our paper, we are tasked to evaluate the utility of battery storage system based on the energy needs and individual’s preferences. Considering individual’s needs and preferences, we proposed a generalized evaluation model based on AHP method. The method is based on the choice of variables that influence battery storage system section in question 1 and goes through a hierarchical analysis model to calculate the weights of variables. AHP method can effectively represent the preferences of individuals. Besides, we proposed a set of functions to evaluate the satisfaction of individual under each factor by considering individual’s expected cost and energy requirements. Finally, we talk about the future of cement batteries. The benefits and drawbacks of cement batteries as energy storage equipment are examined, focusing on cost, safety, and environmental contamination concerns. Furthermore, we assessed the future utility of cement battery in terms of cost, usable capacity, continuous power rating, instantaneous rower rating, lifetime of battery, and other factors.
Real Driving Emissions Evaluation for A Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicle based on Engine-in-the-loop Methodology
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Gao Tao , Li Gang , Jing Xiaojun , Zhang Youyuan
Published: June 2022

Real driving emissions of a heavy-duty vehicle with a maximum total mass of 18000 kg were investigated by the engine-in-the-loop (EIL) methodology. Virtual vehicle model, driver model and real road model was established, then to combined with the actual engine and emission test equipment to fulfill the vehicle emission evaluation on engine test bed. The results indicate the road driving can be well reproduced on engine laboratory with good vehicle speed followability, engine speed and torque consistence. However, the emission results show a larger difference with a 3.6 gap for CO2, a 72.3% gap for NOx and a 40% gap for PN., respectively. Analysis shows that the intercooler temperature, the exhaust temperature and equipment difference has a combined effect on the emission accuracy.
The effect of shot peening time on mechanical properties and residual stress in Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Moradi Ali , Heidari Ali , Amini Kamran , Aghadavoudi Farshid , Abedinzadeh Reza
Published: June 2022

Shot peening is a method that increases the surface compressive residual stress, controls the growth of surface micro-cracks, and improves surface properties such as increasing hardness of surface and wear resistance by fabricating a compact layer of nanostructure on the surface. In this study, the effect of shot peening process on compressive residual stress, microstructure, hardness of surface, wear, and surface roughness of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was investigated. Accordingly, specimens of Ti-6Al-4V alloy were shot peened with steel pellets with a diameter of 0.4 mm. Steel pellets were impinged on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with the nozzles air pressure of 1bar and the impinging angle of 90°. Then the samples were subjected to shot peening for 20, 40, and 60 min. Subsequently, the grain size, micro-strain and compressive residual stress of the surface were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Also, microstructures formed on the surface were investigated with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, mechanical properties of the surfaces were investigated by performing hardness and wear tests. The results showed that the grains were refined from the size of 150 nm in the raw specimen to 29.2, 28.5 and 28.3 nm over the shot peening times of 20, 40, and 60 min. Also, the shot peening operation led to the increase of 55%, 57%, and 63% hardness of surface, the increase of 32%, 37%, and 43% of surface wear resistance, and the increasing of surface roughness in comparison with raw specimen over the shot peening times of 20, 40, and 60 min. The reasons for improving the surface layer properties of titanium alloy include refining and nano-crystallization of the grains and creation of nanostructure on surface layer. On the other hand, as a compact layer of nanostructure is formed on the surface via shot peening, the amount of residual stress on the surface increased from 938 MPa during 20 min to 1232 MPa during 60 min of shot peening operation. Also, based on the surface wear investigation of titanium alloy the wear mechanisms included abrasive, adhesive, and tribo-chemical which decreased by increasing the hardness of surface in the shot peening process.
Markdown pricing strategy under a dual-channel supply chain with strategic consumers
Authors: Li Haijiao , Yang Kuan , Leung Janny M.Y. , Zhang Guoqing
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the markdown pricing strategies for a manufacturer and a retailer in a two-period dual-channel supply chain, where the manufacturer sells its products via its own direct channel and an independent retail channel to strategic consumers who may wait for markdowns. A two-period game is developed to systematically study the optimal regular prices and markdown prices under four cases, i.e., no markdown in both channels, markdown only in the direct channel, markdown only in the retail channel, and markdowns in both channels. By comparing the different cases, we find that the manufacturer benefits most from the case with markdowns in both channels, where the markdown rate of the retail channel is lower than that of the direct channel. On the other hand, the results indicate that the retailer may also profit most from the case with markdowns in both channels when the consumer acceptance of the direct channel is sufficiently high; otherwise, the retailer enjoys the highest profit under the case with markdown only in the retail channel. Finally, it is found that strategic consumer behavior has a positive impact on the retailer’s profit but a negative impact on the manufacturer’s profit.
A Newborn Infant with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome and Pupillary Abnormalities: A Literature Review
Authors: Harsono Mimily , Chilakala Sandeep , Bohn Shiva , Pivnick Eniko K. , Pourcyrous Massroor
Published: June 2022

We present a neonate with early onset apnea and bradycardia in the absence of primary cardiorespiratory and central nervous system disorders that eventually required chronic ventilator support starting at 6 hours of life. Molecular testing of paired-like homeobox 2b (PHOX2B) gene mutation confirmed the diagnosis of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). CCHS is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired central respiratory control with or without broad spectrum of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulations. Ocular ANS dysregulation is a rare finding in CCHS individuals, and it is usually discovered later in life. However, the ophthalmic evaluation of this neonate on first day of life revealed persistent mild dilated oval pupils with limited light reactivity.
A Decade of Research on Daptomycin
Authors: Taylor Scott D.
Published: June 2022

Daptomycin is a calcium-dependent cyclic lipodepsipeptide antibiotic that is used in the clinic for treating serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. In this account, I present a summary of the research that has been conducted in my group on daptomycin’s total chemical synthesis, its structure–activity relationships, and its mechanism of action, since we began our studies a decade ago.

1 Introduction

2 Solid-Phase Synthesis of Daptomycin by an On-Resin Cyclization

3 α-Azido Acids and Alternative Routes to Daptomycin by On-Resin Cyclization

4 Synthesis of Daptomycin by an Off-Resin Cyclization

5 SAR Studies on Daptomycin

6 Oligomerization of Daptomycin on Membranes

7 The Chiral Target of Daptomycin

8 SAR Studies on Phosphatidylglycerol

9 Conclusions
Ring Forming Approaches to para-Quinones: Toward a General Diels–Alder Disconnection
Authors: Newton Christopher G. , Budwitz Jessica E.
Published: June 2022

para-Quinones feature extensively as targets and/or intermediates throughout a number of chemical and biological subdisciplines, highlighting the importance of efficient preparative methods. This Synpacts article provides an overview of ring forming approaches to para-hydroquinones and para-benzoquinones, concluding with our recent contribution concerning the development of 2,5-bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)furans as vicinal bisketene equivalents in the Diels–Alder reaction.

1 Introduction

2 Ring Forming Approaches to para-Quinones

2.1 Hauser–Kraus Annulation

2.2 Moore–Liebeskind Rearrangement

2.3 Wulff–Dötz Reaction

2.4 Oxidative Bergman Cyclization

2.5 Diels–Alder Strategies

2.5.1 Ketene–Enol Equivalents

2.5.2 Bisketene Equivalents

3 Toward an Improved Bisketene Equivalent

4 Conclusion
Application of Third Molar Maturity Index (I3M) for Assessing Adult Age of 18 Years in a Southern Italian Population Sample
Authors: Giannitto Nino , Militi Angela , Sapienza Daniela , Scurria Serena , Gualniera Patrizia , Mondello Cristina , Spagnolo Elvira Ventura , Terranova Antonella , Portelli Marco , Cervino Gabriele , Fiorillo Luca , Meto Aida , Alibrandi Angela , Asmundo Alessio
Published: June 2022

Objective Age estimation of living or dead individuals has a strategic importance in medicine, anthropology, and forensic science, in the context of mass disasters and in civil or criminal matters such as adoption or asylum. Teeth play a major role in this context in particular, the third molars are useful for determining whether an individual has reached the legal age of 18 years because they are still in development from the age of 14.

Materials and Methods In this study, a sample of 307 panoramic radiographs performed on healthy subjects aged between 13 and 23 was analyzed to consider the correlation between the maturity index of the third molar (I3M) and age to verify the reliability of the cutoff 0.08 indicated by Cameriere et al in a sample of Italian subjects living in the Province of Messina (Sicily, South Italy) to discern the adult subjects from the minors.

Statistical Analysis The analysis of 307 panoramic radiographs resulted in a sensitivity of 89.2% with a confidence interval of 95%, a specificity of 96.5% with a confidence interval of 95%, and a positive predictive value of 96.7%.

Results The method proved itself reliable in estimating adulthood in the population of the Messina- Sicily, but the I3M should not be used as the sole indicator to determine whether a person is younger or older than 18 years because age estimation based on dental methods alone has limitations as the third molars suffer from many variations related to their morphology, their location, and their development.

Conclusion We recommend a combination of several methods that are available to increase accuracy of age estimation, depending on the different legal requirements in civil or criminal cases.
Horse-Shoe Flap Reconstruction Technique in Breast Surgery: From The Smallest Defect to The Biggest—A Case Series
Authors: Yasa I. Nyoman Wawan Tirtha , Manuaba Ida Bagus Tjakra , Setiawan Kelvin
Published: June 2022

Chest wall resections and reconstructions are routinely performed to close defects after primary breast tumor resections. Depending on the size of primary breast tumors, the reconstructive technique requires more challenging approaches. In this study, we would like to introduce a novel technique which can be applied as a method in covering various sizes of skin defects after mastectomy termed as “horse-shoe flap technique.” We conducted a series of case reports of patients who underwent chest wall coverage after primary breast tumor resections between October 2018 and November 2019 and selected five cases of breast cancer patients. These patients were treated with the horse-shoe flap technique which relies on shape as its main concept. All chest defects must form a circular shape, based on the principle that adequate safe tumor margins are best achieved with a circular incision. The donor flap was drawn and taken from the outer circle area with a larger arc, depending on the defect's diameter size. Five post-mastectomy chest wall defect cases had been successfully closed with this technique. Patients were all female, ranging from 36 to 55 years of age. The smallest chest defect was 4 cm in diameter, and the largest was 26 cm. All the defects were closed using a 120-degree horse-shoe flap design. One patient experienced marginal necrotic skin, and one case had formed postoperative seroma. The horse-shoe flap technique proves to be an excellent option for closing chest skin defects which can be applied for various sizes of skin defects with minor complications.
Eficácia do ibuprofeno após artroplastia total de quadril para prevenção de ossificação heterotópica: Revisão sistemática e metanálise
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Ali , Ahmed Bilal , Shaikh Shehryar , Amin Hamza , Ali Syed Uzair
Published: June 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática e metanálise de estudos clínicos randomizados (ECRs) relevantes para determinar o papel do ibuprofeno, sua dose ideal, e a duração do tratamento na prevenção de ossificação heterotópica (OH) após a artroplastia total primária do quadril (ATQ). Uma pesquisa bibliográfica foi feita nos bancos de dados PubMed/MEDLINE e Cochrane Library para a obtenção de ECRs que comparassem o uso de ibuprofeno e de placebo como profilaxia para OH em pacientes submetidos à ATQ. Os principais desfechos deste estudo foram ocorrência geral de OH, classificação de Brooker da OH, e complicações gastrintestinais. No total, 27 artigos foram identificados nos bancos de dados e 4 estudos, com 1.153 pacientes, foram incluídos na análise final. Em comparação ao placebo, o uso de ibuprofeno reduziu a incidência de OH aos 3 e 12 meses de acompanhamento e a incidência de OH Brooker II e III (p < 0,05). No entanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos que receberam ibuprofeno e placebo em termos de interrupção do tratamento devido a complicações gastrintestinais ou da incidência de OH Brooker I e IV (p > 0,05). Os dados existentes indicam que o ibuprofeno é seguro e eficaz na redução da incidência total de OH e de OH Brooker II e III durante o acompanhamento. No entanto, as conclusões são limitadas devido ao pequeno número de estudos; logo, mais estudos clínicos de alta qualidade são necessários para o desenvolvimento de diretrizes em relação à dose e duração ideal da terapia.
Biomechanical Comparison of a 3-Loop Pulley and a 4-Loop Pulley Suture for Tenorrhaphy in the Canine Gastrocnemius Tendon
Authors: O'Byrne Kadie L. , Sugiyama Takanori , Robinson Dale , Woodward Andrew P. , Ryan Stewart D.
Published: June 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to compare a 3-loop pulley (3LP) suture pattern with a 4-loop pulley (4LP) suture pattern for the tenorrhaphy of the canine gastrocnemius tendon

Study Design Randomized, cadaveric, biomechanical study of 30 canine gastrocnemius tendons. Tendons were transected and repaired with either 3LP or 4LP suture pattern with 2–0 polypropylene. A tensile load was applied at 25 mm/min until construct failure. The load required to form a 1 mm gap, 3 mm gap and maximum load at failure was recorded and compared between groups.

Results The estimated mean load to form a 1 mm gap for the 3LP and 4LP was 28.4 N (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.0–32.6N) and 45.5 N (95% CI: 40.7–50.1N) respectively. The 4LP mean load to form a 1 mm gap was 17.1 N (95% CI: 11.7–22.5N) greater than the 3LP. The estimated mean load to form a 3mm gap for the 3LP and 4LP was 39.7 N (95% CI: 34.1–45.4N) and 55.0 N (95% CI: 49.3–60.9N) respectively. The mean load to form a 3mm gap was 15.3 N (95% CI: 8.5–21.9N) greater in the 4LP than the 3LP. The estimated mean load for failure in the 3LP and 4LP was 41.2 N (95% CI: 35.6–46.9 N) and 54.3 N (95% CI: 48.7–60.3 N) respectively.

Conclusion A 4LP pattern was biomechanically superior to a 3LP pattern, as demonstrated by a greater load required to form both a 1 and 3 mm gap and a greater load for failure

Clinical Significance A 4LP suture pattern better resists gap formation and requires greater load prior to construct failure compared with a 3LP, in this canine gastrocnemius model
Preconception Health in the Workplace: An Opportunity to Support Equitable Access to Education
Authors: Hill Briony , Savaglio Melissa , Blewitt Claire , Ahuja Kiran , Kandel Pragya , Madden Seonad , Hills Andrew P. , Skouteris Helen
Published: June 2022

Preconception health is a key determinant of pregnancy and offspring outcomes, but challenges reaching people during preconception are frequently cited by health professionals. This article highlights the workplace as an important setting for promoting equitable access to preconception health-related information and education to support optimal well-being before pregnancy. Workplaces can support equitable access to education and knowledge for preconception health: (1) due to the high engagement of reproductive-age women in the workforce and (2) by reaching vulnerable or high-risk population groups who may otherwise face barriers to accessing preconception health information. Literature that explicitly investigates workplace delivery of preconception health promotion programs is scarce. However, workplace health promotion more broadly is associated with improved corporate competitiveness, productivity, and strengthened employee–employer relationships. Workplace health promotion activities may also address social determinants of health and improve employee well-being outcomes. The opportunity for workplaces to benefit from an increase in the bottom line makes workplace health promotion programs more attractive, but organizational support and stakeholder engagement are needed to facilitate the design and delivery of successful workplace preconception health education programs. Such programs have the potential to facilitate health gains for women and their families.
Becoming a Neurosurgeon: A Perspective of the Ghanaian Female Neurosurgeon
Authors: Banson Mabel
Published: June 2022

Choosing a career path is not straightforward for most people, more so for the neurosurgeon. The decision-making process is influenced by knowledge of the options available, interest, and the pros and cons of the specific career path. Other factors that contribute are: previous education, family influence, exposure to mentors, and socioeconomic and cultural factors.

This article is a perspective on becoming a neurosurgeon in Ghana, describing a path of determination, innovation, commitment, frustration, and the joy of making a difference—a career in Neurosurgery!
Beyond the nation-state: Anchoring supranational institutions in international business research
Authors: Hartmann Simon , Lindner Thomas , Müllner Jakob , Puck Jonas
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we broaden the conceptualization of institutions beyond the nation-state and develop the concept of an institutional triality that represents two national institutional environments and the supranational level. While much of international business (IB) research has focused on national institutions and the differences between them, little attention and theorizing has been dedicated to the supranational institutions that form an integral part of the global institutional ecosystem. First, we conduct an interdisciplinary bibliometric survey on supranational institutions and a qualitative review of the central publications. Second, we initiate theory building and conceptualize supranational institutions from an IB point of view, distinguish them from related IB concepts, and discuss the conceptual properties of supranational institutions that are most relevant for MNCs. Building on these distinctions and properties, we provide a conceptual framework for understanding supranational institutions in the institutional triality. Third, we provide avenues for IB research building on the delineations, the conceptual properties, and the conceptual framework.
Probing pyrolysis on the surface of thermal protection systems
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: June 2022

The process degrades materials and creates a blowing gas effect, both of which must be considered in microscopic models.
Insensitivity of a turbulent laser-plasma dynamo to initial conditions
Authors: Bott A. F. A. , Chen L. , Tzeferacos P. , Palmer C. A. J. , Bell A. R. , Bingham R. , Birkel A. , Froula D. H. , Katz J. , Kunz M. W. , Li C.-K. , Park H-S. , Petrasso R. , Ross J. S. , Reville B. , Ryu D. , Séguin F. H. , White T. G. , Schekochihin A. A. , Lamb D. Q. , Gregori G.
Published: June 2022

It has recently been demonstrated experimentally that a turbulent plasma created by the collision of two inhomogeneous, asymmetric, weakly magnetized, laser-produced plasma jets can generate strong stochastic magnetic fields via the small-scale turbulent dynamo mechanism, provided the magnetic Reynolds number of the plasma is sufficiently large. In this paper, we compare such a plasma with one arising from two pre-magnetized plasma jets whose creation is identical save for the addition of a strong external magnetic field imposed by a pulsed magnetic field generator. We investigate the differences between the two turbulent systems using a Thomson-scattering diagnostic, x-ray self-emission imaging, and proton radiography. The Thomson-scattering spectra and x-ray images suggest that the external magnetic field has a limited effect on the plasma dynamics in the experiment. Although the external magnetic field induces collimation of the flows in the colliding plasma jets and although the initial strengths of the magnetic fields arising from the interaction between the colliding jets are significantly larger as a result of the external field, the energies and morphologies of the stochastic magnetic fields post-amplification are indistinguishable. We conclude that, for turbulent laser-plasmas with supercritical magnetic Reynolds numbers, the dynamo-amplified magnetic fields are determined by the turbulent dynamics rather than the seed fields or modest changes in the initial flow dynamics of the plasma, a finding consistent with theoretical expectations and simulations of turbulent dynamos.
Brittle yielding in supercooled liquids below the critical temperature of mode coupling theory
Authors: Lamp Konstantin , Küchler Niklas , Horbach Jürgen
Published: June 2022

Molecular dynamics computer simulations of a polydisperse soft-sphere model under shear are presented. The starting point for these simulations are deeply supercooled samples far below the critical temperature, Tc, of mode coupling theory. These samples are fully equilibrated with the aid of the swap Monte Carlo technique. For states below Tc, we identify a lifetime τlt that measures the time scale on which the system can be considered as an amorphous solid. The temperature dependence of τlt can be well described by an Arrhenius law. The existence of transient amorphous solid states below Tc is associated with the possibility of brittle yielding, as manifested by a sharp stress drop in the stress–strain relation and shear banding. We show that brittle yielding requires, on the one hand, low shear rates and, on the other hand, the time scale corresponding to the inverse shear rate has to be smaller or of the order of τlt. Both conditions can only be met for a large lifetime τlt, i.e., for states far below Tc.
Variable-area capacitors controlled by HfO2-based ferroelectric-gate field-effect transistors
Authors: Miyasako Takaaki , Yoneda Shingo , Hosokura Tadasu , Kimura Masahiko , Tokumitsu Eisuke
Published: June 2022

We propose a three-terminal variable-area capacitor integrated with a ferroelectric-gate field-effect transistor (FeFET) and a paraelectric thin-film capacitor. Owing to the large charge controllability and nonvolatile memory function of the ferroelectric Hf0.86Ce0.14O2 (14% Ce-HfO2) gate insulator, the variable-area capacitors exhibited high capacitance tuning ratios of up to 184 with steep modulation to gate voltage swing (440 mV/decade), a capacitance-switching speed of less than 10 ms, and capacitance-memory-retention characteristics of up to 105 s. An FeFET with an indium tin oxide (ITO) channel and a ferroelectric 14% Ce-HfO2 gate insulator was fabricated as a switching FET via chemical solution deposition, followed by stacking a sputtered Al2O3 film as a variable capacitor. The fabricated FeFETs exhibited a high on-current of ∼0.15 A/mm, a large on/off current ratio of 107, a field-effect mobility of 15.6 cm2/V s, and a memory window of ∼5 V. The high on-current, i.e., low on-resistance (84 Ω), and the large on/off current ratio allow the ITO channel to act as a wiring that connects and disconnects two capacitors with different electrode areas; therefore, the proposed variable capacitor can achieve wide and steep modulation by ferroelectric gating. This study provides prospects for the future integration of passive and active components for advanced high-efficiency and miniaturized electronics such as power devices and communication equipment.
Realizing the second harmonic acoustic focusing based on an artificial bubble array
Authors: Deng Zhaoyu , Zeng Longsheng , Zhu Xue-Feng , Liu Xiaozhou
Published: June 2022

Ultrasonic imaging technologies possess extensive applications in modern medical diagnosis and treatment. In this paper, a designed artificial bubble array is utilized to establish a multi-scattering sound field model to describe the nonlinear vibration of the artificial bubble array, combining nonlinear acoustics and multi-scattering theory. With the results of the effective medium model, the correctness and reliability of the multi-scattering model are verified. Furthermore, under different incident frequencies and different bubble array parameters, the distributions of fundamental and second harmonic sound pressure fields produced by nonlinear vibration of the artificial bubble array are investigated. Via a judicious design of structural parameters, both fundamental and second harmonic acoustic focusing at specific locations inside the bubble array and second harmonic acoustic focusing outside the array under a specific incident frequency are realized.
Investigation of different solutions activated by air plasma jet and their anticancer effect
Authors: Zhang Jin , Peng Sansan , Zhang Xinying , Fan Runze , Zhao Xinyi , Qi Miao , Liu Rong , Xu Dehui , Liu Dingxin
Published: June 2022

In the field of plasma biomedicine, research on a plasma-activated medium (PAM) has attracted increasing attention in recent years because of its excellent characteristics. In this study, we used an atmospheric pressure air plasma jet to treat four different solutions: de-ionized water, RPMI 1640 medium, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and saline. In order to investigate the property differences of different PAM, we mainly analyzed the physical and chemical properties and liquid-phase active species of different PAM and evaluated the inactivation of A549 lung cancer cells. The results show that the concentrations of long-lived reactive species (H2O2, NO2−, and NO3−) in different PAM increased with increasing treatment time. Biological experiments showed that the antitumor effects were in the order of PBS > saline > RPMI 1640 medium, and the best inactivation effect of plasma-activated PBS for 12 min was 89%. Meanwhile, plasma-activated PBS effectively promoted apoptosis in A549 cells, and the highest apoptosis rate was 91.3%. Therefore, this study demonstrates the medical application of different PAM in killing cancer cells and promotes the understanding of plasma–liquid interaction.
Robust technology computer-aided design of gated quantum dots at cryogenic temperature
Authors: Beaudoin Félix , Philippopoulos Pericles , Zhou Chenyi , Kriekouki Ioanna , Pioro-Ladrière Michel , Guo Hong , Galy Philippe
Published: June 2022

We present non-linear Poisson and Schrödinger simulations of an industrially fabricated gated quantum dot device at 100 mK using the Quantum-Technology Computer-Aided Design (QTCAD) software [see https://nanoacademic.com/solutions/qtcad/ “QTCAD: A Computer-Aided Design Tool for Quantum-Technology Hardware, Nanoacademic Technologies Inc.” (2022)]. Using automatic adaptive meshing, the 3D conduction band edge profile of an ultra-thin body and buried oxide fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator field-effect transistor is calculated under steady-state and isothermal conditions. This profile is shown to display potential wells consistent with the experimental observation of side-gate-activated corner quantum dots. The electronic structure of these dots is investigated as a function of applied gate bias within the effective mass theory. Crucially, convergence at 100 mK is shown to be a robust feature of QTCAD's non-linear Poisson solver; convergence is consistently achieved without user intervention for 10 out of 10 random gate bias configurations.
Optimization of growth parameters to obtain epitaxial large area growth of molybdenum disulfide using pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Gudi Dhanvini , Sen Payel , Forero Pico Andres Alejandro , Nandi Dipanjan , Gupta Manisha
Published: June 2022

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are promising materials for device applications owing to their electronic, optical, and material properties varying with the number of monolayers. Synthesis of large area crystalline TMDC thin films is still challenging with techniques such as exfoliation and chemical vapor growth owing to the uncontrollability of deposition area and high temperature growths with toxic precursors, respectively. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is a technique that can overcome these challenges owing to stoichiometric layer by layer growth control by optimizing the growth parameters. In this study, we optimize parameters such as temperature, post-growth annealing, inert gas pressure, and substrate–target distance during PLD growth of MoS2 to obtain uniform and highly crystalline thin films on an ∼1 in.2 substrate. The optimized growth conditions are 800 °C with a 30 min post-growth annealing at a laser fluence of 2.2 J/cm2 with a substrate–target distance of 5 cm and 0.5 mTorr of argon partial pressure. An RMS roughness of 0.17 nm was obtained for 3 nm (4 monolayers) thick MoS2 films with a thin film conductivity of ∼4000 S/m.
Learning in deep neural networks and brains with similarity-weighted interleaved learning
Authors: Saxena Rajat , Shobe Justin L. , McNaughton Bruce L.
Published: June 2022

Understanding how the brain learns throughout a lifetime remains a long-standing challenge. In artificial neural networks (ANNs), incorporating novel information too rapidly results in catastrophic interference, i.e., abrupt loss of previously acquired knowledge. Complementary Learning Systems Theory (CLST) suggests that new memories can be gradually integrated into the neocortex by interleaving new memories with existing knowledge. This approach, however, has been assumed to require interleaving all existing knowledge every time something new is learned, which is implausible because it is time-consuming and requires a large amount of data. We show that deep, nonlinear ANNs can learn new information by interleaving only a subset of old items that share substantial representational similarity with the new information. By using such similarity-weighted interleaved learning (SWIL), ANNs can learn new information rapidly with a similar accuracy level and minimal interference, while using a much smaller number of old items presented per epoch (fast and data-efficient). SWIL is shown to work with various standard classification datasets (Fashion-MNIST, CIFAR10, and CIFAR100), deep neural network architectures, and in sequential learning frameworks. We show that data efficiency and speedup in learning new items are increased roughly proportionally to the number of nonoverlapping classes stored in the network, which implies an enormous possible speedup in human brains, which encode a high number of separate categories. Finally, we propose a theoretical model of how SWIL might be implemented in the brain.
A stepwise route to domesticate rice by controlling seed shattering and panicle shape
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Castillo Cristina Cobo , Htun Than Myint , Numaguchi Koji , Inoue Kazuya , Oka Yumi , Ogasawara Miki , Sugiyama Shohei , Takama Natsumi , Orn Chhourn , Inoue Chizuru , Nonomura Ken-Ichi , Allaby Robin , Fuller Dorian Q. , Ishii Takashige
Published: June 2022

Asian rice (
Oryza sativa
L.) is consumed by more than half of the world's population. Despite its global importance, the process of early rice domestication remains unclear. During domestication, wild rice (
Oryza rufipogon
Griff.) acquired non-seed-shattering behavior, allowing humans to increase grain yield. Previous studies argued that a reduction in seed shattering triggered by the
sh4
mutation led to increased yield during rice domestication, but our experiments using wild introgression lines show that the domesticated
sh4
allele alone is insufficient for shattering loss in
O
.
rufipogon
. The interruption of abscission layer formation requires both
sh4
and
qSH3
mutations, demonstrating that the selection of shattering loss in wild rice was not as simple as previously suggested. Here we identified a causal single-nucleotide polymorphism at
qSH3
within the seed-shattering gene
OsSh1
, which is conserved in
indica
and
japonica
subspecies but absent in the
circum
-aus group of rice. Through harvest experiments, we further demonstrated that seed shattering alone did not significantly impact yield; rather, yield increases were observed with closed panicle formation controlled by
SPR3
and further augmented by nonshattering, conferred by integration of
sh4
and
qSH3
alleles. Complementary manipulation of panicle shape and seed shattering results in a mechanically stable panicle structure. We propose a stepwise route for the earliest phase of rice domestication, wherein selection of visible
SPR3
-controlled closed panicle morphology was instrumental in the sequential recruitment of
sh4
and
qSH3
, which together led to the loss of shattering.
Long-distance facilitation of coastal ecosystem structure and resilience
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Kang , Liu Quan-Xing , He Qiang , van de Koppel Johan , Teng Shuqing N. , Miao Xinyu , Liu Maosong , Bertness Mark D. , Xu Chi
Published: June 2022

Biotic interactions that hierarchically organize ecosystems by driving ecological and evolutionary processes across spatial scales are ubiquitous in our biosphere. Biotic interactions have been extensively studied at local and global scales, but how long-distance, cross-ecosystem interactions at intermediate landscape scales influence the structure, function, and resilience of ecological systems remains poorly understood. We used remote sensing, modeling, and field data to test the hypothesis that the long-distance impact of an invasive species dramatically affects one of the largest tidal flat ecosystems in East Asia. We found that the invasion of exotic cordgrassSpartina alternifloracan produce long-distance effects on native species up to 10 km away, driving decadal coastal ecosystem transitions. The invasive cordgrass at low elevations facilitated the expansion of the native reedPhragmites australisat high elevations, leading to the massive loss and reduced resilience of the iconicSuaeda salsa“Red Beach” marshes at intermediate elevations, largely as a consequence of reduced soil salinity across the landscape. Our results illustrate the complex role that long-distance interactions can play in shaping landscape structure and ecosystem resilience and in bridging the gap between local and global biotic interactions.
Assessing inequities underlying racial disparities of COVID-19 mortality in Louisiana parishes
Authors: Hu Guangxiao , Hamovit Nora , Croft Kristen , Roberts Jennifer D. , Niemeier Deb
Published: June 2022

High COVID-19 mortality among Black communities heightened the pandemic’s devastation. In the state of Louisiana, the racial disparity associated with COVID-19 mortality was significant; Black Americans accounted for 50% of known COVID-19–related deaths while representing only 32% of the state’s population. In this paper, we argue that structural racism resulted in a synergistic framework of cumulatively negative determinants of health that ultimately affected COVID-19 deaths in Louisiana Black communities. We identify the spatial distribution of social, environmental, and economic stressors across Louisiana parishes using hot spot analysis to develop aggregate stressors. Further, we examine the correlation between stressors, cumulative health risks, COVID-19 mortality, and the size of Black populations throughout Louisiana. We hypothesized that parishes with larger Black populations (percentages) would have larger stressor values and higher cumulative health risks as well as increased COVID-19 mortality rates. Our results suggest two categories of parishes. The first group has moderate levels of aggregate stress, high population densities, predominately Black populations, and high COVID-19 mortality. The second group of parishes has high aggregate stress, lower population densities, predominantly Black populations, and initially low COVID-19 mortality that increased over time. Our results suggest that structural racism and inequities led to severe disparities in initial COVID-19 effects among highly populated Black Louisiana communities and that as the virus moved into less densely populated Black communities, similar trends emerged.
Nanoparticle-blockage-enabled rapid and reversible nanopore gating with tunable memory
Authors: Yazbeck Rami , Xu Yixin , Porter Tyrone , Duan Chuanhua
Published: June 2022

Gated protein channels act as rapid, reversible, and fully-closeable nanoscale valves to gate chemical transport across the cell membrane. Replicating or outperforming such a high-performance gating and valving function in artificial solid-state nanopores is considered an important yet unsolved challenge. Here we report a bioinspired rapid and reversible nanopore gating strategy based on controlled nanoparticle blockage. By using rigid or soft nanoparticles, we respectively achieve a trapping blockage gating mode with volatile memory where gating is realized by electrokinetically trapped nanoparticles near the pore and contact blockage gating modes with nonvolatile memory where gating is realized by a nanoparticle physically blocking the pore. This gating strategy can respond to an external voltage stimulus (∼200 mV) or pressure stimulus (∼1 atm) with response time down to milliseconds. In particular, when 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine liposomes are used as the nanoparticles, the gating efficiency, defined as the extent of nanopore closing compared to the opening state, can reach 100%. We investigate the mechanisms for this nanoparticle-blockage-enabled nanopore gating and use it to demonstrate repeatable controlled chemical releasing via single nanopores. Because of the exceptional spatial and temporal control offered by this nanopore gating strategy, we expect it to find applications for drug delivery, biotic–abiotic interfacing, and neuromorphic computing.
Memes as multimodal metaphors
Authors: Scott Kate
Published: June 2022

In this article I analyse object labelling image macro internet memes as multimodal metaphors, taking the Distracted Boyfriend meme as a case study. Object labelling memes are multimodal texts in which users add labels to a stock photograph to convey messages that are often humorous or satirical in nature. Using the relevance-theoretic account of metaphor, I argue that object labelling memes are multimodal metaphors which are interpreted using the same processes as verbal metaphors. The labelling of the image guides the viewer in the construction of ad hoc concepts, and it is these ad hoc concepts that contribute to the overall meaning that is communicated. The analysis in this article is rooted in the relevance-theoretic claim that pragmatic interpretive processes are triggered by all and any ostensive acts of communication. I also draw heavily on Deirdre Wilson’s work on lexical pragmatics to show how this plays out in the case of a multimodal digital text. Memes, like verbal metaphors, do not require a special theory or framework. They can be understood as ostensive stimuli which trigger the search for an optimally relevant interpretation.
Interpretation, relevance and the ideological effects of discursive practice
Authors: Assimakopoulos Stavros
Published: June 2022

Research in Critical Discourse Studies has for long recognised the central role that both direct and indirect
communicative strategies play in the reproduction of social inequality, but a main proponent of this approach has expressed
scepticism with regard to the contribution that theories of pragmatics which specifically focus on speaker intentions can make to
its agenda. This paper sets out to examine how relevance theory’s theoretical machinery can be applied to the critical discussion
of ideology in discourse, by offering insights that overcome the limitations imposed by this concentration of its precursors on
speaker intentions. More specifically, I discuss how the cognitive perspective that relevance theory adopts can inform our
understanding of the way in which ideological effects automatically arise during spontaneous utterance interpretation. After
accounting for the derivation of these effects, I briefly suggest how it can additionally be taken to underlie the propagation of
ideologies through discursive practice.
Toward controlling wetting hysteresis with nanostructured surfaces derived from block copolymer self-assembly
Authors: Al Hossain Aktaruzzaman , Dick Austin , Doerk Gregory , Colosqui Carlos E
Published: June 2022

The synthesis of nanostructured surfaces via block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly enables a precise control of the surface feature shape within a range of dimensions of the order of tens of nanometers. This work studies how to exploit this ability to control the wetting hysteresis and liquid adhesion forces as the substrate undergoes chemical aging and changes in its intrinsic wettability. Via BCP self-assembly we fabricate nanostructured surfaces on silicon substrates with a hexagonal array of regular conical pillars having a fixed period (52 nm) and two different heights (60 and 200 nm), which results in substantially different lateral and top surface areas of the nanostructure. The wetting hysteresis of the fabricated surfaces is characterized using force–displacement measurements under quasistaic conditions and over sufficiently long periods of time for which the substrate chemistry and surface energy, characterized by the Young contact angle, varies significantly. The experimental results and theoretical analysis indicate that controlling the lateral and top area of the nanostructure not only controls the degree of wetting hysteresis but can also make the advancing and receding contact angles less susceptible to chemical aging. These results can help rationalize the design of nanostructured surfaces for different applications such as self-cleaning, enhanced heat transfer, and drag reduction in micro/nanofluidic devices.
Bulk superconductivity and non-trivial band topology analysis of Pb2Pd
Authors: Sharma M M , Karn N K , Rani Poonam , Bhowmik R N , Awana V P S
Published: June 2022

In this article, we report single crystal growth of superconducting binary compound Pb2Pd. The crystal is well characterized through x-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The bulk superconducting nature of the synthesized crystal is determined through AC susceptibility and magneto-heat capacity measurements. The specific heat jump at superconducting transition suggests Pb2Pd to be a moderately coupled s-wave superconductor. The topological non-trivial character of Pb2Pd is evidenced through bulk electronic band structure and Z2 invariants, which are calculated under the protocols of density functional theory. Surface states spectrum of Pb2Pd is also studied, which further claims Pb2Pd to have topological non-trivial band structure.
Lateral predictive coding revisited: internal model, symmetry breaking, and response time
Authors: Huang Zhen-Ye , Fan Xin-Yi , Zhou Jianwen , Zhou Hai-Jun
Published: June 2022

Predictive coding is a promising theoretical framework in neuroscience for understanding information transmission and perception. It posits that the brain perceives the external world through internal models and updates these models under the guidance of prediction errors. Previous studies on predictive coding emphasized top-down feedback interactions in hierarchical multilayered networks but largely ignored lateral recurrent interactions. We perform analytical and numerical investigations in this work on the effects of single-layer lateral interactions. We consider a simple predictive response dynamics and run it on the MNIST dataset of hand-written digits. We find that learning will generally break the interaction symmetry between peer neurons, and that high input correlation between two neurons does not necessarily bring strong direct interactions between them. The optimized network responds to familiar input signals much faster than to novel or random inputs, and it significantly reduces the correlations between the output states of pairs of neurons.