bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Trends in Vaccine Development for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes
Authors: Bowen Charles M. , Sinha Krishna M. , Vilar Eduardo
Published: July 2023

The coming of age for cancer treatment has experienced exponential growth in the last decade with the addition of immunotherapy as the fourth pillar to the fundamentals of cancer treatment—chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation—taking oncology to an astounding new frontier. In this time, rapid developments in computational biology coupled with immunology have led to the exploration of priming the host immune system through vaccination to prevent and treat certain subsets of cancer such as melanoma and hereditary colorectal cancer. By targeting the immune system through tumor-specific antigens—namely, neoantigens (neoAgs)—the future of cancer prevention may lie within arm's reach by employing neoAg vaccines as an immune-preventive modality for hereditary cancer syndromes like Lynch syndrome. In this review, we discuss the history, current trends, utilization, and future direction of neoAg-based vaccines in the setting of hereditary colorectal cancer.
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes Registry: What, How, and Why?
Authors: Abbass Mohammad Ali , Poylin Vitaliy , Strong Scott
Published: July 2023

Caring for patients with colorectal cancer inherited cancer syndromes is complex, and it requires a well-thought integration process between a multidisciplinary team, an accessible database, and a registry coordinator. This requires an aligned vision between the administrative business team and the clinical team.

Although we can manage most of the cancers that those patients develop according to oncologic guidance, the future risk of patients and their families might add emotional and psychological burdens on them in the absence of a well-qualified and trained team where balancing quality of life and cancer risk are at the essence of decision making.
Frequency of OXA-Type carbapenemases among carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in clinical isolates from adult intensive care unit in India
Authors: Seshatri Shanmugapriya , Charan Jaykaran , Tak Vibhor , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Varthya Shoban Babu , Ambwani Sneha
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly virulent bacteria in modern health care, with a high ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance. Carbapenemases production appears to be the most common mechanism involved in drug resistance to carbapenem. As the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii was high in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, this study was designed to find the frequency of oxacillinases (OXA) genes including OXA-23, OXA-24, OXA-51, and OXA-58.

Materials and Methods:

A clinical specimen was collected from patients admitted to the adult ICU. DNA was isolated from carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and amplified using conventional polymerase chain reaction technique and gel electrophoresis for visualization of results.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and was analyzed using SPSS version 23 (IBM SPSS statistics, Somers New York, United States).

Results:

The frequency of the OXA-23 gene was high with 87.5%, followed by OXA-51 gene with 73.2%. All 56 isolates were negative for the OXA-24 and OXA-58 genes. We also found that both OXA-23 and OXA-51 genes coexisted in 40 (71.4%) isolates. No significant difference was found between drug-resistant genes (OXA-23 and OXA-51) and clinical outcomes. The relationship between the presence of OXA gene was compared between survivors and nonsurvivors, which was found out to be nonsignificant. The presence of OXA genes showed no significant increase in the length of hospital stay. The significant association between acute physiology and chronic health evaluation IV scores and clinical outcome was calculated, and it was evident in the comparison of the discharged and died groups.

Conclusion:

Early detection of these drug-resistant genes by molecular methods is essential in decreasing the spread of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.
Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Can We Measure the Level of Distress in Oncology Patients? (The ALDO Study)
Authors: Jagadish Prathepa , Rane Vidya , Bhargava Prabhat , Ostwal Vikas
Published: July 2023

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) has a strong and definite negative impact on body image in terms of perception of aging, depression, loss of interest, and confidence. This study involved the translation and validation of the chemotherapy-induced alopecia distress scale (CADS) into Hindi and Marathi (stage I) and the translated versions were used to assess the distress level associated with CIA at our tertiary care center (stage II). The level of distress associated with CIA was measured in terms of mild, moderate, and severe distress. The majority of the patients (58.66%) experienced severe distress due to CIA. The study demonstrates the validity and reliability of the CAD scale in our population. Indian married women with higher age group with cancer are affected more due to CIA. There was no significant association between socioeconomic status, number of chemotherapy cycles received, frequency of chemotherapy administration, and CIA distress. CADS is valid and predictive of the presence of severe distress in our chemotherapy patients. The treatment or prevention of CIA should be preceded by the counseling and support provided by the chemotherapy nurses.
Is there power in Mad knowledge?
Authors: Rose Diana
Published: July 2023

This paper addresses some conceptual and organizational questions which bear on the issue of whether those designated mad can produce knowledge from, about, and beyond their experience. Ideas encapsulated in concepts such as lack of reason and epistemic justice are deployed as well as the individuation that characterizes both the clinical encounter and services generally. It is argued that these prevent such knowledge making in itself and dissipate the structures which would enable it. The paper looks at ways in which the silencing of the mad has been broken and at responses which suppress or recuperate such developments. It argues, nonetheless, that counter-narratives are being established that resist these responses. Several empirical studies provide evidence to support the argument.
Copolymers for electronic, optical, and sensing applications with engineered physical properties
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Lee Sunghwan
Published: July 2023

Electronic and optoelectronic devices often require multifunctional properties combined with conductivity that are not achieved from a single species of molecules. The capability to tune chain length, shape, and physicochemical characteristics of conductive copolymers provides substantial benefits for a wide range of scientific areas that require unique and engineered optical, electrical, or optoelectronic properties. Although efforts have been made to develop synthetic routes to realize such promising copolymers, an understanding of the process–structure–property relationship of the synthesis methods needs to be further enhanced. In addition, since traditional methods are often limited to achieving pinhole-free, large-area coverage, and conformal coating of copolymer films with thickness controllability, unconventional synthetic strategies to address these issues need to be established. This Perspective article intends to enhance knowledge on the process–structure–property relationship of functional copolymers by providing the definition of copolymers, polymerization mechanisms, and a comparison of traditional and emerging synthetic methods with reaction parameters and tuned physical properties. In parallel, practical applications featuring the desired copolymers in electronic, optical, and sensing devices are showcased. Last, a pathway toward further advancement of unique copolymers for next-generation device applications is discussed.
Classical and quantum trial wave functions in auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo applied to oxygen allotropes and a CuBr2 model system
Authors: Amsler Maximilian , Deglmann Peter , Degroote Matthias , Kaicher Michael P. , Kiser Matthew , Kühn Michael , Kumar Chandan , Maier Andreas , Samsonidze Georgy , Schroeder Anna , Streif Michael , Vodola Davide , Wever Christopher ,   QUTAC Material Science Working Group
Published: July 2023

In this work, we test a recently developed method to enhance classical auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFQMC) calculations with quantum computers against examples from chemistry and material science, representative of classes of industry-relevant systems. As molecular test cases, we calculate the energy curve of H4 and the relative energies of ozone and singlet molecular oxygen with respect to triplet molecular oxygen, which is industrially relevant in organic oxidation reactions. We find that trial wave functions beyond single Slater determinants improve the performance of AFQMC and allow it to generate energies close to chemical accuracy compared to full configuration interaction or experimental results. In the field of material science, we study the electronic structure properties of cuprates through the quasi-1D Fermi–Hubbard model derived from CuBr2, where we find that trial wave functions with both significantly larger fidelities and lower energies over a mean-field solution do not necessarily lead to AFQMC results closer to the exact ground state energy.
Rayleigh's and Wood's anomalies at the edge-type phononic structure
Authors: Li Junyan , Lomonosov Alexey M. , Lyashenko Alexander I. , Zubarev Anton S. , Khodataeva Tatiana S. , Shen Zhonghua
Published: July 2023

Anomalies in reflection from periodic structures, well known in optics, result from either the transition from specular reflection to diffraction of light (Rayleigh's anomaly) or by coupling to the leaky surface mode supported by the structure (Wood's anomaly). Experimental observation and detailed analysis of both kinds of anomalies are presented here in the case of antisymmetric Lamb wave (A0) incidence at the 1D periodic structure located along the edge of the elastic plate. A structure with a strong phononic effect has been chosen, which enables the separation of both effects in terms of frequency. Another distinct feature of elastic waves in the periodic structure considered in this work is the existence of several localized modes, which leads to the multiple Wood's anomalies. Here, we report the experimental observation of double Wood's anomaly in addition to the Rayleigh's type of anomaly.
Noble-transition-metal dichalcogenides-emerging two-dimensional materials for sensor applications
Authors: Hu Yinhua , Zheng Wei , Fan Shilei , Zhang Jun , Liu Xianghong
Published: July 2023

In recent years, 2D noble-transition-metal dichalcogenides (NTMDs) have attracted significant attention for their unique structure and novel properties. Due to the almost full occupation of d orbitals, the 2D NTMDs exhibit strong layer-dependent and adjustable electronic structure and physical properties compared with other transition metal dichalcogenide materials. Therefore, the fascinating physical/chemical properties of 2D NTMDs, such as abundant valence electrons, high carrier mobility, and air stability, have afforded the materials with great prospects in application of optical, gas, and mechanical sensors. However, a comprehensive review on this topic is still missing. Herein, the recent progress in synthesis, characterization, functionalization, and application of 2D NTMDs in various sensors is discussed. Future prospects and perspectives of the emerging 2D NTMDs are proposed based on the existing research.
Substitution solid solution hardening effect of vanadium in Ni–Co–V medium entropy alloys
Authors: Zhu Fangyan , Lu Jianlin , Liu Pengkun , Ma Haoran , Cao Rongtian , He Feng , Wang Jincheng , Fu Qiangang
Published: July 2023

The single-phase polycrystalline NiCoV medium-entropy alloy (MEA) has shown ∼1 GPa yield strength, surpassing most single face centered cubic alloys. This excellent strength has been theoretically devoted to the special solid solution hardening effect of V. However, the intrinsic reasons for this excellent strengthening effect of V in high-/medium-entropy alloys are still less experimentally explored. To this end, we here investigated the solid solution hardening effect of V in the NiCoV system. The results showed that the solid hardening mechanism changes from lattice distortion to atomic volume mismatch when the V content exceeds 6 at. %. Particularly, the increase in V content increases the Hall–Petch coefficient of NiCoV MEAs significantly. The combination of efficient grain boundary hardening and atomic volume mismatch hardening leads to the excellent yield strength of concentrated NiCoV.
Harnessing negative refraction and evanescent waves toward super-resolution Lamb wave imaging
Authors: Danawe Hrishikesh , Tol Serife
Published: July 2023

We numerically and experimentally demonstrate super-resolution focusing of the lowest anti-symmetric (A0) mode Lamb waves in a thin aluminum plate. The subwavelength focusing/imaging is achieved by exploiting the anisotropy in phononic crystal (PC) lattices and amplification of evanescent waves. To this end, we embedded a PC flat lens in the aluminum plate, consisting of holes arranged in a square lattice formation. We revealed that the bound slab phonon modes amplify evanescent waves, as previously observed for electromagnetic and acoustic waves. Hence, the slab mode helps propagate subwavelength information through the PC lens to reach the near-field image formed due to negative refraction and result in the high resolution image.
Layer- and barrier-dependent spin filtering effect and high tunnel magnetoresistance in FeCl2 based van der Waals junctions
Authors: Hu Lei , Han Jiangchao , Gao Guoying
Published: July 2023

2D magnetic van der Waals (vdW) junctions have attracted intensive attention due to their easily controllable thickness and clear interface compared to conventional magnetic multilayer films, which provide a perfect platform to control the performance of spintronic devices. Herein, based on the experimentally fabricated FeCl2 flaks with interlayer antiferromagnetism and intralayer ferromagnetism, we explore the spin transport properties of two classes of vdW junctions with an Au electrode, Au/FeCl2/Au (FeCl2 as the tunnel barrier) and Au/FeCl2/barrier/FeCl2/Au (MoS2 or graphene as the tunnel barrier), and focus on the effects of different barriers and the number of layers. It is found that from monolayer to bilayer FeCl2 in Au/FeCl2/Au, the spin filtering effect is considerably increased due to the weakened interface effect, and almost complete spin polarized current can be obtained. For Au/FeCl2/MoS2/FeCl2/Au, whether the number of layers of MoS2 or FeCl2 is increased from monolayer to bilayer, the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) becomes higher due to the high spin polarization of FeCl2, which can reach 1 374 000%. The high TMR of 763 000% can also be achieved for Au/FeCl2/graphene/FeCl2/Au. This work suggests potential applications for FeCl2 flaks in 2D vdW spin filters and spin valves and will stimulate broad studies on layer- and barrier-controllable vdW spintronic devices. All calculations are performed by using the first-principles combined with non-equilibrium Green's function method.
Effect of the reflected ions on the magnetic overshoot of a collisionless shock
Authors: Gedalin Michael , Sharma Prachi
Published: July 2023

A collisionless shock transfer of mass, momentum, and energy occurs from upstream to downstream. Most of the momentum and energy fluxes are carried by ions so the shock structure is affected mainly by ions. With the increase in the Mach number, the fraction of reflected ions increases and their influence on the shock structure becomes progressively more important. Here, we study the effect of the reflected ions on the overshoot strength. It is shown that directly transmitted ions are responsible for the overshoot formation and the interaction of the overshoot field with these ions alone might result in an unstable growth of the overshoot. On the contrary, reflected ions, at their second crossing of the shock, are accelerated along the shock normal and, thus, provide a stabilizing effect on the overshoot.
Multiple resistance states induced by electric pulses and reset by joule heating in the hysteresis temperature range of (V0.99Cr0.01)2O3
Authors: Ma Yongchang , Xiao Guoqiang , Du Li , Li Ang , Wu Dong
Published: July 2023

The electric pulses induced responses of (V0.99Cr0.01)2O3 in hysteresis temperature range have been investigated. We observed that multiple nonvolatile resistance states can be tuned by electric pulses due to the first-order metal to insulator phase transition, and, moreover, a reset can be realized by joule heating conveniently. Our calculations showed that the potential difference near the metal-insulator boundaries but close to the insulating side is remarkably larger, driving the resistance jumps. The multi-resistance states or the nonvolatile resistance properties excited simply by electric pulses have profound significance for the explorations of solid-state devices.
Nucleation of transition waves via collisions of elastic vector solitons
Authors: Yasuda H. , Shu H. , Jiao W. , Tournat V. , Raney J. R.
Published: July 2023

In this work, we show that collisions of one type of nonlinear wave can lead to generation of a different kind of nonlinear wave. Specifically, we demonstrate the formation of topological solitons (or transition waves) via collisions of elastic vector solitons, another type of nonlinear wave, in a multistable mechanical system with coupling between translational and rotational degrees of freedom. We experimentally observe the nucleation of a phase transformation arising from colliding waves, and we numerically investigate head-on and overtaking collisions of solitary waves with vectorial properties (i.e., elastic vector solitons). Unlike KdV-type solitons, which maintain their shape despite collisions, our system shows that collisions of two vector solitons can cause nucleation of a new phase via annihilation of the vector solitons, triggering the propagation of transition waves. The propagation of these depends both on the amount of energy carried by the vector solitons and on their respective rotational directions. The observation of the initiation of transition waves with collisions of vector solitons in multistable mechanical systems is an unexplored area of fundamental nonlinear wave interactions and could also prove useful in applications involving reconfigurable structures.
Silicon nanowires array capped with two shells as light-absorption antenna for self-driven broadband photodetectors
Authors: Wu Ying , Yang Shengyi , Sun Feiyang , Liu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Zhenheng , Tang Yi , Jiang Yurong , Zou Bingsuo
Published: July 2023

Silicon (Si) is one of the most important semiconductor materials, and Si in nanoscale has a direct bandgap; therefore, it can overcome the issues of poor light absorption for its bulk counterpart [Lu et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 91, 263107 (2007)]. Currently, much interest is focusing on Si nanowires array (Si-NWA) for its unique characteristics, such as the enhanced light absorption and the superior electronic mobility, for photodetectors and solar cells [Ko et al., Mater. Sci. Semicond. Process. 33, 154–160 (2015) and Xie et al., ACS Nano 8, 4015–4022 (2014)]. Si-NWA or pyramid Si based photodetectors usually show higher performance than those based on the Si wafer due to the enhanced light absorption and the radial heterojunction [Coskun et al., Physica B 604, 412669 (2021) and Xiao et al., Adv. Mater. 30, 1801729 (2018)]. However, the light absorption spectrum of Si-NWA is limited within the near-infrared region, and its surface defects reduce the carriers' lifetime.
Influence of discharge polarity on the dynamics of spark-induced bubble in saline water
Authors: Zhang Liancheng , Fu Qinhai , Ding Shengdi , Liu Kai , Li Kai , Zhang Xuming , Zhu Zuchao , Liu Chenguang , Pei Yanliang
Published: July 2023

Spark discharge in saline water has been confirmed to generate violently oscillated bubble, where the discharge only occurs at the electrode tips. In this Letter, it is found that the discharge polarity has obvious influence on the dynamics of such a bubble. The spark discharge with positive polarity can generate larger bubble than that induced by the negative discharge. The electrolytic effect is considered to play an important role during the spark discharge, e.g., the additional Cl2 for positive discharge and H2 for negative discharge are generated and trapped into the bubble. In addition, a more obvious increase in bubble size is observed in the bipolar discharge, in which the molecular number of Cl2 and H2 is the same. Finally, this phenomenon is numerically confirmed regardless of the chemical reactions.
Floating gate photo-memory devices based on van der Waals heterostructures for neuromorphic image recognition
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Dong Yi , Cai Bin , Fu Xiao , Wang Hailu , Li Tangxin , Wang Jinjin , Liu Shuning , Xia Mengjia , Zhao Qixiao , Xie Runzhang , Xu Hangyu , Jiang Xiaoyong , Hu Shuhong , Song Bo , Chen Xiaolong , Zhou Jiadong , Dong Lixin , Miao Jinshui
Published: July 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with reconfigurable properties show potential in neuromorphic hardware applications. However, most 2D materials-based neuromorphic hardware is volatile, which needs large energy to accomplish perception functions. Here, we report on nonvolatile floating gate photo-memory devices based on ReS2/h-BN/SnS2 van der Waals heterostructures. The devices exhibit a large memory window of ∼60 V, a high program/erase current ratio of ∼107 with excellent retention characteristics, a low off-state current of 7.4 × 10−13 A, and a high detectivity of 1.98 × 1013 cm Hz1/2 W−1, allowing for multi-bit information storage. For the multi-level storage capacity, 27 photo-memory states are obtained by pulsed laser illumination. Moreover, a neuromorphic computing network is also constructed based on the photo-memory devices with a maximum recognition accuracy of up to 90%. This work paves the way for miniaturization and high-density integration of future optoelectronics for neuromorphic hardware applications.
Superconductivity determined by the S–H framework in CH4-inserted S–H framework hydrides under high pressures
Authors: Yao Shunwei , Hu Wenjing , Wang Ben , Peng Lin , Shi Tingting , Liu Xiaolin , Chen Jing , Lin Jia , Yao Dao-Xin , Chen Xianfeng
Published: July 2023

Recently, a debate is raising the concern of possible carbonaceous sulfur hydrides with room-temperature superconductivity around 270 GPa. In order to systematically investigate the structural information and relevant natures of C–S–H superconductors, we performed an extremely extensive structure search and first-principles calculations under high pressures. As a result, the metastable stoichiometries of CSH7, C2SH14, CS2H10, and CS2H11 were unveiled under high pressure, which can be viewed as CH4 units inserted into the S–H framework. Given the super-high superconductivity of Im3̄m-SH3, we performed electron–phonon coupling calculations of these compounds,the metastable of R3m-CSH7, Cm-CSH7, Cm-CS2H10, P3m1-CS2H10, Cm-CS2H11, and Fmm2-CS2H11 are predicted to become good phonon-mediated superconductors that could reach Tc of 130, 120, 72, 74, 92, and 70 K at 270 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, we identified that high Tc is associated with the large contribution of the S–H framework to the electron density of states near the Fermi level. Our results highlight the importance of the S–H framework in superconductivity and verify that the suppression of density of states of these carbonaceous sulfur hydrides by CH4 units results in Tc lower than that of Im3̄m-SH3, which could act as a useful guidance in the design and optimization of high-Tc superconductors in these and related systems.
Superconductivity in (TaNb)1–x(ZrHfTi)xMoy high-entropy alloy films
Authors: Zhang Xiaofu , Eklund Per , Shu Rui
Published: July 2023

Superconducting high entropy alloys (HEAs) are a novel class of superconductors, with applications for electronic devices. Here, we investigated the effect of Mo alloying on superconducting properties of high entropy films with the composition (TaNb)1–x(ZrHfTi)xMoy. For near-equimolar composition, the crystalline HEAs grains are transformed into amorphous aggregations with a size in a few nanometer scale, forming a crystal/glass nanocomposite. In both crystalline and amorphous HEAs, the constituent atoms exhibit a homogeneous random distribution. The entropy-affected phase formations suppress the superconducting transitions in HEAs, which broadens the normal-to-superconducting transition regime and suppresses the zero-resistivity critical temperature to a lower constant value of approximately 2.9 K.
Native Pb vacancy defects induced p-type characteristic in epitaxial monolayer PbSe
Authors: Tian Qiwei , Li Ping , Zhang Li , Tian Yuan , Yin Long-Jing , Zhang Lijie , Qin Zhihui
Published: July 2023

PbSe, a predicted two-dimensional (2D) topological crystalline insulator (TCI) in the monolayer limit, possess excellent thermoelectric and infrared optical properties. Native defects in PbSe take a crucial role for the applications. However, little attention has been paid to the defect induced doping characteristics. Here, we provide an experimental and theoretical investigation of defect induced p-type characteristic on epitaxial monolayer PbSe on Au(111). Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements demonstrate an epitaxial PbSe monolayer with a fourfold symmetric lattice. Combined scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a quasi-particle bandgap of 0.8 eV of PbSe. STM results unveil that there are two types of defects on the surface, one is related the vacancies of Pb atoms and the other is the replacement of the absent Se atoms by Pb. Corresponding theoretical optimization confirms the structures of the defects. More importantly, both STS measurements and DFT calculations give evidence that the Pb vacancies move the Fermi energy inside the valence band and produce extra holes, leading to p-type characteristics of PbSe. Our work provides effective information for the future research of device performance based on PbSe films.
A hybrid substrate for practical applications in dropwise condensation enhancement
Authors: Rezaee Behzad , Pakzad Hossein , Mahlouji Taheri Mahmoud , Talebi Chavan Reza , Fakhri Mohammadali , Moosavi Ali , Aryanpour Masoud
Published: July 2023

We introduce a durable hybrid substrate consisting of superhydrophilic micropillars surrounded by superhydrophobic depressions for practical industrial applications. The proposed surface can be mass-produced via a facile and affordable method. Moreover, the stability tests show that the wettability properties of fabricated surfaces do not vary after the imposition of hot steam flow for 110 h. Two hybrid samples with different patterns of micropillars are compared with superhydrophobic and bare aluminum samples to explore the physics behind the condensation improvement ability of hybrid surfaces. The results reveal that the heat transfer coefficient and heat flux can be significantly increased with the incorporation of micropillars with optimized dimensions. Among the tested surfaces, the hybrid one, whose pillar's diameters are 500 μm, increases the heat transfer coefficient by 33.50% and 19.60% with respect to the superhydrophobic and bare surfaces, respectively, at a subcooling temperature of 18.50 °C.
A phenology-driven fire danger index for northern grasslands
Authors: Sjöström Johan , Granström Anders
Published: July 2023

Background Directly after snowmelt, northern grasslands typically have highly flammable fuel-beds consisting of 100% grass litter. With green-up, the addition of high-moisture foliage leads to progressively decreasing fire hazard. Aims Our aim was to create a fire-danger index for northern grasslands that incorporated grass phenology. Methods We made use of 25 years of Swedish wildfire data and 56 experimental fires conducted during one full fire-season, merged with established models for moisture content and flame spread rates. Refined data on equilibrium moisture content of grass litter were obtained through laboratory tests. Key results The RING (Rate of spread In Northern Grasslands) model uses cumulative air temperature as a proxy for growing season progression. Three independent functions account for impact of wind, moisture content and the damping effect of live grass, respectively. The latter results in exponentially decaying rate of spread (ROS) with the progressing season. Following the field experiments, green grass proportion as low as 10–20% (live/dead dry-mass) resulted in model-ROS so reduced that the grassland fire season could effectively be considered over. Conclusions The model, calculated from standard meteorological data only, matches the experimental results and separately performed validation tests, as well as wildfire dispatch data. Implications RING has been used in Sweden since 2021 and is likely applicable to other northern regions as well.
Assessing the costs of ozone pollution in India for wheat producers, consumers, and government food welfare policies
Authors: Pandey Divya , Sharps Katrina , Simpson David , Ramaswami Bharat , Cremades Roger , Booth Nathan , Jamir Chubamenla , Büker Patrick , Sinha Vinayak , Sinha Baerbel , Emberson Lisa D.
Published: July 2023

We assess wheat yield losses occurring due to ozone pollution in India and its economic burden on producers, consumers, and the government. Applying an ozone flux–based risk assessment, we show that ambient ozone levels caused a mean 14.18% reduction in wheat yields during 2008 to 2012. Furthermore, irrigated wheat was particularly sensitive to ozone-induced yield losses, indicating that ozone pollution could undermine climate-change adaptation efforts through irrigation expansion. Applying an economic model, we examine the effects of a counterfactual, “pollution-free” scenario on yield losses, wheat prices, consumer and producer welfare, and government costs. We explore three policy scenarios in which the government support farmers at observed levels of either procurement prices (fixed-price), procurement quantities (fixed-procurement), or procurement expenditure (fixed-expenditure). In pollution-free conditions, the fixed-price scenario absorbs the fall in prices, thus increasing producer welfare by USD 2.7 billion, but total welfare decreases by USD 0.24 billion as government costs increase (USD 2.9 billion). In the fixed-procurement and fixed-expenditure scenarios, ozone mitigation allows wheat prices to fall by 38.19 to 42.96%. The producers lose by USD 5.10 to 6.01 billion, but the gains to consumers and governments (USD 8.7 to 10.2 billion) outweigh these losses. These findings show that the government and consumers primarily bear the costs of ozone pollution. For pollution mitigation to optimally benefit wheat production and maximize social welfare, new approaches to support producers other than fixed-price grain procurement may be required. We also emphasize the need to consider air pollution in programs to improve agricultural resilience to climate change.
Nuclear spin effects in biological processes
Authors: Vardi Ofek , Maroudas-Sklare Naama , Kolodny Yuval , Volosniev Artem , Saragovi Amijai , Galili Nir , Ferrera Stav , Ghazaryan Areg , Yuran Nir , Affek Hagit P. , Luz Boaz , Goldsmith Yonaton , Keren Nir , Yochelis Shira , Halevy Itay , Lemeshko Mikhail , Paltiel Yossi
Published: July 2023

Traditionally, nuclear spin is not considered to affect biological processes. Recently, this has changed as isotopic fractionation that deviates from classical mass dependence was reported both in vitro and in vivo. In these cases, the isotopic effect correlates with the nuclear magnetic spin. Here, we show nuclear spin effects using stable oxygen isotopes (
16
O,
17
O, and
18
O) in two separate setups: an artificial dioxygen production system and biological aquaporin channels in cells. We observe that oxygen dynamics in chiral environments (in particular its transport) depend on nuclear spin, suggesting future applications for controlled isotope separation to be used, for instance, in NMR. To demonstrate the mechanism behind our findings, we formulate theoretical models based on a nuclear-spin-enhanced switch between electronic spin states. Accounting for the role of nuclear spin in biology can provide insights into the role of quantum effects in living systems and help inspire the development of future biotechnology solutions.
No association between numerical ability and politically motivated reasoning in a large US probability sample
Authors: Stagnaro Michael N. , Tappin Ben M. , Rand David G.
Published: July 2023

The highly influential theory of “Motivated System 2 Reasoning” argues that analytical, deliberative (“System 2”) reasoning is hijacked by identity when considering ideologically charged issues—leading people who are more likely to engage in such reasoning to be more polarized, rather than more accurate. Here, we fail to replicate the key empirical support for this theory across five contentious issues, using a large gold-standard nationally representative probability sample of Americans. While participants were more accurate in evaluating a contingency table when the outcome aligned with their politics (even when controlling for prior beliefs), we find that participants with higher numeracy were more accurate in evaluating the contingency table, regardless of whether or not the table’s outcome aligned with their politics. These findings call for a reconsideration of the effect of identity on analytical reasoning.
Assessing continuum plasticity postulates with grain stress and local strain measurements in triaxially compressed sand
Authors: Hurley Ryan C. , Shahin Ghassan , Kuwik Brett S. , Lee Kwangmin
Published: July 2023

Critical state and continuum plasticity theories have been used in research and engineering practice in soil and rock mechanics for decades. These theories rely on postulated relationships between material stresses and strains. Some classical postulates include coaxiality between stress and strain rates, stress–dilatancy relationships, and kinematic assumptions in shear bands. Although numerical and experimental data have quantified the strains and grain kinematics in such experiments, little data quantifying grain stresses are available. Here, we report the first-known grain stress and local strain measurements in triaxial compression tests on synthetic quartz sands using synchrotron X-ray tomography and 3D X-ray diffraction. We use these data to examine the micromechanics of shear banding, with a focus on coaxiality, stress-dilatancy, and kinematics within bands. Our results indicate the following: 1) elevated deviatoric stress, strain, and stress ratios in shear bands throughout experiments; 2) coaxial principal compressive stresses and strains throughout samples; 3) significant contraction along shear bands; 4) vanishing volumetric strain but nonvanishing stress fluctuations throughout samples at all stages of deformation. Our results provide some of the first-known in situ stress and strain measurements able to aid in critically evaluating postulates employed in continuum plasticity and strain localization theories for sands.
Dissolution-driven propulsion of floating solids
Authors: Chaigne Martin , Berhanu Michael , Kudrolli Arshad
Published: July 2023

We show that unconstrained asymmetric dissolving solids floating in a fluid can move rectilinearly as a result of attached density currents which occur along their inclined surfaces. Solids in the form of boats composed of centimeter-scale sugar and salt slabs attached to a buoy are observed to move rapidly in water with speeds up to 5 mm/s determined by the inclination angle and orientation of the dissolving surfaces. While symmetric boats drift slowly, asymmetric boats are observed to accelerate rapidly along a line before reaching a terminal velocity when their drag matches the thrust generated by dissolution. By visualizing the flow around the body, we show that the boat velocity is always directed opposite to the horizontal component of the density current. We derive the thrust acting on the body from its measured kinematics and show that the propulsion mechanism is consistent with the unbalanced momentum generated by the attached density current. We obtain an analytical formula for the body speed depending on geometry and material properties and show that it captures the observed trends reasonably. Our analysis shows that the gravity current sets the scale of the body speed consistent with our observations, and we estimate that speeds can grow slowly as the cube root of the length of the inclined dissolving surface. The dynamics of dissolving solids demonstrated here applies equally well to solids undergoing phase change and may enhance the drift of melting icebergs, besides unraveling a primal strategy by which to achieve locomotion in active matter.
Lignin with controlled structural properties by N-heterocycle-based deep eutectic solvent extraction
Authors: Lin Kuan-Ting , Wang Chenxi , Guo Mond F. , Aprà Edoardo , Ma Ruoshui , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Zhang Xiao
Published: July 2023

The complex and heterogeneous nature of the lignin macromolecule has presented a lasting barrier to its utilization. To achieve high lignin yield, the technical lignin extraction process usually severely modifies and condenses the native structure of lignin, which is a critical drawback for its utilization in conversion processes. In addition, there is no method capable of separating lignin from plant biomass with controlled structural properties. Here, we developed an N-heterocycle-based deep eutectic solvent formed between lactic acid and pyrazole (La–Py DES) with a binary hydrogen bonding functionality resulting in a high affinity toward lignin. Up to 93.7% of lignin was extracted from wheat straw biomass at varying conditions from 90 °C to 145 °C. Through careful selection of treatment conditions as well as lactic acid to pyrazole ratios, lignin with controlled levels of ether linkage content, hydroxyl group content, and average molecular weight can be generated. Under mild extraction conditions (90 °C to 120 °C), light-colored native-like lignin can be produced with up to 80% yield, whereas ether linkage–free lignin with low polydispersity can be obtained at 145 °C. Overall, this study offers a new strategy for native lignin extraction and generating lignin with controlled structural properties.
Structural polymorphisms within a common powdery mildew effector scaffold as a driver of coevolution with cereal immune receptors
Authors: Cao Yu , Kümmel Florian , Logemann Elke , Gebauer Jan M. , Lawson Aaron W. , Yu Dongli , Uthoff Matthias , Keller Beat , Jirschitzka Jan , Baumann Ulrich , Tsuda Kenichi , Chai Jijie , Schulze-Lefert Paul
Published: July 2023

In plants, host–pathogen coevolution often manifests in reciprocal, adaptive genetic changes through variations in host nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptors (NLRs) and virulence-promoting pathogen effectors. In grass powdery mildew (PM) fungi, an extreme expansion of a RNase-like effector family, termed RALPH, dominates the effector repertoire, with some members recognized as avirulence (AVR) effectors by cereal NLR receptors. We report the structures of the sequence-unrelated barley PM effectors AVR
A6
, AVR
A7
, and allelic AVR
A10
/AVR
A22
variants, which are detected by highly sequence-related barley NLRs MLA6, MLA7, MLA10, and MLA22 and of wheat PM AVR
PM2
detected by the unrelated wheat NLR PM2. The AVR effectors adopt a common scaffold, which is shared with the RNase T1/F1 family. We found striking variations in the number, position, and length of individual structural elements between RALPH AVRs, which is associated with a differentiation of RALPH effector subfamilies. We show that all RALPH AVRs tested have lost nuclease and synthetase activities of the RNase T1/F1 family and lack significant binding to RNA, implying that their virulence activities are associated with neo-functionalization events. Structure-guided mutagenesis identified six AVR
A6
residues that are sufficient to turn a sequence-diverged member of the same RALPH subfamily into an effector specifically detected by MLA6. Similar structure-guided information for AVR
A10
and AVR
A22
indicates that MLA receptors detect largely distinct effector surface patches. Thus, coupling of sequence and structural polymorphisms within the RALPH scaffold of PMs facilitated escape from NLR recognition and potential acquisition of diverse virulence functions.
Metacognitive approaches to collaborative writing
Authors: Sato Masatoshi
Published: July 2023

Collaborative writing (CW) presents unique L2
learning opportunities. While previous research primarily used
cognitive and social approaches, the current chapter proposes a
metacognitive approach to (1) advance our understanding of how CW
supports L2 learning, and (2) explore pedagogical ideas that may
further enhance CW effectiveness, that is, metacognitive instruction
on CW. Three CW features relevant to both face-to-face and
technology-mediated communication will be focused on. First,
collaborative interaction – a prerequisite for CW to be effective –
can be explained by metacognitive theories. Second, the provision
and incorporation of feedback may be related to learners’
metacognition. Third, the CW sequence – planning what to write,
drafting a text, and editing the text together – closely corresponds
to metacognitive regulatory skills, that is, planning, monitoring,
and evaluation.
Online collaborative L2 writing
Authors: Almalki Hanan , Storch Neomy
Published: July 2023

Despite growing interest in computer-mediated
collaborative writing (CMCW), very few studies have considered the
effects of using a range of digital tools on learners’ behaviour.
Our longitudinal study (15 weeks), conducted with Arabic as a second
language learners in Saudi Arabia, investigated how learners engage
in CMCW tasks using Google Docs and WhatsApp. The 31 participants
formed eight dyads and five triads to complete four tasks. We
analysed discussions and comments derived from Google docs and
WhatsApp chats for patterns of interaction and use of online tools.
Of five patterns of interaction identified, cooperative and
collaborative predominated. Learners used the two tools
simultaneously to foster collaboration. The findings provide new
insights into CMCW tasks in an underexplored L2 learning
context.
Peer interaction in collaborative L2 writing across synchronous
and asynchronous CMC modes
Authors: Hsu Hsiu-Chen
Published: July 2023

This study examined the patterns and focus of
peer interaction in collaborative L2 writing across text-based
synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC
and ACMC). Participants comprised 22 college EFL learners, who
completed two Google-Docs-based collaborative expository writing
tasks via text-based SCMC or text-based ACMC. Google Docs comments
and history were analyzed. The predominant interaction pattern in
text-based SCMC was expert/novice, followed by the collaborative
pattern. In text-based ACMC, dominant/dominant, dominant/passive,
and dominant/withdrawn were the predominant patterns. During peer
interaction, learners focused on content and language rather than on
organization, regardless of modality. In text-based SCMC, learners
focused equally on language and content. In text-based ACMC,
learners focused more on language than on content.
Investigations of performance characteristics on direct metal laser sintered MONEL K-500 superalloy
Authors: Mani M. , Mohanraj M. , Karthikeyan A. G. , Kalaiselvan K.
Published: July 2023

MONEL K-500 superalloy is difficult to manufacture precisely in traditional manufacturing processes like casting, forming and machining. The direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process is one of the best metal additive manufacturing processes used in this work. In this work, Laser Power (LP), Scan Speed (SS), Hatch Distance (HD) and Layer Thickness (LT) are used as DMLS process parameters. L09 Orthogonal array is used for printing the MONEL K-500 metal parts. The performance characteristics like ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and surface toughness ( Ra) are improved by 2% and 17% for the Taguchi optimum parameter levels. Contour plots explained the interaction effects of DMLS process parameters on performance characteristics. The better microstructural characteristics obtained the higher optimum parameter level.
Resonant Auger Scattering by Attosecond X-Ray Pulses
Authors: Nan Quan-Wei , Wang Chao , Yu Xin-Yue , Zhao Xi , Cheng Yongjun , Gong Maomao , Liu Xiao-Jing , Kimberg Victor , Zhang Song-Bin
Published: July 2023

As x-ray probe pulses approach the subfemtosecond range, conventional x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is expected to experience a reduction in spectral resolution due to the effects of the pulse broadening. However, in the case of resonant x-ray photoemission, also known as resonant Auger scattering (RAS), the spectroscopic technique maintains spectral resolution when an x-ray pulse is precisely tuned to a core-excited state. We present theoretical simulations of XPS and RAS spectra on a showcased CO molecule using ultrashort x-ray pulses, revealing significantly enhanced resolution in the RAS spectra compared to XPS, even in the sub-femtosecond regime. These findings provide a novel perspective on potential utilization of attosecond x-ray pulses, capitalizing on the well-established advantages of detecting electron signals for tracking electronic and molecular dynamics.
Unsupervised learning in hexagonal boron nitride memristor-based spiking neural networks
Authors: Afshari Sahra , Xie Jing , Musisi-Nkambwe Mirembe , Radhakrishnan Sritharini , Sanchez Esqueda Ivan
Published: July 2023

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) is an emerging non-volatile memory technology that can be used in neuromorphic computing hardware to exceed the limitations of traditional von Neumann architectures by merging processing and memory units. Two-dimensional (2D) materials with non-volatile switching behavior can be used as the switching layer of RRAMs, exhibiting superior behavior compared to conventional oxide-based devices. In this study, we investigate the electrical performance of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) memristors towards their implementation in spiking neural networks (SNN). Based on experimental behavior of the h-BN memristors as artificial synapses, we simulate the implementation of unsupervised learning in SNN for image classification on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset. Additionally, we propose a simple spike-timing-dependent-plasticity (STDP)-based dropout technique to enhance the recognition rate in h-BN memristor-based SNN. Our results demonstrate the viability of using 2D-material-based memristors as artificial synapses to perform unsupervised learning in SNN using hardware-friendly methods for online learning.