bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The link among X-ray spectral properties, AGN structure, and the host galaxy
Authors: Mountrichas G. , Viitanen A. , Carrera F. J. , Stiele H. , Ruiz A. , Georgantopoulos I. , Mateos S. , Corral A.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we compare the supermassive black hole (SMBH) and host galaxy properties of X-ray obscured and unobscured AGN. For that purpose, we used ∼35 000 X-ray detected AGN in the 4XMM-DR11 catalogue for which there are available measurements for their X-ray spectral parameters, such as the hydrogen column density, NH, and photon index, Γ, from the XMM2Athena Horizon 2020 European project. We constructed the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the sources, and we calculated the host galaxy properties via SED fitting analysis, utilising the CIGALE code. We applied strict photometric requirements and quality selection criteria to include only sources with robust X-ray and SED fitting measurements. Our sample consists of 1443 AGN. In the first part of our analysis, we used different NH thresholds (1023 cm−2 or 1022 cm−2) while also taking into account the uncertainties associated with the NH measurements in order to classify these sources as obscured and unobscured (or mildly obscured). We find that obscured AGN tend to live in more massive systems (by ∼0.1 dex) that have a lower star-formation rate, SFR, (by ∼0.25 dex) compared to their unobscured counterparts. However, only the difference in stellar mass, M*, appears statistically significant (> 2σ). The results do not depend on the NH threshold used to classify AGN. The differences in M* and SFR are not statistically significant for luminous AGN (log (LX,2−10 KeV/erg s−1) > 44). Our findings also show that unobscured AGN have, on average, higher specific black hole accretion rates, λsBHAR, compared to their obscured counterparts, a parameter which is often used as a proxy of the Eddington ratio. In the second part of our analysis, we cross-matched the 1443 X-ray AGN with the SDSS DR16 quasar catalogue of Wu and Shen to obtain information on the SMBH properties of our sources. This resulted in 271 type 1 AGN at z < 1.9. Our findings show that type 1 AGN with increased NH (> 1022 cm−2) tend to have higher black hole masses, MBH, compared to AGN with lower NH values at similar M*. The MBH/M* ratio remains consistent for NH values below 1022 cm−2, but it exhibits signs of increasing at higher NH values. Finally, we detected a correlation between Γ and Eddington ratios, but only for type 1 sources with NH < 1022 cm−2.
THEMIS 2.0: A self-consistent model for dust extinction, emission, and polarisation
Authors: Ysard N. , Jones A. P. , Guillet V. , Demyk K. , Decleir M. , Verstraete L. , Choubani I. , Miville-Deschênes M.-A. , Fanciullo L.
Published: January 2024

Context. Recent observational constraints in emission, extinction, and polarisation have at least partially invalidated most of the astronomical standard grain models for the diffuse interstellar medium. Moreover, laboratory measurements on interstellar silicate analogues have shown quite significant differences with the optical properties used in these standard models.

Aims. To address these issues, our objective is twofold: (i) to update the optical properties of silicates and (ii) to develop The Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for Interstellar Solids (THEMIS) to allow the calculation of polarised extinction and emission.

Methods. Based on optical constants measured in the laboratory from 5 µm to 1 mm for amorphous silicates and on observational constraints in mid-IR extinction and X-ray scattering, we defined new optical constants for the THEMIS silicates. Absorption and scattering efficiencies for spheroidal grains using these properties were subsequently derived with the discrete dipole approximation.

Results. These new optical properties make it possible to explain the dust emission and extinction, both total and polarised. It is noteworthy that the model is not yet pushed to its limits since it does not require the perfect alignment of all grains to explain the observations and it therefore has the potential to accommodate the highest polarisation levels inferred from extinction measurements. Moreover, the dispersion of the optical properties of the different silicates measured in the laboratory naturally explain the variations in both the total and polarised emission and extinction observed in the diffuse interstellar medium.

Conclusions. A single, invariant model calibrated on one single set of observations is obsolete for explaining contemporary observations. We are proposing a completely flexible dust model based entirely on laboratory measurements that has the potential to make major advances in understanding the exact nature of interstellar grains and how they evolve as a function of their radiative and dynamic environment. Even if challenging, this is also relevant for future cosmic microwave background (CMB) missions that will aim to perform precise measurements of the CMB spectral distortions and polarisation.
A mathematical model to restrain pneumonia spread in children under five years considering nutritional status, household air pollution, vaccination, and health monitoring
Authors: Rahmi Nur , Ekasasmita Wahyuni
Published: January 2024

Currently, pneumonia remains the leading cause of mortality among children under the age of five worldwide. According to UNICEF data, children continue to lose their lives due to pneumonia. In addition, malnutrition and air pollution have been identified as major factors contributing to the spread of pneumonia among children. This study aims to develop a mathematical model to analyze the spread of pneumonia among toddlers, considering the impacts of nutrition and air pollution. The study’s outcome includes a theorem concerning the stability of fixed points, which can serve as a foundation for controlling the transmission of pneumonia among children under five years of age. Furthermore, simulations demonstrate the potential impact of vaccination, treatment, and health monitoring in mitigating the spread of pneumonia among this age group.
Mathematical Model of Celebrity Worship Tendency Among K-Pop Fans in South Sulawesi
Authors: Arsita Asni Asriani , Minggi Ilham , Side Syafruddin , Arwadi Fajar , Mulbar Usman
Published: January 2024

Celebrity worship is a form of almost obsessional participation in which people idolize and even start to “worship” their favorite celebrities. Twitter reveals that in 2021, Indonesia was ranked fourth as the country with the most number of Korean Pop (K-Pop) fans. In this study, we constructed a SEIRS mathematical model of celebrity worship tendency among K-Pop fans (CWKF) because there have not been specific mathematical models built on the problem of celebrity worship tendency among K-Pop fans. The CWKF free equilibrium point (E0), endemic equilibrium point (E1), and using the Next Generation Matrix for the Basic Reproduction Number (R0) are calculated through analysis. Using the Routh-Hurwitz criteria for equilibrium analysis, we found that E0 is locally asymptotically stable if R0 < 1, and E1 is locally asymptotically stable if R0 > 1. Secondly, we conduct numerical simulations using Maple software, and research data consisting of 204 individuals from various regions in South Sulawesi serves as the basis for this mathematical analysis. The numerical simulation obtained supports the dynamic analysis results that the number of individuals who are K-Pop fans will decrease in the population and disappear within a certain period, even without any special treatment.
Simulation of the Abbaji Ammotere Case for Silariang Using Mathematical Modeling in Bugis Society
Authors: Rudi  , Annas Suwardi , Side Syafruddin , Irwan  , Mulbar Usman
Published: January 2024

Silariang is a form of deviant behavior that is consciously carried out by men and women by taking shortcuts in marriage without getting the blessing of the family. The causes of silariang are not getting parental approval, cash problems, promiscuity, pregnancy out of wedlock. Abbaji ammotere is an alternative solution to improve relationships with family. This research aims to build a SEIR models. This model is divided into four classes, namely the class of people who have the potential to carry out silariang, the class of people who are affected by carrying out silariang, the people who carry out silariang, and the people who return to their parents (Ammotere Abbaji). The data used is primary data obtained by distributing questionnaires to 204 samples which were carried out offline for silariang perpetrators and online for vulnerable and affected communities. The real data results of the SEIR type model produce a basic reproduction number (R0) of 0,20381767, which means that the range class will experience a significant increase in the sense that at any time they will be affected and practice silariang, while for classes that have practiced silariang this will decrease over a certain period of time.
Analysis Of JMTI ITK Lecturer Human Resource Mapping Using The 5C-4C Knowledge Conversion Method To Support Smart Governance At JMTI ITK
Authors: Sari Surya Puspita , Hasanah Primadina , Adam
Published: January 2024

Lecturers as a driving element in higher education are an important factor in encouraging higher education progress. The implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and supporting factors will be assessed using BKD (Lecturer Workload). In its implementation, the assessment is carried out using BKD in the fields of education, research, community service and support in the even semester of the 2021/2022 academic year and the odd-even semester of the 2022/2023 academic year. Mapping is also based on type of study program, education level, employment status and functional position. To ensure the implementation of lecturers’ duties, an analysis of the human resources of JMTI ITK was carried out. Processing data into information uses the 5C method which consists of contextualizing, categorizing, calculating, correcting and condensing. Next conversion process to gain knowledge is carried out using the 4C method which consists of comparison, consequence, connection and conversation. The results of this research show equality in the weight of the Education BKD. However, there are one or two lecturers who have research and community service BKD above average. Ten percent of lecturers require special attention to increase workload. Meanwhile, the rest already have a workload of more than 16 credits.
Evaluation factors of e-justice intelligent services: An fsQCA analysis
Authors: Yu Jia , Lu Hongbang , Wang Pan
Published: January 2024

E-justice intelligent services plays a significant role in promoting judicial efficiency and fairness. Based on previous studies, this research evaluates the quality of e-justice intelligent services from four factors, which are smart adjudication, class case recommendation, litigation risk assessment and big data analysis. We gain the data through expert interviews and analyze how these factors affect the quality of ejustice intelligent services using fsQCA. The results indicates that no single condition on its own leads to high quality of e-justice intelligent services. Smart adjudication, class case recommendation, big data analysis are core causal conditions, and litigation risk assessment is peripheral causal condition. Smart adjudication and class case recommendation have the most solutions. This study analyzes the evaluation factors of e-justice intelligent services, aiming at promoting the quality of e-justice intelligent services, so as to improve judicial efficiency.
A PT-based approach to construct efficient provenance graph for threat alert investigation
Authors: Men Shiming , Wang Jian , Ye Mai
Published: January 2024

The Provenance Graph, constructed based on audit logs, encapsulates a wealth of causal relationships. When existing threat detection software issues an Event of Alert (EOA), security analysts conduct threat alert investigations based on the provenance graph. However, a provenance graph comprising tens of thousands of nodes and edges can lead to substantial time overhead. Moreover, coarse-grained audit logs can cause a dependency explosion in the provenance graph, thereby generating false causal relationships and interfering with the accuracy of the results. Hardware-assisted Processor Tracing (PT) can address the problem of false causal relationships caused by dependency explosion, by extracting the execution trace of a process and restoring instruction-level data flow. Leveraging PT features, we propose an efficient scheme, termed as GETSUS, which can reduce the size of the provenance graph while fully preserving the event sequences leading to the EOA. Empirical evidence shows that GETSUS can shrink a large provenance graph (approximately 200,000 edges) to a small one (around 50 edges). Compared to other schemes, the partial provenance graph output by GETSUS can fully retain the semantics related to the EOA, while improving the reduction efficiency by about tenfold.
Simulations of Cayley graphs of dihedral group
Authors: Farhan Mohammad , John Peter , Silaban Denny Riama
Published: January 2024

Let Γ be a finite group with identity element e and let S ⊆ Γ − {e} which is inverse-closed, i.e., S = S−1 := {s−1 : s ∈ S}. An undirected Cayley graph on a group Γ with connection set S, denoted by Cay(Γ, S), is a graph with vertex set Γ and edges xy for all pairs x,y ∈ Γ such that xy−1 ∈ S. The dihedral group of order 2n, denoted by D2n, is a group generated by two elements a and b subject to the three relations: an = e, b2 = e, and bab−1 = a−1. In this paper, we investigate the Cayley graphs of the dihedral group for some connection sets S satisfying |S| = 1, 2, 3 by doing simulations using Wolfram Mathematica.
The properties of radially excited charmonia in the light front quark model
Authors: Ridwan Muhammad , Arifi Ahmad Jafar , Mart Terry
Published: January 2024

Investigating the properties of excited charmonia is important to clarify its internal structure. In this paper, we present the mass spectra (MS) and decay constants (DC) for charmonia up to 3S states calculated by means of the light-front quark model based on a variational approach. In particular, we consider the QCD-motivated effective Hamiltonian, which includes both confinement (linear and screened) and Coulomb-like potentials. Furthermore, since the existence of the nature of heavy quark symmetry, we treat hyperfine interactions perturbatively. We developed the harmonic oscillator expansion method to approximate the wave function (WF) for excited states. We found that the results of our theoretical calculations, using screened potentials rather than linear ones, are in good agreement with experimental data. By looking at the mass and decay constant result, we found that our result on the ψ(3S) state matched the properties of the ψ(4040) resonance.
Electrochemical performance of gold nanoparticles decorated on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Screen-printed Electrode (SPE)
Authors: Dewi Fitria Yunita , Cahyono Soni Tri , Hilmi Fakhri , Sanjaya Afiten Rahmin , Hastuti Dian Wulan , Pratiwi Nur Intan , Aliwarga Harry Kusuma , Prajitno Prawito , Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum , Handoko Djati
Published: January 2024

The modification of the multi-walled carbon nanotube screen-printed electrode (MWCNT/SPE) with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) was achieved through drop-casting method utilizing gold nanoparticles synthesized via the Turkevich method. The combination of nanomaterial based on carbon (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) and the noble metal (gold nanoparticles) aims to exploit the synergistic benefits of the two materials in electrochemical measurement. Electrochemical performance was evaluated through techniques including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated an increase in the electroactive surface area of the modified working electrodes compared to the unmodified ones. This increase in electroactive surface area can be attributed to the successful decoration of AuNP, which facilitates greater surface interactions and improved electron transfer kinetics, crucial for efficient catalytic reactions. The decoration of AuNP also makes sure that the electrode will have good biocompatibility for future bioanalytical applications. This investigation’s main goal was to determine the effects of the AuNP modification methods to the carbon electrode’s electroactive surface area for further contributing to the development of efficient label-free sensing platforms for diverse applications in biosensing.
Portable glucose detector based on nickel oxide modified Screen Printed Carbon Electrode (SPCE)
Authors: Annisa Fenika , Handoko Djati , Darojatin Auliya’u , Puspita Annisa Sonya , Dewi Fitria Yunita , Prajitno Prawitno , Fajari Muhammad Hanif , Aliwarga Harry Kasuma , Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum
Published: January 2024

A portable and low-cost system prototype for glucose detector based on LMP91000EV M potentiostat has been created. Characterization of Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes (SPCE) without modification (bare SPCE) and modified nickel oxide (NiO/SPCE) was carried out with a commercial potentiostat to see the effect of nickel oxide in detecting glucose. Through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method, the Rct value of 1,276.79 Ω is obtained for NiO/SPCE and 429.06 Ω for bare SPCE, so that NiO/SPCE has a slower electron transfer rate. Meanwhile, through the cyclic voltammetry method, the surface-active electrode area is 7.1×10-2cm2 for NiO/SPCE and 6.9×10-2 cm2 for bare SPCE, so that NiO/SPCE is more sensitive in detecting glucose. When the glucose concentration is varied, the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) values of NiO/SPCE are smaller, specifically 1.807 mM and 6.024 mM than bare SPCE, specifically 2.629 mM and 8.762 mM, so NiO/SPCE is more sensitive. When the scan rate is varied, the gradient value of NiO/SPCE is smaller, specifically -8.14×10-4 mA s/mV than bare SPCE, specifically -9.62×10-4 mA s/mV, so NiO/SPCE is not more sensitive. Next, comparing a prototype system that Trans Impedance Amplifier (TIA) gain is varied and a commercial potentiostat. As a result, the cyclic voltammogram per cycle on commercial potentiostat is more stable. The smaller the TIA gain on the system prototype, the more stable it is, this is because the noise that is amplified is getting smaller.
High deformation and delamination mechanisms explained through mesoscale and nanoscale phenomena in pearlitic steel wires
Authors: Brandaleze Elena , Romanyuk Mykhaylo , Barrirero Jenifer , Mücklich Frank , Schell Norbert , Brokmeier Heinz-Günter , Ávalos Martina , Bolmaro Raúl
Published: January 2024

Pearlitic steel wires subjected to severe cold drawing deformation exhibit a unique combination of high strength and excellent ductility, making them suitable for critical applications such as hanging bridge cables, crane cables and tire cord. Torsion tests up to rupture are commonly used in the industry for quality control purposes. A flat fracture surface is indicative of wire aptitude, while a delaminated surface suggests degradation of mechanical properties. This paper aims to expand the understanding of the structural evolution and deformation mechanisms that occur during wire drawing, as well as the origin of delamination problems. Different deformation and strengthening mechanisms are identified and discussed, applying different microscopy techniques (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction), synchrotron diffraction and atom probe tomography. The information is correlated with the cementite stability on the structure studied at meso, nano, and atomic scale, reaching an understanding of the compositional evolution of cementite and ferrite even at the very lowest level. All the obtained information, including thermal analysis and thermodynamic simulation results, allow to identify the deformation mechanisms present during cold drawing and at the delamination process. In addition, the compositional evolution of cementite and ferrite is also clarified by atom probe tomography.
Microfluidics-based patient-derived disease detection tool for deep learning-assisted precision medicine
Authors: Hua Haojun , Zhou Yunlan , Li Wei , Zhang Jing , Deng Yanlin , Khoo Bee Luan
Published: January 2024

Cancer spatial and temporal heterogeneity fuels resistance to therapies. To realize the routine assessment of cancer prognosis and treatment, we demonstrate the development of an Intelligent Disease Detection Tool (IDDT), a microfluidic-based tumor model integrated with deep learning-assisted algorithmic analysis. IDDT was clinically validated with liquid blood biopsy samples (n = 71) from patients with various types of cancers (e.g., breast, gastric, and lung cancer) and healthy donors, requiring low sample volume (∼200 μl) and a high-throughput 3D tumor culturing system (∼300 tumor clusters). To support automated algorithmic analysis, intelligent decision-making, and precise segmentation, we designed and developed an integrative deep neural network, which includes Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN), vision transformer, and Segment Anything Model (SAM). Our approach significantly reduces the manual labeling time by up to 90% with a high mean Intersection Over Union (mIoU) of 0.902 and immediate results (<2 s per image) for clinical cohort classification. The IDDT can accurately stratify healthy donors (n = 12) and cancer patients (n = 55) within their respective treatment cycle and cancer stage, resulting in high precision (∼99.3%) and high sensitivity (∼98%). We envision that our patient-centric IDDT provides an intelligent, label-free, and cost-effective approach to help clinicians make precise medical decisions and tailor treatment strategies for each patient.
Energetic processing of thioacetamide in cryogenic matrices
Authors: Góbi Sándor , Keresztes Barbara , Schneiker Anita , Ragupathy Gopi , Tarczay György
Published: January 2024

There is an ongoing debate on the apparent depletion of sulfur in the interstellar medium (ISM) compared to its universal abundance; therefore, the investigation of sulfurous compounds at low temperatures is of utmost importance. This work aims to study thioacetamide, H3C–C(=S)–NH2, in low-temperature inert Ar and para-H2 matrices by IR spectroscopy. The samples have been exposed to various sources of irradiation, such as Lyman-α or laser UV photons as well as energetic electrons. Using different host materials enabled assessing the matrix’s impact on precursor decomposition. The response of the molecule to different types of irradiation has also been evaluated. The existence of three main decomposition channels were deduced: formation of (i) CH3, CH4, and HNCS; (ii) H2S and H2C=C=NH; and (iii) NH3 and H2C=C=S. The H3C–CN and H3C–NC isomers of H2C=C=NH could also be identified. Secondary products such as HNC and HCN were also detected in the quantum solid para-H2 in contrast to the more rigid Ar matrix. The listed decomposition products have been observed in the ISM, with the exception of H2C=C=NH and H3C–NC. The results point to the potential sensitivity of the precursor molecule to energetic radiation in space environments. Finally, the findings of this work will serve as a foundation for future irradiation experiments using the astrochemically more relevant pure thioacetamide ice.
Particle clogging mechanisms in hyporheic exchange with coupled lattice Boltzmann discrete element simulations
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Du Dewei , Man Teng , Ge Zhuan , Huppert Herbert E.
Published: January 2024

The clogging of a stream bed has a significant impact on the exchange of water between a river and groundwater, known as hyporheic exchange. Clogging issues in orifices influenced by fluid flow have long been a concern, particularly in understanding clogging mechanisms and particle dynamics. This study focuses on investigating the behavior of poly-dispersed particle systems in the Shanghai soft soil using a coupled lattice Boltzmann method and a discrete element method (LBM-DEM). A particle-orifice model was developed based on LBM-DEM to study the clogging problem. Three different orifice diameters with the same particle size distribution were set at a microscopic scale. The simulation results indicate that the primary form of clogging is the formation of particle domes, exhibiting distinct characteristics depending on orifice size. As the orifice size increases, clogging becomes more challenging. Interestingly, the flow rate of fluid passing through clogged orifices is quite complex, as it does not decrease significantly. The formation process of the particle structure shows significant randomness, posing challenges for quantitative analysis and experimental validation. This study provides insights into the initial stages of clogging formation, leading to a better understanding of hyporheic exchange phenomena in stream bed ecosystems.
Reshaping and induction of optical activity in gold@silver nanocuboids by chiral glutathione molecules
Authors: Engel Yael Levitan , Feferman Daniel , Ghalawat Monika , Santiago Eva Yazmin , Avalos-Ovando Oscar , Govorov Alexander O. , Markovich Gil
Published: January 2024

Core–shell gold–silver cuboidal nanoparticles were produced, with either concave or straight facets. Their incubation with a low concentration of chiral l-glutathione (GSH) biomolecules was found to produce near UV plasmonic extinction and induced circular dichroism (CD) peaks. The effect is sensitive to the silver shell thickness. The GSH molecules were found to cause redistribution of silver in the shell, removing silver atoms from edges/corners and re-depositing them at the nanocuboid facets, probably through some redox and complexation processes between the silver and thiol group of the GSH. Other thiolated chiral biomolecules (and drug molecules) did not show this effect. The emerging near UV surface plasmon resonance is a silver slab resonance, which might also possess some multipolar resonance nature. The concave-shaped nanocuboids exhibited stronger induced plasmonic CD relative to the nanocuboids with straight facets.
Academics are more specific, and practitioners more sensitive, in forecasting interventions to strengthen democratic attitudes
Authors: Chu James Y. , Voelkel Jan G. , Stagnaro Michael N. , Kang Suji , Druckman James N. , Rand David G. , Willer Robb
Published: January 2024

Concern over democratic erosion has led to a proliferation of proposed interventions to strengthen democratic attitudes in the United States. Resource constraints, however, prevent implementing all proposed interventions. One approach to identify promising interventions entails leveraging domain experts, who have knowledge regarding a given field, to forecast the effectiveness of candidate interventions. We recruit experts who develop general knowledge about a social problem (academics), experts who directly intervene on the problem (practitioners), and nonexperts from the public to forecast the effectiveness of interventions to reduce partisan animosity, support for undemocratic practices, and support for partisan violence. Comparing 14,076 forecasts submitted by 1,181 forecasters against the results of a megaexperiment (n = 32,059) that tested 75 hypothesized effects of interventions, we find that both types of experts outperformed members of the public, though experts differed in how they were accurate. While academics’ predictions were more specific (i.e., they identified a larger proportion of ineffective interventions and had fewer false-positive forecasts), practitioners’ predictions were more sensitive (i.e., they identified a larger proportion of effective interventions and had fewer false-negative forecasts). Consistent with this, practitioners were better at predicting best-performing interventions, while academics were superior in predicting which interventions performed worst. Our paper highlights the importance of differentiating types of experts and types of accuracy. We conclude by discussing factors that affect whether sensitive or specific forecasters are preferable, such as the relative cost of false positives and negatives and the expected rate of intervention success.
The exostosin glycosyltransferase 1/STAT3 axis is a driver of breast cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Solaimuthu Balakrishnan , Khatib Anees , Tanna Mayur , Karmi Abdelrahman , Hayashi Arata , Abu Rmaileh Areej , Lichtenstein Michal , Takoe Suranjana , Jolly Mohit Kumar , Shaul Yoav David
Published: January 2024

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is crucial for transforming carcinoma cells into a partially mesenchymal state, enhancing their chemoresistance, migration, and metastasis. This shift in cell state is tightly regulated by cellular mechanisms that are not yet fully characterized. One intriguing EMT aspect is the rewiring of the proteoglycan landscape, particularly the induction of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) biosynthesis. This proteoglycan functions as a co-receptor that accelerates cancer-associated signaling pathways through its negatively-charged residues. However, the precise mechanisms through which EMT governs HSPG biosynthesis and its role in cancer cell plasticity remain elusive. Here, we identified exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1), a central enzyme in HSPG biosynthesis, to be selectively upregulated in aggressive tumor subtypes and cancer cell lines, and to function as a key player in breast cancer aggressiveness. Notably, ectopic expression of EXT1 in epithelial cells is sufficient to induce HSPG levels and the expression of known mesenchymal markers, subsequently enhancing EMT features, including cell migration, invasion, and tumor formation. Additionally, EXT1 loss in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibits their aggressiveness-associated traits such as migration, chemoresistance, tumor formation, and metastasis. Our findings reveal that EXT1, through its role in HSPG biosynthesis, governs signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, a known regulator of cancer cell aggressiveness. Collectively, we present the EXT1/HSPG/STAT3 axis as a central regulator of cancer cell plasticity that directly links proteoglycan synthesis to oncogenic signaling pathways.
Displaying a negative stance by questioning meaning
Authors: De Stefani Elwys
Published: January 2024

Speakers of Italian have at their disposal a variety of phrasal and clausal resources for questioning meaning,
among which is the format che cosa vuol dire X? (‘what does X mean?’). Likewise, recent studies on English and
German about similar resources have shown that speakers use them to identify a meaning problem. This contribution takes a step
further, by showing that the ‘what does X mean?’ format allows speakers to accomplish a variety of actions. These may be related
to (a) the negotiation of understanding, and (b) the display of a negative stance. In many occurrences, the interactants display
clear orientation to either a problem of understanding or a commonly shared negative stance. However, in sensitive environments
(such as conflictual discussions), the resource allows speakers to (c) frame their negative stance as a problem of understanding,
thereby resisting escalation of the conflict. The ‘what does X mean?’ format may or may not be produced with concomitant embodied
behaviour. When the format is used to problematise understanding, no specific embodied conduct is observed. Yet, when it is used
to display a negative stance, speakers may be seen to perform the grappolo gesture.
Vortex Quantum Droplets under Competing Nonlinearities
Authors: Chen 陈 Gui-hua 桂华 , Wang 王 Hong-cheng 红成 , Deng 邓 Hai-ming 海明 , A. Malomed Boris
Published: January 2024

This concise review summarizes recent advancements in theoretical studies of vortex quantum droplets (VQDs) in matter-wave fields. These are robust self-trapped vortical states in two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) with intrinsic nonlinearity. Stability of VQDs is provided by additional nonlinearities resulting from quantum fluctuations around mean-field states, often referred to as the Lee–Huang–Yang (LHY) corrections. The basic models are presented, with emphasis on the interplay between the mean-field nonlinearity, LHY correction, and spatial dimension, which determines the structure and stability of VQDs. We embark by delineating fundamental properties of VQDs in the 3D free space, followed by consideration of their counterparts in the 2D setting. Additionally, we address stabilization of matter-wave VQDs by optical potentials. Finally, we summarize results for the study of VQDs in the single-component BEC of atoms carrying magnetic moments. In that case, the anisotropy of the long-range dipole-dipole interactions endows the VQDs with unique characteristics. The results produced by the theoretical studies in this area directly propose experiments for the observation of novel physical effects in the realm of quantum matter, and suggest potential applications to the design of new schemes for processing classical and quantum information.
Multilevel dimension-independent likelihood-informed MCMC for large-scale inverse problems
Authors: Cui Tiangang , Detommaso Gianluca , Scheichl Robert
Published: January 2024

We present a non-trivial integration of dimension-independent likelihood-informed (DILI) MCMC (Cui et al 2016) and the multilevel MCMC (Dodwell et al 2015) to explore the hierarchy of posterior distributions. This integration offers several advantages: First, DILI-MCMC employs an intrinsic likelihood-informed subspace (LIS) (Cui et al 2014)—which involves a number of forward and adjoint model simulations—to design accelerated operator-weighted proposals. By exploiting the multilevel structure of the discretised parameters and discretised forward models, we design a Rayleigh–Ritz procedure to significantly reduce the computational effort in building the LIS and operating with DILI proposals. Second, the resulting DILI-MCMC can drastically improve the sampling efficiency of MCMC at each level, and hence reduce the integration error of the multilevel algorithm for fixed CPU time. Numerical results confirm the improved computational efficiency of the multilevel DILI approach.
A penetration efficiency model for the optimization of solid conical microneedles’ geometry
Authors: Piccolo Leonardo , Bornillo Kristal , Micheli Sara , Sorgato Marco , Ricotta Mauro , Cimetta Elisa , Lucchetta Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Microneedles (MNs) are promising alternatives to pills and traditional needles as drug delivery systems due to their fast, localized, and relatively less painful administration. Filling a knowledge gap, this study investigated and optimized the most influential geometrical factors determining the penetration efficiency of MNs. The effects of height, base diameter, and tip diameter were analyzed using the finite element method, with results showing that the most influencing factor was base diameter, followed by height. Moreover, the taper angle, which is dependent on all the geometrical factors, was found to directly affect the penetration efficiency at a fixed height. An additional model was developed to relate the height and taper angle to penetration efficiency, and the results were experimentally validated by compression testing of MN array prototypes printed using two-photon photolithography. The numerical model closely predicted the experimental results, with a root mean square error of 9.35. The results of our study have the potential to aid the design of high-penetration efficiency MNs for better functionality and applicability.
Wideband directional-fed holographic metasurface with integrated monopole and parabolic reflector for far-/near-field beams manipulations
Authors: Xue Song , Shen Yizhu , Xu Ziyu , Zhang Yi , Hu Sanming
Published: January 2024

Holographic metasurface has been widely investigated, but suffers from the trade-off between bandwidth, gain, and integration. In this article, a wideband high-gain holographic metasurface with miniaturized integrated monopole is proposed. It employs the geometrical characteristics of parabolic reflector to realize directional-fed metasurface, and the footprint is reduced to only one-third of the conventional center-fed designs. By varying modulation index and paraboloid height, the bandwidth and gain are improved simultaneously. To validate the proposed idea, two prototypes are analyzed and fabricated to demonstrate flexible beam manipulation in respective far-field radiation and near-field propagation. Pencil beam pays more attention to the far-field and directionality of the beam, while Bessel beam focuses more on the near-field and non-diffractive of the beam. In both cases, the measured results are well-matched with the simulation. The proposed holographic metasurface for far-field applications features wide bandwidth, high gain, and planar integration simultaneously. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Bessel beam generator using directional-fed holographic metasurface with parabolic reflector.
Kirigami-inspired self-powered pressure sensor based on shape fixation treatment in IPMC material
Authors: Low Jen-Hahn , Chee Pei-Song , Lim Eng-Hock , Ganesan Vinod
Published: January 2024

Rapid advances in sensing technologies have brought about the fast development of wearable electronics for biomedical applications. Since its conception, over the years, the ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) is a new man-made material that has demonstrated its great potential for wearable devices due to self-powered sensing capabilities. Here, for the first time, a novel Kirigami technique with unique cut patterns has been employed for designing a stretchable IPMC sensor with enhanced performance. As Nafion itself exhibits the characteristic of shape memory polymer, the Kirigami structure that is built using the IPMC can be buckled up by loading and heating the IPMC above the deformation temperature, T
def. To further enhance the memory effect, the Kirigami structure has further been locked by immersing it in potassium hydroxide for the formation of deprotonated Nafion. The voltage output of the proposed IPMC with Kirigami shows a superior performance with 3 times improvement over the conventionally planar electrodes. Dynamic tests with a range of displacements have been performed to validate the sensor design and the robustness of the Kirigami structure. This novel Kirigami-based IPMC sensor has been successfully demonstrated for braille sensing by designing 7 independent electrodes.
Electrohydrodynamic peristaltic microfluidic flow with thermal and molecular analysis featuring sloped configurations
Authors: Noreen Saima , Aslam Farida
Published: January 2024

This study examines the simultaneous impacts of thermal and molecular transfer of non-Newtonian fluid propelled by the collective impact of electroosmosis and peristaltic pumping via inclined channel. Internal frictional heating and heat generation are also taken into consideration. The electrohydrodynamic phenomenon is described by the nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation. The problem is modulated mathematically through a system of coupled non-linear differential equations in wave frame of reference. Using the regular perturbation method around a small wave number δ, we obtain sequential solutions for stream function ψ, electric potential ϕ, velocity

u
,

pressure gradient

dp

dx

,

temperature θ and concentration Ω distributions. The influences of newly arising parameters such as the electroosmotic parameter

m

e

,

relaxation time parameter

λ

1

,

retardation time parameter

λ

2

,

wave number δ, Reynold’s number

Re
,

heat generation parameter β, Prandtl number

Pr
,

Schmidt number

Sc
,

Froude number

Fr

and Soret number

Sr

on physical characteristics are analyzed graphically. There is an inverse correlation between the parameters of relaxation time and retardation time and their effects on axial velocity, concentration, and temperature distributions. In particular, the temperature of the fluid increases as the EDL parameter, relaxation time parameter, viscous dissipation parameter, and Reynolds number increase, but decreases as the retardation time parameter increases. Moreover, the axial pressure gradient increases as Reynolds number and inclination angle increase, while it decreases as Froude number increases. The current model has applicability in the chemical industry, reservoir engineering, micro-fabrication, and biomedical applications, where electroosmotic effects on heat and mass movement are crucial.
Population dynamic study of interaction between two predators and one prey
Authors: Singh Khushbu , Kaladhar K
Published: January 2024

In the present study, we develop a set of ordinary differential equations that simulate the interactions of an ecological system with two predators and one prey. Here, we have investigated the interaction dynamics between one prey and two predators. The three dimensional ‘Lotka-Volterra prey-predator’ system’s stability has been investigated applying ‘Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) impulse control model’ and the Fuzzy impulse control model. After the model is created, numerical simulations are used to determine the model's global stability and fuzzy solution. Graphical representations are provided together with suitable explanation to understand the workings of our proposed model.
Head on collision of multi ion acoustic solitons with arbitrary degenerate electrons
Authors: Parveen Shahida , Mahmood Shahzad , Majid Mirza Arshad , Qamar Anisa
Published: January 2024

This study presents a head-on collision of ion-acoustic (IA) multiple solitons in unmagnetized quantum plasma with arbitrary degenerate electrons. The two-sided Korteweg–de Vries equations and phase shift associated with them have been derived using the extended Poincaré-Lighthill-Kuo (PLK) method. Depending on the quantum parameter’s value for the degenerate electrons, it is found that compressive and rarefactive solitons are formed. In addition, the Hirota bilinear approach is used to investigate the overtaking collision, and the expressions of phase shifts of multi-solitons interactions are determined. For a specific range of quantum diffraction, i.e, H < 2 compressional solitons propagating with supersonic speed, and for H > 2 the rarefactive solitons travelling with subsonic speed are found. A new nonlinear structure with a larger amplitude is produced during the collision in the interaction region. Graphically, the effects of different plasma parameters such as quantum diffraction and fugacity on interacting IA solitons structures and their associated phase shifts are investigated. The results of this study might help us to understand the collision of ion-acoustic solitons in an unmagnetized quantum plasma with arbitrary electrons degeneracy which can exist in astrophysical or laser plasma environment.
Constraints on axion-like particles from the observation of GRB 221009A by LHAASO
Authors: Gao Lin-Qing , Bi Xiao-Jun , Li Jun , Yao Run-Min , Yin Peng-Fei
Published: January 2024

The LHAASO collaboration recently reported the measurement of the gamma-ray spectra of GRB 221009A, which is the brightest burst ever, covering an energy range from 0.3 TeV to about 10 TeV. Based on the observation, we investigate the ALP-photon oscillation effect in the host galaxy of GRB 221009A and the Milky Way. The CLs method is applied to set constraints on the ALP parameters in this study. Given the uncertain magnetic field configuration in the host galaxy, we use three different models: a homogeneous magnetic field model, a magnetic field model identical to that of the Milky Way, and a model constructed from the HST observations of the host galaxy. We find that the constraints derived using these three host galaxy magnetic field models are comparable. Our results are complementary in the small ALP mass regions compared with other experiments.
Neutrino constraints on inelastic dark matter captured in the Sun
Authors: Chauhan Bhavesh , Reno Mary Hall , Rott Carsten , Sarcevic Ina
Published: January 2024

The flux of neutrinos from annihilation of gravitationally captured dark matter in the Sun
has significant constraints from direct-detection experiments. However, these constraints are
relaxed for inelastic dark matter as inelastic dark matter interactions generate less energetic
nuclear recoils compared to elastic dark matter interactions. In this paper, we explore the
possibility for large volume underground neutrino experiments to detect the neutrino flux from
captured inelastic dark matter in the Sun. The neutrino spectrum has two components: a
mono-energetic “spike” from pion and kaon decays at rest and a broad-spectrum “shoulder” from
prompt primary meson decays. We focus on detecting the shoulder neutrinos from annihilation of
hadrophilic inelastic dark matter with masses in the range 4–100 GeV and the mass splittings in
up to 300 keV. We determine the event selection criterion for DUNE to identify GeV-scale muon
neutrinos and anti-neutrinos originating from hadrophilic dark matter annihilation in the Sun, and
forecast the sensitivity from contained events. We also map the current bounds from
Super-Kamiokande and IceCube on elastic dark matter, as well as the projected limits from
Hyper-Kamiokande, to the parameter space of inelastic dark matter. We find that there is a region
of parameter space that these neutrino experiments are more sensitive to than the direct-detection
experiments. For dark matter annihilation to heavy-quarks, the projected sensitivity of DUNE is
weaker than current (future) Super (Hyper) Kamiokande experiments. However, for the light-quark
channel, only the spike is observable and DUNE will be the most sensitive experiment.
The influence of heating on the appearance of polarization singularities during the self-action of a Gaussian beam in the isotropic phase of a nematic liquid crystal in the pre-transition temperature region
Authors: Shishkov G M , Grigoriev K S , Makarov V A
Published: January 2024

Heating of the medium occurs during the self-action of elliptically polarized light in the isotropic phase of a nematic liquid crystal near the transition temperature to the mesophase. We studied the influence of heating of the medium, on the propagation modes of laser radiation and the dynamics of the formation of singularity lines of circular polarization in the cross sections of the beam, which is closely related to the multifocal structure of the electric field. It is shown that an increase in the incident radiation intensity leads to a decrease in distance from the front end of the cylindrical cuvette to the beam cross section, containing the primary (brightest and most stable) polarization singularity lines, as well as in the radius of the circle they form. The range of parameters of the incident radiation and medium at which the multifocal structure of the electric field of the propagating beam is formed, as well as the intensity threshold values at which it appears, decreases with the growth of the thermal conductivity coefficient of the liquid crystal.
Dynamics and synchronization of neural models with memristive membranes under energy coupling
Authors: Wan 万 Jingyue 婧玥 , Wu 吴 Fuqiang 富强 , Ma 马 Jun 军 , Wang 汪 Wenshuai 文帅
Published: January 2024

Dynamical modeling of neural systems plays an important role in explaining and predicting some features of biophysical mechanisms. The electrophysiological environment inside and outside of the nerve cell is different. Due to the continuous and periodical properties of electromagnetic fields in the cell during its operation, electronic components involving two capacitors and a memristor are effective in mimicking these physical features. In this paper, a neural circuit is reconstructed by two capacitors connected by a memristor with periodical mem-conductance. It is found that the memristive neural circuit can present abundant firing patterns without stimulus. The Hamilton energy function is deduced using the Helmholtz theorem. Further, a neuronal network consisting of memristive neurons is proposed by introducing energy coupling. The controllability and flexibility of parameters give the model the ability to describe the dynamics and synchronization behavior of the system.