bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fatty liver disease–causing protein PNPLA3-I148M alters lipid droplet–Golgi dynamics
Authors: Sherman David J. , Liu Lei , Mamrosh Jennifer L. , Xie Jiansong , Ferbas John , Lomenick Brett , Ladinsky Mark S. , Verma Rati , Rulifson Ingrid C. , Deshaies Raymond J.
Published: April 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a progressive metabolic disorder that begins with aberrant triglyceride accumulation in the liver and can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. A common variant in the gene
PNPLA3
, encoding the protein PNPLA3-I148M, is the strongest known genetic risk factor for MASLD. Despite its discovery 20 y ago, the function of PNPLA3, and now the role of PNPLA3-I148M, remain unclear. In this study, we sought to dissect the biogenesis of PNPLA3 and PNPLA3-I148M and characterize changes induced by endogenous expression of the disease-causing variant. Contrary to bioinformatic predictions and prior studies with overexpressed proteins, we demonstrate here that PNPLA3 and PNPLA3-I148M are not endoplasmic reticulum-resident transmembrane proteins. To identify their intracellular associations, we generated a paired set of isogenic human hepatoma cells expressing PNPLA3 and PNPLA3-I148M at endogenous levels. Both proteins were enriched in lipid droplet, Golgi, and endosomal fractions. Purified PNPLA3 and PNPLA3-I148M proteins associated with phosphoinositides commonly found in these compartments. Despite a similar fractionation pattern as the wild-type variant, PNPLA3-I148M induced morphological changes in the Golgi apparatus, including increased lipid droplet–Golgi contact sites, which were also observed in I148M-expressing primary human patient hepatocytes. In addition to lipid droplet accumulation, PNPLA3-I148M expression caused significant proteomic and transcriptomic changes that resembled all stages of liver disease. Cumulatively, we validate an endogenous human cellular system for investigating PNPLA3-I148M biology and identify the Golgi apparatus as a central hub of PNPLA3-I148M-driven cellular change.
PARP1 UFMylation ensures the stability of stalled replication forks
Authors: Gong Yamin , Wang Zhifeng , Zong Wen , Shi Ruifeng , Sun Wenli , Wang Sijia , Peng Bin , Takeda Shunichi , Wang Zhao-Qi , Xu Xingzhi
Published: April 2024

The S-phase checkpoint involving CHK1 is essential for fork stability in response to fork stalling. PARP1 acts as a sensor of replication stress and is required for CHK1 activation. However, it is unclear how the activity of PARP1 is regulated. Here, we found that UFMylation is required for the efficient activation of CHK1 by UFMylating PARP1 at K548 during replication stress. Inactivation of UFL1, the E3 enzyme essential for UFMylation, delayed CHK1 activation and inhibits nascent DNA degradation during replication blockage as seen in PARP1-deficient cells. An in vitro study indicated that PARP1 is UFMylated at K548, which enhances its catalytic activity. Correspondingly, a PARP1 UFMylation-deficient mutant (K548R) and pathogenic mutant (F553L) compromised CHK1 activation, the restart of stalled replication forks following replication blockage, and chromosome stability. Defective PARP1 UFMylation also resulted in excessive nascent DNA degradation at stalled replication forks. Finally, we observed that PARP1 UFMylation-deficient knock-in mice exhibited increased sensitivity to replication stress caused by anticancer treatments. Thus, we demonstrate that PARP1 UFMylation promotes CHK1 activation and replication fork stability during replication stress, thus safeguarding genome integrity.
Different states of synaptic vesicle priming explain target cell type–dependent differences in neurotransmitter release
Authors: Aldahabi Mohammad , Neher Erwin , Nusser Zoltan
Published: April 2024

Pronounced differences in neurotransmitter release from a given presynaptic neuron, depending on the synaptic target, are among the most intriguing features of cortical networks. Hippocampal pyramidal cells (PCs) release glutamate with low probability to somatostatin expressing oriens-lacunosum-moleculare (O-LM) interneurons (INs), and the postsynaptic responses show robust short-term facilitation, whereas the release from the same presynaptic axons onto fast-spiking INs (FSINs) is ~10-fold higher and the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) display depression. The mechanisms underlying these vastly different synaptic behaviors have not been conclusively identified. Here, we applied a combined functional, pharmacological, and modeling approach to address whether the main difference lies in the action potential-evoked fusion or else in upstream priming processes of synaptic vesicles (SVs). A sequential two-step SV priming model was fitted to the peak amplitudes of unitary EPSCs recorded in response to complex trains of presynaptic stimuli in acute hippocampal slices of adult mice. At PC–FSIN connections, the fusion probability (P
fusion
) of well-primed SVs is 0.6, and 44% of docked SVs are in a fusion-competent state. At PC–O-LM synapses, P
fusion
is only 40% lower (0.36), whereas the fraction of well-primed SVs is 6.5-fold smaller. Pharmacological enhancement of fusion by 4-AP and priming by PDBU was recaptured by the model with a selective increase of P
fusion
and the fraction of well-primed SVs, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the low fidelity of transmission at PC–O-LM synapses can be explained by a low occupancy of the release sites by well-primed SVs.
Editorial: Animal-Assisted Interventions
Authors: Kogan Lori
Published: April 2024

Information

© The Authors 2024
Unsealed piezoelectric MEMS speaker with rigid-flexible composite membrane
Authors: Wang Qi , Hu Zhiyong , Ruan Tao , Zhao Jinshi
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose an unsealed piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) speaker with rigid-flexible composite membrane, which can eliminate the membrane separation and the vibration displacement limitation at high driving voltage compared to that with the sealed rigid-flexible coupling membrane demonstrated in our previous work. Measurements performed on encapsulated prototypes mounted to an artificial ear simulator have revealed that in the human audible range of 20 Hz–20 kHz, higher than 68.5 dB SPLs are obtained at 2 V, and greater than 89.6 dB SPLs are achieved at 10 V. Moreover, the SPL distribution and effective SPLs at each moment when playing the same song exhibit similar characteristics to those of a commercial electromagnetic one. This piezoelectric MEMS speaker achieves high SPLs meeting the basic hearing needs of the human, and will have excellent prospects for future wearable audio electronics.
Adaptive frequency-stabilization of MEMS oscillators using mode coupling
Authors: Huan Ronghua , Dai Hongsheng , Wang Xuefeng , Yang Qiqi , Wan Haibo , Shi Zhan , Lv Qiangfeng , Wei Xueyong
Published: April 2024

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) oscillators with high frequency stability hold significant potential for a myriad of applications across diverse fields. This letter delves into an adaptive frequency stabilization system designed to significantly improve the performance of MEMS oscillators. Our approach leverages the concept of mode coupling to dynamically adjust the oscillator’s frequency based on phase control, ensuring optimal stability under varying operating conditions. The MEMS oscillator comprises a nonlinear low-frequency resonator and a linear high-frequency resonator. Through mode coupling and phase control, the nonlinear resonator is harnessed to regulate the oscillation frequency of the linear resonator. Experimental results prove that by applying the proposed approach, the frequency stability of the MEMS oscillator is enhanced by nearly 700 times for long-term stability at 1000 s. Additionally, in the scenario with varying temperature, the system also effectively improves the frequency stability by over 1000 times at 802 s.
Ratio of 4:1 between ZnGeAs2 and MnAs phases in a single composite and its impact on the structure-driven magnetoresistance
Authors: Arslanov T R , Zalibekov U Z , Ashurov G G , Losanov Kh Kh , Zhao X , Dai B , Ril A I
Published: April 2024

A strong influence of the lattice degree of freedom on magnetoresistance (MR) under high pressure underlies the conception of ‘structure-driven’ magnetoresistance (SDMR). In most magnetic or topological materials, the suppression of MR with increasing pressure is a general trend, while for some magnetic composites the MR enhances and even shows unusual behavior as a consequence of structural transition. Here we investigated the SDMR in the composite material based on the ZnGeAs2 semiconductor matrix and MnAs magnetic inclusions in a phase ratio of 4:1. At ambient pressure, its magnetic and transport properties are governed by MnAs inclusions, i.e. it shows a Curie temperature T
C≈ 320 K and metallic-like conductivity. Under high pressure, the low-field room temperature MR undergoes multiple changes in the pressure range up to 7.2 GPa. The structural transition in the ZnGeAs2 matrix has been found at ∼6 GPa, slightly lower than in the pure ZnGeAs2 (6.2 GPa). The huge SDMR as high as 85% at 6.8 GPa and 2.5 kOe, which contains both positive and negative MR components, is accompanied by a pressure-induced metallic-like-to-semiconductor-like transition and the enhanced ferromagnetic order of MnAs inclusions. This observation offers a competing mechanism between the robust extrinsic ferromagnetism and high-pressure electronic properties of ZnGeAs2.
Structural vibration frequency monitoring based on event camera
Authors: Lv Yuanyuan , Zhou Liang , Liu Zhaohui , Zhang Haiyang
Published: April 2024

Compared with traditional cameras, event cameras (ECs) have the significant advantages of high temporal resolution, low data redundancy, and microsecond delay, which are beneficial in structural monitoring to extract the dense response of structures in both spatial and temporal dimensions. In this paper, the vibration frequency detection method based on ECs is studied. This study investigates vibration frequency detection methods based on ECs, and proposes two algorithms for vibration frequency detection based on event streams: marker tracking and event count. Experimental verification is conducted through forced vibration experiments. The results indicate that the event count method achieves high-precision measurement of vibration frequencies in the range of 10–190 Hz for different vibration scales, with a maximum relative error of 1% and an average relative error of 0.673%. The marker tracking method demonstrates a maximum relative error of 1.43% and an average relative error of 0.575% in frequency measurement for large-amplitude vibrations. However, as the amplitude decreases, the frequency measurement error increases. When the amplitude is less than 3 pixels, the frequency measurement error exceeds 30%, rendering the measurement results unreliable. This research provides technical support for high-precision structural vibration frequency monitoring and further expands the application of ECs in structural monitoring.
A novel multi-sensor hybrid fusion framework
Authors: Du Haoran , Wang Qi , Zhang Xunan , Qian Wenjun , Wang Jixin
Published: April 2024

Multi-sensor data fusion has emerged as a powerful approach to enhance the accuracy and robustness of diagnostic systems. However, effectively integrating multiple sensor data remains a challenge. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel multi-sensor fusion framework. Firstly, a vibration signal weighted fusion rule based on Kullback–Leibler divergence-permutation entropy is introduced, which adaptively determines the weighting coefficients by considering the positional differences of different sensors. Secondly, a lightweight multi-scale convolutional neural network is designed for feature extraction and fusion of multi-sensor data. An ensemble classifier is employed for fault classification, and an improved hard voting strategy is proposed to achieve more reliable decision fusion. Finally, the superiority of the proposed method is validated using modular state detection data from the Kaggle database.
Gradient elasticity in Swift–Hohenberg and phase-field crystal models
Authors: Benoit-Maréchal Lucas , Salvalaglio Marco
Published: April 2024

The Swift–Hohenberg (SH) and phase-field crystal (PFC) models are minimal yet powerful approaches for studying phenomena such as pattern formation, collective order, and defects via smooth order parameters. They are based on a free-energy functional that inherently includes elasticity effects. This study addresses how gradient elasticity (GE), a theory that accounts for elasticity effects at microscopic scales by introducing additional characteristic lengths, is incorporated into SH and PFC models. After presenting the fundamentals of these theories and models, we first calculate the characteristic lengths for various lattice symmetries in an approximated setting. We then discuss numerical simulations of stress fields at dislocations and comparisons with analytic solutions within first and second strain-gradient elasticity. Effective GE characteristic lengths for the elastic fields induced by dislocations are found to depend on the free-energy parameters in the same manner as the phase correlation length, thus unveiling how they change with the quenching depth. The findings presented in this study enable a thorough discussion and analysis of small-scale elasticity effects in pattern formation and crystalline systems using SH and PFC models and, importantly, complete the elasticity analysis therein. Additionally, we provide a microscopic foundation for GE in the context of order-disorder phase transitions.
Performance evaluation of the FastIC readout ASIC with emphasis on Cherenkov emission in TOF-PET
Authors: Piller Markus , Castilla Antonio M , Terragni Giulia , Alozy Jerome , Auffray Etiennette , Ballabriga Rafael , Campbell Michael , Deutschmann Bernd , Gascon David , Gola Alberto , Merzi Stefano , Michalowska-Forsyth Alicja , Penna Michele , Gómez Sergio , Kratochwil Nicolaus
Published: April 2024

Objective. The efficient usage of prompt photons like Cherenkov emission is of great interest for the design of the next generation, cost-effective, and ultra-high-sensitivity time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) scanners. With custom, high power consuming, readout electronics and fast digitization the prospect of sub-300 ps FWHM with PET-sized BGO crystals have been shown. However, these results are not scalable to a full system consisting of thousands of detector elements. Approach. To pave the way toward a full TOF-PET scanner, we examine the performance of the FastIC ASIC with Cherenkov-emitting scintillators (BGO), together with one of the most recent SiPM detector developments based on metal trenching from FBK. The FastIC is a highly configurable ASIC with 8 input channels, a power consumption of 12 mW ch−1 and excellent linearity on the energy measurement. To put the timing performance of the FastIC into perspective, comparison measurements with high-power consuming readout electronics are performed. Main results. We achieve a best CTR FWHM of 330 ps for 2 × 2 × 3 mm3 and 490 ps for 2 × 2 × 20 mm3 BGO crystals with the FastIC. In addition, using 20 mm long LSO:Ce:Ca crystals, CTR values of 129 ps FWHM have been measured with the FastIC, only slightly worse to the state-of-the-art of 95 ps obtained with discrete HF electronics. Significance. For the first time, the timing capability of BGO with a scalable ASIC has been evaluated. The findings underscore the potential of the FastIC ASIC in the development of cost-effective TOF-PET scanners with excellent timing characteristics.
Suppression of radial motion in translated field-reversed configuration plasma via global gyro-effect
Authors: Kobayashi Daichi , Seki Taichi , Takahashi Tsutomu , Morelli Jordan , Asai Tomohiko
Published: April 2024

The radial motion of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) during translation at supersonic/Alfvénic speed was effectively suppressed by the global gyro-effect induced by toroidal flow. In magnetohydrodynamic approximation, an FRC is inherently unstable against radial motions such as tilt and wobble. Surprisingly, the magnetic structure of the FRC remained intact even during translation at speeds exceeding the ion sonic and Alfvén speeds, despite the presence of radial motions. Optical observations were conducted on the radial motion and toroidal flow of translated FRCs under various electric boundary conditions at the device end. The implementation of end-shorting led to an increased toroidal flow rate, consequently reducing the radial displacement of the FRC during translation. This control of toroidal flow from the device’s end not only suppressed radial motion but also facilitated head-on collisions in the formation of FRCs by the collisional merging technique. The findings emphasize the significance of toroidal flow control in preserving the integrity of FRC’s simply connected geometry and enhancing its formation performance.
Assessing the efficacy of an atmospheric air DC glow discharge system for sustainable nitrogen fixation: a vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering study
Authors: Qiao Jun-Jie , Yang Qi , Wang Da-Zhi , Pei Xue-Kai , Xiong Qing
Published: April 2024

In addressing the substantial greenhouse gas emissions produced by the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch synthesis, this study investigates the viability of sustainable nitrogen fixation (NF) via low-temperature plasma systems energized by renewable sources. Utilizing vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering as a diagnostic tool, we probed the nitrogen rovibrational temperature and population dynamics within a DC glow discharge in atmospheric air, a setting with considerable promise for eco-friendly fertilizer production. Besides, density for atomic

N

,

O

, and

NO

was quantified by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) or two-photon absorbed LIF methods. Our findings reveal a quasi-equilibrium between rotational and vibrational energy states in the DC glow discharge environment, reaching an approximate value of 3500 K at the discharge core. The discharge parameters, discharge current, air flow rate, and discharge gap influence the rovibrational temperature, density distribution of species of interest, and the NF energy cost. However, the influences induced by these parameters are of limitations. Further analysis implies that the high gas temperature and its induced significant vibrational-rotational and vibrational-translational energy exchange are mainly responsible for the non-ideal NF energy cost.
Review of β-Ga2O3 solar-blind ultraviolet photodetector: growth, device, and application
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Zhe , Zhang Zeyulin , Liu Dinghe , Zeng Liru , Yan Yiru , Chen Dazheng , Feng Qian , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue , Zhang Chunfu
Published: April 2024

Due to the excellent responsivity and high rejection ratio, Ga2O3-based solar-blind ultraviolet photodetectors (PDs) are attracting more and more attention. The excellent material quality ensures great performance of PDs. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in growth methods of β-Ga2O3 bulk and thin films. Based on high-quality substrates and thin films, numerous state-of-art Ga2O3-based PDs have been reported in decades. Therefore, we collect some representative achievements in Ga2O3-based PDs, summarizing the development process of each type of structure. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of different structures are also discussed to provide practical reference for researchers in this field. Additionally, inspired by the excellent performance of Ga2O3-based PDs, many research teams have also explored the applications based on solar-blind detection. We summarize three application fields, including imaging, light communication, and optical tracing, introducing some excellent works from different teams. Finally, we evaluate the outlook and remaining challenges in the future development of Ga2O3-based PDs.
Enhancing wearable humidity sensing with conductive PANi-Coated polyurethane nanofibers
Authors: Afrashi Mehran , Aghaei Ali , Shanbeh Mohsen , Ebadi Seyed Vahid
Published: April 2024

This study presents a flexible nanofibrous humidity sensor for wearable applications and smart textiles. The methodology involved fabricating polyurethane (PU) nanofibers via electrospinning, followed by polyaniline (PANi) coating under varied synthesis conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed consistent diameter uniformity in the prepared PU nanofibers. Moreover, an increase in average nanofiber diameter (305 to 539 nm) was observed with rising polymer solution concentration (7% to 9%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the physical presence of PANi on PU nanofiber surfaces without inducing structural changes. Additionally, the strength of PU nanofibrous samples, with or without PANi coating, increased proportionally with higher PANi and PU polymer concentrations. Electrical conductivity was measured using a four-point device, and surface resistance was assessed across varying humidity levels to study humidity’s impact on samples. Results exhibited a linear relationship between surface electrical resistance and relative humidity changes. Furthermore, the PU and PU/PANi nanofibers exhibit contact angles of 113° and 133°, respectively. The PANi-coated sample is more hydrophobic compared to the uncoated sample. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential of the developed sensor as a responsive tool for monitoring humidity fluctuations in diverse applications.
DFT investigation of M2F superalkali doped dodecafluorophenylene (C13H10F12) derivatives with remarkable static and dynamic NLO response
Authors: Asif Misbah , Sarfaraz Sehrish , Shahnaz  , Ayub Khurshid
Published: April 2024

Herein, based on density functional theory (DFT) simulations, the static and dynamic hyperpolarizabilities of the superalkalides based on Janus molecules have been explored. The designed superalkalides M2F(F)-DDFP-M2F(H) contain Janus based Dodecafluorophenylene (DDFP) molecule doped with superalkalis on both sides acting as both electron acceptors and donors. Thermodynamic stabilities are evident from the negative values of interaction energies, which are observed in the range of −2.96 eV to −3.63 eV. The maximum interaction energy (Eint) obtained is −3.63 eV for Li2F(F)-DDFP-Li2F(H) complex. The NBO (natural bond orbital) and FMO (frontier molecular orbital) analyses confirm the true superalkalide nature of the designed complexes. FMO analysis further reveals the reduction in energy gap E(H-L) from 10.43 eV (for bare DDFP) to 3.17 eV for the designed superalkalis. Furthermore, NLO response of the studied complexes reveals that the maximum values of polarizability (617 au) and hyperpolarizability are seen for Na2F(F)-DDFP-K2F(H) (4.25 × 104 au) complex, which confirms the remarkable NLO response of newly designed superalkalides. Moreover, frequency dependent analysis indicates that the maximum values of simple harmonic generation (SHG), electro-optical pockel effect (EOPE) and hyper Rayleigh scattering are 7.79 × 106, 2.75 × 106 and 4.45 × 106 au, respectively. The EOKE and EFISHG values are 6.79 × 107 and 7.68 × 1010 at 1339 nm suggesting significant increase in the NLO response of the reported complexes. These results manifest that our designed complexes might provide new paths towards the exceptionally high performance NLO materials. Moreover, we expect that the present work will provide guidance for designing and synthesis of superalkali based NLO materials in future.
Characterization of energy dissipation of particle system in high velocity compaction
Authors: Yang Yi , Ma Fei , Xiong Wei , Li Tao
Published: April 2024

Energy transmission and dissipation during HVC lead to the uneven pressing force of the powder in the die cavity, which ultimately affects the densification and mechanical properties of powder metallurgy products. This study used the discrete element method (DEM) to monitor the energy transmission and dissipation of the powder system during HVC, investigate the relationship between the dissipation of kinetic energy and the impact energy during the loading stage, and consider the relationship between the strain energy release rate and the impact energy during the unloading stage. The results show that the boundary energy (impact energy) is mainly converted into strain, frictional, and damping energy, of which the kinetic energy is only an intermediate form and its attenuation equation is also obtained. The larger the porosity of the particle system is, the larger the dissipation factor β is, and the more serious the energy dissipation is. It can be found that the release rate of the strain energy gradually decreases with increasing impact energy, and the strain energy is significantly higher than the frictional energy in the green compacts.
Unravelling the La dopant induced physicochemical changes and the electrical behaviour on BaFeO3 under oxidising and reducing atmospheres
Authors: Prabhahari V , Raja N , Iniyan S , K Suresh Babu
Published: April 2024

Electroceramic oxides like La-doped BaFeO3 garner greater interest owing to their tunability of mixed ionic conduction. However, reports on the effect of La on the microstructural changes, the type of conduction mechanism under different atmospheres and the negative charge transfer influenced by the Fe-O hybridization in Ba1−xLaxFeO3−δ
are hardly available. Doping La induces cation vacancies and Fe reduction, creating nanorod decorated surface after the high-temperature treatment. Conductivity studies expose the rate-limiting steps for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as the ohmic resistances and Ba segregation effects. Among the samples studied, Ba0.9La0.1FeO3−δ
performs better at 800 °C with an activation energy of ∼0.35 eV under both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. Surface analysis after EIS reveals Fe and O with different oxidation states that enhance the total conductivity. The amount of hydroxyl species retained (23.66% for Ba0.9La0.1FeO3−δ
) and the ratio of the adsorbed to the lattice oxygen (15.33% for Ba0.9La0.1FeO3−δ
) gives insight on HOR and ORR activities. Also, computational studies validated the negative charge transfer mechanism of the samples under thermally assisted oxidation. The results indicate Ba0.9La0.1FeO3−δ
as a tuneable electrode for solid oxide cells.
CMB bispectrum constraints on DHOST inflation
Authors: Sohn Wuhyun , Lazanu Andrei , Brax Philippe , Fergusson James R.
Published: April 2024

We present the first direct constraints on a Degenerate Higher Order Scalar Tensor (DHOST)
inflation model using the Planck 2018 Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) results on
non-Gaussianities. We identify that the bispectrum consists of a fixed contribution following
from the power spectrum and a linear combination of terms depending on five free parameters
defining the cubic perturbations to the DHOST model. The former peaks in the squeezed limit, while
the latter is maximised in the equilateral limit. We directly confront the model predictions to
the CMB bispectrum statistics via the public code CMB-BEST and marginalize over the free
parameters. We explicitly show that there are viable DHOST inflationary models satisfying both
power spectrum and bispectrum constraints from Planck. However, rather surprisingly,
the constraints exclude certain models at the 6σ-level even though they pass the
conventional fudge factor tests. In this case and despite having a handful of free parameters, the
model's large squeezed bispectrum cannot be cancelled out without introducing a large bispectrum
in other limits which are strongly constrained by Planck's non-detection of primordial
non-Gaussianity. We emphasize that first-order approximations such as fudge factors, albeit
commonly used in the literature, may be misleading and provide weaker constraints. A proper
analysis of the constraints from Planck requires a more robust approach, such as the one
provided by the CMB-BEST code.
Further investigation on the fusion of 6Li with 209Bi target at near-barrier energies*
Authors: Zhang 张 G. L. 高龙 , Jiao 焦 Z. W. 振威 , Zhang 张 G. X. 广鑫 , Cortes M. R. , Hu 胡 S. P. 世鹏 , Qian 钱 J. Q. 建强 , Mengoni D. , Qu 屈 W. W. 卫卫 , Li 李 C. B. 聪博 , Zheng 郑 Y. 云 , Zhang 张 H. Q. 焕乔 , Sun 孙 H. B. 慧斌 , Wang 王 N. 楠 , Zhang 张 C. L. 春雷 , Valiente-Dobón J. J. , Testov D. , Mazzocco M. , Gozzelino A. , Parascandolo C. , Pierroutsakou D. , La Commara M. , Goasduff A. , Bazzacco D. , Napoli D. R. , Galtarossa F. , Recchia F. , Illana A. , Bakes S. , Zanon I. , Aydin S. , de Angelis G. , Siciliano M. , Menegazzo R. , Lenzi S.M. , Ferreira J. L. , Rangel J. , Akkoyun Serkan , Canto L. F. , Lubian J.
Published: April 2024

The complete and incomplete fusion cross sections for 6Li+209Bi were measured using the in-beam γ-ray method around the Coulomb barrier. The cross sections of (deuteron captured) incomplete fusion (ICF) products were re-quantified experimentally for this reaction system. The results reveal that the ICF cross section is equivalent to that of complete fusion (CF) above the Coulomb barrier and dominant near or below the Coulomb barrier. A theoretical calculation based on the continuum discretized coupled channel (CDCC) method was performed for the aforementioned CF and ICF cross sections; the result is consistent with the experiments. The universal fusion function (UFF) was also compared with the measured CF cross section for different barrier parameters, demonstrating that the CF suppression factor is significantly influenced by the choice of potential, which can reflect both dynamic and static effects of breakup on the fusion process.
Calibration of the cryogenic measurement system of a resonant haloscope cavity*
Authors: He 贺 Dong 冬 , Fan 樊 Jie 洁 , Gao 高 Xin 昕 , Gao 高 Yu 宇 , Houston Nick , Ji 姬 Zhongqing 忠庆 , Jin 金 Yirong 贻荣 , Li 李 Chuang 闯 , Li 李 Jinmian 金勉 , Li 李 Tianjun 田军 , Liu 刘 Shi-hang 世航 , Niu 牛 Jia-Shu 家树 , Peng 彭 Zhihui 智慧 , Sun 孙 Liang 亮 , Sun 孙 Zheng 铮 , Wang 王 Jia 佳 , Wei 卫 Puxian 镨先 , Wu 吴 Lina 利娜 , Xiang 相 Zhongchen 忠诚 , Yang 杨 Qiaoli 峤立 , Zhang 张 Chi 驰 , Zhang 张 Wenxing 文星 , Zhang 张 Xin 欣 , Zheng 郑 Dongning 东宁 , Zheng 郑 Ruifeng 瑞丰 , Zhou 周 Jian-yong 建勇
Published: April 2024

Possible light bosonic dark matter interactions with the Standard Model photon have been searched using microwave resonant cavities. In this paper, we describe the cryogenic readout system calibration of a 7.138 GHz copper cavity with a loaded quality factor

whose operation at a temperature of 22 mK is based on a dilution refrigerator. Our readout system consists of High Electron Mobility Transistors working as cryogenic amplifiers at 4 K, plus room-temperature amplifiers and a spectrum analyzer for signal power detection. We tested the system with a superconducting two-level system based on a single-photon source in the microwave frequency regime. We obtained an overall 95.6 dB system gain and –71.4 dB attenuation in the cavity's input channel. The effective noise temperature of the measurement system is 7.5 K.
Signal alignment for cross-datasets in P300 brain-computer interfaces
Authors: Song Minseok , Gwon Daeun , Jun Sung Chan , Ahn Minkyu
Published: April 2024

Objective. Transfer learning has become an important issue in the brain-computer interface (BCI) field, and studies on subject-to-subject transfer within the same dataset have been performed. However, few studies have been performed on dataset-to-dataset transfer, including paradigm-to-paradigm transfer. In this study, we propose a signal alignment (SA) for P300 event-related potential (ERP) signals that is intuitive, simple, computationally less expensive, and can be used for cross-dataset transfer learning. Approach. We proposed a linear SA that uses the P300’s latency, amplitude scale, and reverse factor to transform signals. For evaluation, four datasets were introduced (two from conventional P300 Speller BCIs, one from a P300 Speller with face stimuli, and the last from a standard auditory oddball paradigm). Results. Although the standard approach without SA had an average precision (AP) score of 25.5%, the approach demonstrated a 35.8% AP score, and we observed that the number of subjects showing improvement was 36.0% on average. Particularly, we confirmed that the Speller dataset with face stimuli was more comparable with other datasets. Significance. We proposed a simple and intuitive way to align ERP signals that uses the characteristics of ERP signals. The results demonstrated the feasibility of cross-dataset transfer learning even between datasets with different paradigms.
Microscopic model for a Brownian translator
Authors: Wijns Bart , Eichhorn Ralf , Cleuren Bart
Published: April 2024

A microscopic model for a translational Brownian motor, dubbed a Brownian translator, is introduced. It is inspired by the Brownian gyrator described by Filliger and Reimann (2007 Phys. Rev. Lett.
99 230602). The Brownian translator consists of a spatially asymmetric object moving freely along a line due to perpetual collisions with a surrounding ideal gas. When this gas has an anisotropic temperature, both spatial and temporal symmetries are broken and the object acquires a nonzero drift. Onsager reciprocity implies the opposite phenomenon, that is dragging a spatially asymmetric object into an (initially at) equilibrium gas induces an energy flow that results in anisotropic gas temperatures. Expressions for the dynamical and energetic properties are derived as a series expansion in the mass ratio (of gas particle vs. object). These results are in excellent agreement with molecular dynamics simulations.
Study of low-energy nuclear recoils in liquid argon with the ReD experiment
Authors: Pino N. , Ahmad I. , Albergo S. , Albuquerque I. , Atzori Corona M. , Ave M. , Bottino B. , Cadeddu M. , Caminata A. , Canci N. , Cesarano R. , Davini S. , Dias L.K.S. , Di Capua F. , Dolganov G. , Fiorillo G. , Franco D. , Gulino M. , Kemmerich N. , Kimura M. , Kuźniak M. , La Commara M. , Matteucci G. , Moura Santos E. , Oleynikov V. , Pandola L. , Perez Varona R. , Puglia S.M.R. , Rescigno M. , Sales Costa B. , Sanfilippo S. , Sunny C. , Suvorov Y. , Tartaglia R. , Testera G. , Tricomi A. , Wada M. , Wang Y. , Wojaczyński R. , Zakhary P. ,   the DarkSide-20k collaboration
Published: April 2024

Liquid Argon (LAr) Time Projection Chambers (TPC) operating in double-phase can detect the
nuclear recoils (NR) possibly caused by the elastic scattering of WIMP dark matter particles via
light signals from both scintillation and ionization processes. In the scenario of a low-mass
WIMP (< 2 GeV/c2), the energy range for the NRs would be below 20 keV, thus making it crucial
to characterize the ionization response in LAr TPCs as the lone available detection channel at
such low energy. The Recoil Directionality (ReD) project, within the Global Argon Dark Matter
Collaboration, aims to measure the ionization yield of a LAr TPC in the recoil energy range of 2–5 keV. The measurement was performed in winter 2023 at the INFN Sezione of Catania and the
analysis is ongoing.
SiC based beam monitoring system for particle rates from kHz to GHz
Authors: Waid Simon , Gsponer Andreas , Burin Jürgen , Gaggl Philipp , Thalmeier Richard , Bergauer Thomas
Published: April 2024

The extremely low dark current of silicon carbide (SiC) detectors, even after high-fluence irradiation, was utilized to develop a beam monitoring system for a wide range of particle rates, i.e., from the kHz to the GHz regime. The system is completely built from
off-the-shelf
components and is focused on compactness and simple deployment. Beam tests using a 50 um thick SiC detector reveal, that for low fluences, single particles can be detected and counted. For higher fluences, beam properties were extracted from beam cross sections using a silicon strip detector.
Overall, accurate
results were achieved up to a particle rate of 109 particles per second.
How the discovery of Cold Noise delayed the production of ATLAS ITk strip tracker modules by a year
Authors: Dyckes G.I. , Kurth M.G. ,   the ITk Strip collaboration
Published: April 2024

The construction of the ATLAS strip tracker barrel will require the assembly of 12,000 barrel detector modules over the course of 3.5 years. In 2022, during the module pre-production phase, modules were found to display clusters of noisy channels outside required specifications when tested at operating temperatures (-35°C), called “Cold Noise”. Extensive investigations into the cause and mechanism of Cold Noise interrupted pre-production and occupied most barrel module assembly sites. This contribution presents an overview of the year-long investigations into Cold Noise, the final identification of the underlying mechanism and necessary changes for the transition to production.
Optimizing time resolution and power consumption in a current-mode circuit for SiPMs
Authors: Manera R. , Gómez S. , Mariscal-Castilla A. , Mauricio J. , Ballabriga R. , Gascón D.
Published: April 2024

Several applications that employ SiPMs require high time precision readout electronics. This work presents a study for the optimization of timing resolution of readout electronics for SiPMs focused on the effect of sensor area, transistor scaling and power consumption on electronic jitter. The design of the most critical stages are presented, specially the front-end input stage in current-mode. The performance of three different technologies (180, 130 and 65 nm) are studied. 65 nm is the best option to obtain good timing resolution with less power consumption. Dividing the sensor into smaller segments improves the Single Photon Electronics Jitter (SPEJ), but does not translate into a better Coincidence Time Resolution (CTR) when keeping the power per unit area constant, performing analog summation or employing an averaging algorithm of the time stamps for small LSO:Ce:%0.2Ca scintillator crystal.
Living emission abolish filters (LEAFs) for methane mitigation: design and operation
Authors: Hamilton Richard , Griffith Nicholas , Salamon Peter , Handler Robert , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G
Published: April 2024

As one of the most potent greenhouse gases, methane is a critical target for the near-term mitigation of global warming. Efficient, scalable, easy-to-implement, and robust mitigation technologies are urgently needed to assist in reaching methane abolishment. The goal of this research was to test the applicability of active, extremophilic methanotrophic cells as a baseline concept for engineered systems aiming at methane capturing. The system, named living emission abolish filters (LEAFs), represents an array of immobilized biomaterials capable of capturing methane directly from vent streams. The biomaterials were made using cells of Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20ZR, a robust halophilic methanotrophic bacterium with the ability to consume methane gas at low concentrations. Several critical parameters were tested, including (i) the composition of the matrix and optimal immobilization to increase catalyst load, (ii) the stability of methanotrophic cells, and (iii) the toxicity of trace gases (i.e. CO). We found that hydrogels coated with 2.3 mg cell dry weight/cm3 methanotrophic cells represent the best-performing biomaterials. The methane reduction potential of LEAFs fluctuated from 20% to 95% and depended on the methane concentration in the gas stream and the stream flow rates. The potential for commercial-scale deployment and emissions reductions was also evaluated. Total greenhouse gas emissions (combined using the global warming potential GWP100) from an example using a ventilation air methane source over a one-year period was shown to be reduced in two LEAF scenarios by 51% and 75%. Over longer time horizons, more significant reductions are possible as consistent methane consumption can be sustained. The study highlights the overall potential of the liquid-free bio-based composite methane mitigation system. Further improvements essential for system assembly and implementations should include (a) optimization of the cell immobilization protocols to improve cell load and the shelf-life of the system and (b) implementation of matrix moldings for cell immobilization to achieve optimal gas flow and increase the cell-gas interface.
Genome structural dynamics: insights from Gaussian network analysis of Hi-C data
Authors: Banerjee Anupam , Zhang She , Bahar Ivet
Published: April 2024

Characterization of the spatiotemporal properties of the chromatin is essential to gaining insights into the physical bases of gene co-expression, transcriptional regulation and epigenetic modifications. The Gaussian network model (GNM) has proven in recent work to serve as a useful tool for modeling chromatin structural dynamics, using as input high-throughput chromosome conformation capture data. We focus here on the exploration of the collective dynamics of chromosomal structures at hierarchical levels of resolution, from single gene loci to topologically associating domains or entire chromosomes. The GNM permits us to identify long-range interactions between gene loci, shedding light on the role of cross-correlations between distal regions of the chromosomes in regulating gene expression. Notably, GNM analysis performed across diverse cell lines highlights the conservation of the global/cooperative movements of the chromatin across different types of cells. Variations driven by localized couplings between genomic loci, on the other hand, underlie cell differentiation, underscoring the significance of the four-dimensional properties of the genome in defining cellular identity. Finally, we demonstrate the close relation between the cell type–dependent mobility profiles of gene loci and their gene expression patterns, providing a clear demonstration of the role of chromosomal 4D features in defining cell-specific differential expression of genes.
Treatment preferences and real-world outcomes for patients with complex lentigo maligna
Authors: Tay Evelyn , Ali Faisal R , Craythorne Emma
Published: April 2024

The recent review on lentigo maligna (LM) succinctly outlines treatment options for patients with LM. Our own retrospective real-world data regarding patient preferences and treatment outcomes may be instructive for dermatologists treating patients with LM.
Blood Biomarkers for the Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Clinical Practice
Authors: Oris Charlotte , Kahouadji Samy , Bouvier Damien , Sapin Vincent
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the use of validated guidelines in the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), processes to limit unnecessary brain scans are still not sufficient and need to be improved. The use of blood biomarkers represents a relevant adjunct to identify patients at risk for intracranial injury requiring computed tomography (CT) scan.

Content

Biomarkers currently recommended in the management of mTBI in adults and children are discussed in this review. Protein S100 beta (S100B) is the best-documented blood biomarker due to its validation in large observational and interventional studies. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin carboxyterminal hydrolase L-1 (UCH-L1) have also recently demonstrated their usefulness in patients with mTBI. Preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical performance are presented to aid in their interpretation in clinical practice. Finally, new perspectives on biomarkers and mTBI are discussed.

In adults, the inclusion of S100B in Scandinavian and French guidelines has reduced the need for CT scans by at least 30%. S100B has significant potential as a diagnostic biomarker, but limitations include its rapid half-life, which requires blood collection within 3 h of trauma, and its lack of neurospecificity. In 2018, the FDA approved the use of combined determination of GFAP and UCH-L1 to aid in the assessment of mTBI. Since 2022, new French guidelines also recommend the determination of GFAP and UCH-L1 in order to target a larger number of patients (sampling within 12 h post-injury) and optimize the reduction of CT scans. In the future, new cut-offs related to age and promising new biomarkers are expected for both diagnostic and prognostic applications.
Authoritarian Resistance and Judicial Complicity: Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Kurban Dilek
Published: April 2024

International courts face growing contestations to their authority. Scholars have conceptualized the forms and grounds of such resistance as well as the response of international courts. Much empirical research has focused on regional courts with human rights mandates. Yet, in focusing on overt resistance, not differentiating between authoritarian and democratic regimes, and depicting courts at the receiving end of resistance, scholarship does not account for discrete forms of resistance tolerated and enabled by courts. In addition, studies on the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) base their analyses exclusively on judgments, which constitute a mere 9 per cent of this Court’s jurisprudence. This methodological bias, combined with a time frame limited to the post-2010s when the ECtHR has faced public contestations to its authority, have led to inaccurate and incomplete conclusions regarding the Strasbourg Court’s response to backlash and illiberalism. This article calls for a goal-orientated conceptualization of resistance and a methodology that analyses the ECtHR’s non-judgment jurisprudence in its entirety to reach accurate conclusions on its response to authoritarianism. Based on an in-depth and contextual analysis of the ECtHR-Turkey case, the article puts forth empirically grounded insights on authoritarian resistance and judicial complicity. It argues that authoritarian regimes seek to lessen international courts’ oversight of their policies, not to undermine the authority of these courts as such, and that international courts are not always resilient vis-à-vis authoritarian resistance but can also be complicit with it. The forms of authoritarian resistance and judicial response depend on the institutional set-up of the human rights regime in question as well as the ways in which international courts exercise their review powers. The two phenomena influence and reinforce each other, resulting in the simultaneous or consecutive occurrence of various forms of authoritarian resistance and judicial response depending on the particular political context in which they interact.