bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical characteristics and energy evolution in a rock mass with a weak structural plane
Authors: Yu Yongjiang , Yang Yuntao , Liu Jingjing , Wang Pengbo , Liu Jiaming , Song Zhiyuan , Zhao Shangqing
Published: October 2023

The present aims to investigate the mechanical characteristics and energy evolution in rock masses containing weak structural planes under conventional triaxial loading conditions. Using a fluid–solid coupling test system of coal rock, numerous conventional triaxial compression tests were performed on rock masses at various dip angles of the structural plane. The obtained empirical outcomes revealed that the deviatoric stress–strain curve of the weak structural plane rock mass with an inclination angle greater than 20° rises step-by-step. On the macro level, slip-stability occurs on the upper and lower parts of the rock mass on the weak structural plane. Then mechanism of the slip-stability phenomenon is explored by analyzing the stress level in the rock mass with various inclination angles. It is found that the energy evolution during deformation and failure reflects the damaged state of the rock. Accordingly, the concept of ‘slip dissipation energy’ is proposed, and the values of each energy are calculated. The results have a good correspondence with the deviatoric stress–strain curve. Furthermore, it was found that the energy evolution of rock mass with a weak structural plane can be primarily classified into four stages, including storage of the initial energy, slip dissipation, abrupt increase in the pre-peak dissipation energy, and sudden drop in post-peak energy. Rock masses with various levels of dip angles exhibit similar elastic strain energy and dissipation energy at the peak point, demonstrating that energy evolution is dominated by energy storage and dissipation. At the same time, a negative correlation is observed between the structural plane dip angle and the occurrence of instantaneous impact instability failure in rock masses, indicating that a greater dip angle makes the rock mass less prone to experiencing instantaneous impact instability failure. This article provides a new idea for analyzing the geological disasters caused by external disturbances.
Domain-PFP allows protein function prediction using function-aware domain embedding representations
Authors: Ibtehaz Nabil , Kagaya Yuki , Kihara Daisuke
Published: October 2023

Domains are functional and structural units of proteins that govern various biological functions performed by the proteins. Therefore, the characterization of domains in a protein can serve as a proper functional representation of proteins. Here, we employ a self-supervised protocol to derive functionally consistent representations for domains by learning domain-Gene Ontology (GO) co-occurrences and associations. The domain embeddings we constructed turned out to be effective in performing actual function prediction tasks. Extensive evaluations showed that protein representations using the domain embeddings are superior to those of large-scale protein language models in GO prediction tasks. Moreover, the new function prediction method built on the domain embeddings, named Domain-PFP, substantially outperformed the state-of-the-art function predictors. Additionally, Domain-PFP demonstrated competitive performance in the CAFA3 evaluation, achieving overall the best performance among the top teams that participated in the assessment.
Nanopore long-read RNA sequencing reveals functional alternative splicing variants in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wu Hao , Lu Yicheng , Duan Zhenzhen , Wu Jingni , Lin Minghui , Wu Yangjun , Han Siyang , Li Tongqi , Fan Yuqi , Hu Xiaoyuan , Xiao Hongyan , Feng Jiaxuan , Lu Zhiqian , Kong Deping , Li Shengli
Published: October 2023

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the major contributor to vascular repair and remodeling, which showed high level of phenotypic plasticity. Abnormalities in VSMC plasticity can lead to multiple cardiovascular diseases, wherein alternative splicing plays important roles. However, alternative splicing variants in VSMC plasticity are not fully understood. Here we systematically characterized the long-read transcriptome and their dysregulation in  human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) by employing the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read RNA sequencing in HASMCs that are separately treated with platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor, and hsa-miR-221-3P transfection. Our analysis reveals frequent alternative splicing events and thousands of unannotated transcripts generated from alternative splicing. HASMCs treated with different factors exhibit distinct transcriptional reprogramming modulated by alternative splicing. We also found that unannotated transcripts produce different open reading frames compared to the annotated transcripts. Finally, we experimentally validated the unannotated transcript derived from gene CISD1, namely CISD1-u, which plays a role in the phenotypic switch of HASMCs. Our study characterizes the phenotypic modulation of HASMCs from an insight of long-read transcriptome, which would promote the understanding and the manipulation of HASMC plasticity in cardiovascular diseases.
Electrical control of transient formation of electron-hole coexisting system at silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Hori Masahiro , Kume Jinya , Razanoelina Manjakavahoaka , Kageshima Hiroyuki , Ono Yukinori
Published: October 2023

Recent observations of macroscopic quantum condensation using electron-hole (e-h) bilayers have activated the research of its application to electronics. However, to the best of our knowledge, no attempts have been made to observe the condensation in silicon, the major material in electronics, due to the lack of technology to form closely-packed and uniform bilayers. Here, we propose a method to meet such requirements. Our method uses the transient response of carriers to a rapid gate-voltage change, permitting the self-organized bilayer formation at the metal-oxide-semiconductor interface with an e-h distance as small as the exciton Bohr radius. Recombination lifetime measurements show that the fast process is followed by a slow process, strongly suggesting that the e-h system changes its configuration depending on carrier density. This method could thus enable controlling the phase of the e-h system, paving the way for condensation and, ultimately, for low-power cryogenic silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor devices.
Remotely imaging seismic ground shaking via large-N infrasound beamforming
Authors: Anderson Jacob F. , Johnson Jeffrey B. , Mikesell T. Dylan , Liberty Lee M.
Published: October 2023

Seismic ground motion creates low-frequency atmospheric sound (infrasound) that is detectable at remote sensor arrays. However, earthquake infrasound signal analysis is complicated by interference between multiple waves arriving at sensors simultaneously, reducing the accuracy and detail of ground motion detection. Here we show that individual waves in complicated wavefields can be resolved by recording infrasound on large-N arrays and processing with CLEAN beamforming. Examining both a local (ML3.5, purely tropospheric infrasound propagation) and regional earthquake (ML6.5, upper-atmospheric returns), we detect infrasound from tens of km away and up to several hundred km away respectively. Source regions span arcs of approximately 90°, indicating that although detection bias does occur (most likely from atmospheric winds) the recorded infrasound sources are widely dispersed and not simply epicentral. Infrasound-based remote detection of ground motion over wide areas can complement point measurements by seismometers and spur innovations in earthquake research and real-time hazard monitoring.
Bioorthogonal chemistry for prodrug activation in vivo
Authors: Fu Qunfeng , Shen Siyong , Sun Pengwei , Gu Zhi , Bai Yifei , Wang Xianglin , Liu Zhibo
Published: October 2023

Bioorthogonal chemistry used in prodrug activation for cancer treatment and its potential for clinical translation.
Efficient and rapid linker optimization with heterodimeric coiled coils improves the response of fluorescent biosensors comprising antibodies and protein M
Authors: Sasamoto Kana , Yasuda Takanobu , Zhu Bo , Ueda Hiroshi , Kitaguchi Tetsuya
Published: October 2023

We developed fluorescent probes that rapidly optimize linkers using the strong heterodimer formation of the peptide pair to generate biosensors with high response.
SPRi analysis of molecular interactions of mApoE-functionalized liposomes as drug delivery systems for brain diseases
Authors: Picciolini Silvia , Rodà Francesca , Gualerzi Alice , Mangolini Valentina , Forleo Luana , Mangolini Aurora , Sesana Silvia , Antoniou Antonia , Re Francesca , Seneci Pierfausto , Bedoni Marzia
Published: October 2023

The SPRi analysis was optimized to study the interactions between mApoE-functionalized liposomes and receptors present in the brain and on monocytes and lymphocytes, demonstrating to be an excellent technique for characterization of liposomes.
The foreign body response: emerging cell types and considerations for targeted therapeutics
Authors: Yang Brenda , Rutkowski Natalie , Elisseeff Jennifer
Published: October 2023

The emerging role of T cells, stromal cells, and senescent cells and their interactions with other cell types in the FBR are discussed in this review. Additionally, factors that modulate the phenotype of these cells are briefly considered.
Intra-cluster energy transfer editing in a dual-emitting system to tap into lifetime thermometry
Authors: Calado Claudia Manuela Santos , Gálico Diogo Alves , Murugesu Muralee
Published: October 2023

The impact of composition control and energy transfer on luminescence thermometry was investigated in a TbIII/EuIII dual-emitting molecular cluster-aggregate, known as {Ln20}.
Polyelectrolyte chain conformation matters in macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly
Authors: Zhang Qian , lin Cuiling , Chen Chen , Zhang Liqun , Shi Feng , Cheng Mengjiao
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate molecular-conformation-dependent macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly (MSA) driven by electrostatic interactions.
Visible-light-induced bifunctionalisation of (homo)propargylic amines with CO2 and arylsulfinates
Authors: Reddy Mandapati Bhargava , McGarrigle Eoghan M.
Published: October 2023

An unprecedented catalytic carboxylative sulfonylation of propargyl amines with CO2 and sodium arylsulfinates under blue light irradiation with tandem double bond isomerisation at room temperature gives sulfonylated 2-oxazolidinones and 2-oxazinones.
Influence of solvent on cyclic polynorbornene tacticity
Authors: Hyun Sung-Min , Marathianos Arkadios , Boeck Parker T. , Ghiviriga Ion , Lester Daniel W. , Sumerlin Brent S. , Veige Adam S.
Published: October 2023

Tacticity is critical to polymer properties.
Charge carrier dynamics and transient spectral evolutions in lead halide perovskites
Authors: Ravali Vanga , Ghosh Tufan
Published: October 2023

Above band gap photoexcitation of halide perovskites with ultrashort visible pulses creates hot charge carriers, which relaxes to the band edge in a few hundred of femtoseconds.
Construction of 2D heterostructure Fe2P–CoP2/MoOx nanosheets for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Sheng Guan , Fang Yanghang , Zhao Shuangyang , Lyu Ruilin , Song Huijun , Jin Hui , Mohamad Hasmaliza , Che Abudullah Che Azurahanim , Kheawhom Soorathep , Shao Wei , Yin Ruilian , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin
Published: October 2023

2D heterostructure Fe2P–CoP2/MoOx nanosheets on NF were synthesized by simple hydrothermal and phosphorization methods and exhibit remarkable OER performance.
Thermal control of organic semiconductors for trace detection of explosives
Authors: Ogugu Edward B. , Gillanders Ross N. , Mohammed Salam , Turnbull Graham A.
Published: October 2023

The temperature dependent response of fluorescent polymer sensors for explosives enables reversable control of analyte binding and release.
Gas phase H+, H3O+ and NH4+ affinities of oxygen-bearing volatile organic compounds; DFT calculations for soft chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Omezzine Gnioua Maroua , Spesyvyi Anatolii , Španěl Patrik
Published: October 2023

Structures and energetics of ions MH+, MH3O+, MNH4+ resulting from soft chemical ionisation of organic molecules M were calculated. It was found that the binding energies of H3O+ and NH4+ to molecules correlate with their proton affinities.
Unravelling the interfacial water structure at the photocatalyst strontium titanate by sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Buessler Martin , Maruyama Shingo , Zelenka Moritz , Onishi Hiroshi , Backus Ellen H.G.
Published: October 2023

Unravelling the water structure at the interface between the photocatalyst strontium titanate and water by sum frequency generation spectroscopy.
Effect of annealing temperature and capping ligands on the electron mobility and electronic structure of indium oxide nanocrystal thin films: a comparative study with oleic acid, benzoic acid, and 4-aminobenzoic acid
Authors: Le Quang Trung , Yun Hyeok , Park Hyeonbeom , Jeong Hyun-Dam
Published: October 2023

The effect of annealing temperature and capping ligands on the electron mobility and electronic structure of indium oxide (In2O3) nanocrystals (NCs) was investigated using oleic acid (OA), benzoic acid (BA), and 4-aminobenzoic acid (4ABA).
Low-temperature motion of the scandium bimetal in endofullerene Sc2@C80(CH2Ph)
Authors: Kandrashkin Yuri E. , Zaripov Ruslan B.
Published: October 2023

The phase relaxation time measured by EPR spectroscopy shows a strong dependence on the magnetic quantum number of the total nuclear spin, indicating rotational diffusion of the endohedral fragment in the fullerene cage.
Electronic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of single molecular devices of 2D fullerenes with zigzag graphene nanoribbons as electrodes
Authors: Zhou Ping , Li Guohao , Sun Mengtao
Published: October 2023

Zigzag graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) were selected as electrodes, and the electron transport properties, optical properties, and thermoelectric properties of four fullerene cluster-based molecular devices were studied.
Effect of polymer addition on the phase behavior of oil–water–surfactant systems of Winsor III type
Authors: Lu Ming , Lindman Björn , Holmberg Krister
Published: October 2023

Ternary oil–water–surfactant systems can give rise to an O/W microemulsion in equilibrium with excess oil, a W/O microemulsion in equilibrium with excess water, or a bicontinuous microemulsion in equilibrium with excess oil and water.
Scaled-up microwave-assisted batch and flow synthesis and life cycle assessment of a silica mesoporous material: UVM-7
Authors: Benítez Miriam , Rodríguez-Carrillo Cristina , Sánchez-Artero Sheila , El Haskouri Jamal , Amorós Pedro , Ros-Lis Jose Vicente
Published: October 2023

A novel scaled-up method for the preparation and functionalization of mesoporous silica.
The need for hotspot-driven research
Authors: Jessop Philip G. , MacDonald Alex R.
Published: October 2023

Environmental benefit will be greatest if we green the step causing the most harm.
A single-column separation procedure for Sr, Nd, and Sm in small-size samples and high-precision isotope measurements using a TIMS with 1013 and 1012 Ω amplifiers
Authors: Xu Yu-Ming , Wang Gui-Qin , Yang Zhen , Zeng Yu-Ling , Guo Feng
Published: October 2023

A single-column separation procedure for Sr, Nd, and Sm in small-size samples and high-precision isotope measurements using a TIMS with 1013 and 1012 Ω amplifiers.
A label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on decorated cellulose nanofibrous membrane for point-of-care diagnosis of amanitin poisoning via human urine
Authors: El-Moghazy Ahmed Y. , Amaly Noha , Nitin Nitin , Sun Gang
Published: October 2023

α-Amanitin (AMN) is one of the deadliest toxins from mushrooms, present in the deadly mushroom species Amanita phalloides.
Ultrasonic spectroscopy of sessile droplets coupled to optomechanical sensors
Authors: Scheuer K. G. , Romero F. B. , Hornig G. J. , DeCorby R. G.
Published: October 2023

We describe the passive sensing of high-frequency vibrational modes of sessile droplets using integrated optomechanical sensors. This approach has potential to enable acoustic spectroscopy of liquid samples in an open microfluidics platform.
Oxide anchored multi-charged metal complexes with binary nanoparticles for stable and efficient anti-bacterial coatings on cotton fabrics
Authors: Nirmala Anjali , Pottath Suja , Prasannakumari Adarsh Velayudhanpillai , Gnanaraj Valan Rebinro , Jacob Jubi , Kumar B. S. Dileep , Pillai Saju , Sukumaran Rajeev Kumar , Hareesh U. S. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai , Shankar Sreejith
Published: October 2023

Stable anti-bacterial coatings on cotton fabrics, with high breathability, good shelf-life, comfort, and cooling effects, are developed as add-in inserts for PPE.
Mesoporous and microporous carbons from one-pot hydrothermal products for supercapacitor electrodes: effects of porous structures and surface functionality
Authors: Wang Siwen , Geng Zhongxing , Sun Wei
Published: October 2023

Mesoporous carbons were prepared from carbon dots via physical activation. Mesoporous carbons exhibit higher Cg than high-surface-area microporous carbons, and the efficiency of the surface area for mesopores is much higher than for micropores.
Simultaneous enhancement of coercivity and saturation magnetization in high-performance anisotropic NdFeB thick films with a Dy diffusion layer
Authors: Ye Zhixing , Zhao Xiaotian , Liu Long , Liu Wei , Wang Jinghui , Wu JinXiang , Li Yang , Ma Jun , Ju Hongzhan , Zhang Zhidong
Published: October 2023

With increasing the ratio of Dy in the Nd-Dy diffusion layers of NdFeB thick films, the saturation magnetization has an anomalously slight enhancement, while the coercivity and remanent magnetization have a large enhancement.
Activating the electrode–electrolyte interface via a ZnO@black phosphorus modulation layer for dendrite-free Li metal anodes
Authors: Li Pengwei , Zhang Guodong , Xiao LiangPing , Chen Kai , Li Xingyun , Han Bin , Qiu Jiebin , Xu Qingchi , Xu Jun
Published: October 2023

ZnO@BP modulation layer promoting uniform Li deposition.
Hybrid classical/machine-learning force fields for the accurate description of molecular condensed-phase systems
Authors: Thürlemann Moritz , Riniker Sereina
Published: October 2023

Hybrid machine-learning force fields combine the strengths of machine learning potentials and classical force fields enabling accurate descriptions of molecular condensed-phase systems.
Correction: Closing the balance – on the role of integrating biorefineries in the future energy system
Authors: Granacher Julia , Castro-Amoedo Rafael , Schnidrig Jonas , Maréchal François
Published: October 2023

Correction for ‘Closing the balance – on the role of integrating biorefineries in the future energy system’ by Julia Granacher et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023, 7, 4839–4854, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SE00473B.
In situformation of a ZnS/In interphase for reversible Zn metal anodes at ultrahigh currents and capacities
Authors: Yang Chengwu , Woottapanit Pattaraporn , Cao Jin , Yue Yilei , Zhang Dongdong , Yi Jin , Zeng Zhiyuan , Zhang Xinyu , Qin Jiaqian , Wang Yonggang
Published: October 2023

The ZnIn2S4coated carbon cloth canin situform a ZnS/In interphase layer, which can promote homogeneous Zn deposition and improve Zn reversibility during the Zn plating/stripping process.
MIR938 rs2505901 T>C polymorphism is associated with increased neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children
Authors: Jiang Susu , Sun Xiuhong , Zhang Xinxin , Zhou Chunlei , Wu Haiyan , He Jing , Yang Wenhan
Published: October 2023

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a kind of childhood cancer that is a prevailing and deadly solid neoplasm among pediatric malignancies. The transcriptional output of MIR938 is capable of participating in the posttranscriptional modulation of gene expression, whereby it exerts its regulatory effect by modulating both the stability and translation of target mRNAs. Previous studies showed that MIR938 was associated with many cancers. Hence, functional genetic variants in the MIR938 can be attributed to NB risk. We recruited 402 neuroblastoma patients and 473 controls from the Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and genotyped one MIR938 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2505901 T>C). There were significant associations between the rs2505901 T>C and NB risk [CC vs. TT: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–3.55, P=0.045; CC vs. TT/TC: adjusted OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.09–3.75, P=0.026]. This analysis of genotypes revealed that T>C increased the risk of NB. Some borderline significant different relationships were observed in the stratified analyses: age ≤ 18 months (adjusted OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 0.92–9.51, P=0.070), male sex (adjusted OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 0.95–5.08, P=0.067), and clinical stage III+IV (adjusted OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 0.98–4.56, P=0.055). The present study revealed that the MIR938 rs2505901 T>C polymorphism may be a potential risk factor for neuroblastoma in Chinese children. In the long term, conducting large and diverse sample studies from different ethnicities will indeed be crucial in determining the role of MIR938 polymorphisms in NB risk. By including individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, researchers can account for potential genetic variations that may exist between populations.
Polyetherimide nanocomposites filled with in‐situ synthesised bismaleimide‐DDE@CCTO hybrid nanofibers enabling improved dielectric and interfacial performance
Authors: Zuo Peiyuan , Sun Bowen , Chen Donglin , Yuan Lianping , Chen Yi , Lin Jingyu , Zhuang Qixin
Published: October 2023

Most current research of nanocomposite dielectrics for modern electronic devices and electric equipment usually focuses more on dielectric properties while in some extent ignoring the interfacial adhesion characteristics. However, the poor interfacial adhesion frequently results in serious dielectric field distortion, which would in return impair the dielectric performance enhancement. As such, how to simultaneously achieve the excellent dielectric properties and interfacial adhesion performance in organic‐inorganic nanocomposite system is worth in‐depth investigation. To realise this aim, novel hybrid nanofibers are neatly fabricated using in situ copolymerisation reaction of bismaleimide and diamino‐diphenyl ether monomers on the CCTO nanofiller surface via covalent bond connections. The resulting nanocomposites achieve high dielectric constant (9.3) and low dielectric loss (0.0185) at 1 kHz. The BMI‐DDE@CCTO/PEI yields a high discharge energy density (3.09 J/cm3) at moderate electric field (200 MV/m). Noticeably, the nanocomposites enable stable dielectric performance over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 150°C. Moreover, the binding energy for BMI‐DDE and PEI is 1052 kJ/mol according to DFT calculation. As such, the authors speculate this interesting study would inspire the broad researchers devoting to investigating bismaleimide‐coated high‐aspect‐ratio nanofillers and their dielectric materials for collaboratively improved dielectric and interfacial performance.
Ensemble learning based defect detection of laser sintering
Authors: Xin Junyi , Faheem Muhammad , Umer Qasim , Tausif Muhammad , Ashraf M. Waqar
Published: October 2023

In rapid development, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) creates prototypes by processing industrial materials, for example, polymers. Such materials are usually in powder form and fused by a laser beam. The manufacturing quality depends on the interaction between a high‐energy laser beam and the powdered material. However, in‐homogeneous temperature distribution, unstable laser powder, and inconsistent powder densities can cause defects in the final product, for example, Powder Bed Defects. Such factors can lead to irregularities, for example, warping, distortion, and inadequate powder bed fusion. These irregularities may affect the profitable SLS production. Consequently, detecting powder bed defects requires automation. An ensemble learning‐based approach is proposed for detecting defects in SLS powder bed images from this perceptive. The proposed approach first pre‐processes the images to reduce the computational complexity. Then, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based ensembled models (off‐the‐shelf CNN, bagged CNN, and boosted CNN) are implemented and compared. The ensemble learning CNN (bagged and boosted CNN) is good for powder bed detection. The evaluation results indicate that the performance of bagged CNN is significant. It also indicates that preprocessing of the images, mainly cropping to the region of interest, improves the performance of the proposed approach. The training and testing accuracy of the bagged CNN is 96.1% and 95.1%, respectively.
Photometric binaries in 14 Magellanic Cloud star clusters
Authors: Mohandasan Anjana , Milone Antonino P. , Cordoni Giacomo , Dondoglio Emanuele , Lagioia Edoardo P. , Legnardi Maria Vittoria , Ziliotto Tuila , Jang Sohee , Marino Anna F. , Carlos Marília
Published: October 2023

Binary stars play a major role in determining the dynamic evolution of star clusters. We used images collected with the Hubble Space Telescope to study fourteen star clusters of the Magellanic Clouds that span an age interval between ∼0.6 and 2.1 Gyr and masses of 104 − 105 M⊙. We estimated the fraction of binary systems composed of two main-sequence stars and the fraction of candidate blue-straggler stars (BSSs). Moreover, we derived the structural parameters of the cluster, including the core radius, central density, mass function, and total mass. We find that the fraction of binaries with a mass ratio larger than 0.7 ranges from ∼7% in NGC 1846 to ∼20% in NGC 2108. The radial and luminosity distribution can change from one cluster to another. However, when we combine the results from all the clusters, we find that binaries follow a flat radial trend and no significant correlation with the mass of the primary star. We find no evidence for a relation between the fractions of binaries and BSSs. We combined the results on binaries in the studied Magellanic Cloud clusters with those obtained for 67 Galactic globular clusters and 78 open clusters. We detect a significant anti-correlation between the binary fraction in the core and the mass of the host cluster. However, star clusters with similar masses exhibit a wide range of binary fractions. Conversely, there is no evidence of a correlation between the fraction of binaries and the cluster age or the dynamic age.
Small-time local controllability of the bilinear Schrödinger equation with a nonlinear competition
Authors: Bournissou Mégane
Published: October 2023

We consider the local controllability near the ground state of a 1D Schrödinger equation with bilinear control. Specifically, we investigate whether nonlinear terms can restore local controllability when the linearized system is not controllable. In such settings, it is known [K. Beauchard and M. Morancey, Math. Control Relat. Fields 4 (2014) 125-160, M. Bournissou, J. Diff. Equ. 351 (2023) 324−360] that the quadratic terms induce drifts in the dynamics which prevent small-time local controllability when the controls are small in very regular spaces. In this paper, using oscillating controls, we prove that the cubic terms can entail the small-time local controllability of the system, despite the presence of such a quadratic drift. This result, which is new for PDEs, is reminiscent of Sussmann's S (θ) sufficient condition of controllability for ODEs. Our proof however relies on a different general strategy involving a new concept of tangent vector, better suited to the infinite-dimensional setting.
Fluorescent 2′-Deoxyuridine (dU) Analogue: Tropolonyl triazolyl-dU (tt-dU) Exhibits Solvatochromism/HeLa Cell Internalization and Its Triphosphate (tt-dUTP) Is Incorporated into DNA Enzymatically
Authors: Sharma Nagendra K. , Meher Sagarika , Gade Chandrasekhar Reddy
Published: October 2023

This era has witnessed the development and extensive application of modified nucleosides, including fluorescent nucleosides that clinically served humankind. Most fluorescent nucleoside analogues are derived from benzenoid aromatic scaffolds. However, the non-benzenoid aromatic moiety, tropolone, which exhibits unique hydrogen bonding and metal chelating properties, also occurs in nature. Recently, we introduced the tropolone unit at deoxyuridine through an ethyne linker and prepared its DNA analogues, which are fluorescent. This report describes the synthesis of a new troponyl triazolyl-dU (tt-dU) analogue, possessing a triazolyl linker, through click chemistry. tt-dU exhibits fluorescence with solvatochromism and enters into Hela cells without any cytotoxicity. Its triphosphate (tt-dUTP) was also synthesized and incorporated enzymatically into DNA, as shown in primer extension experiments. The unique photophysical properties and metal-chelating ability of the tropolone group make tt-dU a promising modified nucleoside.
Alkene versus Aryl Chlorination in Asymmetric Hypervalent Iodine Catalysis: A Case Study
Authors: Gulder Tanja , Arnold Andreas M. , Binder Julia , Kretzschmar Martin
Published: October 2023

Hypervalent λ3-iodanes have become a prominent tool for halofunctionalizations of alkenes. Despite many examples of asymmetric fluorinations reported lately, the corresponding enantioselective chlorination reactions using iodoresorcinol-based catalysts are significantly less developed, with only one example known to date. Here, we show how competing aromatic chlorination of the iodoarene catalyst is a significant obstacle in these transformations, hinting towards a conceptual issue with this well-established catalyst class for enantioselective chlorinations. Consequently, the reaction conditions and the catalyst design must be adapted to facilitate an effective chirality transfer. Hence, attention should be paid when selecting the oxidizing agent, the stoichiometry, and careful reaction analysis must be conducted to identify the factual catalytically active species.
A Unique Case of Bilateral Traumatic Renal Artery Avulsion Treated with Endovascular Stenting
Authors: Yousuff Mehreen , Ugodulunwa Kimberley , Travis Simon
Published: October 2023

Traumatic renovascular injury secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is rare, especially cases involving renal artery avulsion. We present a unique case of bilateral traumatic renal artery avulsion that was successfully treated endovascularly with bilateral stenting and thrombectomy, resulting in a nephron sparing outcome and cessation of dialysis.
Successful Treatment of a Fibromyalgia Patient Using a Homeopathic Preparation of Cannabis sativa
Authors: Carvalho Jozélio Freire de , Ribeiro Maria Fernanda Leal dos Santos
Published: October 2023

Background Homeopathy has been used in observational and controlled studies to treat patients with fibromyalgia (FM), but none has previously used the remedy Cannabis sativa.

Case History A 51-year-old female patient presenting with diffuse pain and sleep disorder was diagnosed with FM using the relevant American College of Rheumatology criteria. She reported having 18 tender points, a pain score (visual analog scale, VAS) of 9.0, and a well-being VAS of 5.0. She was prescribed Cannabis sativa 6 cH, five drops sublingually thrice a day.

Results After 2 months, she returned asymptomatic, with 0 tender points, pain VAS of 0, and well-being VAS of 9.0. The Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy score was equal to +9, suggesting the clinical outcome was causally attributable to the medicine prescribed.

Conclusion This case study reveals the positive role of homeopathic treatment in FM. Studies using a randomized controlled design, including pragmatic trials to determine treatment effectiveness in real-world clinical practice, are indicated in this field.
Assessing the Merits and Effectiveness of Peer Teaching in Small Groups through the Employment of Different Learning Media
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: October 2023

Background Peer teaching is a well-acknowledged method to facilitate teaching and learning among medical students. The objective of the study was to assess the merits and effectiveness of peer teaching in small groups using a student-centered approach through the employment of different learning media.

Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among a group of 34 students from third professional year. Purposive sampling was used, wherein students were subdivided into five small groups. At the beginning, a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions was conducted on the topic “Epidemiology of Hypertension.” This topic was further subdivided into five subtopics, and five separate learning media (viz., video, PowerPoint, white board, chalk-and-talk, and chart) were allocated using the lottery method. Each group discussed the allotted topic and then presented their findings in the large group using the assigned learning media, while other groups gave feedback, and the best group was decided through multivoting. Posttest was administered and the results were compared with the pretest. Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done using SPSS 16. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test was used to compare the results in pretest and posttest at p level < 0.05.

Results This innovative session of peer teaching featured 34 students, with a mean age of 22 ± 1.3 years. While carrying out the Kirkpatrick Level 1 evaluation, almost 90% students liked the role of the facilitator in stimulating interest in the topic. There was a mean average increase of 1.7 marks on comparing the scores of posttest with pretest (Kirkpatrick Level 2), and the reported difference was statistically significant. Joyful learning 24 (66.7%) and group discussion 23 (63.9%) emerged as the most liked aspects of the session.

Conclusion In conclusion, peer teaching through learning media is an effective method as it promotes active learning, improves communication skills, and improves the academic performance of students. Peer teaching using different learning media proved to be quite effective in improvement of knowledge about epidemiology of hypertension, the pros and cons of different learning media, and encouraged creativity among students.
The electric fields and “lightning jets” of the Sun and solar wind
Authors: Driscoll C. F.
Published: October 2023

A model of electric energization of the solar wind and corona is developed, including electro-magnetic particle effects precluded by traditional magneto-hydro (MHD) assumptions. Using standard 1D radial solar models for particle density and temperature, the core gravito-electric field is calculated; and the range of possible photospheric photo-electric fields is estimated. The extant DC field apparently arises from about 460 C of charge displacement, mainly caused by the immense solar energy flux pushing electrons outward. Energetically, this electric field can accelerate surface protons out of the 2 keV gravity well and up to the 4 keV energies observed in the fast solar wind. The electrical energy is released in pervasive, persistent “proton lightning jets,” which are proton beams, charge-neutralized by co-propagating electrons. The jets are formed by pinched “avalanche breakdown” of the weakly ionized photosphere, probably initiated on the down-welling edges of solar surface granulations. These energetic jets will glow as discrete filamentary surface spicules and will be observed in reflected solar light as the diffuse K-corona. Significantly, the total charge displacement and observed fast wind speed are quantitatively predicted by a novel “virial limit”: the (positive) electrical potential energy at r = 0 is limited in magnitude to the 10 keV gravitational well at r = 0.
Tunable p–n junction barriers in few-electron bilayer graphene quantum dots
Authors: Jing Fang-Ming , Qin Guo-Quan , Zhang Zhuo-Zhi , Song Xiang-Xiang , Guo Guo-Ping
Published: October 2023

Graphene quantum dots provide promising platforms for hosting spin, valley, or spin-valley qubits. Taking advantage of their electrically generated bandgap and their ambipolar nature, high-quality quantum dots can be defined in bilayer graphene using natural p–n junctions as tunnel barriers. In these devices, demonstrating the electrical tunability of the p–n junction barriers and understanding its physical mechanism, especially in the few-electron regime, are essential for further manipulating electrons' quantum degrees of freedom to encode qubits. Here, we show the electrostatic confinement of single quantum dots in bilayer graphene using natural p–n junctions. When the device is operated in the few-electron regime, the electron tunneling rate is found to be monotonically tuned by varying gate voltages, which can be well understood from the view of manipulating the p–n junction barriers. Our results provide an insightful understanding of electrostatic confinement using natural p–n junctions in bilayer graphene, which is beneficial for realizing graphene-based qubits.
Performance investigation of supercapacitors with polyethylene oxide-based gel polymer and ionic liquid electrolytes: Molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Eyvazi Nasrin , Abbaszadeh Davood , Biagooi Morad , Nedaaee Oskoee SeyedEhsan
Published: October 2023

Due to the importance of supercapacitors in electronic storage devices, improving their efficiency is one of the topics that has attracted the attention of many researchers. Choosing the proper electrolyte for supercapacitors is one of the most significant factors affecting supercapacitors’ performance. In the present paper, we compare liquid electrolytes (ionic liquid electrolytes) and solid electrolytes (polymer electrolytes) by molecular dynamics simulation to summarize their pros and cons. We consider polymer electrolytes in linear and network configurations. The results show that although ionic liquid-based supercapacitors have a larger differential capacitance since they have a smaller operation voltage, the energy stored is less than polymer electrolyte-based supercapacitors. Also, our investigations indicate that polymer electrolyte-based supercapacitors have more mechanical stability. Therefore, they can be considered a very suitable alternative to liquid electrolyte-based supercapacitors since they do not have known liquid electrolyte problems and display better performance.
Large eddy simulation of spray combustion using the spray flamelet/progress variable model: Further extension and validation
Authors: Wang Yicun , Shao Changxiao , Jin Tai , Luo Kun , Fan Jianren
Published: October 2023

The classical flamelet combustion model assumes that the combustion system consists of two homogeneous inlet streams for oxidizer and fuel. It usually requires extension and validation for configurations with different types of inlet streams. In the current work, the recently developed two-phase spray flamelet/progress variable (TSFPV) model is further extended and validated on the configurations of Delft spray flame AII and Sydney piloted ethanol spray flame EtF2, representing the systems with a single inlet and three inlets, respectively. The strategies for generating the spray flamelet library are adjusted, and an extended model is developed for modeling flame AII. Large eddy simulations of these two flames are conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the TSFPV model. The results of flame AII show that some droplets penetrate into the flame zone, and significant droplets/flame interactions occur. The flame exhibits a typical double flame structure. The predictions of gas phase temperature are in good agreement with the experimental measurements, which indicates that the current model can better consider the influence of droplet evaporation and the temperature reduction caused by interphase heat loss. The results of flame EtF2 also achieve good agreement with experimental data according to radial profiles of axial droplet velocities and gas phase temperature. Overall, the TSFPV model is well validated and exhibits sound performance on different flame configurations, indicating its widespread applicability and generalizability.
Identification of macrophage polarization phenotypes in agarose matrix using metasurface-based terahertz biosensor of quasi-bound state continuum
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Xue Yonghui , Yang Jin , Qin Hua , Yang Xiaotong
Published: October 2023

Rapid and noninvasive detection of macrophage polarization can facilitate the acquisition of crucial information for pre- and post-evaluation in cancer immunotherapy, unraveling tumor immune escape mechanisms and discovering drugs. Herein, we demonstrate an approach to identify macrophage polarization using the metasurface-based terahertz biosensor of quasi-bound state in the continuum. Non-polarized macrophages (M0) are driven into a pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) or an anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2) in response to lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-4 stimulation. It is found that the M1 macrophages result in a slight resonance frequency blueshift, while the M2 results in an obvious resonance frequency blueshift as well as a broader resonance linewidth. The permittivity change reveals the aforementioned frequency change. Flow cytometry and gene expression measurements reveal distinct differences of phenotypes between M1 and M2 polarizations, consistent with the results of terahertz biosensing. Our results manifest a cost-effective approach for detecting macrophage polarization status and their functional activations, which holds significant implications for clinical and cellular immunology research.
Virus spreading in cruiser cabin
Authors: Ritos Konstantinos , Drikakis Dimitris , Kokkinakis Ioannis W.
Published: October 2023

This paper concerns virus droplet simulations in a typical cruiser's cabin. Effects of ventilation rates and positions of the coughing person were investigated. The study also emphasizes the importance of including evaporation models to simulate the process accurately. A higher ventilation rate is not always the best strategy to avoid the spread of airborne diseases, as saliva droplets can spread further at high ventilation rates. Regardless of the ventilation strategy, they evaporate faster than the room's air renewal. One should aim for minimum droplet spreading inside the cabin and different ventilation strategies for occupied cabins. The authors propose using ventilation systems at medium flow rates of around 120 m3/h or three air changes per hour when a cabin is occupied. This value is also close to the recommended value of 108 m3/h from the latest standard by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The suggested value minimizes droplet spreading while maintaining good ventilation, comfort, and energy consumption.
Predicting large comprehensive refrigeration performance of plastic crystals by compositing carbon architectures for room temperature application
Authors: Li Fangbiao , Niu Chang , Xu Xiong , Xie Weifeng , Li Min , Wang Hui
Published: October 2023

Plastic crystals PE (pentaerythritol) possess colossal barocaloric effect (BCE) that is promising for solid-state refrigeration; however, the high phase transition temperature (> 400 K) and low thermal conductivity (<0.5 W·m−1·K−1) greatly hinder its practical application at room temperature. Here, we propose to complex plastic crystal (PC) with carbon nanotube/graphene architectures (CNT-Gra) to form [PC/CNT-Gra] composites and investigate the BCE based on molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that phase transition temperature of molecular order to disorder can be tuned by alloying PA (neopentane) or NPG (neopentyl glycol) into PE imbedded in CNT-Gra architectures. Importantly, we find that PE0.8PA0.2/CNT-Gra and PE0.75NPG0.25/CNT-Gra demonstrate both giant isothermal entropy changes ΔS (∼200 J·kg−1·K−1) and adiabatic temperature change ΔT (∼18 K) at room temperature. The large BCE mainly comes from the order–disorder transition of PC molecules imbedded in CNT-Gra architectures through analysis of the dynamic process of the composites. Importantly, the thermal conductivity of these campsites is as high as ∼10 W·m−1·K−1, enabling efficient thermal exchange that is vital for improving cooling performance of the cyclic refrigeration process. This work provides important insights for designing PC-based composites with optimized comprehensive cooling performance for potential room temperature refrigeration.
Evidence for an ancient aquatic origin of the RNA viral order
Articulavirales
Authors: Petrone Mary E. , Parry Rhys , Mifsud Jonathon C. O. , Van Brussel Kate , Voorhees Ian E. H. , Richards Zoe T. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: October 2023

The emergence of previously unknown disease-causing viruses in mammals is in part the result of a long-term evolutionary process. Reconstructing the deep phylogenetic histories of viruses helps identify major evolutionary transitions and contextualizes the emergence of viruses in new hosts. We used a combination of total RNA sequencing and transcriptome data mining to extend the diversity and evolutionary history of the RNA virus order
Articulavirales
, which includes the influenza viruses. We identified instances of
Articulavirales
in the invertebrate phylum Cnidaria (including corals), constituting a novel and divergent family that we provisionally named the “Cnidenomoviridae.” We further extended the evolutionary history of the influenza virus lineage by identifying four divergent, fish-associated influenza-like viruses, thereby supporting the hypothesis that fish were among the first hosts of influenza viruses. In addition, we substantially expanded the phylogenetic diversity of quaranjaviruses and proposed that this genus be reclassified as a family—the “Quaranjaviridae.” Within this putative family, we identified a novel arachnid-infecting genus, provisionally named “Cheliceravirus.” Notably, we observed a close phylogenetic relationship between the Crustacea- and Chelicerata-infecting “Quaranjaviridae” that is inconsistent with virus–host codivergence. Together, these data suggest that the
Articulavirales
has evolved over at least 600 million years, first emerging in aquatic animals. Importantly, the evolution of the
Articulavirales
was likely shaped by multiple aquatic–terrestrial transitions and substantial host jumps, some of which are still observable today.
Drinking down all unkindness
Authors: Párraga Javier Martín
Published: October 2023

Wine references are so frequent in Shakespeare’s corpus that it is
easier to name the plays in which it does not appear than those in which
this drink is consumed (or referred to) in multiple occasions and contexts.
In Shakespeare’s plays, wine plays several roles. Unsurprisingly, wine
appears in most of the author’s corpus in socializing and celebration
contexts. More importantly, wine is also frequently used to characterize
characters from a moral perspective. The goal of this paper double. On the
one hand, I will analyze the tremendous importance wine had in British
literature. Secondly, I will have studied in depth the role and variety of
functions wine plays in the author’s whole corpus.