bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Darcy and Viscous Dissipation on Natural Convection Flow in a Vertical Tube Partially Filled with Porous Material under Convective Boundary Condition
Authors: Ajibade Abiodun O. , Gambo Jeremiah J. , Jha Basant K.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a study is presented considering the effects of Darcy and Viscous dissipation in a steady natural convection incompressible fluid through a vertical composite tube partially filled with a porous material. The fluid motion in the vertical composite tube is caused by a temperature gradient due to heat applied to the wall of the tube. The Brinkman Darcy extended model was used to stimulate the fluid flow under the working fluids of water and air. The Homotopy pertubation method was used to solve the temperature and velocity equations in both the clear and porous fluids. An increase in the Brinkman number increases the temperature and velocity profiles of both working fluids. An increase in the thickness of the porous material can be used to increase the velocity of the fluid in the composite vertical tube. An increase in the internal conductive resistance leads to a decrease in the buoyancy force and, as a result, the fluid thickness, which leads to a decrease in the velocity of the fluid.
Shear thickening fluids in cork composites for impact mitigation: the role of fumed silica concentration
Authors: Oliveira L. , Serra G. F. , Gürgen S. , Novais R. M. , de Sousa R. J. Alves , Fernandes F. A. O.
Published: March 2024

Cork composites have shown excellent potential in impact mitigating systems. Their sustainability greatly surpasses the currently used solutions. In addition, recent advances in developing cork composites with shear thickening fluids (STFs) have demonstrated exciting results for impact mitigation. This study explores different STF formulations based on polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a molecular weight of 400 g/mol, and SiO2 particles, investigating their application in layered cork composites for impact mitigation. Different STF formulations are investigated by processing suspensions with different fumed silica concentrations ranging from 10 to 60 wt.%. Using a cone–plate configuration, rheological measurements were conducted on these suspensions, which were then employed as an interfacial layer in agglomerated cork composite layered structures. These hybrid composites were then subjected to 20 J impact tests. PEG 400 exhibited fluid final states for silica concentrations up to 30 wt.% and crystallised at higher concentrations. Based on the results, STF within cork layers was positive regarding impact force reduction, drawing insights for future application of STF suspensions in cork composites for impact mitigation.

Graphical abstract
Science and the Public
Authors: Potochnik Angela
Published: March 2024

Science is a product of society: in its funding, its participation, and its application. This Element explores the relationship between science and the public with resources from philosophy of science. Chapter 1 defines the questions about science's relationship to the public and outlines science's obligation to the public. Chapter 2 considers the Vienna Circle as a case study in how science, philosophy, and the public can relate very differently than they do at present. Chapter 3 examines how public understanding of science can have a variety of different goals and introduces philosophical discussions of scientific understanding as a resource. Chapter 4 addresses public trust in science, including responding to science denial. Chapter 5 considers how expanded participation in science can contribute to public trust of science. Finally, Chapter 6 casts light on how science might discharge its obligations to the public.
Solitude
Authors: Weinstein Netta , Hansen Heather , Nguyen Thuy-vy T.
Published: March 2024

The average adult spends nearly one-third of their waking life alone. How do we overcome the stigma of solitude and find strength in going it alone? Whether we love it or try to avoid it, we can make better use of that time. The science of solitude shows that alone time can be a powerful space used to tap into countless benefits. Translating key research findings into actionable facts and advice, this book shows that alone time can boost well-being. From relaxation and recharging to problem solving and emotional regulation, solitude can benefit personal growth, contentment, creativity, and our relationships with ourselves and others. By learning what makes us better at spending time alone, you can use these principles to move toward your best possible self.
Monotheism and Pluralism
Authors: Mikva Rachel S.
Published: March 2024

Can monotheistic traditions affirm the comparable value of diverse religions? Can they celebrate our world's multiple spiritual paths? This Element explores historical foundations and contemporary paradigms for pluralism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Recognizing that there are other ways to interpret the traditions, it excavates the space for theological parity.
Global Strategy in Our Age of Chaos
Authors: Tallman Stephen , Koza Mitchell P.
Published: March 2024

Chaotic environments are producing unique and unprecedented challenges for multinational companies, challenges that raise important questions about whether and how multinationals will survive or wither away. This Element explores both the macro political, economic, technological, and social forces impacting international business and the strategic management adaptations that leading companies have deployed to respond to these challenges. We observe that a new organizational form – the Global Multi-Business – has evolved that may be especially adapted to respond to and challenge a world in which change is ubiquitous, with the direction of change unpredictable and the pace of change accelerating. It accomplishes this through the strategic assembly of the organization and the animation of its many parts.
Borneo Stalagmite Evidence of Significantly Reduced El Niño‐Southern Oscillation Variability at 4.1 kyBP
Authors: Theaker C. M. , Carolin S. A. , Day C. C. , Cobb K. M. , Chen S. , Grothe P. R. , Couper H. O.
Published: March 2024

The timing and geographic extent of a potential “4.2 ky event” remain highly contested. Here we present records of ENSO variability at 3.8 kyBP and 4.1 kyBP derived from a Borneo stalagmite, which suggest a significant change in ENSO properties between these time intervals. The Borneo records show evidence of significantly reduced ENSO activity at 4.1 kyBP, relative to other measured windows within the Holocene. This reduced ENSO activity coincides with a period of drier conditions and enhanced dust events in the Middle East that took place ∼4.0–4.3 kyBP. The Borneo records show evidence of enhanced ENSO activity at 3.8 kyBP. Various hydroclimate changes attributed to the “4.2 ky event” in many regions may thus be reflecting a shift from reduced to enhanced El Niño activity that occurred between 3.8 kyBP to 4.0 kyBP.
Strong Aerosol Absorption and Its Radiative Effects in Lhasa on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhao Weixiong , Liu Qianqian , Zhou Jiacheng , Crumeyrolle Suzanne , Xu Xuezhe , Zhang Chong , Ye Chunxiang , Zheng Yu , Che Huizheng , Zhang Weijun
Published: March 2024

Knowledge of aerosol radiative effects in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is limited due to the lack of reliable aerosol optical properties, especially the single scattering albedo (SSA). We firstly reported in situ measurement of SSA in Lhasa using a cavity enhanced albedometer (CEA) at λ = 532 nm from 22nd May to 11th June 2021. Unexpected strong aerosol absorbing ability was observed with an average SSA of 0.69. Based on spectral absorptions measured by Aethalometer (AE33), black carbon (BC) was found to be the dominated absorbing species, accounting for about 83% at λ = 370 nm, followed by primary and secondary brown carbon (BrCpri and BrCsec). The average direct aerosol radiative forcing at the top of atmosphere (DARFTOA) was 2.83 W/m2, indicating aerosol warming effect on the Earth‐atmosphere system. Even though aerosol loading is low, aerosol heating effect plays a significant role on TP warming due to strong absorbing ability.
Modulation of Tropical Convection‐Circulation Interaction by Aerosol Indirect Effects in Convective Self‐Aggregation Simulations of a Gray Zone Global Model
Authors: Su Chun‐Yian , Wu Chien‐Ming , Chen Wei‐Ting , Peters John M.
Published: March 2024

Disentangling the response of tropical convective updrafts to enhanced aerosol concentrations has been challenging. Leading theories for explaining the influence of aerosol concentrations on tropical convection are based on the dynamical response of convection to changes in cloud microphysics, neglecting possible changes in the environment. In recent years, global convection‐permitting models (GCPM) have been developed to circumvent problems arising from imposing artificial scale separation on physical processes associated with deep convection. Here, we use a global model in the convective gray zone that partially simulates deep convection to investigate how enhanced concentrations of aerosols that act as cloud condensate nuclei (CCN) impact tropical convection features by modulating the convection‐circulation interaction. Results from a pair of idealized non‐rotating radiative‐convective equilibrium simulations show that the enhanced CCN concentration leads to weaker large‐scale circulation, the closeness of deep convective systems to the moist cluster edges, and more mid‐level cloud water at an equilibrium state in which convective self‐aggregation occurred. Correspondingly, the enhanced CCN concentration modulates how the physical processes that support or oppose convective aggregation maintain the aggregated state at equilibrium. Overall, the enhanced CCN concentration facilitates the development of deep convection in a drier environment but reduces mean precipitation. Our results emphasize the importance of allowing atmospheric phenomena to evolve continuously across spatial and temporal scales in simulations when investigating the response of tropical convection to changes in cloud microphysics.
CloudSat Observations Show Enhanced Moisture Transport Events Increase Snowfall Rate and Frequency Over Antarctic Ice Sheet Basins
Authors: Rendfrey Tristan S. , Pettersen Claire , Bassis Jeremy N. , Mateling Marian E.
Published: March 2024

Elevated moisture transport over the Antarctic ice sheet can increase snowfall and ice mass. Previous studies used ground‐based observations, reanalysis products, and atmospheric models to evaluate the relationship between extreme moisture transport and snowfall properties. Here, we build on previous studies by combining reanalysis and CloudSat radar snowfall retrievals to examine impacts of extreme moisture intrusions on changes in snowfall frequency and intensity over glacier basins on the Antarctic ice sheet. We examine the impacts of enhanced moisture transport events on snowfall frequency and intensity over two different regions on the Antarctic ice sheet: the Amery Ice Shelf of East Antarctica and the Thwaites and Pine Island glacier basins of West Antarctica. We determine when the median integrated water vapor transport from reanalysis exceeds the 95th percentile within the glacier basins of interest to define enhanced moisture transport events. We then use CloudSat radar snowfall retrievals to evaluate differences between snowfall frequency and intensity during enhanced water vapor transport events compared to the seasonal means for 2007–2010. We find that enhanced moisture transport events over the Amery Ice Shelf and Thwaites and Pine Island glacier basins coincide with higher snowfall frequency and intensity. These enhanced moisture transport events have the potential to alter surface mass balance within glacier basins, with implications for future rates of sea level rise.
Weathering Incongruence in Mountainous Mediterranean Climates Recorded by Stream Lithium Isotope Ratios
Authors: Golla Jon K. , Bouchez Julien , Kuessner Marie L. , Druhan Jennifer L.
Published: March 2024

Lithium isotope ratios (δ7Li) of rivers are increasingly serving as a diagnostic of the balance between chemical and physical weathering contributions to overall landscape denudation rates. Here, we show that intermediate weathering intensities and highly enriched stream δ7Li values typically associated with lowland floodplains can also describe small upland watersheds subject to cool, wet climates. This behavior is revealed by stream δ7Li between +22.4 and +23.5‰ within a Critical Zone observatory located in the Cévennes region of southern France, where dilute stream solute concentrations and significant atmospheric deposition otherwise mask evidence of incongruence. The water‐rock reaction pathways underlying this behavior are quantified through a multicomponent, isotope‐enabled reactive transport model. Using geochemical characterization of soil profiles, bedrock, and long‐term stream samples as constraints, we evolve the simulation from an initially unweathered granite to a steady state weathering profile which reflects the balance between (a) fluid infiltration and drainage and (b) bedrock uplift and soil erosion. Enriched stream δ7Li occurs because Li is strongly incorporated into actively precipitating secondary clay phases beyond what prior laboratory experiments have suggested. Chemical weathering incongruence is maintained despite relatively slow reaction rates and moderate clay accumulation due to a combination of two factors. First, reactive primary mineral phases persist across the weathering profile and effectively “shield” the secondary clays from resolubilization due to their greater solubility. Second, the clays accumulating in the near‐surface profile are relatively mature weathering byproducts. These factors promote characteristically low total dissolved solute export from the catchment despite significant input of exogenous dust.
A Push in the Right Direction: Exploring the Role of Zealandia Collision in Eocene Pacific‐Australia Plate Motion Changes
Authors: Sandiford Dan , Betts Peter , Whittaker Joanne , Moresi Louis
Published: March 2024

The Pacific Plate underwent a significant change in motion during the early Eocene. This change has been linked to plate boundary reconfiguration, particularly in relation to subduction margins. The reconfiguration also resulted in a new Pacific‐Australian plate boundary section transecting Zealandia. Following the Eocene transition, the relative rotation axis was located within continental Zealandia, and it has been hypothesized that this region acted as a pivot point. Here we investigate the extent to which collision resistance along the intra‐continental Zealandia margin (length ∼1,000 km) might have impacted the motion of the Pacific Plate, which is characterized by trench lengths more than an order of magnitude greater. We first highlight the relatively large radial component in the Pacific Plate absolute rotation during the period ca. 47 and 32 Ma (i.e., the spin around the plate centroid axis). We then consider how parameterized plate boundary forces impact the tangential and radial components of the net torque (i.e., the fictitious and true torque components). We show that during this period, both the Zealandia and Izu‐Bonin‐Marianas (IBM) margins of the Pacific Plate were well‐oriented in terms of partitioning boundary normal forces into counter‐clockwise (CCW) radial torques. This analysis is supported by results from recent global‐scale numerical models. The role of Zealandia cannot be established unambiguously, based on our analysis, but effects can be quantified under different assumptions. Collision resistance along the Zealandia margin could plausibly constitute a “first order” effect on Eocene Pacific Plate rotation, albeit only on the radial component.
AURKA emerges as a vulnerable target for KEAP1-deficient non-small cell lung cancer by activation of asparagine synthesis
Authors: Deng Bing , Liu Fang , Chen Nana , Li Xinhao , Lei Jie , Chen Ning , Wu Jingjing , Wang Xuan , Lu Jie , Fang Mouxiang , Chen Ailin , Zhang Zijian , He Bin , Yan Min , Zhang Yuchen , Wang Zifeng , Liu Quentin
Published: March 2024

AURKA is an established target for cancer therapy; however, the efficacy of its inhibitors in clinical trials is hindered by differential response rates across different tumor subtypes. In this study, we demonstrate AURKA regulates amino acid synthesis, rendering it a vulnerable target in KEAP1-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Through CRISPR metabolic screens, we identified that KEAP1-knockdown cells showed the highest sensitivity to the AURKA inhibitor MLN8237. Subsequent investigations confirmed that KEAP1 deficiency heightens the susceptibility of NSCLC cells to AURKA inhibition both in vitro and in vivo, with the response depending on NRF2 activation. Mechanistically, AURKA interacts with the eIF2α kinase GCN2 and maintains its phosphorylation to regulate eIF2α-ATF4-mediated amino acid biosynthesis. AURKA inhibition restrains the expression of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), making KEAP1-deficient NSCLC cells vulnerable to AURKA inhibitors, in which ASNS is highly expressed. Our study unveils the pivotal role of AURKA in amino acid metabolism and identifies a specific metabolic indication for AURKA inhibitors. These findings also provide a novel clinical therapeutic target for KEAP1-mutant/deficient NSCLC, which is characterized by resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
FANCJ promotes PARP1 activity during DNA replication that is essential in BRCA1 deficient cells
Authors: Cong Ke , MacGilvary Nathan , Lee Silviana , MacLeod Shannon G. , Calvo Jennifer , Peng Min , Nedergaard Kousholt Arne , Day Tovah A. , Cantor Sharon B.
Published: March 2024

The effectiveness of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in creating single-stranded DNA gaps and inducing sensitivity requires the FANCJ DNA helicase. Yet, how FANCJ relates to PARP1 inhibition or trapping, which contribute to PARPi toxicity, remains unclear. Here, we find PARPi effectiveness hinges on S-phase PARP1 activity, which is reduced in FANCJ deficient cells as G-quadruplexes sequester PARP1 and MSH2. Additionally, loss of the FANCJ-MLH1 interaction diminishes PARP1 activity; however, depleting MSH2 reinstates PARPi sensitivity and gaps. Indicating sequestered and trapped PARP1 are distinct, FANCJ loss increases PARPi resistance in cells susceptible to PARP1 trapping. However, with BRCA1 deficiency, the loss of FANCJ mirrors PARP1 loss or inhibition, with the detrimental commonality being loss of S-phase PARP1 activity. These insights underline the crucial role of PARP1 activity during DNA replication in BRCA1 deficient cells and emphasize the importance of understanding drug mechanisms for enhancing therapeutic response.
The role of mountains in shaping the global meridional overturning circulation
Authors: Yang Haijun , Jiang Rui , Wen Qin , Liu Yimin , Wu Guoxiong , Huang Jianping
Published: March 2024

The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) in the ocean is a key player in the global climate system, while continental topography provides an essential backdrop to the system. In this study, we design a series of coupled model sensitivity experiments to investigate the influence of various mountain ranges on the global thermohaline circulation. The results highlight the influence of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on the global thermohaline circulation. It emerges as a requisite for establishing the Atlantic MOC (AMOC) and a determining factor for the cessation of the Pacific MOC (PMOC). Additionally, the Antarctic continent plays a vital role in facilitating the TP to form the AMOC. While the formation of the AMOC cannot be attributed to any single mountain range, the TP alone can inhibit the PMOC’s development. By modifying the global hydrological cycle, the TP is likely to have been crucial in molding the global thermohaline circulation.
High-security learning-based optical encryption assisted by disordered metasurface
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Li Huanhao , Zhao Wannian , Huang Po-Sheng , Lin Yu-Tsung , Yao Jing , Li Wenzhao , Zhao Qi , Wu Pin Chieh , Li Bo , Genevet Patrice , Song Qinghua , Lai Puxiang
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence has gained significant attention for exploiting optical scattering for optical encryption. Conventional scattering media are inevitably influenced by instability or perturbations, and hence unsuitable for long-term scenarios. Additionally, the plaintext can be easily compromised due to the single channel within the medium and one-to-one mapping between input and output. To mitigate these issues, a stable spin-multiplexing disordered metasurface (DM) with numerous polarized transmission channels serves as the scattering medium, and a double-secure procedure with superposition of plaintext and security key achieves two-to-one mapping between input and output. In attack analysis, when the ciphertext, security key, and incident polarization are all correct, the plaintext can be decrypted. This system demonstrates excellent decryption efficiency over extended periods in noisy environments. The DM, functioning as an ultra-stable and active speckle generator, coupled with the double-secure approach, creates a highly secure speckle-based cryptosystem with immense potentials for practical applications.
Tunable anisotropic van der Waals films of 2M-WS2 for plasmon canalization
Authors: Xing Qiaoxia , Zhang Jiasheng , Fang Yuqiang , Song Chaoyu , Zhao Tuoyu , Mou Yanlin , Wang Chong , Ma Junwei , Xie Yuangang , Huang Shenyang , Mu Lei , Lei Yuchen , Shi Wu , Huang Fuqiang , Yan Hugen
Published: March 2024

In-plane anisotropic van der Waals materials have emerged as a natural platform for anisotropic polaritons. Extreme anisotropic polaritons with in-situ broadband tunability are of great significance for on-chip photonics, yet their application remains challenging. In this work, we experimentally characterize through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements a van der Waals plasmonic material, 2M-WS2, capable of supporting intrinsic room-temperature in-plane anisotropic plasmons in the far and mid-infrared regimes. In contrast to the recently revealed natural hyperbolic plasmons in other anisotropic materials, 2M-WS2 supports canalized plasmons with flat isofrequency contours in the frequency range of ~ 3000-5000 cm−1. Furthermore, the anisotropic plasmons and the corresponding isofrequency contours can be reversibly tuned via in-situ ion-intercalation. The tunable anisotropic and canalization plasmons may open up further application perspectives in the field of uniaxial plasmonics, such as serving as active components in directional sensing, radiation manipulation, and polarization-dependent optical modulators.
Image rectangling network based on reparameterized transformer and assisted learning
Authors: Yang Lichun , Tian Bin , Zhang Tianyin , Yong Jiu , Dang Jianwu
Published: March 2024

Stitched images can offer a broader field of view, but their boundaries can be irregular and unpleasant. To address this issue, current methods for rectangling images start by distorting local grids multiple times to obtain rectangular images with regular boundaries. However, these methods can result in content distortion and missing boundary information. We have developed an image rectangling solution using the reparameterized transformer structure, focusing on single distortion. Additionally, we have designed an assisted learning network to aid in the process of the image rectangling network. To improve the network’s parallel efficiency, we have introduced a local thin-plate spline Transform strategy to achieve efficient local deformation. Ultimately, the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance in stitched image rectangling with a low number of parameters while maintaining high content fidelity. The code is available athttps://github.com/MelodYanglc/TransRectangling.
Imaging of 3 bright terrestrial gamma-ray flashes by the atmosphere-space interactions monitor and their parent thunderstorms
Authors: van der Velde Oscar A. , Navarro-González Javier , Fabró Ferran , Reglero Víctor , Connell Paul , Chanrion Olivier , López Jesús A. , Montanyà Joan , Neubert Torsten , Østgaard Nikolai
Published: March 2024

The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) on the International Space Station (ISS) includes an instrument designed to geolocate Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGF) produced by thunderstorms. It does so with a coded aperture system shadowing the pixelated Low Energy Detector of the Modular X- and Gamma-ray Sensor (MXGS). Additionally, it locates associated lightning flashes with the Modular Multispectral Imaging Array (MMIA). Here we present 3 bright TGFs with very similar duration, fluency and observation distance. The innovative imaging capabilities allow us to determine the TGF position and correlate the TGF-lightning parent event in time and position simultaneously. The accurate position determination and distance to the observer allow us to perform a comparative study of TGF characteristics. These TGFs were produced in association with lightning flashes below the highest cloud tops of developing to mature convective cells. In one event, GLM (Geostationary Lightning Mapper) cloud flash rates were slowing down after the TGF while negative cloud-to-ground flashes suddenly ceased from 10 to 5 min before the TGF. An 8-stroke (strongest: -93 kA) cloud-to-ground flash occurred 31 s before the TGF. Vertical profiles from the ERA5 reanalysis data suggest TGFs may be produced in variety of tropical environments.
Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma
Authors: Patil Shruti V. , Kaipa Balasankara Reddy , Ranshing Sujata , Sundaresan Yogapriya , Millar J. Cameron , Nagarajan Bhavani , Kiehlbauch Charles , Zhang Qihong , Jain Ankur , Searby Charles C. , Scheetz Todd E. , Clark Abbot F. , Sheffield Val C. , Zode Gulab S.
Published: March 2024

Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
Optimising the manufacturing of a β-Ti alloy produced via direct energy deposition using small dataset machine learning
Authors: Brooke Ryan , Qiu Dong , Le Tu , Gibson Mark A. , Zhang Duyao , Easton Mark
Published: March 2024

Successful additive manufacturing involves the optimisation of numerous process parameters that significantly influence product quality and manufacturing success. One commonly used criteria based on a collection of parameters is the global energy distribution (GED). This parameter encapsulates the energy input onto the surface of a build, and is a function of the laser power, laser scanning speed and laser spot size. This study uses machine learning to develop a model for predicting manufacturing layer height and grain size based on GED constituent process parameters. For both layer height and grain size, an artificial neural network (ANN) reduced error over the data set compared with multi linear regression. Layer height predictions using ANN achieved an R2 of 0.97 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.03 mm, while grain size predictions resulted in an R2 of 0.85 and an RMSE of 9.68 μm. Grain refinement was observed when reducing laser power and increasing laser scanning speed. This observation was successfully replicated in another α + β Ti alloy. The findings and developed models show why reproducibility is difficult when solely considering GED, as each of the constituent parameters influence these individual responses to varying magnitudes.
Theory of mind in chronic migraine with medication overuse assessed with the MASC
Authors: Bottiroli Sara , Rosi Alessia , Lecce Serena , Sances Grazia , Allena Marta , De Icco Roberto , Vecchi Tomaso , Tassorelli Cristina , Cavallini Elena
Published: March 2024

Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to infer one's own and others' mental states. Growing research indicates that ToM is impaired in Chronic Migraine with Medication Overuse (CM + MO). However, the research in this field has been conducted using static scenario-based tasks, often failing to test mentalization in everyday situations and measuring only performance accuracy. We filled this gap by administering the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) to subjects with CM + MO compared to episodic migraine (EM). This test allows us to assess both affective and cognitive ToM and which, in addition to being accurate, also analyzes the type of error in attribution of mental states, distinguishing between hypo-mentalization and hyper-mentalization. Thirty patients suffering from CM + MO and 42 from EM were enrolled. Results showed that CM + MO patients were less accurate in mental state attribution than EM. In addition, compared to EM, CM + MO individuals were more impaired in the affective ToM dimensions and committed more errors of hypo-mentalization. In conclusion, the application of MASC in patients with CM + MO allowed for the detection of an alteration in their ability to correctly draw conclusions about other people's mental states. This latter contributes critically to appropriate social reactions and also, possibly, to satisfactory social interactions.
Balanced activation of Nrf-2/ARE mediates the protective effect of sulforaphane on keratoconus in the cell mechanical microenvironment
Authors: Liu Ruixing , Ma Ruojun , Yan Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive degenerative disease that usually occurs bilaterally and is characterized by corneal thinning and apical protrusion of the cornea. Oxidative stress is an indicator of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and KC keratocytes exhibit increased ROS production compared with that of normal keratocytes. Therefore, oxidative stress in KC keratocytes may play a major role in the development and progression of KC. Here, we investigated the protective effect of sulforaphane (SF) antioxidants using a hydrogel-simulated model of the cell mechanical microenvironment of KC. The stiffness of the KC matrix microenvironment in vitro was 16.70 kPa and the stiffness of the normal matrix microenvironment was 34.88 kPa. Human keratocytes (HKs) were cultured for 24 h before observation or drug treatment with H2O2 in the presence or absence of SF. The levels of oxidative stress, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and antioxidant response element (ARE) were detected. The high-stress state of HKs in the mechanical microenvironment of KC cells compensates for the activation of the Nrf-2/ARE signaling pathway. H2O2 leads to increased oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidant proteins in KC. In summary, SF can reduce endogenous and exogenous oxidative stress and increase the antioxidant capacity of cells.
Evaluation of therapeutic use of a combination of pentoxifylline and vitamin E in radiation-induced renal fibrosis
Authors: Demircan Volkan , Guzel Caglar , Sarıbas Gulistan Sanem , Dinc Serap Catlı , Cetin Serhat , Gulbahar Ozlem , Erpolat Petek , Elmas Cigdem , Bora Huseyin
Published: March 2024

Radiation-induced renal fibrosis (RIRF) is a progressive, irreversible condition causing chronic kidney disease. Pentoxifylline (PTX) and vitamin E may mitigate radiation-induced damage and fibrosis. This study assesses their effectiveness. We used four groups, each with six rats: radiation therapy alone (RT-only), radiation therapy plus drug treatment (RT + drug), drug treatment alone (drug-only), and a control group. Rats were monitored for three months, with weight measurements every four weeks. Afterward, rats were analyzed biochemically and histologically, with blood and tissue samples taken for statistical comparison. No significant differences in serum creatinine levels and body weight were observed. RT-only group had more severe kidney tubule effects. Histomorphological, immunohistochemical, and TUNEL analyses showed significant RIRF mitigation in the RT + drug group. Our study highlighted molecular pathways (SMAD, TGF-beta, VEGF) and histological markers (collagens, a-SMA, fibronectin, metalloproteinases) associated with RIRF. PTX and vitamin E reduced ionizing radiation's impact on renal cells and mitigated radiation-induced kidney fibrosis. Further human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Adequate iodine nutrition and higher salt intake in Chinese adults aged 18–59 years recommended by international organizations
Authors: Chen Diqun , Ye Ying , Lan Ying , He Meng , Wu Jiani , Wang Lijin , Chen Zhihui
Published: March 2024

Iodine deficiency and excessive salt intake have adverse health effects. This study evaluated the iodine level and salt intake in Chinese adults aged 18–59 years after implementing the salt reduction program and compared with both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese recommendations. Adults aged 18–59 years were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling in coastal urban area (CUA), non-coastal urban area (Non-CUA), coastal rural area (CRA), and non-coastal rural area (Non-CRA) of Fujian Province, China. Iodine, sodium, and creatinine concentrations in spot urine samples were measured. Knudsen equation was used to determine 24-h urinary iodine and sodium excretion. The median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) and urinary sodium concentration (mUNaC) among adults (n = 3513) were 132.0 μg/L and 4.0 g/d, respectively. The mUIC and median daily iodine intake in CUA, Non-CUA, CRA and Non-CRA were 112.1, 127.5, 128.5, 167.5 μg/L and 189.6, 182.5, 199.4, 236.0 μg/d, respectively. The mUNaC and median daily salt intake (mDSI) in these four areas were 2.4, 2.8, 2.9, 2.9 g/L and 9.8, 10.4, 10.4, 10.6 g/d, respectively. The mUIC and DII of residents were higher in the Non-CRA than in the other three areas (P < 0.05). The UNaC and DSI of residents were lower in the CUA than in the other three areas (P < 0.05). The logistic regression demonstrated that the people living in CUA and Non-CUA consumed less salt compared with those in Non-CRA. Except for Non-CUA, the DII was lower (< 150 μg/d) among women of childbearing age in the low–salt intake group (< 5 g/d) compared with the high–salt intake group (≥ 5 g/d) (P < 0.05). Iodine nutrition in Chinese adults aged 18–59 years was sufficient, but the salt intake was substantially higher than the WHO and Chinese recommendations. Further policy implementation is needed to reduce salt intake and improve the monitoring of iodine levels in Chinese adults, especially in women of childbearing age.
The effect of co-substitution of heterovalent ions Ga3+and Sb5+on nonlinear optical properties of phosphate crystals
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Wang Biao , Jia Xinhui , Chong Xi , Li Jing , Zhang Bingbing , Wang Jiyang
Published: March 2024

The nonlinear optical coefficient of the KTP crystal has been significantly improved after co doping with Ga3+and Sb5+ions (1.25 times that of the pure KTP crystal).
Enantioselective synthesis of spirooxindole-pyran derivatives via a remote inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction of β,γ-unsaturated amides
Authors: Chen Yuzhen , Chen Jiajia , Zhong Lin , Zhang Yili , Zhan Ruoting , Huang Huicai , Xue Yongbo
Published: March 2024

A remote inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction mediated by dienol intermediates of β,γ-unsaturated amides for the construction of spirooxindole-pyran derivatives.
Green supercapacitors: review and perspectives on sustainable template-free synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Meena Jayaprakash , Sivasubramaniam Shapna shankari , David Ezhumalai , K Santhakumar
Published: March 2024

Greener production of supercapacitor electrode materials for sustainable energy saving.
Tag‐inferring and tag‐guided Transformer for image captioning
Authors: Yi Yaohua , Liang Yinkai , Kong Dezhu , Tang Ziwei , Peng Jibing
Published: March 2024

Image captioning is an important task for understanding images. Recently, many studies have used tags to build alignments between image information and language information. However, existing methods ignore the problem that simple semantic tags have difficulty expressing the detailed semantics for different image contents. Therefore, the authors propose a tag‐inferring and tag‐guided Transformer for image captioning to generate fine‐grained captions. First, a tag‐inferring encoder is proposed, which uses the tags extracted by the scene graph model to infer tags with deeper semantic information. Then, with the obtained deep tag information, a tag‐guided decoder that includes short‐term attention to improve the features of words in the sentence and gated cross‐modal attention to combine image features, tag features and language features to produce informative semantic features is proposed. Finally, the word probability distribution of all positions in the sequence is calculated to generate descriptions for the image. The experiments demonstrate that the authors’ method can combine tags to obtain precise captions and that it achieves competitive performance with a 40.6% BLEU‐4 score and 135.3% CIDEr score on the MSCOCO data set.
A novel robust interacting multiple model filter for manoeuvering target tracking
Authors: Gu Peng , Jing Zhongliang , Wu Liangbin
Published: March 2024

A robust interacting multiple model approach is proposed to address the problem of accuracy and non‐Gaussian measurement noise in manoeuvering target tracking. The proposed approach introduces multiple fading factors into the prediction covariance matrix and adjusts each channel of the gain matrix in real time to improve the accuracy caused by model mismatch and enhance state transition capability. Considering the non‐Gaussian noise, an improved IMM filter is constructed to further improve the robustness using the maximum correntropy criterion. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can effectively suppress the non‐Gaussian noise and improve the accuracy with adaptability and robustness.
A low voltage microgrid protection scheme using digital instrument transformers
Authors: Sharma Jigyesh , Sidhu Tarlochan S.
Published: March 2024

Modern power systems have several measurement devices for reliable, safe, and improved operation and control. Due to the high infiltration of inverter‐based resources, protecting modern power systems has become challenging. This paper proposes a new protection scheme based on the computation of ‘discrepant impedance’ using real‐time protocol services for data exchange. The sampled values of voltages and currents are transmitted to a central processing unit to implement the protection scheme. With the development of digital instrument transformers (IEC 61869‐9), the current and voltage samples are directly interfaced wired or wirelessly to the IEC 61850‐9‐2 process bus. The proposed protection scheme is validated with grid forming and grid following inverters on Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) microgrid network using a real‐time digital simulator. The protection scheme is independent of the type of energy sources and their control philosophy, operation modes and topology of the microgrid network.
Joint scheduling method of peak shaving and frequency regulation using hybrid energy storage considering degeneration characteristic
Authors: Wang Yubo , Zhao Xingang , Huang Yujing
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a joint scheduling method of peak shaving and frequency regulation using hybrid energy storage system considering degeneration characteristic is proposed. Firstly, incorporating degradation costs of the hybrid energy storage system with respect to the depth of discharge and cycle lifetime, long‐term costs of battery energy storage and flywheel energy storage are modelled and transformed to short‐term costs related to real‐time operation. Then, a joint scheduling model is proposed for hybrid energy storage system to perform peak shaving and frequency regulation services to coordinate and optimize the output strategies of battery energy storage and flywheel energy storage, and minimize the total operation cost of microgrid. In addition, three optimal dispatching strategies for hybrid energy storage system to participate in the auxiliary service of power grid are proposed based on the established auxiliary service model. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed joint scheduling method can optimize the power of different energy storage, alleviate the degradation process of battery energy storage. Compared with the scenario without scheduling hybrid energy storage system, scheduling hybrid energy storage system can reduce the total operation cost, and the electricity cost of microgrid is reduced by 13.13%.
A novel distributed bearing‐only target tracking algorithm for underwater sensor networks with resource constraints
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Xuan , Pang Zhouqi , Hao Chengpeng
Published: March 2024

Underwater sensor networks hold immense potential for advancing the field of underwater target tracking, yet they encounter significant resource constraints stemming from energy storage and communication methods. In order to balance tracking accuracy and energy consumption, the authors present a distributed bearing‐only target tracking algorithm that can be used in underwater sensor networks with resource constraints. Anchored in the diffusion cubature information filter framework, this algorithm achieves fusion for non‐linear bearing measurements and state estimation. During the incremental update stage, individual nodes leverage the Posterior Cramer‐Rao Lower Bound as a metric for tracking performance. Subsequently, a strategy for selecting neighbouring nodes is introduced, ensuring tracking accuracy while efficiently kerbing energy consumption. In the diffusion update stage, a multi‐threshold event triggering mechanism is employed to partially diffuse the intermediate estimation. Additionally, an adaptive convex combination weight is proposed for cases involving partial diffusion. Through theoretical analysis, the asymptotic unbiasedness and convergence of the algorithm have been proven. Through Monte Carlo simulation experiments, the authors verify that the algorithm is superior to existing algorithms. Furthermore, the algorithm significantly reduces energy consumption in information interaction, minimising tracking accuracy loss.
Citric acid-modified pineapple leaves (Ananas comossus) for nitrate and chloride ions removal
Authors: Fauzia Syiffa , Iryani Ani , Rania Adinda Jeihan
Published: March 2024

Industrial developments have provided both positive and negative impacts for the environment. The environmental pollution caused by industrial activities discharge toxic waste such as chloride and nitrate. Therefore, recent research employed pineapple leaves (Ananas comossus) as a cellulose-based material to remove chloride and nitrate ion in aqueous solution. The pineapple leaf powder was modified using citric acid to enhance its performance. The optimum conditions were achieved at pH 2, contact time 90 minutes, concentration 100 mg/L for chloride removal meanwhile the removal of nitrate reached the peak at pH 3, contact time 150 minutes, and concentration 50 mg/L for pineapple leaves before modification. After citric acid modification, the optimum point was reached at pH 5, contact time 120 minutes, concentration 100 ppm for chloride. For nitrate adsorption, the optimums condition was at pH 4, contact time 150 minutes, and concentration 50 mg/L. The adsorption capacity of both adsorbents did not significantly change after three times adsorption/desorption cycles. Adsorption of pineapple leaf before and after modification followed the Langmuir isotherm model for chloride and nitrate removal. The obtained adsorbents were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Breuneur-Emmet-Teller (BET) indicating significant difference before and after adsorption onto pineapple leaves took place.
Nanodots from Palm Kernel Cake
Authors: Putra Andrianopsyah Mas Jaya , Fadila Nelma , Mujahidah Zahra Shafa , Mansur Dieni , Jenie Siti Nurul Aisyiyah , Herbani Yuliati , Anwar Yelfi , Sugiarto Anto Tri
Published: March 2024

Palm kernel cake (PKC) is the remaining of a palm (Elaeis guineensis) kernel after its oil is separated. Oversupply of this biomass could become an environmental problem. Meanwhile, its moist property makes it suitable for a hydrothermal carbonization to afford added values for the biomass and overcome its potential environmental problem. From the hydrothermal processes of PKC with aquadest and nanobubbled water at 200 ºC for 6 hours, nanodots with the size around 50 nm were obtained. The nanodots may be decorated with amides on their surface. Upon illumination by an ultra-violet A wave (350 nm), the nanodots emitted lights with a maximum around blue region (450 nm). No significant differences were found between the nanodots from the hydrothermal carbonizations of PKC with aquadest and the ones from the hydrothermal carbonizations of the biomass with nanobubbled water. The fluorescence property of nanodots from PKC opens up the possibility for these carbon materials to be applied in agriculture. To the best of our knowledge, this kind of research has never been reported before.
Effects of Ethanol: Water Ratio and Reaction Time on Ethyl Levulinate Synthesis from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB)
Authors: Widjaja Christopher , Heriyanti  , Namhaed Kritsana , Gozan Misri
Published: March 2024

World energy consumption continues to escalate annually in line with current world development. Meeting this burgeoning demand necessitates the exploration of renewable energy. Biofuel is one of the promising alternatives for renewable energy sources. However, biofuel has a disadvantage in its lower overall performance than fossil fuel. The application of additives such as ethyl levulinate emerges as a potential solution to enhance biofuel performance. This research aims to investigate the effect of ethanol:water ratio and reaction time on the formation of ethyl levulinate from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB). The OPEFB to be utilized was pretreated with 3% NaOH at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:8. The reaction was conducted at 120oC, with varying ethanol:water ratio and reaction time in the presence of H2SO4 as the catalyst. The reaction products were extracted using ethanol and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The optimum reaction conditions obtained were 90 minutes and ethanol:water ratio of 99.1:0.9, resulting in a yield of 1.01%.