bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Final two MH370 communications suggest controlled eastward descent
Authors: Lyne Vincent 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Official interpretations of Doppler shifts from the final satellite communications of missing Malaysian Airlines MH370 were based on a motion-decoupled ‘Up-Down model’. That model predicted an uncontrolled high-speed gravitationally accelerated dive following fuel starvation. Here, I challenge that model using a more-realistic motion-coupled ‘Declination model’. Aerial, satellite and underwater searches failed to find the predicted official violent crash-site near the 7th arc. Meticulous re-examination of debris damage by air-crash investigator Larry Vance concluded that the aircraft glide-landed under power with extended wing-flaps. The trailing-edges were then damaged, broke off their mountings, flailing about and retracted along the guides to cause the observed wing-flap damage. Larry's conclusions complement interpretations from the ‘Declination model’ which we demonstrate here with three example flight tracks. Our revised Doppler-shift analyses support the hypothesis of a controlled eastward descent. We conclude that the official theory of fuel starvation and a high-speed dive are fundamentally flawed.
Position and heading estimation for indoor navigation of a micro aerial vehicle using vanishing point
Authors: Anbarasu B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Indoor navigation for micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) is challenging in GPS signal-obstructed indoor corridor environments. Position and heading estimation for a MAV is required to navigate without colliding with obstacles. The connected components algorithm and k-means clustering algorithm have been integrated for line and vanishing point detection in the corridor image frames to estimate the position and heading of the MAV. The position of the vanishing point indicates the position of the MAV (centre, left or right) in the corridor. Furthermore, the Euclidean distance between the image centre and mid-pixel coordinates at the last row of the image and the detected vanishing point pixel coordinates in the successive corridor image frames are used to compute the heading of the MAV. When the MAV deviates from the corridor centre, the position and heading measurement can send a suitable control signal to the MAV and align the MAV at the centre of the corridor. When compared with a grid-based vanishing point detection method heading accuracy of ±1⋅5°, the k-means clustering-based vanishing point detection is suitable for real-time heading measurement for indoor MAVs with an accuracy of ±0⋅5°.
Climate tipping points: Tracing the limits of political discretion
Authors: Ritz Violetta 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
States’ current emission policies are far from being aligned with what is needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal. Against this backdrop, an increasing number of lawsuits have been filed around the world. As of March 2024, most courts have exercised restraint in imposing substantive limits on the legislator’s discretion in determining emission levels. Judicial restraint commonly rests on two premises: Climate models yield wide uncertainty ranges and choosing emission reduction levels is a normative decision belonging to the political domain. By engaging best available science on climate tipping points, this article examines the reasoning in favour of political discretion through a due diligence and equity lens. The analysis concludes that all factual requirements are met for states to be under an obligation to align their mitigation policies with a global carbon budget which is expected to limit global warming to 1.5°C at a likelihood as high as state capacities allow for.
Is Ecuador facing a non-international armed conflict against organized crime groups? Reality, inconsistencies and jurisprudential developments
Authors: Cahueñas Muñoz Hugo , Idrovo Romo Juan Felipe 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOn 9 January 2024, the president of the Republic of Ecuador decreed a state of exception in which he recognized the existence of a non-international armed conflict (NIAC) involving twenty-two criminal groups. By July 2024, the president had declared four additional states of exception. The Constitutional Court examined the decrees and ruled against the existence of a NIAC. In this context, the objective of this article is to present, contrast and analyze the positions of the president and the Constitutional Court and highlight the most notable jurisprudential developments. This case study is relevant to exploring some of the challenges of classifying armed conflicts involving organized crime. In respect of the position of the president, inconsistencies were identified between the recognition of the armed conflict and the actions taken to confront it. As to the Court's jurisprudence, some notable developments identified include the incorporation of international humanitarian law treaties into the block of constitutionality and the ruling on challenges of contemporary armed conflicts such as spillovers, coalition formation and the participation of criminal groups in armed conflicts.
Unraveling a Novel Formation Pathway of Hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) in the Marine Atmosphere
Authors: Zhu Yucheng , Li Hao , Xing Chengzhi , Dong Xinyi , Liu Cheng , Qin Xiaofei , Wang Guochen , Liu Ziwei , Ding Zhijian , Tian Mengke , Deng Congrui , Huang Kan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS, CH2(OH)SO3−) is an important contributor to organosulfates with the potential to impact the biogeochemical sulfur cycle and global climate. However, its characteristics in the marine atmosphere have rarely been investigated. This study investigated the abundances of HMS over the Yellow and East China Seas based on island and cruise observations, showing weak seasonal variations but significant spatial patterns. Aerosol pH was diagnosed as the limiting factor governing the production rates of HMS via the traditional aqueous processing. However, the disparities between the theoretical formation rates and observed concentrations implied the possibility of a new formation mechanism for HMS. Strong correlations were found between methanesulfonate (MSA) and HMS, with machine learning simulation indicating MSA as the most pivotal contributor. Through the density functional theory calculations, HMS can be generated by gas‐phase organic reactions between the •OOCH2SO3H radical (formed from the isomerization of methylsulfonoxyl radical (CH3SO3•) and oxidation) and NO or CH3OO• radical, leading to the cogeneration of HMS and MSA. The HMS production rate via the gas phase process was 3.7–55 times larger than that of aqueous processing, which extends the understanding of formation mechanisms of atmospheric organosulfur compounds.
TNFα-CXCR1/2 partners in crime in insulin resistance conditions
Authors: Castelli Vanessa , Kacem Housem , Brandolini Laura , Giorgio Cristina , Scenna Marta Sofia , Allegretti Marcello , Cimini Annamaria , d’Angelo Michele 
Published: December 2024

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is defined by chronic hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion or activity and decreased insulin sensitivity, known as insulin resistance (IR). This condition leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing the risk of systemic inflammatory diseases. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors for IR and T2D. Various metabolites act as mediators of IR by disrupting communication between organs. Lipids, including free fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids, along with intracellular lipotoxins, impair insulin function and mitochondrial activity, contributing to IR through direct and indirect mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Our research explores the role of TNFα and CXCR1/2 in IR conditions, emphasizing their interactions and potential as therapeutic targets. In this study we selected two models of IR, adipocytes and hepatocytes, since are key players in glucose and lipid metabolism. To develop IR model, TNFα was used as challenge and we focused on investigating the role of CXCR1/2 inhibition. We assessed glucose uptake, insulin signaling pathways, and gene expression related to IR. Cells treated with TNFα showed reduced p-Akt and increased p-JNK levels, indicative of IR. In contrast, CXCR1/2 inhibition restored p-Akt levels and reduced p-JNK levels, suggesting improvements in insulin signaling and glucose uptake. Furthermore, CXCR1/2 inhibition counteracted the TNFα-induced decrease in IGF expression and restored GLUT2 expression, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. These results underscore the pivotal role of CXCR1/2 in modulating the inflammatory response and insulin signaling in IR conditions in both IR models. CXCR1/2 inhibition can mitigate IR and improve glucose metabolism. Thus, targeting the TNFα-CXCR1/2 pathway presents a promising therapeutic approach for managing IR and T2D. Further investigation is necessary to understand the clinical implications of these findings and develop effective treatments for patients with IR and T2D.
Dynamic anti-correlations of water hydrogen bonds
Authors: Gunkel Lucas , Ehrhard Amelie A. , Krevert Carola S. , Marekha Bogdan A. , Bonn Mischa , Grechko Maksim , Hunger Johannes 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWater is characterized by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) between molecules. The two hydrogen atoms in one water molecule can form H-bonds of dissimilar length. Although intimately connected to water’s anomalous properties, the details and the origins of the asymmetry have remained elusive. We study water’s H-bonds using the O-D stretching vibrations as sensitive reporters of H-bonding of D2O and HOD in dimethylformamide. Broader inhomogeneous linewidths of the OD band of HOD compared to the symmetric and asymmetric OD stretching modes of D2O together with density functional theory calculations provide evidence for markedly anti-correlated H-bonds: water preferentially forms one weak and one strong H-bond. Coupling peaks in the spectra for D2O directly demonstrate anti-correlated H-bonds and these anti-correlations are modulated by thermal motions of water on a sub-picosecond timescale. Experimentally inferred H-bond distributions suggest that the anti-correlations are a direct consequence of the H-bonding potential of XH2 groups, which we confirm for the ND2 group of urea. These structural and dynamic insights into H-bonding are essential for understanding the relationship between the H-bonded structure and phase behavior of water.
Protein engineering using variational free energy approximation
Authors: Lobzaev Evgenii , Herrera Michael A. , Kasprzyk Martyna , Stracquadanio Giovanni 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEngineering proteins is a challenging task requiring the exploration of a vast design space. Traditionally, this is achieved using Directed Evolution (DE), which is a laborious process. Generative deep learning, instead, can learn biological features of functional proteins from sequence and structural datasets and return novel variants. However, most models do not generate thermodynamically stable proteins, thus leading to many non-functional variants. Here we propose a model called PRotein Engineering by Variational frEe eNergy approximaTion (PREVENT), which generates stable and functional variants by learning the sequence and thermodynamic landscape of a protein. We evaluate PREVENT by designing 40 variants of the conditionally essential E. coli phosphotransferase N-acetyl-L-glutamate kinase (EcNAGK). We find 85% of the variants to be functional, with 55% of them showing similar growth rate compared to the wildtype enzyme, despite harbouring up to 9 mutations. Our results support a new approach that can significantly accelerate protein engineering.
Unleashed from constrained optimization: quantum computing for quantum chemistry employing generator coordinate inspired method
Authors: Zheng Muqing , Peng Bo , Li Ang , Yang Xiu , Kowalski Karol 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHybrid quantum-classical approaches offer potential solutions to quantum chemistry problems, yet they often manifest as constrained optimization problems. Here, we explore the interconnection between constrained optimization and generalized eigenvalue problems through the Unitary Coupled Cluster (UCC) excitation generators. Inspired by the generator coordinate method, we employ these UCC excitation generators to construct non-orthogonal, overcomplete many-body bases, projecting the system Hamiltonian into an effective Hamiltonian, which bypasses issues such as barren plateaus that heuristic numerical minimizers often encountered in standard variational quantum eigensolver (VQE). Diverging from conventional quantum subspace expansion methods, we introduce an adaptive scheme that robustly constructs the many-body basis sets from a pool of the UCC excitation generators. This scheme supports the development of a hierarchical ADAPT quantum-classical strategy, enabling a balanced interplay between subspace expansion and ansatz optimization to address complex, strongly correlated quantum chemical systems cost-effectively, setting the stage for more advanced quantum simulations in chemistry.
Simultaneous discovery of quantum error correction codes and encoders with a noise-aware reinforcement learning agent
Authors: Olle Jan , Zen Remmy , Puviani Matteo , Marquardt Florian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the ongoing race towards experimental implementations of quantum error correction (QEC), finding ways to automatically discover codes and encoding strategies tailored to the qubit hardware platform is emerging as a critical problem. Reinforcement learning (RL) has been identified as a promising approach, but so far it has been severely restricted in terms of scalability. In this work, we significantly expand the power of RL approaches to QEC code discovery. Explicitly, we train an RL agent that automatically discovers both QEC codes and their encoding circuits for a given gate set, qubit connectivity and error model, from scratch. This is enabled by a reward based on the Knill-Laflamme conditions and a vectorized Clifford simulator, showing its effectiveness with up to 25 physical qubits and distance 5 codes, while presenting a roadmap to scale this approach to 100 qubits and distance 10 codes in the near future. We also introduce the concept of a noise-aware meta-agent, which learns to produce encoding strategies simultaneously for a range of noise models, thus leveraging transfer of insights between different situations. Our approach opens the door towards hardware-adapted accelerated discovery of QEC approaches across the full spectrum of quantum hardware platforms of interest.
Three mechanisms of language comprehension are revealed through cluster analysis of individuals with language deficits
Authors: Vyshedskiy Andrey , Venkatesh Rohan , Khokhlovich Edward , Satik Deniz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAnalysis of linguistic abilities that are concurrently impaired in individuals with language deficits allows identification of a shared underlying mechanism. If any two linguistic abilities are mediated by the same underlying mechanism, then both abilities will be absent if this mechanism is broken. Clustering techniques automatically arrange these abilities according to their co-occurrence and therefore group together abilities mediated by the same mechanism. This study builds upon the discovery of three distinct mechanisms of language comprehension in 31,845 autistic individuals1. The current clustering analysis of a more diverse group of individuals with language impairments resulted in the three mechanisms identical to those found previously: (1) the most-basic command-language-comprehension-mechanism; (2) the intermediate modifier-language-comprehension-mechanism mediating comprehension of color, size, and number modifiers; and (3) the most-advanced syntactic-language-comprehension-mechanism. This discovery calls for mapping of the three empirically-defined language-comprehension-mechanisms in the context of cognitive neuroscience, which is the main goal of this study.
Stakeholder perspectives on the costs and benefits of circular construction
Authors: Karaca Ferhat , Tleuken Aidana , Awan Hamad Hassan , Askar Rand , Çıdık Mustafa Selçuk , Iskakova Anel , Turkyilmaz Ali , Laudal Thomas , Durdyev Serdar , Varol Huseyin Atakan , Salles Adriana , Bajāre Diāna , Tambovceva Tatjana , Zsembinszki Gabriel , Puma Genesis Camila Cervantes , Kapsalyamova Zhanna , Kripa Dorina , Azhgaliyeva Dina , Nano Xhesila , Cabeza Luisa F. , Bragança Luís 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The construction industry significantly impacts the environment through natural resource depletion and energy consumption, leading to environmental degradation. Circular Economy (CE) material efficiency strategies—such as material reuse, design for disassembly, prefabrication, and recycling—offer promising solutions for reducing resource consumption and waste. This paper explores stakeholders’ perspectives on the costs and benefits of implementing CE material efficiency strategies in the construction industry, using the 3-R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) framework. By analyzing data from 382 participants, it assesses perceptions of costs and benefits, uncovering regional differences. The findings highlight that studied European stakeholders prioritize reuse and design for disassembly, while studied non-European countries focus on offsite production and material reuse optimization. Despite these differences, both groups view waste reduction as a key benefit, due to the cost savings it provides. By highlighting regional drivers and barriers to CE adoption, this research establishes a foundation for developing targeted policies and collaborative strategies to advance CE implementation in construction worldwide.
Built-in Bernal gap in large-angle-twisted monolayer-bilayer graphene
Authors: Boschi Alex , Gebeyehu Zewdu M. , Slizovskiy Sergey , Mišeikis Vaidotas , Forti Stiven , Rossi Antonio , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Beltram Fabio , Fal’ko Vladimir I. , Coletti Camilla , Pezzini Sergio 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAtomically thin materials offer multiple opportunities for layer-by-layer control of their electronic properties. While monolayer graphene (MLG) is a zero-gap system, Bernal-stacked bilayer graphene (BLG) acquires a finite band gap when the symmetry between the layers’ potential energy is broken, usually, via a displacement electric field applied in double-gate devices. Here, we introduce a twistronic stack comprising both MLG and BLG, synthesized via chemical vapor deposition, showing a Bernal gap in the absence of external fields. Although a large (~30°) twist angle decouples the MLG and BLG electronic bands near Fermi level, proximity-induced energy shifts in the outermost layers result in a built-in asymmetry, which requires a displacement field of 0.14 V/nm to be compensated. The latter corresponds to a ~10 meV intrinsic BLG gap, a value confirmed by our thermal-activation measurements. The present results highlight the role of structural asymmetry and encapsulating environment, expanding the engineering toolbox for monolithically-grown graphene multilayers.
Optimized operation of AC–DC microgrid cluster with modified PLL and socket protocol
Authors: Gupta Sonam , Gupta Swastik , Shukla Anup , Gonzalez‐Longatt Francisco M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMicrogrids integrating inverter based resources face challenges like stability issues during voltage fluctuations and reliance on diesel generators in islanded mode. This paper presents a novel control strategy for photovoltaic and wind‐integrated microgrids to enhance reliability and efficiency. The strategy utilizes a modified phase‐locked loop with droop control for seamless synchronization in grid‐connected and islanded modes. Central to this approach is the localized autonomous controller with a socket protocol interfaced communication layer, dynamically managing operations based on real‐time conditions such as generation, load, and battery state of charge. By integrating battery storage systems, the strategy reduces diesel generator dependency during grid outages. Comprehensive simulations and controller hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing validate its effectiveness, demonstrating improved stability and decreased reliance on diesel generators. The socket protocol enhances real‐time communication, monitoring, and optimization of microgrid operations, ensuring optimal battery storage system utilization and minimal diesel usage. The proposed strategy addresses critical microgrid challenges, offering significant advancements in enhancing system resilience.
Real-time visualization of the gastrointestinal tract during nasogastric tube placement: Pilot study of new video-Assisted system
Authors: Lo Yi-Ning , Kang Jui-Wen , Hsieh Chih-Cheng , Chen Chiung-Zuei , Yang Kai-Chun , Tsai Wei-Chu , Chiang Hsueh-Chien , Chen Chien-Cheng , Shih I-Cheng , Chen Po-Jun , Yang Er-Hsiang , Kuo Hsin-Yu , Chen Chiung-Yu , Chen Chen-Ju , Chuang Chiao-Hsiung 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNasogastric (NG) tubes are commonly inserted blindly, leading to complications. Existing NG tube placement-assisting systems face safety and cost-effectiveness issues. This study aimed to evaluate a new assisting system using a camera probe inserted into the NG tube to provide real-time visualization.Thirty patients requiring nasogastric tube placement were prospectively included. The primary objective was to determine the success rate of NG tube placement, while the secondary objectives included assessment of usability and safety of this system.Our findings revealed a high success rate of 96.7%. Median time to complete NG tube placement was 3.8 minutes. No serious complications were observed during the 7-day follow-up period. Operator feedback indicated this system helps facilitate NG tube placement, identify the gastric mucosa and safety landmark, and ease of camera wire removal. However, image visibility received a slightly lower score due to gastrointestinal secretions entering the NG tube through the side hole. To address this, air insufflation was used to enhance visibility in 13 patients.The video-assisted system provides real-time visualization of the gastrointestinal tract during tube insertion and has been shown to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NG tube placement.
The linguistic construal of extreme behaviour
Authors: Vilar-Lluch Sara 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Teaching and family communities usually have an active role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in childhood. Examining the construal of hyperactivity-impulsivity in teaching guidelines and online parental exchanges can elucidate common lay understandings of the trait. The study considers transitivity, with a focus on Relational and Behavioural clauses, lexical metaphors and appraisals. The linguistic descriptions have a potential to assist medical specialists in interpreting evidence presented by teaching and family communities in the complex task of diagnosing ADHD, facilitating communication and explaining the strategies used to avoid potentially stigmatising descriptions. The analysis supports the suitability of distinguishing Behavioural processes in transitivity and traces a parallelism between the metaphorical descriptions of extreme behaviour and those traditionally reported for strong emotions.