192815 research outputs found
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Observation of Bc+ → Dh+h− decays
Full text linkSearches are presented for B c + → D h + h − decays, where D is a charmed meson and h ± is a charged pion or kaon, using p p collision data collected by the LHCb experiment corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb − 1 . The decays B c + → D + K + π − , B c + → D * + K + π − , and B c + → D s + K + K − are observed for the first time. Their branching fractions, expressed as ratios relative to that of the B c + → B s 0 π + decay, are determined to be R ( B c + → D + K + π − ) = ( 1.96 ± 0.23 ± 0.08 ± 0.10 ) × 10 − 3 , R ( B c + → D * + K + π − ) = ( 3.67 ± 0.55 ± 0.24 ± 0.20 ) × 10 − 3 , R ( B c + → D s + K + K − ) = ( 1.61 ± 0.35 ± 0.13 ± 0.07 ) × 10 − 3 , where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is due to the limited precision on the D -meson branching fractions. The decay channels proceed primarily through excited K 0 or D 0 resonances or ϕ mesons, and open a new avenue for studies of charge-parity violation in beauty mesons
Cooperative behaviors of manufacturing supply chains under the carbon-neutral strategy: an evolutionary gaming model
Full text linkThe increasingly severe global climate change has made the carbon-neutral strategy urgent. In the manufacturing supply chain (MSC), identifying different stages of carbon-neutral transition and exploring the dynamic adjustment of carbon-neutral behaviors (CNB) have become issues to be addressed. Therefore, we established an evolutionary game model for three parties (the government, the manufacturer and the supplier), and further ensures research rigor through approaches including the comparison and selection of methods, integration with real-world scenarios, and the expansion of model scenarios. Results show that the carbon-neutral transition can be determined as a multi-stage framework of “government rectification stage - tripartite collaboration stage - MSC autonomy stage”. First, in the government rectification stage, MSC is mainly affected by government regulation and reputational benefits. The government must implement regulation by setting the carbon tax. Second, in the tripartite collaboration stage, the free rider gain began to play an important role. The government subsidy should be assigned within a specific range, which can motivate the parties in the MSC to implement carbon-neutral strategy under the premise of effective regulation. Third, in the MSC autonomy stage, MSC realizes carbon-neutral strategic cooperation by coordinating reputational benefits and free rider gain. The government should gradually leave the market
Regenerable luminescent triarylborane lanthanide metal-organic frameworks as solid-state sensors
No full textFluoride anions (F⁻) are commonly found in everyday items and are known to have positive medicinal uses. Despite their importance, overconsumption can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, among other health issues. In pursuit of a more effective method to detect trace amounts of anions in aqueous media, we synthesized two triarylborane-functionalized lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (LnBMOFs) to act as solid-state luminescent sensors. The LnBMOFs, EuBMOF and TbBMOF, use europium and terbium, respectively, as these metal ions display strong luminescent properties. The electrophilic nature of the triarylborane ligand makes it an ideal candidate for sensing high affinity F⁻, while also providing steric bulk to enhance the selectivity and stability of the LnBMOFs. We further demonstrate that LnBMOFs are capable of sensing other small anions including CN⁻ and OH⁻ but also a wider scope of anions including PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and Cl⁻, while maintaining a high degree of sensitivity. The structural design of these LnBMOFs provides a turn-on/off effect with some anions, where the luminescence is regenerated and maintains stability through several cycles upon washing with water
Comparison of the accuracy of robotic arm and dynamic navigation in the placement of mandibular dental implants: an in-vitro study
No full textObjective: To compare the spatial accuracy between Robotic Computer-Assisted implant Surgery (R-CAIS) and Dynamic Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery (D-CAIS) for placement of dental implants. Methods: The study was carried out on twelve polyurethane mandibular models which were randomly divided into two groups (n = 6): D-CAIS (group 1) and R-CAIS (group 2). In group 1 the placement of two mandibular implants was carried out manually guided by dynamic navigation. In group 2, the placement of the two mandibular implants was achieved using a robotic arm. The postoperative Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were superimposed on the predication planning to calculate the errors of the placement of the implants at entry point and at the apex as well as any angulation deviation. The statistical significance of the placement errors was assessed using Student t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests (p < 0.05) for parametric and non- parametric measurements, respectively. Results: D-CAIS group cases showed significantly lower entry and apex deviations (0.99 ± 0.33 mm; 0.77 ± 0.34 mm) compared to the R-CAIS group (1.82 ± 0.50 mm; 1.30 ± 0.51 mm). Angular deviation was comparable between the two groups (3.97 ± 2.40 ◦ vs 4.33 ± 1.83 ◦ ; p = 0.51). The standard deviations of the linear placement errors (entry and apex) were smaller in the D-CAIS group, whereas the standard deviation of the angular deviation was smaller in the R-CAIS group. Although the angular deviation differed slightly between the two approaches, the results showed no statistically significant difference. The measured implant placement errors of the two approaches were clinically acceptable (< 2 mm; < 5 ◦ ). The measured errors are likely to be secondary to the registration process which was more complex with the application of the robotic arm for the placement of the implants. Conclusion: D-CAIS demonstrated higher accuracy in mandibular implant placement, particularly in terms of linear deviations, while R-CAIS showed greater consistency in angular measurements despite no significant difference between groups. Overall, the observed deviations were small and are of limited clinical significance. These findings reflect system-level performance in a controlled laboratory setting, further clinical studies are required to validate these results. Clinical significance: The study investigated the challenges and opportunities of the clinical application of dynamic navigation and robotic arm for the placement of dental implants. It informs the reader with the related technical details and the digital workflow for each of these two innovative techniques
Cross-modality guided super-resolution for weak-signal fluorescence imaging via a multi-channel SwinIR framework
Full text linkWeak-signal fluorescence channels (e.g., 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)) often fail to provide reliable structural details due to low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and insufficient high-frequency information, limiting the ability of single-channel super-resolution methods to restore edge continuity and texture. This study proposes a multi-channel guided super-resolution method based on SwinIR, utilizing the high-SNR fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) channel as a structural reference. Dual-channel adaptation is implemented at the model input layer, enabling the window attention mechanism to fuse cross-channel correlation information and enhance the structural recovery capability of weak-signal channels. To address the loss of high-frequency information in weak-signal imaging, we introduce a frequency-domain consistency loss: this mechanism constrains spectral consistency between the predicted and true images in the Fourier domain, improving the clarity of fine-structure reconstruction. Experimental results on the DAPI channel demonstrate significant improvements: PSNR increases from 27.05 dB to 44.98 dB, and SSIM rises from 0.763 to 0.960. Visual analysis indicates that this method restores more continuous nuclear edges and weak textural details while suppressing background noise; frequency-domain results reduce the minimum resolvable feature size from approximately 1.5 μm to 0.8 μm. In summary, multi-channel structural information provides an effective and physically interpretable deep learning approach for super-resolution reconstruction of weak-signal fluorescence images
Unlocking public support: How communication about program design affects public perception of IMF interventions
No full textDoes communication about International Monetary Fund (IMF) pro- grams influence citizen support for reforms and the institution itself? Us- ing a survey experiment in Pakistan, we investigate whether emphasiz- ing specific program content—tax increases, budget cuts, or social welfare packages—shifts public opinion. We find that while highlighting adjust- ment costs like tax hikes and spending cuts reduces program support, em- phasizing the continuity of social protection increases it. Notably, infor- mation about costly adjustments does not negatively impact views of the IMF as an institution. These results suggest a “reservoir of confidence” in the IMF’s institutional capability, even when citizens dislike specific policy mandates. This study contributes to the literature on IMF program design and the role of political communication in shaping public support for in- ternational organizations and economic reforms
Lecture capture as Universal Design for Learning: a post-pandemic scoping review
Full text linkLecture capture is frequently justified as an inclusive technology, yet its alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in post-pandemic practice has not been empirically considered. We conducted a scoping review of post-pandemic lecture capture research, identifying 12 studies that considered live lecture recording in higher education. Using the UDL guidelines as an analytic framework, we found that lecture capture primarily supports Engagement and, to a lesser extent, Representation through flexible access, replay and player controls. Action and Expression and higher level executive functions were rarely addressed. Demographic reporting was limited, with few analyses for disabled, neurodivergent or commuting students. We argue that lecture capture is necessary, but insufficient as a sole adjustment for inclusive design and prioritise future research
From isolation to inclusion: advancing rural educational equity in Scotland
Full text linkThis paper investigates how Scottish rural schools engage with their broader educational landscape, particularly through collaborative practices and capacity-building efforts. It examines how these schools cultivate a culture of partnership, both among institutions and within their communities, to strengthen leadership and enhance teaching and learning. Guided by Place-Based Education (PBE) as its conceptual framework, the study emphasises equity challenges rooted in local contexts and situates rural education within Scotland’s historical, societal, and policy landscape. Drawing on qualitative case studies of five schools, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with principals and supported by documentary evidence and student attainment data from national assessments. The findings showcase school leaders’ efforts to enhance social and educational outcomes and build sustainable, equity-driven systems. The paper concludes with implications for policy and practice, addressing equitable access, workforce recruitment and retention, and the potential for schools to collaborate with local and regional stakeholders to strengthen rural education
Electrochemical interlayer expansion and dual redox activation for fast Mg-ion transport and high capacity in Quasi-1D TiS3
Full text linkMagnesium ion batteries (MIBs) offer promising solutions for next-generation sustainable energy storage systems owing to their intrinsic safety and cost-effectiveness, yet their development is hindered by the scarcity of high-capacity cathode materials, primarily due to poor magnesium ion transport and a limited number of electrochemically active sites. Here, we report a significant performance breakthrough in a structurally and electrochemically distinct, underexplored quasi-1D pseudolayered titanium trisulfide (TiS3) cathode through interlayer engineering and exploitation of dual cationic/anionic redox chemistry. In operando and ex situ characterization reveal that interlayer expansion, induced by the intercalation of 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (BMPyrr+), weakens electrostatic interactions within the sulfide sublattice, enhances magnesium ion diffusion kinetics, and increases accessible redox sites. These modifications activate reversible Ti4+/Ti3+ and S22–/S2– redox couples, complemented by nanosizing-induced pseudocapacitance, synergistically underpinning the exceptional electrochemical performance. As a result, the expanded TiS3 cathode delivers outstanding reversible capacities (up to 300 mA h g–1 at 100 mA g–1), excellent rate performance (181 mA h g–1 at 1000 mA g–1), and long-term cycling stability, surpassing its pristine counterpart and many state-of-the-art MIB cathodes. This work underscores the combined role of interlayer engineering and dual-ion redox chemistry in advancing multivalent energy storage and introduces pseudolayered TiS3 as a new structural platform beyond conventional layered sulfides
Microvascular pathology in the spinal cord of severe spinal muscular atrophy patients
No full textSevere spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a life-limiting neurodegenerative disease of infancy and early childhood, caused by reduced expression of the ubiquitous survival motor neuron protein (SMN). While current therapies aim to increase SMN levels and preserve motor neurons, significant deficits remain in treated patients and non-neuronal manifestations of SMN deficiency are underexplored. Vascular abnormalities including intrinsic endothelial cell dysfunction, altered vessel morphology, and altered vascular distribution have been reported in preclinical SMA models. Here, we characterised vascular architecture and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) morphology and integrity in post-mortem spinal cord samples from severe SMA patients compared with unaffected controls. Von Willebrand Factor (vWF), a marker of endothelial cell health, was reduced within individual vascular endothelial cells, and associated with ultrastructural endothelial cell oedema, vacuolisation and compromised endothelial integrity. Ultrastructural damage extended to other components of the BSCB as evidenced by extravascular leakage of fibrinogen into the neural parenchyma and microglial activation consistent with a neuroinflammatory environment. Together, these findings suggest that vascular defects with associated dysfunction of the BSCB are present in the spinal cord of infants with severe SMA. This work adds to a growing body of evidence linking microvascular dysfunction to neurodegeneration in human neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are warranted to define the contribution of vascular dysfunction to SMA pathogenesis and to assess whether current therapies adequately address this aspect of the disease
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