Earlier Experiments Research Articles

Ancestors of the Minoan sword: Early Minoan IB long daggers from Hagia Photia, Crete

The long sword, a weapon first known in the Aegean Bronze Age from Middle Minoan Crete (early second millennium BC), represented the culmination of a long period of development. Several problems in both casting and forging had to be solved before the production of large implements like swords could be achieved. Very early experiments with long weapons come from Early Minoan IB Crete, early in the third millennium BC. Examples from the cemetery at Hagia Photia illustrate this early phase in the production of large implements.

Stability and Cooling of the C_{7}^{2-} Dianion.

We have studied the stability of the smallest long-lived all carbon molecular dianion (C_{7}^{2-}) in new time domains and with a single ion at a time using a cryogenic electrostatic ion-beam storage ring. We observe spontaneous electron emission from internally excited dianions on millisecond timescales and monitor the survival of single colder C_{7}^{2-} molecules on much longer timescales. We find that their intrinsic lifetime exceeds several minutes-6 orders of magnitude longer than established from earlier experiments on C_{7}^{2-}. This is consistent with our calculations of vertical electron detachment energies predicting one inherently stable isomer and one isomer which is stable or effectively stable behind a large Coulomb barrier for C_{7}^{2-}→C_{7}^{-}+e^{-} separation.

Transient non-Fourier behavior of large surface bodies

The variety and complexity of heterogeneous materials in the engineering practice are continuously increasing, open-cell metal foams filled with phase change materials are typical examples. These are also having an impact on the recent developments in the energy industry. Earlier room temperature heat pulse experiments on macroscale foam samples showed non-Fourier over-diffusive behavior on a particular time scale. Since there is a need to investigate such complex structures on larger spatial scales and extend the one-dimensional analysis on two-, and three-dimensional settings, here we develop a two-dimensional analytical solution for the Guyer-Krumhansl and Jeffreys-type heat equations in cylindrical coordinates to investigate the transient thermal behavior of large bodies. We provide the steady-state and transient temperature and heat flux distributions for a space-dependent heat source. The solutions presented here will be helpful for the thermal characterization of complex materials and for the validation of numerical methods.

The Role of the OLS Program in the Development of echinopscis (an Extensible Notebook for Open Science on Specimens)

Starting in early 2022, biodiversity informatics researchers at Kew have been developing echinopscis: an "extensible notebook for open science on specimens". This aims to build on the early experiments that our community conducted with "e-taxonomy": the development of tools and techniques to enable taxonomic research to be conducted online. Early e-taxonomic tools (e.g., Scratchpads Smith et al. 2011) had to perform a wide range of functions, but in the past decade or so the move towards open science has built better support for generic functionality, such as reference management (Zotero) and document production (pandoc), skills development in automation and revision control to support reproducible science, as documented by the Turing Way (The Turing Way Community 2022), and an awareness of the importance of community building. We have developed echinopscis at Kew via a cross-departmental collaboration between researchers in biodiversity informatics and accelerated taxonomy. We have also benefitted from valuable input and advice from our many colleagues in associated projects and organisations around the world. OLS (originally Open Life Sciences) is a training and mentoring program for Open Science leaders with a focus on community building. The name was recently (2023) made more generic—"Open Seeds"—whilst retaining their well-known acronym "OLS"*1. OLS is a 16-week cohort-based mentoring program. Participants apply to join a cohort with a project that is developed through the 16 weeks. Each week of the syllabus alternates between time with a dedicated Open Science mentor and cohort calls, which are used to develop skills in project design, community building, open development & licencing, and inclusivity. Over 500 practitioners, experts and learners have participated across the seven completed cohorts of OLS' Open Seeds training and mentoring. Through this programme, over 300 researchers and open leaders from across six continents have designed, lauched and supported 200 projects from different disciplines worldwide. The next cohort will run between September 2023 and January 2024, and will be the eighth iteration of the program. This talk will briefly outline the work that we have done to setup and experiment with echinopscis, but will focus on the impact that the OLS program has had in its development. We will also include the use of techniques learned through OLS in other biodiversity informatics projects. OLS acknowledges that their program receives relatively few applications from project leads in biodiversity and we hope that this talk will be informative for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) participants and can be used to build productive links between these communities.

Radiolabeled NGR-Based Heterodimers for Angiogenesis Imaging: A Review of Preclinical Studies.

Since angiogenesis/neoangiogenesis has a major role in tumor development, progression and metastatic spread, the establishment of angiogenesis-targeting imaging and therapeutic vectors is of utmost significance. Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) is a pivotal biomarker of angiogenic processes abundantly expressed on the cell surface of active vascular endothelial and various neoplastic cells, constituting a valuable target for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Since the asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) sequence has been shown to colocalize with APN/CD13, the research interest in NGR-peptide-mediated vascular targeting is steadily growing. Earlier preclinical experiments have already demonstrated the imaging and therapeutic feasibility of NGR-based probes labeled with different positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radionuclides, including Gallium-68 (68Ga), Copper-64 (64Cu), Technetium-99m (99mTc), Lutetium-177 (177Lu), Rhenium-188 (188Re) or Bismuth-213 (213Bi). To improve the tumor binding affinity and the retention time of single-receptor targeting peptides, NGR motifs containing heterodimers have been introduced to identify multi-receptor overexpressing malignancies. Preclinical studies with various tumor-bearing experimental animals provide useful tools for the investigation of the in vivo imaging behavior of NGR-based heterobivalent ligands. Herein, we review the reported preclinical achievements on NGR heterodimers that could be highly relevant for the development of further target-specific multivalent compounds in diagnostic and therapeutic settings.

The Theory of Hermann Rorschach

Abstract: We trace the development of Hermann Rorschach’s ideas, from his early experiments, interests, and his medical thesis (1912) on reflex hallucinations to the writing of Psychodiagnostics ( 1921 ) in order to demonstrate that he was in the process of constructing a global theory of personality. The key to his experimentation with inkblots was the notion of representational or perceptual conflict, the psychological functioning of the tested person being reflected in the way responses are chosen. He conceived personality as a dynamic structure with a psychic apparatus that operates our relationships with the external and internal worlds of experience, thus highlighting the workings of the conscious/preconscious systems.

A Dynamic Model of Human Limb Selection

Two experiments and a dynamic model forhuman limb selection are reported. In Experiment 1, left-handed and right-handed participants (N = 36) repeatedly used one hand for grasping a small cube. After a clear switch in the cube’s location, perseverative limb selection was revealed in both handedness groups. In Experiment 2, the cubes were presented in a clockwise and counter-clockwise sequence to right-handed participants (N = 15). A spatial shift in the switch point between right-hand use and left-hand use was observed. The model simulates the experiments by implementing the nonlinear multiple-timescale dynamics of the action-selection process underlying limb selection. It integrates two mechanisms that were earlier proposed to underlie this selection aspect of manual activity: limb dominance and attentional information. Finally, the model is used to simulate an influential earlier experiment, by establishing a conceptual link between cross-lateral inhibition asymmetry and the direction and strength of handedness.

Investigation of reactor temperature and performance of syngas cooling system for vacuum gasification of soaked biomass

Vacuum-soaked biomass gasification is a method being developed to replace fossil fuels in a safe, simple, and reliable manner. The biomass gasification process demands high temperatures in the region of 800–1000 °C, yet even when applying vacuum pressure and soaking the biomass, the experimental results of the gasification temperature can be maintained properly. Cyclone and heat exchanger system, the reactor's syngas exit temperature, which is typically 600 °C, and may be lowered to under 50 °C. The heat exchanger's temperature profile indicates that 8 m are the most practical/ideal length. The heat exchanger's effectiveness is almost perfect (0.99) and higher than in earlier experiments (0.43–0.55). The use of an open-water jacket improves the performance of the heat exchanger by lowering the LMTD by 33.60% and lowering the heat transfer rate by 24.55%. Open-water life jackets do not significantly improve effectiveness.

Luxury fashion brands at the gates of the Web 3.0: An analysis of early experimentations with NFTs and the metaverse

ABSTRACT Luxury fashion brands have been pioneers in experimenting with NFTs and the metaverse. Though, the analysis of the success of these forerunning initiatives to date still pertains to anecdotal literature. Drawing upon a mixed-method convergent multiple-case-study design involving four cases, this study investigates how pivotal marketplace actors – namely, journalists and consumers – perceived these early experimentations and the extent to which these new technologies can support luxury fashion brands in further conveying their traditional luxury values. Findings suggest that luxury fashion brands should exploit these technologies to reinforce the perception of scarcity, accelerate the “artification” process, and innovatively convey their ancestral heritage. Nevertheless, when leveraging Web 3.0 technologies, luxury fashion brands must be particularly cautious about the risks of conveying their distinctive aesthetics ineffectively and offering experiences that do not align with the highly experiential nature of luxury.

Communication Drives the Emergence of Language Universals in Neural Agents: Evidence from the Word-order/Case-marking Trade-off

Abstract Artificial learners often behave differently from human learners in the context of neural agent-based simulations of language emergence and change. A common explanation is the lack of appropriate cognitive biases in these learners. However, it has also been proposed that more naturalistic settings of language learning and use could lead to more human-like results. We investigate this latter account, focusing on the word-order/case-marking trade-off, a widely attested language universal that has proven particularly hard to simulate. We propose a new Neural-agent Language Learning and Communication framework (NeLLCom) where pairs of speaking and listening agents first learn a miniature language via supervised learning, and then optimize it for communication via reinforcement learning. Following closely the setup of earlier human experiments, we succeed in replicating the trade-off with the new framework without hard-coding specific biases in the agents. We see this as an essential step towards the investigation of language universals with neural learners.

Probing Dipole-Bound States Using Photodetachment Spectroscopy and Resonant Photoelectron Imaging of Cryogenically Cooled Anions.

Molecular anions with polar neutral cores can support highly diffuse dipole-bound states below their detachment thresholds due to the long-range charge-dipole interaction. Such nonvalence states constitute a special class of excited electronic states for anions and were observed in early photodetachment experiments to measure the electron affinities of organic radicals. Recent experimental advances, in particular, the ability to create cold anions using a cryogenically cooled Paul trap, have allowed the investigation of dipole-bound excited states at a new level. For the first time, the zero-point level of dipole-bound excited states can be observed via resonant two-photon detachment, and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy can be performed via the above-threshold vibrational levels (Feshbach resonances) of the dipole-bound states. This Perspective describes recent progress in the investigation of dipole-bound states in the authors' lab using an electrospray photoelectron spectroscopy apparatus equipped with a cryogenically cooled Paul trap and high-resolution photoelectron imaging.

Aerodynamic Modeling and System Identification from Flight Data

System identification is fundamental to modeling of any observed dynamic process. This overview presentation brings out why and what system identification is as applied to flight vehicles. A historical background is briefly provided, tracing the developments to the 18th Century and early flight experiments in 1920s. Transition from classical to modern methods is brought out, highlighting the unified Quad-M approach to flight vehicle system identification that has evolved over the last three decades. Various aspects of kinematic consistency checking of recorded flight data and typical problems encountered are covered in detail. This is followed by several advanced examples pertaining to aerodynamic databases, covering (1) modeling at extreme flight conditions of large sideslip angles and stall hysteresis, (2) proof-of-match for critical flight phases, and (3) Phoenix RLV demonstrator. At the end, re-emerging aspects of recursive parameter estimation are briefly presented. The paper is concluded by indicating the possible future directions of work.

Cybernetics and the early experiments in Computer Art

Cybernetics and the early experiments in Computer Art

Transcription Factor Dynamics: One Molecule at a Time.

Cells must tightly regulate their gene expression programs and yet rapidly respond to acute biochemical and biophysical cues within their environment. This information is transmitted to the nucleus through various signaling cascades, culminating in the activation or repression of target genes. Transcription factors (TFs) are key mediators of these signals, binding to specific regulatory elements within chromatin. While live-cell imaging has conclusively proven that TF-chromatin interactions are highly dynamic, how such transient interactions can have long-term impacts on developmental trajectories and disease progression is still largely unclear. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the dynamic nature of TF functions, starting with a historical overview of early live-cell experiments. We highlight key factors that govern TF dynamics and how TF dynamics, in turn, affect downstream transcriptional bursting. Finally, we conclude with open challenges and emerging technologies that will further our understanding of transcriptional regulation.

Which cascade is more decisive in rumor detection on social media: Based on comparison between repost and reply sequences

Rumor detection research is widely carried out to control the negative impact of rumor spreading. Many researchers conduct their research based on data from social media and prefer to employ different information cascades on social media, such as reposts or replies, to detect rumors. However, most of them view reposts or replies only as input sequences and do not distinguish the two types of sequences and their effects. Hence, this paper proposes a model called “cascade-sequence-based rumor detection” (CSRD) to explore the differences between reposts and replies in rumor detection. The CSRD combines a modified dilated convolution with a bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) neural network to extract the local and global features from the replies or reposts. Accordingly, two rumor datasets are collected from Twitter and Weibo. Based on the two datasets, three experiments are conducted with the proposed models: the rumor detection experiment, the attention-weight experiment, and the early detection experiment. The results reveal the differences between the repost and reply sequences in rumor detection. The differences in information density of reposts and replies affect rumor detection, where replies are denser and more decisive than reposts for obtaining a higher detection accuracy. The differences between the local and global features of the reposts and replies lead to differences in the detection accuracy, where the local features substantially impact the detection results more than the global features. Different data exposure levels of reposts and replies at different propagation stages also influence the accuracy of rumor detection.

An interview with Purushothama Rao Tata.

Purushothama Rao Tata is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at Duke University Medical Center. His lab is focussed on understanding the cellular basis of cell plasticity and self-organization in regeneration and tumorigenesis, using the lung as a model system. In 2022, Tata was awarded a Rising Star award from the International Society for Regenerative Biology. We caught up with Tata over Zoom to learn how an early plant tissue culture experiment led to a career working on human lung regeneration, the role serendipity has played in his research and the importance of switching off.

Research on Temperature Control of Mass Concrete of Fan Foundation

In recent years, wind power, as a new energy source, has its unique advantages. Under the push of the country, the number of wind power plants is increasing. Based on a wind power plant project in Shanxi Province, temperature field simulation is carried out for the construction of large volume concrete fan foundation, and field temperature monitoring and early acoustic emission monitoring experiments are carried out. The development trend of the temperature field inside the mass concrete is obtained, which reflects the temperature change inside the foundation in real time, and the rule between temperature and acoustic emission signal is found, which plays a certain guiding significance for the construction of mass concrete.

Green Chemistry—Sustainability at the Atom Scale

Chemists use atoms as the building blocks in reactions to design new molecules for materials, medicines, and much more. However, the chemical elements on our planet are a finite resource, so we need to prevent them from running out or being wasted. How do chemists do this? The principles of Green Chemistry guide chemists, helping them to design new products both efficiently and safely, while limiting or preventing pollution along the way. Scientists consider them through every step of creating a new product—from early experiments in the laboratory, all the way up to large-scale industrial production. Chemists can compare the materials and processes used to create their products using a Life Cycle Assessment, which can calculate factors such as water, energy, and resource inputs as well as production of pollutants like carbon dioxide. All of this means we can do exciting and important science while protecting our planet, too!

Gastrointestinal mucosal toxicities from immune checkpoint inhibitors: Current understanding and future directions.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the field of oncology over the past decade, leading to durable remissions in some patients but also producing a wide spectrum of treatment-limiting inflammatory toxicities that are referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Although irAEs can involve any organ system in the body, they most commonly affect the barrier tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract with colitis and enterocolitis affecting a significant fraction of patients on ICIs. We are beginning to understand the mechanisms that drive ICI colitis, with early experiments indicating a role for CD8+ resident memory T cells (TRMs) in the gut, which become activated and differentiate into cytotoxic cells in response to ICI therapy. The risk factors that define who will develop ICI colitis are not understood and substantial efforts are underway to identify potential biomarkers for risk of this and other toxicities. Optimal management of ICI colitis is also an area of active investigation. Current standard treatments are based largely on small, retrospective analyses, and while drugs like systemic glucocorticoids or the TNFα inhibitor infliximab do appear to be highly active in ICI colitis, the impact of these therapies on antitumor responses is poorly understood. As discussed in this review, future work will have to define the immune mechanisms driving ICI colitis in more detail and in comparison to antitumor responses in order to identify candidate pathways that can be targeted to improve ICI colitis without interfering in antitumor immunity. Studying these interventions will require randomized, controlled trials with both tumor and colitis endpoints, a goal that will necessitate collaboration across institutions and funding agencies. We are at a point where such collaborative trials are feasible, and have the potential to greatly improve the care of patients with ICI colitis as well as other irAEs.

Results from the Radiation Assessment Detector on the International Space Station: Part 3, combined results from the CPD and FND

The energetic particle radiation environment on the International Space Station (ISS) includes both charged and neutral particles. Here, we make use of the unique capabilities of the Radiation Assessment Detector (ISS-RAD) to measure both of these components simultaneously. The Charged Particle Detector (CPD) is, despite its name, capable of measuring neutrons in the energy range from about 4 MeV to a few hundred MeV. Combined with data from the Fast Neutron Detector (FND) in the 0.2 to 8 MeV range, we present the first broad-spectrum measurements of the neutron environments in various locations within the ISS since an early Bonner-Ball experiment that was conducted before the Station was fully constructed. The data presented here span the time period from February 2016 to February 2022. In addition to presenting broad-spectrum neutron fluence measurements, we show correlations of the measured neutron dose equivalent with charged-particle dose rates. The ratio of charged-particle dose to neutron dose equivalent is found to be relatively stable within the ISS.