bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlikely allies: Camel crickets play a role in the seed dispersal of an Asian autotrophic shrub
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Dust seeds, which are minute and contain minimal energy reserves, are often associated with heterotrophy (plants that obtain carbon without photosynthesis). Consequently, previous studies have mainly focused on the relationships between dust seeds and heterotrophy. However, dust seeds are also found in green plants. This manuscript focuses on the seed ecology of the apparently autotrophic shrub Rhynchotechum discolor that produces dust seeds. Using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and germination tests, we show that camel crickets effectively disperse the seeds of this autotrophic shrub. This is the first study to document insect‐mediated internal seed dispersal of an autotrophic plant in regions inhabited by terrestrial mammals, offering new insights into the evolutionary ecology of dust seeds.

Although angiosperms exhibit a wide range of seed sizes, the mechanisms driving these differences are poorly understood. The evolution of dust seeds, which contain minimal energy reserves, is traditionally linked to heterotrophy, in which external carbon sources are provided to the embryo or seedling. Dispersal by small animals may be another important but underexplored evolutionary driver of minute seed size. However, insect endozoochory has been documented only in the seeds of heterotrophic species and autotrophic species in New Zealand (i.e., in communities without native terrestrial mammals).

Here, we investigate this seed dispersal mechanism in the Japanese shrub Rhynchotechum discolor (Gesneriaceae), which produces white berries with numerous tiny ellipsoid seeds, using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and germination tests, particularly focusing on potential interactions with insect internal seed dispersers.

Our time‐lapse photography indicated that camel crickets predominantly feed on fallen fruits of R. discolor. Field sampling revealed that camel crickets excreted numerous intact R. discolor seeds. Feeding experiments confirmed that some camel crickets excreted a high proportion of intact seeds, many of which successfully germinated into autotrophic seedlings.

The present study provides the first evidence of insects acting as endozoochorous seed dispersers in fully autotrophic plants within regions inhabited by terrestrial mammals. Our findings suggest that orthopteran‐mediated seed dispersal is more widespread than previously thought, and that dust seeds can evolve from selective pressures beyond heterotrophy, specifically through insect‐mediated seed dispersal.
Pathogenic Leptospira Detection in Environmental Contaminant Water Sources by Highly Performance Antibody Absorption Polystyrene Agglutinating Particles
Authors: Suwannin Patcharapan , Polpanich Duangporn , Lebaz Noureddine , Saimuang Kween , Jindakaew Jirawan , Tangboriboonrat Pramuan , Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: August 2024

Leptospirosis is a re‐emerging bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals, with a significantly higher incidence in tropical and sub‐tropical regions. Disease control, epidemiology, and surveillance rely on a One Health approach, as accurate detection can be applied to humans, animals, and the environment. This study represents the first attempt to develop a method for detecting the pathogenic Leptospira santarosai serovar Shermani based on the latex agglutination reaction. The serological activity of the antibody is examined to achieve a high titer of antibody before adsorption onto polystyrene particles. Using a pH medium of 6.8–7.8, total antibody adsorption of up to 3 mg m−2 is achieved. Particle agglutination is observed after incubating the antibody‐adsorbed PS with leptospiral culture for 4 min, revealing a detection limit of 1.7 × 102 leptospires mL−1. Interestingly, the detection limit increased by 1000 times when observing agglutination using spectrophotometer. The test exhibits high specificity with Shermani and shows negligible cross‐agglutination with non‐pathogenic Leptospira and water‐borne bacteria. Agglutination testing in collected water samples from natural sources demonstrates a good correlation with culture technique. This simple and rapid leptospires agglutination detection method can be applied as a screening test in environmental, human, and animal specimens.
Gas‐Sensing Properties of NO on Ce‐Doped Zinc Oxide: A DFT Study
Authors: Sharma Neha , Dwivedi Umesh K. , Nakate Umesh T. , Singh Mukhtiyar , Choudhury Sandip Paul
Published: August 2024

One of the most prevalent pollutants that pollute the environment is nitrogen oxide (NOx). NO and NO2 gases, which are hazardous to both human health and the environment, are included in NOx. The rare earth element Ce doped metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) ZnO is employed to reveal their NO gas sensing properties. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the optimized surface of ZnO (0001), Ce‐doped ZnO (0001), adsorbate structure of NO, and adsorbate NO on the modified ZnO (0001) surface are obtained. The gas sensing properties are examined through adsorption energy, Bader charge analysis, charge density difference (CDD), charge transfer, band structure, total density of state (DOS), and partial density of states (PDOS). For the Ce‐doped ZnO (0001) surface the NO adsorption energy is more negative than the bare ZnO. From the observation of Bader charge analysis, the charge transfer value increases from the substrate to adsorbate after doping with Ce, which indicates that the Ce‐doped ZnO (0001) surface is more favorable for NO gas sensing. Favorable electronic properties and suitable adsorption energy of Ce‐doped ZnO can be a potential gas sensor for NO molecule. The obtained DFT results are also compared with the existing experimental results.
Mesoscale formation and energy release characteristics of PTFE/Al reactive jet
Authors: Zheng Yuanfeng , Zhang Hongyu , Li Peiliang , Zheng Zhijian , Guo Huanguo
Published: August 2024

In order to investigate the mechanical formation, the mechanical‐thermo coupling mesoscale mechanism and the corresponding energy release characteristics of PTFE/Al composite material reactive jet, a mesoscale discretization model of PTFE/Al reactive liner with a mass ratio of 73.5 %/26.5 % is developed on the basis of the random delivery principle. The mesoscale numerical simulation is used to perform PTFE/Al reactive jet formation, obtaining the relative distribution characteristics of material, pressure, and temperature. The overpressure experiments for the energy release of reactive jets are conducted. The results show that there is an increasing tendency in the amount of Al particles from the jet's tip to its tail due to the velocity variance between PTFE and Al. The high temperature zones are found to be concentrated on the tip and axis of the jet, with particle deformation, collision and friction in the reactive jet accounting for the temperature rise. Moreover, the Al particle size has a significantly influence on the particle distribution and the mechanical‐thermo coupling behavior in the reactive jet, and the decrease of particle size is beneficial to the chemical reaction among the components of the reactive jet. To be more specifically, under the conditions of Al particle size of 400 μm, 600 μm and 800 μm, the overpressure peaks of reactive jet in 13 L chamber are 3.32 MPa, 2.86 MPa and 2.61 MPa, respectively. The variation of the overpressure with Al particle size obtained by experiment is consistent with the analysis of the mechanical‐thermo coupling characteristics of mesoscale numerical simulation.
Dependence of Crystal‐Field Energy on Strain/Stress Sensed by Temperature Variation of Chalcopyrite Semiconductor (Optical) Band‐Gap for Efficient Band‐Gap Tuning in the CIS/CIGS Photovoltaic
Authors: Papadimitriou Dimitra N.
Published: August 2024

Chalcopyrite selenide single crystals and epitaxial layers (CuIn1−xGaxSe2, x = 0.00, 0.08, 0.19, 1.00) were characterized by temperature‐dependent photoreflectance (PR), photoluminescence (PL), photoluminescence–excitation (PLE), and variable excitation‐energy photoluminescence (VEPL) spectroscopy. The transition energies Ea, Eb, and Ec of both CuInSe2 (CIS) and CuGaSe2 (CGS) layers sensed by PR were higher than the energies of single crystals. CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 grown on GaAs(001) underlie compressive and tensile stresses, respectively, which lead to band‐gap broadening in CIS and band‐gap narrowing in CGS. The increase of the Ea, Eb, Ec energies of tensely stressed CuGaSe2 layers to energies higher than those of the bulk originates from the stress dependence of the non‐cubic crystal field. Band‐gap scanning of the CuGaSe2 layer with continuous‐wave Ti:sapphire‐laser confirmed the absence of correlation between band‐gap readjustment and intrinsic defects. The energy of the band‐edge exciton EFE, in the PL‐spectra, was lower than the Ea transition energy, in the PR‐spectra, which is assigned to partial quenching of ΔCF with the increase of external tensile stress by gallium‐segregation at the chalcopyrite/GaAs‐interface. The stress dependence of ΔCF is negligible in CuInSe2 and linear, with a rate of 9 meV/100 MPa, in CuGaSe2. It is revealed that the energy band‐gap of photovoltaic chalcopyrite absorbers can be tuned by simultaneous built‐in and external lattice‐tuning.
Ab Initio Study of Structural, Electronic, Optical, and Thermoelectric Properties of Cs2(Li/Na)GaI6 for Green Energy Applications
Authors: Sk Mukaddar , Gourav Gourav , Ghosh Saurabh
Published: August 2024

The recent year has witnessed a flurry of activities in investigating the promising electronic, optical, and transport properties of lead‐free double perovskite halides. In the present work, the structural, electronic, optical, and transport properties of Cs2(Li/Na)GaI6 are carefully examined. The predicted negative formation energy, absence of imaginary frequency in the phonon spectra, and ab‐initio molecular dynamics calculations show that they are thermodynamically stable. Additionally, electronic studies employing generalized gradient approximation (GGA)–Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) + modified Becke‐Johnson + spin‐orbit coupling reveal that Cs2(Li/Na)GaI6 exhibits a direct bandgap, with values of 1.24 eV for Cs2LiGaI6 and 1.39 eV for Cs2NaGaI6. The exceptional optical properties, including a high absorption coefficient (105 cm−1) and excellent optical conductivity with low reflectivity across the entire UV–visible range, indicate that Cs2(Li/Na)GaI6 are promising materials for solar cell applications. Moreover, the ultralow thermal conductivity, high Seebeck coefficient, and substantial electrical conductivity of Cs2(Li/Na)GaI6 result in a high figure of merit over the temperature range of 200–600 K. Thus, Cs2(Li/Na)GaI6 shows strong potential as both photovoltaic and thermoelectric materials.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Hafnium Oxide Passivating Layers on Silicon: Impact of Precursor Selection
Authors: Pain Sophie L. , Yadav Anup , Walker David , Grant Nicholas E. , Murphy John D.
Published: August 2024

Hafnium oxide (HfOx) films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) have recently been demonstrated to provide high‐quality silicon surface passivation. Reports have suggested that changing the composition of the hafnium‐containing precursor can enable films of both charge polarities to be produced. Herein, the passivation quality of hafnium oxide grown with metal amide precursors and a tetrakis(ethylmethylamido)hafnium (TEMAHf) precursor is examined, considering film charge polarity, chemical‐ and field‐based passivation effects, and film crystallinity. Throughout, the properties of TEMAHf‐HfOx are benchmarked against that of hafnium oxide grown with a tetrakis(dimethylamido)hafnium precursor. It is found that precursor choice has no influence on the fixed negative charge polarity (of order −1012 q cm−2) of HfOx films grown via plasma‐enhanced ALD. TEMAHf‐HfOx passivation is influenced by post‐deposition annealing temperature and can passivate with a surface recombination velocity ≤3 cm s−1 on n‐type silicon, compared to surface recombination velocities ≤11 cm s−1 for TDMAHf‐HfOx of a similar thickness.
Preparation and Characterization of Improved Barrier Beverage Packaging Bottle and Its Inhibitory Effect on Dissolved Oxygen Content of Chestnut Rose Beverage
Authors: Wang Zichun , Zeng Xiankun , Yin Hao , Li Ziqi , Dai Jie , Ren Difeng
Published: August 2024

Food packaging plays a crucial role in product storage, transportation and distribution. This study is dedicated to the development of high barrier blends for food packaging through the melt blending of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene 2,6‐naphthalate (PEN). The blends underwent comprehensive characterization involving chromaticity analysis, DSC, FTIR and XRD. Results indicated that the blend comprising 30 wt% PEN and 70 wt% PET exhibited superior structural properties, making it suitable for the production of beverage packing bottles. To evaluate the bottle properties, SEM, AFM, TG analysis and permeability testing were conducted. Comparatively, the barriers to O2, CO2, and water vapour of PEN/PET bottles were 3.52‐fold, 7.36‐fold and 2.25‐fold higher than PET bottles, and the mechanical properties and UV blocking properties have also improved. The PEN/PET bottles exhibited good thermal stability, with thermal shrinkage temperature and initial decomposition temperature at 87.5°C and 254°C, significantly higher than PET bottles (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the thermal shrinkage rate of PEN/PET bottles was measured at 87.5%, notably lower than that of PET bottles at 90.9%, indicating that PEN/PET bottles had good thermal stability. Additionally, beverage stored in PEN/PET bottles demonstrated lower dissolved oxygen content, suggesting promising applications for PEN/PET bottles in beverage packaging.
Impacts of free tropospheric turbulence parametrisation on a sheared tropical cyclone
Authors: Johnson Amethyst A. , Schwendike Juliane , Ross Andrew N. , Lock Adrian , Edwards John M. , Kepert Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2024

The turbulent transport of momentum, heat, and moisture can impact tropical cyclone intensity. However, representing subgrid‐scale turbulence accurately in numerical weather prediction models is challenging due to a lack of observational data. To address this issue, a case study of Hurricane Maria was conducted to analyse the influence of different free tropospheric turbulence parametrisations on sheared tropical cyclones. The study used the current Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) parametrisation, as well as a parametrisation scheme with significantly reduced free tropospheric mixing length. Convection‐permitting ensemble simulations were performed for both mixing schemes at two initialisation times (four 18‐member ensembles in total), revealing an improvement in the intensity forecasts of Hurricane Maria when the mixing length was decreased in the free troposphere. By implementing this change, the less diffuse simulations presented a drier mid‐level. The resolved downward transport of drier air from the mid‐levels into the inflow layer (so‐called “downdraft ventilation”) was thus more effective in reducing the storm's intensity. In contrast to earlier studies, where decreasing the diffusivity in the boundary layer intensified the storm, we show that decreasing the free tropospheric diffusivity can weaken the storm by enhancing shear‐related weakening processes. While this study was performed using the MetUM, the findings highlight the general importance of considering turbulence parametrisation, and show that changes in diffusivity can have different impacts on storm intensity depending on the environment and where the changes are applied.
Dimensionality of Writing Skills in English and Spanish, and the Relations of Language and Cognitive Skills to Written Composition for English‐Spanish Emergent Bilingual Children in Grade 1
Authors: Kim Young‐Suk Grace
Published: August 2024

We examined the relations of language skills (vocabulary, listening comprehension, and oral retell), transcription skills (spelling and handwriting fluency), and domain‐general cognitions/executive functions (working memory and attentional control) to writing quality for English‐Spanish emergent bilingual children in Grade 1. Data were from a convenience sample of 211 children (57% girls; 82% Hispanic, 9.5% White, 4% Asian American children) who were assessed on written composition, vocabulary, listening comprehension, oral retell, and spelling in English and Spanish; handwriting fluency and working memory in English; and attentional control rated by their teachers. Confirmatory factor analysis results showed that writing quality in English and Spanish in narrative and opinion genres was best described as a unidimensional skill. Structural equation model results showed that English oral language, English spelling, and Spanish spelling skills, but not Spanish oral language skill, were independently related to writing quality, after controlling for gender, English learner status, Hispanic status, and enrollment in dual immersion program. The relations of working memory and attentional control to writing quality were indirect, mediated by oral language and transcription skills. These results are discussed in light of theory and in the context of emergent bilingual children in primary grades.
Effects of organic amendments on crop production and soil fauna community in contrasting Zambian soils
Authors: Hamamoto Toru , Nhamo Nhamo , Chikoye David , Mukumbuta Ikabongo , Uchida Yoshitaka
Published: August 2024

The use of organic materials has been widely promoted to improve soil health. Surface‐active soil macrofauna serves as a key biological indicator of soil health as it supports agricultural productivity. However, the effects of organic amendments on soil fauna and their relationships with crop production are still unknown in C‐limited soil conditions. A field experiment was conducted under different fertilizer management in two soils with contrasting C content (14.2/5.1 g C kg−1 at the Lusaka/Kabwe site) in Zambia. Our results show a contrast in soil fauna abundance in two soils. During the experimental period, we collected a total of 926 individual soil fauna in all plots at the Lusaka site, while only 145 individual soil fauna were collected at the Kabwe site. Soil fauna was predominantly composed of Araneae, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diplopoda, and Orthoptera. Organic amendments significantly increased soil fauna abundance only at the Lusaka site, and the abundance of Coleoptera and Diplopoda was highly related to the crop yield. At the Kabwe site, the effect of organic amendment on soil fauna abundance was minimal, although significantly higher crop yields were observed in soils with organic amendment. These contrasting results may be due to soil nutrient and water status between different sites. Our findings suggest that site‐specific strategies are required to protect and enhance soil fauna communities in C‐depleted soils.
Facile Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Mn3O4 Nanocomposite as a Platform for the Voltammetric Determination of Tramadol
Authors: Sajjadi Parisima , Beitollahi Hadi , Garkani Nejad Fariba
Published: August 2024

We describe a simple hydrothermal method for preparing a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide/Mn3O4 (rGO/Mn3O4), and its use in electrochemically detecting tramadol (TRA). The sensor was constructed by using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a rGO/Mn3O4 nanocomposite (rGO/Mn3O4/GCE) as an electro‐catalyst. The electrochemical properties of TRA at rGO/Mn3O4/GCE were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) with a pH of 8.0. The oxidation peak currents of TRA on rGO/Mn3O4/GCE increased compared to the bare GCE. This enhancement was attributed to the high surface area and excellent electron transfer performance of the rGO/Mn3O4 nanocomposite on the surface of the electrode. Under optimal conditions, the oxidation peak currents exhibited a linear increase with the concentration of TRA within the range of 0.5 to 700.0 μM, and a detection limit (LOD) of 0.16 μM was achieved. This study has shown that the rGO/Mn3O4/GCE can effectively be used to analyze TRA in real specimens.
Development of L‐Aspartic Acid Decorated Core/Shell Silica Particles for Adsorption of Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Aglamaz Deniz , Ozgun Ozturk Bengi , Uzun Lokman
Published: August 2024

In this study, core/shell‐structured mesoporous hybrid silica gel particles were synthesized for the selective adsorption of hyaluronic acid. A non‐ionic amphiphilic polymer core consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks were coated with SiO2 using the Stöber method in the presence of non‐ionic and cationic surfactants to obtain mesoporous core‐shell silica particles. The surface of silica particles was functionalized through modification of L‐aspartic acid to improve their affinity against the targeted analyte, hyaluronic acid. Physico‐chemical methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, zeta‐size measurements, and transmission‐ and scanning‐electron microscopies were utilized to evaluate the properties of core‐silica particles. The surface functionalized core/shell particles have an average size of 254.7 (±33.1) nm as confirmed by TEM analysis. The hyaluronic acid adsorption performance of the modified core‐shell silica particles was optimized through varying pH, concentration, temperature, and contact time parameters. Thermodynamic parameters were estimated by applying adsorption isotherm and kinetics models to assess the favorability of the adsorption process. The models revealed that the hyaluronic acid adsorption processes follow monolayer adsorption (Langmuir model) and chemisorption (pseudo‐second‐order kinetics) processes.
Designing Robust CdS Nanostructures for Superior Photostability and Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Ul Abideen Zain , Bibi Safia , Liu Hongtao
Published: August 2024

Till date it is a great challenge to synthesize CdS photocatalyst with a high stability. In this study, a stable CdS photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a simple, cost‐effective hydrothermal route via cadmium acetate and thiourea as Cd and S precursors, respectively. The effect of different processing times (8 h and 24 h) and molar ratios on the photocatalytic activity and stability were mainly investigated. The samples were characterized in detail by XRD, FT‐IR, XPS, UV‐vis DRS, Photolummiscence spectroscopy and Surface photovoltage. The photocatalytic activity of the as‐obtained nanostructures was examined for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under visible light irradiation (λ≥420 nm). After 70 min of irradiation, nearly 82 % of MB was degraded by CdS nanostructures, display an improved photocatalytic activity for MB degradation with an apparent rate constant (k) of 0.019 min−1. Additionally, CdS nanostructures sustained a good photostability after five consecutive cycles. The higher photocatalytic activity of CdS nanostructure is attributed to an efficient separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs stimulated by its optimal molar ratio, optimal temperature and surface morphology. Our synthesized stable nanostructures have potential for dye contaminated waste‐water treatment.
Antibacterial, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Ag, ZnO, TiO2 Reinforced PVA Nanocomposite Fibers
Authors: Duygulu Nilüfer Evcimen , Altinbay Aylin , Ciftci Fatih
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the effects of concentration and electrospinning parameters on the production of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers and examined the impact of reinforcing additives like nano‐sized silver (Ag), titanium oxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) on these nanofibers. The PVA concentration was varied between 3 % and 10 % wt./v, while the flow rate was adjusted to 0.5, 1, and 5 ml/h. The optimal conditions for producing PVA nanofibers are a concentration of 10 % wt./v at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/h and an applied voltage of 9 kV, resulting in nanofibers with an average diameter of 502±0.10 nm. PVA nanofibers reinforced with nano‐sized 3 % wt. Ag, TiO2, and ZnO and electrospun at optimum conditions. The morphological properties were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and the average fiber diameter was measured with the Image J program. The presence of nanoparticles within the nanofibers was confirmed through Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Chemical interactions of functional groups between PVA and ZnO, TiO2, and Ag NPs were analyzed with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal behaviors were studied with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Among the water absorption, Ag‐reinforced PVA nanofibers showed maximum absorbance. Mechanical properties, evaluated through tensile testing, showed the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite fibers to be 38.07±12.01 MPa for PVA/Ag, 88.98±27.5 MPa for PVA/TiO2, and 30.56±9.77 MPa for PVA/ZnO. The antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticle‐reinforced PVA nanofibers was tested using the agar disc diffusion method. The results showed that both Ag and TiO2 reinforced PVA nanocomposite fibers exhibited significant antimicrobial activity (gram–(Escherichia coli) and gram+(Staphylococcus aureus)), with inhibition zones of 8.48±0.08 cm against E. coli and 9.98±0.47 cm against S. aureus for Ag, and 4.32±0.02 cm against E. coli and 3.56±0.05 cm against S. aureus for TiO2.
Intravascular Casting Radiopaque Hydrogel Systems for Transarterial Chemo/Cascade Catalytic/Embolization Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Song Yi , Choi Jin Woo , Hwang ChaeRim , Park JiHye , Karmakar Mrinmoy , Huh Ji Won , Kim Dae‐Duk , Kim Hyo‐Cheol , Cho Hyun‐Jong
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces catheter‐directed intravascular casting hydrogels for transarterial chemo/starvation/chemodynamic embolization (TACSCE) therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprising Mn ion‐crosslinked hyaluronic acid‐dopamine (HD) with glucose oxidase (for glucose decomposition to H2O2 in starvation therapy), doxorubicin (for chemotherapy), and iopamidol (for X‐ray imaging), these hydrogels are fabricated for transarterial embolization therapy guided by X‐ray fluoroscopy. Mn4+ (from MnO2) demonstrates strong coordination with the catechol group of HD, providing hypoxia relief through O2 generation and cellular glutathione (GSH) consumption, compared to the OH radical generation potential of Mn2+. The gelation time‐controlled, catheter‐injectable, and rheologically tuned multitherapeutic/embolic gel system effectively reaches distal arterioles, ensuring complete intravascular casting with fewer complications related to organic solvents. Glucose deprivation, cascade reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, GSH depletion, and sustained release profiles of multiple drug cargos from the hydrogel system are also achieved. The combined chemo/starvation/chemodynamic efficacies of these designed hydrogel systems are confirmed in HCC cell cultures and HCC‐bearing animal models. The developed radiopaque/injectable/embolic/sol‐to‐gel transformable systems for TACSCE therapy may offer enhanced therapeutic efficacies compared to typical transarterial embolization and transarterial chemoembolization procedures for HCC.
Pulsed MPI Relaxometry of Brownian and Néel Field‐Dependent Relaxation in Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles Confirm Theory and Simulations
Authors: Saayujya Chinmoy , Yousuf Khadija , Hao Yiyan , Hartley Allison , Yeo Kim Hwang , Swamynathan Arvind , Garlepp Justin , Huynh Quincy , Tay Zhi Wei , Chandrasekharan Prashant , Fellows Benjamin , Rodrigo Irati , Conolly Steven M.
Published: August 2024

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) are used as tracers in Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). It is crucial to understand the magnetic properties of SPIOs for optimizing MPI imaging contrast, resolution, and sensitivity. Brownian and Néel relaxation theory developed in the early 1950s posits that relaxation times can vary with particle size, shell thickness, medium viscosity, and the applied field strength. Magnetic relaxation can soon provide a unique imaging capability, the ability to distinguish bound from unbound MPI tracers in vivo. Yet experimental validation of these theories has not been completed. In this paper, a novel method of pulsed magnetic field relaxometry is used to directly probe the relaxation behavior of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles over a spectrum of magnetic field amplitudes, providing the first experimental validation of theoretical relaxation models. It is also shown that closed‐form approximations generated in the early 1970s accurately match both data and numerical Fokker Planck computational models, which are computationally burdensome. This means researchers can trust these approximations for future modeling. All the findings can be translated to sinusoidal excitations used in conventional MPI scanning trajectories.
Engineering model for seismic analysis of flexible rail‐bound structures with uplift
Authors: Kloos (née Groß) Mirjam , Sadegh‐Azar Hamid
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a highly simplified two‐dimensional three‐mass oscillator model is presented, which reproduces the typical behaviour of flexible structures of large mobile equipment transverse to the rail under seismic excitation. The typical rocking motion of the machine found in previous investigations, which is reproduced in the simplified analytical model, is taken into account together with the characteristic properties of the load‐bearing structure of the complete model. The three‐mass oscillator model is designed in such a way that it is able to provide information about uplift, rocking and tilting as a function of the model parameters and the excitation. A novel approach for the coefficient of restitution is derived, which takes into account the impact of wheel on rail and at the same time includes the stiffness of the subsoil. Also, a non‐linear ground stiffness could be captured with this approach, and thus the influence of the ground could be investigated. This approach is of generic character, so it may be useful to a wide range of other engineering fields than mobile equipment as well. Structural parameters are determined for a range of bucket wheel machines and stackers, producing rocking and tilting spectra under sinusoidal excitations and generating tilting delimitations under seismic excitations. Using a numerical beam‐mass model corresponding to the engineering model, the simplified multi‐mass model can be validated.
Investigation on the flexural behavior of high‐strength fiber‐reinforced concrete
Authors: de Almeida Ricardo Laguardia Justen , Parsekian Guilherme Aris , Carnio Marco Antonio
Published: August 2024

The present research investigated the flexural behavior of high‐strength fiber‐reinforced concrete (HSFRC) with six different types of fiber: hooked‐end and crimped steel fibers, chopped and pultruded glass fibers; monofilament and twisted polymeric fibers. An extensive experimental program with 108 specimens for 3‐point bending tests was carried out and the parameters analyzed were the fiber content (0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% in volume), the fiber type and the compressive strength of the concrete (60 and 90 MPa). Statistical analyses were performed and showed that regardless of the fiber material, increasing the amount of fibers added to concrete increases residual strength and toughness. Limit of proportionality is not affected by the addition of fibers, while postcracking behavior, on the other hand, is controlled by the fibers. Increasing the compressive strength of the concrete matrix affect mainly the limit proportionality of all mixes and the postcracking behavior of the concrete reinforced with hooked‐end steel fibers. The classification of HSFRC and the conditions required for HSFRC for use in structural applications according to the fib Model Code 2010 were also discussed, and it was verified that such conditions are not consistent with the experimental results and should be revised for high‐strength fiber‐reinforced concrete.
The Self from a Radical Interactionist's Perspective: Its Basic Components, Phylogenesis, and Ontogenesis
Authors: Athens Lonnie
Published: August 2024

The radical interactionist (RI) perspective is based on three root images: (1) collective act, (2) the self, and (3) social habitat. Considerable attention has already been devoted to all these root images, except for the self, which is still in need of exposition. During this exposition of the self, its basic operating components are not only explained, but also contrasted with those examined from a traditional symbolic interactionist (SI) perspective. It is concluded that the idea of the self as conceived from the newer perspective of RI surpasses the view of the self from the much older SI perspective; the RI conception of the self offers a more consistent and less confounding explanation of its basic operational components, phylogenesis, and ontogenesis. Unlike this SI view of the self, which operates on the principle of sociality, the RI view, which operates on the principle of domination, accomplishes this explanation without succumbing to romantic idealism.
Rhodiola and Salidroside Attenuate Oxidative Stress‐Triggered H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Apoptosis Through IGF1R‐Induced ERK1/2 Activation
Authors: Ju I‐Ju , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Lin Yueh‐Min , Hsieh Dennis Jine‐Yuan , Pai Pei‐Ying , Huang Shang‐En , Lu Shang‐Yeh , Lee Shin‐Da , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. Rhodiola, a traditional Chinese medicine, is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. Salidroside, a phenylpropanoid glycoside derived from Rhodiola rosea, has shown remarkable antioxidant capabilities. This study aimed to elucidate the potential protective mechanisms of Rhodiola and salidroside against H2O2‐induced cardiac apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. H9c2 cells were exposed to H2O2 for 4 h, and subsequently treated with Rhodiola or salidroside for 24 h. Cell viability and apoptotic pathways were assessed. The involvement of insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) were investigated. H2O2 (100 μM) exposure significantly induced cardiac apoptosis in H9c2 cells. However, treatment with Rhodiola (12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL) and salidroside (0.1, 1, and 10 nM) effectively attenuated H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. This protective effect was associated with IGF1R‐activated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, leading to the inhibition of Fas‐dependent proteins, HIF‐1α, Bax, and Bak expression in H9c2 cells. The images from hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence assays also revealed the protective effects of Rhodiola and salidroside in H9c2 cells against oxidative damage. Our findings suggest that Rhodiola and salidroside possess antioxidative properties that mitigate H2O2‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. The protective mechanisms involve the activation of IGF1R and subsequent phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These results propose Rhodiola and salidroside as potential therapeutic agents for cardiomyocyte cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in heart diseases. Future studies may explore their clinical applications in cardiac health.
ERα Coregulator TRIM28 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression by Activating the AKT/GSK3β Pathway
Authors: Fu Linlin , Ma Baodong , Zhang Lan , Xu Huikang , Chen Wei , Wu Di , Gao Feng , Huo Yanping
Published: August 2024

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) promotes the growth and survival of ER‐positive breast cancer (BC) cells. ER regulates ER expression target genes by directly binding to specific estrogen response elements, upon activation by estrogens. In this study, 106 proteins interacting with endogenous chromatin‐bound ER in a BC cell line MCF7 were identified using the RIME method. The interactome data showed that the tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28) is the most significantly enriched ER‐associated protein. This study provides evidence that TRIM28 expression improves ER transcriptional activity and promotes the BC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells. The high expression of TRIM28 is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with ER‐positive BC. Mechanistic experiments indicate that TRIM28 expression activates the AKT/GSK3β pathway. To conclude, TRIM28 acts as a regulatory protein of ER and AKT signaling; therefore, it can be a target for the therapeutic interventions of BC.
Impact of dietary arginine supplementation on immune responses and growth performance in Newcastle disease virus‐infected broiler chicks
Authors: Izadi Yazdanabadi Fatemeh , Moghaddam Gholamali , Akbari Mohsen , Abbasabadi Mehdi
Published: August 2024

Background

Newcastle disease (ND) poses significant challenges within the poultry industry, leading to increased mortality rates, compromised growth, weakened immunity and elevated levels of inflammation.

Objective

This study explores the potential of dietary arginine supplementation to ameliorate these adverse effects of ND, leveraging arginine's well‐documented benefits in enhancing growth and immune responses.

Methods

A total of 480 one‐day‐old male broiler chicks were meticulously categorised into eight groups, encompassing both infected and noninfected cohorts. These chicks received diets with arginine levels at 85%, 100%, 125% and 150% of recommended standards. The study entailed a comprehensive examination of clinical manifestations, growth performance metrics, haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test results, and serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol (CORT).

Results

The infection significantly curtailed feed consumption (p = 0.0001) and weight gain (p = 0.0001) while concurrently depressing HI titres. Additionally, infected chicks experienced an exacerbated feed conversion ratio (p = 0.0001), escalated mortality rates (p = 0.0001), and elevated serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (p = 0.0001), ACTH (p = 0.0001), and CORT (p = 0.0001). Remarkably, dietary arginine supplementation effectively mitigated the adverse impacts of ND infection on growth, immune responses and proinflammatory cytokine levels. In the context of ND infection, mortality rates and inflammation surge, while growth and immunity are significantly compromised.

Conclusions

The strategic inclusion of arginine in the diet emerges as a potent strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of ND. Supplementation with arginine at levels exceeding the conventional dietary recommendations is recommended to alleviate the detrimental consequences of ND effectively.
Surgeon perspectives on preference cards and environmental stewardship
Authors: Palmisano Zachary M. , Sullivan Gwyneth A. , Petit Hayley J. , Gulack Brian C. , Myers Jonathan , Shah Ami N.
Published: August 2024

Background

Refinement of surgical preference cards may reduce waste from surgery. This study aimed to characterize surgeon perceptions and practices regarding preference card maintenance, identify barriers to updating preference cards, and explore whether opinions on environmental stewardship relate to preference card maintenance.

Methods

This was a mixed methods survey performed at a single tertiary academic medical center. Surgeons completed questions on accuracy, frequency of updates, and perceived environmental impact of their preference cards. Responses were compared between early career and mid‐to late‐career surgeons using Kruskal–Wallis, chi‐squared, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

The response rate was 46.4% (n = 89/192). Among respondents, 46.1% (n = 41/89) rarely or never updated preference cards. Nearly all (98.9%, n = 87/88) said some of their cases had unused items on their cards. Most (87.6%, n = 78/89) made updates via verbal requests. Unfamiliar processes (83.7%, n = 72/86) and effort required (64.0%, n = 55/86) were viewed as barriers to card maintenance. Most agreed that more frequent updates would reduce waste (80.5%, n = 70/87), but respondents did not feel knowledgeable about the environmental impact of items on their cards (62.1%, n = 54/87). Mid‐to late‐career surgeons were less likely to update their cards annually or more often compared to early career surgeons (18.9%, n = 7/37 vs. 57.1%, n = 24/42, p < 0.001). No other responses varied significantly between early career and mid‐to late‐career surgeons.

Conclusions

Surgeons acknowledged the utility of preference card maintenance in environmental stewardship, but unfamiliar systems and perceived effort hindered preference card review. Greater attention to preference card maintenance would promote environmentally sustainable practices in surgery.
The caspase-inhibitor Emricasan efficiently counteracts cisplatin- and neomycin-induced cytotoxicity in cochlear cells
Authors: Nassauer Larissa , Schott Juliane W. , Harre Jennifer , Warnecke Athanasia , Morgan Michael , Galla Melanie , Schambach Axel
Published: August 2024

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat solid tumors. However, it can also be highly ototoxic, resulting in high-frequency hearing loss. Cisplatin causes degeneration of hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear, which are essential components of the hearing process and cannot be regenerated in mammals. As the affected cells primarily die by apoptosis, we tested several anti-apoptotic small molecules to protect these cells from drug-induced toxicity. We found that the general caspase inhibitor Emricasan could significantly counteract the toxic effects of cisplatin in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells, phoenix auditory cells, and primary SGNs. Importantly, the anti-cytotoxic effect in neuronal cells was even more pronounced than the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS), which is currently the only approved prevention option for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Finally, we tested the protective effect of Emricasan treatment in the context of another ototoxic drug, i.e., the aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin, and again found a significant increase in cell viability when the cultures were co-treated with Emricasan. These results suggest a promising strategy to prevent ototoxicity in patients by temporarily blocking the apoptotic pathway when applying cisplatin or aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Key messages

Anti-apoptotic small molecules can reduce cisplatin-induced toxicity.

Emricasan can effectively exert its anti-apoptotic effect on cochlear cells.

Strong protection from cisplatin- and neomycin-induced cytotoxicity with Emricasan.

Sodium thiosulfate and Emricasan provide similar protective effects to cisplatin-treated cells.

Emricasan is more potent than sodium thiosulfate in reducing neomycin-induced cytotoxicity.
Topology optimization for fatigue reserve factors
Authors: Sartorti Roman , Kriegesmann Benedikt , Hawla David , Pedersen Claus B. W.
Published: August 2024

This paper describes a topology optimization approach that applies the common fatigue analysis practices of rainflow cycle counting and critical plane searches to cover both proportional and non-proportional fatigue loading conditions of metals. The existing literature on topology optimization has so far mainly considered fatigue damage under proportional loading conditions and typically uses continuous damage models to avoid the discontinuous nature of fatigue rainflow cycle counting and critical plane searches. Furthermore, previous publications often introduced heuristic schemes to scale the fatigue damage and set the move limits for the design variables rather low to avoid oscillations in the design variables and damage responses during the optimization iterations, because fatigue damage is typically highly localized. Therefore, these approaches cause many optimization iterations. Contrarily, our present approach applies the fatigue reserve factor (FRF) directly in the optimization formulation instead of the fatigue damage where FRF is a fatigue reserve factor for infinite fatigue life. The inverse FRF scales nearly linearly with the stresses. Therefore, the present approach needs no heuristic scaling for the fatigue topology optimization. The numerical implementation applies the semi-analytic adjoint sensitivity method for multiple load cases. Numerically, FRF shows more stable optimization convergence using less optimization iterations. Different FRF topology-optimized designs for a variety of fatigue damage types are validated and compared. Additionally, the optimized FRF designs are compared to both strictly stiffness optimized designs and stress strength optimized designs.
Properties of an optical event timer for satellite laser ranging
Authors: Kodet Jan , Eckl Johann J. , Schreiber K. Ulrich
Published: August 2024

The resolution and above all the stability of the geodetic reference frames is crucially important when global change, such as the sea level rise is observed. In this context systematic errors are still presenting a significant challenge to the measurement techniques of space geodesy. In order to overcome this unfortunate situation for the satellite laser ranging technique, we have utilized the injection of a mode-locked laser to provide a stable low-noise link between the optical domain, where the measurements are carried out, and the microwave regime in which the station clock is defined. We obtained a considerably enhanced measurement delay stability by 10–20 ps over several days, albeit with some experimental challenges. The implementation of waveform scans required us to revisit the issue of target structure and intensity variation in satellite laser ranging.
The role of water in APCI-MS online monitoring of gaseous n-alkanes
Authors: Wentrup Jonas , Dülcks Thomas , Thöming Jorg
Published: August 2024

In atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS), [M−3H+H2O]+ ions can deliver analyte-specific signals that enable direct analysis of volatile n-alkane mixtures. The underlying ionization mechanisms have been the subject of open debate, and in particular the role of water is insufficiently clarified to allow for reliable process analytics when the humidity level changes over time. This can be a problem, particularly in online monitoring, where analyte accumulation in the ion source can also occur. Here, we investigated the role of water during APCI-MS of volatile n-alkanes by changing the carrier gas for sample injection from a dry to a wetted state as well as by using 18O-labeled water. This allowed for a distinction between gaseous and surface-adsorbed water molecules. While adsorbed water seems to be responsible for the desired [M−3H+H2O]+ signals through surface reactions with the analyte molecules, gaseous water was found to promote the formation of CnH2n+1O+ of different (and analyte-independent) hydrocarbons, revealing a reaction with hydrocarbon species which accumulated in the ion source during continuous operation. At the same time, gaseous water competed with analyte molecules for ionization and thus suppressed the formation of alkyl (CnH2n+1+) and alkenyl (CnH2n−1+) ions. The results reveal a memory effect due to hydrocarbon adsorption, which may cause severe interpretation difficulties when the ionization chamber undergoes sudden humidity changes. The use of [M−3H+H2O]+ for n-alkane analysis in alkane/water mixtures can be facilitated by constantly maintaining high humidity and hence stabilizing the ionization conditions.

Graphical abstract