bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of hydraulic properties of commercial gas diffusion layers: Toray, SGL, MGL, woven carbon cloth
Authors: Aquah Grace Esu-Ejemot , Niblett Daniel , Shokri Javad , Niasar Vahid
Published: August 2024

This study utilises computational fluid dynamics simulations with the OpenFOAM computational framework to investigate and compare the in-plane and through-plane permeability properties of four different gas diffusion layers (GDLs). Also the through-plane water and air relative permeability values and water saturations at different rates were simulated. Permeability analysis enhances our understanding of fluid flow, ways to decrease pressure loss in the GDL, and methods to enhance oxygen concentration at the catalyst layer interface through convection. The analysis reveals that the investigated GDL materials have spatial heterogeneity of porosity and permeability, especially in the Sigracet SGL 25 BA GDL. However, the porosity and permeability of the Toray TGP-H 060 and AvCarb 370 MGL GDLs exhibit less variations. The two-phase flow studies on GDL saturation show that at the same water injection flowrate, the AvCarb 370 MGL GDL has the largest remaining water saturation, with Sigracet SGL 25 BA GDL being the less saturated GDL among the four investigated GDLs. The compression from the ribs significantly affected the in-plane permeabilities of both Toray TGP-H 060 and especially impacted Sigracet SGL 25 BA GDL. This impact was expected as the pore size distribution varied significantly in the areas under the ribs versus the channel.
Development and performance evaluation of fully automated deep learning-based models for myocardial segmentation on T1 mapping MRI data
Authors: Manzke Mathias , Iseke Simon , Böttcher Benjamin , Klemenz Ann-Christin , Weber Marc-André , Meinel Felix G.
Published: August 2024

To develop a deep learning-based model capable of segmenting the left ventricular (LV) myocardium on native T1 maps from cardiac MRI in both long-axis and short-axis orientations. Models were trained on native myocardial T1 maps from 50 healthy volunteers and 75 patients using manual segmentation as the reference standard. Based on a U-Net architecture, we systematically optimized the model design using two different training metrics (Sørensen-Dice coefficient = DSC and Intersection-over-Union = IOU), two different activation functions (ReLU and LeakyReLU) and various numbers of training epochs. Training with DSC metric and a ReLU activation function over 35 epochs achieved the highest overall performance (mean error in T1 10.6 ± 17.9 ms, mean DSC 0.88 ± 0.07). Limits of agreement between model results and ground truth were from -35.5 to + 36.1 ms. This was superior to the agreement between two human raters (-34.7 to + 59.1 ms). Segmentation was as accurate for long-axis views (mean error T1: 6.77 ± 8.3 ms, mean DSC: 0.89 ± 0.03) as for short-axis images (mean error ΔT1: 11.6 ± 19.7 ms, mean DSC: 0.88 ± 0.08). Fully automated segmentation and quantitative analysis of native myocardial T1 maps is possible in both long-axis and short-axis orientations with very high accuracy.
Evaluation of prostate cancer detection using micro-ultrasound versus MRI through co-registration to whole-mount pathology
Authors: Pensa Jake , Brisbane Wayne , Kinnaird Adam , Kuppermann David , Hughes Griffith , Ushko Derrick , Priester Alan , Gonzalez Samantha , Reiter Robert , Chin Arnold , Sisk Anthony , Felker Ely , Marks Leonard , Geoghegan Rory
Published: August 2024

Micro-ultrasound has recently been introduced as a low-cost alternative to multi-parametric MRI for imaging prostate cancer. Early clinical studies have demonstrated promising results; however, robust validation via comparison with whole-mount pathology has yet to be achieved. Due to micro-ultrasound probe design and tissue deformation during scanning, it is difficult to accurately correlate micro-ultrasound imaging planes with ground truth whole-mount pathology slides. In this study, we developed a multi-step methodology to co-register micro-ultrasound and MRI to whole-mount pathology. The three-step process had a registration error of 3.90 ± 0.11 mm and consists of: (1) micro-ultrasound image reconstruction, (2) 3D landmark registration of micro-ultrasound to MRI, and (3) 2D capsule registration of MRI to whole-mount pathology. This process was then used in a preliminary reader study to compare the diagnostic accuracy of micro-ultrasound and MRI in 15 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Micro-ultrasound was found to have equivalent performance to retrospective MRI review for index lesion detection (91.7% vs. 80%), while demonstrating an increased detection of tumor extent (52.5% vs. 36.7%) with similar false positive regions-of-interest (38.3% vs. 40.8%). Prospective MRI review had reduced detection of index lesions (73.3%) and tumor extent (18.9%) but improved false positive regions-of-interest (22.7%) relative to micro-ultrasound and retrospective MRI. Further evaluation is needed with a larger sample size.
Orange maker: a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and screening project to generate orange-eyed DarkJedi GAL4 lines by undergraduate students
Authors: Park Hee Su , Gross Anna C. , Oh Seungjae , Kim Nam Chul
Published: August 2024

One of the greatest strengths of Drosophila genetics is its easily observable and selectable phenotypic markers. The mini-white marker has been widely used as a transgenic marker for Drosophila transgenesis. Flies carrying a mini-white construct can exhibit various eye colors ranging from pale orange to intense red, depending on the insertion site and gene dosage. Because the two copies of the mini-white marker show a stronger orange color, this is often used for selecting progenies carrying two transgenes together in a single chromosome after chromosomal recombination. However, some GAL4 lines available in the fly community originally have very strong red eyes. Without employing another marker, such as GFP, generating a recombinant chromosome with the strong red-eyed GAL4 and a desired UAS-transgene construct may be difficult. Therefore, we decided to change the red eyes of GAL4 lines to orange color. To change the eye color of the fly, we tested the CRISPR/Cas9 method with a guide RNA targeting the white gene with OK371-GAL4 and elav-GAL4. After a simple screening, we have successfully obtained multiple lines of orange-eyed OK371-GAL4 and elav-GAL4 that still maintain their original expression patterns. All of these simple experiments were performed by undergraduate students, allowing them to learn about a variety of different genetic experiments and genome editing while contributing to the fly research community by creating fruit fly lines that will be used in real-world research.
Divergent venom effectors correlate with ecological niche in neuropteran predators
Authors: Fischer Maike Laura , Schmidtberg Henrike , Tidswell Olivia , Weiss Benjamin , Dersch Ludwig , Lüddecke Tim , Wielsch Natalie , Kaltenpoth Martin , Vilcinskas Andreas , Vogel Heiko
Published: August 2024

Neuropteran larvae are fierce predators that use venom to attack and feed on arthropod prey. Neuropterans have adapted to diverse and sometimes extreme habitats, suggesting their venom may have evolved accordingly, but the ecology and evolution of venom deployment in different families is poorly understood. We applied spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, morphological analysis, and bioassays to investigate the venom systems in the antlion Euroleon nostras and the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, which occupy distinct niches. Although the venom system morphology was similar in both species, we observed remarkable differences at the molecular level. E. nostras produces particularly complex venom secreted from three different glands, indicating functional compartmentalization. Furthermore, E. nostras venom and digestive tissues were devoid of bacteria, strongly suggesting that all venom proteins are of insect origin rather than the products of bacterial symbionts. We identified several toxins exclusive to E. nostras venom, including phospholipase A2 and several undescribed proteins with no homologs in the C. carnea genome. The compositional differences have significant ecological implications because only antlion venom conferred insecticidal activity, indicating its use for the immobilization of large prey. Our results indicate that molecular venom evolution plays a role in the adaptation of antlions to their unique ecological niche.
Lab-on-a-chip for In Vitro Diagnosis: Manipulating the Power of Nanoparticles
Authors: Ait-Touchente Zouhair , Khizar Sumera , Zine Nadia , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole , Errachid Abdelhamid , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: August 2024

Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology, in conjunction with nanoparticles, offers a promising approach for in vitro diagnosis. The pivotal role of nanoparticles in LOC-based diagnostics is elaborated in this chapter, covering their properties, functionalization techniques, and key applications. The fundamentals of LOC technology, including microfluidics and on-chip laboratory function integration, are discussed, emphasizing the advantages of LOC systems in diagnostic applications such as miniaturization and increased efficiency. Functionalized nanoparticles enable specific biomarker targeting and enhance detection sensitivity, leading to more precise and reliable diagnoses. The significance of efficient sample preparation and handling in successful in vitro diagnosis is underscored, alongside the use of nanoparticles for sample purification, concentration, and manipulation using LOC devices. The chapter further explores assay development and detection, highlighting nanoparticles’ utility as labels or probes. Their employment in amplification strategies and multiplexing enables heightened sensitivity and simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. The application of LOC technology in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is examined, emphasizing its advantages in terms of portability, rapid testing, and improved healthcare accessibility. Integrating nanoparticle-based assays into POC settings facilitates faster and more accurate diagnoses at the point of need. The chapter concludes by discussing challenges, future perspectives, and potential advancements in the field.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking in Lab-on-a-chip Technology for Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Authors: Das Suparna , Mazumdar Hirak
Published: August 2024

The biological sciences now have a wealth of exciting prospects because of artificial intelligence (AI). For the analysis of the enormous amounts of information generated by biotechnology platforms for biological as well as biomedical applications, AI approaches can be very helpful. With advancements in controllable response chambers, high throughput arrays, and tracking devices, microfluidics generates huge quantities of data which is not always properly processed. Biotechnology research can benefit from increased clinical and analytical throughputs because of the integration of AI with microfluidics. While microfluidics improves experimental techniques and lowers costs and scales, AI technologies dramatically increase the processing of large datasets produced by multiplexed, high-throughput microfluidics. Future applications, such as high-throughput drug discovery, quick point-of-care diagnostics, and customized medicine, may all gain from the use of smart microfluidics. A summary of key advances in microfluidics integrated with AI is presented here and we discuss the possibilities for combining AI with microfluidics.
Lab-on-a-chip: Unit Operations to Scale-up Strategies
Authors: Khorsandi Danial , Yang Jia-Wei , Jenson Serena , Kajino Takamaro , Maity Surjendu , Salih Abdul Rahim Chethikkattuveli , Jucaud Vadim , Dokmeci Mehmet R.
Published: August 2024

This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the key aspects of scaling up lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices, a critical field of investigation with substantial implications for industrial production and clinical applications. It commences with a thorough understanding of unit operations in LOC devices, explaining their definition, significance, and types (i.e., fluid handling, sample preparation, and detection). Then, the chapter moves on to discuss the significant engineering challenges associated with the miniaturization of these unit operations, including technical difficulties, material and fabrication issues, and ensuring performance reliability and reproducibility. It presents effective strategies for the scaling up of LOC unit operations, covering essential technical considerations such as maintaining performance, enhancing throughput, and integrating operations. The section also includes a comprehensive view of successful scale-up projects, their approaches and outcomes, highlighting practical applications and results of these strategies. The chapter also navigates through regulatory and quality considerations in the scale-up process, underlining the importance of validation and standardization. Future directions and challenges in scaling up, including current limitations, potential solutions, and the impact of emerging technologies on scale-up processes, are highlighted to provide a glimpse into the promising, yet challenging, road ahead.
Miniaturized Devices: A Silk Route for Innovative Commercial Prospects
Authors: Mehta Piyush Pradeep
Published: August 2024

Miniaturized devices such as lab-on-a-chip (LOC) and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) have the potential to bring about a transformative shift in analytical systems across a range of disciplines, spanning biomedical, food, veterinary, and environmental sciences. These devices offer distinct advantages in contemporary healthcare settings and pathological laboratories, and are even convenient for home care applications, owing to their user-friendly attributes, compact handheld designs (e.g., blood glucose meters), and portable capabilities. Recognizing these favorable qualities, the present chapter aims to elucidate the remarkable market potential of miniaturized devices. The structure of the chapter revolves around three pivotal sections, each illuminating specific facets of miniaturized devices. The first section delves into the pivotal role of university spinoffs in paving the way for successful market entry. The second section delves deep into the evaluation of miniaturized devices through the lenses of technology, trends, and trade. Lastly, the chapter concludes by examining the realms of creativity, continuity, and the commercial aspects associated with these innovative technologies. Certainly, such a comprehensive analysis empowers readers to not only grasp a profound understanding of the current market landscape but also gain valuable insights into the requisite strategies needed to sustain and augment the effectiveness of the growing miniaturized devices market in the near future.
The Sensory Properties of Foods and Their Assessment by Trained Individuals
Authors: Monteiro Maria João P. , Almeida Costa Ana Isabel de
Published: August 2024

Food and beverage companies constantly seek to create and introduce new products in the marketplace. Understanding the sensory attributes of foods is crucial to support their product development activities. Descriptive methods are the cornerstone of sensory evaluation techniques. They are used in various R&D and manufacturing activities, ranging from product design to market introduction and quality control, to provide objective evaluations of the sensory characteristics of products. This chapter offers a concise overview of the physical- and chemical-sensory properties of foods and beverages, which are related to both their composition and changes occurring during storage, and illustrates some of the sensory evaluation techniques employed by trained individuals to objectively describe and assess them.
Oral Food Perception and the Development of Food Preferences: Innate and Learned Factors
Authors: Lamy Elsa , Guedes David
Published: August 2024

Human food preferences develop through both innate and learned mechanisms, which operate differently across individuals, leading to variability in food acceptance. Genetic polymorphisms and copy number variations have been identified for sensory receptors, proteins and neurotransmitters, among others, which may explain individual differences in oral food perception and, ultimately, in food preferences. In addition, learning from accumulated food sensory experiences and corresponding responses plays a key role in the process of food acceptance. Pre- and postnatal conditioning, for instance, is known to determine the affective value of foods. This chapter starts with a description of how food sensory signals are integrated in the brain, followed by an overview of the innate (genetic) factors responsible for variations in food sensory perception and preference development. Finally, it critically reviews how learning through different experiences during prenatal and postnatal life equally contributes to shaping individuals’ food acceptance.
In-context Measures of Food Acceptance Across the Lifespan
Authors: Galiñanes-Plaza Adriana , Giboreau Agnès
Published: August 2024

The food preferences of consumers evolve across the lifespan, motivated by biological, psychosocial and behavioural changes. This evolution encompasses changes in the senses and their functioning as well as modifications in dietary patterns brought about by ageing, life-cycle and modifications in lifestyle. As eating is a multifactorial phenomenon, real-life studies are recommended to better understand food choice and consumption. This chapter describes various approaches proposed to study food preferences in context. These can be used to study the evolution of food appreciation and eating habits across the lifespan, as illustrated by the case studies presented here: children in primary school, students on university campus, adults in a multisensory immersive experience hall (MIXH®) and dependent elderly individuals in a care home.
Assessment of Emotional Responses to Food Products
Authors: Meiselman Herbert L.
Published: August 2024

During the 21st century, emotion testing has played an increasingly significant role in consumer testing of foods. Despite the significant increase in emotion testing, a number of key issues remain, and are discussed in this chapter: (1) defining emotions and using emotion lists, (2) using positive and negative emotions in testing foods, (3) using small or large numbers of emotions in consumer testing, (4) selecting the appropriate method of emotion measurement (questionnaire, facial or physiological, behavioral, and social media), (5) testing before, during or after food consumption, (6) measuring emotion as part of measuring wellness, (7) addressing cross-cultural issues in emotion testing, and (8) considering the effects of different contexts or environments for emotion measurement.
Consumer Perception and Acceptance of Foods in Asia
Authors: Tomlins Keith , Nikolaou Charoula K. , Bechoff Aurélie
Published: August 2024

Foods in Asia exhibit diverse and continuous evolution. Consumer perception was explored by analysing information about consumer demographics and markets, and agricultural gross production values. A review of published literature on sensory evaluation and consumer preference was also conducted. The findings indicate that consumer trends in Asia are rapidly changing, likely as the result of rapid population growth and urbanisation along with increased purchasing power. Online food delivery platforms powered by social media and artificial intelligence, along with targeted advertising, are changing the food supply chain. More targeted advertising is better able to promote foods that taste and look good; these are, however, not always the most suitable for individuals’ health and well-being. Obesity and diabetes are increasing in Asia, as is the negative impact of agricultural production on climate. Researchers may need access to big data held by commercial enterprises in order to better understand the complex relationship between food preferences, human behaviour and attitudes, food production, retailing, and nutrition and health in this continent.
Foods for Diet-related Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Sensory Quality and Consumer Acceptance
Authors: Martins Zita E. , Silva Marta , Machado Júlio C. , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O.
Published: August 2024

The content of salt, sugar, fat and fibre in processed foods plays an important role in health promotion and diet-related disease prevention. However, the reformulation of processed foods with respect to these nutrients, in order to obtain healthier products, is a major challenge for the industry. This due to their impact on other essential food characteristics, such as taste, appearance and texture, or even safety, convenience and price. Achieving comparable acceptance between original and reformulated products is thus a demanding endeavour, requiring different strategies depending on the nutrients and type of food being reformulated. The characteristics of different consumer groups also play an important role in the acceptance and marketplace success of nutritionally-enhanced products. This chapter describes key aspects of the product reformulation processes undertaken by the food industry to meet current global nutrition and public health goals. Different food science and technology approaches are detailed, along with some marketing strategies aimed at ensuring consumer acceptance and marketplace success of reformulated products.
Delicious or Interesting? On the Changing Aims of Contemporary Cuisine and Its Role in Food Adoption
Authors: Spence Charles
Published: August 2024

Molecular gastronomy has been defined as the search for deliciousness in food. However, over the last decade or so, a growing number of the world’s most avant-garde chefs have been striving to create foods that are interesting instead. This shift in focus has coincided with the longer-term trend toward the increasing visualization of food on TV, in cookbooks, and over social media too. In turn, this has led to an explosive rise in dishes that have gained popularity precisely because they are visually interesting. Indeed, this likely helps to explain a number of contemporary food trends, including the growing emphasis placed on beautiful plating (gastroporn), the fascination with unusual plateware, the emergence of blue-, rainbow-, and unicorn-coloured foods, and the trend of symmetrical breakfasts. Has the focus on appearance been to the detriment of the taste/flavour experience? This has prompted some exasperated commentators/chefs to urge for a return to a fundamental focus on food that actually tastes delicious. However, our brains are hard-wired to find the sight of energy-dense food exciting (i.e., attention-capturing). As such, looking to the future, the most successful new dishes and food products will likely need to combine eye-appeal, or visual interest, with an emphasis on deliciousness.
SERS detection of thiram using a 3D sea cucumber-like composite flexible porous substrate
Authors: Shi Yimeng , Zhu Yan , Sun Jiaojiao , Yin Huancai , Yin Jian
Published: August 2024

A sea cucumber-like Ag/Au/ZnO/P 3D flexible porous substrate was established for the sensitive detection of thiram on apple peel samples, which could be conducted using a simple “paste-and-peel” method in less than 10 s.
Graphene-based metal/metal oxide nanocomposites as potential antibacterial agents: a mini-review
Authors: Gautam Akanksha , Dabral Himanki , Singh Awantika , Tyagi Sourabh , Tyagi Nipanshi , Srivastava Diksha , Kushwaha Hemant R. , Singh Anu
Published: August 2024

The possible antimicrobial mechanism of nanomaterials.
Entropically driven melting of Cu-based 1D coordination polymers
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Nishiguchi Taichi , Zheng Xin , Noro Shin-ichiro , Packwood Daniel M. , Horike Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Thermal analysis and DFT revealed that entropic terms dominate the melting phenomenon of one-dimensional coordination polymer crystals.
Construction of functional grain boundary clusters for casting large-size and high-quality monocrystalline silicon ingots
Authors: Lei Qi , He Liang , Li Jianmin , Xu Yunfei , Mao Wei , Zhong Yufei , Zhang Jinbing , Hu Dongli
Published: August 2024

The construction of functional grain boundary clusters (FGBCs) effectively prevents the overgrowth of mc-Si at the edge of cast mono-Si ingots. This approach significantly increases the mono-Si proportion and greatly enhances the defect distribution.
Theoretical infrared spectroscopy of protonated methane isotopologues
Authors: Beckmann Richard , Schran Christoph , Brieuc Fabien , Marx Dominik
Published: August 2024

Setting a new standard in the theoretical spectroscopy of protonated methane and its mixed hydrogen/deuterium isotopologues, achieving excellent agreement with experimental broadband spectra.
Selectively cross-linked hydrogel-based cocktail drug delivery micro-chip for colon cancer combinatorial drug screening using AI-CSR platform for precision medicine
Authors: Kaladharan Kiran , Ouyang Chih-Hsuan , Yang Hsin-Yu , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: August 2024

A novel cocktail drug-delivery hydrogel-based microfluidic chip for precise and rapid quantification of drug concentrations for combinatorial drug screening experiments.
A green method for the preparation of nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon and its application in adsorptive desulfurization
Authors: Cui Huapeng , Xing Naijin
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen-doped porous carbons (NMCs) were prepared using a green method.
Field enhancement induced by surface defects in two-dimensional ReSe2 field emitters
Authors: Giubileo Filippo , Faella Enver , Capista Daniele , Passacantando Maurizio , Durante Ofelia , Kumar Arun , Pelella Aniello , Intonti Kimberly , Viscardi Loredana , De Stefano Sebastiano , Martucciello Nadia , Craciun Monica F. , Russo Saverio , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: August 2024

Surface defects cause electric field enhancement on the 2D ReSe2 emitter surface favouring electron current emission.
Mesoporous silica stabilized perovskite quantum dots for the preparation of ultra-stable green flexible film
Authors: Ma Fei , Yang Yanrui , Jiao Guanwei , Li Shengnan , Meng Xianglin , Song Jiahao , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2024

PMMA@m-SiO2/CsPbBr3 composite luminescent flexible film preparation.
Fabrication and characterization of TPGS-modified chlorogenic acid liposomes and its bioavailability in rats
Authors: Zhang Jian-jun , Luo Qiu-shui , Li Qing-qing , Xu Qian , Geng Xiang , Xiong Jian-hua
Published: August 2024

CGA-TPGS-LP, a TPGS-modified liposome loaded with CGA. The entrapment efficiency and storage stability was improved. CGA-TPGS-LP showed good sustained-release ability. The oral bioavailability of CGA was improved by 1.52 times.
Coupling of droplet-on-demand microfluidcs with ESI/MS to study single-cell catalysis
Authors: van der Loh Marie , Schiffmann Marie , Polack Matthias , Wink Konstantin , Belder Detlev
Published: August 2024

Glass chips were implemented to facilitate the coupling of a droplet-on-demand system with ESI/MS, thereby enabling the detection of reactions catalysed by a single yeast cell.
Mechanistic differences between linear vs. spirocyclic dialkyldiazirine probes for photoaffinity labeling
Authors: O'Brien Jessica G. K. , Conway Louis P. , Ramaraj Paramesh K. , Jadhav Appaso M. , Jin Jun , Dutra Jason K. , Evers Parrish , Masoud Shadi S. , Schupp Manuel , Saridakis Iakovos , Chen Yong , Maulide Nuno , Pezacki John P. , am Ende Christopher W. , Parker Christopher G. , Fox Joseph M.
Published: August 2024

Linear diazirines can produce relatively long-lived diazoalkanes which are also capable of labeling proteins whereas cyclobutanediazirines are proposed to give minimal diazo product and labeling occurs predominantly via a carbene mechanism.
Adsorptive denitrogenation of model fuel with silica gel
Authors: Wang Peipei , Liu Jian , Zhang Difan , Chambers Daniel , Li Shuyun , Santosa Daniel
Published: August 2024

The results establish the adsorption capacity, kinetics, interaction strength of pyridine/indole with sorbents and regeneration, highlighting silica gel's potential as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent for biofuel nitrogen compounds removal.
Influence of surface terminal groups on the efficiency of two-electron oxygen reduction reaction catalyzed by iron single atoms on Ti3C2Tx (T = Cl, Br, NH) MXene
Authors: Kruger Dawid Daniël , Delgado Juan José , Recio F. Javier , Goberna-Ferrón Sara , Primo Ana , García Hermenegildo
Published: August 2024

Oxygen reduction electrocatalysis is studied for three Ti3C2Tx MXenes (T = Cl, Br, NH) having single atom Fe, prepared from a Ti3AlC2 precursor by the Lewis acid molten salt etching method using FeX2 (X = Cl, Br), and surface modification with LiNH2.
A fast gelatinized asymmetric adhesive hydrogel for enhanced wearable sensor performance
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Tian Qiang , Ye Lei , Zhang Luqing , Wang Zhaoran , Li Jin , Zhang Yabin
Published: August 2024

A fast gelatinized dual-layer hydrogel with asymmetric adhesion was prepared. It has good mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity and biocompatibility and can be used for wireless monitoring of human movement.
A carbon nanofiber/Ti3C2Tx/carboxymethyl cellulose composite-based highly sensitive, reversible, directionally controllable humidity actuator and generator via continuous track-inspired self-assembly
Authors: Tong Xin , Chen Guangjie , Ahommed Md Sohel , Shen Xiangling , Sha Lizheng , Guo Daliang , Li Jing , Ni Yonghao
Published: August 2024

A snake-like continuous tracking robot/actuator was studied. The bending angle of the actuator can achieve a maximum deflection of 360° in 1.2 seconds. The CNFs/MXene/CMC film formed a moisture-electric generator.
Insight into rechargeable batteries under extreme pressure and gravity for deep space exploration
Authors: He Yi , Shang Wenxu , Tan Peng
Published: August 2024

This work covers recent advancements and outlooks in rechargeable batteries for deep space application, including mass transfer, reaction interface, and core component changes under extreme pressure, microgravity, and supergravity.
Mitigating hydrogen gas evolution in high nickel cathodes using single-crystalline NCM particles
Authors: Kong Nyung Joo , Ha Jee Ho , Hwang Yeon Jeong , Kim Yujin , Hwang Byung Un , Jeong Kyeong-Min , Cho Jaephil , Kang Seok Ju
Published: August 2024

Single-crystal nickel cobalt manganese oxide cathodes significantly reduce hydrogen gas evolution due to their smaller specific surface area and enhanced structural stability.
A grain-boundary-rich cobalt selenide hollow multi-shelled structure as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yin Yuan , Tan Pengcheng , Chen Qidi , Cai Daoping , Zhang Chaoqi , Zhan Hongbing
Published: August 2024

A unique grain-boundary-rich cobalt selenide hollow multi-shelled structure (GB-CoSe HoMS) has been rationally designed and synthesized as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst to adsorb and convert the polysulfides for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Investigating the self-assembly of 2NapFF and ureido-pyrimidinone multicomponent systems for cell culture
Authors: Wallace Chloe M. , Rovers Maritza M. , Bellan Riccardo , Rutten Martin G. T. A. , Seddon Annela , Dalby Matthew J. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Adams Dave J.
Published: August 2024

Low molecular weight gelators have mechanical properties ideal for regenerative medicine. This study explores the combination of a known UPy-system with a dipeptide gelator, 2NapFF, examining each system across multiple length scales.
A superstable sandwich-type composite of a single-benzene-based fluorophore and chitosan as a fluorescent authentication barcode
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Jin Ji Hye , Kim Ha Yeon , Hyun Joo Hee , Park Sungnam , Kim Dokyoung
Published: August 2024

A sandwich-type composite comprising a single-benzene-based fluorophore and chitosan was disclosed. As a fluorescence-based authentication barcode, the composite exhibited bright emission with high stability and demonstrated efficient discrimination of counterfeit medicines.
Simultaneous binding of carboxyl and amino groups to liquid metal surface for biosensing
Authors: Zhang Zhiheng , Chen Hongchen , Diao Weize , Zhou Chuangxin , Liu Guozhen
Published: August 2024

Both carboxyl and amino groups have binding affinity for the EGaIn surface with a probability of 7 : 3, forming an effective sensing interface for detection of IL-6.
Revitalizing the heart: cutting-edge nucleic acid therapies in cardiac regeneration
Authors: Gonzalez Ortega Sara
Published: August 2024

Heart failure (HF) arises from cardiac injury and subsequent loss of contractile cells. While some organisms can regenerate cardiac tissue through cardiomyocyte proliferation, the adult mammalian heart has limited regenerative capacity due to cardiomyocyte replication ceasing shortly after birth. To enhance proliferation in the adult heart, we aim to identify master regulators of proliferation. In Professor Mauro Giacca’s laboratory, human-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR199a-3p or miR-1825 have been identified as potential enhancers of cardiomyocyte proliferation. My PhD will evaluate these miRNAs using different delivery methods, comparing viral vectors with lipid nanoparticle (SNALP) technology. Additionally, I will adapt CycleTrack, a tool for labelling mitotic cells, to study cardiomyocyte replication accurately in response to these miRNAs. By assessing these approaches in human myocardial slices, this work seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms of pro-proliferative miRNAs and pave the way for future clinical interventions targeting heart regeneration. In this Student Focus article, I also highlight another aspect: the framework used to address complex biological questions is crucial in shaping the answers we seek. What intrigues me most about my research is the interplay between elucidating discrete molecular pathways and employing holistic approaches to understand cardiac proliferation.
A novel density‐based representation for point cloud and its ability to facilitate classification
Authors: Xie Xianlin , Tang Xue‐song
Published: August 2024

Currently, in the field of processing 3D point cloud data, two primary representation methods have emerged: point‐based methods and voxel‐based methods. However, the former suffer from significant computational costs and lack the ease of handling exhibited by voxel‐based methods. Conversely, the later often encounter challenges related to information loss resulting from downsampling operations, thereby impeding subsequent tasks. To address these limitations, this article introduces a novel density‐based representation method for voxel partitioning. Additionally, a corresponding network structure is devised to extract features from this specific density representation, thereby facilitating the successful completion of classification tasks. The experiments are implemented on ModelNet40 and MNIST demonstrate that the proposed 3D convolution can achieve the‐state‐of‐the‐art performance based on the voxels.
La biosécurité
vue par les éleveurs de bovins et leurs vétérinaires
Authors: Mounaix Béatrice
Published: August 2024

Pour améliorer la mise en œuvre des principes de biosécurité dans les élevages de bovins, il convient de tenir compte de la diversité des représentations des éleveurs, de leurs freins et motivations.

Les enquêtes réalisées auprès de 44 éleveurs de bovins lait et/ou viande et de 127 vétérinaires confirment une perception plutôt négative et un usage rare du mot « biosécurité » en élevage de bovins.

La perception des risques sanitaires par les éleveurs est bonne, notamment en matière de biosécurité externe. Ils déclarent être motivés à améliorer la biosécurité en élevage de bovins si cela conduit à réduire les frais vétérinaires.
Les freins à la mise en œuvre des pratiques de sécurité sanitaire sont d’ordre surtout organisationnel.

La meilleure sensibilisation des éleveurs pour changer leurs perceptions de la biosécurité est un des leviers de progrès important exprimé dans l’enquête, par les éleveurs et par les vétérinaires. Une démarche innovante est en cours de test avec des groupes d’éleveurs de bovins allaitants pour développer des outils pour sensibiliser les éleveurs de bovins à la meilleure maitrise des risques sanitaires, et améliorer leurs pratiques.
La biosécurité des très grands élevages laitiers
dans un environnement sanitaire à risque :
retour d’expérience en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient
Authors: Gary François , Clauss Mathilde
Published: August 2024

Pour améliorer la mise en œuvre des principes de biosécurité dans les élevages de bovins, il convient de tenir compte de la diversité des représentations des éleveurs, de leurs freins et motivations.

Les enquêtes réalisées auprès de 44 éleveurs de bovins lait et/ou viande et de 127 vétérinaires confirment une perception plutôt négative et un usage rare du mot « biosécurité » en élevage de bovins.

La perception des risques sanitaires par les éleveurs est bonne, notamment en matière de biosécurité externe. Ils déclarent être motivés à améliorer la biosécurité en élevage de bovins si cela conduit à réduire les frais vétérinaires.
Les freins à la mise en œuvre des pratiques de sécurité sanitaire sont d’ordre surtout organisationnel.

La meilleure sensibilisation des éleveurs pour changer leurs perceptions de la biosécurité est un des leviers de progrès important exprimé dans l’enquête, par les éleveurs et par les vétérinaires. Une démarche innovante est en cours de test avec des groupes d’éleveurs de bovins allaitants pour développer des outils pour sensibiliser les éleveurs de bovins à la meilleure maitrise des risques sanitaires, et améliorer leurs pratiques.
L’optique adaptative en ophtalmologie : d’une imagerie de la rétine à un outil de pilotage de la santé
Authors: Bucourt Samuel , Levecq Xavier
Published: August 2024

L’optique adaptative (OA) s’est silencieusement imposée dans de nombreux domaines depuis 20 ans. Une preuve parmi d’autres : 4 prix Nobel de Physique dans les 10 dernières années ont un système d’optique adaptative au cœur de leur recherche : en microscopie, en astrophysique, dans les lasers ultraintenses et plus récemment pour les applications attosecondes.
Les inducteurs émotionnels perçus par des lycéens en EPS : quel impact de cinq formats de jeu en badminton ?
Authors: Visioli Jérôme , Level Julie , Dieu Olivier
Published: August 2024

L’objectif de cet article est d’identifier et de comparer les inducteurs des émotions positives et négatives ressenties par des élèves du secondaire en EPS dans le cadre de cinq formats de jeu en badminton. Les perceptions de 58 lycéens (24 filles et 34 garçons – Mâge = 15,01, Ec = 0,25) ont été recueillies à l’aide d’un questionnaire basé sur la méthode des incidents critiques (Flanagan, 1954). Les élèves devaient raconter le moment le plus marquant vécu au sein de chaque format, juste après l’avoir pratiqué. L’analyse inductive des incidents critiques recueillis a permis de rendre compte et de comparer l’impact des dispositifs proposés par l’enseignant sur les émotions positives et négatives des élèves. La discussion invite notamment à porter une attention particulière aux émotions des filles et à la sensibilité à l’espace de jeu, mais également à relativiser l’impact du seul format de jeu sur les émotions des élèves. Plus globalement, c’est l’impact émotionnel des formats de jeu en badminton qui est interrogé dans l’optique de la formation des enseignants d’EPS, en lien avec le projet de conception et d’exploitation d’« affective learning design ».
The Year in Cardiology—Practice Changing Trials from European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Tripathi Umesh , Singh Abhishek
Published: August 2024

The European Society of Cardiology annual congress is the premier global platform for dissemination and unraveling major scientific advances in the field of cardiology. Each year a myriad number of scientific ideas are exchanged at this meeting and many major path-breaking clinical trials are presented that have the potential to alter our practice. Last year was not different and more than 30 clinical trials spanning various facets of cardiology were unveiled and discussed—heart failure, lipid lowering, coronary intervention, intracoronary imaging, cardiomyopathies, anticoagulation, atrial fibrillation, antiplatelet therapy, etc. We present a brief summary of 10 major trials which in the view of authors have the potential for impacting daily cardiology practice. In each study, we also attempt to provide a contemporary perspective and the way forward. We aim to provide a glimpse on the major advances in the field of cardiology in the past year.
Theoretical model of interstitial diffusion in solid solution under hypergravity conditions
Authors: Li Changyou , Zhang He , Zhan Haifei , Lü Chaofeng
Published: August 2024

Diffusion of atoms and molecules is usually driven by concentration gradients, with the influence of gravitational energy being negligible. However, for alloying components operating at exceptional rotational speeds, such as engine blades, the resulting centrifugal force significantly impacts element distribution. In hypergravity fields, the gravitational potential becomes comparable to the chemical potential, and these two factors jointly determine the diffusion process in solid solutions. This study establishes a theoretical model to quantify the influence of hypergravity on element diffusion in solids, analogous to centrifugal environments in engineering applications. Element diffusion under hypergravity, combined with different boundary conditions, is analyzed. It is found that gravitational energy in a hypergravity field promotes element diffusion when both are in the same direction. In particular, the effect of the hypergravity field on the diffusion process is determined by the difference between the density of diffusing atoms and one-third of the density of the solid substrate. This newly established model provides a valuable tool for assessing element diffusion in solids under extreme hypergravity conditions.
Numerical simulations of AI–human interaction using quintic mean-field Ising model
Authors: Ansah Richard Kwame , Ablordeppey Prosper , Boadi Richard Kena , Tawiah Kassim
Published: August 2024

The growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our society presents both benefits and challenges. To delve deeper into this, we suggest a simulation model that mimics a human–AI ecosystem. This model considers various factors, such as biased actions and multiple-agent interactions ranging from two to five agents. For instance, it includes situations where four humans engage with AI or where four AI systems interact with a human. Our main goal is to investigate how the number of AI systems in the ecosystem influences its dynamics. Our findings revealed that even slight variations in the presence of AI can cause significant changes in the system’s behavior. These shifts can push the system to distinct opposing outcomes or leave it in a state of uncertainty.
Zfp697 is an RNA-binding protein that regulates skeletal muscle inflammation and remodeling
Authors: Correia Jorge C. , Jannig Paulo R. , Gosztyla Maya L. , Cervenka Igor , Ducommun Serge , Præstholm Stine M. , Dias José M. , Dumont Kyle D. , Liu Zhengye , Liang Qishan , Edsgärd Daniel , Emanuelsson Olof , Gregorevic Paul , Westerblad Håkan , Venckunas Tomas , Brazaitis Marius , Kamandulis Sigitas , Lanner Johanna T. , Teixeira Ana I. , Yeo Gene W. , Ruas Jorge L.
Published: August 2024

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a morbidity and mortality risk factor that happens with disuse, chronic disease, and aging. The tissue remodeling that happens during recovery from atrophy or injury involves changes in different cell types such as muscle fibers, and satellite and immune cells. Here, we show that the previously uncharacterized gene and protein Zfp697 is a damage-induced regulator of muscle remodeling. Zfp697/ZNF697 expression is transiently elevated during recovery from muscle atrophy or injury in mice and humans. Sustained Zfp697 expression in mouse muscle leads to a gene expression signature of chemokine secretion, immune cell recruitment, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Notably, although Zfp697 is expressed in several cell types in skeletal muscle, myofiber-specific Zfp697 genetic ablation in mice is sufficient to hinder the inflammatory and regenerative response to muscle injury, compromising functional recovery. We show that Zfp697 is an essential mediator of the interferon gamma response in muscle cells and that it functions primarily as an RNA-interacting protein, with a very high number of miRNA targets. This work identifies Zfp697 as an integrator of cell–cell communication necessary for tissue remodeling and regeneration.
Polyomavirus ALTOs, but not MTs, downregulate viral early gene expression by activating the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Salisbury Nicholas J. H. , Amonkar Supriya , Landazuri Vinueza Joselyn , Carter Joseph J. , Roman Ann , Galloway Denise A.
Published: August 2024

Polyomaviruses are small, circular dsDNA viruses that can cause cancer. Alternative splicing of polyomavirus early transcripts generates large and small tumor antigens (LT, ST) that play essential roles in viral replication and tumorigenesis. Some polyomaviruses also express middle tumor antigens (MTs) or alternate LT open reading frames (ALTOs), which are evolutionarily related but have distinct gene structures. MTs are a splice variant of the early transcript whereas ALTOs are overprinted on the second exon of the LT transcript in an alternate reading frame and are translated via an alternative start codon. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the only human polyomavirus that causes cancer, encodes an ALTO but its role in the viral lifecycle and tumorigenesis has remained elusive. Here, we show MCPyV ALTO acts as a tumor suppressor and is silenced in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Rescuing ALTO in MCC cells induces growth arrest and activates NF-κB signaling. ALTO activates NF-κB by binding SQSTM1 and TRAF2&3 via two
N
-
T
erminal
A
ctivating
R
egions (NTAR1+2), resembling Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1). Following activation, NF-κB dimers bind the MCPyV noncoding control region (NCCR) and downregulate early transcription. Beyond MCPyV, NTAR motifs are conserved in other polyomavirus ALTOs, which activate NF-κB signaling, but are lacking in MTs that do not. Furthermore, polyomavirus ALTOs downregulate their respective viral early transcription in an NF-κB- and NTAR-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that ALTOs evolved to suppress viral replication and promote viral latency and that MCPyV ALTO must be silenced for MCC to develop.
Introducing the “Parallel European Corpus of Informal Interaction” (PECII)
Authors: Küttner Uwe-A. , Kornfeld Laurenz , Mack Christina , Mondada Lorenza , Rogowska Jowita , Rossi Giovanni , Sorjonen Marja-Leena , Weidner Matylda , Zinken Jörg
Published: August 2024

This article introduces the Parallel European Corpus of Informal Interaction
(PECII), a multi-language video-corpus of social interactions in a range of informal settings and activity-contexts.
After describing the basic motivation for its compilation, the design principles that underlie its composition and the
data it contains, we illustrate PECII’s usefulness for comparative Interactional Linguistic (IL) and Conversation
Analytic (CA) research. We do this by offering an analytic sketch of the practices people use to initiate turns that
interfere with and seek to rectify another’s (problematic) behavior, focusing on their variability across languages
and settings/activity-contexts. By maximizing the comparability of interactional data, PECII not only promotes the enhancement of cross-linguistic research in IL, it also opens up new avenues for
exploring “cross-situational” variability (so-called “situation design”).