bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TiNbO4‐coated industrial submicron Si anode for high‐performance Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Ma Yangzhou , Li Haoduo , Li Qi , Zhou Jingwei , Cai Zhenfei , Wang Shuai , Yu Mo , Liu Cheng , Song Guangsheng , Wen Cuie
Published: September 2023

Silicon (Si) is a promising anode material for Li‐ion batteries but suffers from volume change during (de)lithiation, leading to electrode pulverization and capacity decay. To address this issue, we introduced a zero‐strain Li‐ion conductor TiNbO4 (TNO) coating on the surface of industrial submicron Si using a simple precipitation method. The density functional theory calculation confirmed TNO as an excellent coating layer to alleviate silicon expansion and benefit to the Li diffusion. The resulting compounds were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, half‐cell charge–discharge tests, and cyclic voltammetry and showed that amorphous TNO was well distributed on the Si particles and can effectively improve the Si anode's cycle performance. After 120 cycles, the TNO‐coated Si anode retained 565 mA h g−1 capacity under 0.1 C, which is better than that of pure Si with less than 100 mA h g−1.
A Reflection on Dialogic Diving Boards and Decolonising School Art: The African Mask Project
Authors: Grant Will , Richards Malcolm , Steward Ros , Whelan Jamie
Published: September 2023

In this paper, four colleagues working in teacher education reflect on a conversation. The conversation in question was a tangible discussion documented through frequent and purposeful email exchange, exploring traditionalist school art curricula through reference to lived experience, academic theory, and professional anecdote. The primary objective of this dialogic self‐enquiry was informal critical analysis of the cultural diversity and positioning of art objects that populate classroom curricula in English schools, starting with the ‘African mask’. The secondary objective of our conversation was exploration of how complex talk on culture and curriculum might be modelled for schoolteachers yet to initiate similar conversations in their own professional contexts. We each provide reflections on the success of our conversation against these objectives and find that while email exchange provided some formal advantages for the structure of our discourse, this was not as we might have expected. The dialogue facilitated a rhizomatic deepening of our individual questioning of culturality in the classroom, which while nourishing was arguably unproductive in instrumental terms. Collectively, our reflections suggest that dialogue may be a critical catalyst for the latter, inherently private work of decolonising one's own critical teaching praxis.
The involvement of transient receptor potential channels in mast cell activation by microbubbles
Authors: Liu Jia , Qing Long , He Yufei , Zhu Qihui , Xu Weigang , Wu Jianhua
Published: September 2023

This study was to explore the activation of mast cells by microbubbles, with the focus on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels mediated degranulation and calcium influx. Bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs) were primarily obtained from femurs in mice and induced differentiation for 4 weeks. After the purity identification, BMMCs were contacted by homogeneous microbubbles with the diameter of 1 mm for 1 h. β‐hexosaminidase and histamine levels in supernatants were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the CD63 expression was tested by flow cytometry. The intracellular calcium binding with Fluo‐4 AM dyes in BMMCs was observed under the fluorescence microscope and the mean fluorescence intensity was quantitatively measured by flow cytometry. β‐hexosaminidase release, histamine concentration, CD63 expression and calcium influx were significantly increased in BMMCs group upon microbubble stimulation compared to the control groups. After preconditioning with the available inhibitors and microbubble contact, only transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and TRPV4 inhibitors robustly suppressed the microbubble‐induced degranulation. Likewise, the elevated fluorescence intensity of cytosolic calcium level was also significantly weaken. The results demonstrated microbubble stimulus effectively promoted BMMCs degranulation, which could be substantially restrained by inhibitors targeted for blocking TRPV1 or TRPV4 channel. The alternation of intracellular calcium level in BMMCs was consistent with the changes of degranulation capacity. It's suggested that the activation of BMMCs by microbubbles may involve specific TRP calcium dependent channels.
The role of mitochondrial dynamics in the pathophysiology of endometriosis
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Matsubara Sho , Yoshimoto Chiharu , Shigetomi Hiroshi , Imanaka Shogo
Published: September 2023

Aim

Endometriosis is a chronic disease of reproductive age, associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Endometriotic cells adapt to changing environments such as oxidative stress and hypoxia in order to survive. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the pathogenesis of endometriosis, focusing primarily on the molecular basis of energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial function, and discuss perspectives on future research directions.

Methods

Papers published up to March 31, 2023 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were included in this narrative literature review.

Results

Mitochondria serve as a central hub sensing a multitude of physiological processes, including energy production and cellular redox homeostasis. Under hypoxia, endometriotic cells favor glycolysis and actively produce pyruvate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and other metabolites for cell proliferation. Mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics may regulate the phenotypic plasticity of cellular energy metabolism, that is, aerobic glycolysis or OXPHOS. Endometriotic cells have been reported to have reduced mitochondrial numbers, increased lamellar cristae, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced cell proliferation and survival. Increased mitochondrial fission and fusion turnover by hypoxic and normoxic conditions suggests an activation of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms. Recently, candidate molecules that influence mitochondrial dynamics have begun to be identified.

Conclusion

This review suggests that unique energy metabolism and redox homeostasis driven by mitochondrial dynamics may be linked to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics in endometriosis.
Insomnia and REM sleep instability
Authors: Feige Bernd , Benz Fee , Dressle Raphael J. , Riemann Dieter
Published: September 2023

In this narrative review, we give an overview of the concept of rapid eye movement sleep instability and its reported implications in the context of insomnia. The term rapid eye movement sleep instability was coined to describe the observation of a modified rapid eye movement quality in insomnia, characterized by an increased tendency of perceiving rapid eye movement sleep as wake, a small but consistent rapid eye movement sleep reduction and an increased rapid eye movement sleep arousal index. Current research highlights relationships that are transdiagnostic in nature, corresponding to the known interaction of insomnia with many psychiatric disorders, and showing relationships to chronic stress and anxiety disorders.
Efficacy of an elemental diet in achieving clinical remission in dogs with chronic enteropathy
Authors: Manchester Alison C. , Dow Steven , Chow Lyndah , Gagne Jason , Lappin Michael R.
Published: September 2023

Background

Diet may induce clinical remission in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE). Elemental diets (EDs), providing protein as amino acids, modulate intestinal immunity and microbiome in rodents and humans.

Hypothesis

Evaluate the impact of an amino acid‐based kibble (EL) on CE clinical activity and gastrointestinal (GI)‐relevant variables.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 23) with inadequately controlled CE.

Methods

Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. Diagnostic evaluation including upper and lower GI endoscopy was performed before study entry. Canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI), serum biomarkers, and fecal microbiome were evaluated before and after 2 weeks of EL. Dogs with stable or improved CE remained in the study for another 6 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐EL clinical and microbiological variables were compared statistically using a mixed model.

Results

After 2 weeks of EL, 15 of 22 dogs (68%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47%‐84%) consuming the diet were classified as responders with a median (range) decrease in CCECAI from 6 (3‐12) to 2 (0‐9; P < .001). Fourteen of 15 responders and 2/7 nonresponders at 2 weeks completed the trial; all 16 were experiencing adequate control at week 8 with a median CCECAI of 2 (0‐3). In total, 16/23 dogs (70%; 95% CI, 49%‐84%) were responders. Feeding EL caused shifts in fecal bacterial communities, which differed between responders and nonresponders. Serum biomarker concentrations were unchanged throughout the study apart from serum alkaline phosphatase activity.

Conclusions

Exclusive feeding of EL improved clinical signs in 16 of 23 dogs with uncontrolled CE. Fecal microbiome shifts were associated with response to diet and may represent a mechanism for clinical improvement.
Occupational stigma consciousness and professional commitment among Chinese nursing students: Path analysis of survey data
Authors: Chen Jiamin , Cui Yuhao , Qi Lidong , Liu Yun , Yang Liping
Published: September 2023

Pervasive stigma exists around nursing in Chinese society and can affect nursing students' commitment to the profession. Based on the resource conservation theory, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational stigma consciousness and psychological empowerment in nursing students' professional commitment in China. Data were collected from November 2021 to May 2022, and 1189 nursing students participated in the study. Occupational stigma consciousness, professional commitment, and psychological empowerment were assessed using a questionnaire. The path analysis indicated that occupational stigma consciousness negatively predicted professional commitment (β = −0.127, p < 0.001) and psychological empowerment (β = −0.329, p < 0.001), and psychological empowerment mediated the relationship between occupational stigma consciousness and professional commitment. To resist occupational stigma consciousness and improve nursing students' professional commitment, nursing policies and education should focus on improving psychological empowerment.
Frailty, psychological well‐being, and social isolation in older adults with cognitive impairment during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: data from the GeroCovid initiative
Authors: Terziotti Camilla , Ceolin Chiara , Devita Maria , Raffaelli Cecilia , Antenucci Sara , Bazzano Salvatore , Capasso Andrea , Castellino Manuela , Signore Stefania Del , Lubian Francesca , Maiotti Mariangela , Monacelli Fiammetta , Mormile Maria Teresa , Sgarito Claudia , Vella Filomena , Sergi Giuseppe , Gareri Pietro , Trevisan Caterina , Bellio Andrea , Fini Filippo , Malara Alba , Mossello Enrico , Fumagalli Stefano , Volpato Stefano , Monzani Fabio , Bellelli Giuseppe , Zia Gianluca , Incalzi Raffaele Antonelli , Coin Alessandra
Published: September 2023

Background

The containment measures linked to the COVID‐19 pandemic negatively affected the phyco‐physical well‐being of the population, especially older adults with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). This study aims to evaluate whether the frailty of NCD patients was associated with different changes in multiple health domains, in particular in relation to loneliness and social isolation, pre‐ and post‐lockdown.

Materials and Methods

Patients were recruited from 10 Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia. Data were collected in the pre‐pandemic period (T0), during the pandemic lockdown (T1), and 6–9 months post‐lockdown (T2). The UCLA Loneliness Scale‐3, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental ADL (IADL), Mini‐Mental State Examination, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) were administered. Caregivers' burden was also tested. Patients were categorized as non‐frail, pre‐frail, and frail according to the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of Weight scale.

Results

The sample included 165 subjects (61.9% women, mean age 79.5 ± 4.9 years). In the whole sample, the ADL, IADL, and NPI scores significantly declined between T0 and T2. There were no significative variations in functional and cognitive domains between the frail groups. During lockdown we recorded higher Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and Perceived Stress Scale scores in frail people. In multivariable logistic regression, frailty was associated with an increase in social isolation, and a loss of IADL.

Conclusions

We observed a global deterioration in functional and neuro‐psychiatric domains irrespective of the degree of frailty. Frailty was associated with the worsening of social isolation during lockdown. Frail patients and their caregivers seemed to experience more anxiety and stress disorders during SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.
A Fair Comparison: Women's and Men's Farms at Seven Scales in the United States☆
Authors: Dentzman Katherine , Lewin Paul
Published: September 2023

Successful farms—in the public imagination, agricultural policy, and more—tend to be highly profitable and operate at extremely large scales. Research has shown that women are less likely to operate these types of farms, possibly due to their preferences and lifestyle choices. There is evidence, however, that these gaps are additionally the result of differences in access to resources due to gender discrimination. Patterns of inequity in land inheritance and other resources limit women's farm size and choice of crops, and thus their opportunities to farm at larger, more profitable scales. Nonetheless, women farmers also employ creative strategies to make farming work for them. Our study uses 2017 Census of Agriculture data to compare women and men farmers at 7 different farm scales, revealing gendered strategies and comparing men and women farmers on equal footing. This presents a more nuanced picture of women's participation in farming at various scales. Overall, we find that within farm scales, women are often doing just as well as men—usually with fewer or different resources and approaches. Women's unbalanced representation at each farm scale, however, helps to explain why women are not always envisioned as “real farmers” in the popular conscience.
Cultural Consensus Modeling to identify culturally relevant reasons for and against suicide among Black adolescents
Authors: Hill Ryan M. , Busby Danielle , Brown Jennifer L. , Sumlin Eric , Fernandez Estefania , Sharp Carla
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The development of evidence‐based treatments relies on accurate theoretical frameworks sensitive to the lived realities of the populations from which they are derived. Yet, the perspectives of Black youth are vastly underrepresented in extant theories of suicidal behavior. Cultural Consensus Modeling provides an evidence‐based approach for developing a culturally informed understanding of suicide risk among Black youth.

Method

Participants were 50 Black adolescents (Mage = 16.20 years; 76.0% male) who completed Phase 1 of a Cultural Consensus Modeling study. Participants freely listed reasons for suicide and reasons for living among similar peer Black youth. Responses were synthesized and coded for major themes.

Results

The most common reasons for suicide were racism (40%), depression (32%), poverty (26%), and bullying (22%). The most common reasons for living were family (58%), having a purpose or goals (36%), friends (30%), and hope for a better future (26%).

Conclusion

Responses highlighted issues of racism and social justice, depression, and poverty, as well as the protective role of relationships, living for the future, and contributing to Black empowerment. Future research should utilize Cultural Consensus Modeling to elevate the voices of Black youth, improving extant theories of suicide, and identifying unique mechanisms or opportunities for prevention.
Current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides for treatment of facial erythema by cosmetic physicians
Authors: Lee Dagyeong , Kim Michael J. , Park Hyun Jun , Rah Gong Chan , Choi Hosung , Anh Sang‐Tae , Ji Gun Hyon , Kim Min Seong , Kim Geebum , Shin Dong Wook , Oh Seung Min
Published: September 2023

Background

Polynucleotides (PN) are increasingly used for the treatment of facial erythema in the Republic of Korea. However, there are limited pre‐clinical and clinical data on the efficacy of polynucleotides for facial erythema. In this study, we investigated the current practice and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotide treatment for facial erythema among cosmetic physicians.

Methods

By conducting a survey among clinicians who use PN in clinical practice, we explored the current practices and assessed the perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides in treating facial erythema.

Results

A total of 557 physicians who used polynucleotides for facial erythema participated in the survey. Polynucleotides were used by 84.4%, 66.4%, and 47.4% of physicians for facial erythema caused by inflammatory facial dermatosis, repeated laser/microneedle radiofrequency, and steroid overuse, respectively. Among those users, 88.1%, 90%, and 83.7% respectively in those same categories answered that polynucleotides were “highly effective” or “effective.” Furthermore, they agreed that polynucleotides have the following properties: wound healing/regeneration (95.8%), protection of skin barrier (92.2%), hydration (90.5%), vascular stabilization (81.0%), and anti‐inflammation (79.5%).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that cosmetic physicians in the Republic of Korea have used PN as a part of combination treatment for facial erythema resulting from inflammatory facial dermatosis and repeated laser/ microneedle radiofrequency, rather than from steroid overuse. Also, most clinicians agreed that PN was effective for treatment of facial erythema. Given the lack of pre‐clinical and clinical trial evidence, the empirical responses of practicing physicians provide useful information to guide clinical practice and further research.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*01:225 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: You Xuan , Tao Sudan , Dong Lina , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: September 2023

HLA‐C*01:225 has one nucleotide change compared with HLA‐C*01:02:01:01 in codon 110 of exon 3.
Full genomic sequence of the HLA‐DRB3*03:46 allele identified by third generation sequencing
Authors: Liacini Abdelhamid , 't Hart Daan C. , Santos Renata , Peters Lindsey , Geier Steven
Published: September 2023

Full‐length sequence of HLA‐DRB3*03:46 covers the 5′‐untranslated region (UTR), all introns and exons and the 3′ UTR.
The novel HLA‐DPB1*1497:01 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Tang Xiangfeng , Wang Ya , An Lin , Ding Peipei , Hu Xiaozhuang
Published: September 2023

HLA‐DPB1*1497:01 differs from HLA‐DPB1*05:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 4.
Three novel alleles HLA‐A*02:1092, ‐A*29:01:01:11 and ‐B*44:03:01:58 identified by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Marin Rubio Luis Alberto , Ontañon Jesus
Published: September 2023

Three novel HLA Class I alleles, ‐A*02:1092, ‐A*29:01:01:11 and ‐B*44:03:01:58, characterized in Spanish individuals.
Numerical Investigation of Friction Induced Interaction of Flutter Modes in a Realistic Low Pressure Turbine Rotor
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanco Salvador , González-Monge Javier , Martel Carlos
Published: September 2023

Flutter response of bladed disks is a quite an important problem in modern designs of low pressure turbines, but, even for tuned configurations, it is not fully understood yet. Some research work suggests that, in a tuned rotor, the flutter induced vibration state that sets in consists of just a single traveling wave mode, while others show flutter states composed of several traveling waves active at the same time. Many of these studies were performed using conceptual models, such as mass-spring systems or asymptotically reduced models. In this work, a high fidelity bladed disk model is integrated into the time domain for the case of a realistic aerodynamically unstable low pressure turbine. In this configuration, the only nonlinear effect is the friction present at the blade disk attachment, which is responsible for the saturation of the flutter growth, and it is also the only mechanism that allows the interaction among the different unstable traveling wave modes. A case with multiple unstable modes of the same modal family is studied first. After that, the study is extended to a case where modes of different modal families are unstable and have similar aerodynamic instability levels. The interaction of unstable modes from different modal families is studied, we believe, for the first time, as previous flutter analyses were restricted to the interaction of unstable modes from the same family.
The Development and Use of a Natural Gas/Oxygen Burner Rig for Environmental Barrier Coating and Ceramic Matrix Composite Technology Maturation
Authors: Presby Michael J. , Endo Makoto , Fox Dennis S. , Harder Bryan J. , Lee Kang N. , Hoffman Leland C. , Cuy Michael D.
Published: September 2023

This work outlines the development of a new natural gas/oxygen (NG/O2) fueled combustion rig located at the NASA Glenn Research Center for high-temperature environmental durability studies of advanced materials and components at atmospheric pressure. The NG/O2 burner rig can simulate the high-temperature, high-heat flux, and high-velocity thermal environments encountered in gas turbine engines. It also provides the capability to study environmental effects such as water vapor and other foreign contaminants relevant to these applications. The rig is anticipated to bridge the gap between other laboratory methods such as furnaces, jet-fueled burner rigs, high-heat flux lasers, and more expensive engine rig testing. The NG/O2 rig is expected to have maximum sample temperature capabilities over 3000 °F (1649 °C) and results in higher water vapor content compared to our Mach 0.3 to Mach 1.0 jet-A burner rigs which is important for characterizing current and next-generation environmental barrier coatings. This paper will provide an overview of the development of the NG/O2 burner rig, initial characterization, and current research and development efforts on environmental barrier coated ceramic matrix composites.
Observational and model evidence together support wide-spread exposure to noncompensable heat under continued global warming
Authors: Powis Carter M. , Byrne David , Zobel Zachary , Gassert Kelly N. , Lute A. C. , Schwalm Christopher R.
Published: September 2023

As our planet warms, a critical research question is when and where temperatures will exceed the limits of what the human body can tolerate. Past modeling efforts have investigated the 35°C wet-bulb threshold, proposed as a theoretical upper limit to survivability taking into account physiological and behavioral adaptation. Here, we conduct an extreme value theory analysis of weather station observations and climate model projections to investigate the emergence of an empirically supported heat compensability limit. We show that the hottest parts of the world already experience these heat extremes on a limited basis and that under moderate continued warming parts of every continent, except Antarctica, will see a rapid increase in their extent and frequency. To conclude, we discuss the consequences of the emergence of this noncompensable heat and the need for incorporating different critical thermal limits into heat adaptation planning.
Physically intelligent autonomous soft robotic maze escaper
Authors: Zhao Yao , Hong Yaoye , Li Yanbin , Qi Fangjie , Qing Haitao , Su Hao , Yin Jie
Published: September 2023

Autonomous maze navigation is appealing yet challenging in soft robotics for exploring priori unknown unstructured environments, as it often requires human-like brain that integrates onboard power, sensors, and control for computational intelligence. Here, we report harnessing both geometric and materials intelligence in liquid crystal elastomer–based self-rolling robots for autonomous escaping from complex multichannel mazes without the need for human-like brain. The soft robot powered by environmental thermal energy has asymmetric geometry with hybrid twisted and helical shapes on two ends. Such geometric asymmetry enables built-in active and sustained self-turning capabilities, unlike its symmetric counterparts in either twisted or helical shapes that only demonstrate transient self-turning through untwisting. Combining self-snapping for motion reflection, it shows unique curved zigzag paths to avoid entrapment in its counterparts, which allows for successful self-escaping from various challenging mazes, including mazes on granular terrains, mazes with narrow gaps, and even mazes with in situ changing layouts.
Exploring the cellular surface polysaccharide and root nodule symbiosis characteristics of the
rpoN
mutants of
Bradyrhizobium
sp. DOA9 using synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy in conjunction with X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Wongdee Jenjira , Piromyou Pongdet , Songwattana Pongpan , Greetatorn Teerana , Boonkerd Nantakorn , Teaumroong Neung , Giraud Eric , Gully Djamel , Nouwen Nico , Kiatponglarp Worawikunya , Tanthanuch Waraporn , Tittabutr Panlada
Published: September 2023

The functional significance of
rpoN
genes that encode two sigma factors in the
Bradyrhizobium
sp. strain DOA9 has been reported to affect colony formation, root nodulation characteristics, and symbiotic interactions with
Aeschynomene americana. rpoN
mutant strains are defective in cellular surface polysaccharide (CSP) production compared with the wild-type (WT) strain, and they accordingly exhibit smaller colonies and diminished symbiotic effectiveness. To gain deeper insights into the changes in CSP composition and the nodules of
rpoN
mutants, we employed synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. FTIR analysis of the CSP revealed the absence of specific components in the
rpoN
mutants, including lipids, carboxylic groups, polysaccharide-pyranose rings, and β-galactopyranosyl residues. Nodules formed by DOA9WT exhibited a uniform distribution of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates; mutant strains, particularly DOA9∆
rpoNp
:Ω
rpoNc
, exhibited decreased distribution uniformity and a lower concentration of C=O groups. Furthermore, Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analyses revealed deficiencies in the nitrogenase enzyme in the nodules of DOA9∆
rpoNc
and DOA9∆
rpoNp
:Ω
rpoNc
mutants; nodules from DOA9WT and DOA9∆
rpoNp
exhibited both leghemoglobin and the nitrogenase enzyme.

IMPORTANCE

This work provides valuable insights into how two
rpoN
genes affect the composition of cellular surface polysaccharides (CSPs) in
Bradyrhizobium
sp., which subsequently dictates root nodule chemical characteristics and nitrogenase production. We used advanced synchrotron methods, including synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), for the first time in this field to analyze CSP components and reveal the biochemical changes occurring within nodules. These cutting-edge techniques confer significant advantages by providing detailed molecular information, enabling the identification of specific functional groups, chemical bonds, and biomolecule changes. This research not only contributes to our understanding of plant-microbe interactions but also establishes a foundation for future investigations and potential applications in this field. The combined use of the synchrotron-based FTIR and XAS techniques represents a significant advancement in facilitating a comprehensive exploration of bacterial CSPs and their implications in plant-microbe interactions.
Astaxanthin prevents nephrotoxicity through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Lorestani Faezeh , Movahedian Ahmad , Mohammadalipour Adel , Hashemnia Mohammad , Aarabi Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2023

Renal toxicity is one of the side effects of methotrexate (MTX). Therefore, this study explored the use of astaxanthin (AST), as a natural carotenoid, against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity emphasizing the changes in oxidative stress and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 ( Nrf2/HO-1). During the 10 days of the experiment, male Wistar rats in different groups received MTX (10 mg/kg) on days 6, 8, and 10 and three doses of AST (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) during the entire course. Renal failure caused by MTX was observed in significant histopathological changes and a significant increase in serum levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid ( p < 0.05). Oxidative change induced by MTX injection was also observed by remarkably increasing the tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase ( p < 0.001). AST decreases the adverse effects of MTX by upregulating the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 genes ( p < 0.01) and decreasing the tissue level of MDA ( p < 0.01). Also, AST significantly reduced the amount of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in the serum and improved the activity of SOD and catalase in the kidney tissue ( p < 0.05). Thus, AST may protect the kidney against oxidative stress caused by MTX.
A prospective insight into the reproduction of Sternbergia clusiana K. Gawl.: an endangered species
Authors: Ghehsareh Masood Ghasemi , Mahdavi Sayyed Mohammad Ehsan , Peyrovan Abbas , Nafchi Mehdi Ghasemi , Dunn Bruce L.
Published: September 2023

Sternbergia clusiana (SC) is a bulbous plant having an alluring ornamental flower, medicinal properties, and an endangered status due to climate-change ecology. However, the methods of propagation for conserving this notable species have been neglected. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on SC regeneration by virtue of a asexual propagation method, with the intention of preserving this endangered species from extinction. In this regard, having collected the bulbs from a wild habitat, bulbs were cut in accordance with the chipping technique. Thereafter, pieces were treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 250, 500, and 1000 mg·L−1, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 100, 250, and 500 mg·L−1, putrescine (PU) at 50, 100, and 200 mg·L−1, BAP and NAA combination, BAP and PU combination, and a control. Pieces were then transferred into primary and terminal growing media under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Next, the number, length, width, and weight of bulbs were determined. The greatest bulb number (2.10 counts), bulb length (26.75 mm), bulb width (16.25 mm), and bulb weight (3.13 g) were observed in the PU treatments. In addition, the results showed that even though the treated bulbs with BAP and PU combinations had preferable performance generally, the results were inconsistent. Taken together, this research indicates that utilizing asexual propagation along with PGRs, in the proper dosage, can serve as a mechanism to protect the endangered geophyte from extinction in nature.
Gravitationally decoupled non-Schwarzschild black holes and wormhole space–times
Authors: Tello-Ortiz Francisco , Rincón Ángel , Alvarez A. , Ray Saibal
Published: September 2023

In this article, using gravitational decoupling by means of minimal geometric deformation approach, we obtain a new spherically symmetric and static black hole solution. To progress, we close the system by assuming that the average pressure of the $$\theta $$
θ
-sector is vanishing. Also, we tackle the problem regarding how, for a given minimally deformed black hole solution, one can connect it to a wormhole space–time.
Model dependence of the number of participant nucleons and observable consequences in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Omana Kuttan Manjunath , Steinheimer Jan , Zhou Kai , Bleicher Marcus , Stoecker Horst
Published: September 2023

The centrality determination and the estimated fluctuations of number of participant nucleons $$N_{part}$$

N

part

in Au–Au collisions at 1.23 AGeV beam kinetic energy suffers from severe model dependencies. Comparing the Glauber Monte Carlo (MC) and UrQMD transport models, it is shown that $$N_{part}$$

N

part

is a strongly model dependant quantity. In addition, for any given centrality class, Glauber MC and UrQMD predicts drastically different $$N_{part}$$

N

part

distributions. The impact parameter b and the number of charged particles $$N_{ch}$$

N

ch

on the other hand are much more correlated and give an almost model independent centrality estimator. It is suggested that the total baryon number balance, from integrated rapidity distributions, can be used instead of $$N_{part}$$

N

part

in experiments. Preliminary HADES data show significant differences to both, UrQMD simulations and STAR data in this respect.
Integrated conversion and photodetection of virtual photons in an ultrastrongly coupled superconducting quantum circuit
Authors: Giannelli Luigi , Anfuso Giorgio , Grajcar Miroslav , Paraoanu Gheorghe Sorin , Paladino Elisabetta , Falci Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

The ground state of an artificial atom ultrastrongly coupled to quantized modes is entangled and contains an arbitrary number of virtual photons. The problem of their detection has been raised since the very birth of the field, but despite the theoretical efforts still awaits experimental demonstration. Recently, experimental problems have been addressed in detail showing that they can be overcome by combining an unconventional design of the artificial atom with advanced coherent control. In this work, we study a simple scheme of control-integrated continuous measurement, which makes remarkably favorable the tradeoff between measurement efficiency and backaction showing that the unambiguous detection of virtual photons can be achieved within state-of-the-art quantum technologies.
The effect of weathering on the variation of geotechnical properties of a granitic rock from Chile
Authors: Flandes Nicol E. , Villalobos Felipe A. , King Robert
Published: September 2023

The effect of rock weathering on geotechnical parameters can become substantial in geotechnical design. The weathering degree (WD) has usually been divided into five levels from fresh rock to completely weathered rock. In this study, the above five WDs are adopted to analyse the variation of several regularly used geotechnical properties. To that aim, a series of laboratory tests on a Chilean granitic rock in different stages of weathering was carried out. The results of the tests have been analysed by normalizing each geotechnical parameter with respect to the value obtained for slightly weathered samples instead of for fresh rock samples as is usually adopted. In this way, it was found that the unconfined compressive strength reduces steadily and considerably with each WD, as has been previously reported. Conversely, the modulus of deformation and P-wave velocity tend to stabilize the rate of reduction for highly and completely weathered rock samples, which does not agree with the trend and higher rate reductions found by other researchers. This stabilization reduction rate with WD was also found for compaction density, friction angle and Poisson's ratio.
Fundus Imaging-Based Healthcare: Present and Future
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Paul Kolin
Published: September 2023

A fundus image is a two-dimensional pictorial representation of the membrane at the rear of the eye that consists of blood vessels, the optical disc, optical cup, macula, and fovea. Ophthalmologists use it during eye examinations to screen, diagnose, and monitor the progress of retinal diseases or conditions such as diabetes, age-marked degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and many more ocular ailments. Developments in ocular optical systems, image acquisition, processing, and management techniques over the past few years have contributed to the use of fundus images to monitor eye conditions and other related health complications.

This review summarizes the various state-of-the-art technologies related to the fundus imaging device, analysis techniques, and their potential applications for ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, AMD, cataracts, and ROP. We also present potential opportunities for fundus imaging–based affordable, noninvasive devices for scanning, monitoring, and predicting ocular health conditions and providing other physiological information, for example, heart rate (HR), blood components, pulse rate, heart rate variability (HRV), retinal blood perfusion, and more. In addition, we present different types of technological, economical, and sociological factors that impact the growth of the fundus imaging–based technologies for health monitoring.
Flamingo: Environmental Impact Factor Matching for Life Cycle Assessment with Zero-shot Machine Learning
Authors: Balaji Bharathan , Vunnava Venkata Sai Gargeya , Domingo Nina , Gupta Shikhar , Gupta Harsh , Guest Geoffrey , Srinivasan Aravind
Published: September 2023

Consumer products contribute to more than 75% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily through indirect contributions from the supply chain. Measurement of GHG emissions associated with products is a crucial step toward quantifying the impact of GHG emission abatement actions. Life cycle assessment (LCA), the scientific discipline for measuring GHG emissions, estimates the environmental impact associated with each stage of a product from raw material extraction to its disposal. Scaling LCA to millions of products is challenging as it requires extensive manual analysis by domain experts. To avoid repetitive analysis, environmental impact factors (EIFs) of common materials and products are published for use by LCA experts. However, finding appropriate EIFs for even a single product under study can require hundreds of hours of manual work, especially for complex products. We present Flamingo, an algorithm that leverages natural language machine learning (ML) models to automatically identify an appropriate EIF given a text description. A key challenge in automation is that EIF databases are incomplete. Flamingo uses industry sector classification as an intermediate layer to identify when there are no good matches in the database. On a dataset of 664 products, our method achieves an EIF matching precision of 75%.
Control Schemes for Quadrotor UAV: Taxonomy and Survey
Authors: Khalid Adnan , Mushtaq Zohaib , Arif Saad , Zeb Kamran , Khan Muhammad Attique , Bakshi Sambit
Published: September 2023

Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an unstable system, so it needs to be controlled efficiently and intelligently. Moreover, due to its non-linear, coupled, and under-actuated nature, the quadrotor has become an important research platform to study and validate various control theories. Different control approaches have been used to control the quadrotor UAV. In this context, a comprehensive study of different control schemes is presented in this research. First, an overview of the working and different applications of quadrotor UAVs is presented. Second, a mathematical model of the quadrotor is discussed. Later, the experimental results of various existing control techniques are discussed and compared. The various control schemes discussed and described for quadrotors are; Proportional Integral and Derivative (PID), Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), H-infinity (
H
∞
), Sliding Mode Control (SMC), Feedback Linearization (FBL), Model Predictive Control (MPC), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Iterative Learning Control (ILC), Reinforcement Learning Control (RLC), Brain Emotional Learning Control (BELC), Memory Based Control (MBC), Nested Saturation Control (NSC), and Hybrid Controllers (HC). Comparison is done among all the control techniques and it is concluded that the hybrid control method gives improved results. This survey presents a broad overview of the state-of-the-art in UAV design, control, and implementation for real-life applications.
Ab Initio Investigation for Solar Technology on the Optical and Electronic Properties of Double Perovskites Cs2AgBiX6(X=Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Al-Hattab Mohamed , Chrafih Younes , Oublal Essaadia , Sahal Mustapha , Moudou L’houcine , Bajjou Omar , Rahmani Khalid
Published: September 2023

In the present paper, the first principal computations have been made to explore the optical and electronic characteristics of Cs2AgBiX6 (X=Cl, Br, I) double perovskite. To determine the energy of the band gap, we have used the GGA potentials. The values found for I, Cl, and Br are 0.815 eV, 1.417 eV, and 1.836 eV, respectively. According to our numerical simulation, the Cs2AgBiX6 (X=Cl, Br, I) have an important light absorption coefficient, exceeding a value of 104 cm−1 which makes it a viable absorbing material for Solar Systems. Other optical properties such as refractive index and dielectric function were also computed in this work. We have found ε

re
= 7.72, ε

re
= 5.22, and ε

re
= 4.12 for I, Cl, and Br respectively. About the equivalent static refractive indices values of Cs2AgBiX6 (X=Cl, Br, I), we have found n
0 = 2.77, n
0 = 2.28, and n
0 = 2.03 for I, Br, and Cl respectively. Also, we have used SCAPS software to simulate solar cells made of Cs2AgBiX6 (X=Cl, Br, I). The efficiency, fill factor and other parameters have been computed. Our results are 1.52 V, 1.08 V, 0.54 V, and 16.56 mA∕cm2, 28.65 mA cm−2, and 50.25 mA cm−2 in Voc and Jsc for

C
l
,

B
r
,

and

I

respectively. The efficiency computed are 22.85%, 27.46%, and 22.46% for

C
l
,

B
r
,

and

I
,

respectively. These estimated results demonstrate the potential of Cs2AgBiX6(X=Cl, Br, I) as a potentially useful substance in solar cells.
Papaverine Enhances the Oncolytic Effects of Newcastle Disease Virus on Breast Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Akram Sura , Al-Shammari Ahmed Majeed , Sahib Hayder B. , Jabir Majid Sakhi
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is a lethal disease in females worldwide and needs effective treatment. Targeting cancer cells with selective and safe treatment seems like the best choice, as most chemotherapeutic drugs act unselectively. Papaverine showed promising antitumor activity with a high safety profile and increased blood flow through vasodilation. At the same time, it was widely noticed that virotherapy using the Newcastle disease virus proved to be safe and selective against a broad range of cancer cells. Furthermore, combination therapy is favorable, as it attacks cancer cells with multiple mechanisms and enhances virus entrance into the tumor mass, overcoming cancer cells’ resistance to therapy. Therefore, we aimed at assessing the novel combination of the AMHA1 strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and nonnarcotic opium alkaloid (papaverine) against breast cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Methods. In vitro experiments used two human breast cancer cell lines and one normal cell line and were treated with NDV, papaverine, and a combination. The study included a cell viability MTT assay, morphological analysis, and apoptosis detection. Animal experiments used the AN3 mouse mammary adenocarcinoma tumor model. Evaluation of the antitumor activity included growth inhibition measurement; the immunohistochemistry assay measured caspase protein expression. Finally, a semiquantitative microarray assay was used to screen changes in apoptotic proteins. In vitro, results showed that the combination therapy induces synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis against cancer cells with a negligible cytotoxic effect on normal cells. In vivo, combination treatment induced a significant antitumor effect with an obvious regression in tumor size and a remarkable and significant expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 compared to monotherapies. Microarray analysis shows higher apoptosis protein levels in the combination therapy group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the role of papaverine in enhancing the antitumor activity of NDV, suggesting a promising strategy for breast cancer therapy through nonchemotherapeutic drugs.
A New Proof of Rational Cycles for Collatz-Like Functions Using a Coprime Condition
Authors: Bairrington Benjamin , Mohsen Nabil
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study the bounded trajectories of Collatz-like functions. Fix

α
,
β
∈

Z

>
0

so that

α

and

β

are coprime. Let

k
¯

=

k

1

,
…
,

k

β
−
1

so that for each

1
≤
i
≤
β
−
1

,

k

i

∈

Z

>

0

,

k

i

is coprime to

α

and

β

, and

k

i

≡
i
 

mod
 
β

. We define the function

C

α
,
β
,

k
¯

:

Z

>
0

⟶

Z

>
0

and the sequence

n
,

C

α
,
β
,

k
¯

n

,

C

α
,
β
,

k
¯

2

n

,
⋯

a trajectory of

n

. We say that the trajectory of

n

is an integral loop if there exists some

N

in

Z

>
0

so that

C

α
,
β
,

k
¯

N

n

=
n

. We define the characteristic mapping

χ

α
,
β
,

k
¯

:

Z

>
0

⟶

0,1
,
…
,
β
−
1

and the sequence

n
,

χ

α
,
β
,

k
¯

n

,

χ

α
,
β
,

k
¯

2

n

,
⋯

the characteristic trajectory of

n

. Let

B
∈

Z

β

be a

β

-adic sequence so that

B
=

χ

α
,
β
,

k
¯

i

n

i
≥
0

. We say that

B

is eventually periodic if it eventually has a purely

β

-adic expansion. We show that the trajectory of

n

eventually enters an integral loop if and only if

B

is eventually periodic.
Machine Learning for the Expedited Screening of Hydrogen Evolution Catalysts for Transition Metal-Doped Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Lee Jaeho , Lee Jaehwan , Shin Seokwon , Son Youngdoo , Han Young-Kyu
Published: September 2023

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have gained attention as potent catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The traditional trial-and-error methodology for catalyst development has proven inefficient due to its costly and time-intensive nature. To accelerate the catalyst development process, the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (

Δ

G

H

∗

), computed using the density functional theory (DFT), is widely used as the paramount descriptor for evaluating and predicting HER catalyst performance. However, DFT calculations for

Δ

G

H

∗

are time-consuming and thus pose a challenge for high-throughput screening. Herein, we devise a predictive model for

Δ

G

H

∗

within transition metal-doped TMD systems using a machine learning (ML) framework. We calculate DFT

Δ

G

H

∗

values for 150 TM-doped MX2 (CrS2, MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, and MoTe2) and apply various ML algorithms. We validate the universality of our model by constructing 15 new external test sets. The prediction results show a high correlation coefficient of

R

2

=
0.92

. Based on feature analysis, the three most important parameters are the number of valence electrons of the doped transition metal, the distance of the valence electrons of the doped transition metal, and the electronegativity of the doped transition metal. Our DFT-based ML model provides a useful guideline for the material development process through

Δ

G

H

∗

prediction and facilitates the efficient design of transition metal dichalcogenide catalysts that exhibit superior HER activity.