bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Intracochlear Electrode Design and Electrically‐Evoked Compound Action Potential Measures in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Seo , Hong Sung Hwa , Moon Il Joon
Published: May 2024

Objective

Cochlear implant (CI) electrode design has changed over time. Changes in intracochlear electrode design might influence the spread of neural activation along the auditory nerve and the number of independent channels. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intracochlear electrode design on the electrode‐neuron interface using electrophysiological measures.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A single tertiary hospital.

Methods

Fifty‐two ears who were implanted with CI divided into 3 groups based on the design of intracochlear electrode arrays. Twenty‐three ears were implanted with lateral wall straight electrodes. Eighteen ears were implanted with the slim perimodiolar electrode, and 11 ears were implanted with the old perimodiolar electrode. Various electrically‐evoked compound action potential (ECAP) metrics were measured to quantify spread of excitation and channel interaction.

Results

ECAP threshold and slope were not significantly different among groups. ECAP spread of excitation (SOE) half‐width and channel interaction index (CII) were significantly larger in subjects implanted with the lateral wall straight electrodes, indicating a wider spread of excitation compared to those with perimodiolar electrodes. Electrode impedance was significantly lower in subjects implanted with perimodiolar electrodes than those with lateral wall electrodes.

Conclusion

Perimodiolar electrode groups yielded significantly narrower SOE half‐widths and smaller CII than the lateral wall straight electrode group. This may indicate that the electrode array that hugged the modiolus had less overlap in neural excitation between adjacent electrodes, resulting in reduced channel interaction and potentially better spectral resolution than the electrode array positioned more laterally.
Crashworthiness design and multi‐objective optimization of 3D‐printed carbon fiber‐reinforced nylon nested tubes
Authors: Jiang Zhiyu , Zhao Jian , Xing Shaohua , Sun Xudong , Qu Minjie , Lv Huanlin
Published: May 2024

This study presents a novel variable thickness nested tube consisting of circular tube and origami tube (VTCO) designed to reduce the initial peak crushing force (PCF) under axial loading while maintaining high energy absorption. The core of this design is to achieve progressive and controlled energy absorption and to reduce peak forces as well as accelerations that can lead to passenger injuries. Nested tube structures were fabricated using short carbon fiber‐reinforced nylon composites through 3D printing technology, and quasi‐static axial compression tests were performed. The results show that equal‐thickness nested tubes consisting of circular tubes and origami tubes (ETCO) perform better in terms of energy absorption and deformation stability compared to circular and origami tubes individually. The further improved VTCO reduced the PCF by 53% and significantly improved the crash force efficiency (CFE) by 54%. The VTCO structure was parametrically investigated by means of a validated finite element model and optimized using the Non‐Symmetric Dominance Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA‐II). The optimization results provide a feasible way to adjust the structural crashworthiness to meet different engineering requirements. This study provides valuable insights into the energy‐absorbing properties of VTCO structures and is an important guide for the application and material development of novel VTCO structures.

Highlights

ETCO offers better energy absorption and stability than circular and origami tubes individually.

VTCO is superior to ETCO in reducing PCF and increasing CFE.

Multi‐objective optimization using NSGA‐II to balance conflicting crashworthiness indicators.
Preparation and properties of resin matrix composites reinforced by high thermal conductivity graphite films
Authors: Wang Yujie , Wang Kun , Ma Zhaokun , Meng Taisheng , Cao Ruixiong , Jiang Nan
Published: May 2024

High thermal conductivity graphite films (GFs) have a thermal conductivity, which have attracted much attention in recent years. As the surface of GFs is extremely smooth, the resin matrix and GFs are only connected by van der Waals forces, and it is difficult to produce chemical bonds between them, resulting in poor mechanical properties of the composites. In this study, the composites were prepared by etching defects on the surface of GFs by high‐temperature heat treatment. It was determined that the critical temperature range for effective etching was between 600 and 650°C. The GFs were subjected to high‐temperature heat treatment to create circular, hexagonal, and disordered groove‐like defects, and then combined with prepregs and bismaleimide resins in a single molding process. The composites exhibit a distinct layered “sandwich” structure, where surface‐induced defects enhance the interfacial adhesion between GFs and the resin matrix, creating a “nail‐punched” structure. The thermal conductivity of the S‐650 sample in the X‐direction was up to 1187.93 W/(m·K), and the flexural strength of the S‐800 sample was up to 116.18 MPa. The prepared composites are expected to be widely used in thermal interface fields such as heat exchangers, battery heat dissipation and aerospace thermal control systems.

Highlights

High‐temperature treatment was used to successfully introduce defects into GFs.

The formation mechanisms of the three types of defects were explained.

The thermal conductivity of the composites was increased to over 1000 W/(m·K).

Composites reinforced with modified GFs exhibit enhanced mechanical properties.
Characterization of the chemical constituents of Croton crassifolius Geisel extract and plasma pharmacokinetics of 6 terpenoids after oral administration by UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS
Authors: Shen Xiuting , Zhong Pinfei , Jiang Shiqin , Xuan Shenxin , Zeng Wei , Zhao Zhongxiang
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Croton crassifolius Geisel. (CCG) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in South China. It has various pharmacological effects and is often used in treating rheumatoid arthritis and gastric and duodenal ulcers. However, the chemical characteristics and its effective constituents are still scarcely studied.

Objective

To determine the phytochemical profile of the CCG extract and to investigate the chemical characteristics of terpenoids extracted from rat plasma following oral administration of CCG extract based on UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS. Moreover, six terpenoids in CCG were quantified, and in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior after oral CCG extract was further explored.

Results

In total, 56 terpenoids were tentatively identified in the CCG extract and 16 terpenoids were detected in rat plasma after oral CCG extract. In addition, the contents of six terpenoids in CCG were clarified. The plasma quantification method of six terpenoids was further established, validated, and confirmed to have good sensitivity and specificity. The six analytes exhibited excellent linearity in respective concentration ranges (r ≥ 0.998). The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions relative standard deviation (RSD, %) were less than 11.27%, and the accuracies ranged from −7.06% to 9.91%. Stability, extraction recovery, and matrix effect in plasma were within the required limits (RSD < 15%).

Conclusion

A total of 56 terpenoids were identified in CCG and 16 prototype components in plasma after oral CCG. The validated quantitative method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of six major terpenoids in plasma. The pharmacokinetic parameters are clarified, which can guide the clinical application of CCG.
Recent progress and potential future directions to enhance biological nitrogen fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Jithesh Tamanna , James Euan K. , Iannetta Pietro P. M. , Howard Becky , Dickin Edward , Monaghan James M.
Published: May 2024

The necessity for sustainable agricultural practices has propelled a renewed interest in legumes such as faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as agents to help deliver increased diversity to cropped systems and provide an organic source of nitrogen (N). However, the increased cultivation of faba beans has proven recalcitrant worldwide as a result of low yields. So, it is hoped that increased and more stable yields would improve the commercial success of the crop and so the likelihood of cultivation. Enhancing biological N fixation (BNF) in faba beans holds promise not only to enhance and stabilize yields but also to increase residual N available to subsequent cereal crops grown on the same field. In this review, we cover recent progress in enhancing BNF in faba beans. Specifically, rhizobial inoculation and the optimization of fertilizer input and cropping systems have received the greatest attention in the literature. We also suggest directions for future research on the subject. In the short term, modification of crop management practices such as fertilizer and biochar input may offer the benefits of enhanced BNF. In the long term, natural variation in rhizobial strains and faba bean genotypes can be harnessed. Strategies must be optimized on a local scale to realize the greatest benefits. Future research must measure the most useful parameters and consider the economic cost of strategies alongside the advantages of enhanced BNF.
Transcriptomic analysis of the defense response in “Cabernet Sauvignon” grape leaf induced by Apolygus lucorum feeding
Authors: Yao Heng , Gao Suhong , Sun Tianhua , Zhou Guona , Lu Changkuan , Gao Baojia , Chen Wenshu , Liang Yiming
Published: May 2024

To investigate the molecular mechanism of the defense response of “Cabernet Sauvignon” grapes to feeding by Apolygus lucorum, high‐throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the transcriptome of grape leaves under three different treatments: feeding by A. lucorum, puncture injury, and an untreated control. The research findings indicated that the differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in three aspects: cellular composition, molecular function, and biological process. These genes were found to be involved in 42 metabolic pathways, particularly in plant hormone signaling metabolism, plant‐pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, and other metabolic pathways associated with plant‐induced insect resistance. Feeding by A. lucorum stimulated and upregulated a significant number of genes related to jasmonic acid and calcium ion pathways, suggesting their crucial role in the defense molecular mechanism of “Cabernet Sauvignon” grapes. The consistency between the gene expression and transcriptome sequencing results further supports these findings. This study provides a reference for the further exploration of the defense response in “Cabernet Sauvignon” grapes by elucidating the expression of relevant genes during feeding by A. lucorum.
QSPR analysis for physiochemical properties of new potential antimalarial compounds involving topological indices
Authors: Awan Nadeem ul Hassan , Ghaffar Abdul , Tawfiq Ferdous M. , Mustafa Ghulam , Bilal Muhammad , Inc Mustafa
Published: May 2024

Malaria has a wide impact on the healthcare system, affecting everyone from hyperendemic areas who dearth access to medical treatment to international tourists returning to nonendemic regions with tertiary referral care. Implementing timely and accurate diagnosis is necessary to stop malaria's growing global effect, which is attributed to the development of antimalarial medication resistance. In this research, potential antimalarial compounds, including quinine, primaquine, artemether, artelinic acid, triazoles‐modified, and so forth are examined with topological indices (TI) and linear regression modeling of said compounds. Some degree based topological indices are assembled for these drugs' chemical graphs. We compute the topological descriptors with the limiting behaviors associated with these pharmaceutical drugs. Moreover, in this study some of the physicochemical features of the drugs are estimated using these TIs in the QSPR models. These indices better reflect chemical properties such as boiling point, complexity, polarity, and so forth and the outcomes of regression technique acquired QSPR studies may aid in the creation of fresh medicines for the treatment of malaria. These indices and antimalarial activity were discovered to be related. Other compound series do very well with this relationship. The TIs could be a key component in creating and synthesizing new antimalarial drugs.
A New Hybrid Protocol that Simultaneously Achieves Quantum Multiparty Summation and Ranking
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yao Yao , Sun Huixin , Zhang Kejia , Song Tingting
Published: May 2024

Secure multiparty quantum summation, as a critical part of secure multiparty quantum computation, plays a pivotal role in the field of quantum cryptography. In this paper, a hybrid protocol is proposed to implement secure multiparty quantum summation and anonymous ranking simultaneously, which uses ‐level two‐particle entangled states. In the designed protocol, the particles are conveyed in the way of the circle‐type transmission mode, which can compute the sum of the secret and the ranking by analyzing the distribution of participants associated with different secret values. Moreover, random number sequences can be obtained by constructing a fundamental system of solutions, which avoids the transmission of random numbers and reduces the use of quantum resources. According to the analysis, it can be seen that the protocol is secure against known attacks, and the secrets remain undisclosed throughout the protocol's implementation.
Classifying Multiparticle Entanglement with Passive State Energies
Authors: Yang Xue , Yang Yan‐Han , Liu Xin‐Zhu , Fei Shao‐Ming , Luo Ming‐Xing
Published: May 2024

Thermodynamics as a fundamental branch of physics examines the relationships between heat, work, and energy. The maximum energy extraction can be characterized by using the passive states that have no extracted energy under any cyclic unitary process. In this paper, the focus is on the concept of marginal passive state energy and derive polygon inequalities for multi‐qubit entangled pure states. It is shown that the marginal passive state energies collectively form a convex polytope for each class of quantum states that are equivalent under SLOCC. Multipartite passive state energy criteria is introduced to classify multipartite entanglement under SLOCC. The present result provides a thermodynamic method to witness multipartite entanglement.
Determination of chlorothalonil in vegetables/fruits using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with a discharge adapter interface
Authors: Chou Wing‐Ming , Lin Wen‐Ling , Sheen Jenn‐Feng
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Chlorothalonil (CHT), a broad‐spectrum fungicide, has been employed widely to control foliar diseases, whereas with a major metabolite of polar 4‐hydroxychlorothalonil (CHT‐4‐OH), only an acceptable nonpolar CHT residue is allowed by most countries. This study involves the method development for CHT residue in vegetables/fruits using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with a novel modified discharge‐adaptor (DA) interface.

Methods

CHT residue was analyzed using LC‐MS/MS with DA interface (LC‐DA‐MS/MS), developed in our previous works. A DA was placed on the electrospray tip to switch the ionization modes. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was applied to extract CHT residue of vegetables/fruits efficiently with less sample preparation time and analysis cost.

Results

CHT and CHT‐4‐OH spiked in four different vegetables/fruits were extracted using the modified QuEChERS method. After LC with isocratic elution, CHT and CHT‐4‐OH were separated within 3 min. Using LC‐DA‐MS/MS, the ion signals of CHT were improved two to three times, and the limit of quantification of 5 ng/g and linearity (r2 > 0.99) in the range of 5–200 ng/g were achieved using 10 g of vegetables/fruits. The precision and accuracy were within 15% each. The modified QuEChERS and LC‐DA‐MS/MS were applied to examine eight field‐grown vegetables/fruits; 9.5 and 2588.9 ng/g of CHT were detected in two vegetables/fruits.

Conclusion

LC‐DA‐MS/MS combined with modified QuEChERS was successfully applied to determine CHT residue <10 ng/g in vegetables/fruits and with satisfied validation results. The developed method could reduce both analysis cost and time, attributing to simplifications in modified QuEChERS, isocratic elution, and DA interface in LC‐DA‐MS/MS.
Distributed multivariate‐observer‐based robust consensus control of nonlinear multiagent systems against time‐varying attacks on actuators and sensors
Authors: Dong Lewei , Park Ju H. , Wei Xinjiang , Hu Xin
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the robust consensus problem for nonlinear multiagent systems against time‐varying false data injection attacks on actuators and sensors. First, the root‐mean‐square (RMS) theory is used to extend the assumption of the slow‐varying or constant attack signals to the case of time‐varying attack signals. Second, a novel distributed multivariate observer (DMO) is designed to estimate the followers' system states and the time‐varying attack signals on actuators and sensors. With the help of the outputs of DMO, a distributed robust consensus control arithmetic is proposed, which can compensate for actuator attacks and isolate sensor attacks so that exponential consensus and robust consensus are achieved. In particular, the robust performance of estimation errors and consensus errors is ensured by establishing the RMS gain index via linear matrix inequality, in which the zero initial conditions of estimation errors and consensus errors are not required. Finally, two simulation examples, including a network of four aircraft longitudinal dynamic systems, are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed arithmetic.
Adaptive predefined‐time quantized tracking control for switched nonlinear systems using command‐filter backstepping
Authors: Su Lei , Jin Ling , Wang Jing , Shen Hao
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the command‐filter‐based improved predefined‐time tracking control problem for a class of switched nonlinear systems with the quantized input signal. Essentially different from most tracking control works of switched nonlinear systems under input quantization, the nonlinear decomposition method is employed to tackle the obstacles from the predefined‐time controller design. Subsequently, to achieve more faster convergence times, an improved predefined‐time lemma is designed, and for subsequent simulation work, the designed lemma is coupled with a quantizer. Furthermore, to tackle the problem of complexity explosion encountered during the iterative process of backstepping, the command filter is adopted. Finally, two examples are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the established results.
Toward a sustainable environment within the framework of carbon neutrality scenarios: Evidence from the novel Fourier‐NARDL approach
Authors: Caglar Abdullah Emre , Gönenç Senem , Destek Mehmet Akif
Published: May 2024

Sustainable energy policies are directly proportional to countries' achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Economies that want to achieve their 2030 and 2050 targets are looking for alternative energy sources until renewable energy sources mature. In this context, this study models the environmental quality of France, which is the leader in the use of nuclear energy in Europe, from a different perspective through nuclear energy technologies. This study empirically uses the novel Fourier asymmetric autoregressive distributed lag approach. It confirms that increases and decreases in nuclear technology have different effects on the load capacity factor within the framework of the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis. It also provides evidence for the existence of the LCC hypothesis and offers sustainable energy policies for France. The French government should allocate funds to cleaner energies instead of investing in nuclear energy technologies. Thus, the long‐term transition to a low‐carbon economy can be accelerated instead of short‐term targets. By eliminating nuclear energy, a severe burden on the French economy, infrastructure can be created for alternative energy sources. Finally, the French government can gain momentum in achieving SDGs 7 and 13 by withdrawing support from nuclear energy technologies.
Linking child externalising problems to psychological distress in parents: Mobile phone use by children as a mediator
Authors: Wu Xiao‐yuan , Lau Eva Yi Hung , Li Jian‐Bin , Chan Derwin King Chung
Published: May 2024

Child externalising problems, such as acting out and hostility, have been found to be significant stressors for parents, leading to increased distress levels. This cross‐sectional study examined the mediating role of parents' use of mobile phones to soothe or engage children in the association between child externalising problems and distress in parents. Altogether 937 parents of children aged 5–12 reported their child's externalising problems, child's mobile phone use, and their distress through an online survey. The findings indicated that parents of children with high externalising problems are more likely to use mobile phones to soothe their children and keep them engaged in daily activities, which, in turn, is associated with higher distress in parents. Child externalising problems and distress in parents remained significantly and positively associated even after accounting for the mediating effect. The results highlight the child‐driven effect on distress in parents through parenting behaviours, indicating the importance of providing alternative parenting strategies to cope with child externalising behaviours, in order to promote parental emotional well‐being.
Temperature Induced Reversible Switching of the Magnetic Anisotropy in a Neodymium Complex Adsorbed on Graphite
Authors: Tacconi Leonardo , Leiszner Sofie S. , Briganti Matteo , Cucinotta Giuseppe , Otero Edwige , Mannini Matteo , Perfetti Mauro
Published: May 2024

Controlling the magnetic anisotropy of molecular layers assembled on a surface is one of the challenges that needs to be addressed to create the next‐generation spintronic devices. Recently, metal complexes that show a reversible solid‐state switch of their magnetic anisotropy in response to physical stimuli, such as temperature and magnetic field, have been discovered. The complex Nd(trensal) (H3trensal = 2,2′,2′′‐tris(salicylideneimino)triethylamine) is predicted to exhibit such property. An ultra‐thin film of Nd(trensal) is deposited on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite as a proof‐of‐concept system to show that this property can be retained at the nanoscale on a layered material. By combining single crystal magnetometric measurements and synchrotron X‐ray‐based absorption techniques, supported by multiplet ligand field simulations based on the trigonal crystal field surrounding the lanthanide centre, it is demonstrated that changing the temperature reverses the magnetic anisotropy of an ordered film of Nd(trensal), thus opening significant perspectives for the realization of a novel family of temperature‐controlled molecular spintronic devices.
Basement structural design innovation of China International Silk Road Center
Authors: ZhongJun Yu , Jianfeng Wang , Zhibing Zou
Published: May 2024

For super high‐rise buildings with a height of more than 400 m, differential settlement control of foundation is a crucial aspect in structural design. In previous engineering cases, except that the foundation or piles can be directly supported on bedrock, basement wing walls were commonly used to coordinate the differential settlement of foundation between the perimeter columns and the core. However, wing walls could also have negative effects on the basement usage. This article studied and compared the effects of arranging basement wing walls and adjusting pile length on differential settlement of the foundation. The scheme of adjusting pile length considering the interaction between piles, foundation, and superstructure was proposed to control differential settlement of the foundation, and the effectiveness of canceling basement wing walls was verified. Subsequently, a calculation program was developed to automatically optimize pile lengths by region. Finally, the above achievements were applied to the project of China International Silk Road Center Building with a building height of 498 m, making it the tallest building in China located on nonrock stratum and without basement wing walls.
Levator–urethra gap: is there a need for individualization of cut‐offs?
Authors: Dietz H. P. , Shek K. L. , Descallar J.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To determine whether height, weight and body mass index (BMI) are associated with the levator–urethra gap (LUG) measurement, and whether these factors confound the relationship between LUG and symptoms and signs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women seen at a tertiary urogynecology unit between January 2020 and December 2021. Postprocessing of saved ultrasound volume data was used to measure the LUG, blinded against all other data. This measurement was tested for its association with organ descent and hiatal area, and height, weight and BMI were investigated for any potential confounding effect.

Results

The 624 women seen during the inclusion period presented mostly with stress urinary incontinence (448/624 (72%)), urgency urinary incontinence (469/624 (75%)) and/or prolapse (338/624 (54%)). Mean age at assessment was 58 (range, 20–94) years, mean height was 163 (range, 142–182) cm, mean weight was 80 (range, 41–153) kg and mean BMI was 30 (range, 17–65) kg/m2. LUG measurements could be obtained in 613 women, resulting in 7356 (12 × 613) measurements. The average LUG in individual women measured 2.35 cm on the right and 2.32 cm on the left side (difference not significant), with a mean ± SD of 2.34 ± 0.63 cm overall. Mean LUG was associated with symptoms and signs of prolapse, both on clinical examination (POP quantification system) and on imaging, but not with height (P = 0.36), weight (P = 0.20) or BMI (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Levator–urethra gap measurements do not seem to be significantly associated with height, weight or BMI in our population, obviating the need for individualization of LUG. However, this does not exclude interethnic variability of this biometric measure. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Selective Synthesis of New Hexaalkylbicyclo[1.1.1]Pentasilanes with Improved Solubility
Authors: Morino Yukihiro , Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: May 2024

Molecular structures and properties of molecular silicon clusters and oligo/polysilanes depend on the substituents on the silicon skeletons. Herein, we report the synthesis of new bicyclo[1.1.1]pentasilanes (BPS) having various alkyl substituents (ethyl, iBu, or 2‐ethylbutyl) at the bridge silicon atoms. All new BPS are characterized by NMR spectroscopy, MS spectrometry, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (sc‐XRD) analysis. Introduction of longer alkyl groups and unsymmetrical substitution of alkyl groups at the bridge positions on the BPS skeleton substantially improve the solubility toward organic solvents, while the electronic properties are similar to each other.
Universally Accessible Marine Science and Ocean Literacy for All Citizens: The Thalassophile Project
Authors: Pandeva Rada , Johansen Caroline , Williams Rhianon , Carotta Carolina , Panieri Giuliana
Published: May 2024

The Thalassophile Project is dedicated to universal accessibility in marine science and ocean literacy, with a focus on the d/Deaf and visually impaired communities. By emphasising accessibility, and illustrating how theory is put into practice, the project brings together a network of cross-sector practitioners, combining marine research, education, and universal accessibility expertise. In this way, the authors propose to foster global awareness of marine sustainability put forward in the Sustainable Development Goals targets. Equally, the Thalassophile Project aims to raise awareness within adult education institutions of the significant number of citizens unable to gain access to information, and a corresponding lack of experience and competence in adult educators in producing barrier-free “Blue Education” resources. The project’s practical initiatives address this gap in educational resources by intertwining SDGs 4, 13, and 14 and aligning with international frameworks such as ESD 2030 and UNESCO guidelines. Activities include creating introductory “episodes” as educational tools, an online resource database, and user-friendly factsheets for specific audiences. The theoretical Common Accessibility Framework forms a baseline for all activities, rooted in Universal Design for Learning. These first pilot activities aim to show how more equitable access for adult learners to high-quality information on ocean sciences and literacy can be effectively achieved and at the same time, inspire and empower people and communities to join forces in making this goal a reality. Finally, this chapter describes outreach efforts, including presentations at international conferences.
Methodological Steps Towards Ecological and Emotional Education and Research Fostering Multipotentiality
Authors: Murray Emily Margaret , Poto Margherita Paola , Vita Laura
Published: May 2024

This contribution presents a systematic overview of the steps followed in co-creating the learning and research resource Follow Your Heart: The School for Multipotentialites for children, educators, and researchers. This resource promotes ecological and emotional research and education for sustainability by cultivating values and behaviours consistent with how nature makes us feel connected and nurtured. Built upon the intersection of ecological literacy and socio-emotional learning, grounded in sustainability and relational thinking, the steps in developing this project from book to educational movement are outlined. The steps include educational workshops, book launches, translation into different cultural contexts and languages, an accompanying online platform, and international research collaborations. This work concludes by outlining the transition from a single resource into an educational movement and strategies for sustaining forward progress.

Graphical Abstract

The methodological approach as a stitched heart, vision of Laura Vita, 2023.
Holistic Learning, Emotional Well-Being, and Sustainable Development Action in LESPLAY (Learn, Speak, and Play)
Authors: Akame Gilbert Ajebe
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores the impact of holistic learning experiences on children’s academic and professional outcomes, prioritising emotional well-being and multipotentiality. Through the LESPLAY pilot programme, aligned with the Follow Your Heart (FYH) model, the study advocates for transformative education in response to global challenges. Addressing the paradox of contemporary education systems, which produce future human capital while neglecting children’s rights, the FYH model catalyses transformative approaches. LESPLAY, conceived with a recognition of these limitations, addresses not only their influence on creativity, social well-being, and entrepreneurship but also the economic realities within its context. Informed by research supporting socio-emotional learning, child participation, and co-creation, the study aligns with the citizen action agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). Drawing from the encounter between FYH and LESPLAY, it offers a unique perspective on projects inspiring positive change. The chapter discusses methodologies, LESPLAY’s origins, its convergence with FYH, and the conceptual underpinnings of children’s climate actions, emphasising participation and knowledge co-creation. The research, employing qualitative analysis and participatory action research from 2018 to 2021, highlights LESPLAY’s child rights-based, holistic approach. It underscores the potential of a childist approach in climate education, empowering children as active agents in shaping sustainable solutions.
Ocean Tourism: When Emotions Meet Science
Authors: Bertella Giovanna
Published: May 2024

This chapter delves into the author’s contemplations of ocean tourism, i.e., tourism occurring in marine environments, as a potentially transformative activity capable of fostering a profound respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. Despite our feelings of fascination and interconnectedness with the ocean, many human activities, including tourism, continue to damage the marine ecosystem. However, effectively managed tourism has the potential to provide enriching experiences for human well-being and entertainment and serve as a powerful tool for educating and engaging tourists in the crucial realms of ocean protection and conservation. Drawing on the author’s extensive research on whale watching in northern Norway over the past years, this chapter employs the concept of empathy to explore the challenges and potentials inherent in this specific case and the possible role of academics. It advocates for a relational approach to the natural environment, particularly in the context of the whales, and proposes actionable insights for improvement.
The Paths of Water and Their Relations: A Dialogue Between Brazil and Norway
Authors: Machado Natalia Carvalho Médici , Poto Margherita Paola , Murray Emily Margaret
Published: May 2024

The formation of ethnic groups is a result of interactions among group members and those from the outside, influencing criteria for valuation. Ethnicity, considered a part of human interaction, shapes the cultural specificities of ethnic groups through the experiential nature of ethnic relations. However, it is not only human interaction that shapes culture—the analysis of human societies should take into account interactions between humans and non-humans, challenging the modern view that attributes agency solely to humans. The environment, with an emphasis on the human-water relationship, plays a crucial role in human life and territory construction, reflecting a recent ontological shift in sociology and parallels with indigenous worldviews. The article explores the profound relationships between humans and non-humans, focusing on two Indigenous communities in Latin America and the Arctic. The two cases include the Aldeia (Village) Maraka’nà in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Alta case in Northern Norway (Sápmi), illustrating issues of ethnicity, autonomy, and territory. Emphasising water’s integral role, it challenges traditional notions of territory, offering a richer understanding rooted in Indigenous cosmogonies. The study enriches existing sustainability frameworks, notably the SDGs, highlighting the importance of including Indigenous knowledge in sustainability research. Promoting a decolonising approach to research and an inclusive approach to planetary health, the chapter advocates for the recognition of Indigenous perspectives.
Gravitational edge mode in asymptotically AdS2: JT gravity revisited
Authors: Joung Euihun , Narayan Prithvi , Yoon Junggi
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the gravitational edge mode of the Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity and its sl(2, ℝ) BF theory description with the asymptotic AdS2 boundary condition. We revisit the derivation of the Schwarzian theory from the wiggling boundary as an action for the gravitational edge mode. We present an alternative description for the gravitational edge mode from the metric fluctuation with the fixed boundary, which is often referred as “would-be gauge mode”. We clarify the relation between the wiggling boundary and the would-be gauge mode. We demonstrate a natural top-down derivation of PSL(2, ℝ) gauging and the path integral measure of the Schwarzian theory. In the sl(2, ℝ) BF theory, we incorporate the gravitational edge mode and derive the Schwarzian theory with PSL(2, ℝ) gauging. We also discuss the path integral measure from the Haar measure in the Iwasawa decomposition of PSL(2, ℝ).
Four dimensional topological supergravities from transgression field theory
Authors: Concha Patrick , Izaurieta Fernando , Rodríguez Evelyn , Salgado Sebastián
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work, we propose a four-dimensional gauged Wess-Zumino-Witten model, obtained as a dimensional reduction from a transgression field theory invariant under the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Poincaré supergroup. For this purpose, we consider that the two gauge connections on which the transgression action principle depends are given by linear and non-linear realizations of the gauge group respectively. The field content of the resulting four-dimensional theory is given by the gauge fields of the linear connection, in addition to a set of scalar and spinor multiplets in the same representation of the gauge supergroup, which in turn, correspond to the coordinates of the coset space between the gauge group and the five-dimensional Lorentz group. We then decompose the action in terms of four-dimensional quantities and derive the corresponding equations of motion. We extend our analysis to the non- and ultra- relativistic regimes.
Cardiac-specific PFKFB3 overexpression prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy via enhancing OPA1 stabilization mediated by K6-linked ubiquitination
Authors: Luo Jinlan , Hu Shuiqing , Liu Jingrui , Shi Lili , Luo Liman , Li Wenhua , Cai Yueting , Tang Jiaxin , Liu Siyang , Fu Menglu , Dong Ruolan , Yang Yan , Tu Ling , Xu Xizhen
Published: May 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) is a glycolysis regulator. However, the potential effects of PFKFB3 in the DCM remain unclear. In comparison to db/m mice, PFKFB3 levels decreased in the hearts of db/db mice. Cardiac-specific PFKFB3 overexpression inhibited myocardial oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, suppressed mitochondrial fragmentation, and partly restored mitochondrial function in db/db mice. Moreover, PFKFB3 overexpression stimulated glycolysis. Interestingly, based on the inhibition of glycolysis, PFKFB3 overexpression still suppressed oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in vitro, which indicated that PFKFB3 overexpression could alleviate DCM independent of glycolysis. Using mass spectrometry combined with co-immunoprecipitation, we identified optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) interacting with PFKFB3. In db/db mice, the knockdown of OPA1 receded the effects of PFKFB3 overexpression in alleviating cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Mechanistically, PFKFB3 stabilized OPA1 expression by promoting E3 ligase NEDD4L-mediated atypical K6-linked polyubiquitination and thus prevented the degradation of OPA1 by the proteasomal pathway. Our study indicates that PFKFB3/OPA1 could be potential therapeutic targets for DCM.

Graphical Abstract
Cholesterol neutralized vemurafenib treatment by promoting melanoma stem-like cells via its metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Zhong Feiliang , Chen Tingting , Wang Hongbo , Wang Weifang , Jin Hongkai , Li Chouyang , Guo Xuan , Liu Ying , Zhang Yu , Li Bo
Published: May 2024

Vemurafenib has been used as first-line therapy for unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAFV600E mutation. However, overall survival is still limited due to treatment resistance after about one year. Therefore, identifying new therapeutic targets for melanoma is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. In the present study, we found that lowering intracellular cholesterol by knocking down DHCR24, the limiting synthetase, impaired tumor cell proliferation and migration and abrogated the ability to xenotransplant tumors. More importantly, administration of DHCR24 or cholesterol mediated resistance to vemurafenib and promoted the growth of melanoma spheroids. Mechanistically, we identified that 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), a primary metabolite of cholesterol synthesized by the enzyme cytochrome P450 27A1 (CYP27A1), reproduces the phenotypes induced by DHCR24 or cholesterol administration and activates Rap1-PI3K/AKT signaling. Accordingly, CYP27A1 is highly expressed in melanoma patients and upregulated by DHCR24 induction. Dafadine-A, a CYP27A1 inhibitor, attenuates cholesterol-induced growth of melanoma spheroids and abrogates the resistance property of vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells. Finally, we confirmed that the effects of cholesterol on melanoma resistance require its metabolite 27HC through CYP27A1 catalysis, and that 27HC further upregulates Rap1A/Rap1B expression and increases AKT phosphorylation. Thus, our results suggest that targeting 27HC may be a useful strategy to overcome treatment resistance in metastatic melanoma.
Cellular depletion of major cathepsin proteases reveals their concerted activities for lysosomal proteolysis
Authors: Gallwitz Lisa , Bleibaum Florian , Voss Matthias , Schweizer Michaela , Spengler Katharina , Winter Dominic , Zöphel Frederic , Müller Stephan , Lichtenthaler Stefan , Damme Markus , Saftig Paul
Published: May 2024

Proteins delivered by endocytosis or autophagy to lysosomes are degraded by exo- and endoproteases. In humans 15 lysosomal cathepsins (CTS) act as important physiological regulators. The cysteine proteases CTSB and CTSL and the aspartic protease CTSD are the most abundant and functional important lysosomal proteinases. Whereas their general functions in proteolysis in the lysosome, their individual substrate, cleavage specificity, and their possible sequential action on substrate proteins have been previously studied, their functional redundancy is still poorly understood. To address a possible common role of highly expressed and functional important CTS proteases, we generated CTSB-, CTSD-, CTSL-, and CTSBDL-triple deficient (KO) human neuroblastoma-derived SH-SY5Y cells and CTSB-, CTSD-, CTSL-, CTSZ and CTSBDLZ-quadruple deficient (KO) HeLa cells. These cells with a combined cathepsin deficiency exhibited enlarged lysosomes and accumulated lipofuscin-like storage material. The lack of the three (SH-SY5Y) or four (HeLa) major CTSs caused an impaired autophagic flux and reduced degradation of endocytosed albumin. Proteome analyses of parental and CTS-depleted cells revealed an enrichment of cleaved peptides, lysosome/autophagy-associated proteins, and potentially endocytosed membrane proteins like the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which can be subject to endocytic degradation. Amino- and carboxyterminal APP fragments accumulated in the multiple CTS-deficient cells, suggesting that multiple CTS-mediated cleavage events regularly process APP. In summary, our analyses support the idea that different lysosomal cathepsins act in concert, have at least partially and functionally redundant substrates, regulate protein degradation in autophagy, and control cellular proteostasis, as exemplified by their involvement in the degradation of APP fragments.
Local Spectral Multiplicity of Selfadjoint Couplings with General Interface Conditions
Authors: Simonov Sergey , Woracek Harald
Published: May 2024

We consider selfadjoint operators obtained by pasting a finite number of boundary relations with one-dimensional boundary space. A typical example of such an operator is the Schrödinger operator on a star-graph with a finite number of finite or infinite edges and an interface condition at the common vertex. A wide class of “selfadjoint” interface conditions, subject to an assumption which is generically satisfied, is considered. We determine the spectral multiplicity function on the singular spectrum (continuous as well as point) in terms of the spectral data of decoupled operators.
An Elliptic Solution of the Classical Yang–Baxter Equation Associated with the Queer Lie Superalgebra
Authors: Nazarov Maxim
Published: May 2024

A solution of the classical Yang–Baxter equation associated with the queer Lie superalgebra is constructed in terms of Hermite theta functions.
Quantifying the Potential of Argon Detection Capabilities for Nuclear Explosion Monitoring
Authors: Adhikari Pranshu , Gordon Emily M. , Shah Khiloni A. , Eslinger Paul W. , Miley Harry S. , Bowyer Theodore W. , Haas Derek A.
Published: May 2024

Current noble gas detection systems for nuclear explosion monitoring are based on the detection of four radioxenon isotopes—Xe-131m, -133, -133m and -135. The data provided by radioxenon detection could be enhanced by other radionuclide signatures such as Ar-37. Activation of Ca-40 in rock by neutrons produces Ar-37, and monitoring for this additional nuclide could help distinguish detections of nuclear explosions from background sources, such as medical isotope production. This work studies the capabilities of a hypothetical argon detection network. A 10 kt explosion was modeled using MCNP and SCALE to determine the inventory of Ar-37 created in a representative granite rock layer, assuming either 0.1, 1 or 10% of the total inventory was released. The Ar-37 inventory was combined with atmospheric transport data from HYSPLIT compiled in a previous study, along with the detection limits of standard Ar-37 detection systems, to determine how many hypothetical monitoring stations would detect Ar-37 from an explosion. This method was repeated for 365 HYSPLIT data sets to create a year’s worth of hypothetical explosions, releases, and detections. The study quantified the average number of detections per release, the number of stations detecting Ar-37, and the possibility of detecting Ar-37 in coincidence with xenon.
Iron bioleaching and polymers accumulation by an extreme acidophilic bacterium
Authors: Marchetti Alessandro , Kupka Daniel , Senatore Vittorio Giorgio , Bártová Zuzana , Branduardi Paola , Hagarová Lenka , Hredzák Slavomír , Lotti Marina
Published: May 2024

In many European regions, both local metallic and non-metallic raw materials are poorly exploited due to their low quality and the lack of technologies to increase their economic value. In this context, the development of low cost and eco-friendly approaches, such as bioleaching of metal impurities, is crucial. The acidophilic strain Acidiphilium sp. SJH reduces Fe(III) to Fe(II) by coupling the oxidation of an organic substrate to the reduction of Fe(III) and can therefore be applied in the bioleaching of iron impurities from non-metallic raw materials. In this work, the physiology of Acidiphilium sp. SJH and the reduction of iron impurities from quartz sand and its derivatives have been studied during growth on media supplemented with various carbon sources and under different oxygenation conditions, highlighting that cell physiology and iron reduction are tightly coupled. Although the organism is known to be aerobic, maximum bioleaching performance was obtained by cultures cultivated until the exponential phase of growth under oxygen limitation. Among carbon sources, glucose has been shown to support faster biomass growth, while galactose allowed highest bioleaching. Moreover, Acidiphilium sp. SJH cells can synthesise and accumulate Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) during the process, a polymer with relevant application in biotechnology. In summary, this work gives an insight into the physiology of Acidiphilium sp. SJH, able to use different carbon sources and to synthesise a technologically relevant polymer (PHB), while removing metals from sand without the need to introduce modifications in the process set up.
Anti-classification results for weakly mixing diffeomorphisms
Authors: Kunde Philipp
Published: May 2024

We extend anti-classification results in ergodic theory to the collection of weakly mixing systems by proving that the isomorphism relation as well as the Kakutani equivalence relation of weakly mixing invertible measure-preserving transformations are not Borel sets. This shows in a precise way that classification of weakly mixing systems up to isomorphism or Kakutani equivalence is impossible in terms of computable invariants, even with a very inclusive understanding of “computability”. We even obtain these anti-classification results for weakly mixing area-preserving smooth diffeomorphisms on compact surfaces admitting a non-trivial circle action as well as real-analytic diffeomorphisms on the 2-torus.