bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation treatment for major depressive disorder: a fully remote phase 2 randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Woodham Rachel D. , Selvaraj Sudhakar , Lajmi Nahed , Hobday Harriet , Sheehan Gabrielle , Ghazi-Noori Ali-Reza , Lagerberg Peter J. , Rizvi Maheen , Kwon Sarah S. , Orhii Paulette , Maislin David , Hernandez Lucia , Machado-Vieira Rodrigo , Soares Jair C. , Young Allan H. , Fu Cynthia H. Y.
Published: October 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as a new treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD). This is a fully remote, multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized superiority trial of 10-week home-based tDCS in MDD. Participants were 18 years or older, with MDD in current depressive episode of at least moderate severity as measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (mean = 19.07 ± 2.73). A total of 174 participants (120 women, 54 men) were randomized to active (n = 87, mean age = 37.09 ± 11.14 years) or sham (n = 87, mean age = 38.32 ± 10.92 years) treatment. tDCS consisted of five sessions per week for 3 weeks then three sessions per week for 7 weeks in a 10-week trial, followed by a 10-week open-label phase. Each session lasted 30 min; the anode was placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cathode over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (active tDCS 2 mA and sham tDCS 0 mA, with brief ramp up and down to mimic active stimulation). As the primary outcome, depressive symptoms showed significant improvement when measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: active 9.41 ± 6.25 point improvement (10-week mean = 9.58 ± 6.02) and sham 7.14 ± 6.10 point improvement (10-week mean = 11.66 ± 5.96) (95% confidence interval = 0.51–4.01, P = 0.012). There were no differences in discontinuation rates. In summary, a 10-week home-based tDCS treatment with remote supervision in MDD showed high efficacy, acceptability and safety. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05202119
Dendrite injury triggers neuroprotection in Drosophila models of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Prange Sydney E. , Bhakta Isha N. , Sysoeva Daria , Jean Grace E. , Madisetti Anjali , Le Hieu H. N. , Duong Ly U. , Hwu Patrick T. , Melton Jaela G. , Thompson-Peer Katherine L.
Published: October 2024

Dendrite defects and loss are early cellular alterations observed across neurodegenerative diseases that play a role in early disease pathogenesis. Dendrite degeneration can be modeled by expressing pathogenic polyglutamine disease transgenes in Drosophila neurons in vivo. Here, we show that we can protect against dendrite loss in neurons modeling neurodegenerative polyglutamine diseases through injury to a single primary dendrite branch. We find that this neuroprotection is specific to injury-induced activation of dendrite regeneration: neither injury to the axon nor injury just to surrounding tissues induces this response. We show that the mechanism of this regenerative response is stabilization of the actin (but not microtubule) cytoskeleton. We also demonstrate that this regenerative response may extend to other neurodegenerative diseases. Together, we provide evidence that activating dendrite regeneration pathways has the potential to slow–or even reverse–dendrite loss in neurodegenerative disease.
MetaCGRP is a high-precision meta-model for large-scale identification of CGRP inhibitors using multi-view information
Authors: Schaduangrat Nalini , Khemawoot Phisit , Jiso Apisada , Charoenkwan Phasit , Shoombuatong Watshara
Published: October 2024

Migraine is considered one of the debilitating primary headache conditions with an estimated worldwide occurrence of approximately 14–15%, contributing highly to factors responsible for global disability. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of migraines and thus, its inhibition can help relieve migraine symptoms. However, conventional process of CGRP drug development has been laborious and time-consuming with incurred costs exceeding one billion dollars. On the other hand, machine learning (ML)-based approaches that are capable of accurately identifying CGRP inhibitors could greatly facilitate in expediting the discovery of novel CGRP drugs. Therefore, this study proposes a novel and high-accuracy meta-model, namely MetaCGRP, that can precisely identify CGRP inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge, MetaCGRP is the first SMILES-based approach that has been developed to identify CGRP inhibitors without the use of 3D structural information. In brief, we initially employed different molecular representation methods coupled with popular ML algorithms to construct a pool of baseline models. Then, all baseline models were optimized and used to generate multi-view features. Finally, we employed the feature selection method to optimize the multi-view features and determine the best feature subset to enable the construction of the meta-model. Both cross-validation and independent tests indicated that MetaCGRP clearly outperforms several conventional ML classifiers, with accuracies of 0.898 and 0.799 on the training and independent test datasets, respectively. In addition, MetaCGRP in conjunction with molecular docking was utilized to identify five potential natural product candidates from Thai herbal pharmacopoeia and analyze their binding affinity and interactions to CGRP. To facilitate community-wide efforts in expediting the discovery of novel CGRP inhibitors, a user-friendly web server for MetaCGRP is freely available at https://pmlabqsar.pythonanywhere.com/MetaCGRP.
Examination of duodenal and colonic microbiome changes in mouse models of acute and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Lange Rabea , Glaubitz Juliane , Frost Fabian , Geisz Andreas , Aghdassi Ali A. , Weiss F. Ulrich , Sendler Matthias
Published: October 2024

The exocrine pancreas is the main source of digestive enzymes which are released from secretory vesicles of acinar cells into the small intestine. Enzymes, including amylases, proteases and lipases, degrade the ingested food and thus determine the nutritional substrate for the gut microbiota. Acute (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) are associated with a transitional or progressive exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, we analysed in the present study how an experimental induction of pancreatitis in mouse models affects the colonic and duodenal microbiome composition. Evaluation by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed specific microbiome changes in colonic as well as in duodenal samples in different models of AP and CP. Mild acute pancreatitis, which is associated with a transient impairment of pancreatic secretion showed only minor changes in microbial composition, comparable to the ones seen in progressive dysfunctional mouse models of CP. The strongest changes were observed in a mouse model of severe AP, which suggest a direct effect of the immune response on gut microbiome in addition to a pancreatic dysfunction. Our data indicate that highly dysbiotic microbiome changes during pancreatitis are more associated with the inflammatory reaction than with a disturbed pancreatic secretion.
Mock-up pragmatic study on the impact performance of self-compacting concrete incorporating sea sand
Authors: Sindhurashmi B. M. , Nayak Gopinatha , Adesh N. D. , Dubey Sandhya Parasnath , Rao Vidya
Published: October 2024

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) allows for the use of non-desalted sea sand as a fine aggregate, but the durability of triple mix SCC with partial sea sand replacement remains unclear. To optimize binder and fine aggregate replacements, tests for consistency, setting times, soundness, compressive strength, and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity were performed. Six SCC variations, incorporating 30$$\%$$
%
Class F Fly Ash (FA), 5$$\%$$
%
Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), and various fine aggregate combinations, were evaluated for their fresh, mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties. Results demonstrated that SCC with 50$$\%$$
%
sea sand and 50$$\%$$
%
manufactured sand achieved superior 90$$^{th}$$

th

day compressive strength. This improvement was attributed to accelerated cement setting and enhanced FA reactivity, leading to better hydration products. Microstructural analysis revealed more hydration products and fewer pores in specimens with 50$$\%$$
%
sea sand, due to the disconnected pore structure from Friedel’s salt formation. Chloride binding in concrete involves both chemical and physical mechanisms. Chemical binding is related to Friedel’s salt, while physical binding depends on Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) content. Dense C-S-H formation from sea sand, confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, results in greater chloride binding. Additionally, aluminum oxide in FA and GGBS enhances chemical binding by forming Friedel’s salt.
Machine-learning-assisted prediction of the size of microgels prepared by aqueous precipitation polymerization
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Minato Haruka , Sato Yuji , Namioka Ryuji , Igarashi Yasuhiko , Shibata Risako , Oaki Yuya
Published: October 2024

We report a linear-regression model that can predict microgel size using a machine learning method, sparse modeling for small data.
Aromatic foldamer-derived transmembrane transporters
Authors: Zhang Danyang , Chang Wenju , Shen Jie , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: October 2024

1-2 Sentences highlighting the novelty of the work In this review, we provide a very first comprehensive exposition of artificial potassium transporters derived from aromatic foldamers mostly over the past ten years.
Nanomaterial-based regulation of redox metabolism for enhancing cancer therapy
Authors: Jia Xiaodan , Wang Yue , Qiao Yue , Jiang Xiue , Li Jinghong
Published: October 2024

This review provides a comprehensive summary of the dysregulation of redox metabolism in cancer cells and the advantages and the latest advances in nanomaterial-assisted redox metabolic regulation therapy.
Tuning La–O adsorption sites dispersion via hydrogen bond-capping organic–inorganic copolymerization strategy for enhanced phosphate removal
Authors: Xiao Feng , Li Yongqi , Wang Shijie , Zhang Jianing , Pan Jia Hong , Yuan Dongqin , Dong Shuoxun , Wang Yili
Published: October 2024

The developed LaCCH exhibited an enhanced capacity of 308.2 mgP gLa−1, revealing a strong correlation between the organic–inorganic interaction energy of La oligomers and hydrogel carriers, and the phosphate adsorption capacity.
Development of a highly efficient electrocatalytic hydrogenation and dehalogenation system using a flow cell with a Pd tube cathode
Authors: Tajima Hiroaki , Ishii Hideki , Inagi Shinsuke , Fuchigami Toshio
Published: October 2024

A novel flow and circulation electrolytic system has been developed for the highly efficient cathodic hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds and dehalogenation of various aromatic halides.
Simulation of perovskite thin layer crystallization with varying evaporation rates
Authors: Majewski M. , Qiu S. , Ronsin O. , Lüer L. , Le Corre V. M. , Du T. , Brabec C. J. , Egelhaaf H.-J. , Harting J.
Published: October 2024

Advanced phase field simulations of solution-based perovskite film formation are used to obtain information on film creation that is experimentally challenging to access. This includes the explanation, of why perovskite films should dry quickly.
Self-generating electricity system driven by aqueous humor flow and trabecular meshwork contraction motion activated BCKa for glaucoma intraocular pressure treatment
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Wei Haiying , Shi Yuying , Wang Cao , Yu Zhenqiang , Zhang Yijian , Lai Yifan , Chen Jingwei , Wang Guangfu , Tian Weiming
Published: October 2024

Schematic illustration of the role of piezoresponse nanomaterial (MXene-RGD)-based targeting of BKCa on the homeostatic regulation of intraocular pressure in glaucomatous trabecular meshwork cells.
Ligand redistribution reactions for the synthesis of heterobimetallic rare-earth metal complexes of Co(ii) and Fe(ii)
Authors: Du Jun , Shi Zhi-Qiang , Wang Cong , Cui Peng
Published: October 2024

Ligand redistribution reactions led to the formation of heterobimetallic Y(iii)–M(ii) (M = Co, Fe) and homobimetallic M2 complexes.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in terrestrial extreme environments: implications for life detection beyond Earth
Authors: Batty Claire A. , Pearson Victoria K. , Olsson-Francis Karen , Morgan Geraint
Published: October 2024

This review highlights how discovering and analysing VOCs in extreme environments on Earth can help identify biosignatures and unravel complex patterns in metabolic data that could help identify life on other planetary bodies.
Cost-effective eggshell-modified LDH composite for caffeine adsorption, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity: exploring the synergy and economic viability in search processes
Authors: Elrafey Asmaa , Farghali Ahmed A. , Kamal W. , Allam Ahmed A. , Eldin Zienab E. , Rudayni Hassan A. , Alfassam Haifa E. , Anwar Alaa A. A. , Saeed Sara , Mahmoud Rehab
Published: October 2024

The rise of pharmaceutical residues poses a serious threat to ecological and aquatic environments, necessitating the development of cost-effective, convenient, and recyclable adsorbents.
Metal–organic framework derived low-crystallinity cobalt–nitrogen–carbon electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction to ammonia
Authors: Cao Yue , Yuan Shengbo , Zhou Wenbo , Hai Yan , Li Xiaoman , Luo Min
Published: October 2024

NO3− and H2O molecules adsorbed on the surface of Co–N–C-500 are activated and dissociated. The generated active hydrogen species (*H) can promote the hydrogenation of the intermediates and thus increase the NH3 yield.
Iron-doped nickel sulfide@phosphate heterostructure nanosheets constructed from solvothermal P2S5 and layered double hydroxides for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Wang Zeyi , Liu Shuling , Wang Chenglong , Ren Dan , Hu Yanling , Ma Yujie , Wang Chao
Published: October 2024

A heterogeneous nanostructured electrocatalyst Ni0.9Fe0.1S@NiFe(PO4)x/NF has been prepared by a solvothermal reaction with NiFe-LDH/NF using P2S5 as phosphorus and sulfur sources.
Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Yield: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duklan Nitin , Depally Srinivas , Raj Nimesh , Alsalami Zaid , Singla Atul Kumar , Bhalla Anubhav , Shukla Aasheesh , Soujanya Rajireddy
Published: October 2024

Agricultural composites are the focus of this investigation, which takes a microscopic look at their composition, fiber alignment, mechanical properties, and capacity to interact with live creatures. Sample 3’s elemental distribution analysis reveals a 6% increase in polymer content, among other minor variations. Sample 4 shows a 0.7% increase in porosity and Sample 2 shows a 3-degree elevation in fiber alignment, both of which are shown by microstructural examinations. Sample 4’s 5% increase in tensile strength and Sample 3’s 8% increase in Young’s Modulus demonstrate, respectively, the microstructure-specific impact of mechanical testing. According to the bioactivity tests, Sample 3 showed a 2.7% increase in cellular adhesion, whereas Sample 2 showed a 0.3% decrease in disintegration rate. The intricate web of relationships among agricultural composites is the subject of this research, which could pave the way for the creation of tailor-made materials with adaptable characteristics and many potential applications.
Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Nano-ceramic Thermal Insulation Coating on the Surface of a Heat Pipe
Authors: Vafaeva Khristina Maksudovna , Pavlov Mikhail Vasilyevich , Karpov Denis Fedorovich , Mittal Sachin , Kalpana Kilaru , Kataria Ansh , Joshi Ankita , Visweswari Tamminana , Islam Raisul
Published: October 2024

In the pursuit of conserving non-renewable fuel and energy resources and mitigating harmful emissions into the atmosphere, thermal insulation is commonly employed in practice for heated elements, including but not limited to building exteriors, boilers and furnaces, thermal power equipment, pipelines, and the like. The primary characteristic of any insulation material lies in its thermal conductivity, particularly under operational conditions. The research object is liquid nano-ceramic thermal insulation located on the surface of a round-section pipeline with a circulating heat carrier. The research subject is the thermal conductivity properties of the insulation material under operational conditions. The research aim is to determine the thermal conductivity coefficient of liquid nano-ceramic thermal insulation coating on the surface of the pipeline. The research method involves the laws of steady-state heat conduction and heat transfer for a two-layer cylindrical wall. Research findings indicate that for a steel pipeline measuring 76×3 mm with insulation thickness of 3.5 mm, the thermal conductivity coefficient of the liquid nano-ceramic thermal insulation material amounted to 0.0145 W/(m⋅K). Disregarding the radiative component, the thermal conductivity coefficient equals 0.0135 W/(m⋅K). Conclusions drawn suggest that the obtained value of the operational thermal conductivity coefficient of the liquid nano-ceramic thermal insulation material aligns with the manufacturer's claimed material thermal conductivity of 0.014 W/(m⋅K) and with the findings of other researchers. Minor discrepancies in magnitudes may be attributed to the extended period of insulation usage on the pipeline surface, which at the time of the conducted scientific investigations was approximately 1.5 years.
Bäckerasthma bei der Lakritzherstellung?
Authors: Azem Tara , Sticherling Michael , Berking Carola , Wagner Nicola
Published: October 2024

Bäcker haben ein hohes Risiko, berufsbedingte rhinokonjunktivale und asthmatische Beschwerden zu entwickeln. Das sog. „Bäckerasthma“ ist eine Form des berufsbedingten allergischen Asthmas, welches häufig durch Getreide- bzw. Mehlstaub als berufliches Inhalationsallergen ausgelöst wird. Durch eine gezielte Anamnese wird die Einordnung der arbeitsplatzbezogenen Atemwegsbelastung durch inhalative berufliche Noxen ermöglicht. Darüber hinaus sind zur Diagnose des Bäckerasthmas eine umfassende Allergiediagnostik mittels Pricktestung und serologischer Bestimmung von spezifischen IgE-Antikörpern zum Nachweis einer Typ-I-Sensibilisierung gegen berufliche Inhalationsallergene sowie Lungenfunktionsuntersuchungen notwendig. Die frühzeitige Diagnose und Identifizierung des auslösenden Inhalationsallergens ist wichtig, um durch eine frühe Einleitung von Maßnahmen zur Expositionskarenz die Prognose günstig beeinflussen zu können. Im Folgenden stellen wir den Fall eines 30-jährigen gelernten Bäckers vor, der berufsbedingte asthmatische Beschwerden erst bei der Herstellung von Lakritzprodukten entwickelte, die eine Versetzung innerhalb des Betriebs erforderlich machten.
Funktionelle Diagnostik von Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen in der MRT
Authors: Entenmann Christian Joachim , Vajkoczy Peter , Zdunczyk Anna
Published: October 2024

Die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) ist der Goldstandard in der Diagnostik von
Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen. Konventionelle T1- und T2-Sequenzen sind jedoch oft unspezifisch und
korrelieren nur bedingt mit den zugrundeliegenden mikrostrukturellen Veränderungen. Moderne
MRT-Techniken wie quantitatives MRT (qMRT), funktionelle MRT (fMRT),
Magnetresonanzspektroskopie (MRS) und die transmagnetische Stimulation (TMS) bieten die
Möglichkeit, quantifizierbare Veränderungen zu erfassen, die mit der mikrostrukturellen und
funktionalen Integrität des Rückenmarks korrelieren. Dadurch werden neue Einblicke in die
Pathophysiologie von Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen geliefert und somit ein umfassenderes Bild des
Krankheitsbildes wie auch Schwere ermöglicht. Modalitätsspezifische Parameter, welche mit dem
Ausmaß der Verletzung und der neurologischen Erholung korrelieren, können als wichtige
Biomarker in der Zukunft dienen. Sie haben das Potenzial die diagnostische Genauigkeit zu
verbessern, eine individuelle Prognoseabschätzung zu liefern wie auch Risikogruppen zu
definieren und im Rahmen von randomisierten klinischen Studien als Endpunkte zu dienen, um den
Effekt neuer Therapien zu evaluieren. Davor gilt es technische Herausforderungen zu überwinden
und im Rahmen größerer, multizentrischer Studien die vielversprechenden Ergebnisse zu
validieren, bevor es zu einer klinischen Translation kommt.
Routine Transvaginal Ultrasound at the Time of the Anatomy Scan: To Do or Not To Do?
Authors: Grubman Olivia , Mitchell Mackenzie , Owens Thomas , Heiligenstein Mia , Kaplowitz Elianna , Stoffels Guillaume , Al-Ibraheemi Zainab , Brustman Lois , Ashmead Graham , Hussain Farrah N.
Published: October 2024

Objective There are no universal guidelines for transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) at the time of the anatomy scan. TVUS can provide information on placental location and cervical length (CL) but may lead to more interventions. As a quality assurance initiative, a universal TVUS (UTVUS) protocol at the time of the anatomy scan was started at our institution. This study was conducted to assess whether there was a decrease in preterm birth (PTB), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission once UTVUS was implemented.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study performed on singleton gestations from February 2021 to January 2022. In the first 6 months of the study period, patients only had TVUS based on risk factors (pre group). In the second half of the study period, UTVUS was implemented at the time of the anatomy scan (post group).

Results A total of 2,118 patients were included in the study. There were 1,037 patients in the pre group, of which 161 underwent TVUS based on high-risk factors (history of the cervical procedure, history of prior PTB, and placenta appearing low lying or cervix appearing short on abdominal ultrasound). The post group/UTVUS included 1,081 patients. Patients in the pre group had statistically significantly earlier gestational age at first TVUS (p < 0.0001), were less likely to have had a prior PTB <36 weeks (p = 0.03), and were more likely to have a history of cervical procedure (p = 0.0006) than patients in the post group. There was an increased use of vaginal progesterone in the UTVUS with 33 patients (as opposed to 10 patients in the pre group; p = 0.0007). The proportion of patients with PTB, PPH, or NICU admission did not significantly differ between the two groups even after adjusting for cofounders (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Our data show that UTVUS did not decrease the adverse pregnancy outcomes. In addition, the implementation of UTVUS adds more discomfort for a patient, more time to the patient's scan, and is an additional cost. Therefore, surveillance by abdominal ultrasound and adding TVUS based on risk factors may be a reasonable alternative.

Key Points
The Effect of Competition Sounds on Balance Performance in Football
Players
Authors: Tekin Ebru , Egesoy Halit , Unver Fatma
Published: October 2024

Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of competition
environment sounds on the static and dynamic balance of football players.

Materials and Methods Thirty-two football players with a mean age of
21.12±2.99 years and a body mass index of 21.98±2.58 kg/m² were included in this
study. The initial assessment condition (whether in a quiet environment or with
competition sounds) was determined by simple randomization. Forty-eight hours
later, at the same time of day, the tests were repeated with the environmental
conditions reversed. Balance performance was assessed using the Tecnobody device
for both static and dynamic balance.

Results In the static balance test, it was found that the surface area
covered significantly decreased in the environment where competition sounds were
played (p=0.014), while there was no significant change in overall sway
(p=0.313), anteroposterior sway (p=0.852), or mediolateral sway (p=0.104). In
the dynamic balance test, no significant change was observed in anteroposterior
sway (p=0.411), but mediolateral sway (p=0.025) and overall sway (p=0.042)
significantly decreased. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in
the athletes’ score for reaching the target (p=0.003). The perceived difficulty
levels during the tests were found to be significantly lower in both the static
(p=0.048) and dynamic (p=0.001) balance tests in the environment where
competition sounds were played.

Conclusion In conclusion, competition environment sounds were found to
positively affect the balance performance of football players and reduce the
perceived difficulty level. Incorporating balance training with competition
sounds during athlete rehabilitation may contribute to improved balance
recovery.
Manganese- and Iron-Catalyzed Carbonylation Reactions: A Personal Account
Authors: Wu Xiao-Feng , Bao Zhi-Peng
Published: October 2024

Transition-metal-catalyzed carbonylative transformations have been widely employed to convert CO gas into valuable carbonyl-containing molecules, mainly using noble metals (Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru) and more recently nickel and other catalysts. Although noble-metal catalysts have the advantage of reaction efficiency, their high-cost has led scientists to explore alternative procedures. Also under these backgrounds, we carried out some studies on nonexpensive metal-catalyzed carbonylative transformations. In this Account, we summarize the carbonylation reactions developed in our research group by using manganese and iron catalysis. These carbonylation reactions proceeded either via SET (single-electron transfer) or TET (two-electron transfer) mechanism.

1 Introduction

2 Manganese-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Alkyl Chlorides

3 Manganese-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Alkyl Iodides

4 Iron/Copper-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Alkyl Bromides

5 Iron-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Alkyl Bromides

6 Iron-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Alkyl-Boronic Pinacol

7 Iron-Catalyzed Aminoalkylative Carbonylative Cyclization of Alkenes

8 Conclusion and Outlook
A Review of the Applications of Vitamin C to Treat Human Diseases
Authors: He Xiaoke , Zhang Wanting , He Yonglong , Jiang Yuxin , Xu Jiabing , He Wei
Published: October 2024

Vitamin C, a ubiquitous water-soluble vitamin, has been demonstrated to have several biological activities, including the promotion of collagen production, enhancement of immunity, facilitation of iron absorption, and improvement of fat metabolism. Thus, it has a multitude of applications in the medical field, such as whitening, antioxidation, and the prevention of a wide range of diseases. Conversely, its lack of stability and low permeability limit its applicability. This review presents a summary of the physicochemical properties, delivery strategies, and biological activities of vitamin C. Additionally, this review provides an overview of its preventive and therapeutic effects on diseases such as cataracts, tumors, and cardiovascular conditions. Finally, this review explores the prospective applications of vitamin C as a pharmaceutical agent. A variety of vitamin C derivatives and delivery systems have been developed to overcome the instability and low permeability of vitamin C. However, several challenges persist, including the uncertain efficacy of derivatives and the complexities associated with the implementation of delivery systems. It is anticipated that future advancements will facilitate the development of delivery forms and the utilization of vitamin C in novel applications.
Paths to a world without families: reasons, means, and ends in family abolitionism
Authors: Cockburn Patrick J. L.
Published: October 2024

The present article is a sympathetic critique of the most prominent contemporary articulations of family abolitionism. It examines whether queer communist family abolitionism is successful in linking an account of reasons for abolition, with an account of the means of abolition, and finally with an account of the ends of abolition in the form of speculation on a possible world without families. Recent work by M.E. O’Brien has developed these connections in ways that have never been done so thoroughly before; but the rejection of states as an institutional form of political power leaves it unclear what forms of equality we could expect in such a world, and why coercive power would be unnecessary there. Family abolition is a utopian political agenda; but that utopianism needs to be constrained by a realist concern with issues of power, resources, and human capacities. This will require confronting trade-offs and imperfections within possible worlds without families. The recognition that there are many paths to a world without families, and many possible such worlds, is the first step towards aligning reasons, means, and ends and confronting the social and political trade-offs that this entails.
On coupled oscillators modeling bio-inspired acoustic sensors: Bifurcation analysis toward tunability enhancement
Authors: Rolf H. F. J. , Meurer T.
Published: October 2024

Oscillators exhibiting an Andronov–Hopf bifurcation are candidates to mimic the functionality of the cochlea, since the transfer response of these oscillators is compressive and frequency selective. The former implies that small stimuli are amplified and strong stimuli are attenuated, while the latter means that the oscillator only reacts in a (small) frequency band. However, this implies that many oscillators are needed to cover a relevant frequency band. By introducing the notion of tunable characteristic frequencies, i.e., the characteristic frequency can be adjusted by a controllable input, the number of oscillators can be eventually reduced. Subsequently, the tunability enhancement of coupled oscillators is investigated by analyzing the local dynamics of a network of oscillators. For this, necessary conditions for the emergence of Andronov–Hopf bifurcations are determined for networks consisting of two groups, i.e., a group is a network of identical oscillators. By choosing the eigenvalues of the product of the cross-coupling matrix as bifurcation parameters and exploiting the structure of the transfer matrix of this network, the critical points and, thus, the characteristic frequency at this point can be derived. Tunability of the characteristic frequency is then enabled by controlling the asymmetry between the groups of oscillators.
Multiferroic properties and the layer-stacking quantum anomalous Hall effect in two-dimensional RuOHX (X = F, Cl, Br)
Authors: Tian Yuping , Wang Chao-Bo , Li Linyang , Kong Xiangru , Gong Wei-Jiang
Published: October 2024

Exploring the physics coupled with layer degrees of freedom in materials has become a hot topic in quantum layertronics. We propose a robust second-order topological insulator monolayer RuOHX (X = F, Cl, and Br), a two-dimensional ferromagnetic semiconductor with large valley polarization, capable of undergoing topological phase transition induced by strain effect. In the bilayer RuOHX, we achieve layer-polarized anomalous Hall effect through interlayer sliding, originating from layer-stacking Berry curvature. Moreover, it can be controlled and reversed by the direction of ferroelectric polarization. Under appropriate biaxial strain, the bilayer RuOHX exhibits quantum layer spin Hall effect in which the helical edge states are manifested as spin-chirality-locking, due to the degeneracy of layer-polarized quantum anomalous Hall effect. Our work explores the potential application via layer-stacking topological properties for future quantum device applications.
Advanced method for recognizing and measuring key information in non-stationary signals using variational mode decomposition and CNN-LSTM-SVM algorithms
Authors: Xu Fujing , Zhang Yan , Liu Qiang , Li Tong , Lan Mingyang , Zhang Yanting
Published: October 2024

In order to address the issue of insufficient ability to identify and measure the key information of non-stationary signals collected in practical industrial fields such as logistics transportation, state detection, and fault diagnosis, this paper proposes a method to identify and measure the key information based on variational mode decomposition (VMD), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, and support vector machine (SVM). First, the non-stationary signal is reconstructed by using VMD and linear correlation decomposition. Second, the feature matrix is constructed according to the upper envelope feature, moving kurtosis, and moving root mean square. Finally, CNN-LSTM-SVM is input to identify and measure the key features. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits an outstanding performance on both synthetic and actual collected signals, with recognition accuracies of 99.17% and 99.02%, respectively.
Linear and nonlinear stability of double diffusive convection in a micropolar fluid saturated porous layer with magnetic field and throughflow effects
Authors: Barman Pankaj , D Srinivasacharya
Published: October 2024

The linear and nonlinear stability of double-diffusive convection in a porous layer saturated with micropolar fluid is examined. A transverse magnetic field is applied to the flow together with vertical throughflow. The normal mode technique is employed for linear stability analysis, whereas the energy method is used for nonlinear stability analysis. The resulting eigenvalue problems corresponding to linear and nonlinear stability theories are solved numerically by employing the bvp4c routine in MATLAB 2022(b). The critical thermal Rayleigh numbers for both linear and nonlinear analyses are computed for the different values of the governing parameters and presented graphically. A comparison is made between linear and nonlinear stability results. It is observed that the flow is more stable whenever a magnetic field is added to the flow, although the subcritical instability region also slightly increases. Increasing the Darcy number, Lewis number, coupling number, and absolute value of the throughflow parameter destabilizes the flow. On the other hand, raising the porosity of the medium and micropolar parameters stabilizes the flow. Furthermore, there is no subcritical gap in the absence of the throughflow effect, which is a good agreement between the linear and nonlinear thresholds.
Effect of surface alignment on electric-field-induced phase transitions in blue phases
Authors: Chauhan Sumanyu , Wahle Markus , Cuypers Dieter , Lazarev Grigory , De Smet Herbert
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the critical electric field thresholds required for phase transitions in the blue phases of liquid crystals (BPs) confined within vertical field switching cells. BPs are attractive for electro-optical applications due to their polarization-independent response and fast switching times; however; challenges remain regarding their limited temperature stability and previously reported high operational voltages. We employ a combined approach of polarized optical microscopy and electrical impedance analysis to identify the electric field thresholds triggering BP transitions to focal conic domains in cells with and without planar polyimide alignment layers. We show that surface alignment layers stabilize the blue phases and allow for higher applied electric fields before transitioning into the focal conic state. This suggests the possibility of a wider operational voltage range in thinner cells with alignment layers. These findings significantly improve our understanding of BPs, addressing key challenges and paving the way for their integration into advanced photonic devices, based on the CMOS technology.
Active interface characteristics of heterogeneously integrated GaAsSb/Si photodiodes
Authors: Muduli Manisha , Xia Yongkang , Lee Seunghyun , Gajowski Nathan , Chae Chris , Rajan Siddharth , Hwang Jinwoo , Arafin Shamsul , Krishna Sanjay
Published: October 2024

There is increased interest in the heterogeneous integration of various compound semiconductors with Si for a variety of electronic and photonic applications. This paper focuses on integrating GaAsSb (with absorption in the C-band at 1550 nm) with silicon to fabricate photodiodes, leveraging epitaxial layer transfer (ELT) methods. Two ELT techniques—nanomembrane transfer printing and macro-transfer printing—are compared for transferring GaAsSb films from InP substrates to Si, forming PIN diodes. Characterization through atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy exhibits a high-quality, defect-free interface. Current–voltage (IV) measurements and capacitance–voltage analysis validate the quality and functionality of the heterostructures. Photocurrent measurements at room temperature and 200 K demonstrate the device's photo-response at 1.55 μm, highlighting the presence of an active interface.
Modeling of the metal–insulator transition temperature in alio-valently doped VO2 through symbolic regression
Authors: Banik S. , Shriram S. V. , Ramanathan S. , Sankaranarayanan S. K. R. S.
Published: October 2024

The correlated semiconductor vanadium dioxide (VO2) exhibits an insulator–metal transition (IMT) near room temperature, which is of interest in various device applications. Precise IMT temperature control is crucial to determine the use cases across technologies such as thermochromic windows, actuators for robots or neuronal oscillators. Doping the cation or anion sites can modulate the IMT by several tens of degrees and control hysteresis. However, modeling the effects of control parameters (e.g., doping concentration, type of dopants) is challenging due to complex experimental procedures and limited data, hindering the use of traditional data-driven machine learning approaches. Symbolic regression (SR) can bridge this gap by identifying nonlinear expressions connecting key input parameters to target properties, even with small data sets. In this work, we develop SR models to capture the IMT trends in VO2 influenced by different dopant parameters. Using experimental data from the literature, our study reveals a dual nature of the IMT temperature with varying tungsten (W) doping concentrations. The symbolic model captures data trends and accounts for experimental variability, providing a complementary approach to first-principles calculations. Our feature-driven analysis across a broader class of dopants informs selectivity and provides qualitative insights into tuning phase transition properties valuable for neuromorphic computing and thermochromic windows.
On the transport of a millimeter-sized compound droplet in a Poiseuille flow
Authors: Wang Jin , Xue Yifan , Yang Lu , He Yongqing , Jiao Feng , Čuček Lidija
Published: October 2024

The compound droplet consists of the inner and outer droplets. The outer droplet's ability to isolate the inner contents from its surroundings makes applications such as drug delivery, cell encapsulation, and cell sorting possible. Here, we experimentally explore the transport of the compound droplet at different Reynolds numbers, viscosity ratios, and volume ratios. Compound droplets have a longer dimensionless transport distance along the X-axis than single-phase droplets at Reynolds numbers from 44 to 366. When the Reynolds number is increased from 81.2 to 243.7, the dimensionless maximum transport distance of the compound droplet along the X-axis becomes 2.04 times. As the Re increases, the compound droplet deflection rate decreases continuously. For a constant initial velocity of the compound droplet, an increase in the viscosity ratio leads to an increase in the dimensionless velocity along the x axis with the compound droplet during transport. The maximum transport distance along the x-axis increases, and the deflection rate decreases as the inertial and viscous forces increase with increasing viscosity and dimension ratios. The chemical droplets become more stable as a result.
Reduction of TCF effect in FBAR devices using DC bias
Authors: Lin Re-Ching , Sun Shih-Jye
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effect of applied DC bias on the resonant and antiresonant frequency of FBAR devices. In our model, we introduce linear electrostrictive coefficients and compare the theoretical results with experimental data. The FBAR structure utilizes an air cavity as the acoustic reflector layer, with Mo and AlN as the materials for the top/bottom electrodes and the piezoelectric layer, respectively. The resonant and antiresonant frequencies of the FBAR are designed at 2313.1 and 2374.7 MHz, respectively. Under an applied DC bias ranging from −10 to +10 V, the frequency shifts for the resonant and antiresonant frequencies are 37.7 and 27.7 ppm/V, respectively. The theoretical results, incorporating linear electrostrictive coefficients N=−7×1010 and G=−5×109, show excellent agreement with the measured results of the FBAR device. Finally, we compensated for the frequency drift by applying a 20 V DC bias at high temperatures to the FBAR device. These findings have significant implications for improving the performance of RF communication systems in varying temperature environments.
On the nose: validating a novel, non-invasive method to identify individual koalas using unique nose patterns
Authors: Duffy Janine , Stragliotto Tori , Mella Valentina S. A.
Published: October 2024

Context Non-invasive identification of individual animals in wild populations can occur in species with unique coat patterns (e.g. zebras, giraffes, jaguars). However, identification in other species often relies on capture-mark–recapture techniques, involving physical handling of animals. Identification of individual koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) is difficult and has so far relied mostly on invasive methods such as ear tagging, microchipping and/or collaring, which require capture. The validation of a non-invasive method to identify koalas could improve monitoring of individuals in the wild, allowing targeting of specific koalas in disease and survival studies, reducing the need to capture individuals. Aims This study describes a novel effective method to identify koalas from their nose markings, specifically using the unpigmented pattern of the nose to determine unique features of individuals. Methods Photographs of koalas from different populations in Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were examined in the study. Nose patterns were traced from photographs and matched through visual assessment if they were thought to belong to the same individual. Differences in identification success between datasets from different populations and the effect of sex on match success were evaluated statistically. For the NSW koalas, the effect of lighting conditions and photographic angle were also assessed. Key results Overall identification success was 89.7% (range 87.1–91.8%) and was not affected by any of the variables tested, demonstrating that nose patterns can be used reliably to identify individual koalas. Conclusions The proposed non-invasive method is simple, yet accurate and stable over time, hence it offers a vital tool for monitoring endangered koalas whilst minimising human interference. Implications Pattern-based recognition of koalas is cost-effective, reduces stress on the animals, has the potential to improve data collection and allows involvement of citizen scientists in monitoring of populations or individuals.
The pyruvate–GPR31 axis promotes transepithelial dendrite formation in human intestinal dendritic cells
Authors: Oguro-Igashira Eri , Murakami Mari , Mori Ryota , Kuwahara Ryuichi , Kihara Takako , Kohara Masaharu , Fujiwara Makoto , Motooka Daisuke , Okuzaki Daisuke , Arase Mitsuru , Toyota Hironobu , Peng Siyun , Ogino Takayuki , Kitabatake Yasuji , Morii Eiichi , Hirota Seiichi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Umemoto Eiji , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: October 2024

The intestinal lumen is rich in gut microbial metabolites that serve as signaling molecules for gut immune cells. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) sense metabolites and can act as key mediators that translate gut luminal signals into host immune responses. However, the impacts of gut microbe–GPCR interactions on human physiology have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that GPR31, which is activated by the gut bacterial metabolite pyruvate, is specifically expressed on type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) in the lamina propria of the human intestine. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cDC1s and a monolayer human gut organoid coculture system, we show that cDC1s extend their dendrites toward pyruvate on the luminal side, forming transepithelial dendrites (TED). Accordingly, GPR31 activation via pyruvate enhances the fundamental function of cDC1 by allowing efficient uptake of gut luminal antigens, such as dietary compounds and bacterial particles through TED formation. Our results highlight the role of GPCRs in tuning the human gut immune system according to local metabolic cues.
Film intervention increases empathic understanding of formerly incarcerated people and support for criminal justice reform
Authors: Reddan Marianne C. , Garcia Sydney B. , Golarai Golijeh , Eberhardt Jennifer L. , Zaki Jamil
Published: October 2024

Nuanced portrayals of stigmatized groups in media have been shown to reduce prejudice. In an online experiment (N = 749), we tested whether a feature film depicting incarcerated peoples’ experiences in the criminal justice system can increase a) empathic accuracy and compassion toward people who have been incarcerated and b) support for criminal justice reform. We measured baseline empathic accuracy via a well-validated task, where participants infer the emotions of people sharing stories about difficult life events. All storytellers were formerly incarcerated and students. However, in half the videos we labeled them as “formerly incarcerated” and in the remaining half as “college student.” We then surveyed people’s baseline attitudes toward criminal justice reform. Next, we assigned participants to watch one of three films. The intervention film chronicled the true stories of Black men on death row. Two docudramas of similar length served as control films. Finally, participants completed the empathic accuracy task and survey again and were given the opportunity to sign a petition. Compared to those who watched a control film, participants who watched the intervention film more accurately inferred the emotions of storytellers labeled “formerly incarcerated,” and increased their support for criminal justice reform. These effects held for conservative and liberal participants alike. However, the film had no effect on feelings of compassion. Together, these results demonstrate the power of narrative interventions to not only increase empathic accuracy for members of a severely stigmatized group, but to increase support for reforms designed to improve their lives.