bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheo-impedance behavior of cellulose nanofibers produced by mechanical processing
Authors: Yamagata Yoshifumi , Takasaki Yuichi , Miyamoto Keisuke
Published: November 2024

CNFs are one of the renewable and the sustainable resources with low environmental impact and have various characteristics such as increased strength and weight reduction when added to resins. Since CNFs are one of the new materials that can fulfill the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (hereafter abbreviated as SDGs), many researchers have been studying the nano-fibrillation of wood fibers. From the viewpoint of SDGs, it is necessary to avoid using a large amount of chemical agents and consuming a large amount of energy for the production of CNFs. To realize these requirements, it is important to find a way to industrially utilize CNFs containing insufficiently nanosized fibers, and for these purposes, it is essential to evaluate the physical properties of these CNFs from multiple perspectives. Cellulose fibers are intrinsically insulating materials, but how their electrochemical properties are changed by nano-fibrillization has been little studied. Therefore, we decided to clarify the relationship between the size of CNFs and the electrochemical impedance properties of the CNF suspensions containing un-fibrillated fibers, which were prepared by a wet refinement system. The fiber diameter remained constant as the number of mechanical treatments (hereafter referred to as the “number of collisions”) increased. On the other hand, the cumulative medium volume diameter, D50, defined as the apparent fiber length (hereafter referred to as the “fiber length”, in microns), significantly decreases with the increasing number of collisions. The rheo-impedance |Z| of the CNF suspension remained nearly constant in the intermediate frequency range of 103–106 Hz, even if the internal structure of the system was deformed by the increasing shear rate. This means that the electrochemical properties of the CNFs are independent of the changes in the macroscopic aggregation structure. Furthermore, the internal resistance R1 calculated from the impedance |Z| characteristics (Nyquist plot) became decreased with the increasing number of collisions, indicating a proportional relationship between the resistance R1 and the CNF fiber length, D50. This suggests that R1 related to the resistance caused by the electrolyte in the suspensions or the protons dissociated by the hydration of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose molecule as they move across the gaps between the microfibrils. Based on these results, it appears that the electrochemical properties of the CNF suspensions are independent of the changes in the macroscopic aggregation structure and simply depend on the fiber length, in other words, the electrochemical properties are a useful method for indirectly evaluating the fiber length of the CNFs.
Behavioral symmetry with humanomics: public choice and moral community
Authors: Thomas Diana W. , Thomas Michael D.
Published: November 2024

The humanomics model of human behavior suggests that individuals act not merely to maximize narrow conceptions of their own self-interest but instead are motivated by fellow feeling and a desire to act in a praiseworthy way. Because they learn what is praise- and blameworthy from face-to-face exchanges in moral communities to which they belong, the same conceptions and norms carry into impersonal exchanges in the extended market order. Humanomics offers a framework that can reconcile conflicting results from laboratory experiments involving personal and impersonal exchanges. In this paper, we seek to apply the humanomics lens to human action in politics. Public choice scholarship applies assumptions from economics to explain human action in the political sphere. But just like traditional economics models, several puzzles remain unexplained. We argue that a humanomics perspective offers a framework for explaining existing public choice puzzles just as it does for puzzles in economics more broadly.
A mixed-method approach to study the impacts of energy micro-generation combined with appliance-level feedback on everyday practices
Authors: Tellarini Chiara , Shajalal Md , Castelli Nico , Stein Martin , Boden Alexander , Christensen Toke Haunstrup
Published: November 2024

Energy feedback is recognized in energy literature as vital for altering and curbing energy usage. However, recent studies highlight the limitation of energy feedback, questioning its real capacity to promote energy-saving behaviours. Meanwhile, micro-generation, such as photovoltaic panels (PVs), is deemed more effective in reshaping daily practices by encouraging time-shifting of activities, as a way to reduce the load of energy consumed in the grid, while increasing the one from renewable resources. This study explores the impacts of appliance-level consumption feedback combined with micro-generation on everyday practices; it adopts a practice theoretical perspective, viewing households as practitioners rather than mere rational agents. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected between 2022 and 2023 in households with PVs on two islands located off the west coast of Ireland. Smart plugs were installed and connected to different home appliances to collect energy data and provide feedback on their energy usage through a webapp. Our analysis focuses on pre- and post- plugs’ installation and feedback delivery periods, to assess households’ responses both in relation to their practices and to PV usage. While appliance-level feedback showed potential in enhancing PV use and practice changes, heightened awareness does not guarantee change, and households’ responses to feedback depend on various influencing factors deeply embedded in everyday practices – including the (non) negotiability of practices, app design, household dynamics and previous experience with the PV system. Our findings suggest opportunities for energy research to develop more tailored strategies for cutting energy consumption, taking into consideration people’s practices.
Native bee Pollination Ecosystem Services in Agricultural Wetlands and Riparian Protected Lands
Authors: Hinson Audra L. , McCarty Greg , Du Ling , Sichko Christopher , Maguire Karen
Published: November 2024

Many freshwater wetlands and riparian systems are protected within agricultural landscapes. Yet, pollinator ecosystem services are seldom considered key ecosystem services provided by these conservation easements. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent of protected aquatic lands to provide pollination ecosystem services by assessing pollinator abundances, crop yield changes, and value estimations of increased soybean yields from a subset of common native solitary bees. We created a novel geodatabase of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation easements and used this database in the InVEST crop pollination model to model wild solitary bee pollination. We then estimated the monetary value of yield increases provided by pollinators. We found that wetland uplands provided the greatest potential for pollination services for ground nesting bees, followed by herbaceous and forested riparian respectively. Stem nesters preferred forested riparian, then upland habitats. In soybeans fields, we found wild pollinators can provide up to 5.5% yield response from current private aquatic conservation lands. The current landscape is not optimized to use wetlands and riparian conservation lands as pollinator habitat, but these results suggest protected aquatic lands can sustainably increase wild pollination services to agricultural crops if landscapes are managed, protected, and optimized with pollinator services as co-benefit.
Honey-Derived Hydrochar Containing 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl Free Radical for Degradation of Aqueous Organic Pollutants
Authors: Patrinoiu Greta , Musuc Adina M. , Calderon-Moreno Jose M. , Florea Mihaela , Neatu Florentina , Ionita Petre
Published: November 2024

The increasing demand for greener technologies in environmental remediation makes carbon materials from biomass and its derivatives some of the most attractive resources for a sustainable future. However, integrating these materials with stable free radicals remains challenging. This study presents a straightforward one-pot hydrothermal route using raw honey as the carbon source and 4-amino 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO) as the free radical. The addition of TEMPO derivative initiates Maillard reactions between its amino group and the carbonyl groups of the carbohydrates in honey, resulting in the formation of a functionalized hydrochar with a spherical morphology (~ 8 μm). The presence of free radicals within the carbonaceous matrix was confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, supported by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The free radical content was estimated at 0.4 mmol∙g-1. The material effectively removed methylene blue, fluorescein, and doxorubicin from water in the presence of green oxidants like hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite. After 24 h, removal efficiencies reached 92% for doxorubicin, 73% for methylene blue, and 23% for fluorescein. Moreover, the hydrochar demonstrated good regeneration capability, maintaining its dye removal efficiency over several cycles.
A straw-soy protein composite (SSPC) material: preparation, physical properties and wetting drying stability
Authors: Xu Ranqin , Huang Junhua , Xu Shengkai , Cai Shenglong , Liu Wen
Published: November 2024

The use of bio-based biomass construction materials has the advantage of helping to reduce fossil energy demand, protecting the environment from carbon dioxide emission and reducing the production of non-degradable waste. This paper used resin-modified soy protein (SP) adhesive to combine rice straw stalks, and made straw-soy protein composites (SSPC) material. The physical properties, compressive behavior and stability during wetting drying cycles of SSPC were measured. Due to water evaporation, the SP matrix is full of connected pores, resulting to its physical properties of small density, high shrinkage ratio and low thermal conductivity, which are 0.24 g/cm3, 16.2%, and 0.065 W/(m•K), respectively. Adding straw is helpful to the physical properties of SP matrix, leading to an obvious decrease in shrinkage ratio and thermal conductivity of SSPC, which are 8.51% and 0.075 W/m•K. Furthermore, the compressive load–displacement curves of SSPC groups divide into two types: divergent and convergent. The compressive strength of divergent samples is decided by the critical displacement determined according to the convergent specimens. It shows that straw stalk proves the positive effect on the compressive property of SP matrix. As to the mass of SSPC samples during the wetting drying cycles, it drops apparently in the initial three cycles, and becomes negligible from the fifth cycle, meaning that the stability of SSPC during wetting drying cyclic process is quite good. The research result would be helpful for using SSPC as building material, especially as thermal insulation material.
Seismic performance enhancement of underground structure influenced by CFRP wrapping schemes
Authors: Ma Chao , Li Xiaolei , Wang Guosheng , Lu Dechun , Du Xiuli
Published: November 2024

The seismic failure mechanism of underground structures showing structural collapse is attributed to the deformation incompatibility between the central columns and the sidewalls, especially the insufficient deformation capacity of the central columns. Therefore, the approaches to improve the seismic performance of underground structures mainly aim at avoiding the damage of central columns. This paper presents a comparative study on the seismic performance of underground structures with the central columns retrofitted with different numbers of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) layers. Seismic capacity of the CFRP retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) columns was explored in detail through experimental and numerical approaches. Then numerical models were built and verified to simulate the behaviors of the CFRP retrofitting RC columns, and the seismic performance of the CFRP retrofitting underground structures was numerically simulated. Based on the numerical results, the damage of the CFRP retrofitting underground structures was calculated, and damage classification illustrated that the seismic performance of underground structures was enhanced remarkably. Finally, parametric studies were conducted to discuss about how the number of CFRP layers and the earthquake intensity affect the earthquake-induced damage of underground structures. Conclusions from this study could be referenced for seismic retrofitting of existing underground structures.
Quantifying Global Wetland Methane Emissions With In Situ Methane Flux Data and Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Chen Shuo , Liu Licheng , Ma Yuchi , Zhuang Qianlai , Shurpali Narasinha J.
Published: November 2024

Wetland methane (CH4) emissions have a significant impact on the global climate system. However, the current estimation of wetland CH4 emissions at the global scale still has large uncertainties. Here we developed six distinct bottom‐up machine learning (ML) models using in situ CH4 fluxes from both chamber measurements and the Fluxnet‐CH4 network. To reduce uncertainties, we adopted a multi‐model ensemble (MME) approach to estimate CH4 emissions. Precipitation, air temperature, soil properties, wetland types, and climate types are considered in developing the models. The MME is then extrapolated to the global scale to estimate CH4 emissions from 1979 to 2099. We found that the annual wetland CH4 emissions are 146.6 ± 12.2 Tg CH4 yr−1 (1 Tg = 1012 g) from 1979 to 2022. Future emissions will reach 165.8 ± 11.6, 185.6 ± 15.0, and 193.6 ± 17.2 Tg CH4 yr−1 in the last two decades of the 21st century under SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios, respectively. Northern Europe and near‐equatorial areas are the current emission hotspots. To further constrain the quantification uncertainty, research priorities should be directed to comprehensive CH4 measurements and better characterization of spatial dynamics of wetland areas. Our data‐driven ML‐based global wetland CH4 emission products for both the contemporary and the 21st century shall facilitate future global CH4 cycle studies.
The Self‐Calibrating Tilt Accelerometer: A Method for Observing Tilt and Correcting Drift With a Triaxial Accelerometer
Authors: Fredrickson E. K. , Wilcock W. S. D. , Harrington M. J. , Cram G. , Tilley J. , Martin D. , Burnett J.
Published: November 2024

We present observations from two field deployments of a calibrated tiltmeter that we name the Self‐Calibrating Tilt Accelerometer (SCTA). The tiltmeter is based upon a triaxial quartz crystal accelerometer; the horizontal channels measure tilt and are periodically rotated into the vertical to obtain a measurement of the acceleration of gravity. Changes in the measured total acceleration are ascribed to drift in the vertical channel and used as calibrations for removing that same drift from the tilt time series observed between calibrations. Changes in the span (sensitivity) of the accelerometer channels can also be measured by calibrating them pointing up and down. A 3‐year test on the seafloor at Axial Seamount show that the calibrations are consistent with a linear‐exponential model of drift to a RMS residual of ∼0.5 μg (μrad). The calibrated tilt time series was impacted by platform settling for the first 2 years, but after repositioning the tiltmeter, the calibrated observations were consistent for the final year with the tilt observed on a nearby LILY tiltmeter, within an assumed level of drift for the unconstrained LILY sensor. A separate 15‐month test in a stable vault at Piñon Flat Observatory was complicated by seasonal temperature variations of >5°C; the calibrations are consistent with a linear‐exponential model of drift to ∼2 μg RMS when temperature and temperature time‐derivative dependence is included. Similarly, the calibrated tilt time series was impacted by thermal deformation of the SCTA assembly. A future test in a thermally and tectonically stable borehole will be required to assess the accuracy of the SCTA.
Locked Frontal and Lateral Ramps on the Main Himalayan Thrust Beneath NW Himalaya Illuminated by Precisely Located Seismicity
Authors: Shamim S. K. , Ghosh Ayon , Mitra Supriyo , Priestley Keith , Sharma Swati , Wanchoo Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2024

The Kashmir “seismic gap” in NW Himalaya is marked by hinterland‐to‐foreland reduction in GPS‐geodetic arc‐normal convergence‐velocity and increase in horizontal strain‐rate, associated with occurrence of moderate‐to‐small earthquakes. We analyze continuous waveforms from Jammu and Kashmir seismological network (2015–2017) to detect and preliminarily locate 1064 events, followed by probabilistic non‐linear relocation of 360 well‐located local earthquakes, with magnitudes 0.6–4.7 and hypocentral depths 0–60 km. Hypocenters shallower than 20 km lie on or above the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT), clustered beneath the Kishtwar Higher‐Himalaya. Hinterlandward dipping seismicity‐clusters coincide with a MHT mid‐crustal frontal ramp, marking a 50 km wide locked‐to‐creep transition. The frictionally‐locked up‐dip MHT segment is 100 km wide, capable of hosting a  8.4 earthquake, if ruptured completely. Clustered seismicity SW of the Kishtwar Window and to its east illuminate MHT lateral‐ramps, which may limit the rupture width and/or modulate the rupture propagation. Entirely seismogenic underthrust Indian‐crust poses additional hazard from large earthquakes within it.
The Neutral Water Torus of Europa
Authors: Nénon Q. , Leblanc F.
Published: November 2024

The neutral particles that escape Europa form a neutral torus which asymmetrically encircles the giant planet Jupiter. The study of this structure can inform on neutral escape at the icy moon and on the loading of the Jovian magnetosphere with Europan material. In this letter, we present the first Monte Carlo model of the neutral water torus of Europa. Water molecules are released to high altitude by ion sputtering of the surface and get dissociated and ionized mostly by electron impact. We find that the density of H2O molecules can be as large as atomic O in a large region of the Jovian magnetosphere. The neutral torus of Europa may therefore have a more diverse composition than previously thought. Plasma instrumentation able to separate H2O+ from O+ pick‐up ions could help to advance our understanding of the neutral torus of Europa.
Seismic Image of the Central to Southern Andean Subduction Zone Through Finite‐Frequency Tomography
Authors: Kondo Y. , Obayashi M. , Sugioka H. , Shiobara H. , Ito A. , Shinohara M. , Iwamori H. , Kinoshita M. , Miller M. , Tassara C. , Ojeda J.
Published: November 2024

This study presents new seismic imaging of the Andean subduction zone through P‐wave hybrid finite‐frequency and ray‐theoretical tomography. We measured both differential and absolute traveltimes using broadband seismic waveforms from stations in an array of ocean‐bottom seismographs near the Chile Triple Junction (CTJ) and stations within 30° of the array. These data were combined with the global traveltime data set to obtain a global P‐wave velocity structure with a focus on central to southern South America. The new tomographic image showed the Nazca slab geometry as a continuous fast anomaly, which is consistent with seismic activity and prior slab models. Furthermore, two notable structures were observed: a broad extension of the fast anomaly beneath the Nazca slab at 26–35°S and a slow anomaly east of the CTJ. The checkerboard resolution and recovery tests confirmed the reliability of these large‐scale features. The fast anomaly, isolated from the Nazca slab, was interpreted as a relic Nazca slab segment based on its strong amplitude and spatial coincidence with the current Pampean and past Payenia flat slab segments. The slow anomaly near the CTJ was consistent with the previously inferred extent of the Patagonian slab window. Moreover, the active adakitic volcanoes are aligned with the southern edge of the anomaly, and the plateau basalts are located within the anomaly. Our model showed that the slow anomaly extended to a depth of up to 250 km, suggesting a depth limit that the asthenospheric window can influence.
Color-conversion displays: current status and future outlook
Authors: Li Guijun , Tseng Man-Chun , Chen Yu , Yeung Fion Sze-Yan , He Hangyu , Cheng Yuechu , Cai Junhu , Chen Enguo , Kwok Hoi-Sing
Published: November 2024

The growing focus on enhancing color quality in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has spurred significant advancements in color-conversion materials. Furthermore, color conversion is also important for the development and commercialization of Micro-LEDs. This article provides a comprehensive review of different types of color conversion methods as well as different types of color conversion materials. We summarize the current status of patterning process, and discuss key strategies to enhance display performance. Finally, we speculate on the future prospects and roles that color conversion will play in ultra-high-definition micro- and projection displays.
The HLA-B –21 M/T dimorphism associates with disease severity in COVID-19
Authors: Strunz Benedikt , Momayyezi Pouria , Bilev Eleni , Muvva Jagadeeswara Rao , Chen Puran , Bister Jonna , Schaffer Marie , Akber Mira , Cornillet Martin ,   Karolinska KI/K COVID-19 Study Group, Aleman Soo , Berglin Lena , Bergsten Helena , Brighenti Susanna , Brownlie Demi , Buggert Marcus , Butrym Marta , Chambers Benedict J. , Cuapio Angelica , Lozano Isabel Diaz , Dillner Lena , Djärv Therese , Dzidic Majda , Emgård Johanna , Eriksson Lars I. , Flodström-Tullberg Malin , Glans Hedvig , Gorin Jean-Baptiste , Grip Jonathan , Haroun-Izquierdo Alvaro , Henriksson Elisabeth , Hertwig Laura , Kalsum Sadaf , Kammann Tobias , Klingström Jonas , Kokkinou Efthymia , Kvedaraite Egle , Loreti Marco Giulio , Lourda Magdalini , Maleki Kimia T. , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Marquardt Nicole , Mårtensson Johan , Maucourant Christopher , Michaëlsson Jakob , Mjösberg Jenny , Moll Kirsten , Nauclér Pontus , Norrby-Teglund Anna , Palma Medina Laura M. , Parrot Tiphaine , Perez-Potti Andre , Persson Björn P. , Radler Lena , Religa Dorota , Ringqvist Emma , Rivera-Ballesteros Olga , Rooyackers Olav , Sandberg Johan K. , Sandberg John Tyler , Sekine Takuya , Sohlberg Ebba , Soini Tea , Sönnerborg Anders , Strålin Kristoffer , Svensson Mattias , Tynell Janne , Unge Christian , Varnaite Renata , von Kries Andreas , Wullimann David , Horowitz Amir , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Rooyackers Olav , Aleman Soo , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Björkström Niklas K. , Strålin Kristoffer , Hammer Quirin
Published: November 2024

Host genetics shape immune responses and influence severity of infectious diseases. The HLA-B –21 M/T dimorphism tunes the functionality of natural killer (NK) cells expressing the inhibitory receptor NKG2A. NKG2A+ NK cells have been reported to recognize SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, but it remains unclear whether the HLA-B –21 M/T dimorphism associates with COVID-19 severity. Here, we investigated the influence of the HLA-B –21 M/T dimorphism in a cohort of 230 unvaccinated patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and requiring respiratory support. We found that HLA-B –21 M/M genotypes were more prevalent in patients with moderate compared to severe COVID-19 (6.0% vs. 0.9%). Comparison of age- and sex-matched sub-groups revealed that patients with M/M genotypes required mechanical respiratory support less frequently (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.01-0.76, P = 0.013). Furthermore, patients with M/M genotypes showed a coordinately shifted signature of clinical laboratory parameters, coinciding with elevated serum levels of the anti-viral cytokine IFN-γ. These findings demonstrate that HLA-B variants associate with COVID-19 severity and suggest that the robust functionality of NKG2A+ NK cells in patients carrying the M/M genotype may contribute to protection from severe disease.
Carbon-anchoring synthesis of Pt1Ni1@Pt/C core-shell catalysts for stable oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Cui Jialin , Zhang Di , Liu Zhongliang , Li Congcong , Zhang Tingting , Yin Shixin , Song Yiting , Li Hao , Li Huihui , Li Chunzhong
Published: November 2024

Proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells demand highly efficient catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction, and core-shell structures are known for maximizing precious metal utilization. Here, we reported a controllable “carbon defect anchoring” strategy to prepare Pt1Ni1@Pt/C core-shell nanoparticles with an average size of ~2.6 nm on an in-situ transformed defective carbon support. The strong Pt–C interaction effectively inhibits nanoparticle migration or aggregation, even after undergoing stability tests over 70,000 potential cycles, resulting in only 1.6% degradation. The stable Pt1Ni1@Pt/C catalysts have high oxygen reduction reaction mass activity and specific activity that reach 1.424 ± 0.019 A/mgPt and 1.554 ± 0.027 mA/cmPt2 at 0.9 V, respectively, attributed to the optimal compressive strain. The experimental results are generally consistent with the theoretical predictions made by our comprehensive microkinetic model which incorporates essential kinetics and thermodynamics of oxygen reduction reaction. The consistent results obtained in our study provide compelling evidence for the high accuracy and reliability of our model. This work highlights the synergy between theory-guided catalyst design and appropriate synthetic methodologies to translate the theory into practice, offering valuable insights for future catalyst development.
Interpersonal emotion regulation and symptom dimensions of psychosis proneness in young adults
Authors: Riehle Marcel , Allmandinger Hannah , Pruessner Luise
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the relative associations of psychosis proneness symptom domains with habitual interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) use in a sample of young adults (n = 420, age 18–29). Multiple regression models showed that attenuated negative symptoms were related to using less, while attenuated positive symptoms and depression were related to using more IER. These findings suggest symptom-specific IER patterns across different symptom dimensions of psychosis proneness.
Energy transport in diffusive waveguides
Authors: Mitchell Kevin J. , Gradauskas Vytautas , Radford Jack , Starshynov Ilya , Nerenberg Samuel , Wright Ewan M. , Faccio Daniele
Published: November 2024

The guiding and transport of energy, for example, of electromagnetic waves, underpins many modern technologies, ranging from long-distance optical fibre telecommunications to on-chip optical processors. Traditionally, a mechanism is required that exponentially localizes the waves or particles in the confinement region, such as total internal reflection at a boundary. Here we introduce a waveguiding mechanism that relies on a different origin for the exponential confinement and that arises owing to the physics of diffusion. We demonstrate this concept using light and show that the photon density can propagate as a guided mode along a core structure embedded in a scattering opaque material, enhancing light transmission by orders of magnitude and along non-trivial, such as curved, trajectories. This waveguiding mechanism can also occur naturally, for example, in the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and along tendons in the human body, and is to be expected in other systems that follow the same physics such as neutron diffusion.
Digital detection of Alzheimer’s disease using smiles and conversations with a chatbot
Authors: Takeshige-Amano Haruka , Oyama Genko , Ogawa Mayuko , Fusegi Keiko , Kambe Taiki , Shiina Kenta , Ueno Shin-ichi , Okuzumi Ayami , Hatano Taku , Motoi Yumiko , Kawakami Ito , Ando Maya , Nakayama Sachiko , Ishida Yoshinori , Maei Shun , Lu Xiangxun , Kobayashi Tomohisa , Wooden Rina , Ota Susumu , Morito Ken , Ito Yoshitaka , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Yoritaka Asako , Kato Tadafumi , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: November 2024

In super-aged societies, dementia has become a critical issue, underscoring the urgent need for tools to assess cognitive status effectively in various sectors, including financial and business settings. Facial and speech features have been tried as cost-effective biomarkers of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to establish an easy, automatic, and extensive screening tool for AD using a chatbot and artificial intelligence. Smile images and visual and auditory data of natural conversations with a chatbot from 99 healthy controls (HCs) and 93 individuals with AD or mild cognitive impairment due to AD (PwA) were analyzed using machine learning. A subset of 8 facial and 21 sound features successfully distinguished PwA from HCs, with a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94 ± 0.05. Another subset of 8 facial and 20 sound features predicted the cognitive test scores, with a mean absolute error as low as 5.78 ± 0.08. These results were superior to those obtained from face or auditory data alone or from conventional image depiction tasks. Thus, by combining spontaneous sound and facial data obtained through conversations with a chatbot, the proposed model can be put to practical use in real-life scenarios.
Information mismatch in PHH3-assisted mitosis annotation leads to interpretation shifts in H&E slide analysis
Authors: Ganz Jonathan , Marzahl Christian , Ammeling Jonas , Rosbach Emely , Richter Barbara , Puget Chloé , Denk Daniela , Demeter Elena A. , Tăbăran Flaviu A. , Wasinger Gabriel , Lipnik Karoline , Tecilla Marco , Valentine Matthew J. , Dark Michael J. , Abele Niklas , Bolfa Pompei , Erber Ramona , Klopfleisch Robert , Merz Sophie , Donovan Taryn A. , Jabari Samir , Bertram Christof A. , Breininger Katharina , Aubreville Marc
Published: November 2024

The count of mitotic figures (MFs) observed in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides is an important prognostic marker, as it is a measure for tumor cell proliferation. However, the identification of MFs has a known low inter-rater agreement. In a computer-aided setting, deep learning algorithms can help to mitigate this, but they require large amounts of annotated data for training and validation. Furthermore, label noise introduced during the annotation process may impede the algorithms’ performance. Unlike H&E, where identification of MFs is based mainly on morphological features, the mitosis-specific antibody phospho-histone H3 (PHH3) specifically highlights MFs. Counting MFs on slides stained against PHH3 leads to higher agreement among raters and has therefore recently been used as a ground truth for the annotation of MFs in H&E. However, as PHH3 facilitates the recognition of cells indistinguishable from H&E staining alone, the use of this ground truth could potentially introduce an interpretation shift and even label noise into the H&E-related dataset, impacting model performance. This study analyzes the impact of PHH3-assisted MF annotation on inter-rater reliability and object level agreement through an extensive multi-rater experiment. Subsequently, MF detectors, including a novel dual-stain detector, were evaluated on the resulting datasets to investigate the influence of PHH3-assisted labeling on the models’ performance. We found that the annotators’ object-level agreement significantly increased when using PHH3-assisted labeling (F1: 0.53 to 0.74). However, this enhancement in label consistency did not translate to improved performance for H&E-based detectors, neither during the training phase nor the evaluation phase. Conversely, the dual-stain detector was able to benefit from the higher consistency. This reveals an information mismatch between the H&E and PHH3-stained images as the cause of this effect, which renders PHH3-assisted annotations not well-aligned for use with H&E-based detectors. Based on our findings, we propose an improved PHH3-assisted labeling procedure.
Analytical prediction of electromagnetic performance for surface-embedded permanent magnet in-wheel machines considering iron’s nonlinearity
Authors: Zhang Heshan , Fan Mengwei , Qiao Jie , He Xianjin , Yang Minglei , Tuo Jiying
Published: November 2024

Accurate magnetic field calculation is the premise of electromagnetic performance prediction. Conventional subdomain (SD) techniques assume that the iron’s relative permeability is infinite, leading to falsely overestimated flux density. We propose an accurate magnetic field analytical model for permanent magnet (PM) in-wheel machines considering iron’s magnetization nonlinearity and saturation. Specifically, according to the excitation source and topology, the entire solution domain of the machine is divided into sub-regions such as stator slots/teeth, stator slot-openings/tooth-tips, air-gap, and rotor slots/teeth, etc. Poisson’s or Laplace’s magnetic vector potential (MVP) equations are solved using Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory and complex Fourier series methods in each sub-region. Specifically, in our approach, The Cauchy product theorem addresses the discontinuous magnetic permeability change at the slot and tooth interface. The machine’s magnetic saturation effect is considered by combining the actual magnetization characteristics of iron with an iterative algorithm. The general solution for the MVP is solved using the boundary conditions between adjacent subregions. Subsequently, electromagnetic properties such as air-gap flux density, back electromotive force (EMF), and electromagnetic torque are obtained. The accuracy of the analytical model is verified by finite element analysis (FEA) and prototype tests, which proved that the proposed analytical model can consider the iron’s nonlinearity and the magnetic saturation. In addition, the inaccurate overestimation of electromagnetic torque and air-gap magnetic flux density by the conventional SD techniques has also been proven.
Variable orthogonality of serine integrase interactions within the ϕC31 family
Authors: MacDonald Alasdair I. , Baksh Aron , Holland Alexandria , Shin Heewhan , Rice Phoebe A. , Stark W. Marshall , Olorunniji Femi J.
Published: November 2024

Serine integrases are phage- (or mobile element-) encoded enzymes that catalyse site-specific recombination reactions between a short DNA sequence on the phage genome (attP) and a corresponding host genome sequence (attB), thereby integrating the phage DNA into the host genome. Each integrase has its unique pair of attP and attB sites, a feature that allows them to be used as orthogonal tools for genome modification applications. In the presence of a second protein, the Recombination Directionality Factor (RDF), integrase catalyses the reverse excisive reaction, generating new recombination sites, attR and attL. In addition to promoting attR x attL reaction, the RDF inhibits attP x attB recombination. This feature makes the directionality of integrase reactions programmable, allowing them to be useful for building synthetic biology devices. In this report, we describe the degree of orthogonality of both integrative and excisive reactions for three related integrases (ϕC31, ϕBT1, and TG1) and their RDFs. Among these, TG1 integrase is the most active, showing near complete recombination in both attP x attB and attR x attL reactions, and the most directional in the presence of its RDF. Our findings show that there is varying orthogonality among these three integrases – RDF pairs. ϕC31 integrase was the least selective, with all three RDFs activating it for attR x attL recombination. Similarly, ϕC31 RDF was the least effective among the three RDFs in promoting the excisive activities of the integrases, including its cognate ϕC31 integrase. ϕBT1 and TG1 RDFs were noticeably more effective than ϕC31 RDF at inhibiting attP x attB recombination by their respective integrases, making them more suitable for building reversible genetic switches. AlphaFold-Multimer predicts very similar structural interactions between each cognate integrase – RDF pair. The binding surface on the RDF is much more conserved than the binding surface on the integrase, an indication that specificity is determined more by the integrase than the RDF. Overall, the observed weak integrase/RDF orthogonality across the three enzymes emphasizes the need for identifying and characterizing more integrase – RDF pairs. Additionally, the ability of a particular integrase’s preferred reaction direction to be controlled to varying degrees by non-cognate RDFs provides a path to tunable, non-binary genetic switches.
Universal non-circular cone beam CT orbits for metal artifact reduction imaging during image-guided procedures
Authors: Reynolds Tess , Ma Yiqun , Kanawati Andrew , Dillon Owen , Baer Kenzie , Gang Grace , Stayman Joseph
Published: November 2024

Innovation in image-guided procedures has been driven by advances in robotic Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) systems. A fundamental challenge for CBCT imaging is metal artifacts arising from surgical tools and implanted hardware. Here, we outline how two universal non-circular imaging orbits, optimized for metal artifact reduction, can be implemented in real-time on clinical robotic CBCT systems. Demonstrating potential clinical utility, the universal orbits were implemented during a pedicle screw cervical spine fixation and hip arthroplasty performed on a porcine and ovine cadaver respectively. In both procedures, the universal non-circular orbits noticeably reduced the metal artifacts surrounding the implanted orthopedic hardware, revealing anatomy and soft tissue obscured in current conventional CBCT imaging. This work represents a key step in clinically translating universal orbits, unlocking high quality in-room procedural verification to increase broader use of robotic CBCT systems and reduce the occurrence of secondary corrective surgeries.
Combined transcriptome and proteome profiling reveal cell-type-specific functions of Drosophila garland and pericardial nephrocytes
Authors: Meyer Heiko , Bossen Judith , Janz Maren , Müller Xenia , Künzel Sven , Roeder Thomas , Paululat Achim
Published: November 2024

Drosophila nephrocytes are specialised cells that share critical functional, morphological, and molecular features with mammalian podocytes. Accordingly, nephrocytes represent a preferred invertebrate model for human glomerular disease. Here, we established a method for cell-specific isolation of the two types of Drosophila nephrocytes, garland and pericardial cells, from animals of different developmental stages and ages. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics and RNA-Seq-based transcriptomics were applied to characterise the proteome and transcriptome of the respective cells in an integrated and complementary manner. We observed characteristic changes in the proteome and transcriptome due to cellular ageing. Furthermore, functional enrichment analyses suggested that larval and adult nephrocytes, as well as garland and pericardial nephrocytes, fulfil distinct physiological functions. In addition, the pericardial nephrocytes were characterised by transcriptomic and proteomic profiles suggesting an atypical energy metabolism with very low oxidative phosphorylation rates. Moreover, the nephrocytes displayed typical signatures of extensive immune signalling and showed an active antimicrobial response to an infection. Factor-specific comparisons identified novel candidate proteins either expressed and secreted by the nephrocytes or sequestered by them. The data generated in this study represent a valuable basis for a more specific application of the Drosophila model in analysing renal cell function in health and disease.
Smaller meat portions contribute the most to reducing meat consumption in the United Kingdom
Authors: Vonderschmidt Alexander , Jaacks Lindsay M. , Alexander Peter , Green Rosemary , Bellows Alexandra L. , Stewart Cristina
Published: November 2024

Reducing meat consumption can help improve environmental and health outcomes, yet the effect of specific meat-reducing strategies is context dependent. Here, using decomposition analysis of National Diet and Nutrition Survey data (2008–2009 to 2018–2019), we found that in the United Kingdom, reduced meat portions had the largest impact on total meat consumption decline (52%), followed by fewer meat-eating days (24%), fewer meat consumers (17%) and fewer meat-eating meal occasions (7%). Understanding meat consumption behaviour patterns is key for more effective policies.
D5 digital circular workflow: five digital steps towards matchmaking for material reuse in construction
Authors: De Wolf Catherine , Byers Brandon S. , Raghu Deepika , Gordon Matthew , Schwarzkopf Vanessa , Triantafyllidis Eleftherios
Published: November 2024

The intersection of digital transformation and circular construction practices presents significant potential to mitigate environmental impacts through optimised material reuse. We propose a five-step (D5) digital circular workflow that integrates these digital innovations towards reuse, validated through real-world case studies. We assessed a variety of digital tools for enhancing the reuse of construction materials, including digital product passports, material classification assisted by artificial intelligence (AI), reality capture, computational design, design inspired by generative AI, digital fabrication techniques, extended reality, and blockchain technology. Using action research through a multiple case study approach, we disassembled several buildings that were set for demolition and subsequently designed and executed construction projects using the salvaged materials. Our findings indicate that digital transformation for detection, disassembly, distribution, design, and finally deployment significantly support the application of circular economy principles. We demonstrate the potential of the proposed workflow for industry implementation and scalability.
Genetic linkage disequilibrium of deleterious mutations in threatened mammals
Authors: Hu Chunyan , Liu Gaoming , Zhang Zhan , Pan Qi , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Liu Weiqiang , Li Zihao , Li Meng , Zhu Pingfen , Ji Ting , Garber Paul A , Zhou Xuming
Published: November 2024

The impact of negative selection against deleterious mutations in endangered species remains underexplored. Recent studies have measured mutation load by comparing the accumulation of deleterious mutations, however, this method is most effective when comparing within and between populations of phylogenetically closely related species. Here, we introduced new statistics, LDcor, and its standardized form nLDcor, which allows us to detect and compare global linkage disequilibrium of deleterious mutations across species using unphased genotypes. These statistics measure averaged pairwise standardized covariance and standardize mutation differences based on the standard deviation of alleles to reflect selection intensity. We then examined selection strength in the genomes of seven mammals. Tigers exhibited an over-dispersion of deleterious mutations, while gorillas, giant pandas, and golden snub-nosed monkeys displayed negative linkage disequilibrium. Furthermore, the distribution of deleterious mutations in threatened mammals did not reveal consistent trends. Our results indicate that these newly developed statistics could help us understand the genetic burden of threatened species.
‘Click’ Chemistry in Polyurethanes: From Design to Applications
Authors: Fonseca Lucas Polo , Sardon Haritz
Published: November 2024

Polyurethanes (PU) are one of the most commercially relevant classes of polymers with a vast range of applications ranging from biomedicine to high-performance structural materials. This is mainly due to the wide variety of precursors (polyisocyanates and polyols) that can be used for PU synthesis, associated with the high density of intra/intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and microphase separated morphology. Over the past two decades, the versatility and functionality of PU were increased even further by the development of the ‘click chemistry’ concept and several ‘click’ reactions, together with their association with PU chemistry. Therefore, this book chapter covers fundamental concepts associated with ‘click chemistry’ and polyurethanes, going from the concepts of polyurethanes, ‘click’ chemistry and ‘click’ reactions, to strategies employed for the design and production of ‘clickable’ PU, to the applications of click chemistry in PU.
Application of Click Chemistry in Hydrogels
Authors: Peng Yi-Yang , Raut Sagar Kumar , Ounkaew Artjima , Imbia Adel , Narain Ravin
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the development of hydrogels has gained significant interest among the materials research communities for their tunable properties and unique applications, from smart materials to biomedical applications. Unlike conventional hydrogels, synthetic strategies of smart hydrogels via different click chemistries are robust, efficient, and fast at ambient conditions. Depending on the type of “click” chemistry and molecular structure, hydrogel properties can be tuned for targeted applications. The current chapter summarizes the recent development of hydrogels using various click chemistries for various properties and applications.
Phenoxy-1,2-dioxetane-based activatable chemiluminescent probes: tuning of photophysical properties for tracing enzymatic activities in living cells
Authors: Sidhu Jagpreet Singh , Kaur Gurjot , Chavan Atharva Rajesh , Chahal Mandeep K. , Taliyan Rajeev
Published: November 2024

The structure of phenoxy-1,2-dioxetane scaffolds is optimised to improve their photophysical properties, selectivity for disease-specific enzymes and bioimaging applications.
Lipid-based nanocarriers: an attractive approach for rheumatoid arthritis management
Authors: Zewail Moataz B. , Doghish Ahmed S. , El-Husseiny Hussein M. , Mady Eman A. , Mohammed Osama A. , Elbadry Abdullah M. M. , Elbokhomy Amir S. , Bhnsawy Abdelmenem , El-Dakroury Walaa A.
Published: November 2024

Different types of lipid-based nanocarriers in management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Trends in protein derived materials for wound care applications
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Hussain Saadat , ur-Rehman Mujeeb- , Hussain Ajaz , Akram Muhammad Ehtisham , Shahzad Sohail , Rauf Zahid , Mujahid Maria , Ullah Aman
Published: November 2024

Natural resource based polymers, especially those derived from proteins, have attracted significant attention for their potential utilization in advanced wound applications.
Co-assembled biomimetic fibrils from collagen and chitosan for performance-enhancing hemostatic dressing
Authors: Zeng Xingling , Sun Zhaohui , Chen Lidan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Guo Xin , Li Guoying
Published: November 2024

Modulation of collagen fibrillogenesis by varying the degrees of chitosan deacetylation for the preparation of co-assembled biomimetic fibrils to enhance hemostasis.
Sulfur-hinged L-shaped ligand-based Cd(ii)–organic framework: a fluorescent tool for targeting environmental nitroaromatics
Authors: Rani Nitu , Bhasin Aman K. K. , Husain Ahmad , Kumari Annu , Verma Reshu , Bhasin K. K. , Kumar Girijesh
Published: November 2024

A sulfur-hinged L-shaped ligand-based Cd(ii)–organic framework has been synthesized and structurally characterized and used as a fluorescent tool for targeting environmental nitroaromatics.
Two chiral EuIII and SmIII enantiomeric pairs with enantiopure N-donor ligands: showing strong third-harmonic generation and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Zhang Jinliang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Gao Congli , Li Xi-Li
Published: November 2024

We demonstrate that introducing chiral monobidentate N-donors into EuIII and SmIII precursors not only leads to the switching of the NLO responses from SHG to THG but also highly improves the photophysical performances.
Simulation study of the conformation and dynamics of substrate-supported ring and linear polymer films
Authors: Huang Jianhua , Ji Hongzhu , Zhang Jin , Wang Zhunpeng
Published: November 2024

Ring polymers in substrate-supported films exhibit stronger adsorbability, less deformation, and similar dynamics suppression compared to linear polymers.