bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed light processing of sugarcane juice: quality evaluation and microbial load assessment
Authors: Jayachandran Lakshmi E , O J Sujayasree , Pulissery Sudheer Kundukulangara
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Freshly extracted sugarcane juice is an ideal substrate for microbial fermentation and browning reactions. The present study is the first report on the potential of pulsed light (PL) processing in improving microbial stability with the retention of major bioactive. PL processing at different levels of voltage (2.1–2.7 kV) and number of pulses (100–200) was explored. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of PL processing on the quality of sugarcane juice, bioactive composition and microbial load.

RESULTS

The microbial load, such as aerobic mesophiles, yeast and mold, and total coliform, was reduced to below 1 log colony‐forming units mL−1 in juice samples subjected to intense PL treatment at 2.7 kV. The maximum value of the total color difference of the sugarcane juice was below 4.0, even at extreme levels of PL process parameters. In comparison with the unprocessed juice, the reduction in total phenols (Folin ciocalteu reagent assay) and the total antioxidant capacity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay) was limited to 6% and 16.7%, respectively, when treated at 2.7 kV/200 pulses. The pH and total soluble solids of the juice remained unaffected in all the processed samples. Among the process parameters considered, the treatment voltage was found to significantly affect the quality parameters and microbial load.

CONCLUSION

PL processing at 2.1 kV/170 pulses gave an optimally processed juice with a microbial load below the permissible limit and desirability value of 0.77. The results suggest that the PL treatment is effective for enhancing the microbial stability and maintaining the bioactive components of the sugarcane juice. Furthermore, the outcomes from the present study are expected to pave the way for further in‐depth investigation of the effect of PL treatment on the critical quality attributes and shelf life of sugarcane juice. The technology will be useful for adoption by different stakeholders, including manufacturers and retailers in the food processing sector. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography for distinguishing basal cell carcinoma from dermal nevus: A case report
Authors: Winkler Deborah , Desch Anna , Mireles Martha Paola , Welzel Julia , Schuh Sandra
Published: June 2024

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent skin cancer with a rising incidence. It can imitate benign lesions for example, dermal nevus clinically and dermoscopically. Both entities show specific morphologic features in line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The aim was to differentiate both lesions via noninvasive imaging to prevent unnecessary surgery. A 63‐year‐old woman presented with a light brownish nodule on the left cheek and a brownish nodule on the right nasal slope/cheek, which were both evident since a few months. The clinical and dermoscopic appearance of both lesions was very similar including the differential diagnosis of a dermal nevus or BCC. Dynamic OCT of the lesion on the left cheek showed multiple hyporeflective nodules in the dermis with hypervascularization. Using LC‐OCT several hyporeflective round to ovoid nodules with hyporeflective clefting embedded in a hyperreflective surrounding connective tissue could be observed. These specific morphological criteria called millefeuille pattern led to the diagnosis of a nodular BCC. The lesion of the right cheek presented with a thickened epidermis and elongated rete ridges in dynamic OCT. Upon LC‐OCT examination a so‐called large wave like pattern presenting as undulating hyporeflective and hyperreflective lobular structures could be identified. Therefore, the diagnosis of a dermal nevus was made. Both lesions were identified correctly as confirmed histopathologically after shave excision. Since BCC can imitate benign lesions for example, dermal nevi, the use of OCT and LC‐OCT can facilitate the identification of BCC and its imitators. Noninvasive imaging can help to avoid unnecessary biopsy especially in areas where the skin is vulnerable to punch biopsy.
Effect of vegetation introduction versus natural recovery on topsoil properties in the dried Aral Sea bed
Authors: Kim Gaeun , Ahn Jieun , Chang Hanna , An Jiae , Khamzina Asia , Kim Gwangeun , Son Yowhan
Published: June 2024

Desiccation of the Aral Sea has resulted in the emergence of vast saline and flat terrains, jeopardizing human health and agricultural activities because of sand and dust storms. Vegetation, mainly indigenous Haloxylon species, has been introduced to ameliorate the soil. As a critical indicator of rehabilitation, the physicochemical properties of soil after the introduction of vegetation remain poorly understood. This study examined (1) the changes in topsoil properties after vegetation establishment based on a 30‐year chronosequence and employed (2) site comparisons of topsoil properties between two cases of natural versus introduced vegetation on a dried Aral Sea bed. Twelve paired areas that were naturally or artificially vegetated during 1990, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2013, and 2017 were selected for examination. Irrespective of vegetation type, increases in organic matter and nutrients (TOC >90%, TN >143%, and P2O5 >23%) were detected in the surface soil (0–10 cm) along the 30‐year chronosequence. In addition, decreases in ECe (92% and 69%), CEC (41% and 11%), Ca2+ (38% and 12%), and TIC (81% and 11%) were observed in both natural and introduced vegetation, respectively. The introduced vegetation was associated with a slightly greater accumulation of soil K+ and TN than the natural vegetation. Our results indicate vegetation‐derived nutrient and organic matter accumulation as well as the possible removal of salts by root exudates in the surface soil. Overall, vegetation contributed to soil amelioration, with similar effects observed at naturally and artificially vegetated sites.
Photosynthetic processes in Antarctic sea ice during the spring melt
Authors: Young Jodi N. , Rundell Susan , Cooper Zachary S. , Dawson Hannah M. , Carpenter Shelly D. , Ryan‐Keogh Thomas , Rowland Elden , Bertrand Erin M. , Deming Jody W.
Published: June 2024

High‐latitude oceans experience strong seasonality where low light limits photosynthetic activity most of the year. This limitation is pronounced for algae within and underlying sea ice, and these algae are uniquely acclimated to low light levels. During spring melt, however, light intensity and daylength increase drastically, triggering blooms of ice algae that play important roles in carbon cycling and ecosystem productivity. How the algae acclimate to this dynamic and heterogeneous environment is poorly understood. Here, we measured 14C‐carbon fixation rates, photophysiology, and ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) content of sea‐ice algae in coastal waters near the western Antarctic Peninsula during spring, ranging from a low‐light‐acclimated, bottom community to a light‐saturated bloom. Carbon fixation rates by sea‐ice algae were similar to other Antarctic sea‐ice measurements (2–49 mg C m−2 d−1), and there was little phytoplankton biomass in the underlying water at the time of sampling. Net‐to‐gross ratios of carbon fixation were generally high and showed no relationship with ice type. We found algal photophysiology and Rubisco concentrations varied in relation to the different types of ice, altering the balance between the photochemical and biochemical processes that constrain carbon fixation rates. For algae inhabiting the bottom layers of sea ice, rates of carbon fixation were largely constrained by light availability whereas in surface seawater, interior and rotten/brash ice, carbon fixation rates could be calculated with reasonable accuracy from measurements of Rubisco concentrations. This work provides additional insight and means to evaluate carbon fixation rates as sea ice continues to change in future.
Multiplicity of solutions for a class of nonhomogeneous quasilinear elliptic system with locally symmetric condition in ℝN
Authors: Liu Cuiling , Zhang Xingyong , Wang Liben
Published: June 2024

This paper is concerned with a class of nonhomogeneous quasilinear elliptic system driven by the locally symmetric potential and the small continuous perturbations in the whole‐space
. By a variant of Clark's theorem without the global symmetric condition and Moser's iteration technique, we obtain the existence of multiple solutions when the nonlinear term satisfies some growth conditions only in a circle with center 0, and the perturbation term is any continuous function with a small parameter and no any growth hypothesis.
Usual care for low back pain and barriers to best practice: A cross‐sectional study in Danish general practice
Authors: Arnbak Bodil Al‐Mashhadi , Jensen Tue Secher , Lund Rikke Arnborg , Hartvigsen Jan , Søndergaard Jens , Thomsen Janus Laust , Andersen John Sahl , Møller Anne , Nørgaard Birgitte , Rossen Camilla Blach , Kongsted Alice
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To describe the current content of low back pain (LBP) care in Danish general practice, the patients' self‐management activities, and the clinicians' experienced barriers to providing best practice care.

Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study included adults with LBP seeking care in Danish general practice from August 2022 to June 2023. Patient‐reported information included demographics, pain intensity, medical history, treatments, and self‐management strategies. Clinicians provided data specific to each consultation, detailing the content of these consultations, and barriers to best practice in the specific cases.

Results

The study involved 71 clinicians from 42 general practice clinics, with patient‐reported data from 294 patients, and clinician‐reported data from 283 (95%) consultations. The mean age for the included patients was 53 years, 56% were female, and 31% had been on sick leave for LBP during the previous 3 months. Moreover, 44% had seen two or more healthcare professionals in the previous month, 55% had previously undergone diagnostic imaging for LBP, 81% reported using any type of analgesics, and 14% reported using opioids. The majority (91%) reported engaging in self‐management activities to alleviate pain. Consultations typically included a physical examination (84%), information about the cause of the pain (74%), and management advice (68%), as reported by clinicians or patients. In general, clinicians reported consultation elements more frequently than patients. Clinicians reported providing best practice care in 84% of cases, with time constraints (23%) and patient expectations (10%) being the most common barriers.

Conclusions

This study provides detailed insights into the management of LBP in Danish general practice. It reveals a complex landscape of patient engagement, varying management strategies, and differing perceptions of care content between patients and clinicians. Patients were often engaged in self‐management activities and clinicians reported few barriers to providing best practice care.
A general element for shell analysis based on the scaled boundary finite element method
Authors: Lin Gao , Ye Wenbin , Li Zhiyuan
Published: June 2024

A novel technique, the scaling surface‐based Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM), is introduced as a method for formulating a general element for shell analysis. This displacement‐based element includes three translational degrees of freedom (DOFs) per node. Notably, only two‐dimensional discretization for one of the two parallel shell surfaces, referred to as the scaling surface, is necessary. The interpolation scheme for the scaling surface is postulated to be applicable to all surfaces parallel to it in the thickness. The derivation strictly adheres to the 3D theory of elasticity, without making additional kinematic assumptions. As a result, the displacement field along the thickness is analytically solved, and the element formulation is immune to transverse locking, membrane locking, and other issues, eliminating the need for additional remedies. Extensive investigations into the robustness and accuracy of the elements have been conducted using well‐known benchmark problems, along with additional challenging problems. Numerical examples confirm that the element formulation is free from transverse shear locking and membrane locking. Moreover, the proposed formulation is easily extendable to cases involving shell elements with varying thickness and holds the potential for extension to the nonlinear response analysis of shell structures.
Liver‐specific DICER1 syndrome model mice develop cystic liver tumors with defective primary cilia
Authors: Oikawa Keiki , Ohno Shin‐ichiro , Ono Kana , Hirao Kaito , Murakami Ayano , Harada Yuichirou , Kumagai Katsuyoshi , Sudo Katsuko , Takanashi Masakatsu , Ishikawa Akio , Mineo Shouichirou , Fujita Koji , Umezu Tomohiro , Watanabe Noriko , Murakami Yoshiki , Ogawa Shinichiro , Schultz Kris Ann , Kuroda Masahiko
Published: June 2024

DICER1 syndrome is a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by familial genetic mutations in DICER1. Pathogenic variants of DICER1 have been discovered in many rare cancers, including cystic liver tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying liver lesions induced by these variants remain unclear. In the present study, we sought to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these variants by generating a mouse model of liver‐specific DICER1 syndrome. The mouse model developed bile duct hyperplasia with fibrosis, similar to congenital hepatic fibrosis, as well as cystic liver tumors resembling those in Caroli's syndrome, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, the mouse model of DICER1 syndrome showed abnormal formation of primary cilia in the bile duct epithelium, which is a known cause of bile duct hyperplasia and cyst formation. These results indicated that DICER1 mutations contribute to cystic liver tumors by inducing defective primary cilia. The mouse model generated in this study will be useful for elucidating the potential mechanisms of tumorigenesis induced by DICER1 variants and for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of DICER1 syndrome. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Acute fetal leukemia: When should it be suspected? What assessment should be performed? A case series and review of literature
Authors: Forey Pierre‐Louis , Favier Maud , Beneteau Claire , Berenguer Sophie , Da Costa Lydie , Guigue Virginie , Loget Philippe , Torrents Julia , Samaison Laura , Riethmuller Didier , Collardeau‐Frachon Sophie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Acute fetal leukemia is rare and characterized by a very poor prognosis. The aims of this study were to identify cases of acute fetal leukemia and to describe ultrasound and fetopathological findings that should lead to a suspicion of this diagnosis, as well as the investigations required to confirm it.

Methods

A national retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data, prenatal ultrasounds and postmortem findings of fetal acute leukemia cases were collected and analyzed.

Results

We collected seven cases: four in utero fetal deaths, two neonatal deaths and one termination of pregnancy. Prenatal ultrasounds showed fetal hydrops (42.9%) associated with hepatosplenomegaly (100%). In addition, post‐mortem examination (n = 6) suggested a Down syndrome in one case and showed other organomegaly (83.3%) due to blastic infiltration, mainly in the liver, along with extrahepatic multivisceral hematopoiesis. Immunostainings allowed to specify the type of leukemia (71.4%). In one case, diagnosis was made on blood smear and flow cytometry was performed on fresh blood samples. All cases corresponded to acute myeloid leukemia. Karyotype was abnormal in 4 cases (66.7%), including one free trisomy 21, two mosaic trisomy 21 and one chromosome 15 deletion. GATA1 gene mutations were identified in two cases: one mosaic trisomy 21 and one with normal karyotype.

Conclusion

Any hepatosplenomegaly associated with fetal hydrops and a negative immune, infectious, and metabolic work‐up, should suggest acute fetal leukemia and prompt additional investigations.
Polymer‐based supporting materials and polymer‐encapsulated phase change materials for thermal energy storage: A review on the recent advances of materials, synthesis, and characterization techniques
Authors: Nagar Sumit , Sreenivasa Swamy
Published: June 2024

Phase change materials (PCMs) can be classified as smart materials having its applications in varied fields like domestic and commercial refrigerators, solar absorption chillers, air conditioning, free and radiative cooling, solar air heaters, solar stills, solar absorption cooling, electric and electronic devices for cooling purposes and in textiles. Here, in this review, the various polymer‐based and encapsulated PCMs used for fulfilling the above applications are discussed along with their varied synthesis/fabrication methods. Furthermore, chemical characterization is discussed by FTIR for understanding the chemical structure along with functional groups present in the materials. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is also critically discussed for understanding the thermal stability of the Polymer PCM or the phase change composites and the latent heat of PCM melting was also explored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for various PCM which gives insight into the thermal energy storage capability and property. The inbuilt surface structure of the polymer PCM was also tried to be investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which when understood gives a clear picture about the structure–property relationship.

Highlights

Polymeric supporting materials and polymer encapsulation on PCM were reviewed.

The materials used and the synthesis of polymeric PCM were studied in depth.

Chemical characterization was reviewed for chemical structure.

Thermal stability checks by TGA and latent heat prediction was done by DSC.

Morphology was reviewed using SEM for the structure–property relationship.
Synthesis, electro‐optic properties, and performance of novel fluorinated polyurethaneimide
Authors: Wang Long‐De , Tong Ling , Wu Jian‐Wei , Rong Jie‐Wei
Published: June 2024

Urethane imide anhydride oligomers with terminal groups as anhydride groups were designed and synthesized using second‐order nonlinear optical chromophore molecule, bisphenol AF‐type diethylidene dianhydride, and toluene diisocyanate as monomers. Polyurethaneimide (PUI) second‐order nonlinear optical polymers with the structure of imide and amino ester chain segments were then synthesized by the polycondensation reaction between urethane imide anhydride oligomers and aromatic diamine monomers. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PUI reached 186°C, and the 5% heat‐loss decomposition temperature was 320°C. The corona‐polarized PUI had an electro‐optic (EO) coefficient (γ33) of 82 pm/V tested by the reflection method. The loss of light transmission of the polymer waveguide prepared with PUI as electro‐optical material was 1.13 dB/cm at 1550 nm. Mach–Zehnder type polymer waveguide electro‐optical modulators have been prepared based on the properties of the electro‐optic material PUI. The fabricated polymer EO modulators had favorable electro‐optic modulation response performance for low‐frequency electrical signals. The good modulation characteristics of the manufactured electro‐optical modulators proved that the synthesized PUI was a waveguide polymer material with good comprehensive performance.

Highlights

Electro‐optic fluorinated polyurethaneimide was synthesized.

Polyurethaneimide as core material, polymer waveguide EO modulators were fabricated.

The prepared modulators had good electro‐optic modulation performance.
To Dilute or Not to Dilute: Nominal Titer Dosing for Genetic Medicines
Authors: Faya Paul , Zhang Tianhui
Published: June 2024

Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV) has become a popular platform for many gene therapy applications. The strength of AAV‐based products is a critical quality attribute that affects the efficacy of the drug and is measured as the concentration of vector genomes, or physical titer. Because the dosing of patients is based on the titer measurement, it is critical for manufacturers to ensure that the measured titer of the drug product is close to the actual concentration of the batch. Historically, dosing calculations have been performed using the measured titer, which is reported on the drug product label. However, due to recent regulatory guidance, sponsors are now expected to label the drug product with nominal or “target” titer. This new expectation for gene therapy products can pose a challenge in the presence of process and analytical variability. In particular, the manufacturer must decide if a dilution of the drug substance is warranted at the drug product stage to bring the strength in line with the nominal value. In this paper, we present two straightforward statistical methods to aid the manufacturer in the dilution decision. These approaches use the understanding of process and analytical variability to compute probabilities of achieving the desired drug product titer. We also provide an approach for determining an optimal assay replication strategy for achieving the desired probability of meeting drug product release specifications.
Highly Efficient Gallium‐Promoted Cu/SiO2 Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Methyl 3‐Hydroxypropionate to 1,3‐Propanediol
Authors: Zhang Chuanming , Li Changxin , Kang Jincan , Lin Lina , Li Weijie
Published: June 2024

The conversion of Methyl 3‐hydroxypropionate (3‐HPM) to 1,3‐propanediol (1, 3‐PDO) is an important step in the pathway towards the longterm sustainable production of the ethylene oxide hydroesterification. However, 3‐HPM is prone to side reactions like hydroxyl β‐dehydration and low reaction efficiency, which hinders its development. This study presents the first‐ever report on highly efficient gallium‐promoted Cu/SiO2 catalysts prepared using ethanol‐assisted ammonia‐evaporation (Et‐AE) for converting 3‐HPM to 1,3‐PDO. The prepared Cu‐1Ga/SiO2 catalyst exhibited satisfactory catalytic activity and 1,3‐PDO selectivity in the hydrogenation reaction, with a conversion of 3‐HPM of 94 % and a selectivity to 1,3‐PDO of 91 %. The characterisation results show that the addition of Ga increases the specific surface area and the pore volume of the catalyst, and also increases the dispersion of the Cu species. And the promotional effect likely originates from interactions between Ga3+ and Cu0 species though enhanced ability of the latter to activate H2. In addition, the introduction of Ga into the catalyst increases the interaction between Cu and the support, making it more difficult for Cu+ to be completely reduced to Cu0. This increases the content of Cu+ in the catalyst, which is beneficial for improving the activity and stability of the catalyst. This study investigates modifying Cu catalysts to provide guidelines for obtaining high performing hydrogenation catalysts.
Design, Synthesis, and Investigation of Anticancer and Antioxidant Potential of Novel Indole‐Based Melatonin Analogues in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ince‐Erguc Elif , Durgun Kubra , Akdemir Atilla , Suzen Sibel , Gurer‐Orhan Hande
Published: June 2024

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine, MLT) is suggested as a preventive agent and potential therapeutic option for breast cancer via its antioxidant as well as anticancer effects by modulating estrogen dependent and independent pathways. However, its rapid metabolic inactivation led scientists to discover novel MLT analogues. Therefore, a series of new indole‐based hydrazide/hydrazone derivatives were synthesized and characterized as MLT analogues in the present study. The initial aim is to investigate the cytotoxicity of novel 1‐ethyl indole hydrazone derivatives against two human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231) as well as a non‐tumorigenic human breast epithelial cell (MCF‐10A). Selective cytotoxic compounds for cancer cells are further investigated for their effects on selected targets; agonist/antagonist activity on estrogen receptor (ER) and inhibitory effects on aromatase and CYP1B1. Their potential antioxidant activity was also investigated by both cell based and cell free in vitro assays. Possible binding of the compounds to the selected targets is also explored by molecular modelling studies. Nonsubstituted compound E1 inhibited human aromatase and the CYP1B1 enzyme with IC50 values of 0.89 μM and 0.5 μM, respectively. Compounds EI 4 and EI 11 exhibited ER antagonist activity with IC50 values of 2.88 μM and 5.29 μM, respectively. Additionally, both EI 4 and EI 11 inhibited CYP1B1 enzyme within 60–100 nanomolar range. In conclusion among 19 tested derivatives EI 1, EI 4 and EI 11 affected either one or more targets besides their selective cytotoxic effect for MCF‐7 cells suggesting that they can be promising candidates in prevention/treatment of ER‐positive breast cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate their metabolism, in vivo effects, and safety.
Large‐Scale Engineerable Films Tailored with Cellulose Nanofibrils for Lighting Management and Thermal Insulation
Authors: Chen Shaohuang , Xu Dan , Yin Huiting , Huang Renliang , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , Zhang Kai
Published: June 2024

Fibrillated cellulose‐based nanocomposites can improve energy efficiency of building envelopes, especially windows, but efficiently engineering them with a flexible ability of lighting and thermal management remains highly challenging. Herein, a scalable interfacial engineering strategy is developed to fabricate haze‐tunable thermal barrier films tailored with phosphorylated cellulose nanofibrils (PCNFs). Clear films with an extremely low haze of 1.6% (glass‐scale) are obtained by heat‐assisted surface void packing without hydrophobization of nanocellulose. PCNF gel cakes serve here as templates for surface roughening, thereby resulting in a high haze (73.8%), and the roughened films can block heat transfer by increasing solar reflection in addition to a reduced thermal conduction. Additionally, obtained films can tune distribution of light from visible to near‐infrared spectral range, enabling uniform colored lighting and inhibiting localized heating. Furthermore, an integrated simulation of lighting and cooling energy consumption in the case of office buildings shows that the film can reduce the total energy use by 19.2–38.1% under reduced lighting levels. Such a scalable and versatile engineering strategy provides an opportunity to endow nanocellulose‐reinforced materials with tunable optical and thermal functionalities, moving their practical applications in green buildings forward.
Collagen‐Electrohydrodynamic Hierarchical Lithography for Biomimetic Photonic Micro‐Nanomaterials
Authors: McCarthy Emma , Thomas Jarrod , Oppenheimer Roni , Rickard Jonathan J. S. , Goldberg Pola
Published: June 2024

Biologically engineered nanomaterials give rise to unique and intriguing properties, which are not available in nature. The full‐realization of such has been hindered by the lack of robust and straightforward techniques to produce the required architectures. Here a new bottomup bionano‐engineering route is developed to construct nanomaterials using a guided assembly of collagen building blocks, establishing a lithographic process for three‐dimensional collagen‐based hierarchical micronano‐architectures. By introducing optimized hybrid electro‐hydrodynamic micronano‐lithography exploiting collagen molecules as biological building blocks to self‐assemble into a complex variety of structures, quasi‐ordered mimics of metamaterials‐like are constructed. The tailor‐designed engineered apparatus generates the underlying substrates with vertical orientation of collagen at controlled speeds. Templating these hierarchical structures into inorganic materials allows the replication of their network into periodic metal micronano‐assemblies. These generate substrates with interesting optical properties, suggesting that size‐and‐orientation dependent nanofilaments with varying degree of lateral order yield distinctly coloured structures with characteristic optical spectra correlated with observed colours, which varying diameters and interspacing, are attributable to coherent scattering by different periodicity of each fibrous micronano‐structure. The artificial mimics display similar optical characteristics to the natural butterfly wing's structure, known to exhibit extraordinary electromagnetic properties, driving future applications in cloaking, super‐lenses, photovoltaics and photodetectors.
Elucidating High Initial Coulombic Efficiency, Pseudocapacitive Kinetics and Charge Storage Mechanism of Antiperovskite Carbide Ni3ZnC0.7@rGO Anode for Fast Sodium Storage in Ether Electrolyte
Authors: Fang Qi , Ding Rui , Yan Miao , Li Yi , Guo Jian , Xie Jinmei , Zhang Yuzhen , Yan Ziyang , He Yuming , Chen Zhiqiang , Sun Xiujuan , Liu Enhui
Published: June 2024

To explore novel electrode materials with in‐depth elucidation of initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), kinetics, and charge storage mechanisms is of great challenge for Na‐ion storage. Herein, a novel 3D antiperovskite carbide Ni3ZnC0.7@rGO anode coupled with ether‐based electrolyte is reported for fast Na‐ion storage, exhibiting superior performance than ester‐based electrolyte. Electrochemical tests and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that Ni3ZnC0.7@rGO anode with ether‐based electrolyte can promote charge/ion transport and lower Na+ diffusion energy barrier, thereby improving ICE, reversible capacity, rate, and cycling performance. Cross‐sectional‐morphology and depth profiling surface chemistry demonstrate that not only a thinner and more homogeneous reaction interface layer with less side effects but also a superior solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film with a high proportion of inorganic components are formed in the ether‐based electrolyte, which accelerates Na+ transport and is the significant reason for the improvement of ICE and other electrochemical properties. Meanwhile, electrochemical and ex situ measurements have revealed conversion, alloying, and co‐intercalation hybrid mechanisms of the Ni3ZnC0.7@rGO anode based on ether electrolyte. Interestingly, the Na‐ion capacitors (SICs) designed by pairing with activated carbon (AC) cathode exhibit favorable electrochemical performance. Overall, this work provides deep insights on developing advanced materials for fast Na‐ion storage.
Accurate and Flexible Single Cell to Spatial Transcriptome Mapping with Celloc
Authors: Yin Wang , Wu Xiaobin , Chen Linxi , Wan You , Zhou Yuan
Published: June 2024

Accurate mapping between single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and low‐resolution spatial transcriptomics (ST) data compensates for both limited resolution of ST data and missing spatial information of scRNA‐seq. Celloc, a method developed for this purpose, incorporates a graph attention autoencoder and comprehensive loss functions to facilitate flexible single cell‐to‐spot mapping. This enables either the dissection of cell composition within each spot or the assignment of spatial locations for every cell in scRNA‐seq data. Celloc's performance is benchmarked on simulated ST data, demonstrating superior accuracy and robustness compared to state‐of‐the‐art methods. Evaluations on real datasets suggest that Celloc can reconstruct cellular spatial structures with various cell types across different tissues and histological regions.
“I kept telling myself I have to learn; it is good for me and my children”: Motherhood, motivation and learning English amongst a group of Pakistani British women
Authors: Rasool Zanib , Hackett Abigail
Published: June 2024

This article uses an Islamic lens to explore the question, What are the identities, aspirations, and motivations for Pakistani and Muslim women learning English? As Muslim women, the research participants had a strong allegiance to motherhood, with children being a motivating factor in learning English. This study explores how motherhood identities and the Islamic faith intersect in powerful ways for Pakistani British women learning English in the United Kingdom. The way that motherhood identity is conceptualised through the Islamic faith for these learners can be invisible to educational institutions and policymakers. The article offers an alternative narrative by directly engaging with women's lived experiences as language learners, as Muslim women and as mothers, thus contributing knowledge from the perspective of the learners, whose voices are often not heard in TESOL debates.
Enhanced Disinfection Efficiency Using Cu Vortex Diode for Providing Safe Drinking Water: Devising Newer Methodologies
Authors: Dixit Divya , Balapure Kshama , Bhandari Vinay M.
Published: June 2024

The present research aims to refine the hydrodynamic cavitation technique with traditional knowledgebase of Ayurveda for more efficient water disinfection and that has huge potential for implementation in real life, especially for substituting the existing chlorination method for drinking water treatment. The study incorporates use of newer copper reactor configuration, employing vortex flow for generating cavitation for the disinfection of water. Elimination of model contaminant, Escherichia coli, with initial concentration of ∼105 CFU/mL of bacteria was used for the disinfection study. Copper vortex diode with a capacity of 1 m3/h was employed as a cavitating device. The cavitation using copper vortex diode gave significantly higher disinfection, over 30%, compared that with conventional vortex diode, with aluminum as material of construction, under similar conditions. Remarkably, the addition of 0.1% betel leaf oil led to an extraordinary 260‐fold increase in the rate of disinfection, requiring only a single pass to achieve complete bacteria elimination. Furthermore, a notably high synergistic index of 246.96 was achieved for the process intensification approach using the Cu vortex diode. The cost was substantially reduced by approximately three times to 0.011 $/m3 using the Cu vortex diode compared to the conventional vortex diode. The developed strategy offers significantly enhanced performance, as well as a techno‐economical and sustainable solution for drinking water treatment to ensure the provision of safe drinking water. Moreover, the newer methodology can have the advantage of producing no harmful carcinogenic disinfection by‐products compared to chemical disinfection processes apart from sustainable alternative to chlorination.
Exploring the electronic structure of tetrathienylethene derivatives for OLED applications: A theoretical study
Authors: Dung Tran Ngoc , Van Trang Nguyen , Van Hue Nguyen , Chi Le Khac Phuong , Tung Dang Thanh , Chung Tran Thi Le , Dat Ta Quang , Hien Nguyen , Hue Nguyen Thi Minh
Published: June 2024

The B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) method is applied to investigate the structural and electronic properties of tetrathienylethene (TTE) derivatives, specifically for the properties of 14 distinct TTE derivatives. The results indicate that the T1–T14 derivatives exhibit numerous advantages over the parent TTE compound. Notably, substituents predominantly impact the LUMO energy level of the TTE parent compound. Additionally, all modified molecules exhibit lower energy band gaps (Egap) and improved charge transfer capacity relative to TTE. These findings suggest that the T1–T14 derivatives may be promising candidates for use as materials in OLED applications. The values of chemical hardness (η) indicate that all compounds T1–T14 manifest greater softness relative to the parent compound TTE. This correlation aligns with the calculated Egap values, wherein compounds T1–T14 consistently exhibit smaller Egap values compared to the TTE compound. These research findings indicate that compounds T1 and T10 display remarkable and harmonious charge transfer capabilities. This is evident from their corresponding values of λh and λe, which stand at 0.39/0.41 and 0.41/0.41 eV, respectively. Remarkably, compound T1 exhibits the most pronounced absorption peak, occurring at a wavelength of 441 nm. This absorption is accompanied by the highest oscillator strength recorded for the compound, reaching a value of 0.638.
Schluss
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

Dieses Essential hebt die Bedeutung von Innovation, Diversität und Sichtbarkeit von Frauen in innovativen Bereichen hervor. Es illustriert gängige Stereotype und Geschlechterungleichheiten in Innovationsprozessen, die durch traditionelle Ansichten und strukturelle Barrieren erhalten und verstärkt werden. Durch die Auseinandersetzung mit den vorgestellten Geschichten von Innovatorinnen werden diese Vorstellungen herausgefordert, was zu einem Perspektivwechsel und persönlicher Reflexion anregen kann. Die Fallstudien verdeutlichen, dass die Beteiligung von Frauen an Innovationsprozessen essenziell ist, um das Innovationspotenzial der Wirtschaft auszuschöpfen. Die Sammlung bietet Einblicke in unterschiedliche Sektoren und Tätigkeitsfelder und eröffnet so neue Perspektiven auf Innovationsprozesse und das Innovationsmanagement.
Streamlined jet tagging network assisted by jet prong structure
Authors: Hammad A. , Nojiri Mihoko M.
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Attention-based transformer models have become increasingly prevalent in collider analysis, offering enhanced performance for tasks such as jet tagging. However, they are computationally intensive and require substantial data for training. In this paper, we introduce a new jet classification network using an MLP mixer, where two subsequent MLP operations serve to transform particle and feature tokens over the jet constituents. The transformed particles are combined with subjet information using multi-head cross-attention so that the network is invariant under the permutation of the jet constituents. We utilize two clustering algorithms to identify subjets: the standard sequential recombination algorithms with fixed radius parameters and a new IRC-safe, density-based algorithm of dynamic radii based on HDBSCAN. The proposed network demonstrates comparable classification performance to state-of-the-art models while boosting computational efficiency drastically. Finally, we evaluate the network performance using various interpretable methods, including centred kernel alignment and attention maps, to highlight network efficacy in collider analysis tasks.
Essential positivity for Toeplitz operators on the Fock space
Authors: Fulsche Robert
Published: June 2024

In this short note, we discuss essential positivity of Toeplitz operators on the Fock space, as motivated by a recent question of Perälä and Virtanen (Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 151:4807–4815, 2023). We give a proper characterization of essential positivity in terms of limit operators. A conjectured characterization of essential positivity of Perälä and Virtanen is disproven when the assumption of radiality is dropped. Nevertheless, when the symbol of the Toeplitz operator is of vanishing mean oscillation, we show that the conjecture of Perälä and Virtanen holds true, even without radiality.
The Fermionic Entanglement Entropy of the Vacuum State of a Schwarzschild Black Hole Horizon
Authors: Finster Felix , Lottner Magdalena
Published: June 2024

We define and analyze the fermionic entanglement entropy of a Schwarzschild black hole horizon for the regularized vacuum state of an observer at infinity. Using separation of variables and an integral representation of the Dirac propagator, the entanglement entropy is computed to be a prefactor times the number of occupied angular momentum modes on the event horizon.
Structural context of the Flatreef in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex
Authors: Brits J. A. N. , Grobler D. F. , Crossingham A. , Blenkinsop T. G. , Maier W. D.
Published: June 2024

The Flatreef occurs at a depth of 700 m under the farm Turfspruit 241 KR in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The Flatreef forms part of the Platreef of the Northern Limb, which contains magmatic rocks of the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Bushveld Complex. The structure of the Flatreef is a flat-lying to gently westerly dipping monoclinal to open fold, 1 km wide and 6 km long. Distinctive features within the Flatreef include the development of cyclical magmatic layering with locally thickened pyroxenitic layers, and associated economically significant poly-metallic mineralisation. Geophysical evidence, exploration drill core, and recent underground exposure show that deformation had a major influence on the Flatreef mineralization. Block faulting and first generation folding affected the orientation and shape of the sedimentary host-rock sequence prior to intrusion of the Rustenburg Layered Suite. These structural and host-rock elements controlled the intrusion of the Lower Zone, and to a lesser degree, the Critical Zone correlatives of the Bushveld Complex in the Northern Limb. During intrusion reverse faults and shear zones and a second generation of folds were active, as well as local extension along layering. Syn-magmatic deformation on these structures led to laterally extensive stratal thickening across them, including the Merensky-Reef correlative that forms part of the Flatreef. This deformation was likely to have been driven by subsidence of the Bushveld complex. Many of these structures were intruded by granitic magmas during the late stages of intrusion, and they were reactivated during extension after intrusion. Thus, structures were active before, during and after the intrusion of Northern Limb, and the structural evolution determined the current geometry and mineral endowment of the Flatreef.
Magnetic resonance imaging T1 mapping of the liver, pancreas and spleen in children
Authors: Debnath Pradipta , Tkach Jean A. , Saad Michelle , Vitale David S. , Abu-El-Haija Maisam , Trout Andrew T.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To characterize T1 relaxation times of the pancreas, liver, and spleen in children with and without abdominal pathology.

Methods

This retrospective study included pediatric patients (< 18-years-old). T1 mapping was performed with a Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery sequence. Patients were grouped based on review of imaging reports and electronic medical records. The Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s multiple comparison was used to compare groups.

Results

220 participants were included (mean age: 11.4 ± 4.2 years (1.5 T); 10.9 ± 4.5 years (3 T)). Pancreas T1 (msec) was significantly different between subgroups at 1.5 T (p < 0.0001). Significant pairwise differences included: normal (median: 583; IQR: 561–654) vs. acute pancreatitis (731; 632–945; p = 0.0024), normal vs. chronic pancreatitis (700; 643–863; p = 0.0013), and normal vs. acute + chronic pancreatitis (1020; 897–1099; p < 0.0001). Pancreas T1 was also significantly different between subgroups at 3 T (p < 0.0001). Significant pairwise differences included: normal (779; 753–851) vs. acute pancreatitis (1087; 910–1259; p = 0.0012), and normal vs. acute + chronic pancreatitis (1226; 1025–1367; p < 0.0001).

Liver T1 was significantly different between subgroups only at 3 T (p = 0.0011) with pairwise differences between normal (818, 788–819) vs. steatotic (959; 848–997; p = 0.0017) and normal vs. other liver disease (882; 831–904; p = 0.0455). Liver T1 was weakly correlated with liver fat fraction at 1.5 T (r = 0.39; 0.24–0.52; p < 0.0001) and moderately correlated at 3 T (r = 0.64; 0.49–0.76; p < 0.0001).

There were no significant differences in splenic T1 relaxation times between subgroups.

Conclusion

Pancreas T1 relaxation times are higher at 1.5 T and 3 T in children with pancreatitis and liver T1 relaxation times are higher in children with steatotic and non-steatotic chronic liver disease at 3 T.
Evaluating the prognostic value of tumor deposits in non-metastatic lymph node-positive colon adenocarcinoma using Cox regression and machine learning
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Luo Hui , Deng Ke , Li Qun , Xu Quan , Liu Kaitai
Published: June 2024

Background

The 8th AJCC TNM staging for non-metastatic lymph node-positive colon adenocarcinoma patients(NMLP-CA) stages solely by lymph node status, irrespective of the positivity of tumor deposits (TD). This study uses machine learning and Cox regression to predict the prognostic value of tumor deposits in NMLP-CA.

Methods

Patient data from the SEER registry (2010–2019) was used to develop CSS nomograms based on prognostic factors identified via multivariate Cox regression. Model performance was evaluated by c-index, dynamic calibration, and Schmid score. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) were used to explain the selected models.

Results

The study included 16,548 NMLP-CA patients, randomized 7:3 into training (n = 11,584) and test (n = 4964) sets. Multivariate Cox analysis identified TD, age, marital status, primary site, grade, pT stage, and pN stage as prognostic for cancer-specific survival (CSS). In the test set, the gradient boosting machine (GBM) model achieved the best C-index (0.733) for CSS prediction, while the Cox model and GAMBoost model optimized dynamic calibration(6.473) and Schmid score (0.285), respectively. TD ranked among the top 3 most important features in the models, with increasing predictive significance over time.

Conclusions

Positive tumor deposit status confers worse prognosis in NMLP-CA patients. Tumor deposits may confer higher TNM staging. Furthermore, TD could play a more significant role in the staging system.
The surgical learning curve for percutaneous Zadek osteotomy for treatment of insertional achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Hall SarahRose , Kaplan Jonathan R. M. , Phillips Tammy , Jackson J. Benjamin , Vulcano Ettore , Gonzalez Tyler A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The Zadek Osteotomy has been described as an effective technique for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Recently, this strategy has been modified using minimally invasive techniques. A learning curve has been observed in many minimally invasive procedures in foot and ankle surgery. This retrospective study first intended to evaluate if there is a learning curve associated with the percutaneous Zadek Osteotomy. Further, if a learning curve was observed, we planned to assess the data for associated changes in complications and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 98 patients who underwent percutaneous Zadek Osteotomy was performed. Patient charts were reviewed for operative times, complications, union rates, and Foot Function Index (FFI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Analysis of variance was utilized to assess for differences between groups of cases.

Results

Patients included 61 females and 37 males. Mean age was 51.28 ± 11.12 (range 28–81) years. Mean follow-up time was 42.07 ± 12.99 (range 24–65) months. Significant increases in operative times were observed in cases 1–14 when compared to cases 15–98 (p < 0.001). Improvements in FFI and VAS scores were observed at final follow-up within each case group (p < 0.001); there were no differences detected in FFI or VAS scores between groups of cases. There was no difference detected in number of complications between intervals of cases.

Conclusion

A learning curve was observed for the percutaneous Zadek Osteotomy, which was overcome around case 14. This learning curve was only observed in terms of procedure length. A surgeon’s level of inexperience with the technique does not appear to affect functional outcomes, nonunion, or need for revision.

Level of evidence IV

Data will not be deposited in a repository.