bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper oxide nanoparticles induce cuproptosis and ferroptosis through mitochondrial concatenation
Authors: Jiang Muran , Tao Xiaoqi , Pang Yingxin , Qin Zongmin , Song Erqun , Song Yang
Published: July 2024

Our work suggested that cuproptosis serves as a key toxic mechanism of CuO NPs, damaging mitochondria to induce ferroptosis by disrupting mitochondrial membrane lipid synthesis.
Active regulation of protein coronas for enhancing the in vivo biodistribution and metabolism of nanoparticles
Authors: Jin Duo , Liu Manman , Zhang Yajie , Yu Wenxin , Yu Jiaji , Luo Ying , Cheng Junjie , Liu Yangzhong
Published: July 2024

Pre-attaching nanobodies to nanoparticle surface with a PEG spacer offers a strategy to actively regulate protein corona in quantity and composition, markedly impacts nanoparticle biodistribution and metabolism in vivo.
Metalloporphyrin-based highly conjugated three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Dan , Xu Jia , Liu Linzonghan , Sun Qingzhu , Li Shaoxiang , Pan Qingyan , Zhao Yingjie
Published: July 2024

A diagram of a metalloporphyrin-based highly conjugated 3D COF electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution process.
Site-selective editing of carbohydrate scaffolds to access rare sugars enabled by photoinduced radical processes
Authors: Xia Liwen , Huang Qingqin , Dai Lei
Published: July 2024

Herein, we summarize recent achievements via photoinduced radical-mediated strategies that enable the precise modification of carbohydrates.
Atomically dispersed Ru doped on IrOx sub-nanoclusters for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media
Authors: Dong Yan , Li Yanle , Lin Yichao , Chen Anyang , Deng Mengting , Zhang Linjuan , Tian Ziqi , Chen Liang
Published: July 2024

Atomically dispersed Ru doped on IrOx sub-nanocluster is fabricated for acidic oxygen evolution reaction, showing a low overpotential of 237 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and high durability by sustaining a current of 100 mA cm−2 for 150 hours.
Micro/nano encapsulated phase change material: materials, preparation, and emerging advances in the solar energy field
Authors: Zhang Qi , Li Yanfang , Liu Chongyang , Wu Xuehong , Zhang Xueling , Song Jun , Mao Yiqiu , Yuan Kunjie
Published: July 2024

Phase change materials (PCMs) possess high latent heat during the solid–liquid phase transition, making them promising materials for thermal energy storage.
An extended thiophene chain for Ni-based porphyrin derivatives enabling a high potential and long cycle life for electrochemical charge storage
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Ye Chao , Zhou Yangmei , Sun Caihong , Li Tianfu , Peng Xi , Sun Xiujuan , Chen Binhua , Chen Zhi , Gao Ping
Published: July 2024

In situ electropolymerization via extended thiophene groups endows NiT2TP cathode highly stable structure with long term cycling stability up to 3000 cycles with a high working potential of 3.5 V (vs. Li+/Li).
Acoustic analysis of a well-preserved Renaissance music space: The Odeo Cornaro in Padua
Authors: Fratoni Giulia , D’Orazio Dario , Ducceschi Michele , Garai Massimo
Published: July 2024

The Odeo Cornaro is a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture featuring an octagonal umbrella-vaulted hall surrounded by four adjacent barrel-vaulted spaces. According to the principles outlined by Vitruvius, the central octagonal hall was prized for its acoustical qualities, emphasizing sound propagation and vocal resonance. Due to its remarkably well-preserved condition, the structure continues to serve as a prestigious venue for musical and cultural events. This study investigates the acoustic of this remarkably preserved musical space, employing measurements and numerical models. Finite element analysis and geometrical acoustics models were employed to gain comprehensive insights into sound pressure level distribution across a broad frequency spectrum. The Odeo stands as an outstanding historical music venue due to its capacity to enhance vocal projection while maintaining an intimate ambience during musical performances.
A delay differential equation model on covid-19 with vaccination strategy
Authors: Sharma Gaurang , Sharma Amit , Parmar Nishant
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we have extended SEIR model of COVID-19. The model incorporates two vital aspects in the form of vaccine compartment and constant time delay. The vaccination and time delay provide the information about immune protection and actual existence of the infection among the individuals, respectively. The model is analysed numerically and numerical simulation are executed for three different initial histories and constant time delays which affirm the biological relevance of the system. The analysis includes disease-free equilibrium (DFE), endemic equilibrium, and the basic reproduction number. The stability analysis is performed which reveal the asymptotic stability of the DFE when the basic reproduction number R0 < 1. The study addresses the boundedness and positivity of the solution as the time delay approaches zero. In addition, sensitivity analysis and contour plots for R0 with different parameters offer deeper insights into the model. The impact of vaccination and vaccine inefficacy on the model dynamics is explored.
A subepithelial lesion algorithm for endoscopic (SAFE) resection in the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Gupta Sunil , Gauci Julia , O'Sullivan Timothy , Cronin Oliver , Whitfield Anthony , Craciun Ana , Awadie Halim , Yang Jing , Kwan Vu , Lee Eric Y. T. , Burgess Nicholas G. , Bourke Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Background Complete excision of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions (U-SELs) eliminates diagnostic uncertainty, obviates the need for surveillance, and may be necessary for definitive diagnosis and management. Current guidelines lack precision and cohesion, and surgery is associated with significant morbidity. We describe and report on the outcomes of our SEL algorithm for endoscopic (SAFE) resection.

Methods U-SELs were enrolled prospectively over 115 months until March 2023. All subjects underwent axial (computed tomography) imaging and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to exclude a large exophytic component or invasion into local structures, and assess for muscularis propria (MP) involvement.

Results 106 U-SELs (41 esophageal, 65 gastric) were resected (mean patient age 60.6 [SD 13.4]; 51.9% male). Esophageal U-SELs underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD; n = 22) or submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) if MP involvement was suspected (n = 19). Gastric U-SELs underwent STER (n = 6 at cardia), ESD (n = 47), or exposing endoscopic full-thickness resection (e-EFTR; n = 12). Technical success rates were 97.6% and 92.3%, respectively. Among the noncardiac gastric U-SELs, five resections (9.6%) were completed laparoscopically owing to deep and broad full-thickness involvement; five (9.6%) required laparoscopic gastrotomy and surgical retrieval after successful resection and closure owing to a large lesion size (mean 47 mm). There was no delayed bleeding, perforation, or recurrence at 13 months.

Conclusion U-SELs may be effectively and safely treated by endoscopic resection. The SAFE approach provides a framework that facilitates structured decision-making. Esophageal U-SELs suspected of involving the MP should undergo STER. Gastric SELs are best managed by ESD, with a view to proceeding to e-EFTR. A laparoscopic upper gastrointestinal surgeon should be available in case surgical retrieval of the specimen or laparoscopic completion is required.
Comparative outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection for laterally spreading lesions in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Angajala Varun T. , Buxbaum James L. , Phan Jennifer , Dodge Jennifer L. , Mayemura Collin , Ho Melissa , Lit Aaron , Tien Christine , Chang Patrick W. , Amini Maziar , Sheibani Sarah , Sahakian Ara B.
Published: July 2024

Background The role of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for laterally spreading lesions (LSLs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains controversial despite its effectiveness in the general population. We aimed to characterize outcomes of EMR for IBD-associated LSLs compared with controls without IBD.

Methods We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of patients with IBD who underwent EMR and endoscopic follow-up for LSLs, compared with a control group without IBD. The primary outcome was histologic recurrence. Secondary outcomes included en bloc resection and adverse events. Factors associated with recurrence were identified using multivariate mixed effects logistic regression.

Results 210 premalignant lesions in 155 patients were included. By histology, 91.0% were adenoma/low grade dysplasia or sessile serrated lesions. Median (IQR) lesion size was 25 (12–30) mm in the IBD group and 20 (12–30) mm in the control group. Recurrence was detected in 30.4% of IBD-associated lesions (7/23) compared with 20.9% of controls (39/187; odds ratio [OR] 2.51, 95%CI 0.59–10.71). En bloc resection was less common in the IBD group (2/23 [8.7%], 95%CI 1.1–28.0) versus controls (106/187 [56.7%], 95%CI 50.4–65.2). After adjusting for lesion size and histology, recurrence appeared more common in patients with IBD compared with controls (OR 3.08, 95%CI 1.04–9.13).

Conclusions Recurrence of LSLs after EMR appeared to be more frequent in patients with IBD. Given the added complexity, EMR in patients with IBD should be performed in expert centers with close endoscopic surveillance.
Pneumococcal Neuraminidases Increase Platelet Killing by Pneumolysin
Authors: Fritsch Kristin J. , Krüger Laura , Handtke Stefan , Kohler Thomas P. , Ozhiganova Arina , Jahn Kristin , Wesche Jan , Greinacher Andreas , Hammerschmidt Sven
Published: July 2024

Background Platelets prevent extravasation of capillary fluids into the pulmonary interstitial tissue by sealing gaps in inflamed endothelium. This reduces respiratory distress associated with pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of severe community-acquired pneumonia. Pneumococci produce pneumolysin (PLY), which forms pores in membranes of eukaryotic cells including platelets. Additionally, pneumococci express neuraminidases, which cleave sialic acid residues from eukaryotic glycoproteins. In this study, we investigated the effect of desialylation on PLY binding and pore formation on platelets.

Materials and Methods We incubated human platelets with purified neuraminidases and PLY, or nonencapsulated S. pneumoniae D39/TIGR4 and isogenic mutants deficient in PLY and/or NanA. We assessed platelet desialylation, PLY binding, and pore formation by flow cytometry. We also analyzed the inhibitory potential of therapeutic immunoglobulin G preparations (IVIG [intravenous immunoglobulin]).

Results Wild-type pneumococci cause desialylation of platelet glycoproteins by neuraminidases, which is reduced by 90 to 100% in NanA-deficient mutants. NanC, cleaving only α2,3-linked sialic acid, induced platelet desialylation. PLY binding to platelets then x2doubled (p = 0.0166) and pore formation tripled (p = 0.0373). A neuraminidase cleaving α2,3-, α2,6-, and α2,8-linked sialic acid like NanA was even more efficient. Addition of polyvalent IVIG (5 mg/mL) decreased platelet desialylation induced by NanC up to 90% (p = 0.263) and reduced pore formation >95% (p < 0.0001) when incubated with pneumococci.

Conclusion Neuraminidases are key virulence factors of pneumococci and desialylate platelet glycoproteins, thereby unmasking PLY-binding sites. This enhances binding of PLY and pore formation showing that pneumococcal neuraminidases and PLY act in concert to kill platelets. However, human polyvalent immunoglobulin G preparations are promising agents for therapeutic intervention during severe pneumococcal pneumonia.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of The Indonesian Version Functional Assessment of Denture Instrument as a Measuring Tool for Complete Denture Functional Quality
Authors: Rambey Arrad Ibrahim , Ariani Nina , Kusdhany Lindawati Soetanto
Published: July 2024

Objective Making good quality dentures is necessary to avoid patients' discomfort when adapting to new dentures. Several studies regarding the assessment of the quality of dentures have been carried out in many other countries, such as using the Functional Assessment of Dentures (FAD) by Anastassiadou. However, studies have yet to be conducted in Indonesia. This study aims to obtain a valid and reliable instrument to measure the quality of complete dentures (CDs). This study also aims to find out whether the functional quality of a CD measured with the Indonesian version of the FAD Instrument (PFGT) can affect patient satisfaction in receiving CD treatment (measured with Indonesian version of Patient's Denture Assessment [PDA-Id]) and to find contributing factors to the functional quality of a CD.

Materials and Methods The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage was a qualitative study using cross-cultural adaptation methods and focus group discussions with experts. The second stage was a quantitative test with a total of 40 subjects for statistical analysis in the form of a kappa test, test–retest, Kuder–Richardson (KR) 20, and a correlation test between PDA-Id and PFG. Multivariate analysis was done to analyze contributing factors to the functional quality of CD.

Results The final instrument was obtained from the qualitative test, which was tested for content and face validation. The interrater kappa test result of 0.828 shows an almost perfect agreement. The results of the intrarater test–retest (0.564; p > 0.05; intraclass correlation coefficient 0.889) showed excellent instrument stability. The results of the internal consistency test with Kuder–Richardson 20 (1.08; KR > 1) showed good internal consistency. The correlation test results between PFGT and PDA-Id (0.044; p < 0.05) showed a positive correlation. Multivariate analysis showed a relationship between the quality of the CD, the length of time the CD was used, and the patient's satisfaction with CD treatment.

Conclusion The PFGT instrument is considered a valid and reliable tool to measure the functional quality of a denture that can distinguish between good and bad quality.
In vitro Analysis of DSPP and BSP Expression: Comparing the Odontogenic Influence of Bio-C Repair and Biodentine in hDPSCs
Authors: Wairooy Valeria Widita , Bagio Dini Asrianti , Margono Anggraini , Amelia Ingrid
Published: July 2024

Objectives This study compared the ability of BIO-C Repair (BC) and Biodentine (BD) in relation to odontogenic differentiation by evaluating the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression and mineral deposition of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

Materials and Methods BC and BD were pulverized and sterilized (ISO 10993-5:2009). The hDPSCs were the result of primary cultures that were 80% confluent (having gone through the stem cell marker tests CD90 98%, CD105 99.7%, CD73 94%, and LinNeg 0.5%) and reached P2–3 by means of serum starvation for 24 hours. This study involved seven groups, in which the hDPSCs were cultured on osteogenic media with the addition of either BD (Septodont, United States) at concentrations of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:5; BC (Angelus, Brazil) at concentrations of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:5; or the negative control (Dulbecco's modified eagle medium + osteogenic media). The hDPSC differentiation was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of DSPP and BSP expression performed on days 7 and 14 and alizarin red staining performed on day 21.

Statistical Analysis The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tamhane's post hoc test, to compare the differences between groups. The t-test dependent was also used to identify differences between groups.

Results BC and BD at 1:1 concentration, there was a statistically significant difference in DSPP and BSP expression. However, at concentrations of 1:2 and 1:5, there was no significant difference observed in either duration of observation (p > 0.05). The highest DSPP and BSP concentrations after 7 and 14 days of observation were observed with BD and BC at 1:5 concentration (6.6–6.71 and 13.20–13.47 ng/mL).

Conclusion The study shows that BC is as effective as BD in enhancing DSPP and BSP expression and mineral deposition in hDPSCs. The 1:5 concentration of BC showed the highest levels of DSPP and BSP expression and mineral deposition.
The Effects of MMP3 (rs679620) and VDR (rs731236) Gene Polymorphisms on Dental Caries: A Pilot Study
Authors: Özmen Seda , Atalı Pınar Yılmaz , Ağralı Ömer Birkan , Aslan Beste Tacal , Yılmaz Özlem Özge , Polat Tolga , Ulucan Korkut
Published: July 2024

Objective Caries formation is a process affected by various factors. Studies have shown that genetic factors also play a role in caries formation. The aim of our study is to examine the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 (rs679620) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) (rs731236) gene polymorphisms on caries formation.

Materials and Methods Following routine oral examinations in individuals aged between 20 and 44 years, the diagnosis was made according to the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, and experimental group was defined as “high caries risk” (DMFT ≥ 14, n = 28), and the control group as “no caries” (DMFT = 0, n = 28). Plaque index and bleeding on probing were measured from participants with a detailed anamnesis. Periodontally healthy individuals with less than 10% bleeding on probing were included in the study (n = 56). After DNA isolation from blood samples taken from the participants, the genotyping of MMP3 (rs679620) and VDR (rs731236) gene polymorphisms were determined using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.

Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23.0. Data distribution was evaluated with Kolmogorov–Smirnov's test. Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare categorical data according to groups. The results were evaluated using a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results Regarding MMP3 and VDR gene polymorphisms, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of MMP3 (rs679620) (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the VDR (rs731236) genotype distributions of the groups (p = 0.659).

Conclusion Within the limits of this study, MMP3 rs679620 gene polymorphism may have an effect on caries formation.
Effectiveness of Sectioning Method and Filling Materials on Roughness and Cell Attachments in Root Resection Procedure
Authors: Ashi Tarek , Kharouf Naji , Etienne Olivier , Cournault Bérangère , Klienkoff Pierre , Gribova Varvara , Haikel Youssef
Published: July 2024

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to investigate the created roughness and cell attachment of intact teeth (C), obturated teeth with bioceramic (BR), or epoxy resin (AH) after root resection using piezoelectric ultrasonic and carbide bur.

Materials and Methods Three groups of first mandibular premolars were used in the present study: control group (without any preparation or obturation) (C); second group was obturated with an epoxy resin sealer (AH, AH Plus Jet); and finally, the third one was obturated with a bioceramic sealer (BR, BioRoot RCS). All teeth were incubated for 4 months at 37°C. After that, the samples were sectioned using tungsten carbide bur or piezoelectric ultrasonic. Roughness and then cell attachment of periodontal ligament cells on the sectioned surfaces were investigated by profilometer and confocal microscope, respectively.

Statistical Analysis Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

Results After root resection, no significant difference was found between the roughness among the three groups sectioned using the piezoelectric technique (p > 0.05). In contrast, concerning the sectioned samples by burs, C demonstrated a rougher surface compared with BR (p < 0.05). There was a significant higher cell attachment in BR compared with AH in the piezoelectric groups (p = 0.047), while no statistically significant difference was found between the groups sectioned with bur (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Dentists are now focused on the use of calcium silicate-based sealers due to their bioactivity. The present study advises dentists to use bioceramic sealer which could improve the dentin characteristics which ameliorate the cell attachment.
Sonographic Assessment of Isthmocele and Its Obstetric Complications in Subsequent Pregnancies: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Agarwal Prateek , Agarwal Rajesh Kumar , Purohit Arushi
Published: July 2024

Cesarean scar defect represents a significant pathology attributed to the rising prevalence of cesarean deliveries. While not commonplace, these lesions can give rise to severe obstetric consequences during subsequent pregnancies. Given the potential complications, it is advisable to screen for uterine niches using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) or contrast-enhanced TVUS for individuals planning to conceive. Surgical repair and correction of these lesions can be crucial in averting obstetric and perinatal complications in future pregnancies. Furthermore, timely sonographic evaluation and reporting of isthmocele-related obstetric complications can help avoid serious issues.
The influence of mentorship and working environments on foreign language teachers’ research motivation in China
Authors: Li Yanping , Zhang Lawrence Jun , Mohamed Naashia
Published: July 2024

Teachers at Higher Education (HE) institutions are expected to do research. However, the level of motivation to engage in research varies with various institutional factors affecting teachers’ research motivation. Previous research has shown the need to better understand these factors to facilitate teachers’ research motivation. This mixed methods study with 536 English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher participants from Chinese universities investigates the relationship between mentorship, working environment and teachers’ research motivation. Our analysis of the questionnaire data using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) shows the significant influence of working environments on teachers’ research motivation. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and diaries were thematically analysed to reveal that the examined factors have different impacts on teachers’ research motivation on the basis of different university types. Both mentorship and working environments had an influence on teachers’ research motivation. Teachers from “Project 985” and “Project 211” universities had a more supportive working environment than those teachers at ordinary/regular universities who appeared to have insufficient mentorship, poor working environments, inadequate time support, and deficient opportunities to attend academic conferences that affected these teachers’ research motivation negatively. The implications of our study are that university administrators and policymakers could develop practical mentorship programmes with effective assessment measurements of the mentoring process and stipulate relevant policies to provide conducive working environments, especially for teachers from ordinary/regular universities, to enhance teachers’ research motivation and improve their research productivity.
Novel insights from financial analysis of the failure to commercialise plazomicin: Implications for the antibiotic investment ecosystem
Authors: Wells Nadya , Nguyen Vinh-Kim , Harbarth Stephan
Published: July 2024

The need for novel antibiotics to combat emerging multi-drug resistant bacterial strains is widely acknowledged. The development of new therapeutic agents relies on small and medium-sized biotechnology enterprises (SMEs), representing 75% of the late-stage pipeline. However, most SME sponsors of an antibacterial approved by the FDA since 2010 have gone bankrupt, or exited at a loss, below investment cost. Uncovering financial flows related to the development and commercialisation of a single drug is complex and typically untransparent. There is therefore a lack of empirical research on the financial vulnerabilities of these critical SMEs. The development of plazomicin by Achaogen (2004–2019) entailed financial disclosures as a public company enabling application of financial analysis methods to: determine quantum and timing of public and private investments; quantify development costs; and provide a deeper understanding of the role of capital market dependency in exacerbating pipeline fragility. Achaogen’s widely cited bankruptcy, and plazomicin’s commercialisation failure, created a perception that novel antibiotics have zero market value, causing investors to question the SME developer business model. Our analysis of Achaogen’s inability to fund commercialisation suggests three key implications for the antibiotic investment ecosystem: (1) novel antibiotics with narrow approval for small patient populations affected by severe resistant infections cannot be successfully commercialised in the current US antibiotic market; (2) SMEs need incentive payments structured to enable them to survive the commercialisation cashflow drought, and (3) these changes are necessary to restore industry and financial investor confidence in the antibiotic SME development model. Achaogen’s demise demonstrates that proposals to incentivise innovation, e.g. by providing one-off payments at registration, may be insufficient to ensure access to novel antibiotics developed by SMEs. In plazomicin’s case, moreover, US government biosecurity investments have not resulted in access, as the Indian and Chinese companies which bought post-bankruptcy rights have not widely commercialised the drug. This study is timely as new market-based incentives are currently being proposed by the US, EU, Canada and Japan. In order to make further government funding effective, ensuring access, not only innovation, these must support sustainable financial models for the SMEs critical to novel antibiotic development.
Structural phase transition, relaxor behavior, and ultra-low strain hysteresis in BaTiO3 ceramics modified by BiYO3
Authors: Ma Cuiying , Liang Ruinan , Liu Jia , Shang Furong , Cheng Zhimin , Du Huiling
Published: July 2024

In this study, the structural properties, phase transition, relaxor behavior, and strain properties of (1−x)BaTiO3‒xBiYO3 (x= 0.02‒0.15 mol) ceramics were investigated. The room temperature x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy results reveal that (1−x)BaTiO3‒xBiYO3 ceramics undergo phase transition from tetragonal to pseudo-cubic structure with x increasing. The curves of dielectric constant and loss tangent as a function of temperature and frequency show that the dielectric constant was changing from being dependent on temperature to being independent of it upon increasing BiYO3 amount, which is induced obvious dielectric relaxation behavior. Slimmer polarization–electric field (P–E) loops and lower remnant polarization (Pr
) were observed for samples with x ⩾ 0.08. The transition between the ferroelectric and relaxor states leads to the narrow strain–electric field (S–E) loops, which exhibit a high electric field-induced strain of 0.192% and an ultra-low strain hysteresis of 10.4% at an electric field of 70 kV cm−1 for x= 0.04. This excellent performance indicates that 0.96BaTiO3‒0.04BiYO3 ceramic may be promising lead-free materials for high-precision displacement actuators applications.
Design of FDM fabricated poly-lactic acid parts with forced-air cooling speed as the new control parameter to tune its shape memory effect
Authors: Lee Chun-Ying , Liu Chung-Yin , Hadas Zdenek , Stachiv Ivo
Published: July 2024

Poly lactic acid (PLA) as one of the shape memory polymers has extensively been used as the material in the 3D printing by fused deposition modeling process. In this study, we introduced the forced-air cooling speed as new control parameter in the fabrication process. A commercial material extrusion printer was retrofitted with a control module of forced-air cooling system. The shape memory effects of the PLA printed in different cooling speeds from 0–5 m s−1 were first measured by submerging the printed coupon specimens into water bath at recovery temperature. It is found that the changes in dimensions were mainly anisotropic and dependent of the raster angle in printing, in addition to the controlled cooling speed. The shape memory strains were roughly in linear trend with the magnitude of cooling air speed. In other words, the shape memory effect of the PLA can be easily controlled by the cooling air speed in fabrication. X-ray diffraction measurement on the specimens before and after recovery treatment confirmed the shape memory effect was related to the partial crystallization of molecular structure. Moreover, the different cooling air speeds also induced different thermal stresses in the printed specimens which manifest its important role in the total shape memory strain. Finally, the proposed theoretical beam formulation for the recovery bending deflection was shown to have good prediction accuracy comparing with experimental measurements.
Auditory nerve fiber excitability for alternative electrode placement in the obstructed human cochlea: electrode insertion in scala vestibuli versus scala tympani
Authors: Fellner Andreas , Wenger Cornelia , Heshmat Amirreza , Rattay Frank
Published: July 2024

Objective. The cochlear implant (CI) belongs to the most successful neuro-prostheses. Traditionally, the stimulating electrode arrays are inserted into the scala tympani (ST), the lower cochlear cavity, which enables simple surgical access. However, often deep insertion is blocked, e.g. by ossification, and the auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) of lower frequency regions cannot be stimulated causing severe restrictions in speech understanding. As an alternative, the CI can be inserted into the scala vestibuli (SV), the other upper cochlear cavity. Approach. In this computational study, the excitability of 25 ANFs are compared for stimulation with ST and SV implants. We employed a 3-dimensional realistic human cochlear model with lateral wall electrodes based on a μ-CT dataset and manually traced fibers. A finite element approach in combination with a compartment model of a spiral ganglion cell was used to simulate monophasic stimulation with anodic (ANO) and cathodic (CAT) pulses of 50 μs. Main results. ANO thresholds are lower in ST (mean/std = μ/σ = 189/55 μA) stimulation compared to SV (μ/σ = 323/119 μA) stimulation. Contrary, CAT thresholds are higher for the ST array (μ/σ = 165/42 μA) compared to the SV array (μ/σ = 122/46 μA). The threshold amplitude depends on the specific fiber-electrode spatial relationship, such as lateral distance from the cochlear axis, the angle between electrode and target ANF, and the curvature of the peripheral process. For CAT stimulation the SV electrodes show a higher selectivity leading to less cross-stimulation of additional fibers from different cochlear areas. Significance. We present a first simulation study with a human cochlear model that investigates an additional CI placement into the SV and its impact on the excitation behavior. Results predict comparable outcomes to ST electrodes which confirms that SV implantation might be an alternative for patients with a highly obstructed ST.
Toward calibration-free motor imagery brain–computer interfaces: a VGG-based convolutional neural network and WGAN approach
Authors: Habashi A G , Azab Ahmed M , Eldawlatly Seif , Aly Gamal M
Published: July 2024

Objective. Motor imagery (MI) represents one major paradigm of Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) in which users rely on their electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control the movement of objects. However, due to the inter-subject variability, MI BCIs require recording subject-dependent data to train machine learning classifiers that are used to identify the intended motor action. This represents a challenge in developing MI BCIs as it complicates its calibration and hinders the wide adoption of such a technology. Approach. This study focuses on enhancing cross-subject (CS) MI EEG classification using EEG spectrum images. The proposed calibration-free approach employs deep learning techniques for MI classification and Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks (WGAN) for data augmentation. The proposed WGAN generates synthetic spectrum images from the recorded MI-EEG to expand the training dataset; aiming to enhance the classifier’s performance. The proposed approach eliminates the need for any calibration data from the target subject, making it more suitable for real-world applications. Main results. To assess the robustness and efficacy of the proposed framework, we utilized the BCI competition IV-2B, IV-2 A, and IV-1 benchmark datasets, employing leave one-subject out validation. Our results demonstrate that using the proposed modified VGG-CNN classifier in addition to WGAN-generated data for augmentation leads to an enhancement in CS accuracy outperforming state-of-the-art methods. Significance. This approach could represent one step forward towards developing calibration-free BCI systems and hence broaden their applications.
Relevance of surface albedo to forestry policy in high latitude and altitude regions may be overvalued
Authors: Bright Ryan M , Cattaneo Nicolas , Antón-Fernández Clara , Eisner Stephanie , Astrup Rasmus
Published: July 2024

Forest restoration and improved forest management are seen as options to enhance terrestrial carbon dioxide removal in many regions, yet concerns surrounding their potentially adverse surface albedo impacts exist, particularly in high latitude and altitude regions. Such concerns are often based on generalized conclusions rooted in analyses carried out over broad spatial extents at coarse resolutions. The impacts of surface albedo change are highly sensitive to local environmental factors governing both the surface albedo and solar radiation budgets, and many previous assessments either do not sufficiently deal with such sensitivities or do not qualify the conditions under which they are relevant. Using the country of Norway with its diverse gradients in topography and climate as an ideal case study region, we seek clarity to the question of whether surface albedo is relevant to consider in forestry planning, and if so, what are the important factors determining it. We find that the adverse impact of a forest’s albedo outweighs its carbon cycle benefit on only ∼4% of Norway’s total forested area, reducing to <∼1% when future climate changes are considered. Our findings challenge the common perception that surface albedo concerns are highly relevant to forestry planning at high latitudes and emphasize the importance of carrying out albedo impact assessments at spatial scales aligning with those of local forestry planning.
On the integrability of three two-component bi-Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Zang Liming , Zhang Qian , Liu Q P
Published: July 2024

The compatible trios of two-component homogeneous Hamiltonian operators were classified and some bi-Hamiltonian systems were constructed by Lorenzoni et al (2018 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor.
51 045202). In this paper, we study three two-component bi-Hamiltonian systems proposed by them. By means of the prolongation structure technique, we construct the missing Lax representations for those systems and confirm their integrability. Furthermore, we explore the possible connections between those systems and the known integrable systems.
Helicity of magnetic fields associated with non-relativistic electron vortex beams
Authors: Alsaawi N , Lembessis V E , Lyras A , Babiker M , Yuan J
Published: July 2024

The helicities of the magnetic fields associated with non-relativistic electron vortex beams are considered for radially extended Bessel modes. Investigating the helicity density of this system lies in realizing the unique electric and magnetic properties of electron vortex beams that influence their interactions with matter. We have evaluated the vector potential components needed for the derivation of the magnetic helicity density and found that this has a non-zero distribution. This is attributed entirely to the cylindrically symmetric density flux of the electron beam, which scales with the winding number

ℓ

. It is also related to the magnetic moments of the electron oriented along the z-direction, giving rise to the z-component of the magnetic field. We obtain different helicity distributions for different signs of winding number

±
ℓ

, which confirms the chiral character of the magnetic fields associated with the electron vortex beam. The physical consequences of taking the spin current density into consideration are also examined. This allows a comparison to be made between the evaluated total current helicities, one with and one without including the spin-polarization.
Improve anti-glare ability of helicopters based on the anti-reflective structure of bionic moth eyes
Authors: Dong Shihui , Zhang Bo , Xu Hongbo
Published: July 2024

This thesis focuses on the issue of glare during helicopter night navigation, which is caused by the high reflectivity of cockpit instruments, displays, and windshield surfaces. This can result in pilot eye fatigue and pose a serious threat to flight safety. To address this problem, a bionic moth eye antireflection structure is designed and prepared on the windshield glass surface using a combination of self-assembly and reactive ion beam technology. The aim is to reduce the surface reflectivity of the windshield glass and prevent glare. The anti-reflective structure comprises of conical structures with a size cycle of 15 nm and a structure height of 2000 nm. The surface of both sides is microstructured, resulting in a reduction of surface reflectivity from 8% to 0.5% at the wavelength of 300 nm to 800 nm. The passing rate is increased from 92% to 99.5%, and the applicable angle is greater than 50°). The anti-glare ability is improved by about 16 times. This thesis proposes a solution to the problem of glare during helicopter night navigation by designing and implementing a bionic moth eye antireflection structure on the windshield glass surface using self-assembly and reactive ion beam technology. The results show a significant reduction in surface reflectivity and improved anti-glare ability, which can contribute to enhancing flight safety.
Aqueous electrolyte additives for zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Zhuoxi , Huang Zhaodong , Zhang Rong , Hou Yue , Zhi Chunyi
Published: July 2024

Because of their high safety, low cost, and high volumetric specific capacity, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered promising next-generation energy storage devices, especially given their high potential for large-scale energy storage. Despite these advantages, many problems remain for ZIBs—such as Zn dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and Zn anode corrosion—which significantly reduce the coulomb efficiency and reversibility of the battery and limit its cycle lifespan, resulting in much uncertainty in terms of its practical applications. Numerous electrolyte additives have been proposed in recent years to solve the aforementioned problems. This review focuses on electrolyte additives and discusses the different substances employed as additives to overcome the problems by altering the Zn2+ solvation structure, creating a protective layer at the anode–electrolyte interface, and modulating the Zn2+ distribution to be even and Zn deposition to be uniform. On the basis of the review, the possible research strategies, future directions of electrolyte additive development, and the existing problems to be solved are also described.
Recent advances in nature inspired triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered systems
Authors: Zhang Baosen , Jiang Yunchong , Ren Tianci , Chen Baojin , Zhang Renyun , Mao Yanchao
Published: July 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) stand at the forefront of energy harvesting innovation, transforming mechanical energy into electrical power through triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. This groundbreaking technology addresses the urgent need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions, opening new avenues for self-powered systems. Despite their potential, TENGs face challenges such as material optimization for enhanced triboelectric effects, scalability, and improving conversion efficiency under varied conditions. Durability and environmental stability also pose significant hurdles, necessitating further research towards more resilient systems. Nature inspired TENG designs offer promising solutions by emulating biological processes and structures, such as the energy mechanisms of plants and the textured surfaces of animal skins. This biomimetic approach has led to notable improvements in material properties, structural designs, and overall TENG performance, including enhanced energy conversion efficiency and environmental robustness. The exploration into bio-inspired TENGs has unlocked new possibilities in energy harvesting, self-powered sensing, and wearable electronics, emphasizing reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency through innovative design. This review encapsulates the challenges and advancements in nature inspired TENGs, highlighting the integration of biomimetic principles to overcome current limitations. By focusing on augmented electrical properties, biodegradability, and self-healing capabilities, nature inspired TENGs pave the way for more sustainable and versatile energy solutions.
ANFIS-based control of resonant converters for optimized charging system of electric vehicle (EV) batteries
Authors: Verma Sapna B , Pandey Ashok K
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a resonant converter-based Electric Vehicle (EV) battery charging module utilizing Proportional-Integral (PI) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) control for an optimized charging system. The EV charging module is integrated with a resonant converter comprising a full bridge, HFTF, and DBR. The module utilizes a Resonant Converter which reduces the switching loss incurred during converter operation at high frequency by offering ZCS or ZVS at the switching time. A standard PI Controller manages the duty ratios of the primary full bridge switches with tuned gains. The CC and CV controllers each have their own PI Controller for current and voltage, respectively. To enhance the performance of the EV System, the standard PI Controllers in both the CC and CV control systems are replaced with ANFIS Controllers which are trained as per the data generated by the CC and CV control using an optimization technique that controls the duty ratio of the switches. The proposed ANFIS-based and PI-based control strategy provides an adaptive and flexible approach to control the battery voltage and current by intelligent adjustment of Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) operation modes and the passive elements switching across specific ranges of State-Of-Charge (SOC) to enhance the performance and safety of the charging system. MATLAB Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed ANFIS-based control reduces current ripple content compared to PI-based control. The ANFIS Controller improves overall battery performance, reliability, and stability, which makes it a better choice for next-generation EV charging systems.
Transfer learning with generative models for object detection on limited datasets
Authors: Paiano M , Martina S , Giannelli C , Caruso F
Published: July 2024

The availability of data is limited in some fields, especially for object detection tasks, where it is necessary to have correctly labeled bounding boxes around each object. A notable example of such data scarcity is found in the domain of marine biology, where it is useful to develop methods to automatically detect submarine species for environmental monitoring. To address this data limitation, the state-of-the-art machine learning strategies employ two main approaches. The first involves pretraining models on existing datasets before generalizing to the specific domain of interest. The second strategy is to create synthetic datasets specifically tailored to the target domain using methods like copy-paste techniques or ad-hoc simulators. The first strategy often faces a significant domain shift, while the second demands custom solutions crafted for the specific task. In response to these challenges, here we propose a transfer learning framework that is valid for a generic scenario. In this framework, generated images help to improve the performances of an object detector in a few-real data regime. This is achieved through a diffusion-based generative model that was pretrained on large generic datasets. With respect to the state-of-the-art, we find that it is not necessary to fine tune the generative model on the specific domain of interest. We believe that this is an important advance because it mitigates the labor-intensive task of manual labeling the images in object detection tasks. We validate our approach focusing on fishes in an underwater environment, and on the more common domain of cars in an urban setting. Our method achieves detection performance comparable to models trained on thousands of images, using only a few hundreds of input data. Our results pave the way for new generative AI-based protocols for machine learning applications in various domains, for instance ranging from geophysics to biology and medicine.
Quantifying work-related social inequalities in life expectancy: a methodological proof of concept
Authors: Ghoroubi Narges , Terry Mary Beth , Counil Emilie
Published: July 2024

Employment and working conditions are strong social determinants of health, yet many epidemiologic studies fail to account for their impact on life expectancy calculations. Integration of working conditions into health estimates requires both valid methodology and data sources. Using the French national Health and Career Path Survey and French life tables, we quantified the impact of 4 major work-related factors (lack of job control, job insecurity, unemployment, and occupational physical activity) in explaining socio-occupational inequalities in life expectancy. Using a formula-based approach, we computed work-related loss in life expectancy according to socio-occupational group, separately by sex. Based on life expectancy at age 35 years, we estimated that 1.3-3.3 years of life lost for men and 0.5-1.8 years for women are attributable to a combination of these 4 key factors. Although subject to sources of under- and overestimation, the differential life expectancy at age 35 years between senior executives and manual workers would substantially decrease if these exposures were set at the theoretical minimum level. This proof-of-concept analysis demonstrates the utility of accounting for occupational factors and the potential to quantify improvements in life expectancy that would occur by modifying working and employment conditions.
Invited commentary: 525 600 calories—how do you measure diet in a year?
Authors: Tobias Deirdre K
Published: July 2024

Nearly 4 decades after its landmark validation study, researchers undertook a major comprehensive reevaluation of the semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Although it has evolved with trends in science and our expanding food environment, this FFQ has been administered continuously to over 250 000 US cohort participants for several decades and has contributed enormously to our understanding of the role long-term diet plays in health and disease across the lifespan. Nonetheless, it is critical that the field take time to validate, recalibrate, and reassure researchers that the FFQ continues to generate useful estimates of dietary intake. There are persistent misconceptions among both nutritional epidemiologists and the FFQ’s critics about what the FFQ can and cannot measure that require regular re-education on the principles underlying FFQ development and validation. Thus, the carefully conducted validation study by Gu et al (Am J Epidemiol. 2024;193(1):170-179) provides an important benchmark for nutrition science, underscoring the continued value and utility that the FFQ brings to epidemiologic research.