bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium phase behavior of gyroid-forming diblock polymer thin films
Authors: Magruder Benjamin R. , Ellison Christopher J. , Dorfman Kevin D.
Published: August 2024

Thin-film confinement of self-assembling block polymers results in materials with myriad potential applications—including membranes and optical devices—and provides design parameters for altering phase behavior that are not available in the bulk, namely, film thickness and preferential wetting. However, most research has been limited to lamella- and cylinder-forming polymers; three-dimensional phases, such as double gyroid (DG), have been observed in thin films, but their phase behavior under confinement is not yet well understood. We use self-consistent field theory to predict the equilibrium morphology of bulk-gyroid-forming AB diblock polymers under thin-film confinement. Phase diagrams reveal that the (211) orientation of DG, often observed in experiments, is stable between nonpreferential boundaries at thicknesses as small as 1.2 times the bulk DG lattice parameter. The (001) orientation is stable between modestly B-preferential boundaries, where B is the majority block, while a different (211)-oriented termination plane is stabilized by strongly B-preferential boundaries, neither of which has been observed experimentally. We then describe two particularly important phenomena for explaining the phase behavior of DG thin films at low film thicknesses. The first is “constructive interference,” which arises when distortions due to the top and bottom boundaries overlap and is significant for certain DG orientations. The second is a symmetry-dependent, in-plane unit-cell distortion that arises because the distorted morphology near the boundary has a different preferred unit-cell size and shape than the bulk. These results provide a thermodynamic portrait of the phase behavior of DG thin films.
Modulation of optical properties and defects of ZnO films with preferred orientations by annealing in different atmospheres
Authors: Guo Qing , Dai Yuxiang , Qi Yang
Published: August 2024

Nonpolar (100), polar (002), semipolar (101), and nonpolar (110) preferred oriented ZnO films were synthesized by regulated growth using the chemical bath deposition method. The crystallinity, surface morphology, and optical properties of ZnO films with different preferred orientations after annealing in different atmospheres were systematically investigated. The experimental results show an increase in crystallinity and a decrease in surface roughness of the films after annealing; in particular, the optical transmittance of semipolar (101) preferred oriented ZnO films was significantly higher than that of the other samples. XPS and PL spectra confirmed that annealing in argon effectively increased donor defects, whereas annealing in oxygen and ozone reduced donor defects in the films, and that ozone annealing was best suited to enhance acceptor defects in nonpolar (110) preferred oriented ZnO films. Argon annealing is the best for the enhancement of donor defects in polar (002) preferred oriented ZnO films. This work achieves modulation of optical properties and defects of ZnO films by annealing in different atmospheres, which provides new ideas for the application of ZnO materials.
Feral cat control: improving Eradicat® bait efficiency and effectiveness for fauna conservation in the Southern Jarrah Forest, Western Australia
Authors: Wayne Adrian F. , Maxwell Marika A. , Ward Colin G. , Quinn Jodie
Published: August 2024

Context Toxic meat baits are the most effective broadscale method used for reducing the densities and impacts of feral cats (Felis catus) on vulnerable Australian native fauna when alternative prey is minimal. Aims Our aim was to assess the efficiency (proportion of baits removed by target animals) and effectiveness (proportion of target animals removed) of Eradicat® baits and to identify how their use may be improved in Southern Jarrah Forest ecosystems of Western Australia. We sought to determine how, when, and where best to deploy baits using the current Eradicat® bait prescriptions to maximise the reduction of feral cats. Methods Eradicat® uptake trials were conducted over a 15-month period using remote sensor cameras (RSCs) to observe animals interacting with the baits at 40 sites. Ten successive baiting trials were conducted, each involving four randomly selected sites (two replicates for each of two bait deployment methods: clusters and transects). Key results The fate of 5658 Eradicat® baits at 2000 bait locations was recorded during 54,361 camera trap nights. Despite occupancy rates being high for cat and fox (Vulpes vulpes), (92% and 84%, respectively), the efficiency and effectiveness of Eradicat® baits was low for both introduced predators (cat: 0.1% and 10–12%, respectively; and fox: <0.6% and 8–20%, respectively). There were no major differences in baiting efficiency in relation to bait deployment method or time of year. More than half (56–58%) of the baits were removed by non-target animals prior to an introduced predator being observed on camera at the bait location. Along transects, there were more cat and fox visits closer to tracks and surface water features. Foxes were also more likely to visit bait locations closer to private property. Younger cats appeared to be more interested and more likely to eat a bait than older cats. Conclusions Substantial improvements could be made by increasing bait availability (reducing non-target interference), detectability and attractiveness to cats. Implications Additional introduced predator threat abatement methods may be needed for the conservation and recovery of many threatened native mammals in the Southern Jarrah Forests and elsewhere in Australia. Feral cat baiting should be conducted within an integrated and holistic invasive animal management system.
The microbiota-dependent tryptophan metabolite alleviates high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance through the hepatic AhR/TSC2/mTORC1 axis
Authors: Du Wei , Jiang Shanshan , Yin Shengxiang , Wang Rongjiang , Zhang Chunling , Yin Bin-Cheng , Li Jialin , Li Li , Qi Nan , Zhou Ying , Ye Bang-Ce
Published: August 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is potentially linked to disordered tryptophan metabolism that attributes to the intricate interplay among diet, gut microbiota, and host physiology. However, underlying mechanisms are substantially unknown. Comparing the gut microbiome and metabolome differences in mice fed a normal diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD), we uncover that the gut microbiota–dependent tryptophan metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) is present at lower concentrations in mice with versus without insulin resistance. We further demonstrate that the microbial transformation of tryptophan into 5-HIAA is mediated by
Burkholderia
spp. Additionally, we show that the administration of 5-HIAA improves glucose intolerance and obesity in HFD-fed mice, while preserving hepatic insulin sensitivity. Mechanistically, 5-HIAA promotes hepatic insulin signaling by directly activating AhR, which stimulates TSC2 transcription and thus inhibits mTORC1 signaling. Moreover, T2D patients exhibit decreased fecal levels of 5-HIAA. Our findings identify a noncanonical pathway of microbially producing 5-HIAA from tryptophan and indicate that 5-HIAA might alleviate the pathogenesis of T2D.
Expanded profiling of WD repeat domain 5 inhibitors reveals actionable strategies for the treatment of hematologic malignancies
Authors: Meyer Christian T. , Smith Brianna N. , Wang Jing , Teuscher Kevin B. , Grieb Brian C. , Howard Gregory C. , Silver Alexander J. , Lorey Shelly L. , Stott Gordon M. , Moore William J. , Lee Taekyu , Savona Michael R. , Weissmiller April M. , Liu Qi , Quaranta Vito , Fesik Stephen W. , Tansey William P.
Published: August 2024

WD40 Repeat Domain 5 (WDR5) is a highly conserved nuclear protein that recruits MYC oncoprotein transcription factors to chromatin to stimulate ribosomal protein gene expression. WDR5 is tethered to chromatin via an arginine-binding cavity known as the “WIN” site. Multiple pharmacological inhibitors of the WDR5-interaction site of WDR5 (WINi) have been described, including those with picomolar affinity and oral bioavailability in mice. Thus far, however, WINi have only been shown to be effective against a number of rare cancer types retaining wild-type p53. To explore the full potential of WINi for cancer therapy, we systematically profiled WINi across a panel of cancer cells, alone and in combination with other agents. We report that WINi are unexpectedly active against cells derived from both solid and blood-borne cancers, including those with mutant p53. Among hematologic malignancies, we find that WINi are effective as a single agent against leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma xenograft models, and can be combined with the approved drug venetoclax to suppress disseminated acute myeloid leukemia in vivo. These studies reveal actionable strategies for the application of WINi to treat blood-borne cancers and forecast expanded utility of WINi against other cancer types.
Effective-one-body numerical-relativity waveform model for eccentric spin-precessing binary black hole coalescence
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Cao Zhoujian , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: August 2024

Waveform models are important to gravitational wave data analysis. People recently pay much attention to the waveform model construction for eccentric binary black hole (BBH) coalescence. Several effective-one-body (EOB) Numerical-Relativity waveform models of eccentric BBH coalescence have been constructed. But none of them can treat orbit eccentricity and spin-precessing simultaneously. The current paper focuses on this problem. The authors previously have constructed waveform model for spin-aligned eccentric BBH coalescence SEOBNRE. Here we extend such waveform model to describe eccentric spin-precessing BBH coalescence. We calculate the 2PN orbital radiation-reaction forces and the instantaneous part of the decomposed waveform for a general spinning precessing BBH system in EOB coordinates. We implement these results based on our previous SEOBNRE waveform model. We have also compared our model waveforms to both SXS and RIT numerical relativity waveforms. We find good consistency between our model and numerical relativity. Based on our new waveform model, we analyze the impact of the non-perpendicular spin contributions on waveform accuracy. We find that the non-perpendicular spin contributions primarily affect the phase of the gravitational waveforms. For the current gravitational wave detectors, this contribution is not significant. The future detectors may be affected by such non-perpendicular spin contributions. More importantly our SEOBNRE waveform model, as the first theoretical waveform model to describe eccentric spin-precessing BBH coalescence, can help people to analyze orbit eccentricity and spin precession simultaneously for gravitational wave detection data.
Polarization spectroscopy of 87Rb-D2 line using structured light: controlling the line shape of closed hyperfine transition
Authors: Akhtar Samim , Das Aparajita , Hossain Md Mabud
Published: August 2024

In this article, we present the influence of structured light on the line shape of closed hyperfine transition

F
=
2
→

F

′

=
3

of 87Rb-D2 line by monitoring the linearly polarized probe Gaussian beam in the presence of circularly polarized pump Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam having different orders of orbital angular momentum (OAM). It is observed that both the amplitude and line-width of the closed hyperfine signal under polarization spectroscopy (PS) are enhanced (reduced) with the increasing values of the pump light ellipticity for the non-zero-order (zero-order) OAM. Furthermore, the dispersion-like PS signal of the closed hyperfine transition is modified by varying the pump power and angular mismatch of the pump-probe beams. The experimental results demonstrate that the anisotropy of an atomic medium can be influenced by the OAM of light and can be further modulated by tuning the ellipticity of the structured light.
Bacteria-responsive drug release platform for the local treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Feng Chuying , Sun Chen , Ho Emmanuel A
Published: August 2024

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection affecting millions of women. Vaginal anaerobic dysbiosis occurs when Lactobacillus spp., the dominant flora in healthy vagina is replaced by certain overgrown anaerobes, resulting in unpleasant symptoms such as vaginal discharge and odor. With a high recurrence rate, BV also severely impacts the overall quality of life of childbearing women by inducing preterm delivery and increasing the risks of pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted infections. Among various BV-associated bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) has been identified as a primary pathogen since it has been isolated from almost all women carrying BV and exhibits higher virulence potential over other bacteria. When dealing with BV relapse, intravaginal drug delivery systems are superior to conventional oral antibiotic therapies in improving therapeutic efficacy owing to more effective drug dose, reduced drug resistance and minimized side effects such as stomach irritation. Traditional intravaginal drug administration generally involves solids, semi-solids and delivery devices inserted into the vaginal lumen to achieve sustained drug release. However, they are mostly designed for continuous drug release and are not preventative therapies, resulting in severe side effects caused by excess dosing. Stimuli-responsive systems that can release drug only when needed (‘on-demand’) can help diminish these negative side effects. Hence, we developed a bacteria-responsive liposomal platform for the prevention and treatment of BV. This platform demonstrated sustained drug release in the presence of vaginolysin, a toxin secreted specifically by G. vaginalis. We prepared four liposome formulations and evaluated their responsiveness to G. vaginalis. The results demonstrated that the liposome formulations could achieve cumulative drug release ranging from 46.7% to 51.8% over a 3–5 d period in response to G. vaginalis and hardly any drug release in the presence of Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus), indicating the high specificity of the system. Overall, the bacteria-responsive drug release platform has great potential, since it will be the first time to realize sustained drug release stimulated by a specific pathogen for BV prevention and treatment. This on-demand therapy can potentially provide relief to the millions of women affected by BV.
Development of an AR–based enrichment module to introduce electrospinning as an application of static electricity principles for senior high school students
Authors: Fitri Indah Karunia , Udaneni Fatoni , Pramasiwi Handita , Harjunowibowo Dewanto , Rezeki Yulianto Agung
Published: August 2024

In teaching physics, phenomena invisible to the naked eye are presented with Augmented Reality (AR) support. This research aims to create an AR-based module exemplifying static electricity applications in technology. The AR module explains static electricity in nanofiber fabrication, specifically electrospinning. Needs analysis reveals a necessity for this module due to teachers lagging in static electricity concepts in the 4.0 era. The module scored 98.00% for content and 88.00% for interactivity, indicating high validity. Linguistic aspect scores 93.33% for grammar and 98.00% for understanding show reader-friendly content. The content agreement is 95.71%, aligning with theory and curriculum. Students rated practicality at 98.41%, suggesting module convenience. Appearance received 96.67%, indicating student engagement, with benefits scoring 96.67%, motivating student learning, particularly in static electricity. The results show a successful introduction of electrospinning in senior high school students. The module triggered students’ interest in motivation, attraction, satisfaction, and relevance, so it can be concluded that the module created is effective.
Variable damping energy regenerative damper for self-powered sensors and self-sensing devices in smart electric buses
Authors: Abdelrahman Mansour , Fan Chengliang , Yi Minyi , Zhang Zutao , Ali Asif , Xia Xiaofeng , Mohamed A A , Mugheri Shoukat Ali , Ahmed Ammar
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the increasing adoption of electric buses (EBs) worldwide has contributed significantly to reducing environmental pollution. Nevertheless, the most challenging obstacle hindering the efficiency of EBs is their power supply. In this study, a multi-purpose variable damping energy regenerative damper (VD-ERD) using a double coaxial slotted link motion conversion mechanism was proposed for health monitoring of the EBs suspension system, tunning the damping during the operation on different road conditions while providing electric energy for self-powered sensors in EBs. The VD-ERD consists of two identical generators; one is connected to optimal constant resistance for maximum energy harvesting, and the other is linked to adjustable resistance for fine-tuning the damping. Consequently, both generators connect to a rectifier and storage circuits. Furthermore, VD-ERD was developed in MATLAB/Simulink to evaluate its performance in damping and energy harvesting in different road excitations. The VD-ERD achieved an 11.59 W peak and 1.84 W RMS power at 50 km h−1 on an ISO class A road and a 36.38 W peak and 6.34 W RMS power on an ISO class B road. In addition, the experimental finding indicated that controlling the external resistance is capable of tuning the damping. Simultaneously, the prototype achieved a peak power output of 10.29 W at 12 mm and 3 Hz. Furthermore, the voltage signals received from the generators were analyzed using a deep learning model to monitor the condition of the suspension system in four different modes, namely slow, medium, fast, and failure; the result shows 99.37% training accuracy. Feasibility analysis and performance testing showed that VD-ERD provides sufficient power to 10 sensors, indicating that it can power the self-powered and self-sensing devices of EBs.
Identification of potential external breakage of construction work areas in transmission corridors based on DETR
Authors: Yang Zhi , Wang Ke , Zhang Sihang , Liu Bin , Li Mengxuan , Liu Yi , Zhao Binbin
Published: August 2024

Construction work such as large-scale machinery may lead to transmission line failures and endanger the safe work of power grids. A DETR-based method for identifying the potential damage caused by construction work in transmission corridors is proposed, which combines the advantages of convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer. Firstly, the ResNet-50 network is deployed to extract the image features of the construction work areas. Then, the DETR network with encoder-decoder structure is used for multi-scale training and prediction to obtain the identification results of the external breakage potentials in the construction areas of transmission corridors. Experiments show that the average accuracy (AP) of monitoring and identifying the construction work areas using the DETR network reaches 0.856, which can accurately identify the potential hazards in the construction work areas and provide data for the safe work of transmission corridors.
Fish-inspired tracking of underwater turbulent plumes
Authors: Gunnarson Peter , Dabiri John O
Published: August 2024

Autonomous ocean-exploring vehicles have begun to take advantage of onboard sensor measurements of water properties such as salinity and temperature to locate oceanic features in real time. Such targeted sampling strategies enable more rapid study of ocean environments by actively steering towards areas of high scientific value. Inspired by the ability of aquatic animals to navigate via flow sensing, this work investigates hydrodynamic cues for accomplishing targeted sampling using a palm-sized robotic swimmer. As proof-of-concept analogy for tracking hydrothermal vent plumes in the ocean, the robot is tasked with locating the center of turbulent jet flows in a 13,000-liter water tank using data from onboard pressure sensors. To learn a navigation strategy, we first implemented RL on a simulated version of the robot navigating in proximity to turbulent jets. After training, the RL algorithm discovered an effective strategy for locating the jets by following transverse velocity gradients sensed by pressure sensors located on opposite sides of the robot. When implemented on the physical robot, this gradient following strategy enabled the robot to successfully locate the turbulent plumes at more than twice the rate of random searching. Additionally, we found that navigation performance improved as the distance between the pressure sensors increased, which can inform the design of distributed flow sensors in ocean robots. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness and limits of flow-based navigation for autonomously locating hydrodynamic features of interest.
Jet bundle geometry of scalar field theories
Authors: Alminawi Mohammad , Brivio Ilaria , Davighi Joe
Published: August 2024

For scalar field theories, such as those effective field theories (EFTs) describing the Higgs, it is well-known that the 2-derivative Lagrangian is captured by geometry. That is, the set of operators with exactly 2 derivatives can be obtained by pulling back a metric from a field space manifold M to spacetime Σ. We here generalise this geometric understanding of scalar field theories to higher- (and lower-) derivative Lagrangians. We show how the entire EFT Lagrangian with up to 4-derivatives can be obtained from geometry by pulling back a metric to Σ from the 1-jet bundle that is (roughly) associated with maps from Σ to M. More precisely, our starting point is to trade the field space M for a fibre bundle

π
:
E
→
Σ

, with fibre M, of which the scalar field φ is a local section. We discuss symmetries and field redefinitions in this bundle formalism, before showing how everything can be ‘prolongated’ to the 1-jet bundle

J
1

E

which, as a manifold, is the space of sections φ that agree in their zeroth and first derivatives above each spacetime point. Equipped with a notion of (spacetime and internal) symmetry on

J
1

E

, the idea is that one can write down the most general metric on

J
1

E

consistent with symmetries, in the spirit of the effective field theorist, and pull it back to spacetime to build an invariant Lagrangian; because

J
1

E

has ‘derivative coordinates’, one naturally obtains operators with more than 2-derivatives from this geometry. We apply this formalism to various examples, including a single real scalar in 4d and a quartet of real scalars with O(4) symmetry that describes the Higgs EFTs. We show how an entire non-redundant basis of 0-, 2-, and 4-derivative operators is obtained from jet bundle geometry in this way. Finally, we study the connection to amplitudes and the role of geometric invariants.
Exact approaches on the string worldsheet
Authors: Demulder Saskia , Driezen Sibylle , Knighton Bob , Oling Gerben , Retore Ana L , Seibold Fiona K , Sfondrini Alessandro , Yan Ziqi
Published: August 2024

We review different exact approaches to string theory. In the context of the Green–Schwarz superstring, we discuss the action in curved backgrounds and its supercoset formulation, with particular attention to superstring backgrounds of the AdS
3 type supported by both Ramond–Ramond and Neveu–Schwarz–Neveu–Schwarz fluxes. This is the basis for the discussion of classical integrability, of worldsheet-scattering factorisation in the uniform lightcone gauge, and eventually of the string spectrum through the mirror thermodynamic Bethe ansatz, which for AdS
3 backgrounds was only derived and analysed very recently. We then illustrate some aspects of the Ramond–Neveu–Schwarz string, and introduce the formalism of Berkovits–Vafa–Witten, which has seen very recent applications to AdS
3 physics, which we also briefly review. Finally, we present the relation between M-theory in the discrete lightcone quantisation and decoupling limits of string theory that exhibit non-relativistic behaviors, highlighting the connection with integrable

T

T
¯

deformations, as well as the relation between spin-matrix theory and Landau–Lifshitz models.

This review is based on lectures given at the Young Researchers Integrability School and Workshop 2022 ‘Taming the string worldsheet’ at NORDITA, Stockholm.
Beam-steering by a phase-transition metal-based 1-bit programmable metasurface
Authors: Das Priyanka
Published: August 2024

Here the beam-steering mechanism is demonstrated using a 1 bit coded metasurface at 2.5 THz. Each unit cell of the metasurface is loaded with vanadium dioxide (VO2) which undergoes phase transition upon excitation by an external stimulus. The electrical and magnetic properties of VO2 change as the transition takes place from insulator to metal resulting in a reflection phase change of 180°. When the metasurface is excited by a microstrip patch antenna placed at a focal distance above it, the reflected beam is directed at an angle of 22°, as a result of anomalous reflection. By changing the coding pattern of the metasurface, the reflected beam is redirected at −22°. Four different coding patterns have been proposed to depict beam-steering action by the metasurface. The maximum gain registered by the reflect-array integrated antenna is 21 dBi at 2.5 THz. THz beam steering assists in forming directional beams which can be deployed in wireless transmission of THz waves.
Surface enhancement on TIG welded dissimilar Al-Mg alloy with ER5356 and scandium composites filler rod
Authors: Raj R Ashok , Chanakyan C , Prabu D Antony , Prabagaran S
Published: August 2024

The effect of different process parameters on Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welded dissimilar aluminium magnesium alloy AA5083-H111 and AA5052-H32 by using ER5356 filler rod and scandium added ER5356 composites is investigated in this research. Extremely required in the automobile and aerospace industries, some defects like micro pores and weaken the fusion zone on the joint are identified with ER5356 filler rod. To resolve these defects, scandium added ER5356 composite filler rod is used to compose the TIG welded joints with free defects. There are three different TIG welding process parameters like Current (A), gas flow rate (L/min) and (0, 0.25 and 0.5 wt% of Scandium with ER5356 filler rod are used by Taguchi L9 method. The macrostructure, microstructure and mechanical properties of TIG welded joints are investigated on all the welded samples. To optimize the process parameter is more significant, therefore grey relational analysis used to optimize the parameters with identified mechanical properties tensile strength and micro hardness, respectively. Out of different process parameters, joint made with process parameter current at 190 A, gas flow rate 10 l min−1 and 0.50% scandium added ER5356 enhances the mechanical properties (264 MPa and 119 Hv) which is maximum than other scandium free ER5356 and 0.255 scandium filler rod and enhanced strength welded sample exhibited fine grain refinement on the weld seam. Due to added scandium on the welded zones, secondary phase particles are generated during SEM examination and the optimized samples were utilized for fractography test to exhibit the ductile nature in fractured area. The EDS mapping also shows the elemental distribution on the welded zones, the scandium plays the major role as a better reinforcement to improve intermetallic strength. Finally, the grey with ANOVA also proves that the scandium added joints achieves influencing process parameters.
Efficiency of reducing silver ions to silver nanoparticle using carbon dots
Authors: Le Thi Hoa , Nguyen Chi Thuan , Nguyen Quoc Hien , Tran Thai Hoa , Dang Xuan Du
Published: August 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been suitably synthesized by reduction of silver ion (Ag+) using carbon dots (CDs) as a reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent. The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficiency of reducing agent (CDs) for the synthesis of AgNPs. The CDs and AgNPs have been characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were also used to characterize CDs. The particle size of CDs and AgNPs was determined by Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results showed that the CDs with particle size of 4.6 nm could be efficiently reduce silver ion at a sufficient ratio of CDs/silver ion to be 100 ml 1 mM−1. The average size of AgNPs was 41 nm. The results of DLS measurement showed that the Zeta potential of AgNPs was −18, 8 mV. In addition, the duration of 60 min was needed to reduce silver ion completely at ambient temperature. The as-synthesized AgNPs may have a potential for antibacterial application and the other purposes as well namely catalysis, biosensor, electromagnetic coating...
Characterization of wood plastic composites made with recycled waste tire rubber
Authors: Shaneei Behnam , Rezvani Mohammad Hadi , Ghofrani Mohammad , Chotikhun Aujchariya , Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: August 2024

Green materials are currently demanded for construction as well as other products since the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021. Using renewable and sustainable resources to innovate new materials such as composites is encouraged. This study aimed to investigate the physical and mechanical characteristics of wood plastic composites (WPCs) when adding waste tire rubber as filler for 10% or 20% by weight. The results showed that the density of the WPC samples (50 wt% wood − 50 wt% high density polyethylene) increased with the addition of the waste tire rubber (WTR) while the dimensional stability of samples was reduced. The mechanical properties of the WPC samples were determined, including flexural strength, flexural modulus, elongation at break, tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength. The WTR as filler in the WPC tended to decrease the tensile strength and flexural strength whereas it improved the impact strength of materials. The results indicated that the WTR as recycled material in WPC affected the physical and mechanical properties of the WPCs. Although the use of the WTR in the production of the WPC adversely affects the mechanical properties, the use of 10 wt% WTR was acceptable. The results of the study showed that the addition of the WTR to the WPC production process can be useful for its recycling and for reducing the cost of the WPC.
Critical Time Intervention in Rapid Re-housing
Authors: Hanesworth Carolyn , Herman Daniel B
Published: August 2024

Recent US policy shifts strongly promote so-called rapid re-housing strategies. Such strategies aim to minimize the reliance on homeless shelters via helping families and individuals experiencing homelessness quickly obtain and retain housing by providing a short-term rental subsidy combined with targeted, time-limited case management. Critical Time Intervention (CTI) has emerged as a potentially promising approach for delivering this assistance. This chapter describes the experience gained in a pilot study that adapted and implemented CTI to align it with the goals and population needs of persons served by multiple rapid re-housing programs in several regions of a large northeastern state. A process evaluation systematically assessed the successes achieved and challenges faced in successfully implementing the adapted model, leading to recommendations for further refinement of the program.
Critical Time Intervention Task-Shifting for People with Psychoses in Latin America
Authors: Mascayano Franco , Conover Sarah A , Susser Ezra S
Published: August 2024

Gaps in continuity of care and support for adults with severe mental disorder are an especially severe problem in developing countries. Critical Time Intervention task-shifting (CTI-TS) is an adaptation designed to address a fundamental gap in the services offered by community mental health clinics in such settings. A major limitation is that these clinics have inadequate resources and training in delivering services outside of the clinic, in homes or elsewhere in the community. The authors first describe their prior experience adapting the CTI model to community mental health clinics in Rio De Janeiro (Brazil). They then outline the main features of the new CTI-TS intervention, followed by quantitative and qualitative findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial testing the intervention in Rio De Janeiro and Santiago (Chile). Although the results were not encouraging for the intervention applied, much was learned about how the model could be improved for future use in this context.
Selected Issues for the Next Decade
Authors: Herman Daniel B , Conover Sarah A , Susser Ezra S
Published: August 2024

This chapter describes several important concerns that either address unanswered questions about the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model itself or bear on issues related to future adaptation and scale-up. These include the need to validate essential elements of the model via so-called dismantling studies; examination of how to best target the program in order to maximize effectiveness and efficiency; evaluating cost-effectiveness, ideally addressing both individual- and system-level benefits; and specifying ways in which CTI can best complement related intervention models such as permanent supportive housing and Assertive Community Treatment. The chapter also considers workforce issues, including greater use of persons with lived experience as CTI workers and supervisors; strategies for effectively delivering CTI via remote technology; and how CTI can be adapted for use in resource-scarce settings such as the Global South. It then identifies several unanswered research questions and considers important issues related to long-term sustainment of the model. The chapter concludes with a discussion of resources and strategies needed to ensure long-range model sustainment.
The Formula of Humanity Formulation
Authors: Zinkin Melissa
Published: August 2024

This chapter argues that, whereas the Formula of the Law of Nature is not deep enough thoroughly to explain why I ought to act on some maxim, the Formula of Humanity gives me a deeper explanation by providing the essential matter of the moral law—one’s humanity. It argues that what Kant means by humanity is our capacity for deep systematic thought. To treat someone as an end in themselves we must therefore respect their ability to think for themselves. The moral feeling that accompanies the Formula of Humanity is respect for reason, which is the only authority that can strike down my self-conceit and convince me that I cannot make an exception of myself. By respecting my own capacity for deep systematic thought, I am also compelled, when thinking of others, to think deeply about them and to comprehend that they are also ends in themselves.
Civil Wars: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Toft Monica Duffy
Published: August 2024

Prior to the 1990s most scholars approached civil wars as one-off events, with little general theorizing across them. That is no longer the case. In fact, in the past 30 years, the study of civil wars has been one of the largest growing segments of the international relations field. Civil wars are nasty, brutish and long. Their causes are complex; ranging from fights over access to housing, jobs, access to arable land or other resources, to political contests over offices, rights, and representation. Because civil wars tend to drag on, motives and relevant actors shift. Groups form, collapse, coalesce, align and realign, and then fight among themselves. Governments themselves change through elections, coups, military defeats, or revolutions. Understanding the origins of civil wars and their trajectories therefore demands some appreciation of the economic, political, social-cultural, and geographic order of societies. If there is one factor that best predicts why a civil war erupts, it is a prior civil war. That’s why knowledge of a country’s history of political violence, and associated narratives about who is to blame and why, are critical to understanding where a civil war might next occur. Moreover, once we have an understanding for why civil wars happen where and when they did, we have a much better sense for how a civil war might cross borders or eventually end.
Sylvia Plath: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Clark Heather
Published: August 2024

Sylvia Plath: A Very Short Introduction provides an overview of the interplay of Sylvia Plath’s life and work. Plath is one of the most influential and iconic American writers of the 20th century. Moreover, Plath is simultaneously popular with academic and general audiences alike. The VSI then discusses the key themes in Plath’s poetry collections The Colossus and Ariel, her novel The Bell Jar, and her short stories. It also reframes her works into the broader context of poetic confessionalism, biography, feminism, politics, and mental illness before examining the ways in which Plath and her works were interpreted by successive generations.
The effects of marine heatwaves on a coral reef snapper: insights into aerobic and anaerobic physiology and recovery
Authors: McMahon Shannon J , Munday Philip L , Donelson Jennifer M
Published: August 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency and intensity. Coral reefs are particularly susceptible to MHWs, which cause mass coral bleaching and mortality. However, little is known about how MHWs affect coral reef fishes. Here, we investigated how MHWs affect the physiology of a coral reef mesopredator, Lutjanus carponotatus. Specifically, we exposed mature adults to two different MHW intensities, +1°C (29.5°C) and + 2°C (30.5°C) and measured physiological performance at 2 and 4 weeks of exposure and at 2 weeks post-exposure. At these time points, we measured oxygen consumption at rest and after a simulated fishing capture event, recovery time, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and associated biochemical markers in the blood (baseline lactate, post-capture lactate, glucose, haemoglobin levels and haematocrit proportion). We found that 2 weeks of exposure to MHW conditions increased resting oxygen consumption (+1°C = 23%, +2°C = 37%), recovery time (+1°C = 62%, +2°C = 77%), EPOC (+1°C = 50%, +2°C = 68%), baseline lactate (+1°C = 27%, +2°C = 28%), post-capture lactate (+1°C = 62%, +2°C = 109%) and haemoglobin levels (+1°C = 13%, +2°C = 28%). This pattern was maintained at 4 weeks of exposure except for post-capture lactate which was reduced (+1°C = −37%, +2°C = 27%). In combination, these results suggest a greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis to maintain homeostasis in MHW conditions. At 2 weeks post-exposure, when compared to control fish, we found that capture oxygen consumption was increased (+1°C = 25%, +2°C = 26%), recovery rate was increased (+2°C = 38%) and haemoglobin was still higher (+1°C = 15%, +2°C = 21%). These results show that MHW conditions have direct physiological demands on adult coral reef snapper and ecologically relevant residual effects can last for at least 2 weeks post-MHW; however, individuals appear to recover from the negative effects experienced during the MHW. This provides new insight into the effects of MHWs on the physiological performance of coral reef fishes.
Pulsed-field- vs. cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation: lessons from repeat procedures
Authors: Lemoine Marc D , Obergassel Julius , Jaeckle Sandro , Nies Moritz , Taraba Sophia , Mencke Celine , Rieß Jan , My Ilaria , Rottner Laura , Moser Fabian , Ismaili Djemail , Reißmann Bruno , Ouyang Feifan , Kirchhof Paulus , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas
Published: August 2024

Aims

Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is an emerging technology to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Initial data demonstrated high safety and efficacy. Data on long-term PVI durability and reconduction patterns in comparison to established energy sources for PVI are scarce. We compare findings in repeat ablation procedures after a first PFA to findings in repeat ablation procedures after a first cryoballoon ablation (CBA) based PVI.

Methods and result

A total of 550 consecutively enrolled patients underwent PFA or CBA index PVI. Repeat ablations in patients with symptomatic atrial arrhythmia recurrences were analysed. A total of 22/191 (12%) patients after index PFA-PVI and 44/359 (12%) after CBA-PVI underwent repeat ablation. Reconduction of any pulmonary vein (PV) was detected by multipolar spiral mapping catheter at each PV with careful evaluation of PV potentials and by 3D-mapping in 16/22 patients (73%) after PFA-PVI and in 33/44 (75%) after CBA-PVI (P = 1.000). Of 82 initially isolated PVs after PFA-PVI, 31 (38%) were reconducting; of 169 isolated PVs after CBA-PVI, 63 (37%) were reconducting (P = 0.936). Clinical atrial tachycardia occurred similarly in patients after PFA (5/22; 23%) and CBA (7/44; 16%; P = 0.515). Roof lines were set more often after PFA- (8/22; 36%) compared with CBA-PVI (5/44; 11%; P = 0.023). Repeat procedure duration [PFA: 87 (76, 123) min; CBA: 93 (75, 128) min; P = 0.446] was similar and fluoroscopy time [PFA: 11 (9, 14) min; CBA: 11 (8, 14) min; P = 0.739] equal between groups at repeat ablation.

Conclusion

During repeat ablation after previous PFA- or CBA-based PVI, electrical PV-reconduction rates and patterns were similar.
Using Euf1 transcription factor as a titrator of erythritol-inducible promoters in Yarrowia lipolytica; insight into the structure, splicing, and regulation mechanism
Authors: Celińska Ewelina , Korpys-Woźniak Paulina , Gorczyca Maria , Nicaud Jean-Marc
Published: August 2024

Controllable regulatory elements, like inducible, titratable promoters, are highly desired in synthetic biology toolboxes. A set of previously developed erythritol-inducible promoters along with an engineered Yarrowia lipolytica host strain were shown to be a very potent expression platform. In this study, we push the previously encountered limits of the synthetic promoters’ titratability (by the number of upstream motifs) by using a compatible transcription factor, Euf1, as the promoter titrator. Overexpression of spliced EUF1 turned out to be very efficient in promoting expression from the compatible promoter, however, the erythritol-inducible character of the promoter was then lost. Analysis of the EUF1’s splicing pattern suggests that the intron removal is promoted in the presence of erythritol, but is not dependent on it. The 3D structures of spliced versus unspliced Euf1 were modeled, and ligand-binding strength was calculated and compared. Furthermore, the EUF1-dependent expression profile under different chemical stimulants was investigated. Depletion of carbon source was identified as the significant factor upregulating the expression from the Euf1-dependent promoter (2–10-fold). Considering these findings and transcriptomics data, a new mechanism of the Euf1-regulated promoter action is proposed, involving a ‘catabolite repression’ transcription factor—Adr1, both acting on the same ERY-inducible promoter.
Unveiling pepper immunity’s robustness to temperature shifts: insights for empowering future crops
Authors: Billaud William , Hirsch Judith , Ribaut Valentin , Tamisier Lucie , Massire Anne , Szadkowski Marion , Lopez-Lauri Félicie , Moury Benoît , Lefebvre Véronique
Published: August 2024

Boosting plant immunity is an effective alternative to pesticides. However, environmental variations, accentuated by climate change, can compromise immunity. The robustness of a trait corresponds to the absence (or low level) of variation in that trait in the face of an environmental change. Here, we examined two types of robustness, robustness of immunity mean and robustness of immunity variation, and proposed nine quantitative robustness estimators. We characterized the immunity of a set of accessions representative of the natural diversity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), to two major pathogens: the oomycete Phytophthora capsici Leon. and potato virus Y. For each pathogen, we measured the immunity of accessions in two contrasting environments in terms of temperature. For each type of robustness and each pathogen, the impact of temperature change on immunity varied between accessions. The robustness estimators proved to be complementary and differed in terms of heritability and ability to discriminate accessions. A positive and significant correlation was observed between immunity and robustness. There was no significant relationship between the robustness of immunity to the two pathogens, but some accessions showed high immunity and robustness against both pathogens. These results justify the need to consider both immunity and robustness to environmental variations in order to select varieties adapted to current and future climate conditions. Phenotypic robustness should also be considered when assessing the “value of sustainable cultivation and use” of future plant varieties, particularly during the application process for protection rights granted from the European Community Plant Variety Office.
Self-Compassion in Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Relationship of Self-Compassion to Psychosocial and Physical Outcomes
Authors: Neiman Nicole , Boothroyd Derek , Anjur Kavya , Bensen Rachel , Yeh Ann Ming , Wren Ana Vanessa A
Published: August 2024

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for poor physical and mental health due to the complexity of pediatric onset IBD and the unique developmental challenges of this period of life. Self-compassion is increasingly recognized as having an important role in explaining health outcomes and well-being across a range of populations. This study examines the relationship between self-compassion and psychosocial and physical health outcomes in AYAs with IBD.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, AYAs with IBD aged 15 to 25 years completed an online survey between February 2020 and October 2021. Questionnaires included the Self-Compassion Scale—Short Form, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures for psychosocial, physical and global health outcomes, and IBD disease activity indices.

Results

AYAs with higher levels of self-compassion were found to have better psychosocial (ie, anxiety, depressive symptoms, psychological stress, physical stress, peer relationships), physical (ie, fatigue), and global health outcomes. Self-compassion was a significant independent predictor of anxiety (β = −5.80, P = < .001), depressive symptoms (β = −7.09, P = < .001), psychological stress (β = −4.66, P = < .001), physical stress (β = −3.19, P = < .001), peer relationships (β = 3.39, P = .003), fatigue (β = −2.05, P = .019), and improved global health (β = 5.15, P = < .001).

Conclusions

This study offers preliminary support for the importance of self-compassion in AYAs with IBD and demonstrates the need for further research in this area.