bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of retinal immune regulation and blood-retinal barrier function during experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Quinn Joel , Salman Ahmed , Paluch Christopher , Jackson-Wood Matthew , McClements Michelle E. , Luo Jian , Davis Simon J. , Cornall Richard J. , MacLaren Robert E. , Dendrou Calliope A. , Xue Kanmin
Published: August 2024

Uveitis is characterised by breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), allowing infiltration of immune cells that mediate intraocular inflammation, which can lead to irreversible damage of the neuroretina and the loss of sight. Treatment of uveitis relies heavily on corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppression due to limited understanding of disease pathogenesis. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing of retinas, as well as bulk RNA-sequencing of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) versus healthy control. This revealed that the Th1/Th17-driven disease induced strong gene expression changes in response to inflammation in rods, cones, Müller glia and RPE. In particular, Müller glia and RPE cells were found to upregulate expression of chemokines, complement factors, leukocyte adhesion molecules and MHC class II, thus highlighting their contributions to immune cell recruitment and antigen presentation at the inner and outer BRB, respectively. Additionally, ligand-receptor interaction analysis with CellPhoneDB revealed key interactions between Müller glia and T cell / natural killer cell subsets via chemokines, galectin-9 to P4HB/TIM-3, PD-L1 to PD-1, and nectin-2/3 to TIGIT signalling axes. Our findings elucidate mechanisms contributing to breakdown of retinal immune privilege during uveitis and identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
Reduction of Phytophthora palmivora plant root infection in weak electric fields
Authors: Moratto Eleonora , Tang Zhengxi , Bozkurt Tolga O. , Sena Giovanni
Published: August 2024

The global food security crisis is partly caused by significant crop losses due to pests and pathogens, leading to economic burdens. Phytophthora palmivora, an oomycete pathogen, affects many plantation crops and costs over USD 1 billion each year. Unfortunately, there is currently no prevention plan in place, highlighting the urgent need for an effective solution. P. palmivora produces motile zoospores that respond to weak electric fields. Here, we show that external electric fields can be used to reduce root infection in two plant species. We developed two original essays to study the effects of weak electric fields on the interaction between P. palmivora’s zoospores and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula. In the first configuration, a global artificial electric field is set up to induce ionic currents engulfing the plant roots while, in the second configuration, ionic currents are induced only locally and at a distance from the roots. In both cases, we found that weak ionic currents (250–550 μA) are sufficient to reduce zoospore attachment to Arabidopsis and Medicago roots, without affecting plant health. Moreover, we show that the same configurations decrease P. palmivora mycelial growth in Medicago roots after 24 h. We conclude that ionic currents can reduce more than one stage of P. palmivora root infection in hydroponics. Overall, our findings suggest that weak external electric fields can be used as a sustainable strategy for preventing P. palmivora infection, providing innovative prospects for agricultural crop protection.
Children with developmental coordination disorder display atypical interhemispheric connectivity during conscious and subconscious rhythmic auditory-motor synchronization
Authors: Pranjić Marija , Leung Jason , Tam Ka Lun , Polatajko Helene , Welsh Timothy , Chau Tom , Thaut Michael
Published: August 2024

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) display difficulties in perception-action coupling when engaging in tasks requiring predictive timing. We investigated the influence of awareness on auditory-motor adjustments to small and large rhythmic perturbations in the auditory sequence to examine whether children synchronize their movements automatically or through planning and whether those adjustments occur consciously or subconsciously. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to assess functional connectivity patterns underlying different adjustment strategies. Thirty-two children aged 7–11 participated, including children with DCD and their typically developing (TD) peers with and without musical training. All children automatically adjusted their motor responses to small rhythmic perturbations by employing the anticipatory mode, even when those changes were consciously undetectable. Planned adjustments occurred only when children consciously detected large fluctuations (Δ 20%), which required a shift from predictive to reactive strategies. Compared to TD peers, children with DCD showed reduced interhemispheric connectivity during planned adjustments and displayed similar neural patterns regardless of task constraints. Notably, they benefited from rhythmic entrainment despite having increased variability and lower perceptual acuity. Musical training was associated with enhanced auditory-perceptual timing, reduced variability, and increased interhemispheric coherence. These insights are important for the therapeutic application of auditory/rhythm-based interventions in children with DCD.
Path analysis model to identify the effect of poor diet quality on NAFLD among Iranian adults from Amol Cohort Study
Authors: Doustmohammadian Azam , Amirkalali Bahareh , de Courten Barbora , Esfandyari Saeed , Motamed Nima , Maadi Mansooreh , Ajdarkosh Hossein , Gholizadeh Esmaeel , Chaibakhsh Samira , Zamani Farhad
Published: August 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is expanding as a global health problem with approximately 25% of the world's population affected by it. Dietary modification is one of the most important strategies for preventing NAFLD. The association between nutrient density and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI2015) with NAFLD demonstrates that nutrient density is an independent predictor of NAFLD in Iranian adults [fully adjusted model: OR (95% CI)tertile3vs.1: 0.68 (0.54–0.85), P for trend = 0.001]. However, a favorable association between NAFDL and diet quality (HEI 2015) is more pronounced in participants with abdominal obesity [fully adjusted model: OR (95% CI)tertile3vs.1: 0.63 (0.41–0.98), P for trend = 0.03]. Based on the gender-stratified path analysis, diet quality indirectly through Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and metabolic syndrome in women, and men through WHtR, hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c), CRP, and metabolic syndrome affects NAFLD. Nutrient density directly and indirectly in women through WHtR, CRP, and metabolic syndrome, and in men indirectly through WHtR, hemoglobin A1c, and metabolic syndrome negatively affect NAFLD. Hence, in these subjects; we can provide early dietary intervention and education to prevent progression to NAFLD.
Funerary vs. domestic vessels from the Hallstatt period. A study on ceramic vases from the Milejowice settlement and the Domasław cemetery
Authors: Rosiak Angelina , Józefowska Anna , Sekulska-Nalewajko Joanna , Gocławski Jarosław , Kałużna-Czaplińska Joanna
Published: August 2024

Clay vessels have a wide variety of functions in social activities in the Hallstatt period. In addition to food storage and processing, they were used for ritual purposes and as funerary vessels. The paper presents the results of archaeological and chromatographic studies of 31 vases from two different Hallstatt culture sites in lower Silesia (Poland). The investigations included vessels fragments from the Domasław cemetery and from the Milejowice settlement. The chromatographic analyses focused on fatty acids and biomarkers and made it possible to identify the most likely sources of substances they came into contact with during use. The c-means and hierarchical cluster analyses showed that grave vessels differed from settlement ceramics. Thus, conclusions on the diverse vessel functions could be made.
Customized digestion protocols for copepods, euphausiids, chaetognaths and fish larvae facilitate the isolation of ingested microplastics
Authors: Podbielski Imke , Hamm Thea , Lenz Mark
Published: August 2024

Degradation of oceanic plastic waste leads to the formation of microplastics that are ingested by a wide range of animals. Yet, the amounts that are taken up, especially by small zooplankton, are largely unknown. This is mostly due to the complex methodology that is required for isolating ingested microplastics from organisms. We developed customised, effective and benign digestion protocols for four important zooplankton taxa (copepods, euphausiids, chaetognaths and fish larvae), and assessed their digestion efficacy and their potential to cause particle loss or to alter microplastics using six polymers (HDPE, LDPE, PS, PET, PVC, PMMA). All protocols are based on an incubation of the organic matrix with 10% KOH at 38 °C, which is optionally combined with digestive enzymes (chitinase, proteinase K). This yielded digestion efficacies of > 98.2%, recovery rates of > 91.8%, < 2.4% change in microplastics’ size, while no visual alteration of the microplastics and no changes in their spectra were observed when analysing them with a hyperspectral imaging camera. The proposed protocols are inexpensive (< 2.15 € per sample), but require several days when enzymatic digestion is included. They will facilitate research on microplastic ingestion by small marine organisms and thus enable well-founded conclusions about the threat that microplastics pose to these animals as well as about the role of biota in determining the vertical distribution of microplastics in oceanic environments.
Single molecule dynamics in a virtual cell combining a 3-dimensional matrix model with random walks
Authors: Mashanov Gregory I. , Molloy Justin E.
Published: August 2024

Recent advances in light microscopy have enabled single molecules to be imaged and tracked within living cells and this approach is impacting our understanding of cell biology. Computer modeling and simulation are important adjuncts to the experimental cycle since they aid interpretation of experimental results and help refine, test and generate hypotheses. Object-oriented computer modeling is particularly well-suited for simulating random, thermal, movements of individual molecules as they interact with other molecules and subcellular structures, but current models are often limited to idealized systems consisting of unit volumes or planar surfaces. Here, a simulation tool is described that combines a 3-dimensional, voxelated, representation of the cell consisting of subcellular structures (e.g. nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, cytoskeleton, vesicles, and filopodia) combined with numerical floating-point precision simulation of thousands of individual molecules moving and interacting within the 3-dimensional space. Simulations produce realistic time-series video sequences comprising single fluorophore intensities and realistic background noise which can be directly compared to experimental fluorescence video microscopy data sets.
Individually tailored exercise in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome related to post-COVID-19 condition – a feasibility study
Authors: Svensson Annie , Svensson-Raskh Anna , Holmström Linda , Hallberg Carl , Bezuidenhout Lucian , Moulaee Conradsson David , Ståhlberg Marcus , Bruchfeld Judith , Fedorowski Artur , Nygren-Bonnier Malin
Published: August 2024

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurs in approximately 30% of people with highly symptomatic post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). It involves several symptoms that limit physical and psychological functions and cause reduced quality of life. Evidence for different treatments of POTS and PCC is limited, and this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of individually tailored physical exercise. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of this intervention. Twenty-six participants (81% female, median age 41 years) were enrolled and performed individually tailored endurance and strength training, with progression, for twelve weeks. During the intervention period, the participants had weekly support from a physiotherapist. Feasibility was evaluated with good compliance, with 76% adherence to exercise prescription and 96% completing the study protocol. The treatment was safe, and the evaluation methods (questionnaires, physical assessments, and accelerometer monitoring) were judged to be feasible. After the intervention, improvements in symptom burden as well as in psychological and physical functions were observed. In conclusion, future randomized controlled trials can be performed with only minor adjustments and could include questionnaires, physical assessment and accelerometer monitoring, which were demonstrated as feasible by this study.
Calcium-rich seawater affects the mechanical properties of echinoderm skeleton
Authors: Gorzelak Przemysław , Stolarski Jarosław , Bącal Paweł , Dubois Philippe , Kołbuk Dorota
Published: August 2024

Shifts in the magnesium to calcium ratio of seawater in the geological history are thought to have profoundly affected biomineralization of marine invertebrates, including some echinoderms, which changed their skeletal mineralogy from high-magnesium to low-magnesium calcite and vice versa. Here we report on experiments that aimed to investigate the effect of ambient seawater magnesium to calcium ratio on magnesium to calcium ratio and nanomechanical properties in the spines of two echinoid species (Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus). We found that echinoids cultured in seawater with a low magnesium to calcium ratio produced a skeleton with lower both magnesium content and nanohardness than those of the control specimens incubated under normal (high) magnesium to calcium ratio conditions. These results may suggest that at certain times in the geological past (during the so-called calcite seas) sea urchins with decreased skeletal magnesium contents were more susceptible to damage due to physical disturbances, predation and post-mortem taphonomic processes. Increased skeletal hardness of echinoids from the so-called aragonite seas is expected to enhance their taphonomic potential, thus, to some extent, mitigates the preservation bias related to increased solubility of high-magnesium calcite.
Nanocarbon-based Bifunctional Electrocatalysts
Authors: Mete Shouvik , Goel Kushagra , Singh Santosh K.
Published: August 2024

For the sustainable development of green and clean electrochemical energy technologies, the advancement of high-performance electrode materials is essential. Precious metal catalysts such as those based on Pt, Ir, and Ru show high catalytic performance, but their scarcity and high cost restrict their application in energy technologies. Hence nanocarbon-based bifunctional electrocatalysts have emerged as a promising class of materials that hold the key to addressing critical challenges in energy conversion and storage technologies. Nanocarbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their derivatives, have shown remarkable electrical conductivity, high surface area, and exceptional chemical stability, making them ideal candidates for electrocatalysis. However, these nanocarbon materials as such are electroneutral and catalytically inactive. Heteroatom doping and functionalization change the electronic properties of the nanocarbons and permit multifunctional electrocatalytic activity. These modified nanocarbons can catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in electrochemical systems, making them applicable in fuel cells, water electrolyzers, metal–air batteries, etc. This dual functionality of the materials in energy devices enhances the overall efficiency of energy conversion devices. Applications of nanocarbon-based bifunctional electrocatalysts extend beyond energy storage and conversion, encompassing electrochemical sensors, environmental remediation, etc. The multifunctional nature of nanocarbon materials, coupled with their versatility, holds great promise for developing efficient, durable, and cost-effective electrochemical devices. This chapter provides an insight into the promising field of nanocarbon-based bifunctional electrocatalysts and underscores their significance in shaping a sustainable energy future.
High-resolution visualisation of antisense oligonucleotide release from polymers in cells
Authors: King Jessica J. , Chen Kai , Evans Cameron W. , Norret Marck , Almasri Ruba , Pavlos Nathan J. , Hui Henry YL. , Lin Qiongxiang , Bhatt Uditi , Young Stephen G. , Smith Nicole M. , Nikan Mehran , Prestidge Clive A. , Jiang Haibo , Iyer K. Swaminathan
Published: August 2024

We explore polymer-mediated cytosolic delivery of antisense oligonucleotides using NanoSIMS, visualising the internalisation and dissociation of nucleic acid–polymer complexes at the subcellular level.
Rattling induced bonding hierarchy in Li–Cu–Ti chalcotitanates for enhanced thermoelectric efficiency: a machine learning potential approach
Authors: Minhas Harpriya , Das Sandeep , Sharma Rahul Kumar , Pathak Biswarup
Published: August 2024

The nature of chemical bonding in crystalline solids significantly influences heat conduction, impacting lattice thermal conductivity and, consequently, thermoelectric (TE) performance.
CRISPR-Cas-based biosensors for the detection of cancer biomarkers
Authors: Feng Yuxin , Yang Jinmeng , He Ziping , Liu Xinfa , Ma Changbei
Published: August 2024

Detection strategies of cancer biomarkers with various techniques based on the CRISPR-Cas system.
Inflammation environment-adaptive matrix confinement for three-dimensional modulation of macrophages
Authors: Luo Yilun , Hu Sentao , Li Yan , Ma Lie
Published: August 2024

An inflammation environment-adaptive macrophage-laden hydrogel-filled scaffold was developed for investigation the impact of matrix confinement on macrophages phenotypes.
Liposomal formulation of a gold(iii) metalloantibiotic: a promising strategy against antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Llamedo Alejandro , Rodríguez Pablo , Gabasa Yaiza , Soengas Raquel G. , Rodríguez-Solla Humberto , Elorriaga David , García-Alonso Francisco J. , Soto Sara M.
Published: August 2024

A novel gold(iii) metalloantibiotic liposomal formulation was developed. The nanoformulation show high stability and suitable properties for drug delivery, representing a promising strategy to fight against drug-resistant bacteria.
Exponentially enhanced photocatalytic alkane production from biomass-derived fatty acid decarboxylation via self-heating-induced conformational inversion
Authors: Huang Qiang , Hao Chunlin , Guo Guibao , Ji Hongwei , An Shengli , Ma Wanhong , Zhao Jincai
Published: August 2024

Unavoidable relaxed heat from excited TiO2-based photocatalytic systems inverts the long-chain fatty acids conformation, which increases the strain of C–COOH to alter the reaction path, leading to a high biofuel output concentration under sunlight.
Steam-promoted symmetry optimizations of perovskite electrodes for protonic ceramic cells
Authors: Zhu Feng , Hou Mingyang , Du Zhiwei , He Fan , Xu Yangsen , Xu Kang , Gao Hui , Liu Ying , Chen Yu
Published: August 2024

Under typical operating conditions of reversible protonic ceramic cells, the injection of steam into lattices may promote the transformation of the monoclinic structure to a stable cubic PBSCC perovskite structure with higher symmetry.
Regulation of deep and shallow hole/electron trap states and charge conducting behaviors of dielectric tribo-materials for maximizing retained charges
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Shuyan , Li Gui , Wu Huiyuan , Li Kaixian , Chen Ai , Zhao Qionghua , Fu Shaoke , Shan Chuncai , Xi Yi , Hu Chenguo
Published: August 2024

This work utilizes the UHCSI strategy to quantify the ability of 30 conventional tribo-materials to trap and de-trap positive/negative charges and reveal that the polymer's group composition influences trap states.
Hair mercury isotopes, a noninvasive biomarker for dietary methylmercury exposure and biological uptake
Authors: Rothenberg Sarah E. , Korrick Susan A. , Harrington Donald , Thurston Sally W. , Janssen Sarah E. , Tate Michael T. , Nong YanFen , Nong Hua , Liu Jihong , Hong Chuan , Ouyang Fengxiu
Published: August 2024

Fish and rice are the main dietary sources of methylmercury (MeHg); however, rice does not contain the same beneficial nutrients as fish, and these differences can impact the observed health effects of MeHg.
Thermal transport properties of defective graphene/graphyne van der Waals heterostructures elucidated via molecular dynamics and machine learning
Authors: Li Jian , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2024

Thermal transport properties of pristine and defective graphene/graphyne van der Waals heterostructures were examined by molecular dynamics simulations and a machine learning method together with a transfer learning strategy.
Heterostructured n-ZnO@p-CuO nanosheets filled in a polymer matrix for enhanced electrostatic energy storage performance
Authors: Zhang Weixuan , Hu Yuqing , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yingda , Liu Jinzhang
Published: August 2024

Heterostructured n-ZnO@p-CuO nanosheets are synthesized and filled into the P(VDF-HFP) matrix to make nanocomposite films with enhanced dielectric constant and capacitive energy storage density.
Natural deep eutectics: expanding green solvents for thermally-/photo-induced polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide toward key components for sustainable production of semi-natural polymers
Authors: Yuki Shingo , Shinohe Reina , Tanaka Yuta , Mori Hideharu
Published: August 2024

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), which consist of natural components, have attracted attention as environmentally friendly solvents. We describe the design and synthesis of natural deep eutectic monomers (NADEMs) and NADEM-based polymers.
A bioinspired layered hydrogel actuator vial-ascorbic acid-triggered interfacial self-growth from a stiff hydrogel
Authors: Xu Rongnian , Gao Yuxin , Lai Yingying , Zhang Chengyan , Jia Wenbo , Wei Qiangbing
Published: August 2024

Inspired by the reversible deformation of pine cones, a thermo-responsive layered hydrogel actuator with asymmetric structural layers was prepared by crafting Vc-triggered interfacial radical polymerization from a stiff hydrogel.
Palladium-catalyzed four-component domino sulfonylation and carbonylation of 1,3-enynes at room temperature
Authors: Wang Jing , Ying Jun
Published: August 2024

A novel palladium-catalyzed four-component domino sulfonylation and carbonylation of 1,3-enynes has been developed, which enables the rapid incorporation of allene, sulfone, carbonyl and amine units into one single molecule simultaneously.
Additive-free, N-chlorosuccinimide-promoted electrophilic phosphorothiolation/cyclization of alkynes with P(O)SH compounds to access heterocyclic phosphorothiolated molecules
Authors: Zhang Pengbo , Qu Weilong , Yang Shuai , Wang Longyu , Zhang Linxiu , Zhu Xianglong , Gao Xia
Published: August 2024

A N-chlorosuccinimide-promoted electrophilic phosphorothiolation/cyclization of alkynes for the construction of phosphorothiolated heterocycles under metal- and additive-free conditions has been developed.
Characterization of the daucosterol–lecithin complex and its impact on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Gu Yipeng , Shuai Liang , Li Dingjin , Song Mobo , Liu Yingjian , Yang Xiaomei
Published: August 2024

Daucosterol and lecithin form DS–LC through intermolecular interactions, which regulate lipid metabolism, improve liver function, and reduce fat accumulation in hyperlipidemic mice.
Targeted protein degradation in the mitochondrial matrix and its application to chemical control of mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Yamada Wakana , Tomoshige Shusuke , Nakamura Sho , Sato Shinichi , Ishikawa Minoru
Published: August 2024

Mitochondrial-targeted protein degradation (mitoTPD) is explored using small-molecule degraders that leverage a mitochondria-localized protease. This approach restored mitochondrial morphology and shows potential for drug discovery.
Efficient circularly polarized multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence from B,N-embedded hetero[8]helicene enantiomers
Authors: Huang Tingting , Yuan Li , Lu Xueying , Qu Yupei , Qu Cheng , Xu Yincai , Zheng You-Xuan , Wang Yue
Published: August 2024

A pair of CP-MR-TADF enantiomers with high-order B,N-embedded hetero[8]helicene, (P/M)-BN-TP-ICz, was constructed. CP-OLEDs exhibit narrow green emission peaking at 540 nm with maximum EQEs of 32.0% and gELs of approximately 7.70 × 10−4.
A photoactivated chiral molecular clamp rotated by selective anion binding
Authors: Liu Yiping , Hao Aiyou , Xing Pengyao
Published: August 2024

A molecular clamp with photoactivated chiral properties is reported. Selective anion binding achieved rational tuning of the conformations and chiroptical properties, including circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence.
Conjugated polymers of an oxa[5]helicene-derived polycyclic heteroaromatic: tailoring energy levels and compatibility for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cai Yaohang , Zhang Yuyan , Fang Lingyi , Ren Yutong , Zhang Jidong , Yuan Yi , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: August 2024

Alternating copolymerization of a helical polycyclic heteroaromatic with another conjugated unit possessing different electronic characteristics tuned the energy levels and the compatibility with organic salts.
Highly elastic relaxor ferroelectric via peroxide crosslinking
Authors: Gao Liang , Wang Linping , Hu Ben-Lin
Published: August 2024

A high elastic, high-dielectric, superior chemical and thermal stable, and cost-effective ferroelectric elastomer was successfully prepared by peroxide cross-linking.
Excited-state symmetry breaking is an ultrasensitive tool for probing microscopic electric fields
Authors: Dereka Bogdan , Maroli Nikhil , Poronik Yevgen M. , Gryko Daniel T. , Kananenka Alexei A.
Published: August 2024

Symmetry-breaking approach exceeds the sensitivity of the vibrational Stark effect. Nitrile groups report on microscopic electric fields without interference from hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Near-infrared driven photocatalytic hydrogen production from ammonia borane hydrolysis using heterostructure-upconverted nanoparticles
Authors: Maryam Bushra , Asim Muhammad , Qayyum Hamna , Pan Lun , Zou Ji-Jun , Liu Xianhua
Published: August 2024

This study presents a novel approach to hydrogen evolution through ammonia borane dehydrogenation, utilizing the unique properties of upconverted nanoparticles (UCNPs) and safe, abundant near-infrared (NIR) light.
A hydrogen adsorbing PUR/Pd nanocomposite nanofibrous membrane prepared by electrospinning technology
Authors: Hoskovec Jakub , Čapková Pavla , Ryšánek Petr , Gardenö Dániel , Friess Karel , Jarolímková Jaroslava , Greguš Viktor , Kaule Pavel , Dušková Tereza , Škvorová Magda , Šícha Václav , Benada Oldřich
Published: August 2024

A graphic representation of applied electrospinning technology and methods of one-step and multi-step modification of nanofibrous membranes for targeted hydrogen sorption.
Monolithic catalysts loaded with ZIF-derived Co3O4 on copper foam for the catalytic oxidation of toluene: the impact of synthetic methods
Authors: Liu Wenju , Zhang Zheng , Zhu Chen , Pan Da , Wang Shaofeng , Jin Peng , Li Fei , Shen Yutong , Dang Dan
Published: August 2024

Monolithic catalysts loaded with ZIF-derived dodecahedral Co3O4 on copper foam for the efficient catalytic oxidation of toluene.
In-plane polarity boosts photocatalytic overall water splitting in two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks with polarized linkages
Authors: Fan Yingcai , Zhang Zhihua , Ma Xikui , Zhao Mingwen
Published: August 2024

Type-II-like photocatalytic systems for overall water splitting based on polarized-bond-linked covalent organic frameworks with homogeneous cores.
A continuous porous porphyrinic polymer thin-film composite membrane for anti-biofouling and molecular sieving
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhang Hansi , Ren Xiaolong , Yao Shiyi , Fan Wenhua , Nafady Ayman , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Ma Shengqian
Published: August 2024

A novel thin-film composite nanofiltration membrane was prepared through the interfacial polymerisation of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin (TAPP), which displayed high antimicrobial activity and enhanced molecular sieving properties.
Nanostructured DyFeO3 photocatalyst: an authentic and effective approach for remediation of industrial and pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Tarek Mohasin , Yasmeen Ferdous , Basith M. A.
Published: August 2024

Illustration of the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of pollutants by DyFeO3 under solar irradiation, emphasizing the enhanced apparent quantum yield and the reduction in activation energy facilitated by DyFeO3.
Relaxing the Jahn–Teller distortion of LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4 cathodes via Mg/Ni dual-doping for high-rate and long-life Li-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Haifeng , Zhang Erdong , Yu Jinxun , Yu Songmin , Fang Yaoguo , Chen Ling , Jiang Hao , Li Chunzhong
Published: August 2024

The synergistic doping of divalent Mg2+ and Ni2+ ions into a carbon-coated LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4 cathode significantly enhances reaction kinetics and structural stability by mitigating the Jahn–Teller effect and accelerating the Li-ion migration rate.
Complex lattice occupation of copper leading to enhanced thermoelectric performance in n-type PbSe
Authors: Shi Yalin , He Mingkai , Cui Minchao , Wang Weishuai , Ma Baopeng , Zhang Fudong , Jia Beiquan , Chao Xiaolian , Yang Zupei , Wu Di
Published: August 2024

The existence of Cu interstices and CuPb–CuVF defect pairs results in complex lattice occupations and microstructures in n-type PbSe as well as top-level thermoelectric performance without lattice thermal conductivity anomaly.
d-(+)-Glucose triggered selective hydrometallogelation in a C3-symmetric gelator
Authors: Mukherjee Moupia , Kumar Yeeshu , Kalam Abul , Dubey Mrigendra
Published: August 2024

A d-(+)-glucose triggered chiral and conductive hydrometallogel was synthesized using dynamic boronic acid-cis diol chemistry.
Formation mechanism of micro-sized Cu plates using Br ions as basal plane-specific adsorbent and their application in the preparation of highly conductive and flexible Cu films
Authors: Noda Yusaku , Yokoyama Shun , Itoh Takashi , Jeyadevan Balachandran
Published: August 2024

Micro-sized Cu plates were synthesized by chemically reducing Cu–Lactic acid complexes with ascorbic acid in the presence of Br− ions, under conditions in which oxide formation was completely suppressed in the reduction pathway.
Quantitative local state of charge mapping by operando electrochemical fluorescence microscopy in porous electrodes
Authors: Graf Anton M. , Cochard Thomas , Amini Kiana , Emanuel Michael S. , Rubinstein Shmuel M. , Aziz Michael J.
Published: August 2024

Operando confocal microscopy coupled with electrochemistry yields spatially and temporally resolved state of charge maps within porous electrodes.
Fault diagnosis technology overview for lithium‐ion battery energy storage station
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Peiyu , Li Guanzheng , Li Chao , Zeng Kaidi , Liu Bin , Li Xuebin , Huo Qidi , Jiao Kui , Wang Chengshan
Published: August 2024

With an increasing number of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) energy storage station being built globally, safety accidents occur frequently. Diagnosing faults accurately and quickly can effectively avoid safe accidents. However, few studies have provided a detailed summary of lithium‐ion battery energy storage station fault diagnosis methods. In this paper, an overview of topologies, protection equipment, data acquisition and data transmission systems is firstly presented, which is related to the safety of the LIB energy storage power station. Then, existing fault diagnosis technologies are reviewed in detail. Finally, the future developing trends of fault diagnosis technology are discussed.
JOA‐GAN: An improved single‐image super‐resolution network for remote sensing based on GAN
Authors: Gao Zijun , Shen Lei , Song Zhankui , Yan Hua
Published: August 2024

Image super‐resolution (SR) has been widely applied in remote sensing to generate high‐resolution (HR) images without increasing hardware costs. However, SR is a severe ill‐posed problem. As deep learning advances, existing methods have solved this problem to a certain extent. However, the complex spatial distribution of remote sensing images still poses a challenge in effectively extracting abundant high‐frequency details from the images. Here, a single‐image super‐resolution (SISR) network based on the generative adversarial network (GAN) for remote sensing is presented, called JOA‐GAN. Firstly, a joint‐attention module (JOA) is proposed to focus the network on high‐frequency regions in remote sensing images to enhance the quality of image reconstruction. In the generator network, a multi‐scale densely connected feature extraction block (ERRDB) is proposed, which acquires features at different scales using MSconv blocks containing multi‐scale convolutions and automatically adjusts the features by JOA. In the discriminator network, the relative discriminator is used to compute the relative probability instead of the absolute probability, which helps the network learn clearer and more realistic texture details. JOA‐GAN is compared with other advanced methods, and the results demonstrate that JOA‐GAN has improved objective evaluation metrics and achieved superior visual effects.
Anisotropic sparse transformation for spectral CT image reconstruction
Authors: Yang ZhaoJun , Zeng Li , Yu Wei , Xu Qiong , Wang Zhe , He YuanWei , Chen Wei
Published: August 2024

Photon‐counting detector‐based computed tomography (PCD‐CT) is an advanced realization of spectral CT, the multi‐energy projection data is captured from the same object, hence, CT images can provide additional spectral resolution, making it possible to perform material decomposition. However, multiple projections may have a low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), such that CT images suffer from noise. To handle this problem, a spectral CT image reconstruction method based on anisotropic sparse transformation (AST) is proposed. To increase the quality of reconstruction, AST through an anisotropic guided filter (AGF) and quasi norm is proposed. Then, as a new regularization, AST is introduced into an iterative reconstruction process, generating an AST‐based method. Moreover, to utilize the correlation among projection data, the average image serves as the guidance image of AGF, it varies with the iterative index, resulting in a technique of dynamic average image (DAI). The AST‐based model involves quasi norm minimization, hence an effective strategy is employed to solve the corresponding problem. A series of experiments were performed. The experiment showed that, compared to other listed methods, the result of the AST‐based method can achieve better visualization and higher quantitative indexes, hence it has application potential in the medical imaging field.
Considering traffic characteristics: Roadside unit deployment optimization algorithm based on dynamic division of road network subareas
Authors: Zhang Chuyao , Wang Jiangfeng , Luo Dongyu , Yang Hao , Yao Jingxuan
Published: August 2024

Given that the overall coverage deployment method fails to meet information needs in important areas, there are redundancies and deficiencies in the information provided. To enhance communication stability for roadside units (RSUs), improve information coverage at critical intersections and optimize algorithm efficiency. Here, a method for deploying RSUs is proposed that aims to optimize revenue in road network subareas. The road network is divided into several subareas based on critical intersections, node similarity, road segment correlations, and characteristics of RSU information transmission. Then, a roadway accessibility algorithm is developed that accounts for channel fading. Considering the robustness of wire network deployment, an improved traveling salesman problem (TSP) problem is proposed that includes candidate locations and constructs a model for optimal RSU deployment that maximizes consolidated revenue. Finally, using the Sioux Falls network as an example, the RSU deployment strategy is evaluated for the overall network and the road network after being subdivided. The results indicate that subdividing the road network improves the efficiency of the optimization solution, the information coverage of critical intersections increases by 1.8 times. The deployment optimization scheme of RSUs is directly influenced by various parameters such as bandwidth capacity and cost coefficient. When deploying RSUs in road network subareas, variations in total demand have minimal impact on RSU deployment, ensuring a stable deployment scheme.
Persymmetric direction detector for range‐spread target in subspace interference plus homogeneous and partially homogeneous clutter
Authors: Hua‐Fei Tian , Guang‐Fen Wei , Tao Jian , Zhan Zhou , Yuan Luo
Published: August 2024

The problem of detecting the direction of range‐spread targets in the presence of subspace interference, along with homogeneous and partially homogeneous Gaussian clutter backgrounds characterised by an unknown persymmetric covariance matrix, is being investigated. It is assumed that the interference subspace is linearly independent of the signal subspace, and the coordinates of both subspaces are unknown. Leveraging the property of persymmetry, the two‐step Generalised Likelihood Ratio Test and the two‐step Wald test are proposed to formulate three detectors in the presence of subspace interference, homogeneous, and partially homogeneous Gaussian clutter. Theoretical derivations and simulations demonstrate that three proposed detectors maintain a constant false alarm rate with respect to the unknown clutter covariance matrix. In comparison to existing detectors in similar backgrounds, particularly in scenarios with limited training data, these three detectors exhibit superior detection performance.
Developing a taxonomy of soundscape interventions from a catalogue of real-world examples
Authors: Chen Xiaochao , Aletta Francesco , Moshona Cleopatra Christina , Fiebig André , Henze Helen , Kang Jian , Mitchell Andrew , Oberman Tin , Schulte-Fortkamp Brigitte , Tong Huan
Published: August 2024

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in urban soundscapes and a shift towards a user-focused approach in urban sound environments. Despite this interest, there is no comprehensive taxonomy for soundscape design available. The Catalogue of Soundscape Interventions (CSI) project aims to fill this gap by creating a tool to collect and share data on real soundscape practices, with the goal of developing a design toolkit and brief to facilitate communication between local authorities, consultants, and researchers. An online platform has been launched to gather instances of soundscape interventions. This paper proposes eight dimensions of soundscape interventions and presents a taxonomy that categorizes these interventions based on recurring strategies and goals observed in 43 practice cases collected. These dimensions include stages, contributors, scale, period of time, intervention types, public involvement, aims and purposes, and approaches. As soundscape practices increase in complexity and variety, the taxonomy can be revised and expanded. Nevertheless, the provided taxonomy serves as an orientation aid for understanding, analyzing, and designing soundscapes, leading to the development of more harmonious and contextually appropriate acoustic environments.
Evaluating the mitigating effects of water sounds on multi-dimensional negative reactions due to secondary radiation noise
Authors: Wang Qiaochu , Hongwei Wang , He Xiaoyu , Huang Zhixuan , Yang Chenxi
Published: August 2024

People exhibit a range of negative reactions to noise. However, previous study on masking secondary radiation noise focused on its impact on a single negative reaction, namely dissatisfaction. This is a gap in understanding the mechanisms that mitigate multi-dimensional negative reactions (MNR), which encompass various emotional responses to noise, including annoyance, dissatisfaction, and others. Therefore, this study selected four mutually independent critical reactions (subjective loudness, depression, discomfort, and dissatisfaction) and analyzed the masking effects of adding four types of water sounds (fountain, stream, water-drop, and waterfall sounds) on MNR caused by secondary radiation noise. Seventy-nine participants were presented with a series of combined sound samples before casting their votes of MNR in an auditory test booth. The results revealed that adding the four types of water sounds mitigated the MNR induced by secondary radiation noise. Among them, the water-drop sound was the most effective, while the waterfall sound was the least capable. The fountain sound was preferred over the stream sound for optimizing the MNR, focusing on subjective loudness, discomfort and dissatisfaction, which were caused by higher level of combined sound. Furthermore, as global A-weighted sound level (LAeq) increased from 55 to 65 dBA, the mean subjective loudness levels generally remained the highest. Beyond the subjective loudness, when global LAeq increased to 65 dBA, the mean depression level exceeded the mean discomfort level and mean dissatisfaction level when the fountain or water-drop sound was added, whereas the three mean levels remained approximately equal when the stream or waterfall sound was added.
Modeling of speech-dependent own voice transfer characteristics for hearables with an in-ear microphone
Authors: Ohlenbusch Mattes , Rollwage Christian , Doclo Simon
Published: August 2024

Many hearables contain an in-ear microphone, which may be used to capture the own voice of its user. However, due to the hearable occluding the ear canal, the in-ear microphone mostly records body-conducted speech, typically suffering from band-limitation effects and amplification at low frequencies. Since the occlusion effect is determined by the ratio between the air-conducted and body-conducted components of own voice, the own voice transfer characteristics between the outer face of the hearable and the in-ear microphone depend on the speech content and the individual talker. In this paper, we propose a speech-dependent model of the own voice transfer characteristics based on phoneme recognition, assuming a linear time-invariant relative transfer function for each phoneme. We consider both individual models and models averaged over several talkers. Experimental results based on recordings with a prototype hearable show that the proposed speech-dependent model enables to simulate in-ear signals more accurately than a speech-independent model in terms of technical measures, especially under utterance mismatch and talker mismatch. Additionally, simulation results show that talker-averaged models generalize better to different talkers than individual models.
Seasonal changes of some hematological parameters of Ovis aries L. reared in ecologically extreme conditions (Karnabchul steppe, Uzbekistan)
Authors: Bazarov Baxritdin , Normuhammedova Feruza , Tоjikulova Oysоra , Safin Mars , Kuziev Mirzoxid , Seytkamalov Khayratdin
Published: August 2024

The work describes the results of research aimed at determining the effect of the change of seasons on some blood parameters of the organism of the Korakul breed of Ovis aries L., which are kept in extreme conditions in the desert region of Uzbekistan. Morphological indicators and leukogram of sheep’s blood were determined in the experiments according to the seasons. The amount of proteins in the sheep’s blood was determined, and the seasons in which proteins were kept at a normal level were determined. It has been shown that in extreme conditions, immune parameters in the blood of sheep change depending on the seasons. As a result, the variation of blood parameters in the organism of Korakul breed of
Ovis aries L. depends on the climatic parameters of the external environment.
Berufliche Rehabilitation in Zeiten der
Covid-19-Pandemie
Authors: Rauch Angela , Reims Nancy
Published: August 2024

Ziel der Studie Die Covid-19-Pandemie hat die Akteure der beruflichen
Rehabilitation vor neue Herausforderungen gestellt. In der vorliegenden Studie
interessieren wir uns für die folgenden Fragen: Wie haben Akteure wie
Leistungserbringer beruflicher Rehabilitation (LE) und die Bundesagentur für
Arbeit (BA) als Reha-Kostenträger die Covid-19-Pandemie erlebt, welche
Prozessänderungen und Verzögerungen sind eingetreten, und welche Auswirkungen
hat dies möglicherweise auf die berufliche Rehabilitation der Zukunft?

MethodikIm Rahmen von leitfadengestützten Expert*inneninterviews haben wir
zwischen Juli 2020 und Juli 2021 24 Interviews mit 29 Personen geführt (LE:
n=16; BA-Kontext: n=8) und sie zu ihren Erfahrungen während der
Covid-19-Pandemie befragt. Die Interviews wurden aufgezeichnet, transkribiert
und in MAXQDA kodiert; die Analysen des transkribierten Materials basieren auf
einem aus induktiven und deduktiven Kategorien entwickeltem System.

Ergebnisse Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen mussten aus der Ferne durchgeführt
werden. Diese digitalen Möglichkeiten mussten erst geschaffen werden. Die Folge
daraus ist, dass auch die berufliche Rehabilitation gezwungen wurde, sich
technologisch weiterzuentwickeln, wodurch Chancen (der Maßnahmeerbringung) und
Grenzen (z. B. Erwerb sozialer Kompetenzen oder Einschätzung des psychischen
Zustands) deutlich wurden. Während der alternativen Maßnahmeerbringung war eine
kontinuierliche zusätzliche Betreuung durch die LE unabdingbar, um psychische
Krisen einzudämmen, das Verständnis für die Qualifizierungsinhalte zu
gewährleisten und Abbrüche zu vermeiden. Ebenso wie Schulen waren auch die
Arbeitsagenturen und Jobcenter lange Zeit geschlossen und es fanden weder Reha-
noch allgemeine Berufsberatung noch die Beurteilungsverfahren zur Ermittlung des
Reha-Bedarfs beim Ärztlichen Dienst/Berufspsychologischen Service statt. Ein
Rückgang in den Zugängen zu beruflicher Rehabilitation zeichnet sich schon
länger ab, er ist aber insbesondere für 2021/22 vermehrt zu beobachten. Personen
aus SGB-II-Haushalten sind möglicherweise stärker betroffen, da es schwieriger
für die Agenturen und Jobcenter ist, mit ihnen in Kontakt zu bleiben.

Schlussfolgerung Auch wenn die berufliche Rehabilitation einen großen
digitalen Schub erfahren hat, haben die Erfahrungen aus der Pandemie gezeigt,
dass vor allem für junge Menschen und Personen mit psychischen Behinderungen
Maßnahmen in Präsenzformaten mit sozialen Kontakten wichtig sind. Dennoch muss
die berufliche Rehabilitation sich mit der Arbeitswelt verändern, um zu
verhindern, dass Menschen mit Behinderungen (weiter) abgehängt werden.