bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Mn‐Doped CdS Thin Films Through Chemical Bath Deposition for High‐Performance Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Tahir Nimrah , Altaf Amna , Baig Nadeem , Nafady Ayman , Ul‐Hamid Anwar , Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Tsiakaras Panagiotis , Sohail Manzar
Published: January 2024

Doping conventional materials with a second element is an exciting strategy for enhancing catalytic performance via electronic structure modifications. Herein, Mn‐doped CdS thin films were successfully synthesized with the aid of the chemical bath deposition (CBD) by varying the pH value (8, 10, and 12) and the surfactant amount (20, 40, 60 mg). Different morphologies like nano‐cubes, nanoflakes, nano‐worms, and nanosheets were obtained under different deposition conditions. The optimized Mn‐doped CdS synthesized at pH=8 exhibited better photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) than pure CdS films, with a maximum photocurrent density of 300 μA/cm2 at an external potential of 0.5 V, under sunlight illumination. The observed performance is attributed to the successful Mn doping, porosity, high surface area, and nanosphere morphology.
The magnetar crustal magneto‐thermal evolution
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Zhi Bing , Yang Xiao Feng , Song Dong Ling
Published: January 2024

Magnetars are a type of pulsars powered by magnetic field energy. Part of the X‐ray luminosities of magnetars in quiescence have a thermal origin and can be fitted by a blackbody spectrum with the surface temperature, much higher than the typical values for rotation‐powered pulsars. The persistent thermal emissions and bursts of magnetars indicate the presence of some internal heat sources in their outer crusts. In this work, we have formulated the energy balance equation and applied it to investigate the thermal evolution in the magnetar crust, taking into account the heating mechanisms of Ohmic decay and electron capture processes. This model can explain the changes in the X‐ray luminosity of the magnetars.
Carbon–based Materials for Li‐ion Battery
Authors: Babu Binson
Published: January 2024

Carbon–based materials have played a pivotal role in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). This review summarizes the significant developments in the application of carbon–based materials for enhancing LIBs. It highlights the latest innovations in different types of carbon materials such as graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, and various carbon nanostructures, including design and synthesis. Additionally, the feasibility of developing flexible self‐supported electrodes for wearable devices is underlined. More emphasis is given to elucidating the Li‐ion storage mechanisms inherent in various carbon materials, illustrating the variations in Li‐storage that arise as the structure transitions from order to disorder and from bulk to the nano realm. Furthermore, the use of carbon composites, which incorporate different alloy/conversion/intercalation type materials with carbon matrices, is discussed in view of their improved electrochemical performances in terms of energy density, power density, and cycling stability. The review underscores the growing importance of carbon materials in addressing the ever‐increasing demand for high‐performance energy storage solutions and also addresses the remaining challenges and future perspectives, aiming to provide future research directions.
Artificial intelligence and corporate carbon neutrality: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Luqman Adeel , Zhang Qingyu , Talwar Shalini , Bhatia Meena , Dhir Amandeep
Published: January 2024

Many firms have established formal carbon neutrality (CN) targets in response to the increasing climate risk and related regulatory requirements. Subsequently, they have implemented various measures and adopted multiple approaches to attain these goals. Academic research has given due attention to firms' efforts in this direction. However, past studies have primarily focused on non‐digital and process‐oriented approaches to achieving CN, with the potential of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) remaining less explored. Our study aims to address this gap by qualitatively examining the use of AI for pursuing CN, drawing insights from firms with prior experience in the area. We analyzed the collected qualitative data to identify four key dimensions that capture different nuances of applying AI for achieving CN: (a) implementing AI for direct and indirect control of emissions, (b) accepting the strategic trade‐offs related to funding, data and systems concerns, and social priorities, (c) overcoming organizational and human‐related impediments, and (d) acknowledging the significant impact of AI in terms of gains in business model efficiency and measurable CN target attainment, which ultimately contribute to CN. Based on our findings, we propose a convergence–divergence model encompassing the positive aspects, inhibiting factors, synergies, and offsets necessary for firms to leverage AI to achieve net‐zero emissions effectively. Overall, our study contributes to the discourse on the utilization of AI for CN in a comprehensive manner.
Reward or punishment? The impact of heterogeneous environmental regulatory intervention on the firm market value
Authors: Sun Lihua , Bai Chunguang , Sarkis Joseph
Published: January 2024

Environmental regulations are important organizational strategic drivers. Environmental regulatory mechanisms include “carrots” or “sticks”—they can be incentive or coercion‐based. This study empirically investigates stock market reactions to various environmental regulatory mechanisms. Using a sample of 334 environmental regulatory events reported by 212 listed Chinese firms between 2010 and 2020, we find that monetary reward has a greater positive market reaction towards governmental reward than non‐monetary reward. We also find that governmental operational disruption penalties have a greater negative market reaction than operational non‐disruption penalties. Governmental levels of the environmental regulation implementation subject do not play a moderating role in the relationship between governmental regulations and firm market value. These findings provide various policy and organizational insights as businesses seek to meet legitimacy gains in response environmental regulatory mechanisms.
Traders as ecosystem orchestrators for sustainable foods supply chain transformation
Authors: Gupta Ranjit , Mejia Cristian , Sadreghazi Shuan , Sano Yuki , Muchangos Leticia Sarmento Dos , Sekiguchi Tomonori , Nakamura Hiromi , Kajikawa Yuya
Published: January 2024

Transforming global food supply chains for sustainability in a pervasive manner requires leading it for specific contexts. As central intermediaries between producers and consumers possessing both tacit and explicit knowledge of supply–demand and local business cultures, traders are uniquely positioned for ecosystem orchestration (EO). The limited literature on the role of agricultural commodities traders in promoting sustainability and calls for it has motivated this study. To understand the capabilities required for ecosystem orchestrators (EOs), we surveyed the available literature using citation network analysis, revealing knowledge elements within the clusters of leading value and stakeholder orchestration, cultivating dynamic and interorganizational capabilities, interplaying innovation and business ecosystems, and utilizing software ecosystems. These clusters contained interlinked EO functions of offering complementary assets and digital platforms, which we highlighted as actual business practices by certain major agricultural trading firms. We conclude that traders as EOs for sustainability is plausible and provide actionable guidance.
Simplified control of TAB converter for scalable multibattery charging system
Authors: Panchbhai Anand , Kumar Amritesh
Published: January 2024

The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into DC microgrids has become commonplace in many applications, including electric vehicle (EV) systems that use batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors as energy storage systems. To make a sustainable charging system for electric vehicles, DERs can be used in conjunction with the grid. In many cases, charging systems based on isolated DC‐DC converters, such as the dual active bridge (DAB) converter, with various controls, are typically used. However, integrating multiple DERs at the common input DC link can result in a loss of isolation in the DAB converter and also leads to problems with circulating current. To maintain isolation, multiple DAB converters can be used, but this increases the system's size. Alternatively, the multiport isolated DC‐DC converter can address such issues but introduces complexities such as cross‐coupling between power flow. This paper proposes a hardware decoupling control methodology for a triple active bridge (TAB) based isolated DC‐DC converter, with power routing features for simultaneously charging two EV's battery stack. Through hardware decoupling control, appropriate passive components are designed and selected to connect with the individual H‐bridges of the TAB for power decoupling. The paper discusses the cross‐coupling issue in the TAB and describes a methodology derived from mathematical expressions for achieving power decoupling. For validation of the control, a 5 kW system is modeled in MATLAB Simulink, and the results demonstrate how the proposed approach overcomes cross‐coupling issues. Further, a 500 W hardware prototype has been developed to validate the proposed approach.
Divergent Synthesis of Isoxazolo[5,4‐b]pyridines
Authors: Li Min , Li Wenzhe , Huang Min , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: January 2024

Isoxazolopyridines are highly significant for the development of pharmaceuticals and new materials. In continuation of our ongoing research on transformations of 5‐aminoisoxazoles, we report herein a divergent synthesis of two kinds of novel isoxazolo[5,4‐b] pyridines through condensation of 5‐aminoisoxazoles with β,γ‐alkynyl‐α‐imino esters. By using two different silver salts and a phosphoric acid as catalysts, isoxazolo[5,4‐b] pyridine‐α‐carboxylates and isoxazolo[5,4‐b] pyridine‐γ‐carboxylates were constructed as major isomers in moderate to good yields, respectively. The structures of the two kinds of the isoxazolo[5,4‐b] pyridines were confirmed by X‐ray crystal structural analysis. Furthermore, control experiments were conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism.
Electrochemical detection of dopamine by pineapple leaf‐derived porous carbon modified electrode
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Tao , Ai Yijing , Wang Baoli , Zhang Zejun , Zhang Dan , Sun Wei
Published: January 2024

This research established an electrochemical sensing platform for sensitive dopamine (DA) detection using a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) made from waste pineapple leaf derived porous carbon (PLPC), which was applied to DA analysis in human blood samples with the characteristics such as simple procedure, excellent anti‐interference ability and low detection limit. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a layered and porous structure in the morphology of PLPC. PLPC's specific surface area and average pore size were determined to be 350.48 m2/g and 3.72 nm, respectively. The crystal phase and valence state were examined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Using the best parameters, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were applied to study the electrochemical behaviors of DA on PLPC/GCE. On PLPC/GCE a wide linear range of 0.05–500.0 μmol/L and a low detection limit of 0.0075 μmol/L for DA detection could be realized. The recoveries of DA were 97.67–102.07 % for detection of human blood sample with excellent stability, reproducibility and repeatability. Therefore the waste pineapple leaf based biomass porous carbon could be used as promising potential candidate for sensing application.
Determination of Pb2+ in water using poly(pyrrole thiourea) electrode coupled with an electrochemical flow analysis device
Authors: Lai Zhiwei , Zhang Guiyun , Chen Xi
Published: January 2024

Lead (Pb2+), due to its non‐biodegradable property and biological accumulation, would have adverse effects on human body. In this study, a poly(pyrrole thiourea) modified electrode was developed using the electropolymerization of pyrrole and thiourea. Compared with drop‐casting method, the immobilization of the modified material with fixator and the modification efficiency of an electrode was improved. The poly(pyrrole thiourea) electrode was applied for the in‐situ determination of Pb2+ in water coupled with an electrochemical flow analysis device. Several experimental parameters were optimized and the interference of the common co‐existing ions were evaluated. The precision and the repeatability of the electrode‐modified method were also examined. The relative standard deviation of response currents to 20 μg L−1 Pb2+ was found to be 4.6 % (n=90) and the recoveries varied from 91.6 % to 110.2 % in the determination of tap water and lake water samples obtained from laboratories and the university campuses. The limit of detection (3σ/Slope) of 0.03 μg L−1 for Pb2+ within the range of 0.1–100 μg L−1. Finally, the continuous monitoring of Pb2+ in water was successfully done by this developed method.
Succinate dehydrogenase mutations in head and neck paragangliomas: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of individual patients' data
Authors: Koh Elizabeth S. , Dabsha Anas , Rahouma Mohamed , Zappi Kyle , Srinivasan Yashes , Hickner Andy , Kutler David I.
Published: January 2024

Background

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs) have been associated with gene mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex, but the clinical significance remains unclear. We sought to explore the demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes of SDH‐mutated HNPs.

Methods

Databases were systematically searched. Pooled event ratio and relative 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Meta‐regression was performed. Cochran's Q test and I2 test assessed heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's regression test assessed publication bias.

Results

Forty‐two studies with 8849 patients were included. Meta‐regression revealed a significant correlation between multifocality and SDHD mutations (0.03 ± 0.006, p < 0.0001) and between distant metastases and SDHB mutations (0.06 ± 0.023, p = 0.008). There was no correlation between sex, age, tumor size, or familial occurrences and SDH‐related mutations.

Conclusion

Multifocality of HNPs correlates with the SDHD mutational subtype, and metastases correlate with the SDHB subtype. Knowledge of HNP phenotypes associated with SDH‐related mutations has the potential to influence the management approach to such HNPs.
“Nutrient–fungi–host” tripartite interaction in cancer progression
Authors: Wu Di , Guan Yun‐Xuan , Li Chen‐Hao , Zheng Quan , Yin Zuo‐Jing , Wang Hui , Liu Ning‐Ning
Published: January 2024

The human microbiome exhibits a profound connection with the cancer development, progression, and therapeutic response, with particular emphasis on its components of the mycobiome, which are still in the early stages of research. In this review, we comprehensively summarize cancer‐related symbiotic and pathogenic fungal genera. The intricate mechanisms through which fungi impact cancer as an integral member of both gut and tissue‐resident microbiomes are further discussed. In addition, we shed light on the pivotal physiological roles of various nutrients, including cholesterol, carbohydrates, proteins and minerals, in facilitating the growth, reproduction, and invasive pathogenesis of the fungi. While our exploration of the interplay between nutrients and cancer, mediated by the mycobiome, is ongoing, the current findings have yet to yield conclusive results. Thus, delving into the relationship between nutrients and fungal pathogenesis in cancer development and progression would provide valuable insights into anticancer therapy and foster precision nutrition and individualized treatments that target fungi from bench to bedside.
Front Cover image
Authors: Zhang Chaojun , Tang Yang , Guo Tianyu , Sang Yizhou , Li Ding , Wang Xiaoling , Rojas Orlando J. , Guo Junling
Published: January 2024

Natural polyphenol‐functionalized liquid metal to dissipate CPU interfacial heat for efficient thermal management systems

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CREG1 deficiency impaired myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Song Haixu , Tian Xiaoxiang , He Lianqi , Liu Dan , Li Jiayin , Mei Zhu , Zhou Ting , Liu Chunying , He Jiaqi , Jia Xiaodong , Yang Zheming , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: January 2024

Background

CREG1 (cellular repressor of E1A‐stimulated genes 1) is a protein involved in cellular differentiation and homeostasis regulation. However, its role in skeletal muscle satellite cells differentiation and muscle regeneration is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of CREG1 in myogenesis and muscle regeneration.

Methods

RNA sequencing data (GSE8479) was analysed from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi). We generated Creg1 knockdown and skeletal muscle satellite cells specific Creg1 overexpression mice mediated by adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), skeletal muscle mature myofibre Creg1 knockout mice (myoblast/Creg1MKO), and control mice Creg1flox/flox (Creg1fl/fl) as in vivo models. The mice were injected into tibialis anterior (TA) muscle with 100 μL of 10 μM cardiotoxin to establish a muscle regeneration model. Creg1fl/fl and Creg1MKO mice were treated with AAV‐sh‐C‐Cbl (2 × 1010 genomic copies/mouse) to silence C‐Cbl in the TA muscle. 293T and C2C12 cells were transfected with plasmids using lipofectamine RNAi MAX in vitro. Mass spectrometry analyses and RNA sequencing transcriptomic assay were performed.

Results

We analysed the transcriptional profiles of the skeletal muscle biopsies from healthy older (N = 25) and younger (N = 26) adult men and women in GSE8479 database, and the results showed that Creg1 was associated with human sarcopenia. We found that Creg1 knockdown mice regenerated less newly formed fibres in response to cardiotoxin injection (~30% reduction, P < 0.01); however, muscle satellite cells specific Creg1 overexpression mice regenerated more newly formed fibres (~20% increase, P < 0.05). AMPKa1 is known as a key mediator in the muscle regeneration process. Our results revealed that CREG1 deficiency inhibited AMPKa1 signalling through C‐CBL E3‐ubiquitin ligase‐mediated AMPKa1 degradation (P < 0.01). C‐CBL‐mediated AMPKa1 ubiquitination was attributed to the K48‐linked polyubiquitination of AMPKa1 at K396 and that the modification played an important role in the regulation of AMPKa1 protein stability. We also found that Creg1MKO mice regenerated less newly formed fibres compared with Creg1fl/fl mice (~30% reduction, P < 0.01). RNA‐seq analysis showed that CREG1 deletion in impaired muscles led to the upregulation of inflammation and DKK3 expression. The TA muscles of Creg1MKO mice were injected with AAV‐vector or AAV‐shC‐Cbl, silencing C‐CBL (P < 0.01) in the skeletal muscles of Creg1MKO mice significantly improved muscle regeneration induced by CTX injury (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CREG1 may be a potential therapeutic target for skeletal muscle regeneration.
Dynamics of N6‐methyladenosine modification during aging and their potential roles in the degeneration of intervertebral disc
Authors: Liu Libangxi , Sun Hong , Zhang Yang , Liu Chang , Zhuang Yong , Liu Miao , Ai Xuezheng , Long Dan , Huang Bo , Li Changqing , Zhou Yue , Dong Shiwu , Feng Chencheng
Published: January 2024

Background

The N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) dynamics in the progression of intervertebral disc (IVD) aging remain largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the distribution and pattern of m6A modification in nucleus pulpous (NP) tissues of rats at different ages.

Methods

Histological staining and MRI were performed to evaluate the degeneration of IVD. The expression of m6A modifiers was analyzed using qRT‐PCR and western blot. Subsequently, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation next generation sequencing and RNA‐seq were conducted to identify differences in m6A methylome and transcriptome of NP tissues.

Results

Compared to 2‐month‐old rats, we found significant changes in the global m6A level and the expression of Mettl3 and FTO in NP tissues from 20‐month‐old rats. During the progression of NP aging, there were 1126 persistently differentially m6A peaks within 931 genes, and 51 persistently differentially expressed genes. GO and KEGG analyses showed that these m6A peaks and m6A modified genes were mainly engaged in the biological processes and pathways of intervertebral disc degermation (IDD), such as extracellular matrix metabolism, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways. Meanwhile, conjoint analyses and Venn diagram revealed a total of 405 aging related genes contained significant methylation and expression levels in 20‐month‐old rats in contrast to 2‐month‐old and 10‐month‐old rats. Moreover, it was found that four aging related genes with hypermethylated modification including BUB1, CA12, Adamts1, and Adamts4 depicted differentially expressed at protein level, of which BUB1 and CA12 were decreased, while Adamts1 and Adamts4 were increased during the progression of NP aging.

Conclusion

Collectively, this study elucidated the distribution and pattern of m6A modification during the aging of IVD. Furthermore, the m6A modified genes were involved in the IDD related biological processes and pathways. These findings may provide novel insights into the mechanisms and therapies of IDD from the perspective of aging.
Stability analysis and numerical approximate solution for a new epidemic model with the vaccination strategy
Authors: Movahedi Fateme
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we introduce a new mathematical epidemic model with the effect of vaccination. We formulate a Susceptible‐High risk‐Infective‐Recovered‐Vaccinated (SHIRV) model in which the susceptible individuals with a higher probability of being infected (H) are selected as a separate class. We study the dynamical behavior of this model and define the basic reproductive number,
. It is proved that the disease‐free equilibrium is asymptotically stable if
, and it is unstable if
. Also, we investigate the existence and stability of the endemic equilibrium point analytically. For the system of differential equations of the SHIRV model, we give an approximating solution by using the Legendre‐Ritz‐Galerkin method. Finally, we study the influence of vaccination on measles and smallpox, two cases of the epidemic, using the proposed method in this paper. Numerical results showed that choosing high‐risk people for vaccination can prevent them from getting infected and reduce mortality in the community.
Dynamics of fractional plant virus propagation model with influence of seasonality and intraspecific competition
Authors: Achar Sindhu J. , K Geetha N
Published: January 2024

All biological forms of life rely on plants for many of their basic needs. Nonetheless, viruses can often infect plants. The ecosystem that depends on it could be destroyed as a result. An insect vector may be responsible for the virus's spread from plant to plant. A fractional order epidemic model is developed since it gives the more realistic solutions as the epidemics always persists in some or the other region and never becomes zero. The dynamics of the plant virus propagation model with effect from seasonality (PVP‐S) and intraspecific competition among predators are investigated in terms of existence of solutions, boundedness, and uniqueness. Analysis of plant virus propagation with effect from seasonality and intraspecific competition among predators in terms of fractional order is the novelty of this model. Here, we observe that the infection almost becomes zero in case of integral value, whereas it always persists as the fractional order is introduced, which is more realistic in nature. The occurrence of transcritical bifurcation for the model has been investigated. The proposed nonlinear model is numerically studied by the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton method. This study reveals the effectiveness of the numerical technique as well as the effect of the fractional order derivative on PVP‐S dynamics.
Using digestive physiology to develop larval culture protocols for the Blackbanded Sunfish, a threatened centrarchid native to the United States
Authors: Murray Casey A. , Lipscomb Taylor N. , Wood Amy L. , Tuckett Quenton M. , Patterson Josh T. , Watson Craig A. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The Blackbanded Sunfish Enneacanthus chaetodon is a small centrarchid that is endemic to slow-moving waters from New Jersey to central Florida, United States. The distribution of this species has been increasingly fragmented, primarily due to habitat degradation. The development of larval culture protocols is essential to produce this species for the aquarium trade and for potential restoration efforts. To streamline the production process, larvae should be transitioned from live feeds to inert diets as early as possible without sacrificing larval growth or survival.

Methods

A developmental trial was conducted to determine the timing of digestive tract maturation, which indicates the ability of larvae to better digest inert microdiets (MDs). Blackbanded Sunfish larvae were sampled 12 times from 2 days posthatch (dph; notochord length [mean ± SD] = 4.38 ± 0.22 mm) to 50 dph (total length [TL] = 9.89 ± 1.64 mm) for subsequent analysis of digestive enzyme activity (via microplate assays) and digestive system morphology (via histology). A dietetics trial was conducted to determine the most appropriate commercial MD for this species at early life stages by testing the efficacy of three different MDs against a reference diet of brine shrimp Artemia nauplii. Lastly, a weaning trial was conducted to determine the earliest time point at which MDs should be introduced during the larval period.

Result

Blackbanded Sunfish larvae transitioned from agastric to gastric digestion at approximately 40 dph (7.95 ± 0.86 mm TL), as determined by the presence of gastric glands and pepsin activity. In the dietetics trial, certain MDs yielded higher survival than others; however, all diets performed equally when considering the TL of the larvae. In the weaning trial, the highest survival was found when larvae were fed Artemia nauplii exclusively or when an MD was introduced at 48 dph (10.62 ± 1.88 mm TL).

Conclusion

Larval Blackbanded Sunfish may require up to 48 days of live feeds before introducing MDs but can be successfully transitioned to MDs after 48 dph without significantly affecting survival or growth.
The geolocation of features on information surfaces and the use of the open and FAIR data principles in the mountain landscape domain and geoheritage
Authors: Whalley W. Brian
Published: January 2024

This note suggests that decimal latitude/longitude [dLL] locations should be used to identify features of interest, landforms, sample and investigations sites, in an ‘information landscape’ provided by the geomorphological literature. All the information associated with a labelled, or tagged, geolocation should be available for examination as part of information landscapes that can be explored and represented in books, papers and other publications. This note also outlines the ‘open’ and FAIR data that are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable and how the principles can be used to better explain landscapes, especially in the mountain landscape domain. Tors and rock glaciers illustrate [dLL] geolocation to identify sites and inform fieldwork and literature searching. Any [dLL]‐specified location is an identifying label, as are names given to landforms and toponyms. Two letters (digraph) are used as landform labels: TO for tors and RG for rock glaciers. Citations, (author–date–title–source) attributions, are also labels. The note shows how these attributions can be linked to [dLL] geolocations specifying locations in time and space and in the literature. The addition of [dLL] will facilitate future literature searches and modelling to explore ‘unknowns’ in the landscape, and this paper suggests ways in which this can be achieved, including geoheritage and geotourism.
Exploring Interactions and Properties of the Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose–Chitosan Biopolymer Complex
Authors: Ardhaoui Wiem , Cherif Emna , Herth Etienne
Published: January 2024

The complex of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CH) in aqueous solution can be used for biomedical applications and is very beneficial for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and disease treatment. This article presents elaboration and properties of the complex of two polysaccharides with opposite charges of CMC/CH in aqueous solutions. The electrical conductivity under the influence of increasing concentrations of the CMC/CH mixtures from (0.5 to 10) g l−1 and increasing temperatures from 288.15 to 318.15 K is investigated. The reduced conductivities, , energy of activation , the Gibbs free energy of conductivity , and the activations parameters of the enthalpy () and entropy () are estimated.
Effects of purified anthocyanins supplementation on serum concentration of inflammatory mediators: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis on randomized clinical trials
Authors: Hariri Mitra , Amirkalali Bahareh , Gholami Ali
Published: January 2024

Anthocyanins, due to their antioxidant effects, are candidates to reduce inflammation and the risk of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, through conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis, we tried to find the effect of purified anthocyanins on serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Databases including, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched up to June 2023. The meta‐analysis was done by calculating mean differences and their standard deviations. Calculating the statistical heterogeneity of intervention effects was performed through I‐squared statistics and Cochran's Q test. The pooled estimate showed a significant decrease in serum levels of CRP, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.12 mg/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.21 to −0.02, p = 0.013; WMD = −1.37 pg/mL, 95% CI = −1.79 to −0.96; p < 0.001; WMD = −1.43 pg/mL, 95% CI = −1.87 to −1.00; p < 0.001, respectively). Subgroup analysis results revealed purified anthocyanins significantly decreased serum levels of CRP among participants with serum levels of CRP≥1.52 mg/L, at‐risk/unhealthy status, and in trials with intervention duration ≥84 days, anthocyanins dose ≥320 mg/day, and sample size ≥85 subjects. Regarding TNF‐α and IL‐6, out results showed that there was a significant effect of purified anthocyanins on serum levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in most subgroups. The results of our study indicated that purified anthocyanins significantly decreased serum levels of CRP, TNF‐α, and IL‐6. However, further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the efficacy of purified anthocyanins.
Gallium‐Doped Zinc Oxide/Tungsten‐Doped Indium Oxide Stacks with Enhanced Lateral Transport Capability for Efficient and Low‐Cost Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yan Zhu , Shi Jianhua , Chen Shuyi , Huang Shenglei , Luo Yunren , Ren Jiawen , Du Junlin , Li Zhenfei , Wang Guangyuan , Han Anjun , Zhao Dongming , Yu Xiangrui , Huang Haiwei , Li Rui , Fu Haoxin , Fan Bin , Zhang Liping , Liu Wenzhu , Liu Zhengxin , Meng Fanying
Published: January 2024

To decrease the series resistance in front gallium‐doped zinc oxide (GZO) silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells caused by high‐resistivity GZO films, stack films including tungsten‐doped indium oxide (IWO) films which have better lateral transport properties are used as the front transparent conductive oxide (TCO) to improve charge transport. The crystal structure and electrical and optical characteristics of GZO/IWO stacks with different thickness ratios are investigated, and the current–voltage performance of SHJ solar cells with front GZO/IWO stacks and rear GZO film are analyzed. The effective transmittance of the stacks is greater than 98% in the visible region. When the thickness of GZO/IWO is 50 nm:50 nm, the resistivity reaches 8.59 × 10−4 Ω cm, which is a significantly 70% reduction compared with that of a single GZO film. Meanwhile, the power conversion efficiency is improved to 23.8%, effectively reducing the efficiency gap by approximately 0.12% compared to a single IWO transparent electrode. More effective lateral transport lowers the series resistance of SHJ solar cells. By employing stacks with lower indium content in the front TCO of SHJ solar cells, the cost can be reduced without significantly affecting the efficiency, which is important for the large‐scale development of SHJ solar cells.
Nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology in India
Authors: Pan Dipanjan
Published: January 2024

Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field combining nanotechnology and medicine, has gained immense attention in recent years due to its potential in revolutionizing healthcare. India, being an emerging hub for scientific research and development, has made significant strides in nanomedicine research. This special issue is dedicated to the exciting research that are being conducted by the leading Indian scientists in various Indian institutions.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Black hole excited states from broken translations in Euclidean time
Authors: Pantelidou Christiana , Withers Benjamin
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We prepare an excited finite temperature state in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM by means of a Euclidean path integral with a relevant deformation. The deformation explicitly breaks imaginary-time translations along the thermal circle whilst preserving its periodicity. We then study how the state relaxes to thermal equilibrium in real time. Computations are performed using real-time AdS/CFT, by constructing novel mixed-signature black holes in numerical relativity corresponding to Schwinger-Keldysh boundary conditions. These correspond to deformed cigar geometries in the Euclidean, glued to a pair of dynamical spacetimes in the Lorentzian.

The maximal extension of the Lorentzian black hole exhibits a ‘causal shadow’, a bulk region which is spacelike separated from both boundaries. We show that causal shadows are generic in path-integral prepared states where imaginary-time translations along the thermal circle are broken.
Flux vacua of the mirror octic
Authors: Plauschinn Erik , Schlechter Lorenz
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We determine all flux vacua with flux numbers Nflux ≤ 10 for a type IIB orientifold-compactification on the mirror-octic three-fold. To achieve this, we develop and apply techniques for performing a complete scan of flux vacua for the whole moduli space — we do not randomly sample fluxes nor do we consider only boundary regions of the moduli space. We compare our findings to results in the literature.
Effective field theories as Lagrange spaces
Authors: Craig Nathaniel , Lee Yu-Tse , Lu Xiaochuan , Sutherland Dave
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We present a formulation of scalar effective field theories in terms of the geometry of Lagrange spaces. The horizontal geometry of the Lagrange space generalizes the Riemannian geometry on the scalar field manifold, inducing a broad class of affine connections that can be used to covariantly express and simplify tree-level scattering amplitudes. Meanwhile, the vertical geometry of the Lagrange space characterizes the physical validity of the effective field theory, as a torsion component comprises strictly higher-point Wilson coefficients. Imposing analyticity, unitarity, and symmetry on the theory then constrains the signs and sizes of derivatives of the torsion component, implying that physical theories correspond to a special class of vertical geometry.
Divergence Property of the Brown-Thompson Groups and Braided Thompson Groups
Authors: Sheng Xiaobing
Published: January 2024

Golan and Sapir proved that Thompson’s groups F, T and V have linear divergence. In the current paper, we focus on the divergence property of several generalisations of the Thompson groups. We first consider the Brown-Thompson groups

$$F_n$$

F
n

,

$$T_n$$

T
n

and

$$V_n$$

V
n

(also called Brown-Higman-Thompson group in some other context) and find that these groups also have linear divergence functions. We then focus on the braided Thompson groups BF, 

$$\widehat{BF}$$

BF

^

and

$$\widehat{BV}$$

BV

^

and prove that these groups have linear divergence. The case of BV has also been done independently by Kodama.
The accuracy and intra- and interobserver variability of PSMA PET/CT for the local staging of primary prostate cancer
Authors: Donswijk Maarten L. , Ettema Rosemarijn H. , Meijer Dennie , Wondergem Maurits , Cheung Zing , Bekers Elise M. , van Leeuwen Pim J. , van den Bergh Roderick C. N. , van der Poel Henk G. , Vis André N. , Oprea-Lager Daniela E.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) is recognized as the most accurate imaging modality for detection of metastatic high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Its role in the local staging of disease is yet unclear. We assessed the intra- and interobserver variability, as well as the diagnostic accuracy of the PSMA PET/CT based molecular imaging local tumour stage (miT-stage) for the local tumour stage assessment in a large, multicentre cohort of patients with intermediate and high-risk primary PCa, with the radical prostatectomy specimen (pT-stage) serving as the reference standard.

Methods

A total of 600 patients who underwent staging PSMA PET/CT before robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was studied. In 579 PSMA positive primary prostate tumours a comparison was made between miT-stage as assessed by four nuclear physicians and the pT-stage according to ISUP protocol. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were determined. In a representative subset of 100 patients, the intra-and interobserver variability were assessed using Kappa-estimates.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the PSMA PET/CT based miT-stage were 58% and 59% for pT3a-stage, 30% and 97% for ≥ pT3b-stage, and 68% and 61% for overall ≥ pT3-stage, respectively. No statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy were found between tracers.

We found a substantial intra-observer agreement for PSMA PET/CT assessment of ≥ T3-stage (k 0.70) and ≥ T3b-stage (k 0.75), whereas the interobserver agreement for the assessment of ≥ T3-stage (k 0.47) and ≥ T3b-stage (k 0.41) were moderate.

Conclusion

In a large, multicentre study evaluating 600 patients with newly diagnosed intermediate and high-risk PCa, we showed that PSMA PET/CT may have a value in local tumour staging when pathological tumour stage in the radical prostatectomy specimen was used as the reference standard. The intra-observer and interobserver variability of assessment of tumour extent on PSMA PET/CT was moderate to substantial.
Gain measurements of longitudinally excited CO2 laser using low-pressure gas without helium
Authors: Miyagawa Daikichi , Uno Kazuyuki , Watarai Shohei , Kodama Yasushi
Published: January 2024

The gain characteristics of a CO2 laser pumped by a longitudinal pulsed discharge were investigated to develop a compact He-free CO2 laser operating at a high repetition rate. The longitudinal discharge tube had an inner diameter of 0.8 cm and a length of 45 cm. High-voltage pulses with a discharge starting voltage of 13.4–30.2 kV at a rise time of about 321 ns were applied to the discharge tube. CO2/N2 mixture gas with mixing ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 was used. The small signal gain coefficient was measured by inputting a seed CO2 laser pulse into the longitudinal discharge tube. The small signal gain coefficient depended on the delay time between the start of the discharge in the longitudinal discharge tube and the input of a seed CO2 laser pulse, the gas mixing ratio, the gas pressure, the repetition rate and the input energy to the longitudinal discharge tube. In this work, in He-free gas, the maximum small signal gain coefficient at a repetition rate of 300 Hz was 2.11%/cm with a delay time of 30.4 μs, a CO2/N2 gas mixing ratio of 1:2, a gas pressure of 2.6 kPa and an input energy of 191 mJ.
The effect of piston diameter in primary stapes surgery on surgical success
Authors: Blijleven Esther E. , Jellema Maaike , Stokroos Robert J. , Wegner Inge , Thomeer Hans G. X. M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of piston diameter in patients undergoing primary stapes surgery on audiometric results and postoperative complications.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed. Adult patients who underwent primary stapes surgery between January 2013 and April 2022 and received a 0.4-mm-diameter piston or a 0.6-mm-diameter piston were included. The primary and secondary outcomes were pre- and postoperative pure-tone audiometry, pre- and postoperative speech audiometry, postoperative complications, intraoperative anatomical difficulties, and the need for revision stapes surgery. The pure-tone audiometry included air conduction, bone conduction, and air–bone gap averaged over 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz.

Results

In total, 280 otosclerosis patients who underwent 321 primary stapes surgeries were included. The audiometric outcomes were significantly better in the 0.6 mm group compared to the 0.4 mm group in terms of gain in air conduction (median = 24 and 20 dB, respectively), postoperative air–bone gap (median = 7.5 and 9.4 dB, respectively), gain in air–bone gap (median = 20.0 and 18.1 dB, respectively), air–bone gap closure to 10 dB or less (75% and 59%, respectively) and 100% speech reception (median = 75 and 80 dB, respectively). We found no statistically significant difference in postoperative dizziness, postoperative complications and the need for revision stapes surgery between the 0.4 and 0.6 mm group. The incidence of anatomical difficulties was higher in the 0.4 mm group.

Conclusion

The use of a 0.6-mm-diameter piston during stapes surgery seems to provide better audiometric results compared to a 0.4-mm-diameter piston, and should be the preferred piston size in otosclerosis surgery. We found no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the 0.4- and 0.6-mm-diameter piston. Based on the results, we recommend always using a 0.6-mm-diameter piston during primary stapes surgery unless anatomical difficulties do not allow it.
Assessing fluid responsiveness with ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care setting: the mini-fluid challenge
Authors: de Waal Koert , Petoello Enrico
Published: January 2024

The mini-fluid challenge (MFC) can guide individualised fluid therapy and prevent fluid overload and associated morbidity in adult intensive care patients. This ultrasound test is based on the Frank-Starling principles to assess dynamic fluid responsiveness, but limited MFC data exists for newborns. This brief report describes the feasibility of the MFC in 12 preterm infants with late onset sepsis and 5 newborns with other pathophysiology. Apical views were used to determine the changes in left ventricular stroke volume before and after a 3 ml/kg fluid bolus was given over 5 min. Four out of the 17 infants were fluid responsive, defined as a post-bolus increase in stroke volume of 15% or more.

  Conclusion: The MFC was feasible and followed the physiological principles of stroke volume and extravascular lung water changes and 24% were fluid responsive. The MFC could enable future studies to examine whether adding fluid responsiveness to guide fluid therapy in newborns can reduce the risk of fluid overload.

What is Known:• Fluid overload is associated with morbidity and mortality.• The mini-fluid challenge (MFC) provides a personalised approach to fluid therapy.

What is New:• The MFC is feasible in newborns.• The MFC followed the physiological principles of stroke volume and extravascular lung water changes.
Salt-rich versus salt-poor structural scenarios in the central Northern Calcareous Alps: implications for the Hallstatt facies and early Alpine tectonic evolution (Eastern Alps, Austria)
Authors: Fernandez Oscar , Ortner Hugo , Sanders Diethard , Grasemann Bernhard , Leitner Thomas
Published: January 2024

One of the most remarkable features of the central Northern Calcareous Alps (Eastern Alps, Austria) is the widespread presence of Upper Triassic deep-water carbonates (the Hallstatt facies) and Permo-Triassic evaporites resting on deep-water Middle Jurassic strata and their underlying Upper Triassic shallow-water carbonate platform successions. The Hallstatt facies and accompanying evaporites have been classically interpreted to originate either from a location south of the time-equivalent carbonate platforms, or to have been deposited in deeper water seaways within the broad platform domain. To date, this dispute has been addressed mostly through the analysis of Triassic and Jurassic facies distribution in map view, which, however, is subject to some degree of ambiguity and subjectivity. In this contribution we present, for the first time, sequentially restored regional cross-sections through the central Northern Calcareous Alps to understand the implications of the contrasting paleogeographic models. We present (a) an interpretation based on a highly allochthonous origin of the Triassic deep-water units and (b) an interpretation based on their relative autochthony in which we incorporate the potential influence of salt tectonics in the central NCA. The restored cross-sections provide a framework within which the alternative scenarios and their paleogeographic implications can be better understood. Through this analysis we propose that salt tectonics in the central NCA can provide a valid explanation for apparent inconsistencies in the relative autochthony scenario and thus constitutes a reasonable alternative to the currently accepted allochthony scenario.

Graphical abstract
Die Geschichte der Psychosomatik in Österreich
Authors: Scheer Peter J.
Published: January 2024

In der Zeit zwischen den Weltkriegen entstand in Wien eine neue tiefenpsychologische Schule: Alfred Adlers Individualpsychologie. Sie nahm sich vor allem der psychosozialen Probleme der Großstadt an. Hunger, schlechte Hygiene und harte Kindererziehung führten zu Minderwertigkeitsgefühlen und deren Folgen durch Überkompensation: Krankheiten durch übermäßige Anspannung schwacher Organe waren ebenso die Folge wie psychische Störungen, die sich in antisozialem Verhalten äußerten. Nach der Trennung von Freuds Wiener Psychoanalytischem Verein entwickelten Adler und seine Mitstreiter ein Erziehungs- und Behandlungssystem, das auf Gemeinschaftssinn und gegenseitiger Achtung beruhte. Die Reform des Bildungssystems unter Otto Glöckl führte zur Arbeitsschule, in welcher neben Wissensvermittlung auch Persönlichkeitsbildung gefördert wurde. Prophylaxe fand durch neues, gesünderes Wohnen ebenso statt wie durch Erziehungsberatungsstellen, Kinderambulatorien und Sommerschulen. Licht, Luft und Sonne sowie Hinwendung zur Gemeinschaft waren die Ideen, die leider bald vom Nationalsozialismus pervertiert werden sollten. 1938 ging die Individualpsychologie ins Exil.