bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in the quasi‐biweekly oscillation sources of the daily maximum temperature over South China during summer
Authors: Li Xiaoqi , Chen Ruidan
Published: September 2023

The summer daily maximum temperature (Tmax) over South China features obvious quasi‐biweekly oscillation (QBWO) and its QBWO sources mainly include three types. The first type is influenced by tropical and mid–high‐latitude antiphase coupling QBWO. Successive suppressed and enhanced convection, accompanying with anticyclonic and cyclonic anomalies, propagate northward from the northwest of the Philippines to South China. At the peak warm phase, an anomalous high dominates over South China and causes significant warming. Meanwhile, an anomalous low associated with a southeastward‐propagating wave train occurs to the north and leading to abnormal cooling in situ. The second type originates from the mid–high latitudes. Before the warm phase, an anomalous high around the Ural Mountains triggers two wave trains propagating southeastward along the great circle route and eastward along the westerly jet, respectively, favouring an anomalous high over North–Northeast China. At the peak warm phase, the anomalous high extends southward, causing significant warming over South–Central China. The third type is influenced by tropical and mid–high‐latitude in‐phase coupling QBWO. The tropical anomalies are similar to the first type but the convection anomalies are centred to the northeast of the Philippines and propagate northwestward. The mid–high‐latitude wave trains are similar to the second type but with relatively weaker southeastward‐propagating wave train. At the peak warm phase, the anomalous highs from the Tropics and mid–high latitudes together dominate a large meridional scope and induce wide‐range warming over eastern China. Intrinsically, the QBWO of the convection north of the Philippines and mid–high‐latitude wave trains are important signals of the atmospheric variability and might be applied to the forecast of South China Tmax.
Influence of Cooling Rate on the Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation of One Poly(1‐butene‐co‐ethylene) Resin and Microstructure of Its Fractions
Authors: Zhang Zhenkang , Xue Yanhu , Li Rui , Liu Wei , He Shuang , Ji Xiangling
Published: September 2023

TREF (temperature rising elution fractionation) is a method to separate resins based on crystallizability. The influence of TREF cooling rate (V0) on the fractionation process is still unclear. Herein, a poly(1‐butene‐co‐ethylene) resin is fractionated by the TREF method at three different cooling rates (1, 2, and 4 °C h−1), and then the fractions are analyzed by high‐temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT‐GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C‐NMR). The cooling rate V0 affects the crystallization process of the PB‐1 resin, resulting in different fraction contents at the same elution temperature. Furthermore, the cooling rate also affects the chain microstructure of fractions obtained from the same elution temperatures, i.e., the content of 1‐butene and ethylene monomer units, average sequence length and isotacticity. The lower cooling rate is beneficial to the effective separation of the fractions with weak crystallizability. These results have important guidance for optimizing fractionation conditions and obtaining different narrow distribution fractions of poly(1‐butene) (PB‐1) resin.
Deciphering consumer commitment: Exploring the dual influence of self‐brand and self‐group relationships
Authors: Bauer Brittney C. , Carlson Brad D. , Arnold Mark J.
Published: September 2023

Consumer‐brand relationships are highly valued as brand‐committed consumers are thought to deliver many positive outcomes for affiliated brands. However, in addition to connections between individuals and brands, consumer‐brand relationships also involve relationships between individuals and other brand users. Little attention has been given to the potential consequences associated with commitment to other brand users as compared to the brand itself. Therefore, our framework establishes two distinct types of consumer‐brand relationships (i.e., self‐brand relationships vs. self‐group relationships) that differentially influence brand commitment versus group commitment, leading to contrasting effects on both desirable and undesirable brand outcomes. Specifically, our studies illuminate that while brand commitment is largely associated with favorable brand‐related outcomes, group commitment does not protect against brand switching and is negatively related to willingness to pay price premiums and positive word‐of‐mouth. Our main contribution is uncovering how consumer‐brand relationships face tradeoffs between brand and group attachments, whereby commitment provides both conditional benefits as well as unintended consequences.
The impact of service robots on customer satisfaction online ratings: The moderating effects of rapport and contextual review factors
Authors: Borghi Matteo , Mariani Marcello M. , Vega Rodrigo P. , Wirtz Jochen
Published: September 2023

Recent research has established a positive relationship between the use of service robots powered by artificial intelligence in hospitality firms and customer satisfaction online ratings, a particularly important form of electronic word of mouth. However, it is not clear if and how this relationship is augmented or diminished by moderating factors. In this study, we examined four potential moderators by using machine learning and natural language processing techniques to analyze 20,166 online reviews of hotels that had implemented service robots. We had four key findings. First, a positive service robot‐satisfaction rating relationship was further enhanced by improved customer‐service robot rapport during the service encounter. Second, higher customer effort focused on service robots in a review reduced the service robot‐satisfaction rating relationship. Third, posting reviews using a mobile device (vs. other devices) showed higher satisfaction ratings. Finally, customers' prior experience in writing online reviews was unrelated to the service robot‐satisfaction rating relationship. Taken together, these results suggest that service robots should be designed to be interactive and encourage customers to build rapport, for example, by service robots engaging in conversational flows. Moreover, customers should be nudged to use their mobile devices to post timely reviews on their positive human–robot interactions.
Mutations in CFAP47, a previously reported MMAF causative gene, also contribute to the respiratory defects in patients with PCD
Authors: Ge Haijun , Zhou Wangji , He Miao , Zheng Haixia , Zhao Xinyue , Zhang Ting , Zhang Ying , Shao Chi , Cheng Chongsheng , Liu Yaping , Tian Xinlun , Xu Kai‐Feng , Zhang Xue
Published: September 2023

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic ciliopathy characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. Currently, approximately 50 causative genes accounting for 60%–70% of all PCD cases have been identified in PCD‐affected individuals, but the etiology in approximately 30%–40% of PCD cases remains unknown.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical and genetic data of two PCD individuals who were suspected of having PCD. Whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify and verify the variants in CFAP47. We also evaluated the expression of CFAP47 by real‐time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Transmission electron microscopy in respiratory epithelial cells was also conducted to analyze ciliary function.

Results

Two hemizygous missense variants of X‐linked CFAP47 in two unrelated PCD individuals were identified. The expression of CFAP47 in two PCD individuals was significantly reduced in vivo and in vitro assays. A reduction in the amount of epithelial ciliary cells and basal bodies from PCD individuals was also observed.

Conclusions

We describe two hemizygous missense variants of X‐linked CFAP47 in two unrelated PCD individuals and prove CFAP47 variants are related to a reduced number of epithelial ciliary cells. Therefore, we suggest that CFAP47 should be known as a novel pathogenic gene of human PCD.
Synchronization control of quaternion‐valued inertial memristor‐based neural networks via adaptive method
Authors: Zhang Lingjia , Wei Ruoyu , Cao Jinde , Ding Xiaoshuai
Published: September 2023

In this paper, by introducing memristive connections and inertial term into quaternion‐valued neural networks, the quaternion‐valued inertial memristive neural networks (QVIMNNs) is proposed. Based on the adaptive control strategy, the synchronization problem of the QVIMNNs is analyzed in this work. Two different assumption for activation functions are considered in this work; new criteria for global synchronization are then derived by designing novel adaptive controllers and update laws. Lastly, numerical examples are given to verify the results obtained in this work.
Reiterated homogenization of elliptic systems with Neumann boundary conditions
Authors: Mi Qingqing , Niu Weisheng , Wan Yuansheng
Published: September 2023

This paper is devoted to the quantitative estimates in reiterated homogenization of second‐order elliptic systems of linear elasticity, where the coefficients oscillate on multiple separated scales. We establish the uniform boundary Lipschitz estimate and the uniform
estimate for the problem. The convergence rate in the
space is also obtained as a by‐product.
Miniaturized Q‐band ×8 frequency multiplier with optimized efficiency in 65‐nm CMOS technology
Authors: Lim Jeong‐Taek , Oh Hyun‐Myung , Kim Jae‐Sun , Choi Han‐Woong , Lee Kyeong‐Hyeok , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: September 2023

In this work, a miniaturized Q‐band ×8 frequency multiplier with a structure designed for optimized efficiency is demonstrated. The circuit is fabricated using 65‐nm CMOS technology and designed to operate from 46.4 to 50.4 GHz. The ×8 frequency multiplier consists of three doublers and three amplifiers for the optimization of efficiency and low‐input power. Three doublers are designed using balanced topology for high harmonic suppression. The transformer balun is conjoined as an input balun in the frequency doubler and load inductor in amplifier. The transformer balun used between the first amplifier and first doubler, and between the second amplifier and third doubler to achieve compact size. This ×8 frequency multiplier achieves a maximum output power of −1.9 dBm with an input power of −24 dBm, and harmonic suppressions are over 32.5 dBc between 46.4 and 50 GHz. The ×8 frequency multiplier consumes a maximum power of 50 mW and occupies area of 0.92 mm2.
High gain UWB bow‐tie antenna design for ground penetrating radar application
Authors: Joula Mohammad , Rafiei Vahid , Karamzadeh Saeid
Published: September 2023

This article presents an elliptical shaped slot ultra‐wideband antenna with high gain (10.3 dBi) and compact size (107.7 × 68 mm2) that designed and improved by four steps. Also, it can perform in an impedance bandwidth (IBW) from 0.98 GHz to 4.5 GHz that is satisfactory IBW for ground penetrating radar (GPR) application. The proposed antenna is fabricated for experimental testing and getting GPR images in a sandbox. Simulation and measured results ensure a desirable GPR antenna.
Microstrip bandpass filters using triple‐mode circle‐shaped ring resonator with/without stub perturbation
Authors: Wang Z.J. , Wang C. , Kim E.S. , Liang J.G. , Kim N.Y.
Published: September 2023

In this letter, microstrip bandpass filters (BPFs) using circular triple‐mode ring resonators with/without stub perturbation are designed and analyzed. The first BPF, with a wide passband and a sharp band rejection, is proposed as a prototype, and stubs are attached to two additional BPFs to introduce perturbation. The effects of the stub perturbation are analyzed and evaluated using both the equations and the equivalent circuits presented in this study. The BPF prototype is equipped with both a circular outer resonator, which operates at one wavelength, and a half‐wavelength open‐ended coupled line with a central connected quarter‐wavelength shunt open stub. Each side of the passband has two transmission zeros, which provides the filter with both good selectivity and good out‐band suppression. Based on this BPF prototype, two additional BPFs are designed with stub perturbation for in‐band (BPF 1) and multi‐band (BPF 2) adjustment.
Experimental study of CPW‐fed printed UWB antenna with radiation improvement for ground coupling GPR application
Authors: Kundu Surajit
Published: September 2023

A compact (35 × 30 × 0.8 mm3) coplanar waveguide‐fed circular disk monopole antenna with gain enhancement using dual frequency‐selective surface (FSS) layers, each of dimension 44 × 44 × 1.6 mm3 is proposed in this letter. The proposed antenna added with FSS provides a maximum gain improvement of nearly 5 dBi in the impedance band from 3 to more than 20 GHz. Radiation in the broadside direction is also improved due to the addition of FSS layers. The proposed antenna is also experimentally tested in close proximity of sand and wood made test beds of varying thicknesses with aluminum sheet at the bottom of it. Antenna can cover the 3.1‐10.6 GHz unlicensed band with linear transfer function and nonvarying group delay response in this ground coupling experimental test.
Circularly polarized rectangular dielectric resonator antenna fed by a flag shape microstrip line for wideband applications
Authors: Kumari Reena , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: September 2023

A flag‐shaped microstrip line fed rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (RDRA) is introduced for producing wideband circular polarization (CP) fields and the proposed design utilizes two orthogonal modes and of the RDRA for the generation of CP fields. The improvement in the 3‐dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth is observed from 16.45% to 58.36% by optimizing the antenna design parameters and by truncating three notches from the flag shape microstrip line. The designing, fabrication, and testing of the proposed antenna prototype has been done and it achieves 47.27% of broad 3‐dB AR bandwidth and 66.66% of wide |S11| bandwidth, respectively. The produced radiator is appropriate for WiMAX applications.
The self‐distillation trained multitask dense‐attention network for diagnosing lung cancers based on CT scans
Authors: Chen Liuyin , Zhang Zijun
Published: September 2023

Background

The latest international multidisciplinary histopathological classification of lung cancer indicates that a deeper study of the lung adenocarcinoma requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary platform. However, in the traditional pathological examination or previous computer‐vision‐based research, the entire lung is not considered in a comprehensive manner.

Purpose

The study aims to develop a deep learning model proposed for diagnosing the lung adenocarcinoma histopathologically based on CT scans. Instead of just classifying the lung adenocarcinoma, the pathological report should be inferred based on both the invasiveness and growth pattern of the tumors.

Methods

A self‐distillation trained multitask dense‐attention network (SD‐MdaNet) is proposed and validated based on 2412 labeled CT scans from 476 patients and 845 unlabeled scans. Inferring the pathological report is divided into two tasks, predicting the invasiveness of the lung tumor and inferring growth patterns of tumor cells in a comprehensive histopathological subtyping manner with excellent accuracy. In the proposed method, the dense‐attention module is introduced to better extract features from a small dataset in the main branch of the MdaNet. Next, task‐specific attention modules are utilized in different branches and finally integrated as a multitask model. The second task is a blend of classification and regression tasks. Thus, a specialized loss function is developed. In the proposed knowledge distillation (KD) process, the MdaNet as well as its main branch trained for solving two single tasks, respectively, are treated as multiple teachers to produce a student model. A novel KD loss function is developed to take the advantage of all the models as well as data with labels and without labels.

Results

SD‐MdaNet achieves an AUC of on invasiveness prediction, and on predominant growth pattern prediction on our dataset. Moreover, the average mean squared error in inferring growth pattern proportion reaches , and the AUC for predominant growth pattern proportion reaches . The proposed SD‐MdaNet is significantly better than all other benchmarking methods ().

Conclusions

Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SD‐MdaNet can significantly improve the performance of the lung adenocarcinoma pathological diagnosis using only CT scans. Analyses and discussions are conducted to interpret the advantages of the SD‐MdaNet.
Sexual dimorphism in an invasive population of suckermouth armored catfish: Implications for management
Authors: Arend Wesley A. , Mangold Rebecca D. , Riggins Christopher L. , Garoutte Collin , Rodriguez Yeyetzi , Heard Thomas C. , Menchaca Nick , Williamson Janaye , McDonald Dusty , Daugherty Daniel , McGarrity Monica , Conway Kevin W. , Perkin Joshuah S.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Suckermouth armored catfishes (SACs; Loricariidae) have invaded water bodies outside their native range globally. Population control methods, including removals and genetic biocontrols, may be enhanced through greater knowledge of sex discrimination, sex ratios, and potential sex bias among control methods.

Methods

We investigated sexual dimorphism and population sex ratio for an invasive SAC population of Hypostomus sp. in the upper San Marcos River, Texas, USA, as a means of advancing ongoing management of the population.

Result

Among 385 specimens obtained at random during a planned dewatering of a 100-m reach of the river, the sex ratio was biased toward females (proportion of females = 0.60). Morphometric analyses of 105 females and 108 males based on a generalized boosted classification model revealed elongated dorsal and anal fins in males correctly classified sex for 83% of individuals (95% CI = 77–88%). Seven independent observers used results from the generalized boosted classification model to assign sex to 30 fish, with average accuracy of 72% (range = 43–83%). The accuracy of the model and validation exercises were highest for fish >240 mm total length, the estimated length of reproductive maturity.

Conclusion

Morphometrics based on dorsal- and anal-fin sizes can be used to infer sex externally from hundreds of SACs removed per year to evaluate long-term population management success.
A mathematical model for meniscus cartilage regeneration
Authors: Grosjean E. , Simeon B. , Surulescu C.
Published: September 2023

We propose a continuous model for meniscus cartilage regeneration triggered by two populations of cells migrating and (de)differentiating within an artificial scaffold with a known structure. The described biological processes are influenced by a fluid flow and therewith induced deformations of the scaffold. Numerical simulations are done for the corresponding dynamics within a bioreactor which was designed for performing the biological experiments.
Toughness enhancement of PP/EVA/LDH composites by controlling β nucleating agent and annealing treatment
Authors: Guo Xincheng , Chen Yao , Guo Jianbing , Qin Jun , Lian Honglin , Lu Zongcheng , Chen Xiaolang
Published: September 2023

In order to use polypropylene (PP) more efficiently without destroying its excellent properties, heat treatment after molding is undoubtedly a facile and effective way. In this work, the temperature and time are used as the main treatments for the process regulation of PP/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/layered double hydroxide (PP/EVA/LDH) composites with β nucleating agent. The toughness, crystallization behaviors, and crystal morphologies of PP/EVA/LDH composites are investigated by using Izod impact tester, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and polarizing optical microscope (POM). The notched impact strength of the annealed 6PEL2 at 120°C for 12 h reaches 8.0 kJ/m2, which is approximately 186% higher than that of untreated PP (2.8 kJ/m2). The SEM results show that the annealing process‐induced debonding of the phase interface and the enhancement of cavitation enhance the energy dissipation behavior of 6PEL2 under impact loading, which is strongly supported by the increase of folded surfaces on the fracture plane and the pull‐out deformation of the EVA phase. Furthermore, the promising toughening results of 6PEL2 are derived from the secondary crystallization rearrangement of α‐crystals, the reduction of spherical crystal sizes, and the change of crystallization behaviors of β‐crystals.

Highlights

PP/EVA/LDH composites with nucleating agent are effectively regulated by annealing treatment.

Improvement of toughness of polypropylene composites is attributed to the crystalline transformation effect on the crystals and the weak internal stresses.

The formation of β‐crystals induced by the nucleating agent greatly absorbs a large amount of energy during the impact fracture.
Website blocking in the European Union: Network interference from the perspective of Open Internet
Authors: Ververis Vasilis , Lasota Lucas , Ermakova Tatiana , Fabian Benjamin
Published: September 2023

By establishing an infrastructure for monitoring and blocking networks in accordance with European Union (EU) law on preventive measures against the spread of information, EU member states have also made it easier to block websites and services and monitor information. While relevant studies have documented Internet censorship in non‐European countries, as well as the use of such infrastructures for political reasons, this study examines network interference practices such as website blocking against the backdrop of an almost complete lack of EU‐related research. Specifically, it performs and demonstrates an analysis for the total of 27 EU countries based on three different sources. They include first, tens of millions of historical network measurements collected in 2020 by Open Observatory of Network Interference volunteers from around the world; second, the publicly available blocking lists used by EU member states; and third, the reports issued by network regulators in each country from May 2020 to April 2021. Our results show that authorities issue multiple types of blocklists. Internet Service Providers limit access to different types and categories of websites and services. Such resources are sometimes blocked for unknown reasons and not included in any of the publicly available blocklists. The study concludes with the hurdles related to network measurements and the nontransparency from regulators regarding specifying website addresses in blocking activities.
Noether Gauge Symmetry Approach Applying for the Non‐Minimally Coupled Gravity to the Maxwell Field
Authors: Mahmoudi Somayyeh , Hajkhalili Somayeh , Hendi Seyed Hossein
Published: September 2023

Taking the Noether gauge symmetry approach into account, spherically symmetric static black hole solutions of the non‐minimal gauge‐gravity Lagrangian of the model is found. At first, a system of differential equations for the general non‐minimal couplings of type is considered, and then, it is regarded as a particular non‐minimal model to find the exact black hole solution and analyze its symmetries. As the next step, the thermodynamical quantities of the black hole and its interesting behavior is calculated. Besides, thermal stability and examining the possibility of the van der Waals‐like phase transition is addressed.
Evaluating the optimal tissue thickness for mass spectrometry imaging using infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization
Authors: Joignant Alena N. , Knizner Kevan T. , Xi Ying , Muddiman David C.
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR‐MALDESI) utilizes a 2970 nm mid‐IR laser to desorb samples with depth resolutions (Z) on the order of micrometers. Conventionally, 5–20 μm thick tissue sections are used to characterize different applications of the IR‐MALDESI source, but an optimal thickness has not been systematically investigated.

Methods

Mouse liver was sectioned to various thicknesses and analyzed using IR‐MALDESI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Height profiles of tissue sections of various cryosectioned thicknesses were acquired to affirm tissue thickness. Tissue sections of each thickness were measured using a Keyence microscope. Paraffin wax was cryosectioned, mounted on microscope slides, and measured using a chromatic confocal sensor system to determine the cryostat sectioning accuracy.

Results

Analyzing sectioned tissues at higher thickness (>10 μm) leads to lower ion abundance, a decrease in signal over long analysis times, and more frequent instrument cleaning. Additionally, increasing tissue thickness above the optimum (7 μm) does not result in a significant increase in lipid annotations.

Conclusions

This work defines an optimal sample thickness for IR‐MALDESI‐MSI and demonstrates the utility of optimizing tissue thickness for MSI platforms of comparable Z resolution.
Evaluation of an implementation intentions intervention for managing university student stress
Authors: Rackemann Leah J. , Hamilton Kyra , Keech Jacob J.
Published: September 2023

University students consistently report high levels of stress, which has been associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Promoting adaptive coping behaviours, such as problem‐focused coping for managing university stress, is therefore a timely area of investigation. Current coping intervention approaches target reasoned cognitive processes; however, recent research has suggested that automatic processes are more strongly associated with problem‐focused coping behaviour. The current study examined the effect of an implementation intentions intervention, a technique that can support behaviour to be performed automatically by facilitating continued repetition of a plan, on problem‐focused coping behaviour under stress and stress‐related outcomes. Following a pilot study (N = 21), a preregistered randomized controlled trial was conducted with university students (N = 154) using an online survey. Participants completed baseline measures of problem‐focused coping behaviour, behavioural automaticity, behavioural intentions, action planning, perceived stress, procrastination, and psychological wellbeing; before receiving the intervention or control condition stimuli, and then at a 2‐week follow‐up. Behavioural intention and action planning were also measured immediately post‐intervention. The intervention had a significant medium‐sized effect on action planning for problem‐focused coping, but no other significant effects were detected. Exploratory assessment of plan quality revealed medium‐sized correlations between plan quality and changes in problem‐focused coping behaviour. Findings indicate that implementation intentions may be a promising approach for increasing planning for the use of problem‐focused coping. Indicators of plan quality found to be associated with changes in problem‐focused coping provide valuable avenues for intervention optimisation in future research.
Carbon Dots: From Synthesis to Unraveling the Fluorescence Mechanism
Authors: Alafeef Maha , Srivastava Indrajit , Aditya Teresa , Pan Dipanjan
Published: September 2023

Carbon dots (CDs) being a new type of carbon‐based nanomaterial have attracted intensive interest from researchers owing to their excellent biophysical properties. CDs are a class of fluorescent carbon nanomaterials that have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional quantum dots and organic dyes in applications including bioimaging, sensing, and optoelectronics. CDs possess unique optical properties, such as tunable emission, facile synthesis, and low toxicity, making them attractive for many applications in biology, medicine, and environmental areas. The synthesis of CDs is achievable by a variety of methods, including bottom‐up and top‐down approaches, involving the use of different carbon sources and surface functionalization strategies. However, understanding the fluorescence mechanism of CDs remains a challenge. Various mechanistic models have been proposed to explain their origin of luminescence. This review summarizes the recent developments in the synthesis and functionalization of CDs and provides an overview of the current understanding of the fluorescence mechanism.
MiR‐141‐3p‐Functionalized Exosomes Loaded in Dissolvable Microneedle Arrays for Hypertrophic Scar Treatment
Authors: Meng Sheng , Wei Qian , Chen Shengqiu , Liu Xi , Cui Shengnan , Huang Qilin , Chu Ziqiang , Ma Kui , Zhang Wenhua , Hu Wenzhi , Li Shiyi , Wang Zihao , Tian Lige , Zhao Zhiliang , Li Haihong , Fu Xiaobing , Zhang Cuiping
Published: September 2023

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a common fibroproliferative disease caused by abnormal wound healing after deep skin injury. However, the existing approaches have unsatisfactory therapeutic effects, which promote the exploration of newer and more effective strategies. MiRNA‐modified functional exosomes delivered by dissolvable microneedle arrays (DMNAs) are expected to provide new hope for HS treatment. In this study, a miRNA, miR‐141‐3p, which is downregulated in skin scar tissues and in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs), is identified. MiR‐141‐3p mimics inhibit the proliferation, migration, and myofibroblast transdifferentiation of HSFs in vitro by targeting TGF‐β2 to suppress the TGF‐β2/Smad pathway. Subsequently, the engineered exosomes encapsulating miR‐141‐3p (miR‐141‐3pOE‐Exos) are isolated from adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells transfected with Lv‐miR‐141‐3p. MiR‐141‐3pOE‐Exos show the same inhibitive effects as miR‐141‐3p mimics on the pathological behaviors of HSFs in vitro. The DMNAs for sustained release of miR‐141‐3pOE‐Exos are further fabricated in vivo. MiR‐141OE‐Exos@DMNAs effectively decrease the thickness of HS and improve fibroblast distribution and collagen fiber arrangement, and downregulate the expression of α‐SMA, COL‐1, FN, TGF‐β2, and p‐Smad2/3 in the HS tissue. Overall, a promising, effective, and convenient exosome@DMNA‐based miRNA delivery strategy for HS treatment is provided.
In Situ Forming Gel Polymer Electrolyte for High Energy‐Density Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Xue Jin‐Xin , Liu Feng‐Quan , Xiang Tian‐Qi , Jia Si‐Xin , Zhou Jian‐Jun , Li Lin
Published: September 2023

In situ forming gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is one of the most feasible ways to improve the safety and cycle performances of lithium metal batteries with high energy density. However, most of the in situ formed GPEs are not compatible with high‐voltage cathode materials. Here, this work provides a novel strategy to in situ form GPE based on the mechanism of Ritter reaction. The Ritter reaction in liquid electrolyte has the advantage of appropriate reaction temperature and no additional additives. The polymer chains are cross‐linked by amide groups with the formation of GPE with superior electrochemical properties. The GPE has high ionic conductivity (1.84 mS cm−1), wide electrochemical stability window (>5.25 V) and high lithium ion transference number (≈0.78), compatible with high‐voltage cathode materials. The Li|LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 batteries with in situ formed GPE show excellent long‐term cycle stability (93.4%, 300 cycles). The density functional theory calculation and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results verify that the amide and nitrile groups are beneficial for stabilizing cathode structure and promoting uniform Li deposition on Li anode. Furthermore, the in situ formed GPE exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in Graphite|LiMn2O4 and Graphite|LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 pouch batteries. This approach is adaptable to current battery technologies, which will be sure to promote the development of high energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
High‐Performance Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalytic Electrodes by Liquid Joule‐Heating Growth
Authors: He Xian , Du Peng , Yu Guangqiang , Wang Ruyue , Long Yuanzheng , Deng Bohan , Yang Cheng , Zhao Wei , Zhang Zhuting , Huang Kai , Lei Ming , Li Xibo , Wu Hui
Published: September 2023

Despite the great progress in the research of integrated catalytic electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction, the efficient preparation of high‐performance catalytic electrodes with high current density remains a challenging issue. In this work, a metal (Pt)‐amorphous oxide (NiO) heterostructure catalyst is successfully in situ grown on nickel foam using liquid Joule‐heating. Based on the superhydrophilic surface of the electrode and its superior mechanical and chemical stability, the catalytic electrode exhibits excellent catalytic performance in alkaline electrolytes with only 100 mV overpotential to achieve 5000 mA cm−2 current density and maintains a stable performance of 500 h under a fixed current density of 1000 mA cm−2. Further verification of the practical application of the Pt@NiO‐Ni electrode in the alkaline electrolyzer is conducted. The results show that the alkaline water electrolyzer with NiFe layered double hydroxide as the anode and Pt@NiO‐Ni as the cathode exhibits superior performance than the previously reported electrolyzers, with a current density of 1 A cm−2 already achieved at 1.75 V, which is even comparable to some anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers. These experimental results illustrate the strong applicability of Pt@NiO‐Ni electrode at industrial scale current densities.
Vascular‐targeted photodynamic therapy with glucose‐conjugated chlorin e6 for dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours
Authors: Osaki Tomohiro , Hibino Shota , Murahata Yusuke , Amaha Takao , Yokoe Inoru , Yamashita Masamichi , Nomoto Akihiro , Yano Shigenobu , Tanaka Mamoru , Kataoka Hiromi , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: September 2023

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using photosensitisers is a minimally invasive treatment for malignant tumours. However, ideal photosensitisers are not yet established. Recently, we developed a new photosensitiser, glucose‐conjugated chlorin e6 (G‐Ce6).

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of vascular‐targeted PDT (VTP), a type of PDT utilising a short drug‐light interval, using G‐Ce6 to treat spontaneously occurring tumours in dogs.

Methods

Five dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours (malignant melanoma: three; haemangiopericytoma: two; and squamous cell carcinoma: one) were subjected to VTP. These dogs were intravenously injected with G‐Ce6 at doses of 1–3 mg/kg 5 min before laser irradiation. Tumours were superficially or interstitially irradiated using a 677‐nm diode laser.

Results

Repeated VTP decreased tumour size, yielding complete remission in three dogs. Complications such as oedema surrounding normal tissues and fistulae were observed, and the oedema was self‐limiting. The fistula was cured by debriding the necrotic tissues formed after VTP.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that VTP using G‐Ce6 had antitumour effects in dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours.
Timing of ovulation in the fat‐tailed Qezel ewes after synchronization with vaginal devices containing endogenous or exogenous synthetic progestogens during out of the breeding season
Authors: Hamisi Alireza , Eslami Mohsen , Farrokhi‐Ardabili Farhad , Bahmani Sina
Published: September 2023

Background

Wide range of ovulation distribution is the main restricting factor in establishing the pregnancy following oestrus synchronization (ES) and fixed time insemination (FTI) in sheep.

Objectives

Determining the ovulation time (OVT) following ES with two different vaginal devices, its relation to progesterone and conception upon FTI with frozen/thawed semen.

Methods

Oestrus was synchronized using either controlled internal drug release (CIDR) (ewe, n = 6; ewe lamb, n = 5) or vaginal sponge (ewe, n = 6; ewe lamb, n = 5) insertion for 12 days, plus Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at devices removal (Day 0). Sizes of the ovarian follicles were measured using transvaginal probe at −12, 0 and 30–33, 53 h and continued every 3–4 h until 75 h after eCG treatment. Serum progesterone amounts were measured at −12, 0, +2 and +11. Laparoscopic FTI was done at 60.5 ± 0.5 h.

Results

The CIDR‐treated group initiated and completed ovulations earlier compared to sponge‐treated females (median: 64 vs. 71 h; p < 0.05). Ewe lambs were ovulated earlier compared to ewes in the sponge‐treated group (66.71 vs. 71.5; p = 0.017). Mean sizes of ovulatory follicles and corpora lutea were not affected by device types. Higher amounts of progesterone were observed in CIDR group compared to sponge‐treated group at device removal (2.68 ± 0.12 vs. 0.30 ± 0.01 ng/mL; p < 0.001). The conception was confirmed in 2/10, and 5/11 females of sponge and CIDR‐treated females, respectively.

Conclusions

Types of progestogens influence the OVT, and consequently the result of FTI with frozen/thawed semen. The optimum timespan for FTI should be chosen according to the device types during non‐breeding season.
Epidemiological situation of bovine tropical theileriosis in an arid region in central Tunisia with a phylogenetic analysis of Theileria annulata
Authors: Elati Khawla , Salhi Ismail , Kodia Ridha , Rekik Mourad , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Background

Tropical theileriosis, Theileria annulata infection, is the most prevalent summer disease in Tunisia. It is transmitted by Hyalomma scupense, a two‐host tick known to be endophilic.

Objectives

The present study aimed to estimate the infection prevalence of cattle by T. annulata in two districts from central Tunisia.

Methods

Blood samples collected from 270 Holstein cattle from the Sidi Bouzid (140 samples) and Kasserine districts (130 samples) were analysed by Giemsa staining and T. annulata‐specific PCR.

Results

In both regions, PCR revealed a prevalence of 32.6%. This was significantly higher than the 6.3% prevalence obtained by Giemsa staining blood smears (p < 0.001). Giemsa staining also revealed a low parasitaemia of 0.05%. The PCR‐based prevalence was not statistically different between the two districts (31.4 ± 0.04 and 33.8 ± 0.04% in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine districts, respectively, p = 0.6). On the contrary, the results of blood smear examination (2.85 and 10% in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine, respectively) differed significantly between the two sampling sites (p = 0.01). There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference between the overall molecular infection prevalence when the samples were segregated based on animals’ age or gender (p = 0.1 and 0.2, respectively) and a similar trend was observed for Giemsa staining. Ten PCR amplicons of the Tams1 gene (721 bp) were subsequently sequenced from the two regions. The phylogenetic analyses showed 100% similarity between all sequences. The unique conserved Tams1 sequence was deposited in GenBank under the accession number OP428816 and used to infer its phylogenetic relationships with those available in the GenBank repository.

Conclusions

This is the first report of the presence of T. annulata in this region of central Tunisia which has no history of tropical theileriosis. Priority areas for future studies include understanding the origin of these T. annulata‐positive animals in a region where the presence of a known natural vector tick, H. scupense, has not been reported. Given that the disease severely constrains cattle productivity, it would also be worthwhile to investigate if other potential vectors for T. annulata, such as Hyalomma dromedarii, are present in the arid regions.
Investigation of structure and optical characteristics of irradiated PVP/CMC nanocomposite films based on ZnS/SnO2 nanofillers
Authors: Abdel‐Kader Mohamed H. , Mohamed Abdel‐Aleam H. , Almarashi Jamal Qernas M. , Alhazime Ali A. , Mohamed Mohamed Bakr
Published: September 2023

PVP/CMC/50%ZnS‐50%SnO2 blends were formed by solid state reaction, sol‐gel methods and casting technique. The structure and the crystallite size of the nanofillers (ZnS and SnO2) were examined using x‐ray diffraction technique (XRD). The effect of laser irradiation energies compared to the proportions of loaded nanofillers on the films internal structure and morphology was studied using XRD. The high miscibility among blends has been confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis proved the presence of the nanocomposite polymer blends constituent atoms. The blends surface morphology has been investigated through scanning electron microscope (SEM). The dual effect of both different laser energies and oxygen atoms content simultaneously, on the linear and nonlinear optical parameters of nanocomposite films were explored as well. Results showed that, the laser irradiation energy process has the highest enhancement on the optical properties. The optical band gap (Eg) values were reduced from 4.8 eV (in the case of unirradiated blend) to 3.5 eV (for blends irradiated with 150 mJ/cm2) for allowed direct transitions, but for allowed indirect transitions Eg decreased from 3.3 eV (for unirradiated) to 2.2 eV (for irradiated with 150 mJ/cm2).

Highlights

A comparative discussion upon the effect of excess oxygen atoms has been represented.

A dominant effect for the laser exposure compared to both the particle size and excess oxygen atoms.

The variations of the nanocomposite films structural and optical features were promising.
Pattern Recognition in the Box Jellyfish Rhopalial Nervous System Mimicked by an Ensemble of Pulsed Coupled Oscillators
Authors: Bielecki Jan , Birkoben Tom , Noll Maximiliane , Freiberg Jan-Frederik , Wulff Peer , Terlau Heinrich , Kohlstedt Hermann
Published: September 2023

The rapidly expanding field of biomimetics emulates biological principles, distilled through evolutionary time, to solve problems in technology, medicine and material science. Information processing in neuronal circuitry of biological models may offer guidelines for future highly efficient computing systems exhibiting, as for example, low power consumption accompanied by excellent pattern recognition capabilities. Here, we consider the visual information processing in the nervous system of the box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora as template for pattern recognition hardware to operate self-guiding robotic vehicles or automated driving assistants. LTspice XVII simulations of coupled relaxation-type oscillators, based on programmable unijunction transistors (PUTs), enabled the emulation of basal visual functionalities of the T. cystophora central nervous system. The transfer of such simulations in real hardware circuits including possible limitations are discussed.
Synchronization Phenomena in Oscillator Networks: From Kuramoto and Chua to Chemical Oscillators
Authors: Feketa Petro , Schaum Alexander , Meurer Thomas
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses the problems of synchronization analysis in various types of oscillator networks. In particular, we derive sufficient conditions for emergence of multi-cluster formations in Kuramoto networks with dynamic coupling, prove the output-feedback synchronization of chaotic behavior in networks of Chua oscillators with nonlinear static coupling, and study the synchronization of complex spatiotemporal patterns in coupled infinite-dimensional reaction-diffusion models of chemical oscillators. The obtained results contribute towards a deeper understanding of the internal organization of oscillator networks, explain the prerequisites for the emergence of patterns of synchrony and justify their stability properties in terms of the dynamical characteristics of oscillators, parameters of couplings, and the interconnection topology of the network. The interplay of these three ingredients is required for the complex and dynamically rich behavior of the network. Theoretical results of the chapter are supplemented with numerical case studies.
Emulation of Learning Behavior in the Hippocampus: From Memristive Learning to Behavioral Tests
Authors: Kaernbach Christian , Bartsch Thorsten , Brütt Maximilian , Hanert Annika , Diederich Nick , Ziegler Martin
Published: September 2023

Neuromorphic engineering is concerned with the emulation of biological learning and memory processes in hardware. The use of memristive devices, i.e., non-volatile memory devices, has given this field a significant boost in the last decade. However, most of today's efforts are aimed at the hardware implementation of artificial intelligence computational methods, while the emulation of biological computational methods is less pursued. In the latter, however, there is enormous potential for information technology. For this, however, network-dependent cognitive functionalities from biology must be identified and transferred to technical systems. In this chapter, we will show a possible approach. Using the hippocampus, which is the central structure of the mammalian brain responsible for learning new information, as an example, it is shown how elementary cognitive functions can be investigated by behavioral tests in humans and how their functionality can be broken down to the network dependent functionalities. Furthermore, it is shown how these functionalities can be technically reproduced in a memristive network model.
$$\chi $$iplot: Web-First Visualisation Platform for Multidimensional Data
Authors: Tanaka Akihiro , Tyree Juniper , Björklund Anton , Mäkelä Jarmo , Puolamäki Kai
Published: September 2023

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iplot is not restricted to any single application domain, we have developed and tested it with domain experts in quantum chemistry to study molecular interactions and regression models. $$\chi $$
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iplot can be run both locally and online in a web browser (keeping the data local). The plots and data can also easily be exported and shared. A modular structure also makes $$\chi $$
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iplot optimal for developing machine learning and new interaction methods.
Kontroversität und Diskursivität im Unterricht. Integration von LArS-Modulen in bildungswissenschaftliche Lehrveranstaltungen unter demokratiepädagogischen Fragestellungen
Authors: Yeşil Korcan , Hahn-Laudenberg Katrin
Published: September 2023

Ziel dieses Beitrags ist, das Potenzial ausgewählter, im LArS-Projekt entwickelter Lehr-/Lernmodule für den Einsatz in demokratiepädagogischen Anteilen der bildungswissenschaftlichen Lehrkräftebildung aufzuzeigen. Die LArS-Materialien bieten aus diesem Blickwinkel viele Möglichkeiten zur zielgerechten Adaption. Nach einer theoretischen Einordnung des demokratiebildenden Potenzials werden wir exemplarisch einige Möglichkeiten am Beispiel einer mehrfach erprobten, fachübergreifenden (Präsenz-)Lehrveranstaltung im Rahmen des bildungswissenschaftlichen Studienangebots an der Universität Leipzig aufzeigen.