bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced prostatic Esr1+ luminal epithelial cells in the absence of SRD5A2
Authors: Sharkey Christina , Long Xingbo , Al‐Faouri Ra'ad , Strand Douglas , Olumi Aria F , Wang Zongwei
Published: April 2024

Steroid 5α reductase 2 (SRD5A2) converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and is crucial for prostatic development. 5α reductase inhibitors (5ARI) reduce prostate size in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and ameliorate lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH. However, the mechanisms of 5ARI functioning are still not fully understood. Here, we used a Srd5a2−/− mouse model and employed single‐cell RNA sequencing to explore the impact of SRD5A2 absence on prostate cellular heterogeneity. Significant alterations in luminal epithelial cell (LE) populations were observed, alongside an increased proportion and proliferative phenotype of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1)+ LE2 cells, following an SRD5A2‐independent ESR1 differentiation trajectory. LE2 cells exhibited enhanced estrogen response gene signatures, suggesting an alternative pathway for prostate growth when SRD5A2 is absent. Human prostate biopsy analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the expressions of SRD5A2 and LE2 markers (ESR1/PKCα), and an inverse correlation between SRD5A2 and the clinical efficiency of 5ARI. These findings provide insights into 5ARI resistance mechanisms and potential alternative therapies for BPH‐related lower urinary tract symptoms. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Anaplasia in Wilms tumor: A critical review
Authors: Vujanić Gordan M. , Mifsud William
Published: April 2024

Anaplasia in Wilms tumor is recognized as the most important prognostically unfavorable histological feature. It is subtyped as focal anaplastic Wilms tumor (FAWT) and diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor (DAWT). Outcomes of patients with DAWT remain poor in patients with stage III and IV tumors. Important issues relevant to anaplasia in Wilms tumor, including prevalence, treatment, outcomes, biomarkers, anaplasia, and chemotherapy, and the concept of tumor aggressiveness, are reviewed and discussed here. We also consider the differences in clinical approaches to anaplasia in Wilms tumor between the two major renal tumor clinical research groups: the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Renal Tumour Study Group and the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Renal Tumor Group. We emphasize the importance and implications of recognizing FAWT and DAWT as separate clinico‐pathological entities.
Construction of multilayer carbon magnetic heterostructures on the surface of carbon fibers to improve the absorption performance
Authors: Jia Hanxu , He LiFen , Sun Qilong , Ye Wei , Long Xiaoyun
Published: April 2024

This study utilizes the strong complexation effect of polydopamine on metal ions and constructs multilayer carbon magnetic heterostructures on the surface of carbon fibers through the in situ reduction method, thereby obtaining a new type of multilayer carbon‐based composite absorbing material. The absorption properties at different layers were analyzed and compared through various characterization methods. Finally, the double‐layer structure demonstrated outstanding electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics, exhibiting a wide effective absorption bandwidth of 7.24 GHz and robust absorption of −44.48 dB, all within a mere thickness of 3.5 mm. Therefore, excellent market prospects for this material are anticipated.

Highlights

A multilayer carbon magnetic heterostructure absorbing material was constructed on micrometer‐scale carbon fibers. The test results show that a wide effective absorbing bandwidth of 7.24 GHz and a minimum reflection loss of −44.48 dB are obtained when the composite thickness is 3.5 mm.

The prepared multilayer absorbing composites can adapt to a variety of application scenarios and have excellent application prospects in the industry.

The self‐polymerization of dopamine and complexation of metal ions were used to construct multilayer absorbing materials, and the dielectric loss and magnetic loss capacity of the carbon fibers improved.
Cover Image
Authors: Jing Kunkun , Zhou Hui , Wang Hao , Yan Hongyu , Xie Suchao
Published: April 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Prediction and adjustment of elastic properties in three‐dimensional orthogonal woven composites through dual‐scale modeling by Kunkun Jing et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28137.

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Environmental fatigue crack growth of PV glass/EVA laminates in the melting range
Authors: Riedl Gabriel , Haselsteiner Philipp , Säckl Gary , Wallner Gernot M.
Published: April 2024

The delamination of encapsulants in photovoltaic (PV) modules is a common issue that leads to power loss due to optical losses. Encapsulant debonding is usually examined under monotonic loading conditions subsequent to environmental exposure such as damp heat. Service‐relevant, superimposed environmental‐mechanical fatigue loads are not considered adequately. Hence, the environmental fatigue delamination resistance of thermally toughened double glass laminates with an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) adhesive layer was investigated in this study. Focus was given to the melting range of EVA, in which the non‐crosslinked crystalline phase fraction is already in the partly molten state. Double cantilever beam specimens were tested on an electrodynamic test machine at temperatures of 60, 70, 80, and 90°C and relative humidity (rh) levels of 2%, 30%, 50%, and 80%. The fractured surfaces were characterized by digital microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cyclic fatigue tests revealed a decay in delamination resistance at elevated temperature and humidity levels. At 70°C, the delamination resistance was low, regardless of the relative humidity. Most of the laminates failed by debonding. XPS analysis showed a reduction of the C=O and C–O content, along with an increase in Si–O content with increasing relative humidity. For laminates tested at 60 and 70°C, an EVA recrystallization peak was observed in DSC experiments. This peak was shifted to significantly higher temperatures at 80% rh. XPS and DSC indicated local hydrolysis within the porous fracture process zone ahead of the crack tip. Consequently, acetic acid formation led to a decrease in delamination resistance, resulting in lower fatigue threshold values. The investigations confirmed the significant impact of environmental conditions on the fatigue delamination resistance within glass/encapsulant laminates. Notably, acetic acid formation and a significant reduction in delamination properties were observed after around 100 h of environmental fatigue exposure.
A single institution anesthetic experience with catheterization of pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients
Authors: Morell Emily , Colglazier Elizabeth , Becerra Jasmine , Stevens Leah , Steurer Martina A. , Sharma Anshuman , Nguyen Hung , Kathiriya Irfan S. , Weston Stephen , Teitel David , Keller Roberta , Amin Elena K. , Nawaytou Hythem , Fineman Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2024

Cardiac catheterization remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and management of pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH). There is lack of consensus regarding optimal anesthetic and airway regimen. This retrospective study describes the anesthetic/airway experience of our single center cohort of pediatric PH patients undergoing catheterization, in which obtaining hemodynamic data during spontaneous breathing is preferential. A total of 448 catheterizations were performed in 232 patients. Of the 379 cases that began with a natural airway, 274 (72%) completed the procedure without an invasive airway, 90 (24%) received a planned invasive airway, and 15 (4%) required an unplanned invasive airway. Median age was 3.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.7–9.7); the majority were either Nice Classification Group 1 (48%) or Group 3 (42%). Vasoactive medications and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were required in 14 (3.7%) and eight (2.1%) cases, respectively; there was one death. Characteristics associated with use of an invasive airway included age <1 year, Group 3, congenital heart disease, trisomy 21, prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, WHO functional class III/IV, no PH therapy at time of case, preoperative respiratory support, and having had an intervention (p < 0.05). A composite predictor of age <1 year, Group 3, prematurity, and any preoperative respiratory support was significantly associated with unplanned airway escalation (26.7% vs. 6.9%, odds ratio: 4.9, confidence interval: 1.4–17.0). This approach appears safe, with serious adverse event rates similar to previous reports despite the predominant use of natural airways. However, research is needed to further investigate the optimal anesthetic regimen and respiratory support for pediatric PH patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
A DFT calculation of electronic structures, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of the new equiatomic quaternary Heusler alloy RuTiCrSi
Authors: Dergal Samiha , Al‐Qaisi Samah , Rached Habib , Ouerdane Abdellah
Published: April 2024

The stabilities, mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties of the new equiatomic quaternary Heusler alloy (EQHA) RuTiCrSi were investigated using the Kohn‐Sham DFT (KS‐DFT) calculations within the generalized gradient approach (GGA), the modified version of the exchange potential introduced by Becke and Johnson in addition to the GGA (mBJ‐GGA), and Heyd‐Scuseria‐Ernzerhof (HSE06) hybrid functional. The ground‐state equilibrium energy reveals that the ferromagnetic with type 2 structure is the more stable. The RuTiCrSi is energetically, mechanically, and dynamically stable. The calculated self‐consistent total magnetic moment is 2 μB and agrees well with the Slater‐Pauling rule of . The electronic structure results from mBJ‐GGA and HSE06 functionals show a half‐metallic behavior. A high Curie temperature is obtained using the mean‐field approximation. The thermoelectric response was calculated using the semi‐classical Boltzmann transport equation under constant relaxation time. The maximum value of Seebeck coefficient is observed at the ambient temperature of . It was also observed that the power factor increases significantly as temperature rises. Therefore, the new EQHA RuTiCrSi seems to be a potential candidate for spintronic thermoelectric applications.
Long‐term evaluation of hydrocarbon degradation rates within the source zone under natural and enhanced attenuation for site closure purposes
Authors: Schneider Marcio Roberto , Bortolassi Ana Claudia Canalli , Soriano Adriana Ururahy , Baessa Marcus Paulus Martins , da Silva Marcio Luis Busi , Giachini Admir José
Published: April 2024

Despite addressing the cleanup of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination plumes in groundwater, challenges with site closure persist due to the ongoing long‐term contaminant release from source zones. Thus, source zone monitoring even in the presence of residual light nonaqueous‐phase liquid (LNAPL) is mandated by many countries' regulatory agencies before site closure. In this study, four independent controlled‐release sites, each containing a particular fraction of ethanol in gasoline, that is, 10%, 24%, 25%, and 85% (v/v), were subjected to monitored natural attenuation (MNA) alone (E24 and E85), and with nitrate (E25) and sulfate (E10) biostimulation at the vicinity of the source zone. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the longest controlled gasohol release monitoring study performed to date at the source zone for site closure (nearly 18 years of monitoring). Both natural source zone depletion and biostimulation were found to reduce benzene concentrations to acceptable remediation target levels according to environmental regulatory councils. Benzene biodegradation rates (λs) were one order of magnitude higher than those reported in the literature for diluted concentrations in groundwater plumes. The decay rate of benzene varied between 0.45 and 1.75/year and was strongly influenced by the mass of ethanol. Compared to biostimulation with nitrate (half‐life of 1.52 years), MNA alone resulted in faster benzene removal rates (half‐life of 0.96 years). Anaerobic biostimulation with sulfate had negligible effects on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (o‐, m‐, and p‐xylene [BTEX]) biodegradation compared to natural attenuation alone. The highest ethanol concentration (E85) led to faster benzene removal (with a half‐life of 0.40 years), which was even higher than MNA under lower ethanol concentrations (E24). Benzene half‐life was 2.2‐fold slower in the site with the lowest ethanol (E10) compared to E85, indicating that the negative effects of ethanol on BTEX biodegradation appeared to be short‐lived and may need to be re‐evaluated over the long term. Benzene decay rates were approximately six times slower in the source zone than the rates obtained for groundwater plumes, emphasizing the importance of targeting the LNAPL after plume retreat. The study's findings can assist practitioners in better predicting the lines of evidence for BTEX bioremediation and remediation cleanup times at a lower cost in the presence of ethanol, as well as providing guidance for determining whether biostimulation is necessary to expedite source zone remediation for site closure.
Evaluation of water treatments on surfaces to inhibit bacterial spore resuspension
Authors: Hook David Adam , Gilberry Jerome , Johnson Cortina , Yaga Robert , Archer John D.
Published: April 2024

The impact of water and the wet–dry cycle was examined as a potential mitigation solution to pathogenic bacterial spore transport and inhalation risk via resuspension of spores from surfaces due to human activities. In this study, a fine mist of water was distributed onto a hydrophilic surface to represent conditions during a dew cycle or fog. Resuspension experiments were conducted on clean and dusty surfaces while they were wet and after drying. These resuspension results were directly compared to surfaces that had not been subjected to any surface water treatment to determine an absolute resuspension rate reduction ratio that could be treated as independent of resuspension technique. A minimum of a 3‐log reduction in resuspension was observed for dusty wet coupons and a maximum reduction of 4‐logs was observed after the clean coupons had dried. Water treatments have been demonstrated to inhibit spore resuspension under certain laboratory conditions while under an air‐generated shear stress similar in magnitude to shear forces generated by human interaction. This research has demonstrated that treating surfaces with water to inhibit spore resuspension could be a valuable tool in exposure minimization and remediation after a bioterrorism event.
SHAPEv1.0 Scoring curves and peer group benchmarks for dynamic soil health indicators
Authors: Nunes Márcio R. , Veum Kristen S. , Parker Paul A. , Holan Scott H. , Amsili Joseph P. , van Es Harold M. , Wills Skye A. , Seybold Cathy A. , Karlen Douglas L.
Published: April 2024

The soil health concept has evolved over the past several decades, recognizing that the response of dynamic soil properties to management is dependent on site‐specific factors. The Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE) tool provides scores and benchmark values by forming soil peer groups based on site‐specific, climate‐edaphic characteristics. Data for model development were compiled from the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory and the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory databases. The SHAPEv1.0 interpretation curves produce scores between 0% and 100% for measured laboratory values that reflect the quantile within a population conditional cumulative distribution function along with measures of uncertainty. The original SHAPE tool was developed for soil organic carbon and has been expanded to include two wet aggregate stability methods, permanganate oxidizable organic carbon, autoclaved citrate extractable protein, and 4‐day microbial respiration. In addition, SHAPE provides site‐specific benchmark values at user‐defined percentiles within a given soil peer group. The difference between the actual measured value and the selected benchmark value represents the soil health opportunity gap. Case studies in Missouri and Texas show that the SHAPE scoring curves are sensitive to land‐use and management practices across multiple soil types and provide a regionally relevant interpretation of key soil health indicators.
Unlearning hope: White Christian encounters with grace as a logic of exchange
Authors: Jeske Christine
Published: April 2024

How do humans develop hope in the face of seemingly irreparable harm against each other? Drawing on interviews and participant observation with 30 BIPOC Christians and 40 White Christians whom they identified as long‐term allies, in this article, I consider how a slim minority of White Christians develop ways of hoping that sustain lasting antiracist engagement. I identify contributing factors to reorientations of hope, focusing on a type of catalytic event that I analyze as a form of exchange. As economic anthropologists from Marcel Mauss to David Graeber have elaborated, structures and moralities of gift giving reveal and define relationships. I extend that theory to argue that experiences of exchange relationships in turn shape the ways people hope. I trace a logic of exchange that interlocutors conceptualized using the term grace, an incongruous, freely given gift that anticipates future relationship in the context of unrepayable debt. As White Christians became highly aware of the systemic and historic immensity of racial injustice, their combined awareness of indebtedness and grace became formative to new kinds of relationship and hope. In response, they imagined and pursued a society in which love and repair across chasms of past harm are not taken for granted but are not impossible.
Microporous α‐Fe2O3@NiO Heterostructures Synthesized for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Kadam Sujit A. , Kadam Komal P. , Sta. Maria Carlo C. , Ma Yuan‐Ron , Molane Avinash C. , Lolage Sumit A. , Patil Vikas B. , More Pravin D.
Published: April 2024

In this present research, we synthesized pure α‐Fe2O3, NiO, and a microporous α‐Fe2O3@NiO heterostructure electrode via the spray pyrolysis method. The microporous α‐Fe2O3@NiO heterostructure electrode, with its highly porous structure, offers a larger electrode‐electrolyte interface, which results in improved electrochemical performance. Specifically, the microporous heterostructure exhibited a higher specific capacitance of 530.87 F/g at a current density of 7 mA/cm2 in a 1 M NaOH electrolyte, as compared to α‐Fe2O3 (187.12 F/g at 7 mA/cm2) and NiO (492.69 F/g at 7 mA/cm2). The microporous α‐Fe2O3@NiO heterostructures exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performance as compared to the individual α‐Fe2O3 and NiO samples, owing to the synergistic effect of the heterostructure. Furthermore, the microporous α‐Fe2O3@NiO heterostructure exhibited high specific capacitances and exceptional cycling stability for more than 2000 cycles, indicating their potential as excellent electrode for supercapacitor devices.
Boosted Photocatalytic Activity of Zn/Al‐Based Layered Double Hydroxides Through Cobalt Incorporation for Phenol Degradation
Authors: Portillo‐Vélez Nora S. , Velásquez‐Torres Mónica E. , Pérez‐Hernández Raúl , Ibarra Illich A. , Peralta Ricardo A. , Tzompantzi Francisco
Published: April 2024

Two different hydrotalcites Zn/Al and Zn/Al−Co were prepared for the photodegradation of phenol under UV radiation. These materials were synthesized using the co‐precipitation method and characterized through powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), UV‐vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nitrogen physisorption. The physicochemical characterization results indicated that Zn/Al−Co, which incorporates cobalt atoms, did not affect the hydrotalcite structure (layered double hydroxide). However, the specific area was reduced, and the calcination process favoured the creation of surface defects, consequently increasing the adsorption of oxygen species. The calcined Zn/Al−Co(0.3) hydrotalcite exhibited the highest phenol photocatalytic degradation (68 %) and mineralization (52 %) achieved via a mechanism involving superoxide radicals.
Facile Synthesis of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Intercalated Mg‐Al LDH and its Excellent Adsorption Performances for Cu2+ from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xu Naicai , Wen Xun , Shi Dan‐Dan , Liu Xiaojun , Liu Jing , Zhong Kai‐Peng , Gao Qiang , Zhao Qi , Han Xing , Bian Shao‐Ju
Published: April 2024

In this study, the magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxide intercalated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (Mg‐Al S‐LDH) was synthesized by using a roasting–restoration method based on the Mg‐Al LDH precursor, and their effectiveness in removing Cu2+ from aqueous solutions was investigated. Detailed microstructural characterization of these adsorption materials involved employing X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms (N2 ad/desorption), and thermogravimetric‐differential thermal gravimetric analysis (TG‐DTG). The experimental results revealed that Mg‐Al S‐LDH displayed a plate‐like layered structure with a larger surface area and enhanced adsorption ability. Specifically, the maximum adsorption capacity, reaching 96.15 mg ⋅ g−1, was achieved at a temperature of 298 K, accompanied by a rapid adsorption rate. The adsorption kinetics adhered to the pseudo‐second‐order model, suggesting that chemisorption controlled the adsorption behavior. Furthermore, the adsorption of Cu2+ followed the Freundlich model, signifying a multi‐site adsorption mechanism onto the surface and layers of Mg‐Al S‐LDH. Thermodynamic investigations indicated that higher temperatures facilitated Cu2+ dissolution and strengthened the affinity with Mg‐Al S‐LDH, with a positive ΔHΘ value suggesting that the Cu2+ adsorption process was endothermic and temperature‐enhancing. Ion selectivity experiments demonstrated that Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions had a significant impact on Cu2+ adsorption, while the effects of Zn2+ and Fe2+ ions were less pronounced. The primary adsorption mechanisms of Cu2+ onto Mg‐Al S‐LDH encompassed precipitation, complexation on the surface and layers, and isomorphous substitution. This study sheds light on the promising potential of Mg‐Al S‐LDH as an effective adsorbent for heavy metal removal and provides valuable insights into its adsorption mechanisms and performance in different environmental conditions.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Studies of Pyrrole and Pyrrolidine Derivatives in Human Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Lino Cleudiomar Inácio , Freitas Túlio Resende , Villarreal Jesus Alberto Avendaño , dos Santos Eduardo Nicolau , Lula Ivana , de Paula Sabino Adriano , Maltarollo Vinícius Gonçalves , de Oliveira Renata Barbosa
Published: April 2024

Heterocyclic compounds such as pyrrole and pyrrolidine derivatives have a broad spectrum of biological activity, being widely used as pharmacophore to design novel bioactive compounds. In this work, sixteen pyrrole and pyrrolidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their growth inhibitory activity on two human cancer cells lines: breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 and chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562). Eight compounds showed activity against at least one tumor cell line (IC50=49.15–195.9 μM). The compounds were tested in non‐cancerous human lung fibroblasts WI‐26VA4 to evaluate their selectivity index. In addition, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) studies were carried out in attempt to establish a structure‐activity relationship.
Effect of LLZTO Tablet Pressing Process on Electrochemical Properties of Button Batteries
Authors: Xu Zexian , Zhu Wen , Liu Wenbo , Chen Ken , Wu Yueyang , Zhu Jiawei , Yang Yufei , Li Wenfang , Li Kang
Published: April 2024

The garnet‐type Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) is a widely studied solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) due to its high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. However, the conventional preparation process of LLZTO electrolyte tablets has encountered several issues such as powder embedment in the mold gaps and inadequate bonding between powders, leading to fragile electrolyte tablets that are prone to cracking. In this study, the effects of LLZTO electrolyte tablet pressing process parameters, including mixed powder content, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) content and cold pressing pressure, on the electrochemical properties of button cells were investigated. The results indicated that the produced solid‐state electrolyte tablets with high quality, low interfacial resistance and low surface passivation layer (Li2CO3) content was obtained by using 0.8 g of mixed powder content, 0.7 g of PVA content and 20Mpa pressure. The interface resistance decreased from 2927.1 Ω to 1069.7 Ω under these conditions. Additionally, the Li symmetric cell treated with adhesive exhibited stable cycling for over 400 hours at 25 °C under a current density of 0.1 mA ⋅ cm−2.
Vacancy Engineering in 2D Transition Metal Chalcogenide Photocatalyst: Structure Modulation, Function and Synergy Application
Authors: Jiang Yi , Sun Haibo , Guo Jiayin , Liang Yunshan , Qin Pufeng , Yang Yuan , Luo Lin , Leng Lijian , Gong Xiaomin , Wu Zhibin
Published: April 2024

Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) are widely used in photocatalytic fields such as hydrogen evolution, nitrogen fixation, and pollutant degradation due to their suitable bandgaps, tunable electronic and optical properties, and strong reducing ability. The unique 2D malleability structure provides a pre‐designed platform for customizable structures. The introduction of vacancy engineering makes up for the shortcomings of photocorrosion and limited light response and provides the greatest support for TMCs in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics in photocatalysis. This work reviews the effect of vacancy engineering on photocatalytic performance based on 2D semiconductor TMCs. The characteristics of vacancy introduction strategies are summarized, and the development of photocatalysis of vacancy engineering TMCs materials in energy conversion, degradation, and biological applications is reviewed. The contribution of vacancies in the optical range and charge transfer kinetics is also discussed from the perspective of structure manipulation. Vacancy engineering not only controls and optimizes the structure of the TMCs, but also improves the optical properties, charge transfer, and surface properties. The synergies between TMCs vacancy engineering and atomic doping, other vacancies, and heterojunction composite techniques are discussed in detail, followed by a summary of current trends and potential for expansion.
Synthesis of Nanosized γ‐Cyclodextrin Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Carriers of Limonene for Fresh‐Cut Fruit Preservation Based on Polycaprolactone Nanofibers
Authors: Qin Zeyu , Jiang Qinbo , Zou Yucheng , Chen Meiyu , Li Jiawen , Li Yang , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2024

To address the issue of bacterial growth on fresh‐cut fruits, this paper reports the synthesis of nanosized γ‐cyclodextrin metal‐organic frameworks (CD‐MOFs) using an ultrasound‐assisted method and their application as carriers of limonene for antibacterial active packaging. The effects of the processing parameters on the morphology and crystallinity of the CD‐MOFs are investigated, and the results prove that the addition of methanol is the key to producing nanosized CD‐MOFs. The limonene loading content of the nanosized CD‐MOFs can reach approximately 170 mg g−1. The sustained‐release behaviors of limonene in the CD‐MOFs are evaluated. Molecular docking simulations reveal the distribution and binding sites of limonene in the CD‐MOFs. CD‐MOFs are deposited on the surfaces of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers via an immersion method, and limonene‐loaded CD‐MOF@PCL nanofibers are prepared. The morphology, crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity of the nanofibers are also studied. The nanofiber film effectively inhibits bacterial growth and prolongs the shelf life of fresh‐cut apples. This study provides a novel strategy for developing antibacterial active packaging materials based on CD‐MOFs and PCL nanofibers.
Heat‐Localized and Salt‐Resistant 3D Hierarchical Porous Ceramic Platform for Efficient Solar‐Driven Interfacial Evaporation
Authors: Liu Yumin , Tan Xinming , Liu Zhiwei , Zeng Erqi , Mei Jianxing , Jiang Yun , Li Pengzhang , Sun Weiwei , Zhao Wenyan , Tian Chuanjin , Dong Yanhao , Xie Zhipeng , Wang Chang‐An
Published: April 2024

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) is a highly promising approach to achieve sustainable desalination and tackle the global freshwater crisis. Despite advancements in this field, achieving balanced thermal localization and salt resistance remains a challenge. Herein, the study presents a 3D hierarchical porous ceramic platform for SDIE applications. The utilized alumina foam ceramics (AFCs) exhibit remarkable corrosion resistance and chemical stability, ensuring a prolonged operational lifespan in seawater or brines. The millimeter‐scale air‐filled pores in AFCs prevent thermal losses through conduction with bulk water, resulting in heat‐localized interfaces. The hydrophilic nature of macroporous AFC skeletons facilitates rapid water replenishment on the evaporating surface for effective salt‐resistant desalination. Benefiting from its self‐radiation adsorption and side‐assisted evaporation capabilities, the AFC‐based evaporators exhibit high indoor evaporation rates of 2.99 and 3.54 kg m−2 h−1 under one‐sided and three‐sided illumination under 1.0 sun, respectively. The AFC‐based evaporator maintains a high evaporation rate of ≈2.77 kg m−2 h−1 throughout the 21‐day long‐term test. Furthermore, it achieves a daily water productivity of ≈10.44 kg m−2 in outdoor operations. This work demonstrates the potential of 3D hierarchical porous ceramics in addressing the trade‐off between heat localization and salt resistance, and contributes to the development of durable solar steam generators.
Flexible retinomorphic vision sensors with scotopic and photopic adaptation for a fully flexible neuromorphic machine vision system
Authors: Shi Lei , Shi Ke , Zhang Zhi‐Cheng , Li Yuan , Wang Fu‐Dong , Si Shu‐Han , Liu Zhi‐Bo , Lu Tong‐Bu , Chen Xu‐Dong , Zhang Jin
Published: April 2024

Bioinspired neuromorphic machine vision system (NMVS) that integrates retinomorphic sensing and neuromorphic computing into one monolithic system is regarded as the most promising architecture for visual perception. However, the large intensity range of natural lights and complex illumination conditions in actual scenarios always require the NMVS to dynamically adjust its sensitivity according to the environmental conditions, just like the visual adaptation function of the human retina. Although some opto‐sensors with scotopic or photopic adaption have been developed, NMVSs, especially fully flexible NMVSs, with both scotopic and photopic adaptation functions are rarely reported. Here we propose an ion‐modulation strategy to dynamically adjust the photosensitivity and time‐varying activation/inhibition characteristics depending on the illumination conditions, and develop a flexible ion‐modulated phototransistor array based on MoS2/graphdiyne heterostructure, which can execute both retinomorphic sensing and neuromorphic computing. By controlling the intercalated Li+ ions in graphdiyne, both scotopic and photopic adaptation functions are demonstrated successfully. A fully flexible NMVS consisting of front‐end retinomorphic vision sensors and a back‐end convolutional neural network is constructed based on the as‐fabricated 28 × 28 device array, demonstrating quite high recognition accuracies for both dim and bright images and robust flexibility. This effort for fully flexible and monolithic NMVS paves the way for its applications in wearable scenarios.
Micromechanical Indentation Platform for Rapid Analysis of Viscoelastic Biomolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Lemke Phillip , Moench Svenja , Jäger Paula S. , Oelschlaeger Claude , Rabe Kersten S. , Domínguez Carmen M. , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: April 2024

The advent of biomedical applications of soft bioinspired materials has entailed an increasing demand for streamlined and expedient characterization methods meant for both research and quality control objectives. Here, a novel measurement system for the characterization of biological hydrogels with volumes as low as 75 µL was developed. The system is based on an indentation platform equipped with micrometer drive actuators that allow the determination of both the fracture points and Young's moduli of relatively stiff polymers, including agarose, as well as the measurements of viscosity for exceptionally soft and viscous hydrogels, such as DNA hydrogels. The sensitivity of the method allows differentiation between DNA hydrogels produced by rolling circle amplification based on different template sequences and synthesis protocols. In addition, the polymerization kinetics of the hydrogels can be determined by time‐resolved measurements, and the apparent viscosities of even more complex DNA‐based nanocomposites can be measured. The platform presented here thus offers the possibility to characterize a broad variety of soft biomaterials in a targeted, fast, and cost‐effective manner, holding promises for applications in fundamental materials science and ensuring reproducibility in the handling of complex materials.
A CatBoost‐Based Modeling Approach for Predicting End‐Point Carbon Content of Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Lu Hongbin , Zhu Hongchun , Jiang Zhouhua , Li Huabing , Yang Ce , Feng Hao , Zhang Shucai
Published: April 2024

Developing the prediction model of the end‐point carbon content of the electric arc furnace (EAF) is an effective way to reduce the adjustment frequency of liquid steel composition and shorten the smelting time. Previous data‐driven models lack effective handling of the missing values in EAF production data. This may be the main reason why model accuracy is difficult to improve. This article proposes a novel modeling method based on the CatBoost algorithm with two‐stage optimization. In the preprocessing session, empirical and empirical‐cumulative‐distribution‐based outlier detection (ECOD) methods are utilized to extract input features and reject outliers. The end‐point carbon content prediction model is built based on CatBoost. The generative adversarial imputation nets (GAIN) method is used in the first optimization stage to handle the missing values. In the second optimization stage, recursive feature elimination (RFE) is used to select the final features, and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is used to optimize the parameters of the CatBoost model. After verification with actual production data, the two‐stage optimized CatBoost model demonstrates excellent performance compared with other methods, with an R2 of 0.903, mean absolute error of 0.021, root mean squared error of 0.043, and 90.34% hit ratio within ±0.05% error range.
Double verification for two‐sample covariance matrices test
Authors: Sun Wenming , Lyu Lingfeng , Guo Xiao
Published: April 2024

This paper explores testing the equality of two covariance matrices under high‐dimensional settings. Existing test statistics are usually constructed based on the squared Frobenius norm or the elementwise maximum norm. However, the former may experience power loss when handling sparse alternatives, while the latter may have a poor performance against dense alternatives. In this paper, with a novel framework, we introduce a double verification test statistic designed to be powerful against both dense and sparse alternatives. Additionally, we propose an adaptive weight test statistic to enhance power. Furthermore, we present an analysis of the asymptotic size and power of the proposed test. Simulation results demonstrate the satisfactory performance of our proposed method.
Effect of Raw and Cooked Green Bananas on Cecal Fermentation Characteristics in Rats
Authors: Nagata Ryuji , Fukuma Naoki , Hashimoto Naoto , Shimada Kenichiro , Nakayama Yasunori , Han Kyu‐Ho , Fukushima Michihiro
Published: April 2024

Raw and cooked (autoclaved) green bananas are fed to rats for 4 weeks and their effects on cecal microbiota and biomarkers of fermentation are evaluated and compared with those of potato starch, which is rich in RS. Relative abundances of genera Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Roseburia, and species Bifidobacterium pseudolongum in rat cecum are higher in the raw green banana group with higher RS consumption than in the control group. The raw green banana group shows higher cecal acetate production and similarly high levels of cecal n‐butyrate production than that in the potato starch group. In the autoclaved green banana group, the cecal microbial composition is altered and the relative abundance of family Ruminococcaceae increased. Additionally, the molar proportion of n‐butyrate in the cecum of the autoclaved green banana group is higher than that in the control group. The levels of cecal mucin and IgA in the raw green banana and potato starch groups are found to be higher compared to those observed in the control and autoclaved green banana groups. Therefore, raw and autoclaved green bananas can alter cecal microbial composition and thus exhibit beneficial intestinal fermentation characteristics.
A Decentralized Voltage Regulation Scheme Using Improved Volt‐Var Function of PV Smart Inverter
Authors: Xie Shanghong , Kaneko Akihisa , Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: April 2024

With the growing distributed PV installation rate in distribution systems, voltage regulation difficulties such as local voltage violations and fluctuations have become common. To solve the voltage regulation problems, the local voltage regulation method using volt‐var (VV) function is effective for its high regulation speed, high accuracy, and flexibility. However, there are still hurdles on real application, such as parameter setting difficulties, insufficient voltage fluctuation mitigation effect, and unfairness of reactive power generation between PV customers. To further improve the VV function, this paper proposes a PID closed‐loop based VV function and mode‐switching function of PV smart inverter (SI). To validate the proposed methods, numerical simulations were conducted using a 6‐feeder distribution system model based on the JST‐CREST 126 distribution feeder model. According to the simulation result, the proposed method can better mitigate the local voltage violation compared to basic VV function based on the VV curve, also improve the fairness between PV customers, while the total reactive power generation and tap operations increases for the aim of more adequate voltage regulation. © 2024 The Authors. IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Sex differences in Alzheimer's disease blood biomarkers in a Caribbean population of African ancestry: The Tobago Health Study
Authors: Rosano Caterina , Karikari Thomas K. , Cvejkus Ryan , Bellaver Bruna , Ferreira Pamela C. L. , Zmuda Joseph , Wheeler Victor , Pascoal Tharick A. , Miljkovic Iva
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in the Caribbean, especially for persons of African ancestry (PAA) and women. However, studies have mostly utilized surveys without AD biomarkers.

METHODS

In the Tobago Health Study (n = 309; 109 women, mean age 70.3 ± 6.6), we assessed sex differences and risk factors for serum levels of phosphorylated tau‐181 (p‐tau181), amyloid‐beta (Aβ)42/40 ratio, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL). Blood samples were from 2010 to 2013 for men and from 2019 to 2023 for women.

RESULTS

Women were more obese, hypertensive, and sedentary but reported less smoking and alcohol use than men (age‐adjusted p < 0.04). Compared to men, women had worse levels of AD biomarkers, with higher p‐tau181 and lower Aβ42/40, independent of covariates (p < 0.001). In sex‐stratified analyses, higher p‐tau181 was associated with older age in women and with hypertension in men. GFAP and NfL did not differ by sex.

DISCUSSION

Women had worse AD biomarkers than men, unexplained by age, cardiometabolic diseases, or lifestyle. Studying risk factors for AD in PAA is warranted, especially for women earlier in life.
Cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis in four miniature English bull terriers
Authors: Henderson Claire , Hattersley Rachel , Nelissen Pieter
Published: April 2024

This short case series describes four young adult miniature English bull terriers that presented with dyspnoea and marked inspiratory stridor as a consequence of cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. Upper airway examinations in all four dogs documented absent abduction of the arytenoid cartilages bilaterally and a narrow rima glottis. Arytenoid lateralisation was attempted in all four dogs, but there was no increase in the cross‐sectional area of the rima glottis in any dog due to an apparent ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint. Three dogs were successfully managed with permanent tracheostomy (with minor post‐operative complications encountered in one dog and major post‐operative complications encountered in another), but the owner of the fourth dog elected for euthanasia.
Recurrent neural networks and sensitivity analysis for accurate monthly evapotranspiration estimation in the region of Fez, Morocco
Authors: Lachgar Nisrine , Berrajaa Achraf , Essabbar Moad , Saikouk Hajar
Published: April 2024

Good water management is essential, including addressing water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate change and increasing food demand due to population growth. In modern era of high technology, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things have an important role to play in decision‐making approaches. According to hydro‐agrological studies, an accurate assessment of evapotranspiration is necessary for irrigation control, and to have an in‐depth understanding of the environmental factor interactions, a sensitivity analysis should be carried out. One of the tools, alongside empirical equations, is artificial intelligence for time‐series prediction. Thus, we compared several models for Penman–Monteith ET0 estimation to see which one performs better in the arid area of Morocco using meteorological data from the region of Fes. They were evaluated according to the MSE, RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and R2 and the variance of error distribution to show the performances of linear regression, K‐Nearest Neighbor, decision tree, random forest, support vector regression, long short‐term memory, and artificial neural network. According to the findings, LSTM outperformed the models with satisfactory results and an accuracy rate of 99.82%. An underlying mechanism of sensitivity analysis was also introduced to find the contribution of each element and estimate the target with a limited dataset. The findings show satisfactory results of R2 = 98.97%. The distribution and reliability of the prediction were proven using the Taylor diagram and Kruskal–Wallis test for the effectiveness of the study. This research demonstrates the potential of employing data‐driven techniques for evapotranspiration estimation to improve the efficacy of water management strategies. This will help to address present issues and establish sustainable water practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Live‐cell fluorescence imaging and optogenetic control of PKA kinase activity in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Sakai Keiichiro , Aoki Kazuhiro , Goto Yuhei
Published: April 2024

The cAMP‐PKA signaling pathway plays a crucial role in sensing and responding to nutrient availability in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This pathway monitors external glucose levels to control cell growth and sexual differentiation. However, the temporal dynamics of the cAMP‐PKA pathway in response to external stimuli remains unclear mainly due to the lack of tools to quantitatively visualize the activity of the pathway. Here, we report the development of the kinase translocation reporter (KTR)‐based biosensor spPKA‐KTR1.0, which allows us to measure the dynamics of PKA activity in fission yeast cells. The spPKA‐KTR1.0 is derived from the transcription factor Rst2, which translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm upon PKA activation. We found that spPKA‐KTR1.0 translocates between the nucleus and cytoplasm in a cAMP‐PKA pathway‐dependent manner, indicating that the spPKA‐KTR1.0 is a reliable indicator of the PKA activity in fission yeast cells. In addition, we implemented a system that simultaneously visualizes and manipulates the cAMP‐PKA signaling dynamics by introducing bPAC, a photoactivatable adenylate cyclase, in combination with spPKA‐KTR1.0. This system offers an opportunity for investigating the role of the signaling dynamics of the cAMP‐PKA pathway in fission yeast cells with higher temporal resolution.
Poiseuille flow of Carreau‐Yasuda fluid at variable pressure gradient
Authors: Kutev Nilolay , Tabakova Sonia
Published: April 2024

The unsteady Poiseuille flow of Carreau‐Yasuda fluid in a pipe, caused by a variable pressure gradient, is studied theoretically. As a special case, the steady flow is considered separately. It is proved that at some values of the viscosity model parameters, the problem has a generalized solution, while at others ‐ a classical solution. For the latter, a necessary and sufficient condition is found, which depends on the maximum pressure gradient and the Carreau‐Yasuda model parameters.
Land Reform, Conflict and Local Development on “Grande Terre”
Authors: Batterbury Simon P. J. , Kowasch Matthias , Arroyas Aurélie
Published: April 2024

New Caledonia-Kanaky has operated customary and European models of land tenure in parallel for almost 170 years, since the early days of colonisation when francophone governance was imposed to enable settlement, and Kanak populations on prime agricultural were forcibly displaced onto “reserves”. This “historic dualism” has been at the heart of lengthy political discussion and the demands of the Kanak independence movement to reclaim its land and sovereignty. While debates about the development of customary land continue in times of political uncertainty, since the late 1970s re-allocation of land to Kanak clans by the state, latterly through the Agence de développement rural et d’aménagement foncier (ADRAF), has been substantial. We assess this process, offering two examples from the Northern Province where land conflicts remain and where “modern” development has taken place on customary land now controlled by clans, under their stewardship. This partial integration into the market economy has addressed many, but not all, of the problems of “historic dualism”.
Has “White Nouméa” Become More Kanak?
Authors: Pantz Pierre-Christophe
Published: April 2024

During the entire period of the “Code de l’Indigénat” (Indigenous Code applied between 1887 and 1946), the Indigenous Kanak people were excluded from the capital city of the New Caledonian archipelago. With this city ban, the colonial administration contributed to the long-term marginalisation of the Kanak presence in Nouméa. In the aftermath of World War II and after the departure of American troops from the territory (1946), Nouméa resembled a small French regional town, without any real Pacific identity, and was thus nicknamed “White Nouméa” (in French “Nouméa la Blanche”). There was no sign at that time of the extraordinary demographic shift that would be underway in New Caledonia, and more specifically in the city of Nouméa, throughout the second half of the twentieth century.

This urban expansion was accompanied by ethnic redistribution in the city. After the institutional process of decolonisation that lasted for almost 20 years, the Kanak presence in the city (one inhabitant in four) became indisputable from a demographic point of view. Yet, the continuing urban marginalisation of Kanak people shows the limits of the framework that was extolled on signing the Nouméa Accord (1998) for living together and sharing a “common destiny”. The persistence of acute spatial, social and political inequalities raises the question of the place of the Indigenous people in Nouméa today.