bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of permanent and transient domain–domain interactions in multi‐domain proteins
Authors: Sidhanta Swayam Prakash Das , Sowdhamini Ramanathan , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy
Published: October 2023

Protein domains are structural, functional, and evolutionary units. These domains bring out the diversity of functionality by means of interactions with other co‐existing domains and provide stability. Hence, it is important to study intra‐protein inter‐domain interactions from the perspective of types of interactions. Domains within a chain could interact over short timeframes or permanently, rather like protein–protein interactions (PPIs). However, no systematic study has been carried out between two classes, namely permanent and transient domain–domain interactions. In this work, we studied 263 two‐domain proteins, belonging to either of these classes and their interfaces on the basis of several factors, such as interface area and details of interactions (number, strength, and types of interactions). We also characterized them based on residue conservation at the interface, correlation of residue motions across domains, its involvement in repeat formation, and their involvement in particular molecular processes. Finally, we could analyze the interactions arising from domains in two‐domain monomeric proteins, and we observed significant differences between these two classes of domain interactions and a few similarities. This study will help to obtain a better understanding of structure–function and folding principles of multi‐domain proteins.
Effect of Ar‐Based Reactive Ion Etching on the Ohmic Contacts in Gallium Oxide Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Kachhawa Pharyanshu , Jain Amber Kumar , Chaturvedi Nidhi
Published: October 2023

Herein, ultra‐wideband gap semiconductor β‐gallium oxide (β–Ga2O3) over sapphire ( orientation) is investigated for ohmic contact improvement with the help of argon (Ar)‐based reactive ion etching (RIE). Postannealing effects of these contacts over ( orientation) gallium oxide samples are also investigated. The surface defects and oxygen vacancies generated by Ar etching lead to the formation of as‐deposited ohmic contacts with the Ti/Au metal stack. A contact resistance of 10.52 Ω mm with a specific contact resistivity of 2.24 × 10−4 Ω cm2is achieved with 10 min Ar RIE prior metallization. However, the contacts further degrade when samples are subjected to annealing. The electrical measurements and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy elemental mappings at samples after annealing reveal that it is due to the formation of titanium oxide (TiOx) compound which acts as an insulator and concurrent with the out‐diffusion of Ga and in‐diffusion of gold. These results show the impact of anisotropy of gallium oxide over different annealing temperatures. These results and techniques may pave the way for better ohmic contacts for gallium oxide‐based high‐voltage and high‐power applications.
Modeling and Simulation of a Massively Parallelized Multiphoton Polymerization 3D Microfabrication Process
Authors: Ogor Florie , Le Deun Thomas , Van Elslande Emma , Tellal Azeddine , Banyasz Akos , Flury Manuel , Heggarty Kevin
Published: October 2023

While additive manufacturing based on multiphoton polymerization is currently considered to be a very promising technique for the fabrication of 3D micro‐ and nanostructures, long fabrication times are a major limitation of this approach. Parallelization of the fabrication process is an important technique to overcome this issue. The fabrication process is parallelized by imaging a 1920 × 1080 pixel spatial light modulator into an ultrasensitive triplet–triplet annihilation resist. However, proximity effects between close pixels generate uncontrolled polymerization and make the controlled fabrication of 3D structures difficult. This work models light propagation and chemical interactions in the system to predict fabricated structures with a view to precompensating plot data and improving 3D resolution by performing optical and chemical proximity correction. A simple model gives reasonable predictions of fabricated structures helping us fabricate fully 3D structures in parallel.
Alopecia Neoplastica: A Manifestation of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Kitayama Shohei , Katsuumi Koji , Takatsuka Sumiko , Kanbayashi Chizuko , Shimizu Tadamichi , Takenouchi Tatsuya
Published: October 2023

We herein report a typical case of alopecia neoplastica secondary to breast cancer. Alopecia neoplastica is a rare form of alopecia resulting from metastasis of a primary tumour to the scalp and is often misdiagnosed as alopecia areata.
Centering intersectional sustainability in leadership education: A case for the sustainable development goals
Authors: Sheridan Kate , Miller Whitney McIntyre , Satterwhite Rian
Published: October 2023

Sustainability leadership has the transformative potential of helping to center an array of skills and mindsets needed for leaders and leaderful organizations and collectives to successfully address the many interrelated and connected challenges of the 21st century. This article makes the case that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a useful framework for integrating sustainability into leadership education and development broadly and can advance these needed skill sets and learning orientations. Leadership educators should consider centering this in their work in order to effectively prepare learners for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
A framework for graduate leadership education for sustainability guided by the SDGs
Authors: Buckley Jessica Belue , Michel Jessica Ostrow , Zint Michaela , Smedick William , Rice Eric M.
Published: October 2023

In this article, we outline the work of using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in graduate leadership education for sustainability (GLES). We identify how the SDGs can serve as an effective operationalization of the concept of sustainability, propose a framework of GLES, provide specific examples of the use of the SDGs in graduate education, and share recommendations for fostering GLES.
Sit Down, Be Humble: The Influence of the Work of Linda Tuhiwai Smith on Our Research
Authors: Bell Amani , Moran Gulwanyang
Published: October 2023

We explore the introductory chapter of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s influential text which ‘draw[s] attention to the thousands of ways in which Indigenous languages, knowledges and cultures have been silenced or misrepresented, ridiculed or condemned in academic and popular discourses’ (2012, p. 21). Tuhiwai Smith argues that scholars need a ‘more critical understanding of the underlying assumptions, motivations and values which inform research practices’ (Smith. Decolonizing methodologies: Research and Indigenous People (2nd ed.). Zed Books, 2012), paying particular attention to understanding the impacts of imperialism and colonisation, and the past and continued damaging, unethical practices of non-Indigenous academics researching Indigenous peoples. This requires a reflection on power positioning, place and space. In this chapter we discuss our experiences of using Indigenous theories and methodologies as an Indigenous researcher (Gulwanyang) and a non-Indigenous researcher (Amani).
The Good University? Colourful Histories, Ongoing Troubles, and Changing Contexts
Authors: Krishnaraj Meenakshi , Xu Ren-Hao , Norman Pat
Published: October 2023

During the strict COVID restrictions in 2020, the ‘Critical Theory, Education and Social Work Reading Group’ based at the University of Sydney met via Zoom to discuss Raewyn Connell’s The good university (2019). The crisis faced by higher education institutions—set against broader social and political crises triggered by the pandemic—was the palpable backdrop for discussions. Drawing on examples offered by pioneering universities and educational reformers around the world, Connell outlines a vision for making universities more engaging and more productive places, driven by social good rather than profit, and helping to build fairer societies.

Connell’s book generated a rich stream of reflections and responses, especially from postgraduate students who are in a liminal space in the global higher education industry. They are often both students and precariously employed staff; both visible as sources of income for universities and invisible as its workers; both already within the university system and uncertain if they will remain.

In this chapter, three (former) postgraduates of the reading group—Meenakshi Krishnaraj, Ren-Hao Leo Xu, and Pat Norman—engage with Connell on university teaching, research, and professional work, respectively. Each in their own way raises the question: How can we reimagine ‘the good university’?
Deploying Rose and Abi-Rached to ‘Make Sense’ of the Rise of the ‘Brain Sciences’ in the Field of Violence Against Women
Authors: Egan Suzanne
Published: October 2023

The neurosciences have been afforded increasing explanatory power in relation to a broad range of social issues, in fields as diverse as education, health, child protection, and criminal justice. Rose and Abi-Rached (2013) have termed the 2000s the decade of the ‘brain sciences’, the decade in which neuroscience dispersed from the laboratory and entered key sites of social and political discourse. This chapter engages with Rose and Abi-Rached’s work to explore aspects of the uptake of a neurobiological approach to trauma in feminist sexual assault organisations. This is a field of practice, which with its origins in the second wave women’s movement continues to be governed by an explicitly political social change agenda. Yet, in the Australian context, it has also been an ‘early adopter’ of the neuroscience of trauma. In this chapter, I first briefly the source of my interest in this issue as well as my engagement and discomfort with the positioning of trauma discourse in much feminist academic work. I then share some of my struggles in deciding how to use Rose and Abi-Rached’s ideas to help me progress my own thinking and research.
Connections, Engagements, and Troubles: A Response to Remy Low
Authors: Serrano-Amaya José Fernando
Published: October 2023

Remy Low’s piece is a theoretical contribution to the teaching of social (in)justice as space for reflecting on students’ past and present positions in social structures and as a way to draft different futures for them as teachers. The first section connected me with a discussion on the implications of raising issues of social (in)justice in the classroom. Part of my teaching and research work is about political conflict and peacebuilding and Low’s chronicle of a classroom discussion resonates with my own experiences. The second section invited me to engage with the main argument of the chapter about the possibilities and limitations of understanding politics in terms of agonism rather than antagonism. Since how to deal with protracted conflicts is a matter of ongoing discussion in my academic and activist work, I read that section as exchange of theoretical perspectives. The third section troubles me. Due to my work on gender and sexual politics, biological arguments cause me suspicion and extreme caution on how and for which purposes such data are raised. Low’s piece is an example of how to use theory to create possible dialogues amid difficult topics and an invitation to maintain hope for change and social transformation.
All-order celestial OPE from on-shell recursion
Authors: Ren Lecheng , Schreiber Anders , Sharma Atul , Wang Diandian
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We determine tree level, all-order celestial operator product expansions (OPEs) of gluons and gravitons in the maximally helicity violating (MHV) sector. We start by obtaining the all-order collinear expansions of MHV amplitudes using the inverse soft recursion relations that they satisfy. These collinear expansions are recast as celestial OPE expansions in bases of momentum as well as boost eigenstates. This shows that inverse soft recursion for MHV amplitudes is dual to OPE recursion in celestial conformal field theory.
An embedding space approach to Carrollian CFT correlators for flat space holography
Authors: Salzer Jakob
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Carrollian conformal field theories (carrollian CFTs) are natural field theories on null infinity of an asymptotically flat spacetime or, more generally, geometries with conformal carrollian structure. Using a basis transformation, gravitational S-matrix elements can be brought into the form of correlators of a carrollian CFT. Therefore, it has been suggested that carrollian CFTs could provide a co-dimension one dual description to gravity in asymptotically flat spacetimes. In this work, we construct an embedding space formalism for three-dimensional carrollian CFTs and use it to determine two- and three-point correlators. These correlators are fixed by the global subgroup, ISO(1, 3), of the carrollian conformal symmetries, i.e., the Bondi-van der Burg-Metzner-Sachs symmetries (BMS). The correlators coincide with well-known two- and three-point scattering amplitudes in Minkowski space written with respect to a basis of asymptotic position states.
Task Shifting and Task Sharing to Strengthen the Surgical Workforce in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Ryan Isabel , Shah Keshav V. , Barrero Carlos E. , Uamunovandu Tjinjeka , Ilbawi Andre , Swanson Jordan
Published: October 2023

Background

A major constraint to surgical care delivery in low‐resource settings is inadequate workforce availability. Surgical task shifting (TShifting) and task sharing (TSharing), in which non‐surgeon clinicians (NSCs) are trained to perform select surgical procedures, have been proposed as one solution. However, patterns of safety and efficacy of surgical TShifting/TSharing are not well‐established. This study aims to summarize the current literature and assess clinical outcomes and impact of surgical TShifting/TSharing in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

A two‐tiered systematic, PRISMA‐adherent literature review of surgical TShifting/TSharing in sub‐Saharan Africa was conducted. Collected data included healthcare settings; types of surgeries performed; attitudes toward NSCs; and categories, training, capacity, clinical outcomes, safety, retention, cost‐effectiveness, and supervision of NSCs. A random effects meta‐analysis of morbidity and mortality rates between NSCs and surgeons was conducted.

Results

Among the 659 abstracts screened, 31 studies met inclusion criteria and were integrated in the final analysis. Eighteen studies (58%) report on the capacity and aptitude of NSCs, 16 (52%) on clinical outcomes and safety, and seven (23%) on attitudes. NSCs performed 1999 (61%) of 3304 total surgical cases studied. The most common operations reported were hernia repair (n = 12, 57%), acute abdominal (n = 12, 57%), and orthopedic procedures (n = 6, 29%). No differences were found between NSC and surgeon case morbidity [315 (16%) vs. 224 (17%); p > 0.05] and mortality [44 (2.2%) vs. 33 (2.5%); p > 0.05] rates.

Conclusion

NSCs are increasingly performing surgical tasks in regions of sub‐Saharan Africa deficient in trained surgeons and appear to have non‐inferior safety outcomes in select programs.
Assessment of aerodynamic roughness parameters of turbulent boundary layers over barnacle-covered surfaces
Authors: Medjnoun Takfarinas , Aguiar Ferreira Manuel , Reinartz Ralf , Nugroho Bagus , Monty Jason , Hutchins Nicholas , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: October 2023

Full-scale drag penalty predictions of flows over rough walls require surface roughness characterisation from laboratory experiments or numerical simulations. In either approach, it is necessary to determine the so-called equivalent sand-grain roughness height ($$k_s$$

k
s

). There are several steps involved in determining this aerodynamic roughness lengthscale, but its procedure typically includes a combination of measurement of wall-shear stress ($$\tau _w$$

τ
w

) using direct or indirect methods as well as analysis of velocity profiles. Indirect methods usually rely on assumptions made about flow and its scaling including the validity of universal outer-layer similarity. However, the implications of the underlying assumptions involved in full-scale drag prediction are unclear. In this work, we carry out wind tunnel measurements over a realistic rough surface (from a fouled ship-hull) to evaluate the impact of different methods with an emphasis on using the outer-layer similarity hypothesis for full-scale drag predictions. Wall-shear stress is measured using an in-house floating-element drag balance (DB), and velocity profiles are obtained using particle image velocimetry (PIV), allowing the evaluation of $$k_s$$

k
s

, and the associated wake parameters through several methods. The aerodynamic roughness parameters hence obtained are used for full-scale drag penalty calculations. It is observed that the predicted drag penalty can vary by over 15$$\%$$
%
among the different methods highlighting the care that should be taken when employing such methods.
Proteome Analysis for Inflammation Related to Acute and Convalescent Infection
Authors: Sigdel Tara K. , Sur Swastika , Boada Patrick , McDermott Suzanne M. , Arlehamn Cecilia S. Lindestam , Murray Kristy O. , Bockenstedt Linda K. , Kerwin Maggie , Reed Elaine F. , Harris Eva , Stuart Ken , Peters Bjoern , Sesma Ana , Montgomery Ruth R. , Sarwal Minnie M.
Published: October 2023

Infectious diseases are a significant burden in global healthcare. Pathogens engage with different host defense mechanisms. However, it is currently unknown if there are disease-specific immune signatures and/or if different pathogens elicit common immune-associated molecular entities to common therapeutic interventions. We studied patients enrolled through the Human Immunology Project Consortium (HIPC), which focuses on immune responses to various infections. Blood samples were collected and analyzed from patients during infection and follow-up time points at the convalescent stage. The study included samples from patients with Lyme disease (LD), tuberculosis (TB), malaria (MLA), dengue virus (DENV), and West Nile virus (WNV), as well as kidney transplant patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and polyomavirus (BKV) infections. Using an antibody-based assay, we quantified ~ 350 cell surface markers, cytokines, and chemokines involved in inflammation and immunity. Unique protein signatures were identified specific to the acute phase of infection irrespective of the pathogen type, with significant changes during convalescence. In addition, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (TNR6), C–C Motif Chemokine Receptor 7 (CCR7), and C–C motif chemokine ligand-1 (CCL1) were increased in the acute and convalescent phases across all viral, bacterial, and protozoan compared to blood from healthy donors. Furthermore, despite the differences between pathogens, proteins were enriched in common biological pathways such as cell surface receptor signaling pathway and response to external stimulus. In conclusion, we demonstrated that irrespective of the pathogen type, there are common immunoregulatory and proinflammatory signals.
Oomycete composition in Proteaceae orchards and natural stands on three continents
Authors: Migliorini Duccio , Vivas Maria , Wingfield Michael J. , Shaw Christopher , Burgess Treena I.
Published: October 2023

The Proteaceae, a diverse family of woody flowering plants in the Southern Hemisphere, contains many species known to be susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, both in the natural environment and in cut-flower orchards. Very little is known about the prevalence of P. cinnamomi and other oomycetes across these landscapes. To address this knowledge gap, we used a double ITS1 and RPS10 gene metabarcoding approach and traditional isolation protocols to investigate oomycetes in orchards and natural stands of Proteaceae across South Africa, South Africa (eastern and western), Australia, and Europe. The RPS10 primers amplified more samples, including various Pythium species, while the ITS primers detected more Phytophthora phylotypes. Both datasets showed that geographic regions influenced oomycete species richness and community composition, while they did not show any variation between orchards and natural vegetation. RPS10 metabarcoding detected the largest number of species and provided greater statistical confidence than ITS1 when considering oomycete species composition. Metabarcoding also showed that orchards had a higher abundance of P. cinnamomi compared to native stands, although this was not found when isolating through baiting of roots and rhizosphere soil. Direct isolation and metabarcoding are complementary, with metabarcoding serving as an early detection tool. However, it cannot distinguish living viable propagules from residual DNA of dead propagules, limiting its use for diagnostic purposes related to Phytophthora management and control. These results, along with those of other recent studies, show that metabarcoding offers an effective tool to describe the dynamics of soil oomycetes in different ecosystems.
Kriterien eines aktivierenden Sportunterrichts
Authors: Stabick Ole , Heemsoth Tim , Krieger Claus , Bähr Ingrid
Published: October 2023

Die Art und Weise der kognitiven Aktivierung von Schüler:innen ist neben der Klassenführung und der konstruktiven Unterstützung für die Wirksamkeit von Unterricht mitentscheidend. Forschungsbefunde zur Unterrichtsqualität stammen jedoch hauptsächlich aus Studien bezüglich mathematisch-naturwissenschaftlicher Fächer (Kunter & Ewald, 2016), was die Notwendigkeit einer fachspezifischen Auslegung für das Fach Sport verdeutlicht. Bisherige Arbeiten sind hier v. a. konzeptioneller und nicht empirischer Art. Hier setzt der vorliegende Beitrag mit folgender Fragestellung an: Was sind für erfahrene Sportlehrer:innen bedeutsame Kriterien eines aktivierenden Sportunterrichts? Für die Beantwortung der Forschungsfrage wurde der theoretische Fachdiskurs zu einer Liste von Kriterien eines aktivierenden Sportunterrichts verdichtet. Darauf aufbauend wurden leitfadengestützte Interviews mit zehn Sportlehrkräften geführt und mit Hilfe der inhaltlich strukturierenden Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Es zeigt sich, dass das deduktiv aus der Kriterienliste entstandene Kategoriensystem durch das empirische Material bestätigt und erweitert werden kann. Außerdem konnte eine induktive Hauptkategorie identifiziert werden, die weiterführende Voraussetzungen umfasst, die einen aktivierenden Sportunterricht erst ermöglichen. In dieser induktiven Kategorie zeigen sich Überschneidungen zu den Basisdimensionen der Klassenführung und der konstruktiven Unterstützung, was auf den engen Zusammenhang der drei Basisdimensionen aus Sicht von Sportlehrkräften verweist.
Adiponectin rs1501299 and chemerin rs17173608 gene polymorphism in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relation with macroangiopathy and peripheral artery disease
Authors: Salah N. Y. , Madkour S. S. , Ahmed K. S. , Abdelhakam D. A. , Abdullah F. A. , Mahmoud R. A. E. H.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Although macrovascular complications represent the leading cause of mortality in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the prevalence of subtle macrovascular affection including peripheral artery disease (PAD) among children with T1DM and its genetic predictors remains to be unraveled. Increasing evidence suggests a link between adiponectin rs1501299 and chemerin rs17173608 gene polymorphism and atherogenesis, and insulin resistance. Hence, this study assess the prevalence of these variants among children with T1DM in comparison to healthy controls and their association with macrovascular complications, namely PAD and hyperlipidemia.

Methods

Fifty children with T1DM and 50 matched controls underwent a thorough assessment including adiponectin rs1501299 and chemerin rs17173608 gene polymorphisms, fasting lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and ankle–brachial index (ABI). Cochran–Armitage trend test was used to decide the risk allele and evaluate the association between the candidate variant and PAD using a case–control design.

Results

Children with T1DM were found to have significantly higher ABI (p = 0.011) than controls. Chemerin gene polymorphism was detected in 41 children with T1DM (82.0%), while adiponectin gene polymorphism was detected in 19 children (38.0%). Children with T1DM having GG chemerin variant and those having TT adiponectin variant had significantly higher cholesterol with significantly lower HDL-C and ABI than those having the other two variants (p < 0.005). Children with T1DM having abnormal ABI had significantly higher chemerin G (p = 0.017) and adiponectin T (p = 0.022) alleles than those with normal ABI. Cholesterol and ABI were independently associated with chemerin and adiponectin gene polymorphism by multivariable regression analysis.

Conclusion

Children with T1DM having chemerin and adiponectin gene polymorphisms have significantly higher cholesterol and ABI than those without these polymorphisms and controls.

Trial registration

The Research Ethics Committee of Ain Shams University, approval number R 31/2021.
Cold spray forming: a novel approach in cold spray additive manufacturing of complex parts using 3D-printed polymer molds
Authors: Kindermann Philipp , Strasser Maximilian , Wunderer Martin , Uensal Ismail , Horn Max , Seidel Christian
Published: October 2023

The solid-state additive manufacturing (AM) process cold spraying (CS) offers advantageous properties such as melt-free near-net-shape part fabrication and high deposition rates. Compared to other metal-based AM processes such as the powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) or directed energy deposition (DED) processes such as laser metal deposition (DED-LB), CS features lower part resolution. One solution to increase the achievable level of detail is spraying onto removable molds. No study exists that investigates the general feasibility and manufacturing boundaries, from which design guidelines could be derived. In this paper, the applicability of material extruded and thermally bonded polymer (MEX-TRB/P) shapes, which is especially suitable for flexible low-cost production of small batches, as molds for cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) is investigated. For this purpose, material extruded thermoplastics are examined regarding their suitability for the CS process. Furthermore, geometrical and thus constructive restrictions of this new approach “Cold Spray Forming” (CSF) are analyzed using an industry-relevant use case. It was shown that the feasibility of this approach could be determined by the material value hardness of the sprayed polymer substrates.
WPA Digitalization in Mental Health and Care: Empirical Report on Action Plan and Related Activities
Authors: Ramalho Rodrigo , Volpe Umberto , Gaebel Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

Digital health is increasingly gaining momentum in psychiatry, contributing to better public mental health. The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is committed to capacity building and training in global mental health and care by integrating competencies and resources, including digital means. The WPA Action Plan Working Group on Digitalization in Mental Health and Care supports the promotion and implementation of digital health in mental health care worldwide. The Working Group is active in producing and improving evidence, data acquisition, policy development, education, and implementation of digital mental health and care. The Working Group has recently completed a survey shared with all 145 WPA member societies to draw a baseline account of the availability, use, and impact of digital health globally. The survey covered questions on digitalization in general and mental health care regarding the status and spectrum of digital tools and programs used in each represented country. The survey, supported by the WPA President, Staff, and 18 Zonal Representatives, was completed by member societies from all WPA/World Health Organization (WHO) regions. Findings will help ensuring accessibility, equity, and progress in country-adapted upscaling of digital mental health and care. Survey results, together with our newly developed WPA official position statement on digitalization, provide clear priorities and targeted interventions that will guide WPA to support the development and implementation of digital mental health and care to transform health systems worldwide, improve professional collaboration, promote mental health, prevent stigma, and ensure universal mental health coverage.
Constructing a continuous reduced graphene oxide network in porous plant fiber sponge for highly compressible and sensitive piezoresistive sensors
Authors: Zhao Gang , Qian Feng , Li Xinyi , Tang Yuhan , Sheng Ye , Li Handong , Rao Jiuping , Singh Man Vir , Algadi Hassan , Niu Min , Zhang Weijie , Guo Zhanhu , Peng Xiangfang , Chen Tingjie
Published: October 2023

Flexible pressure sensors as wearable electronic devices to monitor human health have attracted significant attention. Herein, a simple and effective carbonization-free method is proposed to prepare a compressible and conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–modified plant fiber sponge (defined as rGO-PFS). The introduced GO can not only coat on the surface of plant fibers, but also form a large amount of aerogel with microcellular structure in the macroporous PFS. After reduction treatment, the rGO-PFS can form a double-continuous conductive network of rGO aerogel. With the improvement of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the rGO-PFS@PDMS composite exhibits outstanding compressibility (up to 60% compression strain), excellent durability (10,000 stable compression cycles at 50% strain), high sensitivity (234.07 kPa−1 in a pressure range of 20 ~ 387.2 Pa), low detection limit (20 Pa), and rapid response time (28 ms) for practical wearable applications.

Graphical Abstract

A compressible and conductive reduced graphene oxide–modified plant fiber sponge is prepared by a simple and effective carbonization-free method. With the improvement of polydimethylsiloxane, the sponge exhibits outstanding compressibility, durability, high sensitivity, low detection limit, and rapid response time for practical wearable applications.
Fabrication, electrical performance analysis and photovoltaic characterization of β-H2Pc/p-Si heterojunction for solar cell device applications
Authors: El-Saady A. A. , El-Nahass M. M. , Roushdy N. , Abdel Basset Dalia M. , Farag A. A. M.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of nanocrystalline β-metal-free phthalocyanine (β-H2Pc) in optoelectronics, particularly for the creation of a β-H2Pc/p-Si heterojunction. With a focus on photovoltaic performance, the present work aimed to assess its thermal stability, crystalline structure, optical characteristics, electrical behavior, and applicability in optoelectronic applications. We successfully fabricated a β-H2Pc/p-Si heterojunction at room temperature using a conventional high-vacuum thermal evaporation method, offering a practical approach for integrating these materials into electronic devices. Thermal gravimetric Assessment (TGA) confirmed β-H2Pc’s remarkable thermal stability up to 470 °C, which holds significant promise for high-temperature applications. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed the nanocrystalline nature of the deposited β-H2Pc, which is crucial for the structural integrity of advanced electronic devices. The absorption coefficient spectrum exhibited distinct absorption bands attributed to π–π* excitations, with electronic transitions identified and characterized by a 1.51 eV onset band gap and a 2.74 eV fundamental optical energy gap, highlighting its potential in optoelectronic applications. The current–voltage characteristics of the β-H2Pc/p-Si heterojunction displayed a diode-like behavior at various temperatures, with excellent rectifying properties. Photovoltaic behavior under illumination showed a power conversion efficiency of 1.1%, emphasizing its promise for renewable energy applications and future optoelectronic devices.
Application of Wox2a in transformation of recalcitrant maize genotypes
Authors: Liu Qiangbo , Zhang Xian Sheng , Su Ying Hua
Published: October 2023

The genetic transformation plays an important role in plant gene functional analysis and its genetic improvement. However, only a limited number of maize germplasms can be routinely transformed. The maize gene Wuschel-like homeobox protein 2a (Wox2a) was shown to play a crucial role in promoting the formation of embryonic cells and enhancing the efficiency of genetic transformation in maize. This commentary discusses the mechanism by which the Wox2a gene contributes to the variation in embryogenic tissue culture response among different maize inbred lines. In addition, the frequency and intensity of Wox2a or Wus2/Bbm vector-induced somatic embryogenesis was also discussed. The application of Wox2a in transformation of recalcitrant maize genotypes could well accelerate the development of maize genetic improvement.
Developing a sense of belonging among biracial individuals: a case study exploring the social context
Authors: Eid Farah Mamdouh Ashour , Parker Samuel
Published: October 2023

Previous research highlights that biracial people may struggle to fit into their racial groups due to their dual identities. However, much of this research focuses on identity development and a sense of belonging within an educational context. This study aimed to explore how biracial individuals experience a sense of belonging to their racial groups within a social context. Six biracial participants aged 18–27 participated in semi-structured online interviews to explore their experiences qualitatively. A thematic analysis was conducted and three themes were identified: immediate family guidance on being biracial, extended family impacts on feeling connected to racial groups, and language shapes feelings of inclusion or exclusion to racial groups. The findings suggest that immediate family can enhance a person’s sense of belonging. However, there were varied experiences regarding how extended family impacts sense of belonging. Language proficiency was an important factor to connect with people from the same racial backgrounds. Further research is needed to explore other factors such as religion and perceptions as they can impact feeling a sense of belonging.
Corrosion inhibition and synergistic effect of ionic liquids and iodide ions on the corrosion of C-steel in formation water associated with crude oil
Authors: Abd El Wanees S. , Kamel M. M. , Ibrahim Magdy , Rashwan S. M. , Atef Y. , Abd Elsadek M. G.
Published: October 2023

The inhibition effect of some of three different ionic liquids namely, IL-4, IL-8, and IL-10 on the corrosion behavior of C-steel immersed in 10% formation water (FW) solutions was examined at various concentrations and temperatures. Gravimetric measurements were complemented by surface investigation for some corroded C-steel samples using a scanning electron microscope (SCE). The inhibition efficiency, IE %, was found to increase with increasing the inhibitor concentration depending on its type while the rise in the solution temperature reduces the IE %. At optimum concentration of 500 the IE % reaches 52.21%, 45.83%, and 43.98%, successively, with IL10, IL8, and IL4. The presence of 0.02 M KI mixed with 500 ppm enhances the IE % to reach a maximum value of 90.5%, 85.6%, and 77.9%, successively, with IL10, IL8, and IL4. The existence of KI is considered an effective co-inhibitor that introduces a synergistic effect and stimulates the synergism. The inhibition mechanism was discussed through an adsorption process that follows the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic data suggests the existence of physisorption besides chemisorption processes on the surface of the C-steel surface.
Single cell transcriptomics reveal the heterogeneities of TCR Vα7.2+CD161+ and TCR Vα7.2+CD161− T cells in human peripheral blood
Authors: Li Mingyang , Jin Hua , Wei Ling , Zhang Tianzhen , Huang Shiyang , Sun Guangyong , Zhang Jian , Jia Jidong , Li Chunquan , Zhang Dong , Tian Dan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

T cell receptor (TCR) usually determines the specificity and unique function of T cells. Recently, the unconventional T cells with a unique TCR have attracted great attentions because of their clinical importance. TCR Vα7.2+ cells, that consist of the CD161+ mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and CD161− non-MAIT T cells, have been reported to play crucial roles in immune defenses. However, their characterizations in human blood are still obscure. This study aims to investigate the signatures and functions of circulating TCR Vα7.2+CD161+ MAIT and TCR Vα7.2+CD161− cells under steady state.

Methods

The TCR Vα7.2+CD161+ and TCR Vα7.2+CD161− cells were separately sorted from healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and send for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Flow cytometry analysis was used to verify the findings obtained from scRNA-seq analysis.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that there are more TCR Vα7.2+CD161+ cells than TCR Vα7.2+CD161− cells in healthy donor PBMCs and revealed the differences between them. Under steady state, 4 TCR Vα7.2+CD161+ MAIT clusters existed in peripheral blood. Pseudotime analysis further implied the development trajectory of these MAIT cells, which was ordered from CCR7+ resting cluster to LGALS3+ transitional cluster, followed by KLRG1+ cluster and ending with CX3CR1+ terminally differentiated cytotoxic cluster. In addition, our results revealed that TCR Vα7.2+CD161− cells consist of different kind of conventional T cells. These TCR Vα7.2+CD161− non-MAIT cells showed a higher level of Granzyme B expression and upregulated genes associated with cytotoxicity, which implicated their roles in immune defense.

Conclusion

Our findings advanced the understandings of the evolution of circulating MAIT cells. We also preliminarily defined the TCR Vα7.2+CD161− PBMCs as a combination of versatile CD4+ and CD8+ populations with cytotoxicity.
Production of reactive oxygen species and its role in mediating the abiotic transformation of organic carbon in sandy soil under vegetation restoration
Authors: Liu Fuhao , Zhu Kecheng , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Jinbo , Ni Zheng , Ding Yuanyuan , Zhang Chi , Jia Hanzhong
Published: October 2023

The significant impact of vegetation restoration on the turnover of organic carbon (OC) is mainly attributed to biological processes. However, the contribution of abiotic processes associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) during vegetation restoration has remained largely overlooked. Therefore, we systematically explored ROS distribution and production mechanisms in sandy soil and their corresponding effects on OC oxidation through field monitoring and incubation experiments. The cumulative concentrations of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) produced within 24 h varied in different soils undergoing vegetation restoration, ranging from 2.36 to 22.05 μmol kg‒1, which were derived from the Fenton-like reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and biotic-induced Fe(II). In addition, during the oxidation of reductive SOC, H2O2 can be formed and react with Fe(II) to generate •OH. Further, •OH significantly induced the abiotic transformation of OC, accounting for 15.93%‒25.80% of carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux. Specifically, 1 mol •OH can induce the production of 0.01–0.02 mol CO2 for particulate organic carbon (POC) and 0.03‒0.23 mol CO2 for mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC), as demonstrated by chemical quenching and sterilisation experiments. This indicated that MOC was more sensitive to •OH attacks. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the accumulation of ROS in sandy soils during vegetation restoration, with •OH playing a key role in SOC oxidation, as well as the patterns of SOC turnover and its response to changes in the soil environment.

Graphical Abstract
Women's Work: The Gendered Nature of Appointment Politics in Subnational China
Authors: Jiang Xinhui , Eaton Sarah , Kostka Genia
Published: October 2023

While comparative research on gender and politics has produced a sizable literature on the appointment of women to cabinet positions in democracies, we know surprisingly little about appointment practices in authoritarian contexts at subnational levels. We address this gap with the resumés of 3,681 political appointees in subnational China (2003–2020). Our analysis reveals that subnational Chinese politics meets most of the criteria scholars put forward as being indicative of gendered institutions: (1) women and men's career patterns are different; (2) women are assigned to more feminine posts, while masculine posts provide more promotion opportunities; and (3) regarding backgrounds, women are younger, better educated and more likely to be ethnic minorities as a result of the implementation of tandem quotas. The findings advance the literature on gender and politics, showing that gender's effect on appointment transcends regime types and the dichotomy of national/subnational politics.
Work, marriage and premature birth: the socio-medicalisation of pregnancy in state socialist East-Central Europe
Authors: Lišková Kateřina , Jarska Natalia , Gagyiova Annina , Aguilar López-Barajas José Luis , Rábová Šárka Caitlín
Published: October 2023

Reproductive health in state socialism is usually viewed as an area in which the broader contexts of women’s lives were disregarded. Focusing on expert efforts to reduce premature births, we show that the social aspects of women’s lives received the most attention. In contrast to typical descriptions emphasising technological medicalisation and pharmaceuticalisation, we show that expertise in early socialism was concerned with socio-medical causes of prematurity, particularly work and marriage. The interest in physical work in the 1950s evolved towards a focus on psychological factors in the 1960s and on broader socio-economic conditions in the 1970s. Experts highlighted marital happiness as conducive to healthy birth and considered unwed women more prone to prematurity. By the 1980s, social factors had faded from interest in favour of a bio-medicalised view. Our findings are based on a rigorous comparative analysis of medical journals from Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia and East Germany.
Trained Army Nurses in Colonial India: Early Experiences and Challenges
Authors: George Preethi Mariam , Lourdusamy John Bosco
Published: October 2023

The paper examines the introduction of trained female nurses for the British army men in colonial India between 1888 and 1920. It discusses the genesis of the Indian Nursing Service (INS), including the background and negotiations leading up to its formation, terms of employment, duties and working conditions of the nursing sisters. The memoir of Catharine Grace Loch, who served as the first Chief Lady Superintendent of the service is used extensively to trace the early experiences and challenges of the nursing sisters. The paper primarily argues that the INS being a new service, the colonial government maintained tight control over its functioning, and extreme conservatism in spending, thus retarding the growth of professional army nursing in India. Secondly, in examining the relations between the sisters and the (male) nursing orderlies, sub-medical and medical officers, the paper argues that the inadequate delineation of the nursing sisters’ position in the military medical hierarchy was an important reason for the undermining of their expertise and status. Thirdly, the paper contends that as an all-women service, nursing constituted an important avenue of female agency within the patriarchal colonial establishment, which subjected the sisters to scrutiny both professionally and socially. The paper analyses the resultant conditions and regulations imposed on the sisters – most of them determined by gender and class notions. Finally, the paper discusses the gradual establishment and recognition of the service as an important cornerstone for the health of the army, while highlighting the shortcomings that yet persisted up until 1920.
What is helpful in everyday living with dementia at home? Learning from families’ diverse scenarios
Authors: Guðnadóttir Margrét , Ceci Christine , Kirkevold Marit , Snædal Jón , Björnsdóttir Kristín
Published: October 2023

As the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases, caring for a relative living at home with dementia has become a reality for many families worldwide. Studies have shown that families are confronted with diverse difficulties as they try to address the challenges involved in providing care. By understanding how they manage daily life, formal service providers become better equipped to meet the diverse needs of these families. Learning how families live with memory loss and cognitive changes calls for an understanding of the shared context surrounding the person, including the collective of people, and their connections. With the research method of ethnographic case study, we followed eight families living at home with dementia for two years. All participants had been placed on a waiting list for a specialised dementia day care programme. The analysis presented here is based on three cases which reflect widely different experiences and situations. We describe how these families dealt with their daily living at home, if and how they made use of the formal support available and what approaches they found helpful for improving their lives. The results show how the persons living with dementia and their care-givers drew on the collective of their backgrounds, surroundings and available support. With diverse arrangements, families tried to find ways to make their daily lives work out. But constant re-arrangement was necessary. This knowledge could be a central learning point for formal service to build on. While systematic or routine procedures in service provision can be helpful, time and space must be provided for professionals to understand families' different practices, so that they can provide family-centred support.
Dual UWB bandpass filter with highly band-to-band rejection using stepped impedance stub-loaded resonators for WBAN health-care applications
Authors: Alsakka Mohammed Husam , Zewani Mohammed , Albadawieh Abdelrazak
Published: October 2023

With the rapid development of communication technology, the researches of multi-band filtering circuits have become more and more important. Multimode resonator (MMR) is one of the vital methods to provide multi-resonant modes within a single design. In this paper, a dual-band ultra-wideband bandpass filter (UWB-BPF) using stepped impedance stub-loaded resonators (SI-SLR) is presented. The main advantage of using SI-SLR is to have better performance with multimode behavior and more parameters to control resonant modes. SI-SLR combines the advantages of SIR and SLR structures, which gives a compact, high-performance multiband filter. The proposed filter design has compact size, sharp and flat response with low insertion loss (IL), low return loss (RL), and high band-to-band rejection. The filter is designed for UWB communication in wireless body area networks and fabricated on Arlon substrate with relative permittivity ${\varepsilon_{\textrm{r}}} = 3.25$, thickness $0.8\;{\textrm{mm}}$. The resulted dual-bands are centered at $4{\textrm{ GHz}}$ and $8.3{\textrm{ GHz}}$ with fractional bandwidths $37{\textrm{% }}$ and $48{\textrm{%}}$. The simulation was carried out using CST Microwave Studio. The filter provides good passband performances, with IL 0.49 dB and 0.31 dB at the center frequency of lower and higher bands, respectively. The band-to-band 40 dB rejection is realized by adding circular spiral at the input/output of the filter.
How Wildfires and Weather Affect Portugal’s Public Health
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: October 2023

Researchers dug into data to examine the effects of wildfires, pollutants, and meteorological factors on mortality and cardiovascular health in the Iberian country.