bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of thermal storage ceramics via the phase reconstruction of ferrotitanium slag and migration of Mg element
Authors: Jiang Mengting , Li Xiaopeng , Deng Tengfei
Published: September 2024

In this study, aluminum titanate/anorthite (Al2TiO5‐CaAl2Si2O8) ceramics were fabricated from ferrotitanium slag through phase reconstruction. Stabilization of the ceramic was achieved by migration of Mg element into Al2TiO5 phase. The results indicated that optimal performance was achieved with the addition of 4 wt% MgO and 60 wt% ferrotitanium slag at 1370°C. The ceramic exhibited bulk density of 3.11 ± 0.01 g/cm3, thermal storage density of 1.51 kJ/cm3, and thermal expansion coefficient of 3.40 × 10−6/°C (1000°C), respectively. Additionally, the solid solution of Mg2+ in the Al2TiO5 lattice reduced the formation of microcracks and enhanced the mass transfer process. Consequently, the sintering temperature decreased from 1415°C to 1370°C while the bending strength increased from 61.25 ± 1.05 MPa to 75.92 ± 7.72 MPa. Furthermore, finite element simulation demonstrated that higher thermal expansion led to concentrated thermal stress, potentially increasing the possibility of ceramic cracking. This research provides a new strategy for preparing low thermal expansion ceramics from titanium‐containing solid waste.
High‐entropy engineering promotes the thermal properties and corrosion resistance of rare‐earth hafnates
Authors: Li Kexin , Huang Yiling , Song Xuemei , Peng Fan , Chen Zeyu , Zheng Wei , Zhang Jimei , Zeng Yi
Published: September 2024

Rare‐earth hafnates are gaining attention due to their excellent high‐temperature phase stability and low thermal conductivity. However, they still have shortcomings of low thermal expansion and poor calcium‐magnesium‐aluminum‐silicate (CMAS) corrosion resistance. In this study, we employed high‐entropy engineering and component design to synthesize three high‐entropy hafnates (La0.2Ce0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2T0.2)2Hf2O7 (T = Dy, Ho, Tm) as well as a single‐component hafnate Nd2Hf2O7, with the aim of preparing thermal barrier coatings with an excellent comprehensive performance. Test results indicate that the high‐entropy compositions have excellent thermal properties. The focus is on elucidating the corrosion process and failure mechanism of CMAS at 1300°C. Moreover, the analysis of residual CMAS and corrosion products was conducted to evaluate the discrepancies in CMAS corrosion behavior among the various compositions.
Spark plasma sintering of Ruddlesden–Popper Ca2−xDyxMnO4 ceramics: Impact on thermoelectric and mechanical performance
Authors: Allani Maroua , Bahezre Alexandre , Massoud Ines , Giovannelli Fabien , Laberty‐Robert Christel , Bregiroux Damien
Published: September 2024

n‐type Dy‐doped Ca2MnO4 powders with the Ruddlesden–Popper structure were synthesized by the combustion method and sintered by conventional sintering and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Conventional sintering fails to densify Ca2MnO4, but the addition of Li2O proves to be a highly effective sintering additive, albeit with a detrimental impact on electrical conductivity. In contrast, SPS at 850°C for 1 min yields nanostructured, nearly fully dense samples, demonstrating superior outcomes. The dimensionless figure of merit ZT reaches 0.02 at 750°C. Additionally, the best sample exhibits a remarkable hardness value of 10.7 GPa, underlining the excellent mechanical properties achieved through this innovative approach.
Enhanced bipolar fatigue resistance in BaZrO3‐modified (K,Na)NbO3 lead‐free piezoceramics
Authors: Ma Jun , Dou Zhongshang , Lin Tao , Tao Chuanyang , Chen Binjie , Zhong Meipeng , Gong Wen , Zhou Yuqing , Yao Fang‐Zhou , Wang Ke
Published: September 2024

0.92(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐0.02(Bi0.8Li0.2)TiO3‐0.06BaZrO3 (BZ6) is a lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic with excellent piezoelectric performance (such as the normalized strain  reaches up to 476 pm/V). Considering potential device applications, it is essential to evaluate the ceramic's resistance to electrical fatigue. The bipolar fatigue behavior of (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN)‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics was investigated. Comparative analysis shows that BaZrO3‐modified KNN ceramics have strong resistance to bipolar fatigue due to the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phase and the depinning of domain walls, whereas microstructural damage under mechanical stress makes pristine KNN ceramics susceptible to bipolar cycling. The hypothesis was systematically verified through the study of cycle‐dependent small and large signal parameters and microscopic morphology. Our findings can guide the future design of KNN compositions with high resistance to bipolar fatigue.
Effect of sintering cycle on the strength and translucency of multilayered zirconia
Authors: Sawangsri Kedith , Makowka Steven , Bencharit Sompop , Kim Hyeongil
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A newly introduced sintering protocol promises to offer higher translucency while not significantly compromising the flexural strength of the material. However, the effect of the novel sintering protocol has not been thoroughly validated. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the effect of two sintering protocols on the translucency and flexural strength of two multilayered zirconia materials.

Materials and Methods

Two types of multilayered zirconia materials (ZirCAD Prime and Prime esthetic) were selected. Presintered disk specimens were obtained from Translucent, Gradient, and Dentin layers (n = 20). The disks were allocated to 2 groups: standard sintering protocol (peak temperature 1500°C) and high translucency sintering protocol (peak temperature 1600°C). After the sintering process, 10 specimens from each group were randomly selected. The optical values (L*, a*, b*) were measured and used to assess translucency using the relative translucency parameter (RTP00) and translucency differences (ΔRTP00). Then, all 20 specimens were tested for biaxial flexural strength. The outcomes were analyzed. The analysis of variance is used to analyze any significant effects on translucency and flexural strength. Then, any significant difference in the translucency and flexural strength between all pairs of materials was analyzed using Bonferroni‐corrected Student's t‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

The high translucency sintering protocol significantly decreased biaxial strength in the Prime translucent and dentine layer, Prime esthetic translucent, and gradient layer. RTP00 was significantly reduced in the Prime gradient and Prime esthetic gradient layer when sintered with a high translucency protocol. The lowest ΔRTP00 was observed in the Prime dentine layer, while the highest ΔRTP00 was observed in the Prime esthetic dentin layer.

Conclusions

High translucency protocol significantly lowers the biaxial flexural strength of both multilayered materials, but the alteration in translucency is within clinically acceptable thresholds (TAT00 = 2.62).
Dermatologic Conditions in Down Syndrome: A Multi‐Site Retrospective Review of International Classification of Diseases Codes
Authors: Rakasiwi Tasya , Ryan Chenin , Stein Amy , Vu Alan , Dykman Morgan , Shah Ipsit , Reilly Catherine , Brokamp Gabrielle , Mologousis Mia A. , Komishke Bailey , Hou Vincent , Maguiness Sheilagh , Kirkorian A. Yasmine , Price Harper , Hawryluk Elena B. , Fernandez Faith Esteban , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Gurnee Emily , Holland Kristen E. , Rork Jillian F.
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective

As the population and life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increases, identifying common skin conditions throughout the lifespan will help inform clinical care and research. We sought to evaluate dermatologic conditions diagnosed in pediatric and adult patients with Down syndrome.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study analyzed demographic and outpatient visit International Classification of Diseases codes of patients with Down syndrome evaluated at outpatient dermatology clinics in the United States or Canada between 2011 and 2021.

Results

A total of 1529 patients with Down syndrome were identified from eight academic medical centers: 50.8% were children (0–12 years), 25.2% were adolescents (13–17 years), and 24% were adults (18 years and older). Eczematous dermatitis was the most common diagnosis overall (26%), followed by folliculitis (19.3%) and seborrheic dermatitis (15.6%). Other notable diagnoses included dermatophyte infections (13%), alopecia areata (11.6%), and psoriasis (6.7%). About 4.3% of visits included a code for high‐risk medication use. Eczematous dermatitis, alopecia areata, and folliculitis were the most common diagnoses observed in children; folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and eczematous dermatitis in adolescents; and seborrheic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, and folliculitis in adults.

Conclusions

Dermatologic conditions in patients with Down syndrome vary by age, but are most often eczematous, adnexal, and cutaneous autoimmune disorders. This multicenter retrospective review identifies skin diseases that should be prioritized for clinical care guideline development and research in the Down syndrome community.
Making citizens: The effects of attending a public versus a privately managed school on voter turnout
Authors: Larsson Taghizadeh Jonas , Österman Marcus
Published: September 2024

In this article, we examine how voter turnout is affected by attending a public versus a privately managed school in Sweden. Despite the rapid increase in school voucher programs throughout the world, few studies have examined the effects of attending a private voucher school on political participation, and research outside the US context is scarce. Sweden represents a different institutional context from those examined in previous research, as practically all privately managed schools—including for‐profit schools—are publicly funded and operate under the same regulatory conditions as public schools. Applying a regression‐discontinuity design and registry data, we find no significant difference in turnout between students who attended schools of the two types. Overall, our results suggest that public and privately managed schools could be just as capable of providing citizens with the resources to participate politically, as long as they operate under the same constraints regarding regulation and funding.
Transmission of values or access to resources? Effects of social class, capitals, and networks on civic engagement
Authors: Cebula Michał
Published: September 2024

This paper expands our knowledge on class divides in civic participation by asking a question to what extent class effect may be accounted for by differences in capitals (economic and cultural) and personal social networks. Two pathways of networks operation are considered: one related to the structure of network (size and diversity) and the other referring to the type of people someone is connected to (network content). Using Poland as a case, I evaluate the approach by using representative survey data for one urban population aged 18–75 (N = 1010) and building an integrated measure of civic engagement. The results show that: (i) civic participation varies by class position and depends on access to resources (in particular cultural capital); (ii) individuals with larger social networks are more civically engaged, but the same is not true for network diversity; (iii) having family contacts (but not non‐family contacts) of higher average prestige is positively related to the level of participation, in line with the social influence argument; and (iv) the effect of class position is partially mediated by capital endowment and networking. The findings point to the goal‐specificity of social capital and indicate that individual social capital does not translate automatically into a community's social capital.
Surgical techniques for ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Grammatis Alexandros L , Lazaridis Alexandros , Becker Christian M , Saridogan Ertan
Published: September 2024

Key content:

All patients with ovarian endometriosis should be offered an individualised, shared decision‐making approach informed by clinical history, symptoms and fertility status.

Surgical management of ovarian endometriosis can be effective in treating endometriosis‐associated pelvic pain and infertility, but there is no current evidence that surgery for ovarian endometriosis increases the success of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

Ovarian reserve tests should be considered before any ovarian surgery and can help guide the patient towards the optimal treatment.

The Endometriosis Fertility Index should be incorporated into pre‐operative consultations as a validated tool that estimates the likelihood of spontaneous conception following surgical intervention.

Surgeons should be trained in different surgical techniques, types of diathermy and haemostatic agents that can minimise the risk of inadvertent injury to normal ovarian cortex.

Learning objectives:

To facilitate informed decision‐making regarding the treatment of ovarian endometriosis.

To gain insight into the possible surgical techniques available to manage ovarian endometriosis and the evidence behind them.

To understand the impact of each technique on endometriosis‐associated pain, fertility outcomes and recurrence rates.

Ethical considerations:

Should fertility preservation be offered to all women of reproductive age with fertility aspirations and a diagnosis of endometriomas?

Should integrated care boards (ICBs) devise specific criteria to offer funding for fertility preservation as an option before surgery for ovarian endometriosis?
Metamorfosis del espacio habitable: Vivienda social a partir de los modos de habitar en Chiclayo
Authors: Medianero Soplopuco Saira Melissa , Arriaga Saavedra José Carlos
Published: September 2024

Este estudio aborda los desafíos que enfrenta la vivienda social colectiva en Perú, donde la uniformidad impuesta por programas estatales acentúa la falta de originalidad y adaptabilidad en los diseños residenciales, descuidando las necesidades individuales y la calidad de vida. El objetivo es desarrollar un modelo estratégico de criterios de diseño flexible para mejorar los programas sociales de vivienda. La metodología es exploratoria y no experimental, integrando herramientas cualitativas en dos fases: identificación de cinco esquemas de habitabilidad basados en la composición familiar y una investigación detallada de criterios alineados a dichos patrones, incluyendo estrategias de organización en núcleos, periferias y crecimiento modular. Los resultados muestran una combinación estratégica de criterios diseñados para satisfacer los modos de habitar específicos según la cantidad de miembros por familia, concluyendo que dicha metamorfosis del espacio habitacional es esencial para promover una adaptabilidad y flexibilidad centrada en el usuario.
Some Current Developments for Monitoring the Health of Military Aircraft Using Wear Debris Analysis Techniques
Authors: Roylance Brian J.
Published: September 2024

An overview of wear debris analysis methods is presented against the background of recent and current usage, and developments in the health monitoring of military aircraft in the USA, Canada and the UK. The scope for performing wear particle analysis, with particular reference to recent developments in morphological analysis, is examined in relation to the requirements for present and future condition-based maintenance programs.
Construction of On-Line Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis System for Large Scale Complicated Hydraulic Equipment
Authors: Jiancheng Zhang , Entao Zhou , Jianwen Chen , Shichang Zhou , Guokang Li
Published: September 2024

The working process of a large scale complicated hydraulic equipment is analysed from the function and the principle by means of the method of the bridge of fluid resistance. On this basis, the design of an on-line monitoring and fault diagnosis system for the equipment is introduced in detail. In combination with a practical example of fault diagnosis, the usage of the system is shown. The selection of monitoring signal, learning mechanism and the cooperation between person and computer. These problems related the construction of the on-line monitoring and fault diagnosis system, are also discussed.
Tissue Electrical Properties As a Function of Thermal Dose for Use in a Finite Element Model
Authors: Ryan Thomas P. , Platt Robert C. , Dadd Jeffery S. , Humphries Stanley
Published: September 2024

A finite element model for tissue heating by electromagnetic energy was used to predict temperatures over time intervals associated with clinical treatments. Thermal and electrical properties of tissue as well as perfusion are input as functions of temperature. The software recalculates power absorption and temperature distribution based on updates of tissue properties which may change due to the thermal dose history. A damage integral overlay was implemented to predict the extent of necrosis. At frequencies below 1 MHz, there were no published data for various tissue types regarding the change in electrical properties of tissue over a range of temperatures and times. To address this, an automated laboratory was set up to characterize electrical properties of brain, liver, muscle, fat, and blood over a range of time and temperatures at 500 kHz. Although brain, fat, and blood showed a monotonic increase in conductivity with increasing temperature and time, there were breakpoints. For muscle and liver, breakpoints were seen at 60°C and 70°C, respectively, with a decrease in conductivity thereafter. Finally, the importance of considering tissue changes will be demonstrated in devices intended for use in human clinical trials, modeled with the system.
Three-Level Optimization Design of Laminated Composite Structures and Design Variable Chain
Authors: Liu Jiemin , Sawa T.
Published: September 2024

A three-level optimization design method suitable for laminated composite structures subjected to complex external loads under constraint conditions, such as strength, displacement, twist, and size constraints, is presented. In order to reduce the scale of optimization still further, the design variable chain (DVC) is applied to the optimal design of laminated composite structures. The numerical examples show that: (1) the three-level optimization method is effective for solving the the optimum design problems of laminated composite structures which are subjected to behavior and size constraints under complicated external loads; (2) the use of DVC can reduce the time of optimization process greatly.
Dual-media laser system: Nitrogen vacancy diamond and red semiconductor laser
Authors: Lindner Lukas , Hahl Felix A. , Luo Tingpeng , Antonio Guillermo Nava , Vidal Xavier , Rattunde Marcel , Ohshima Takeshi , Sacher Joachim , Sun Qiang , Capelli Marco , Gibson Brant C. , Greentree Andrew D. , Quay Rüdiger , Jeske Jan
Published: September 2024

Diamond is a potential host material for laser applications due to its exceptional thermal properties, ultrawide bandgap, and color centers, which promise gain across the visible spectrum. More recently, coherent laser methods offer improved sensitivity for magnetometry. However, diamond fabrication is difficult in comparison to other crystalline matrices, and many optical loss channels are not yet understood. Here, we demonstrate a continuous-wave laser threshold as a function of the pump intensity on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers. To achieve this, we constructed a laser cavity with both an NV diamond medium and an intracavity antireflection-coated diode laser. This dual-medium approach compensates intrinsic losses of the cavity by providing a fixed additional gain below threshold of the diode laser. We observe a continuous-wave laser threshold of the laser system and linewidth narrowing with increasing green pump power on the NV centers. Our results are a major development toward coherent approaches to magnetometry.
Story of an infection: Viral dynamics and host responses in the
Caenorhabditis elegans
–Orsay virus pathosystem
Authors: Castiglioni Victoria G. , Olmo-Uceda María J. , Villena-Giménez Ana , Muñoz-Sánchez Juan C. , Legarda Esmeralda G. , Elena Santiago F.
Published: September 2024

Orsay virus (OrV) is the only known natural virus affecting
Caenorhabditis elegans
, with minimal impact on the animal’s fitness due to its robust innate immune response. This study aimed to understand the interactions between
C. elegans
and OrV by tracking the infection’s progression during larval development. Four distinct stages of infection were identified on the basis of viral load, with a peak in capsid-encoding RNA2 coinciding with the first signs of viral egression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed temporal changes in gene expression and functions induced by the infection. A specific set of up-regulated genes remained active throughout the infection, and genes correlated and anticorrelated with virus accumulation were identified. Responses to OrV mirrored reactions to other biotic stressors, distinguishing between virus-specific responses and broader immune responses. Moreover, mutants of early response genes and defense-related processes showed altered viral load progression, uncovering additional players in the antiviral defense response.
Mesozoic intraoceanic subduction shaped the lower mantle beneath the East Pacific Rise
Authors: Wang Jingchuan , Lekić Vedran , Schmerr Nicholas C. , Gu Yu J. , Guo Yi , Lin Rongzhi
Published: September 2024

The Pacific large low-shear-velocity province (LLSVP), as revealed by cluster analysis of global tomographic models, hosts multiple internal anomalies, including a notable gap (~20° wide) between the central and eastern Pacific. The cause of the structural gap remains unconstrained. Directly above this structural gap, we identify an anomalously thick mantle transition zone east of the East Pacific Rise, the fastest-spreading ocean ridge in the world, using a dense set of
SS
precursors. The area of the thickened transition zone exhibits faster-than-average velocities according to recent tomographic images, suggesting perturbed postolivine phase boundaries shifting in response to lowered temperatures. We attribute this observation to episodes of Mesozoic-aged (250 to 120 million years ago) intraoceanic subduction beneath the present-day Nazca Plate. The eastern portion of the Pacific LLSVP was separated by downwelling because of this ancient oceanic slab. Our discovery provides a unique perspective on linking deep Earth structures with surface subduction.
ATR inhibition activates cancer cell cGAS/STING-interferon signaling and promotes antitumor immunity in small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Hirokazu , Chakraborty Subhamoy , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Banerjee Avisek , Caeser Rebecca , Zhan Yingqian A. , Tischfield Sam E. , Chow Andrew , Nguyen Evelyn M. , Villalonga Álvaro Quintanal , Manoj Parvathy , Shah Nisargbhai S. , Rosario Samantha , Hayatt Omar , Qu Rui , de Stanchina Elisa , Chan Joseph , Mukae Hiroshi , Thomas Anish , Rudin Charles M. , Sen Triparna
Published: September 2024

Patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) have poor prognosis and typically experience only transient benefits from combined immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and chemotherapy. Here, we show that inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia and rad3 related (ATR), the primary replication stress response activator, induces DNA damage–mediated micronuclei formation in SCLC models. ATR inhibition in SCLC activates the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)–mediated interferon signaling, recruits T cells, and augments the antitumor immune response of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade in mouse models. We demonstrate that combined ATR and PD-L1 inhibition causes improved antitumor response than PD-L1 alone as the second-line treatment in SCLC. This study shows that targeting ATR up-regulates major histocompatibility class I expression in preclinical models and SCLC clinical samples collected from a first-in-class clinical trial of ATR inhibitor, berzosertib, with topotecan in patients with relapsed SCLC. Targeting ATR represents a transformative vulnerability of SCLC and is a complementary strategy to induce STING-interferon signaling–mediated immunogenicity in SCLC.
The Ni isotopic composition of Ryugu reveals a common accretion region for carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Spitzer Fridolin , Kleine Thorsten , Burkhardt Christoph , Hopp Timo , Yokoyama Tetsuya , Abe Yoshinari , Aléon Jérôme , O’D Alexander Conel M. , Amari Sachiko , Amelin Yuri , Bajo Ken-ichi , Bizzarro Martin , Bouvier Audrey , Carlson Richard W. , Chaussidon Marc , Choi Byeon-Gak , Dauphas Nicolas , Davis Andrew M. , Di Rocco Tommaso , Fujiya Wataru , Fukai Ryota , Gautam Ikshu , Haba Makiko K. , Hibiya Yuki , Hidaka Hiroshi , Homma Hisashi , Hoppe Peter , Huss Gary R. , Ichida Kiyohiro , Iizuka Tsuyoshi , Ireland Trevor R. , Ishikawa Akira , Itoh Shoichi , Kawasaki Noriyuki , Kita Noriko T. , Kitajima Kouki , Komatani Shintaro , Krot Alexander N. , Liu Ming-Chang , Masuda Yuki , Morita Mayu , Moynier Fréderic , Motomura Kazuko , Nakai Izumi , Nagashima Kazuhide , Nguyen Ann , Nittler Larry , Onose Morihiko , Pack Andreas , Park Changkun , Piani Laurette , Qin Liping , Russell Sara S. , Sakamoto Naoya , Schönbächler Maria , Tafla Lauren , Tang Haolan , Terada Kentaro , Terada Yasuko , Usui Tomohiro , Wada Sohei , Wadhwa Meenakshi , Walker Richard J. , Yamashita Katsuyuki , Yin Qing-Zhu , Yoneda Shigekazu , Young Edward D. , Yui Hiroharu , Zhang Ai-Cheng , Nakamura Tomoki , Naraoka Hiroshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Sakamoto Kanako , Yabuta Hikaru , Abe Masanao , Miyazaki Akiko , Nakato Aiko , Nishimura Masahiro , Okada Tatsuaki , Yada Toru , Yogata Kasumi , Nakazawa Satoru , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Tsuda Yuichi , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Tachibana Shogo , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: September 2024

The isotopic compositions of samples returned from Cb-type asteroid Ryugu and Ivuna-type (CI) chondrites are distinct from other carbonaceous chondrites, which has led to the suggestion that Ryugu/CI chondrites formed in a different region of the accretion disk, possibly around the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. We show that, like for Fe, Ryugu and CI chondrites also have indistinguishable Ni isotope anomalies, which differ from those of other carbonaceous chondrites. We propose that this unique Fe and Ni isotopic composition reflects different accretion efficiencies of small FeNi metal grains among the carbonaceous chondrite parent bodies. The CI chondrites incorporated these grains more efficiently, possibly because they formed at the end of the disk’s lifetime, when planetesimal formation was also triggered by photoevaporation of the disk. Isotopic variations among carbonaceous chondrites may thus reflect fractionation of distinct dust components from a common reservoir, implying CI chondrites/Ryugu may have formed in the same region of the accretion disk as other carbonaceous chondrites.
SpaTopic: A statistical learning framework for exploring tumor spatial architecture from spatially resolved transcriptomic data
Authors: Zhang Yuelei , Yu Bianjiong , Ming Wenxuan , Zhou Xiaolong , Wang Jin , Chen Dijun
Published: September 2024

Tumor tissues exhibit a complex spatial architecture within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) is promising for unveiling the spatial structures of the TME at both cellular and molecular levels, but identifying pathology-relevant spatial domains remains challenging. Here, we introduce SpaTopic, a statistical learning framework that harmonizes spot clustering and cell-type deconvolution by integrating single-cell transcriptomics and SRT data. Through topic modeling, SpaTopic stratifies the TME into spatial domains with coherent cellular organization, facilitating refined annotation of the spatial architecture with improved performance. We assess SpaTopic across various tumor types and show accurate prediction of tertiary lymphoid structures and tumor boundaries. Moreover, marker genes derived from SpaTopic are transferrable and can be applied to mark spatial domains in other datasets. In addition, SpaTopic enables quantitative comparison and functional characterization of spatial domains across SRT datasets. Overall, SpaTopic presents an innovative analytical framework for exploring, comparing, and interpreting tumor SRT data.
Group transfer radical polymerization for the preparation of carbon-chain poly(α-olefins)
Authors: Wang Xianjin , Wang Shuo , Song Silin , Chen Yasu , Sun Hao , Zhu Chen
Published: September 2024

Radical polymerization is a powerful technique for producing a variety of polymeric materials. However, the chain transfer reaction impedes the formation of polymers from many common α-olefins such as propene and 1-butene using this method. Consequently, poly(α-olefins) are predominantly produced via coordination polymerization. To address this limitation, we have devised a strategy involving group transfer radical polymerization (GTRP) to facilitate the radical homopolymerization to access carbon-chain poly(α-olefins). This approach enables the precise construction of a diverse array of carbon-chain poly(α-olefins) with high molecular weights. Furthermore, by using nonconventional monomers, we extend the applicability of this technique to the copolymerization of α-olefins with acrylonitrile, paving the way for the synthesis of copolymers with different monomers. To investigate the properties of the polymers obtained by this method, one of the poly(α-olefins) is studied as an interphase layer material in anode-free Li metal batteries, and the results indicate the potential of the polymer in energy storage applications.
Free-standing cubic gauche nitrogen stable at 760 K under ambient pressure
Authors: Xu Yuxuan , Chen Guo , Du Fei , Li Ming , Wu Liangfei , Yao Deyuan , Liu Xiaodong , Ding Junfeng , Zeng Zhi , Liu Ruibin , Lin Haiqing , Wang Xianlong
Published: September 2024

Cubic gauche nitrogen (cg-N) has received wide attention for its exceptionally high energy density and environmental friendliness. However, traditional synthesis methods for cg-N predominantly rely on high-pressure techniques or the utilization of nanoconfined effects using highly toxic and sensitive sodium azide as precursor, which substantially restrict its practical application. On the basis of the first-principles simulations, we found that adsorption of potassium on the cg-N surface exhibits superior stabilization compared to sodium. Then, we chose safer potassium azide as precursor for synthesizing cg-N. Through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition treatment, the free-standing cg-N was successfully synthesized without the need for high-pressure and nanoconfined effects. It demonstrated excellent thermal stability up to 760 K, and then rapid and intense thermal decomposition occurred, exhibiting typical thermal decomposition behaviors of high-energy-density materials. The explosion parameters were also measured using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. Our work has substantially promoted the practical application of cg-N as HEDMs.
Twin study identifies early immunological and metabolic dysregulation of CD8
+
T cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kavaka Vladyslav , Mutschler Luisa , de la Rosa del Val Clara , Eglseer Klara , Gómez Martínez Ana M. , Flierl-Hecht Andrea , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Keeser Daniel , Mortazavi Martin , Seelos Klaus , Zimmermann Hanna , Haas Jürgen , Wildemann Brigitte , Kümpfel Tania , Dornmair Klaus , Korn Thomas , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Kerschensteiner Martin , Gerdes Lisa Ann , Beltrán Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurological disease of the central nervous system with a subclinical phase preceding frank neuroinflammation. CD8
+
T cells are abundant within MS lesions, but their potential role in disease pathology remains unclear. Using high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell T cell receptor analysis, we compared CD8
+
T cell clones from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of monozygotic twin pairs in which the cotwin had either no or subclinical neuroinflammation (SCNI). We identified peripheral MS-associated immunological and metabolic alterations indicative of an enhanced migratory, proinflammatory, and activated CD8
+
T cell phenotype, which was also evident in cotwins with SCNI and in an independent validation cohort of people with MS. Together, our in-depth single-cell analysis indicates a disease-driving proinflammatory role of infiltrating CD8
+
T cells and identifies potential immunological and metabolic therapeutic targets in both prodromal and definitive stages of the disease.
Strategies for effective high pressure germination or inactivation of
Bacillus
spores involving nisin
Authors: Heydenreich Rosa , Delbrück Alessia I. , Trunet Clément , Mathys Alexander
Published: September 2024

The major challenge in employing high pressure (HP) at moderate temperature for sterilization is the remarkable resistance of bacterial spores. High isostatic pressure can initiate spore germination, enabling subsequent inactivation under mild conditions. However, not all spores could be triggered to germinate under pressure at temperatures ≤80°C so far. In this study, germination treatment combinations were evaluated for
Bacillus
spores involving moderate HP (150 MPa, 37°C, 5 min), very HP (vHP, 550 MPa, 60°C, 2.5 or 9 min), simple and complex nutrient germinants [L-valine, L-alanine, and tryptic soy broth (TSB)], nisin, and incubation at atmospheric pressure (37°C). The most effective combinations for
Bacillus subtilis
resulted in a reduction of culturable dormant spores by 8 log
10
units. The combinations involved nisin, a nutrient germinant (L-valine or TSB), a first vHP treatment (550 MPa, 60°C, 2.5 min), incubation at atmospheric pressure (37°C, 6 h), and a second vHP treatment (550 MPa, 60°C, 2.5 min). Such treatment combination with L-valine reduced
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
spores by only 2 log
10
units.
B. amyloliquefaciens,
thus, proved to be substantially more HP-resistant compared to
B. subtilis
, validating previous studies. Despite combining different germination mechanisms, complete germination could not be achieved for either species. The natural bacteriocin nisin did seemingly not promote HP germination initiation under chosen HP conditions, contrary to previous literature. Nevertheless, nisin might be beneficial to inhibit the growth of HP-germinated or remaining ungerminated spores. Future germination experiments might consider that nisin could not be completely removed from spores by washing, thereby affecting plate count enumeration.

IMPORTANCE

Extremely resistant spore-forming bacteria are widely distributed in nature. They infiltrate the food chain and processing environments, posing risks of spoilage and food safety. Traditional heat-intensive inactivation methods often negatively affect the product quality. HP germination–inactivation offers a potential solution for better preserving sensitive ingredients while inactivating spores. However, the presence of ungerminated (superdormant) spores hampers the strategy’s success and safety. Knowledge of strategies to overcome resistance to HP germination is vital to progress mild spore control technologies. Our study contributes to the evaluation and development of mild preservation processes by evaluating strategies to enhance the HP germination–inactivation efficacy. Mild preservation processes can fulfill the consumers’ demand for safe and minimally processed food.
A case-control study and molecular epidemiology of yersiniosis in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Rivas Lucia , Horn Beverley , Armstrong Bridget , Wright Jackie , Strydom Hugo , Wang Jing , Paine Shevaun , Thom Kristin , Orton Ashley , Robson Beth , Lin Susan , Wong Jimmy , Brunton Cheryl , Smith Debbie , Cooper Jess , Mangalasseril Loushy , Thornley Craig , Gilpin Brent
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to determine risk factors and sources attributed to yersiniosis in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). A risk factor questionnaire was administered to 247 notified yersiniosis cases and 258 control participants from the Canterbury and/or Wellington regions of NZ.
Yersinia
sp. isolates from clinical cases and a range of food sources were whole-genome sequenced and genetically compared.
Yersinia enterocolitica
(YE) bioserotype 2/3, O:9 [McNally multi-locus sequence type (ST) 12] and YE Biotype (BT) 1A (46 different STs) predominated within the consented cases (45 and 27%, respectively). Exposure to pork was identified as a significant risk factor for cases associated with YE ST12. The presence of YE ST12 was confirmed in retail raw meat, primarily raw pork. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified multiple genomically very closely related clusters (0–5 SNPs) of YE ST12, predominately from raw pork with clinical cases from one or both regions. Risk factors associated with YE BT 1A included the consumption of cooked seafood, sushi, tofu, and some vegetable types. Analysis of specific risk factors and SNP analysis, combined, indicate that raw pork is a significant risk factor for exposure and infection to pathogenic YE cases, but not BT 1A cases.
Guanabenz acetate, an antihypertensive drug repurposed as an inhibitor of
Escherichia coli
biofilm
Authors: Farha Arakkaveettil Kabeer , Habimana Olivier , Corke Harold
Published: September 2024

Biofilms formed by
Escherichia coli
are composed of amyloid curli and cellulose and have been shown to be linked to pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and chronic infections. Guanabenz acetate (GABE), an antihypertensive drug, was identified as a potential strategic repurposing drug due to its biofilm inhibitory properties following an extensive antimicrobial screening assay of 2,202 Food and Drug Administration-approved non-antibiotic agents. The results of this study provide insights into the effectiveness of GABE as a therapeutic alternative against
E. coli
biofilm-associated infectious diseases.

IMPORTANCE

Biofilm-associated bacterial infections are one of the major problems in medical settings. There are currently limited biofilm inhibitors available for clinical use. Guanabenz acetate, a drug used to treat high blood pressure, was found to be an effective anti-biofilm agent against
Escherichia coli
. Our results show that this drug can inhibit the production of cellulose and curli amyloid protein, which are the two main components of
E. coli
biofilms. Our findings highlight the possibility of repurposing a drug to prevent
E. coli
biofilm formation.
Ankle sprains in male Israeli infantry soldiers during training: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Steinberg Nili , Shenhar Michal , Dar Gali , Waddington Gordon , Witchalls Jeremy , Paulman Omer , Milgrom Chuck , Finestone Aharon
Published: September 2024

Background

Given the high incidence and heavy burden of ankle sprains in recruits, large-scale, multifactorial investigations into potential risk factors are warranted. This study aimed to identify the incidence of ankle sprains and associated risk factors among new military recruits during their infantry training.

Methods

The study included 365 infantry recruits (aged 18–21 years), who were inducted into service in March 2022. These recruits were monitored for ankle sprains throughout their basicy and advanced infantry training by a physiotherapist. Preinduction smoking habits, physical fitness preparation and recurrent ankle sprains were recorded. Anthropometric measures, lower-extremity functional movement, Achilles tendon structure, perceived ankle instability, and mechanical ankle instability were assessed at the onset of both training periods.

Results

Ankle sprains were diagnosed in 109 trainees (29.9%) during both the basic and the advanced training periods. Preinduction recurrent ankle sprains were reported by 28.2% of the participants. The relative risk of a recruit with preinduction ankle sprains suffering a subsequent sprain during training was 1.66 (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that reduced proprioception ability (OR=0.002), higher body mass index (OR=1.08), preinduction recurrent sprains (OR=1.95) and lack of physical fitness preparation (OR=3.12) were related to ankle sprains throughout the complete basic-and-advanced training period. Preinduction recurrent ankle sprains (OR=3.37) and reduced Achilles tendon quality (OR=1.30) were associated with ankle sprains during the advanced training period.

Conclusions

Lower-extremity functional movement, body mass index, preinduction recurrent sprains, physical preparation and reduced Achilles tendon quality were associated with the risk of ankle sprains during training. These findings could contribute to developing prevention and intervention programmes for reducing ankle sprains in military trainees.
Economy-wide impact of a reduction in tobacco use in India
Authors: John Rijo M , Narayanan Badri , Chakravarthy Sumathi , Bharathi Sindhu , Sinha Praveen , Munish Vineet Gill , Goodchild Mark
Published: September 2024

Background

Public policy measures aimed at regulating tobacco use should consider the net gains for the nation, as the tobacco sector contributes to employment and tax revenue while also imposing substantial economic burden on the country. This study investigates the economy-wide impact of reducing tobacco consumption in India through the implementation of fiscal measures.

Methods

The study uses a computable general equilibrium model based on the Global Trade Analysis Project model and database and augments the same with several country-specific information on tobacco products, to examine the macroeconomic impact of a targeted reduction in the consumption of bidis, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco by 10% by the year 2026 through the adoption of fiscal measures.

Results

The model results suggest that the targeted reduction in consumption may result in a 0.14% reduction in the gross domestic product (GDP) and a 0.44% reduction in overall employment in the economy. However, after accounting for the averted premature deaths due to tobacco use, the results indicate a net 0.22% increase in GDP and a net increase in employment of about 1.36 million jobs (or 0.29% of the labour force) over 5 years. Further, the tax increase measures proposed in this model to achieve the targeted reduction in consumption would generate an additional US$2774 million in revenues to the exchequer.

Conclusion

The impact of targeted prevalence reduction of tobacco use is a win-win for the country considering its positive macroeconomic impacts in terms of net increases in both GDP as well as employment.
Longitudinal screening of retail milk from Canadian provinces reveals no detections of influenza A virus RNA (April–July 2024): leveraging a newly established pan-Canadian network for responding to emerging viruses
Authors: Wallace Hannah L. , Wight Jordan , Baz Mariana , Dowding Barbara , Flamand Louis , Hobman Tom , Jean François , Joy Jeffrey B , Lang Andrew S. , MacParland Sonya , McCormick Craig , Noyce Ryan , Russell Rodney S. , Sagan Selena M. , Snyman Jumari , Rzeszutek Gabriela J. , Jafri Mustafa S. , Bogoch Isaac , Kindrachuk Jason , Rasmussen Angela L.
Published: September 2024

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has caused the deaths of more than 100 million birds since 2021, and human cases since 1997 have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Given recent detections of HPAI H5N1 in dairy cattle and H5N1 RNA detections in pasteurized retail milk in the United States, we established the pan-Canadian Milk Network in April 2024. Through our network of collaborators from across Canada, retail milk was procured longitudinally, approximately every 2 weeks, and sent to a central laboratory to test for the presence of influenza A virus RNA. Between 29 April and 17 July 2024, we tested 109 retail milk samples from all 10 Canadian provinces (NL, NS, PEI, NB, QC, ON, MB, SK, AB, and BC). All samples tested negative for influenza A virus RNA. This nationwide initiative was established for rapid retail milk screening as per the earliest reports of similar undertakings in the United States. Our independent testing results have aligned with reporting from federal retail milk testing initiatives. Despite no known HPAI infections of dairy cattle in Canada to date, H5N1 poses a significant threat to the health of both humans and other animals. By performing routine surveillance of retail milk on a national scale, we have shown that academic networks and initiatives can rapidly establish nationwide emerging infectious disease surveillance that is cost-effective, standardized, scalable, and easily accessible. Our network can serve as an early detection system to help inform containment and mitigation activities if positive samples are identified and can be readily reactivated should HPAI H5N1 or other emerging zoonotic viruses be identified in agricultural or livestock settings, including Canadian dairy cattle.
Structure, morphology and properties of ZnS crystal irradiated by electrons of different fluences
Authors: Tashmetov M. Yu. , Madaminov B. N. , Ismatov N. B. , Khallokov F. K. , Abdikamalov B. A.
Published: September 2024

The effect of 2[Formula: see text]MeV energy electrons with fluences from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] electron/cm2 on the crystal structure, surface morphology, absorption spectrum, band gap, Raman spectrum and microhardness of ZnS crystal was investigated. The crystal structure of ZnS is face-centered cubic with space group F-43m. Upon irradiation with a fluence of [Formula: see text] electron/cm2, the unit cell parameter decreased by 0.0195[Formula: see text]Å, and the coordinates of the Zn[Formula: see text] ions were changed. Irradiation with fluences ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] electron/cm2 increased crystallite size from 20[Formula: see text]nm to 28[Formula: see text]nm. The study of the surface morphology of the ZnS single-crystal revealed that irradiation caused a reduction in both the width ([Formula: see text]) and height ([Formula: see text]) of the surface roughness. The band gap of the ZnS single-crystal decreased from 3.521 to 3.506[Formula: see text]eV when irradiated with fluence electrons from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]electron/cm2. Raman spectrum observations showed an increase in the longitudinal optical (LO) mode peak (350[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]) intensity following the irradiation of ZnS single-crystal with electrons. The microhardness of the ZnS single-crystal showed an exponential increase by 20% when irradiated with fluences from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]electron/cm2.
Stability and stabilization of large-scale distribution-dependent SDEs
Authors: Yin Wensheng , Ren Yong , Yang Fenfen
Published: September 2024

This paper studies the problem of exponential stability of second moments of large-scale distribution-dependent stochastic differential equations (SDEs, in short). By introducing isolated subsystems, under certain hypotheses added on the interconnected terms and using the moment estimation, exponential stability of second moments of isolated subsystems implies exponential stability of second moments of large-scale distribution-dependent SDEs. Specially, we provide sufficient and necessary conditions for the exponential stability of large-scale distribution-dependent SDEs with triangular structure and apply this results to study stabilization of large-scale distribution-dependent SDEs. Finally, the main results are illustrated by several examples and applications.