bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements and challenges in natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites: A comprehensive review
Authors: Islam Tarikul , Chaion Mehedi Hasan , Jalil M. Abdul , Rafi Abu Sayed , Mushtari Faujia , Dhar Avik Kumar , Hossain Shahin
Published: June 2024

Natural fiber‐reinforced composites have emerged as a promising alternative in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and civil engineering, owing to their eco‐friendly nature and favorable mechanical properties. However, challenges such as low thermal stability and high moisture absorption limit their widespread use. To overcome these limitations, surface modifications such as mercerization, benzoylation, silane treatment, and acetylation have been extensively explored. Hybrid composites (HCs), combining natural and synthetic fibers, offer a compelling solution by harnessing the unique properties of both materials. This review comprehensively examines the types of fibers and polymers utilized in HCs, along with various chemical treatments to enhance their properties. Additionally, a detailed analysis of different manufacturing processes for HCs is provided, including hand lay‐up, vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding, autoclave molding, injection molding, and compression molding. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advancements in HCs and their applications. Significant outcomes include a deeper understanding of the synergistic effects between natural and synthetic fibers, improved mechanical and thermal properties, and enhanced applications in diverse industries. The potential of HCs as a sustainable and high‐performance material solution emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and innovation in this field to overcome existing challenges and unlock new possibilities for composite engineering.

Highlights

Surface modifications such as mercerization, benzoylation, and silane treatment enhance the properties of natural fibers in composite materials.

Hybrid composites (HCs) offer unique advantages by combining natural and synthetic fibers, including improved thermal, mechanical, and damping properties.

Various chemical treatments and manufacturing processes contribute to enhancing the properties and applications of HCs.

Recent advancements in HCs have led to an improved understanding and utilization of composite engineering across multiple industries.

The review discusses challenges, opportunities, and future prospects for HCs, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and innovation in this field.
Closed vessel burning rate measurements of composite propellants using microwave interferometry
Authors: Oatman Shane A. , Caito August A. , Klinger Daniel J. , Cooper James N. , Manship Tim D. , Son Steven F.
Published: June 2024

Burning rate as a function of pressure is one of the primary evaluation metrics of solid propellants. Most solid propellant burning rate measurements are made at a nearly constant pressure using a variety of measurement approaches. This type of burning rate data is highly discretized and requires many tests to accurately determine the burning rate response to pressure. It would be more efficient to measure burning rate dynamically as pressures are varied. Techniques used to make transient burning rate measurements are reviewed briefly and initial results using a microwave interferometry (MI) technique are presented. The MI method used in tandem with a closed bomb enables nearly continuous measurement of burning rates for self‐pressurizing burns, capturing burning rate data over a wide range of pressures. This approach is especially useful for characterization of propellants with complex burning behaviors (e. g., slope breaks or mesa burning). The burning rates of three research propellants were characterized over a pressure range of 0.101–24.14 MPa (14–3500 psi). One research propellant exhibited a slope break at a pressure of 6.63 MPa (960 psi). Using MI in a closed pressure vessel, 14 propellant strand burns resulted in a nearly continuous burning rate curve over a pressure range of 0.41–24.13 MPa (60–3500 psi) that reasonably matched conventional burning rate measurements. The development of this technique provides an opportunity to quickly characterize the burning rate curve of solid propellants with greater fidelity and efficiency than traditional quasi‐static pressure testing techniques.
A new lysine biosynthetic enzyme from a bacterial endosymbiont shaped by genetic drift and genome reduction
Authors: Gilkes Jenna M. , Frampton Rebekah A. , Board Amanda J. , Hudson André O. , Price Thomas G. , Morris Vanessa K. , Crittenden Deborah L. , Muscroft‐Taylor Andrew C. , Sheen Campbell R. , Smith Grant R. , Dobson Renwick C. J.
Published: June 2024

The effect of population bottlenecks and genome reduction on enzyme function is poorly understood. Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum is a bacterium with a reduced genome that is transmitted vertically to the egg of an infected psyllid—a population bottleneck that imposes genetic drift and is predicted to affect protein structure and function. Here, we define the function of Ca. L. solanacearum dihydrodipicolinate synthase (CLsoDHDPS), which catalyzes the committed branchpoint reaction in diaminopimelate and lysine biosynthesis. We demonstrate that CLsoDHDPS is expressed in Ca. L. solanacearum and expression is increased ~2‐fold in the insect host compared to in planta. CLsoDHDPS has decreased thermal stability and increased aggregation propensity, implying mutations have destabilized the enzyme but are compensated for through elevated chaperone expression and a stabilized oligomeric state. CLsoDHDPS uses a ternary‐complex kinetic mechanism, which is to date unique among DHDPS enzymes, has unusually low catalytic ability, but an unusually high substrate affinity. Structural studies demonstrate that the active site is more open, and the structure of CLsoDHDPS with both pyruvate and the substrate analogue succinic‐semialdehyde reveals that the product is both structurally and energetically different and therefore evolution has in this case fashioned a new enzyme. Our study suggests the effects of genome reduction and genetic drift on the function of essential enzymes and provides insights on bacteria‐host co‐evolutionary associations. We propose that bacteria with endosymbiotic lifestyles present a rich vein of interesting enzymes useful for understanding enzyme function and/or informing protein engineering efforts.
Thermostability and binding properties of single‐chained Fv fragments derived from therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Tadokoro Takashi , Tsuboi Harumi , Nakamura Kota , Hayakawa Tetsushi , Ohmura Reo , Kato Izumi , Inoue Masaki , Tsunoda Shin‐ichi , Niizuma Sayaka , Okada Yukari , Otsuguro Satoko , Maenaka Katsumi
Published: June 2024

Small antibody fragments have recently been used as alternatives to full‐length monoclonal antibodies in therapeutic applications. One of the most popular fragment antibodies is single‐chain fragment variables (scFvs), consisting of variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) domains linked by a flexible peptide linker. scFvs have small molecular sizes, which enables good tissue penetration and low immunogenicity. Despite these advantages, the use of scFvs, especially for therapeutic purpose, is still limited because of the difficulty to regulate the binding activity and conformational stability. In this study, we constructed and analyzed 10 scFv fragments derived from 10 representatives of FDA‐approved mAbs to evaluate their physicochemical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that scFvs exhibited relatively high but varied thermostability, from 50 to 70°C of melting temperatures, and different unfolding cooperativity. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that scFvs fragments that exhibit high stability and cooperative unfolding likely tend to maintain antigen binding. This study demonstrated the comprehensive physicochemical properties of scFvs derived from FDA‐approved antibodies, providing insights into antibody design and development.
Characterization of βB2‐crystallin tryptophan mutants reveals two different folding states in solution
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Morishima Ken , Inoue Rintaro , Sugiyama Masaaki , Takata Takumi
Published: June 2024

Conserved tryptophan residues are critical for the structure and the stability of β/γ‐crystallin in the lenses of vertebrates. During aging, in which the lenses are continuously exposed to ultraviolet irradiation and other environmental stresses, oxidation of tryptophan residues in β/γ‐crystallin is triggered and impacts the lens proteins to varying degrees. Kynurenine derivatives, formed by oxidation of tryptophan, accumulate, resulting in destabilization and insolubilization of β/γ‐crystallin, which correlates with age‐related cataract formation. To understand the contribution of tryptophan modification on the structure and stability of human βB2‐crystallin, five tryptophan residues were mutated to phenylalanine considering its similarity in structure and hydrophilicity to kynurenine. Among all mutants, W59F and W151F altered the stability and homo‐oligomerization of βB2‐crystallin—W59F promoted tetramerization whereas W151F blocked oligomerization. Most W59F dimers transformed into tetramer in a month, and the separated dimer and tetramer of W59F demonstrated different structures and hydrophobicity, implying that the biochemical properties of βB2‐crystallin vary over time. By using SAXS, we found that the dimer of βB2‐crystallin in solution resembled the lattice βB1‐crystallin dimer (face‐en‐face), whereas the tetramer of βB2‐crystallin in solution resembled its lattice tetramer (domain‐swapped). Our results suggest that homo‐oligomerization of βB2‐crystallin includes potential inter‐subunit reactions, such as dissociation, unfolding, and re‐formation of the dimers into a tetramer in solution. The W>F mutants are useful in studying different folding states of βB2‐crystallin in lens.
Sublethal and transgenerational effects of broflanilide on the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri
Authors: Li Ke , Ren Yiting , Liu Xun‐Yan , Pan Deng , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun , Yuan Guorui
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri is a serious pest of the citrus industry and has developed resistance to many acaricides. Broflanilide is a novel meta‐diamide insecticide that binds to a new site on the γ ‐aminobutyric acid receptor with high potency against pests. However, little information has been reported about its effect on the citrus red mite.

RESULTS

Broflanilide exhibited higher toxicity to female adults and eggs of a laboratory strain of P. citri The median lethal concentration (LC50), 9.769 mg/L and 4.576 mg/L, respectively) than other commonly used acaricides and was also toxic to two P. citri field strains. Broflanilide treatment with LC10, LC20, and LC30 significantly decreased the fecundity and longevity of female adults of F0 P. citri compared with the control. The duration of larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult, and total life span in the F1 generation were significantly reduced after treatment of F0 with broflanilide. Population parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ), were significantly increased, and the mean generation time (T) of F1 progeny was significantly reduced in the LC20 treatment. The predicted population size of F1 increased when parental female adults were treated with sublethal concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Broflanilide had high acaricidal activity toward P. citri, and exposure to a sublethal concentration significantly inhibited the population growth of F0. The transgenerational hormesis effect is likely to cause population expansion of F1. More attention should be paid when broflanilide is applied to control P. citri in citrus orchards. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
T3 + 3: 3 + 3 Design With Delayed Outcomes
Authors: Guo Jiaying , Lu Mengyi , Wan Isabella , Wang Yumin , Han Leng , Zang Yong
Published: June 2024

Delayed outcome is common in phase I oncology clinical trials. It causes logistic difficulty, wastes resources, and prolongs the trial duration. This article investigates this issue and proposes the time‐to‐event 3 + 3 (T3 + 3) design, which utilizes the actual follow‐up time for at‐risk patients with pending toxicity outcomes. The T3 + 3 design allows continuous accrual without unnecessary trial suspension and is costless and implementable with pretabulated dose decision rules. Besides, the T3 + 3 design uses the isotonic regression to estimate the toxicity rates across dose levels and therefore can accommodate for any targeted toxicity rate for maximum tolerated dose (MTD). It dramatically facilitates the trial preparation and conduct without intensive computation and statistical consultation. The extension to other algorithm‐based phase I dose‐finding designs (e.g., i3 + 3 design) is also studied. Comprehensive computer simulation studies are conducted to investigate the performance of the T3 + 3 design under various dose‐toxicity scenarios. The results confirm that the T3 + 3 design substantially shortens the trial duration compared with the conventional 3 + 3 design and yields much higher accuracy in MTD identification than the rolling six design. In summary, the T3 + 3 design addresses the delayed outcome issue while keeping the desirable features of the 3 + 3 design, such as simplicity, transparency, and costless implementation. It has great potential to accelerate early‐phase drug development.
Exosomes, and the potential for exosome‐based interventions against COVID‐19
Authors: Rahmani Abolfazl , Soleymani Ali , Almukhtar Mustafa , Behzad Moghadam Kimia , Vaziri Zahra , Hosein Tabar Kashi Ali , Adabi Firoozjah Reza , Jafari Tadi Mehrdad , Zolfaghari Dehkharghani Maryam , Valadi Hadi , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar , Gasser Robin B. , Rostami Ali
Published: June 2024

Since late 2019, the world has been devastated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), with more than 760 million people affected and ∼seven million deaths reported. Although effective treatments for COVID‐19 are currently limited, there has been a strong focus on developing new therapeutic approaches to address the morbidity and mortality linked to this disease. An approach that is currently being investigated is the use of exosome‐based therapies. Exosomes are small, extracellular vesicles that play a role in many clinical diseases, including viral infections, infected cells release exosomes that can transmit viral components, such as miRNAs and proteins, and can also include receptors for viruses that facilitate viral entry into recipient cells. SARS‐CoV‐2 has the ability to impact the formation, secretion, and release of exosomes, thereby potentially facilitating or intensifying the transmission of the virus among cells, tissues and individuals. Therefore, designing synthetic exosomes that carry immunomodulatory cargo and antiviral compounds are proposed to be a promising strategy for the treatment of COVID‐19 and other viral diseases. Moreover, exosomes generated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) might be employed as cell‐free therapeutic agents, as MSC‐derived exosomes can diminish the cytokine storm and reverse the suppression of host anti‐viral defences associated with COVID‐19, and boost the repair of lung damage linked to mitochondrial activity. The present article discusses the significance and roles of exosomes in COVID‐19, and explores potential future applications of exosomes in combating this disease. Despite the challenges posed by COVID‐19, exosome‐based therapies could represent a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes and reducing the impact of this disease.
Liver involvement in dengue: A systematic review
Authors: Campana Valentine , Inizan Catherine , Pommier Jean‐David , Menudier Luce Yemadje , Vincent Muriel , Lecuit Marc , Lamballerie Xavier De , Dupont‐Rouzeyrol Myrielle , Murgue Bernadette , Cabié André
Published: June 2024

Liver involvement is an unusual yet frequently overlooked dengue complication. Pivotal for an efficient clinical management, the early diagnosis of dengue‐associated liver involvement relies on an accurate description of its clinical and biological characteristics, its prognosis factors, its association with severe dengue and its clinical management. We conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases for original case reports, cohort and cross‐sectional studies reporting the clinical and/or biological features of dengue‐associated liver involvement. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021262657). Of the 2552 articles identified, 167 were included. Dengue‐associated liver involvement was characterised by clinical features including abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, jaundice, nausea/vomiting, and an echogenic liver exhibiting hepatocellular necrosis and minimal inflammation. Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase but also elevated bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, increased International Normalised Ratio, creatinine and creatine kinase, lower albumin and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time were prevalent in dengue‐associated liver involvement. Cardiovascular and haematological systems were frequently affected, translating in a strong association with severe dengue. Liver involvement was more common in males and older adults. It was associated with dengue virus serotype‐2 and secondary infections. Early paracetamol intake increased the risk of liver involvement, which clinical management was mostly conservative. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that early monitoring of transaminases, clinical assessment, and ultrasound examination allow an efficient diagnosis of dengue‐associated liver involvement, enabling the early identification and management of severe dengue.
An enhanced and expanded Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Authors: Legleiter Carl J. , Kinzel Paul J.
Published: June 2024

Detailed, accurate information on flow patterns in river channels can improve understanding of habitat conditions, geomorphic processes, and potential hazards to help inform water management. Data describing flow patterns in river channels can be obtained efficiently via image‐based techniques that have become more widely used in recent years as the number of platforms for acquiring images has expanded and the number of algorithms for inferring velocities has grown. Image‐based techniques have been incorporated into various software packages, including the Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA). TRiVIA is a freely available, standalone computer program that provides a comprehensive workflow for performing particle image velocimetry (PIV)‐based analyses within a graphical interface. This paper summarizes major enhancements incorporated into the latest release of TRiVIA, version 2.1. For example, a new Tool for Input Parameter Selection (TIPS) provides guidance for specifying key inputs to the PIV algorithm by allowing users to explore relationships between flow velocity, pixel size, output vector spacing, and frame interval. Improved visualization capabilities include the ability to create streamlines and display PIV output on an interactive web map. The program now provides greater flexibility for importing field data in various formats and selecting which observations to use for accuracy assessment. The most substantial additions to TRiVIA 2.1 are the ability to integrate bathymetric information with image‐derived velocity estimates to calculate river discharge and to use images acquired from moving aircraft to efficiently map long segments of large rivers to support habitat assessment, contaminant transport studies, and a range of other applications.
Alternative agrifood systems and the economic sustainability of farmers' cooperatives: The Chinese experience
Authors: Hu Zhanping , Zhang Qian Forrest
Published: June 2024

Most registered farmers' cooperatives in China are de facto private enterprises; while many bring economic gains to farmers, they do not function as cooperatives. Among the small minority that started as authentic cooperatives, however, most struggled to provide economic benefits to members, unable to achieve economic sustainability. The failure of true farmers' cooperatives in China has been widely studied; the success of the few that did become economically sustainable, however, remains poorly understood. Using a sample of 70 farmers' cooperatives across the country and comparing three “extreme cases”—cooperatives that are both authentic and economically successful—with the rest, this study argues that participation in alternative agrifood systems is the key to their success. In the Chinese context, smallholders are deeply integrated into the conventional agrifood system and have gained technology and market access through the mediation of private enterprises and public institutions, leaving little space for cooperatives. Only in alternative agrifood systems, which prioritize product quality and authenticity and value closer relationships between producers and consumers, do cooperatives, as a unique governance institution based on trust, have advantages. Our case analysis shows how cooperatives brought smallholders economic gains and achieved economic sustainability through shifting to ecologically sustainable farming and building alternative distributive networks. This finding adds a new dimension to our understanding of the relationship between smallholder cooperatives and sustainable development: in capitalist agrifood systems, ecologically sustainable agrifood alternatives provide the basis for cooperatives' social and economic sustainability.
Linking local and global: Assessing water scarcity risk through nested trade networks
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Shuai Chenyang , Chen Xi , Sun Jingran , Zhao Bu
Published: June 2024

As water scarcity escalates globally, there is a growing focus on assessing its economic impact, both locally and through trade networks, defined as water scarcity risk (WSR). Given China's pivotal role as a top importer and exporter, coupled with significant spatial disparities in water scarcity across its provinces, understanding the spread of water scarcity risks within China and their interplay with global water dynamics is imperative yet relatively unexplored. This study constructs a nested Multi‐Regional Input‐Output (MRIO) model to evaluate water scarcity risk, connecting Chinese provinces with global counterparts. Notably, we integrate the spatial heterogeneity of environmental flow requirement as a vital criterion for long‐term sustainable water management in our assessment. Our findings reveal substantial economic impacts caused by water scarcity, with a global WSR valued at $11.1 trillion, of which $6.2 trillion is attributed to trade. Critical regions, sectors, and region‐sectors are identified, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions. This study presents a unique perspective on global water scarcity risk assessment at a higher resolution scale, laying the groundwork for the formulation of effective water scarcity risk mitigation strategies aligned with sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 6 and 8.
A Cellulose Reinforced Polyacrylamide/Polyvinyl Alcohol Dual Network Hydrogel for Flexible Sensors
Authors: Meng Lingling , Li Weihao , Ding Shijie , Liu En , Liu Da
Published: June 2024

In this paper, polyacrylamide (PAM) was used as the main matrix material to form the first layer network structure, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as the secondary matrix material to form the second layer network structure. The hydrogels were prepared by free radical in‐situ polymerization and physical cross‐linking. This hydrogel was characterized not only by its semi‐interpenetrating network structure, in which cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) penetrate through the polyacrylamide network but also by the physically and chemically cross‐linked hybrid PAM/PVA double network. The structure and appearance of the hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and a series of tests were carried out to detect their mechanical properties, electrical properties and sensing properties. The results show that the hydrogel has good mechanical properties (the elongation at break can reach 600 % and the stress at break can reach 0.16 MPa), and the hydrogel also has good sensing and electrical properties. The addition of organic solvents makes the hydrogels have excellent antifreeze and water retention properties and also have excellent swelling properties. Therefore, the PAM/PVA/CNC dual network interpenetrating composite hydrogel has potential application value in the field of flexible sensors.
Emerging Trends in Nano‐Functionalized Scaffolds for Chronic Wound Healing
Authors: Koolabadi Zeinab , Taghipour Niloofar , Rouhani Maryam , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Soleimani Masoud
Published: June 2024

This review discusses recent studies on the combination of nanoparticles (NPs) and biomaterials for the treatment of chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This article provides a concise overview of several types of NPs. We will discuss how these NPs possess inherent characteristics that enhance the bioactivity, mechanical strength, tissue adhesion, and antibacterial properties of wound repairing scaffolds. Additionally, we explore their capacity to carry active substances and genes to the wound site. In this context, a comprehensive elucidation of various notable complexities associated with wound repair is provided, alongside corresponding strategies to mitigate them. So that, the adoption of NPs within wound dressings is advocated as a proficient technological approach to address each of these challenges. Furthermore, this article examines several physical and chemical techniques employed by researchers for the incorporation of NPs into scaffolds.
Conducting Carbon Black Nano‐Filler Doped Polymer Electrolyte for Electrochemical Application
Authors: Singh Negi Shubham , Rawat Suneyana , Singh Pramod K. , Savilov Serguei V. , Yadav Tarun , Yahya M. Z. A. , Chandra Singh Ram
Published: June 2024

This study provides a development of polymer electrolytes with an emphasis on their use in electrochemical devices. In present study we develop a new conducting carbon black (CB) powder dispersed into polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer electrolyte using solution cast method. Various characterization techniques such as Impedance spectroscopy technique (EIS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Window stability (LSV) Linear sweep voltammetry has been studied in detail. The maximum ionic conductivity polymer electrolyte was at 0.05 wt%. of CB with σ value 1.20×10−5 S/cm. Finally the prepared CB dispersed polymer electrolyte using maximum conductivity sample is sandwiched between electrodes to fabricate an Electric double layer capacitor and Dye‐sensitized solar cell which show highest electrical capacity value of 68.5 F/gm at 5 mV/s respectively and 2.97 % efficiency shown by solar cell at 1 sun condition.
Tungsten Doping of Two‐Dimensional VO2 Nanoribbons for Rapid Zinc Ion Storage Channels
Authors: Fan Hong , Wang Kefan , Xu Zewen
Published: June 2024

Vanadium‐based oxides are promising candidates for use in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries owing to their open framework structure that facilitates rapid Zn2+ deintercalation. To improve the kinetics, a two‐dimensional nanoribbon‐shaped W‐VO2 cathode material was developed by pre‐embedding tungsten atoms into VO2(B) using a one‐step hydrothermal method. The large interlayer spacing in the W‐VO2 nanosheets aided in the deintercalation of hydrated Zn2+ ions. The 1 % W‐doped electrode exhibited stable cycling, reaching a high capacity of 365.8 mAh g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, with a 92.6 % capacity retention (338.8 mAh g−1) after 200 cycles. Impressively, 84.3 % of the capacity is retained after 1200 cycles at 1 A g−1. The zinc storage mechanism of W‐VO2 was elucidated through in situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, highlighting the benefits of tungsten doping on tunnel structure stability and Zn2+ deintercalation reversibility in VO2 electrodes.
Effect of Needle Age and Location on the Volatile Composition of Essential Oils from Juniperus communis L.: A Chemometric Study
Authors: Tobolková Blanka , Panghyová Lenka , Dimitrov Filip , Vargová Vladimíra , Jančová Mariana , Kopuncová Mária , Baxa Stanislav , Polovka Martin
Published: June 2024

Profiles of the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of essential oils (EOs) extracted from young and old Juniperus communis L. needles were generated via gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) and subsequently processed using multivariate statistical methods. These were then used to differentiate the EOs according to needle age and geographical origin. From a total 49 of VOCs identified, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between young‐ and old‐needle EOs were found for 21 VOCs. Most of the EOs from the young needles showed higher (p<0.05) contents of α‐ and β‐pinene and sesquiterpenes (β‐ and γ‐elemene, germacrene D and B, α‐muurolene, and δ‐cadinene) and their oxygenated derivatives (α‐ and τ‐cadinol), while most of the monoterpenes (α‐thujene, sabinene, terpinolene, β‐myrcene, β‐phellandrene, and p‐cymene) were present in higher quantities (p<0.05) in the EOs from the old needles. The volatiles germacrene D, α‐ and β‐pinene, α‐cadinol, and sabinene were identified via stepwise and canonical discriminant analysis as the most valuable for EO discrimination according to needle age and geographical origin. Recognition and prediction ability tests of the EOs achieved 100 % accuracy in EO classification according to the above mentioned criterion.
Photoreceptor‐Mimetic Microflowers for Restoring Light Responses in Degenerative Retina through a 2D Nanopetal/Cell Biointerface
Authors: Oudeng Gerile , Banerjee Seema , Wang Qin , Jiang Ding , Fan Yadi , Wu Honglian , Pan Feng , Yang Mo
Published: June 2024

Retinitis pigmentosa is the main cause of inherited human blindness and is associated with dysfunctional photoreceptors (PRs). Compared with traditional methods, optoelectronic stimulation can better preserve the structural integrity and genetic content of the retina. However, enhancing the spatiotemporal accuracy of stimulation is challenging. Quantum dot‐doped ZnIn2S4 microflowers (MF) are utilized to construct a biomimetic photoelectric interface with a 0D/3D heterostructure, aiming to restore the light response in PR‐degenerative mice. The MF bio interface has dimensions similar to those of natural PRs and can be distributed within the curved spatial region of the retina, mimicking cellular dispersion. The soft 2D nano petals of the MF provide a large specific surface area for photoelectric activation and simulate the flexibility interfacing between cells. This bio interface can selectively restore the light responses of seven types of retina ganglion cells that encode brightness. The distribution of responsive cells forms a pattern similar to that of normal mice, which may reflect the generation of the initial “neural code” in the degenerative retina. Patch‐clamp recordings indicate that the bio interface can induce spiking and postsynaptic currents at the single‐neuron level. The results will shed light on the development of a potential bionic subretinal prosthetic toolkit for visual function restoration.
Tunable and Non‐Invasive Printing of Transmissive Interference Colors with 2D Material Inks
Authors: Liu Jiarong , Huang Ziyang , Xu Youan , Liu Peng , Wu Keyou , Hao Yugan , Zhang Yunhao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Zehao , Ding Baofu , Li Bing , Liu Bilu
Published: June 2024

Interference colors hold significant importance in optics and arts. Current methods for printing interference colors entail complex procedures and large‐scale printing systems for the scarcity of inks that exhibit both sensitivity and tunability to external fields. The production of highly transparent inks capable of rendering transmissive colors has presented ongoing challenges. Here, a type of paramagnetic ink based on 2D materials that exhibit polychrome in one magnetic field is invented. By precisely manipulating the doping ratio of magnetic elements within titanate nanosheets, the magneto‐optical sensitivity named Cotton–Mouton coefficient is engineerable from 728 to a record high value of 3272 m−1 T−2, with negligible influence on its intrinsic wide optical bandgap. Combined with the sensitive and controllable magneto‐responsiveness of the ink, modulate and non‐invasively print transmissive interference colors using small permanent magnets are precised. This work paves the way for preparing transmissive interference colors in an energy‐saving and damage‐free manner, which can expand its use in widespread areas.
Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Micro‐/Nanomotors for Wastewater Remediation
Authors: El‐Naggar Karim , Yang Yangyang , Tian Wenjie , Zhang Huayang , Sun Hongqi , Wang Shaobin
Published: June 2024

Micro‐/nanomotors (MNMs) in water remediation have garnered significant attention over the past two decades. More recently, metal‐organic framework‐based micro‐/nanomotors (MOF‐MNMs) have been applied for environmental remediation; however, a comprehensive summary of research in this research area is yet to be reported. Herein, a review is presented to cover the recent advances in MOF‐MNMs and their various applications in wastewater remediation. The review presents a comprehensive introduction to MNMs, including different propulsion approaches, fabrication, and functionalization strategies, in addition to the unique features of MOF‐MNMs. The conception and various synthetic routes of MOF‐MNMs are extensively covered and the implementation of MOF‐MNMs in water‐related applications, including adsorption, degradation, sensing, and disinfection of different pollutants, is in depth discussed. Meanwhile, the propulsion and mechanism of action behind each MOF‐MNM are systematically studied. Finally, the review provides insights into the challenges and perspectives to build more effective MOF‐MNMs to cover versatile applications for wastewater treatment.
Physical and Numerical Study on Right Side and Front Side Gas Blowing at Walls in a Single‐Strand Tundish
Authors: Wang Tianyang , Wang Jia , Chen Chao , Chen Lei , Geng Mengjiao , Song Jintao , Fan Jinping , Lin Wanming
Published: June 2024

The compromise between inclusions removal by small bubbles and proper agitation of fluid flow in tundish by gas blown is challenging. The single‐strand tundish without flow control devices (bare tundish) is used to study the effects of side‐wall gas blowing on the flow field. The water model, particle image velocity measurement and computational fluid dynamics simulation are used to study bubble behavior, fluid flow field, and tracer transport. A large horse shoe vortex and a short circuit flow at the bottom are formed in the bare tundish. Gas blowing at the outlet‐side wall of the tundish creates multiple vortices in the right‐side region, with blowing rate and position greatly influencing the surface flow within the tundish. Gas blowing at the front‐side wall creates a large spiral vortex, agitating the fluid in the tundish and improving the flow field. Increasing the blowing rate strengthens the vortex in the right region, but raising the blowing position affects surface flow and creates a counterclockwise flow toward the shroud. In all schemes, gas blowing at a low position on the front‐side wall with a small gas flowrate is the optimized scheme which shows the smallest dead volume and enhances surface flow.
The challenges and breakthroughs in the development of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Wang Jing , Song Qitao , Yang Tao , Li Yuanli , Zhang Lihua , Li Jiayan , Liu Feifei , Lin Yanyin , Xu Xiaoxia , Heng Yu , Xu Lulai , Zhang Shun , Zhou Jiahui , Liu Yunbo , Kong Lingyuan , Tang Dingbin , Ji Chengdong , Tan Bing , Liao Pu , Pan Nengke , Yi Weijing , Wang Zhanhui
Published: June 2024

Over the past century, the field of antibody discovery has undergone significant evolution, excluding the current exploration stage of artificial intelligence‐based antibody generation and the often overlooked non‐animal sourced antibody discovery, which typically requires mature in vitro affinity and the selection of high‐quality antigen formulations. This journey has traversed various stages, from methods involving serum‐based antibody acquisition, the isolation of B cells capable of perpetual antibody production through hybridoma technology, to the in‐depth exploration of genetic material using the phage display system, and the current stage involving diverse single B cell screening techniques. Additionally, the emergence of machine learning has brought impressive scientific and technological breakthroughs across research domains, proving to be a powerful application in the field of antibody discovery. However, each technique comes with its limitations, such as variability and control challenges in serum‐based acquisition, lengthy and difficult hybridoma‐derived antibody development, potential limitations in sequence and epitope diversity due to immunization biases in phage display techniques, and costly single B cell screening. Protein mass spectrometry sequencing, with shorter acquisition time and lower costs, is seen as a shortcut by diagnostic companies, impacting traditional antibody development. In diagnostic antibody development, methodological differences in downstream assays and the impact of constant regions outside the Fv core are often neglected. This paper deeply analyzes challenges, proposing innovative strategies for the next generation of diagnostic antibody development. Aimed at moving closer to the gold standard of antibody discovery, these strategies enhance the competitiveness of diagnostic reagent products.
Einleitung
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

„Innovatorinnen gestalten Zukunft – Fallstudien für Praxis und Lehre“ illustriert die Rolle von Frauen in Innovationsprozessen und hebt in diesem Zusammenhang die Bedeutung von Diversität und Sichtbarkeit hervor. Angesichts globaler Herausforderungen wie dem Klimawandel und der Ressourcenverknappung betont dieses essential die Notwendigkeit, Innovationspotenziale voll auszuschöpfen. Hierzu bietet es eine Sammlung praxisnaher Fallstudien, die auf realen Beispielen basieren, ein breites Spektrum an Innovationsaspekten abdecken und die Lesenden zur Reflexion des Themas anregen. Jede Fallstudie ist mit einer „Teaching Note“ versehen, die Lernziele, Leitfragen und Literaturhinweise ergänzt, was sie zu einem wertvollen Instrument sowohl in der (akademischen) Lehre als auch in der beruflichen Praxis macht. Die Fallstudiensammlung zielt darauf ab, das Bewusstsein der Lesenden für die Bedeutung von Diversität und Sichtbarkeit in Innovationsprozessen zu schärfen und richtet sich insbesondere an Studierende und Praktiker:innen, die sich für Innovationen, die Beiträge von Innovatorinnen und (Innovations-)Strategien interessieren.
Werte und Wandel in Familienunternehmen
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

Die Fallstudie porträtiert Ariane Meisner, die nach dem unerwarteten Ausscheiden ihres Vaters die Führung des langjährigen Familienbetriebs übernimmt und sich als Unternehmensnachfolgerin in einem Industrieunternehmen neben wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Herausforderungen mit einer traditionell geprägten Unternehmenskultur konfrontiert sieht. Unter schwierigen wirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen entwickelt sie neue Ansätze, um das Unternehmen innovativ und effizient aufzustellen. Der Fall zeigt, wie es durch den Einsatz von Prozessinnovationen, Kommunikation und Transparenz gelingen kann, eine bislang traditionell und maskulin geprägte Unternehmenskultur zu verändern und ein mittelständisches Unternehmen nachhaltig erfolgreich aufzustellen.
Technik + Diversität = Vorbild im Wissenschaftskontext?
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

Diese Fallstudie erzählt die Geschichte von Amina Kalid, einer leidenschaftlichen Technikliebhaberin mit multikulturellem Hintergrund. Von technischem Fortschritt und Innovation fasziniert, überwindet Amina mit großer Entschlossenheit gängige Stereotype und bahnt sich ihren Weg in einem männlich dominierten Wissenschaftszweig bis hin zur Professur. Mit zunehmendem Erfolg wird Amina eine immer sichtbarere Akteurin in ihrem Betätigungsfeld – Fluch und Segen zugleich. Der Fall beleuchtet die Chancen, Herausforderungen und Erwartungen, die mit erhöhter Sichtbarkeit einhergehen, darunter die Erwartung, als Frau mit Migrationshintergrund in einem männlich dominierten Bereich automatisch als „Diversitätsvorbild“ zu dienen. Zudem wird deutlich, welchen Innovationseinfluss Wissenschaftseinrichtungen ausüben können und wie diese mit anderen Akteuren im Innovationsökosystem zusammenspielen.
Unverzichtbar und dennoch unsichtbar im Unternehmen?
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

In dieser Fallstudie steht Anna Berger im Mittelpunkt, die als Leiterin der Innovationsabteilung bei der GlobalTech Solutions die Unternehmensentwicklung durch unterschiedliche Innovationsprojekte voranbringt. Obwohl Anna eine treibende Kraft hinter den Innovationsbemühungen des Unternehmens ist, werden diese umgesetzt, ohne dass bekannt ist, dass sie die Innovatorin hinter der Innovation ist. Nach außen werden die Neuerungen durch den Unternehmensvorstand repräsentiert. So werden zwar Annas Innovationen sichtbar und wirksam, sie selbst bleibt jedoch unsichtbar. Der Fall zeichnet gängige Geschlechterdynamiken im Innovationsprozess nach und wie diese zur Unsichtbarkeit von Innovator:innen im Besonderen und von Frauen in Führungspositionen im Allgemeinen führen können. So wird die Frage aufgeworfen, wie Organisationen sicherstellen können, dass Anerkennung nicht nur den sichtbaren Produkten, sondern auch anderen Innovationsformen und den Innovator:innen selbst zuteilwerden kann.
On amplitudes and field redefinitions
Authors: Cohen Timothy , Lu Xiaochuan , Sutherland Dave
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We derive an off-shell recursion relation for correlators that holds at all loop orders. This allows us to prove how generalized amplitudes transform under generic field redefinitions, starting from an assumed behavior of the one-particle-irreducible effective action. The form of the recursion relation resembles the operation of raising the rank of a tensor by acting with a covariant derivative. This inspires a geometric interpretation, whose features and flaws we investigate.
The flavor of a minimal composite S1 leptoquark and the $$ b\to c\tau \overline{\nu} $$ anomaly
Authors: Da Rold Leandro
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Several experiments have measured a deviation in B → D(∗) semileptonic decays, that point to new physics at the TeV scale violating lepton flavor universality. A scalar leptoquark S1, with a suitable structure of couplings in flavor space, is known to be able to solve this anomaly modifying $$ b\to c\tau \overline{\nu} $$
b
→
cτ

ν
¯

. In the context of composite Higgs models, we consider a theory containing H and S1 as Nambu-Goldstone bosons (NGBs) of a new strongly interacting sector, with ordinary resonances at a scale $$ \mathcal{O}(10) $$
O

10

TeV. Assuming anarchic partial compositeness of the Standard Model (SM) fermions we calculate the potential of the NGBs that is dominated by the fermions of the third generation, we compute $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

and estimate the corrections to flavor observables by the presence of S1. We find that the SM spectrum and $$ {m}_{S_1} $$

m

S
1

∼ TeV can be obtained with a NGB decay constant of order ∼ 5 TeV. We obtain a robust correlation between the main corrections to $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

, $$ {B}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}\nu \nu} $$

B

K

∗

νν

and gτ/gμ, that leads to a sever bound on $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

, roughly 2σ below the experimental value. Besides the bounds on the flavor observables $$ {g}_{\tau}^W $$

g
τ
W

, BR(τ → μγ) and $$ \Delta {m}_{B_s} $$
∆

m

B
s

are saturated, with the first one requiring a coupling between resonances g* ≲ 2, whereas the second one demands $$ {m}_{S_1} $$

m

S
1

≳ 1.7 TeV, up to corrections of $$ \mathcal{O}(1) $$
O

1

.
Inclusive semileptonic $$ {B}_s^0 $$ meson decays at the LHC via a sum-of-exclusive modes technique: possibilities and prospects
Authors: De Cian M. , Feliks N. , Rotondo M. , Vos K. Keri
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We propose an approach for measuring the moments of the hadronic invariant mass distribution in semileptonic $$ {B}_s^0 $$

B
s
0

meson decays using a sum-of-exclusive technique. Using the present and foreseen knowledge about exclusive semileptonic $$ {B}_s^0 $$

B
s
0

decays, we estimate the uncertainties on moments of the kinematic distribution. Semileptonic $$ {B}_s^0 $$

B
s
0

decays can be described, as their B0 counterpart, using the Heavy Quark Expansion (HQE), with the only difference between the $$ {B}_s^0 $$

B
s
0

and B0 mesons being the SU(3)F breaking effects that change the numerical values of the non-perturbative HQE parameters. We extract the HQE parameters for the $$ {B}_s^0 $$

B
s
0

decays from our estimates of the moments, showing the potential of the proposed method. We identify a set of required measurements for a future precision measurement.
Cluster Scanning: a novel approach to resonance searches
Authors: Oleksiyuk I. , Raine J. A. , Krämer M. , Voloshynovskiy S. , Golling T.
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We propose a new model-independent method for new physics searches called Cluster Scanning. It uses the k-means algorithm to perform clustering in the space of low-level event or jet observables, and separates potentially anomalous clusters to construct a signal-enriched region. The spectra of a selected observable (e.g. invariant mass) in these two regions are then used to determine whether a resonant signal is present. A pseudo-analysis on the LHC Olympics dataset with a Z′ resonance shows that Cluster Scanning outperforms the widely used 4-parameter functional background fitting procedures, reducing the number of signal events needed to reach a 3σ significant excess by a factor of 0.61. Emphasis is placed on the speed of the method, which allows the test statistic to be calibrated on synthetic data.
Dark matter semi-annihilation for inert scalar multiplets
Authors: Beauchesne Hugues , Chiang Cheng-Wei
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Dark matter semi-annihilation is a process through which two dark matter candidates annihilate to a single dark matter particle and a non-dark matter particle. Such processes are common when the symmetry stabilizing the dark matter differs from ℤ2 and can lead to qualitatively different phenomenology. In this work, we study the viability of semi-annihilation models including one or two inert multiplets. For one multiplet, we show that there does not exist any viable model in which semi-annihilation is efficient. For two multiplets, semi-annihilation can be efficient, but the number of viable and technically natural models is limited. We then perform a detailed study of the most promising model, showing that the correct relic abundance can be obtained for a wide range of masses.
Integrated correlators at strong coupling in an orbifold of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Pini Alessandro , Vallarino Paolo
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We consider the 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal quiver gauge theory obtained by a ℤ2 orbifold of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills (SYM). By exploiting supersymmetric localization, we study the integrated correlator of two Coulomb branch and two moment map operators and the integrated correlator of four moment map operators, determining exact expressions valid for any value of the ’t Hooft coupling in the planar limit. Additionally, for the second correlator, we obtain an exact expression also for the next-to-planar contribution. Then, we derive the leading terms of their strong-coupling expansions and outline the differences with respect to the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory.