bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating d‐Band Electronic Structures of Molybdenum Disulfide via p/n Doping to Boost Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Guo , Zeng Qi , Sui Xinyi , Tian Shuhao , Sun Xiao , Wu Qingfeng , Li Xijuan , Zhang Yuhao , Tao Kun , Xie Erqing , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: May 2023

Polysulfide shuttle effect and sluggish sulfur reaction kinetics severely impede the cycling stability and sulfur utilization of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. Modulating d‐band electronic structures of molybdenum disulfide electrocatalysts via p/n doping is promising to boost polysulfide conversion and suppress polysulfide migration in lithium‐sulfur batteries. Herein, p‐type V‐doped MoS2 (V‐MoS2) and n‐type Mn‐doped MoS2 (Mn‐MoS2) catalysts are well‐designed. Experimental results and theoretical analyses reveal that both of them significantly increase the binding energy of polysulfides on the catalysts’ surface and accelerate the sluggish conversion kinetics of sulfur species. Particularly, the p‐type V‐MoS2 catalyst exhibits a more obvious bidirectional catalytic effect. Electronic structure analysis further demonstrates that the superior anchoring and electrocatalytic activities are originated from the upward shift of the d‐band center and the optimized electronic structure induced by duplex metal coupling. As a result, the Li‐S batteries with V‐MoS2 modified separator exhibit a high initial capacity of 1607.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and excellent rate and cycling performance. Moreover, even at a high sulfur loading of 6.84 mg cm−2, a favorable initial areal capacity of 8.98 mAh cm−2 is achieved at 0.1 C. This work may bring widespread attention to atomic engineering in catalyst design for high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
In Situ Formed Gradient Composite Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Cai Hong , Jin Tong , Liu Jiandong , Ma Jianmin , Li Nian Wu , Yu Le
Published: May 2023

Lithium (Li) metal anode (LMA) is highly considered as a desirable anode material for next‐generation rechargeable batteries because of its high specific capacity and the lowest reduction potential. However, uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites, large volume change, and unstable interfaces between LMA and electrolyte hinder its practical application. Herein, a novel in situ formed artificial gradient composite solid electrolyte interphase (GCSEI) layer for highly stable LMAs is proposed. The inner rigid inorganics (Li2S and LiF) with high Li+ ion affinity and high electron tunneling barrier are beneficial to achieve homogeneous Li plating, while the flexible polymers (poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride)) on the surface of GCSEI layer can accommodate the volume change. Furthermore, the GCSEI layer demonstrates fast Li+ ion transport capability and increased Li+ ion diffusion kinetics. Accordingly, the modified LMA enables excellent cycling stability (over 1000 h at 3 mA cm−2) in the symmetric cell using carbonate electrolyte, and the corresponding Li‐GCSEI||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cell demonstrates 83.4% capacity retention after 500 cycles. This work offers a new strategy for the design of dendrite‐free LMAs for practical applications.
Sand‐Fixation Model for Interface Engineering of Layered Titania and N/O‐Doped Carbon Composites to Enhance Potassium/Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhang Ruiying , Tian Yaxiong , Otitoju TunmiseAyode , Feng Zhongmin , Wang Yun , Sun Ting
Published: May 2023

Layered titania (L‐TiO2) holds great potential for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high specific capacity. Synthesizing L‐TiO2 functional materials for high‐capacity and long cyclability battery remains challenging due to the unstable and poor conductivity of bare L‐TiO2. In nature, plant growth can stabilize land by preventing sands from dispersing following desertification. Inspired by nature's “sand‐fixation model,” Al3+ “seeds” are in situ grown on layered Ti3C2Tx “land.” Subsequently, NH2‐MIL‐101(Al) “plants” with Al as metal nodes are grown on the Ti3C2Tx “land” by self‐assembly. After annealing and etching processes (similar to desertification), NH2‐MIL‐101(Al) is transformed into interconnected N/O‐doped carbon (MOF‐NOC), which not only acts as a plant‐like function to prevent the pulverization of L‐TiO2 transformed from Ti3C2Tx but also improves the conductivity and stability of MOF‐NOC@L‐TiO2. Al species are selected as seeds to improve interfacial compatibility and form intimate interface heterojunction. Systematic ex situ analysis discloses that the ions storage mechanism can be endowed by mixed contribution of non‐Faradaic and Faradaic capacitance. Consequently, the MOF‐NOC@L‐TiO2 electrodes exhibit high interfacial capacitive charge storage and outstanding cycling performance. The interface engineering strategy inspired by “sand‐fixation model” provides a reference for designing stable layered composites.
Buried Interface Passivation: A Key Strategy to Breakthrough the Efficiency of Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Huang Lei , Lou Yan‐Hui , Wang Zhao‐Kui
Published: May 2023

Owing to the merits of low cost and high power conversion efficiency (PCE), perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become the best candidate to replace the commonly used silicon solar cells. However, PSCs have been slow to enter the market for a number of reasons, including poor stability, high toxicity, and rigorous preparation process. Passivation strategies including surface passivation and bulk passivation have been successfully applied to improve the device performance of PSCs. The passivation of the defects at the buried interface, which is regarded as a key strategy to breakthrough the device efficiency and stability of PSCs in the future, is ongoing with challenge. Herein, in detail the recent passivation of the buried interface is introduced from three aspects: perovskite layer, buried interlayer, and transport layer. The passivation effect of the buried interface is clearly demonstrated through three categories of salts, organics, and 2D materials. In addition, the transport layer is classified into electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL). These classifications can help to have a clear understanding of substances which generate passivating effect and guide the continuous promotion of the follow‐up buried interface passivating work.
High Performance and Multifunction Moisture‐Driven Yin–Yang‐Interface Actuators Derived from Polyacrylamide Hydrogel
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zhang Guanghao , Cui Zhanpeng , Bao Lili , Xia Zhigang , Liu Zunfeng , Zhou Xiang
Published: May 2023

High actuation performance of a moisture actuator highly depends on the presence of a large property difference between the two layers, which may cause interfacial delamination. Improving interfacial adhesion strength while increasing the difference between the layers is a challenge. In this study, a moisture‐driven tri‐layer actuator with a Yin–Yang‐interface (YYI) design is investigated in which a moisture‐responsive polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel layer (Yang) is combined with a moisture‐inert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (Yin) using an interfacial poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEA) adhesion layer. Fast and large reversible bending, oscillation, and programmable morphing motions in response to moisture are realized. The response time, bending curvature, and response speed normalized by thickness are among the best compared with those of previously reported moisture‐driven actuators. The excellent actuation performance of the actuator has potential multifunctional applications in moisture‐controlled switches, mechanical grippers, and crawling and jumping motions. The Yin–Yang‐interface design proposed in this work provides a new design strategy for high‐performance intelligent materials and devices.
Photodynamic and photothermal therapies for bacterial infection treatment
Authors: Kim Heejeong , Lee You Rim , Jeong Hyunsun , Lee Jiah , Wu Xiaofeng , Li Haidong , Yoon Juyoung
Published: May 2023

Bacteria can cause numerous infectious diseases and has been a major threat to human humans. Although antibiotics have partially succeeded in treating bacteria, owing to antibiotic abuse, the emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria has drastically diminished their potency. Since the invention of laser, the combination of light and photosensitizers, photodynamic therapy (PDT), has become an effective noninvasive treatment along with photothermal therapy (PTT), in which heat is generated by nonradiative relaxation. Antimicrobial PDT and PTT are emerging as effective treatments for bacterial infection, particularly against MDR bacteria. This mini review covers the recent progresses in PDT and PTT for bacterial treatment.
An acidic medium‐compatible deep‐near‐infrared dye for in vivo imaging
Authors: Dong Yan , Zou Ye , Jia Xiaotong , Yin Lei , He Weiwei , Luo Xiao , Qian Xuhong , Yang Youjun
Published: May 2023

In vivo imaging in the deep near‐infrared (NIR) spectral region, that is, beyond 800 nm, has become popular due to its penetration depth. While imaging of the neutral medium/tissue has been repeatedly showcased, imaging of the high‐acidic medium remains challenging partly because of the high‐lying HOMO orbital and hence a high pKa of the electron‐donating group of the NIR fluorophores. We devised a novel electron‐donating group (D6) with which we further synthesized ECJ. ECJ exhibits an absorption wavelength beyond 900 nm and is fluorescent. Its pKa was found to be lower than zero, rendering it suitable for bioimaging of a highly‐acidic medium. Its potential for practical applications was showcased in proof‐of‐concept in vivo imaging with a mouse model.
Resent Development of Binder‐Free Electrodes of Transition Metal Oxides and Nanohybrids for High Performance Supercapacitors – A Review
Authors: Parveen Nazish
Published: May 2023

The entire world is aware of the serious issue of global warming and therefore utilizing renewable energy sources is the most encouraging steps toward solving energy crises, and as a result, energy storage solutions are necessary. The supercapacitors (SCs) have a high‐power density and a long cycle life, they are promising as an electrochemical conversion and storage device. In order to achieve high electrochemical performance, electrode fabrication must be implemented properly. Electrochemically inactive and insulating binders are utilized in the conventional slurry coating method of making electrodes to provide adhesion between the electrode material and the substrate. This results in an undesirable “dead mass,” which lowers the overall device performance. In this review, we focused on binder‐free SCs electrodes based on transition metal oxides and composites. With the best examples providing the critical aspects, the benefits of binder‐free electrodes over slurry‐coated electrodes are addressed. Additionally, different metal‐oxides used in the fabrication of binder‐free electrodes are assessed, taking into account the various synthesis methods, giving an overall picture of the work done for binder‐free electrodes. The future outlook is provided along with the benefits and drawbacks of binder‐free electrodes based on transition metal oxides.
Preparation of Nanoparticles and Diffusion Behavior of Metal Ions in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Imanishi Akihito
Published: May 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted much attention as tunable liquids because of their unique structures and properties. However, the mechanisms of chemical reactions and solute diffusion in ionic liquids are still unknown. This article summarizes our previous studies and recent results on the mechanisms of metal particle formation and solute diffusion in ionic liquids, focusing on the local structure of ionic liquids. It was found that the shape and size of metal particles formed in ionic liquids using electron beams or X‐rays are strongly influenced by the local structure. In the study of the diffusion behavior of metal ions in ionic liquids, we proposed a hopping‐like diffusion model and proposed that this behavior could be strongly influenced by local structures such as hole concentration and/or domain structures.
Multi‐trait genomic selection improves the prediction accuracy of end‐use quality traits in hard winter wheat
Authors: Gill Harsimardeep S. , Brar Navreet , Halder Jyotirmoy , Hall Cody , Seabourn Bradford W. , Chen Yuanhong R. , St. Amand Paul , Bernardo Amy , Bai Guihua , Glover Karl , Turnipseed Brent , Sehgal Sunish K.
Published: May 2023

Improvement of end‐use quality remains one of the most important goals in hard winter wheat (HWW) breeding. Nevertheless, the evaluation of end‐use quality traits is confined to later development generations owing to resource‐intensive phenotyping. Genomic selection (GS) has shown promise in facilitating selection for end‐use quality; however, lower prediction accuracy (PA) for complex traits remains a challenge in GS implementation. Multi‐trait genomic prediction (MTGP) models can improve PA for complex traits by incorporating information on correlated secondary traits, but these models remain to be optimized in HWW. A set of advanced breeding lines from 2015 to 2021 were genotyped with 8725 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and was used to evaluate MTGP to predict various end‐use quality traits that are otherwise difficult to phenotype in earlier generations. The MTGP model outperformed the ST model with up to a twofold increase in PA. For instance, PA was improved from 0.38 to 0.75 for bake absorption and from 0.32 to 0.52 for loaf volume. Further, we compared MTGP models by including different combinations of easy‐to‐score traits as covariates to predict end‐use quality traits. Incorporation of simple traits, such as flour protein (FLRPRO) and sedimentation weight value (FLRSDS), substantially improved the PA of MT models. Thus, the rapid low‐cost measurement of traits like FLRPRO and FLRSDS can facilitate the use of GP to predict mixograph and baking traits in earlier generations and provide breeders an opportunity for selection on end‐use quality traits by culling inferior lines to increase selection accuracy and genetic gains.
A chromosome‐scale reference of Chenopodium watsonii helps elucidate relationships within the North American A‐genome Chenopodium species and with quinoa
Authors: Young Lauren A. , Maughan Peter Jeffrey , Jarvis David E. , Hunt Spencer P. , Warner Heather C. , Durrant Kristin K. , Kohlert Tyler , Curti Ramiro N. , Bertero Daniel , Filippi Gabrielle A. , Pospíšilíková Tereza , Krak Karol , Mandák Bohumil , Jellen Eric N.
Published: May 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), an Andean pseudocereal, attained global popularity beginning in the early 2000s due to its protein quality, glycemic index, and high fiber, vitamin, and mineral contents. Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri), quinoa's North American free‐living sister species, grows on disturbed and sandy substrates across the North America, including saline coastal sands, southwestern deserts, subtropical highlands, the Great Plains, and boreal forests. Together with South American avian goosefoot (Chenopodium hircinum) they comprise the American tetraploid goosefoot complex (ATGC). Superimposed on pitseed goosefoot's North American range are approximately 35 AA diploids, most of which are adapted to a diversity of niche environments. We chose to assemble a reference genome for Sonoran A‐genome Chenopodium watsonii due to fruit morphological and high (>99.3%) preliminary sequence‐match similarities with quinoa, along with its well‐established taxonomic status. The genome was assembled into 1377 scaffolds spanning 547.76 Mb (N50 = 55.14 Mb, L50 = 5), with 94% comprised in nine chromosome‐scale scaffolds and 93.9% Benchmarking Universal Single‐Copy Orthologs genes identified as single copy and 3.4% as duplicated. A high degree of synteny, with minor and mostly telomeric rearrangements, was found when comparing this taxon with the previously reported genome of South American C. pallidicaule and the A‐subgenome chromosomes of C. quinoa. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 10,588 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms generated by resequencing a panel of 41 New World AA diploid accessions and the Eurasian H‐genome diploid Chenopodium vulvaria, along with three AABB tetraploids previously sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of these 32 taxa positioned the psammophyte Chenopodium subglabrum on the branch containing A‐genome sequences from the ATGC. We also present evidence for long‐range dispersal of Chenopodium diploids between North and South America.
Use of artificial intelligence algorithms to predict systemic diseases from retinal images
Authors: Khan Rehana , Surya Janani , Roy Maitreyee , Swathi Priya M. N. , Mohan Sashwanthi , Raman Sundaresan , Raman Akshay , Vyas Abhishek , Raman Rajiv
Published: May 2023

The rise of non‐invasive, rapid, and widely accessible quantitative high‐resolution imaging methods, such as modern retinal photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), has significantly impacted ophthalmology. These techniques offer remarkable accuracy and resolution in assessing ocular diseases and are increasingly recognized for their potential in identifying ocular biomarkers of systemic diseases. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) has been demonstrated to have promising results in identifying age, gender, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and assessing cardiovascular disorders from the fundus and OCT images. Although our understanding of eye–body relationships has advanced from decades of conventional statistical modeling in large population‐based studies incorporating ophthalmic assessments, the application of AI to this field is still in its early stages. In this review article, we concentrate on the areas where AI‐based investigations could expand on existing conventional analyses to produce fresh findings using retinal biomarkers of systemic diseases. Five databases—Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched using terms related to ocular imaging, systemic diseases, and artificial intelligence characteristics. Our review found that AI has been employed in a wide range of clinical tests and research applications, primarily for disease prediction, finding biomarkers and risk factor identification. We envisage artificial intelligence‐based models to have significant clinical and research impacts in the future through screening for high‐risk individuals, particularly in less developed areas, and identifying new retinal biomarkers, even though technical and socioeconomic challenges remain. Further research is needed to validate these models in real‐world setting.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction
Postoperative mometasone irrigations improve quality of life in skull base tumor patients
Authors: Salmon Mandy K. , Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Eide Jacob G. , Sweis Auddie M. , Davin Kathleen , Prasad Aman , Ungerer Heather , Stevens Elizabeth , Ig‐Izevbekhai Kevin , Tripathi Siddhant , Locke Tran B. , Lin Theodore , Sweis Brian M. , Kohanski Michael A. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The use of topical corticosteroids to manage postoperative sinonasal symptoms after endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) has not been well studied. We quantified long‐term impact of postoperative steroid irrigations (SIs) on quality of life of patients after ESBS.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients at the University of Pennsylvania undergoing ESBS from 2010 to 2019. Data on patient demographics and postoperative treatment with nasal saline irrigation twice daily with and without dissolved steroids (mometasone or budesonide) was collected. Preoperative, and 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month postoperative Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores were assessed.

Results

A total of 727 patients were assessed (53.4% males), with 479 patients in the no SI group and 248 patients in the SI group. Preoperative SNOT‐22 scores did not differ significantly (P = 0.19). 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month post‐op SNOT‐22 scores did not significantly differ between groups. However, mometasone irrigations resulted in significantly lower postoperative 2‐year SNOT‐22 scores compared to budesonide (P < 0.01) and saline (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Though corticosteroid irrigations are routine in managing inflammatory sinus disease, their role in postoperative management after ESBS for tumors is unclear. Our findings suggest that mometasone irrigation may be effective at improving postoperative quality of life in patients after ESBS.
Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

In this chapter we exam the concept of sustainable consumption, we look at how consumption not only drives resource consumption at home but also abroad. We examine the areas requiring the most action. While the actions that consumers can take to reduce their consumption of resources may seem on the face of it trivial, putting them into practice is no simple task. This leads us to briefly discuss what can be done to encourage people to make more sustainable choices through choice architechture and cost transparency.
The Future of Sustainable Business: The Circular Economy
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

To meet environmental targets, it will be central that we use existing materials more efficiently. Accordingly, the future of sustainable business will be closely linked to our ability to build a circular economy. Companies today usually work with linear business models that assume that goods are disposed of by consumers after use and thus become waste. In contrast, the idea of a circular economy is to maximize the benefits of everything that already exists. In this Chapter, we introduce the concept of circular economy and explain why it is relevant for future ecological and economic development.
On low rank 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SCFTs
Authors: Li Bohan , Xie Dan , Yan Wenbin
Published: May 2023

Abstract

There are two major ways of constructing 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal field theories (SCFTs): the first one is putting a 6d (2, 0) theory on a punctured Riemann surface (class-S theory), and the second one is putting type IIB string theory on a 3d canonical singularity. As there are interests on low rank theories, we search all the possibilities from above two constructions. Most of those theories are engineered by class-S theory with irregular singularities, and we find a universal formula for the rank of theory so that a complete search is possible. We then compute various physical quantities of those theories, such as the central charges, flavor symmetry, associated vertex operator algebra and Higgs branch, etc. One of interesting consequence of our results are the prediction of many new isomorphism of 2d vertex operator algebra.
Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous contents, related enzyme activities and organic matter fractions of litter and soil in a terra firme forest in Central Amazonia
Authors: Hoosbeek Marcel R. , Schaap Karst J. , Quesada Carlos A.
Published: May 2023

The response of lowland tropical forest on highly weathered P-limited soils to changes in atmospheric composition is likely to be regulated by P-availability from litter and soil. Our aim was to gain insight into possible mechanisms that may affect P-availability and C sequestration. We collected litter and soil samples along a transect in Central Amazonia. We examined litter and soil properties, determined C, N, and P contents and performed density fractionation to obtain organic-C, -N and -P fractions. To assess microbial demand and mineralization, we analysed C, N and P associated enzyme activities. The litter layer has an estimated turnover time of about one year or less and C, N and P contents were much smaller than in the mineral soil. Total soil C, N and P decreased with depth, while P was depleted relatively more. Most organic-C, -N and -P is stabilized by adsorption onto mineral surfaces. Non-adsorbed organic matter fractions were depleted of P. Nearly all organic-P appeared to be present in the mineral-associated fractions from where it, despite high phosphatase activities, appears not to be available for mineralization. Enzyme activities revealed that microbial C-demand in litter is higher than in soil, while P-demand was relatively high in soil and increased with depth. Hypothesized higher phosphatase activity under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations may probably not alleviate P-limitation in these terra firme forests due to the limited availability of mineralizable organic-P.
Convergence of an asynchronous block-coordinate forward-backward algorithm for convex composite optimization
Authors: Traoré Cheik , Salzo Saverio , Villa Silvia
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study the convergence properties of a randomized block-coordinate descent algorithm for the minimization of a composite convex objective function, where the block-coordinates are updated asynchronously and randomly according to an arbitrary probability distribution. We prove that the iterates generated by the algorithm form a stochastic quasi-Fejér sequence and thus converge almost surely to a minimizer of the objective function. Moreover, we prove a general sublinear rate of convergence in expectation for the function values and a linear rate of convergence in expectation under an error bound condition of Tseng type. Under the same condition strong convergence of the iterates is provided as well as their linear convergence rate.
Vinen and Superconductivity: Quantized Vortices
Authors: Forgan Edward
Published: May 2023

We outline the contributions and continuing influence that W. F. (Joe) Vinen has made to the science of superconductivity, with particular emphasis on the analogous behavior of superconductors and superfluids and the role of vortices/flux lines.
From Data to Wisdom: Biomedical Knowledge Graphs for Real-World Data Insights
Authors: Hänsel Katrin , Dudgeon Sarah N. , Cheung Kei-Hoi , Durant Thomas J. S. , Schulz Wade L.
Published: May 2023

Graph data models are an emerging approach to structure clinical and biomedical information. These models offer intriguing opportunities for novel approaches in healthcare, such as disease phenotyping, risk prediction, and personalized precision care. The combination of data and information in a graph model to create knowledge graphs has rapidly expanded in biomedical research, but the integration of real-world data from the electronic health record has been limited. To broadly apply knowledge graphs to EHR and other real-world data, a deeper understanding of how to represent these data in a standardized graph model is needed. We provide an overview of the state-of-the-art research for clinical and biomedical data integration and summarize the potential to accelerate healthcare and precision medicine research through insight generation from integrated knowledge graphs.
Contrastive counterfactual visual explanations with overdetermination
Authors: White Adam , Ngan Kwun Ho , Phelan James , Ryan Kevin , Afgeh Saman Sadeghi , Reyes-Aldasoro Constantino Carlos , Garcez Artur d’Avila
Published: May 2023

A novel explainable AI method called CLEAR Image is introduced in this paper. CLEAR Image is based on the view that a satisfactory explanation should be contrastive, counterfactual and measurable. CLEAR Image seeks to explain an image’s classification probability by contrasting the image with a representative contrast image, such as an auto-generated image obtained via adversarial learning. This produces a salient segmentation and a way of using image perturbations to calculate each segment’s importance. CLEAR Image then uses regression to determine a causal equation describing a classifier’s local input–output behaviour. Counterfactuals are also identified that are supported by the causal equation. Finally, CLEAR Image measures the fidelity of its explanation against the classifier. CLEAR Image was successfully applied to a medical imaging case study where it outperformed methods such as Grad-CAM and LIME by an average of 27% using a novel pointing game metric. CLEAR Image also identifies cases of causal overdetermination, where there are multiple segments in an image that are sufficient individually to cause the classification probability to be close to one.
Tailored elastic properties of beam-based lattice unit structures
Authors: Schwahofer Oliver , Büttner Sascha , Colin David , Drechsler Klaus
Published: May 2023

In this paper a structural optimization framework is developed to design three-dimensional periodic lattice unit cells that meets specific mechanical requirements. The work is motivated by the high design freedom of additive manufacturing technologies, which enable complex multiscale lattice structures to be printed. An optimized lattice unit cell delivers desired orthotropic elastic material properties, providing a tailored metamaterial. The design variables are the coordinates of lattice skeleton nodes defined within the three-dimensional lattice cell space, and the connectivities between them resulting a strut-skeleton. Genetic algorithm (GA) is combined with posterior particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to establish an integrated topology and shape optimization tool. For the calculation of the elastic properties of the individual lattice cells, an effective Timoshenko beam-based finite element calculation method was developed. The novelty of the work stems from its free topology optimization nature, excluding the strut diameters from the optimization variables. The method is demonstrated by four lattice cell optimization cases, where extreme orthotropic elastic properties were targeted and achieved. The tailored lattice cells represent a metamaterial, that can be used to build a structural component on the macroscopic scale, by stacking the cells periodically together, to fill the macroscopic 3D design space. This framework is a strong basis that can be extended to meet further nonlinear metamaterial requirements, such as energy absorption.
Dysregulation of genes coding for proteins involved in metabolic processes in mucopolysaccharidoses, evidenced by a transcriptomic approach
Authors: Pierzynowska Karolina , Deresz Patrycja , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Gaffke Lidia
Published: May 2023

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) caused by mutations in genes coding for enzymes responsible for degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Most types of these severe disorders are characterized by neuronopathic phenotypes. Although lysosomal accumulation of GAGs is the primary metabolic defect in MPS, secondary alterations in biochemical processes are considerable and influence the course of the disease. Early hypothesis suggested that these secondary changes might be due to lysosomal storage-mediated impairment of activities of other enzymes, and subsequent accumulation of various compounds in cells. However, recent studies indicated that expression of hundreds of genes is changed in MPS cells. Therefore, we asked whether metabolic effects observed in MPS are caused primarily by GAG-mediated inhibition of specific biochemical reactions or appear as results of dysregulation of expression of genes coding for proteins involved in metabolic processes. Transcriptomic analyses of 11 types of MPS (using RNA isolated from patient-derived fibroblasts), performed in this study, showed that a battery of the above mentioned genes is dysregulated in MPS cells. Some biochemical pathways might be especially affected by changes in expression of many genes, including GAG metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism which is especially interesting as secondary accumulation of various sphingolipids is one of the best known additional (while significantly enhancing neuropathological effects) metabolic defects in MPS. We conclude that severe metabolic disturbances, observed in MPS cells, can partially arise from changes in the expression of many genes coding for proteins involved in metabolic processes.
MiR-10a, miR-15a, let-7a, and let-7g expression as stress-relevant biomarkers to assess acute or chronic psychological stress and mental health in human capillary blood
Authors: Krammer Ulrike D. B. , Lerch Mariam L. , Haslberger Alexander G. , Hippe Berit
Published: May 2023

Background

Psychological stress, as an important cofactor in the development of many acute and chronic diseases, is crucial for general health or well-being, and improved markers are needed to distinguish situations of progressive pathological development, such as depression, anxiety, or burnout, to be recognized at an early stage. Epigenetic biomarkers play an important role in the early detection and treatment of complex diseases such as cancer, and metabolic or mental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to identify so-called miRNAs, which would be suitable as stress-related biomarkers.

Methods and Results

In this study, 173 participants (36.4% males, and 63.6% females) were interviewed about stress, stress-related diseases, lifestyle, and diet to assess their acute and chronic psychological stress status. Using qPCR analysis, 13 different miRNAs (miR-10a-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-3p, let-7a-5p, let-7g-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-877-5p) were analyzed in dried capillary blood samples. Four miRNAs were identified, miR-10a-5p, miR-15a-5p, let-7a-5p, and let-7g-5p (p < 0.05), which could be used as possible candidates for measuring pathological forms of acute or chronic stress. Let-7a-5p, let-7g-5p, and miR-15a-5p (p < 0.05) were also significantly higher in subjects with at least one stress-related disease. Further, correlations were identified between let-7a-5p and meat consumption (p < 0.05) and between miR-15a-5p and coffee consumption (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The examination of these four miRNAs as biomarkers using a minimally invasive method offers the possibility of detecting health problems at an early stage and counteracting them to maintain general and mental health.
Talking Mungee – a teacher, provider, connector, exemplar: what’s not to celebrate about the world’s largest mistletoe, Nuytsia floribunda
Authors: Lullfitz Alison , Knapp Lynette , Cummings Shandell , Woods Jessikah , Hopper Stephen D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Endemic to Noongar Country of southwestern Australia, the charismatic and much-loved mistletoe,Nuytsia floribunda(Labill.) R.Br. ex G.Don (Munjee/Moodjarin Noongar language), was the subject of a 2010 review which explored aspects of its cultural importance and botanical attributes based largely on early colonial accounts and scientific findings. Our purpose was to apply cross-cultural methods to review and update findings reported by Hopper (2010).

Methods

We have recently explored this iconic species through a collaborative Elder-led, cross-cultural process, largely through oral accounts of contemporary Merningar Noongar knowledge holders.

Results

We record previously unpublished insights relating toNuytsia floribunda, and longheld Noongar custom relating to its conservation, use and multi-faceted relationships with southwestern Australia’s First Nations peoples. We present Noongar- and Western science-derived knowledge relating to the physiology, ecology and evolution of this species.

Conclusion

The unique biology, ingenuity and physical prominence ofNuytsia floribundahas been recognised in Noongar lore for millennia. We suggest it as a valuable teacher and exemplar of prosperous survival in old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes and to this end, should be widely celebrated.
The utilisation of domestic goats in rural and peri-urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Khowa Anele Aurelia , Tsvuura Zivanai , Slotow Rob , Kraai Manqhai
Published: May 2023

Goats are a common ruminant in livestock husbandry systems in communal areas of southern Africa, but less so in peri-urban areas. While dynamics of goat farming in the former are relatively well-understood, little is known about it in peri-urban environments. We investigated the contribution of small-scale farming of goats to household livelihoods in rural and peri-urban areas in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. We used a semi-structured questionnaire survey to elicit views of 115 respondents on the contribution of goats to household income at two rural (Kokstad, Msinga) and two peri-urban (Howick, Pietermaritzburg) locations. Goats contributed to household income as a source of cash and meat in various sociocultural contexts such as at weddings, funerals and festive period gatherings (e.g. Easter and Christmas), including payment for household needs and expenses including food, school fees and medico-cultural consultations. These findings were more pronounced in rural areas, where more goats were kept than in peri-urban areas, which also had smaller herds per household. Goats were a source of cash in numerous ways including sales of their skins after slaughter and use of skins through value addition to make household craft items such as stools that could be sold for cash. None of the farmers milked their goats. Goat famers also kept cattle (52%), sheep (23%) and chickens (67%). Goat ownership appeared to be more profitable in rural areas and contributed to a lesser extent as a source of income in peri-urban areas where goats were largely kept for sale. There is potential for increased value addition of goat products to increase returns from small-scale goat farming in rural and peri-urban settings. Artefacts and cultural symbols derived from goat products are pervasive amongst Zulu people, and represent an additional avenue of research into ‘hidden’ valuation of goats.
The influence and impact of livelihood capitals on livelihood diversification strategies in developing countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Habib Nusrat , Ariyawardana Anoma , Aziz Ammar Abdul
Published: May 2023

Livelihood diversification is an essential strategy for managing economic and environmental shocks and reducing rural poverty in developing countries. This article presents a comprehensive two-part literature review on livelihood capital and livelihood diversification strategies. Firstly, it identifies the role of livelihood capital in determining livelihood diversification strategies, and secondly, it assesses the role of livelihood diversification strategies in reducing rural poverty in developing countries. Evidence suggests that human, natural, and financial capitals are the primary determining assets of livelihood diversification strategies. However, the role of social and physical capital with livelihood diversification has not widely been studied. Education, farming experience, family size, land holding size, access to formal credit, access to market, and membership in village organizations were the major influencing factors in the adoption process of livelihood diversification strategies. The contribution of livelihood diversification in poverty reduction (SDG-1) was realized through improved food security and nutrition, increased income level, sustainability of crop production, and mitigating climatic vulnerabilities. This study suggests enhanced livelihood diversification through improved access to and availability of livelihood assets is vital in reducing rural poverty in developing countries.
Prediction of prostate tumour hypoxia using pre-treatment MRI-derived radiomics: preliminary findings
Authors: Zhong Jim , Frood Russell , McWilliam Alan , Davey Angela , Shortall Jane , Swinton Martin , Hulson Oliver , West Catharine M. , Buckley David , Brown Sarah , Choudhury Ananya , Hoskin Peter , Henry Ann , Scarsbrook Andrew
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To develop a machine learning (ML) model based on radiomic features (RF) extracted from whole prostate gland magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of tumour hypoxia pre-radiotherapy.

Material and methods

Consecutive patients with high-grade prostate cancer and pre-treatment MRI treated with radiotherapy between 01/12/2007 and 1/08/2013 at two cancer centres were included. Cancers were dichotomised as normoxic or hypoxic using a biopsy-based 32-gene hypoxia signature (Ragnum signature). Prostate segmentation was performed on axial T2-weighted (T2w) sequences using RayStation (v9.1). Histogram standardisation was applied prior to RF extraction. PyRadiomics (v3.0.1) was used to extract RFs for analysis. The cohort was split 80:20 into training and test sets. Six different ML classifiers for distinguishing hypoxia were trained and tuned using five different feature selection models and fivefold cross-validation with 20 repeats. The model with the highest mean validation area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was tested on the unseen set, and AUCs were compared via DeLong test with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

195 patients were included with 97 (49.7%) having hypoxic tumours. The hypoxia prediction model with best performance was derived using ridge regression and had a test AUC of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.14). The test AUC for the clinical-only model was lower (0.57), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.35). The five selected RFs included textural and wavelet-transformed features.

Conclusion

Whole prostate MRI-radiomics has the potential to non-invasively predict tumour hypoxia prior to radiotherapy which may be helpful for individualised treatment optimisation.
Preparing prospective secondary teachers to teach mathematical reasoning and proof: the case of the role of examples in proving
Authors: Buchbinder Orly , McCrone Sharon
Published: May 2023

Mathematics teacher education programs in the United States are charged with preparing prospective secondary teachers (PSTs) to teach reasoning and proving across grade levels and mathematical topics. Although most programs require a course on proof, PSTs often perceive it as disconnected from their future classroom practice. Our design research project developed a capstone course Mathematical Reasoning and Proving for Secondary Teachers and systematically studied its effect on PSTs’ content and pedagogical knowledge specific to proof. This paper focuses on one course module—Quantification and the Role of Examples in Proving, a topic which poses persistent difficulties to students and teachers alike. The analysis suggests that after the course, PSTs’ content and pedagogical knowledge of the role of examples in proving increased. We provide evidence from multiple data sources: pre-and post-questionnaires, PSTs’ responses to the in-class activities, their lesson plans, reflections on lesson enactment, and self-report. We discuss design principles that supported PSTs’ learning and their applicability beyond the study context.
Influence of shape distortion on the precision of holes in parts fabricated by metal binder jetting
Authors: Zago M. , Lecis N. , Mariani M. , Uçak O. U. , Cristofolini I.
Published: May 2023

Metal binder jetting (MBJ) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology split into two process steps: printing and sintering. Firstly, product is built up layer-by-layer by the selective deposition of a binder agent on a powder bed. Secondly, a thermal treatment (sintering) consolidates the metal structure. MBJ is currently becoming more and more attractive on the reason of high potential scalability, cost-effective production and wide range of available material feedstocks. However, the transition towards industrial scale production is restrained by the critical control of dimensional and geometrical precision of parts after sintering operation. In fact, product geometry is affected by anisotropic dimensional change or even shape distortion. This study aims at investigating the dimensional and geometrical precision of through holes. Three sample geometries were designed, having a through hole with axis perpendicular to the building direction and located at different levels along sample height. Samples were measured by a coordinate measuring machine before and after sintering, in order to assess the shrinkage and any shape change. Results highlight the inhomogeneous volumetric and linear shrinkage of the three geometries, which is influenced by the printing position in the building plane. A macroscopic deformation of parallelepiped geometry was also evidenced, caused by the superposition of layer shifting originated on printing, and by the frictional forces between sample surface and alumina support during sintering. Such distortion significantly affects the shrinkage and form error of holes.
Covering a reduced spherical polygon by a disk
Authors: Musielak Michał
Published: May 2023

A spherical convex body R is called reduced if any convex body properly contained in R has thickness smaller than the thickness $$\Delta (R)$$

Δ
(
R
)

of R. We show that for every reduced spherical convex polygon V there exists its boundary point such that the disk of radius $$\Delta (V)$$

Δ
(
V
)

centered at this point contains V.
Variable exponent Sobolev spaces and regularity of domains-II
Authors: Górka Przemysław , Karak Nijjwal , Pons Daniel J.
Published: May 2023

We provide necessary conditions on Euclidean domains for inclusions $$W^{1,p(\cdot )}(\Omega ) \hookrightarrow L^{q(\cdot )}(\Omega ) $$

W

1
,
p
(
·
)

(
Ω
)

↪

L

q
(
·
)

(
Ω
)

of variable exponent Sobolev spaces. The conditions on the exponent $$ p(\cdot ) $$

p
(
·
)

are log-Hölder and log-log-Hölder continuity, while those on the domain $$ \Omega $$
Ω
are the measure and the log measure density conditions. Restrictions on the exponents $$ q(\cdot ) $$

q
(
·
)

and $$ p(\cdot )$$

p
(
·
)

appearing in Górka et al. (J. Geom. Anal. 310: 7304-7319, 2021) are relaxed, improving the results obtained in that work.
Responses of soil fauna community under changing environmental conditions
Authors: Kudureti Ayijiamali , Zhao Shuai , Zhakyp Dina , Tian Changyan
Published: May 2023

Soil faunas account for 23% of known animal species and play a crucial role in ecosystem processes such as mineralizing nutrients, regulating microbial community composition, forming soil aggregates, and enhancing primary productivity. However, due to global climate change, population density, community composition, and distribution patterns of soil fauna vary. Understanding the responses of soil fauna to major environmental change facilitate the conservation of biodiversity. Therefore, a review work of recent researches for analysing the effects of key environmental factors on soil fauna, such as warming, drought, food quality, and soil physical-chemical properties was studied. For most species, warming may exert a positive effect on their abundance and population development, however, it can inhibit the survival and reproduction of hibernating species. Drought leads to low soil porosity and water holding capacity, which reduces soil fauna population and changes their community composition. Drought also can reduce the coverage of flora and alter microclimate of the soil surface, which in turn indirectly reduces fauna abundance. Climate warming and elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide can reduce litter quality, which will force soil fauna to change their dietary choices (from higher-quality foods to poor quality foods) and reduce reproduction for survival. However, it is still predicted that enhanced species richness of plant (or litter) mixtures will positively affect soil fauna diversity. Habitat loss caused by the deterioration of soil physical-chemical property is primary factor affecting soil fauna. We mainly discuss the threats of increased salinity (a major factor in arid land) to soil fauna and their potential responses to anthropogenic disturbance in saline soils. The increase in soil salinity can override other factors that favour habitat specialists, leading to negative effects on soil fauna. Moreover, we find that more studies are needed to explore the responses of soil fauna in saline soils to human activities. And the relationship of important ecological processes with soil fauna density, community structure, and diversity needs to be redefined.