bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composites based on polymeric blends reinforced with TiO2 modified aramid fibers
Authors: Pelin Cristina‐Elisabeta , Sonmez Maria , Pelin George , Stefan Adriana , Stelescu Maria Daniela , Ignat Madalina , Gurau Dana , Georgescu Mihai , Nituica Mihaela
Published: March 2024

The paper presents a study on composites based on 50:50 (PP:LLPE‐g‐MA) reinforced with 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% aramid fibers unmodified/modified with TiO2, processed by melt compounding. Micronic aramid fibers were acetone washed to remove impurities and treated with Ti(IV)isopropoxide precursor via sol–gel method, adding microcellulose for TiO2 particle dimension control. Composites were hot‐pressed into 4 mm‐thick plates for sampling and 0.5 mm‐thick sheets for thermoforming. All composites were successfully thermoformed, fibers‐based samples showing improved thermoforming ability without wrinkling. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the formation of TiO2 particles on the fiber surface. Optical microscopy, SEM and FTIR analysis exhibit the fibers' strong embedment into the matrix due to physical interlocking, generating surface defect reduction. Water absorption decreased from 0.195% (control) to 0.075 and 0% for 1 TiO2 and 2 TiO2 samples, due to material compactization. Contact angles increased from 95.18° (Control) to 108° (1 TiO2) and 112.89° (2 TiO2). The highest flexural strength and modulus were exhibited by 1 TiO2 sample that increased by 44.88% and 47.6% compared to the control sample, due to higher intrinsic rigidity of fibers and TiO2 modifying surface rugosity and phase interaction. The impact strength of the control sample improved by 139% compared to PP due to brittleness reduction, 1 TiO2 by 209% compared to PP, 29% compared to the control sample. The results and excellent thermoformability recommend the materials for encapsulation of electronic/expensive parts in automotive or drone applications, offering viable, facile, rapid, and cost‐effective solutions to easily replace damaged parts.

Highlights

Aramid fibers were successfully modified using isopropoxide precursor;

Strong embedment of fibers in the polymer diminishes crack propagation/damage;

Improved impact and bending properties and water contact angle;

The composites showed a high ability to thermoform into complex shapes;

Potential to replace non‐reusable materials as encapsulation solutions.
The power of the communicative approach: An investigation of classroom practices of English teachers working in vocational high schools
Authors: Karataş Süleyman , Aksoy Barış , Göçer Orhan , At Emine , Çiftçi Saliha , Caner Mustafa
Published: March 2024

This research examines classroom methodologies aligned with the communicative approach, gauging the perspectives of English teachers working within vocational high schools (VHSs). The study, employing a qualitative case study research design, engaged 10 teachers from diverse backgrounds. The participants volunteered for the study and were selected through a maximum diversity sampling technique, a purposeful sampling method. The research methodology encompassed data collection through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Content analysis was applied to scrutinize interview data, whereas observational and document‐based findings were subjected to descriptive analysis techniques. The study revealed a prevalent utilization of teacher‐controlled activities and a predominant teacher‐centric classroom layout among teachers. Notably, a considerable proportion of in‐class time was allocated to grammar instruction, whereas comparatively lesser emphasis was placed on fostering reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills. Moreover, it was found that multiple‐choice tests and alternative assessment formats such as performance evaluations and projects were exclusively employed; using other alternative assessment approaches like observations, interviews, learning diaries, and portfolios was rare. It is also found that English instruction in VHSs heavily relies on textbooks, supplemented by the occasional integration of audiovisual materials. Overall, teachers expressed a consensus that there exists a need for enhancement in curricular frameworks, teaching aids, as well as assessment and evaluation tools within the English instruction domain.
N‐glycosylation of disease‐specific haptoglobin for the early screening of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yuan Zhonghao , Lai Zhizhen , Zhang Yixin , Zhang Jiyun , Zhou Jinyu , Li Dan , Yu Weihong , Zhou Jiang , Li Zhili
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), as one of the microvascular complications of diabetes, is a leading cause of acquired vision loss. Most DR cases are detected in the advanced stage through fundoscopy, making molecular biomarkers urgently needed for early diagnosis of DR.

Experimental design

Serum disease‐specific haptoglobin‐β (Hp‐β) chains of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 156 T2DM patients with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) were separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. After in‐gel digestion and enrichment, the intact N‐glycopeptides were detected by mass spectrometry.

Results

Fucosylation of Hp‐β was significantly increased and sialylation of Hp‐β was significantly decreased in background DR (BDR, an early‐stage DR) patients compared with non‐diabetic retinopathy patients (p < 0.05) and yielded area under curves (AUCs) of 0.801 and 0.829 in training and validation groups, respectively, which had an advantage over glycated hemoglobin A1c (AUC ≤ 0.691). Moreover, a significant increase in sialylated Hp‐β was found in severe NPDR patients compared with BDR patients and yielded an AUC of 0.828 to distinguish severe NPDR from BDR.

Conclusion

Changes in Hp‐β glycosylation are closely related to DR, and may be used for early diagnosis and screening of DR.
Proteomic changes of botulinum neurotoxin injection on muscle growth in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Yang Xubo , Tang Hongmei , He Lu , Peng Tingting , Li Jinling , Zhang Jingbo , Liu Liru , Zhou Hongyu , Chen Zhaofang , Zhao Jingyi , Zhang Yage , Zhong Mengru , Han Mingshan , Zhang Mengqing , Niu Huiran , Xu Kaishou
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the proteomic profile and specific target proteins associated with muscle growth in response to botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) treatment, in order to improve spasticity management in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Experimental design

A total of 54 participants provided 60 plasma samples for proteomic analysis. Among them, six children were sampled before and after receiving their first BoNT‐A injection. In addition, 48 unrelated children were enrolled, among whom one group had never received BoNT‐A injections and another group was sampled after their first BoNT‐A injection. Differentially expressed proteins were identified using the data‐independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry approach. Gene Ontology (GO), protein–protein interaction network, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis were conducted to explore the function and relationship among differentially expressed proteins. The expression levels of target proteins were verified by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blotting.

Results

Analysis identified significant differential expression of 90 proteins across two time points, including 48 upregulated and 42 downregulated proteins. The upregulated thioredoxin, α‐actinin‐1, and aggrecan, and the downregulated integrin beta‐1 may affect the growth of muscles affected by spasticity 3 months after BoNT‐A injection. This effect is potentially mediated through the activation or inhibition of PI3K‐Akt, focal adhesion, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton signaling pathways.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

BoNT‐A injection could lead to a disruption of protein levels and signaling pathways, a condition subsequently associated with muscle growth. This finding might aid clinicians in optimizing the management of spasticity in children with CP.
Rapid State Transfer via All‐Microwave Scheme in Transmon Qutrit
Authors: Chen Jiasong , Ma Zhuang , Xu Jianwen , Li YuNan , Zhang Tao , Lan Dong , Tan Xinsheng , Yu Yang
Published: March 2024

As a crucial component of superconducting quantum computing, the three‐energy‐level quantum system, known as qutrit, along with qutrit gates, has garnered significant attention over the past decades, which highlights the significance of accomplishing state transfers between levels in multiqutrit systems as a critical task. Herein, the coupling is constructed via the all‐microwave approach. Both the coupling strength and Alternating Current stark shift are calibrated, based on which a fast (70 ns) state transfer from to is investigated and achieved through the stimulated Raman shortcut‐to‐adiabatic passage.
Overview of reemerging mpox infection with a focus on neurological manifestations
Authors: Alissa Mohammed , Alghamdi Abdullah , Alghamdi Suad A.
Published: March 2024

Mpox, a reemerging zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential for severe clinical manifestations. While the cutaneous and systemic presentations of mpox have been well‐documented, its neurological complications have recently emerged as an area of concern. This review provides a brief overview of the neurological aspects of mpox infection, highlighting the key findings and challenges in understanding and managing these complications. Neurological manifestations in mpox patients range from mild symptoms such as headaches and dizziness to more severe conditions, including encephalitis and seizures. The pathogenesis of neurological involvement is not yet fully elucidated but is thought to involve viral dissemination to the central nervous system. This dissemination may occur through haematogenous or neuronal routes, contributing to the diverse clinical spectrum observed. Early recognition and diagnosis of neurological complications in mpox are crucial for implementing appropriate therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Adaptive finite‐time fuzzy secure control for nonlinear MASs under deception attacks
Authors: Bai Ziqi , Bi Wenshan , Sui Shuai , Tong Shaocheng , Chen C. L. Philip
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the problem of adaptive security control for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) under deception attacks is studied. This scheme aims to design a new adaptive fuzzy control scheme for each subsystem of MASs to reduce the impact of network attacks (from sensor to controller) on state signals, and proposes Nussbaum function to deal with unknown time‐varying control directions. In addition, for multi‐agent systems, a finite‐time convergent security control scheme is designed to ensure the convergence of tracking error and the boundedness of signals in the closed‐loop system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a simulation example.
Event‐triggered output feedback H∞$$ H\infty $$ control for Markovian jump networked control systems with signal quantization
Authors: Zhou Xuede , Wang Yan , Ji Zhicheng
Published: March 2024

This article studies the output feedback control problem for event‐triggered Markovian jump networked control systems with signal quantization. First, a Lyapunov–Krasovskii function is constructed, which contains time delay, upper bound of time delay and conditional transition probability information of Markovian jump systems. Second, when using the Wirtinger's inequality and the Reciprocally convex inequality to estimate the upper bound of the delay of the weak infinitesimal generator operator of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii function, the event‐triggered scheme and the signal quantization scheme are introduced. Finally, the stability criterion of the closed‐loop system of event‐triggered Markovian jump networked control systems and the design method of the output feedback controller of disturbance attenuation level are given in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by two numerical examples.
Science and Heritage Language Integrated Learning (SHLIL): Evidence of the effectiveness of an innovative science outreach program for migrant students
Authors: Schiefer Julia , Caspari Jana , Moscoso Joana A. , Catarino Ana I. , Miranda Afonso Pedro , Golle Jessika , Rebuschat Patrick
Published: March 2024

Migrant students tend to underperform in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and are less likely to pursue higher education in STEM when compared with their nonmigrant peers. Given the substantial increase in migration, this disparity has been a central concern in science education in many European countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an innovative science outreach program that brings together migrant students and STEM professionals with the same linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The program consists of one‐off workshops that follow an inquiry‐based approach and include hands‐on activities and science communication in the students' heritage language. Using surveys with adapted scales and open‐ended questions, we applied a randomized block design with waitlist control groups and repeated measures. Eighty‐three Portuguese‐speaking migrant students aged 6–17 years participated in the workshops in Germany and the United Kingdom. Results indicate that both the students and STEM professionals evaluated the program positively and that students who participated in the workshops tended to demonstrate an increase in their attainment value for science and an increase in their self‐concept of ability for the heritage language 4 weeks after the intervention when compared with students in the control condition. These effects were particularly pronounced for students with low prior motivation to study science or speak the heritage language. Our results thus show that it is possible to foster migrant students' attainment value for science and increase their self‐concept of ability regarding the heritage language through a brief science outreach intervention.
Does stress response axis activation differ between patients with autoimmune disease and healthy people?
Authors: Montero‐López Eva , Peralta‐Ramírez María Isabel , Ortego‐Centeno Norberto , Sabio José Mario , Callejas‐Rubio José Luis , Navarrete‐Navarrete Nuria , García‐Ríos M. Carmen , Santos‐Ruiz Ana
Published: March 2024

Many studies have shown that patients with autoimmune disease present a hypoactive hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, but the results are controversial. Our objective was to study differences in stress response axis activity between patients with autoimmune disease and healthy people. The study sample consisted of 97 women divided into four groups: 37 healthy women (HW), 21 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 21 with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and 18 with systemic sclerosis (SSc). After being exposed to a stress task, participants' skin conductance and salivary cortisol levels were measured in order to assess their response to psychological stress. Diurnal cortisol concentrations were assessed by measuring salivary cortisol in samples collected five times over one day. In addition, self‐administered questionnaires were used to assess psychological variables. A time × group interaction effect was found (p = 0.003) in salivary cortisol secretion in response to stressful challenge. The healthy group presented normal activation, the SS and SLE groups showed no activation, and the SSc group presented a similar activation pattern to the HW group, except at the time of recovery. Total cortisol production (AUCg) was higher in the SSc group than in the HW group (p = 0.001). Differences were also observed in the cortisol AUCg collected over one day between healthy women and patients with SLE (p = 0.004) as well as with SSc (p = 0.001): women with SLE and SSc presented higher total hormone production than healthy women. Patients with autoimmune disease present a different HPA axis response, which may contribute to the harmful effects of stress in these diseases.
Yolk‐Shell Construction of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 with Copper Substitution Microsphere as High‐Rate and Long‐Cycling Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Qingbo , Wang Yingshuai , Ou Runqing , Ding Xiangyu , Xin Yuhang , Wu Feng , Gao Hongcai
Published: March 2024

Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) is emerging as a promising cathode material for high‐voltage sodium‐ion batteries. Whereas, the inferior intrinsic electrical conductivity leading to poor rate performance and cycling stability. To address this issue, a strategy of synthesizing unique yolk‐shell structured NVPF with copper substitution via spray drying method is proposed. Besides, the synergistic modulation of both crystalline structure and interfacial properties results in significantly enhanced intrinsic and interfacial conductivity of NVPF. The optimized yolk‐shell structured cathode materials can possess a high capacity of 117.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and remains a high‐capacity retention of 91.3% after 5000 cycles. A detailed investigation of kinetic properties combined with in situ XRD technology and DFT calculations, has been implemented, particularly with regard to electron conduction and sodium ion diffusion. Consequently, the yolk‐shell structured composition of Na3V1.94Cu0.06(PO4)2F3 with nitrogen‐modified carbon coating layer shows the lowest polarization potential because of the effectively enhanced electronic conductivity and Na+ diffusion process in the bulk phase. The robust electrochemical performance suggests that developing the unique yolk‐shell structure with the collaboration of interface and bulk crystal properties is a favorable strategy to design cathode material with a high performance for sodium‐ion batteries.
VO2/MoO3 Heterojunctions Artificial Optoelectronic Synapse Devices for Near‐Infrared Optical Communication
Authors: Guo Fuhai , Liu Yunjie , Zhang Mingcong , Yu Weizhuo , Li Siqi , Zhang Bo , Hu Bing , Li Shuangshuang , Sun Ankai , Jiang Jianyu , Hao Lanzhong
Published: March 2024

Artificial optoelectronic synapses (OES) have attracted extensive attention in brain‐inspired information processing and neuromorphic computing. However, OES at near‐infrared wavelengths have rarely been reported, seriously limiting the application in modern optical communication. Herein, high‐performance near‐infrared OES devices based on VO2/MoO3 heterojunctions are presented. The textured MoO3 films are deposited on the sputtered VO2 film by using the glancing‐angle deposition technique to form a heterojunction device. Through tuning the oxygen defects in the VO2 film, the fabricated VO2/MoO3 heterojunction exhibits versatile electrical synaptic functions. Benefiting from the highly efficient light harvesting and the unique interface effect, the photonic synaptic characteristics, mainly including the short/long‐term plasticity and learning experience behavior are successfully realized at the O (1342 nm) and C (1550 nm) optical communication wavebands. Moreover, a single OES device can output messages accurately by converting light signals of the Morse code to distinct synaptic currents. More importantly, a 3 × 3 artificial OES array is constructed to demonstrate the impressive image perceiving and learning capabilities. This work not only indicates the feasibility of defect and interface engineering in modulating the synaptic plasticity of OES devices, but also provides effective strategies to develop advanced artificial neuromorphic visual systems for next‐generation optical communication systems.
Interfacial Layer Materials with a Truxene Core for Dopant‐Free NiOx‐Based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ramanujam Rajarathinam , Hsu Hsiang‐Lin , Shi Zhong‐En , Lung Chien‐Yu , Lee Chin‐Han , Wubie Gebremariam Zebene , Chen Chih‐Ping , Sun Shih‐Sheng
Published: March 2024

Nickel oxide (NiOx) is commonly used as a holetransporting material (HTM) in p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells. However, the weak chemical interaction between the NiOx and CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) interface results in poor crystallinity, ineffective hole extraction, and enhanced carrier recombination, which are the leading causes for the limited stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, two HTMs, TRUX‐D1 (N2,N7,N12‐tris(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐5,5,10,10,15,15‐hexaheptyl‐N2,N7,N12‐tris(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐10,15‐dihydro‐5H‐diindeno[1,2‐a:1′,2′‐c]fluorene‐2,7,12‐triamine) and TRUX‐D2 (5,5,10,10,15,15‐hexaheptyl‐N2,N7,N12‐tris(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐N2,N7,N12‐tris(10‐methyl‐10H‐phenothiazin‐3‐yl)‐10,15‐dihydro‐5H‐diindeno[1,2‐a:1′,2′‐c]fluorene‐2,7,12‐triamine), are designed with a rigid planar C3 symmetry truxene core integrated with electron‐donating amino groups at peripheral positions. The TRUX‐D molecules are employed as effective interfacial layer (IFL) materials between the NiOx and MAPbI3 interface. The incorporation of truxene‐based IFLs improves the quality of perovskite crystallinity, minimizes nonradiative recombination, and accelerates charge extraction which has been confirmed by various characterization techniques. As a result, the TRUX‐D1 exhibits a maximum PCE of up to 20.8% with an impressive long‐term stability. The unencapsulated device retains 98% of their initial performance following 210 days of aging in a glove box and 75.5% for the device after 80 days under ambient air condition with humidity over 40% at 25 °C.
A Highly Dispersed Cobalt Electrocatalyst with Electron‐Deficient Centers Induced by Boron toward Enhanced Adsorption and Electrocatalysis for Room‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tang Kejian , Peng Xiangqi , Zhang Ziying , Li Guohao , Wang Jie , Wang Yingxinjie , Chen Chi , Zhang Nan , Xie Xiuqiang , Wu Zhenjun
Published: March 2024

As vitally prospective candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems, room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries continue to face obstacles in practical implementation due to the severe shuttle effect of sodium polysulfides and sluggish S conversion kinetics. Herein, the study proposes a novel approach involving the design of a B, N co‐doped carbon nanotube loaded with highly dispersed and electron‐deficient cobalt (Co@BNC) as a highly conductive host for S, aiming to enhance adsorption and catalyze redox reactions. Crucially, the pivotal roles of the carbon substrate in prompting the electrocatalytic activity of Co are elucidated. The experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations both demonstrate that after B doping, stronger chemical adsorption toward polysulfides (NaPSs), lower polarization, faster S conversion kinetics, and more complete S transformation are achieved. Therefore, the as‐assembled RT‐Na/S batteries with S/Co@BNC deliver a high reversible capacity of 626 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles at 0.1 C and excellent durability (416 mAh g−1 over 600 cycles at 0.5 C). Even at 2 C, the capacity retention remains at 61.8%, exhibiting an outstanding rate performance. This work offers a systematic way to develop a novel Co electrocatalyst for RT‐Na/S batteries, which can also be effectively applied to other transition metallic electrocatalysts.
Designing Atomic Interface in Sb2S3/CdS Heterojunction for Efficient Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Yang Minji , Fan Zeyu , Du Jinyan , Feng Chao , Li Ronghua , Zhang Beibei , Pastukhova Nadiia , Valant Matjaz , Finšgar Matjaž , Mavrič Andraž , Li Yanbo
Published: March 2024

In the emerging Sb2S3‐based solar energy conversion devices, a CdS buffer layer prepared by chemical bath deposition is commonly used to improve the separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. However, the cation diffusion at the Sb2S3/CdS interface induces detrimental defects but is often overlooked. Designing a stable interface in the Sb2S3/CdS heterojunction is essential to achieve high solar energy conversion efficiency. As a proof of concept, this study reports that the modification of the Sb2S3/CdS heterojunction with an ultrathin Al2O3 interlayer effectively suppresses the interfacial defects by preventing the diffusion of Cd2+ cations into the Sb2S3 layer. As a result, a water‐splitting photocathode based on Ag:Sb2S3/Al2O3/CdS heterojunction achieves a significantly improved half‐cell solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency of 2.78% in a neutral electrolyte, as compared to 1.66% for the control Ag:Sb2S3/CdS device. This work demonstrates the importance of designing atomic interfaces and may provide a guideline for the fabrication of high‐performance stibnite‐type semiconductor‐based solar energy conversion devices.
Hybrid Cellular Nanovesicles Block PD‐L1 Signal and Repolarize M2 Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Chenchen , Pan Yuanwei , Liu Lujie , Zhang Jing , Wu Xianjia , Liu Yu , Zhao Xing‐Zhong , Rao Lang
Published: March 2024

The PD1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint blocking is a promising therapy, while immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and poor tumor penetration of therapeutic antibodies limit its efficacy. Repolarization of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) offers a potential method to ameliorate immunosuppression of TME and further boost T cell antitumor immunity. Herein, hybrid cell membrane biomimetic nanovesicles (hNVs) are developed by fusing M1 macrophage‐derived nanovesicles (M1‐NVs) and PD1‐overexpressed tumor cell‐derived nanovesicles (PD1‐NVs) to improve cancer immunotherapy. The M1‐NVs promote the transformation of M2‐like TAMs to M1‐like phenotype and further increase the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, resulting in improved immunosuppressive TME. Concurrently, the PD1‐NVs block PD1/PD‐L1 pathway, which boosts cancer immunotherapy when combined with M1‐NVs. In a breast cancer mouse model, the hNVs efficiently accumulate at the tumor site after intravenous injection and significantly inhibit the tumor growth. Mechanically, the M1 macrophages and CD8+ T lymphocytes in TME increase by twofold after the treatment, indicating effective immune activation. These results suggest the hNVs as a promising strategy to integrate TME improvement with PD1/PD‐L1 blockade for cancer immunotherapy.
MOFs and MOF‐Based Composites as Next‐Generation Materials for Wound Healing and Dressings
Authors: Bigham Ashkan , Islami Negar , Khosravi Arezoo , Zarepour Atefeh , Iravani Siavash , Zarrabi Ali
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing innovative materials and therapeutic strategies to enhance wound healing outcomes, especially for chronic wounds and antimicrobial resistance. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a promising class of materials for next‐generation wound healing and dressings. Their high surface area, pore structures, stimuli‐responsiveness, antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and potential for combination therapies make them suitable for complex wound care challenges. MOF‐based composites promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and matrix synthesis, acting as carriers for bioactive molecules and promoting tissue regeneration. They also have stimuli‐responsivity, enabling photothermal therapies for skin cancer and infections. Herein, a critical analysis of the current state of research on MOFs and MOF‐based composites for wound healing and dressings is provided, offering valuable insights into the potential applications, challenges, and future directions in this field. This literature review has targeted the multifunctionality nature of MOFs in wound‐disease therapy and healing from different aspects and discussed the most recent advancements made in the field. In this context, the potential reader will find how the MOFs contributed to this field to yield more effective, functional, and innovative dressings and how they lead to the next generation of biomaterials for skin therapy and regeneration.
Hardening of Cylindrical Bars with Water Impinging Jet Quenching Technique
Authors: Romanov Pavel , Jahedi Arvid , Carlestam Anders , Moshfegh Bahram , Norman Viktor , Peng Ru , Calmunger Mattias
Published: March 2024

Hardening of carbon steel products by austenitization and immersion in a quenching medium is a widely used heat treatment to obtain a hard and strong martensitic structure. To avoid the undesired consequences, such as residual stresses or insufficient hardening depth, the cooling rates must be accurately measured and controlled. This can be achieved using the impinging water jet quenching technique. The aim of this work is to perform hardening of four low‐alloyed 70 mm cylindrical carbon steel bars, using impinging water jet quenching technique with different jet flow rates, and to analyze its effect on thermal evolution and residual stresses. The temperature evolution during quenching experiments is recorded and used as input to a comprehensive quenching model to predict phase transformations, final hardness, and residual stresses of cylindrical bars. All four quenching experiments result in a fully hardened martensitic state. Furthermore, a decrease in jets’ flow rate, within a certain interval, results in different thermal histories and in lower compressive residual stresses on the surface. The results from quenching simulations show promising hardness, microstructure, and residual stress predictions that are validated by hardness measurements, optical microscopy, and residual stress analysis using X‐Ray diffraction method.
A validated extraction technique followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet analysis for the assay of melittin as an indicator component of honey bee venom in cosmeceutical products
Authors: Akhtari Negin , Banan Kamran , Fatahian Farnaz , Vatanpour Hossein , Rezadoost Hassan , Ghorbani‐Bidkorpeh Fatemeh
Published: March 2024

Honey bee venom (HBV) is a valuable bee product famous for its therapeutic efficacy. HBV has a complex matrix containing several compounds, of which melittin is identified as the major component and can be considered an indicator compound. According to the numerous pharmacological effects of HBV, it can be a great candidate as an efficient active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Despite the widespread analysis of crude HBV, not enough evaluations have been conducted on HBV pharmaceutical products, which is crucial in quality control procedures. Following the importance of APIs assay, we aimed to develop a feasible and valid HBV extraction method from cosmeceutical creams using precipitation techniques, and an analysis method was developed and validated based on high‐performance liquid chromatography.

The analysis was well performed with a high separation capability. The method was repeatable and accurate and exhibited a linear behavior in melittin's 0.1–1.4 mg/mL concentration range. Accordingly, the extraction method revealed a notable recovery between 86% and 104%, and a 0.007 mg/mL detection limit and 0.022 mg/mL limit of quantification were estimated, respectively.

Consequently, both extraction and analysis methods were considered valid and feasible, which may influence the quality control tests of HBV pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Experimental investigation of punching shear behavior of flat slabs supported by rectangular columns and loaded with various load patterns
Authors: Šarvaicová Simona , Borzovič Viktor , Halvonik Jaroslav
Published: March 2024

The paper presents the results of an original experimental program that was focused on punching shear behavior of flat slabs supported by rectangular columns with a column rectangularity index cmax/cmin = 1.0, 4.33, and 6.33 and slabs supported by elongated columns that were loaded by four different load patterns. Seven isolated flat slab specimens with a thickness of 200 mm were tested until their failure. An effect of the column geometry and the way of the flat slab loading on punching shear capacity of slab‐column connections were investigated. The obtained experimental results were confronted with predictions carried out with the design provisions from code of practice EC2 (2004), ACI 318‐19, and prEC2 (2021) and the original Critical Shear Crack Theory (CSCT) (2008) model developed by Muttoni. Experimental results confirmed an effect of column rectangularity on punching shear resistance when a value of shear strength ratio Vtest/Vmodel was below one in the specimens with cmax/cmin > 2. The highest punching resistance was achieved in slab specimen with loading pattern x/2y where x is an axis along the column dimension cmax. The lowest capacity was achieved with a loading pattern 9x/y where 90% of the load flew perpendicular to the axis “y” parallel with cmin. The most accurate and balanced predictions provided CSCT (2008) model.
Qi‐dan‐dihuang decoction ameliorates renal fibrosis in diabetic rats via p38MAPK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Kuang Liuyan , You Yanting , Qi Jieying , Chen Jieyu , Zhou Xinghong , Ji Shuai , Cheng Jingru , Kwan Hiu Yee , Jiang Pingping , Sun Xiaomin , Su Mengting , Wang Ming , Chen Wenxiao , Luo Ren , Zhao Xiaoshan , Zhou Lin
Published: March 2024

Context

Qi‐dan‐dihuang decoction (QDD) has been used to treat diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

Objective

This study reveals the mechanism by which QDD ameliorates DKD.

Materials and Methods

The compounds in QDD were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). Key targets and signaling pathways were screened through bioinformatics. Nondiabetic Lepr db/m mice were used as control group, while Lepr db/db mice were divided into model group, dapagliflozin group, 1% QDD‐low (QDD‐L), and 2% QDD‐high (QDD‐H) group. After 12 weeks of administration, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were detected. Kidney tissues damage and fibrosis were evaluated by pathological staining. In addition, 30 mmol/L glucose‐treated HK‐2 and NRK‐52E cells to induce DKD model. Cell activity and migration capacity as well as protein expression levels were evaluated.

Results

A total of 46 key target genes were identified. Functional enrichment analyses showed that key target genes were significantly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In addition, in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that QDD ameliorated renal fibrosis in diabetic mice by resolving inflammation and inhibiting the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the p38MAPK and AKT‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways.

Discussion and Conclusion

QDD inhibits EMT and the inflammatory response through the p38MAPK and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, thereby playing a protective role in renal fibrosis in DKD.
First report of kyphoscoliosis in the narrow‐ridged finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis): Findings from congenital and degenerative cases comparison using post‐mortem computed tomography
Authors: Yuen Adams Hei Long , Kim Sang Wha , Lee Kyunglee , Lee Young Min , Lee Sung Bin , Kim Min Ju , Poon Cherry Tsz Ching , Jung Won Joon , Jo Su Jin , Hwang Mae Hyun , Park Jae Hong , Park Dasol , Giri Sib Sankar , Seok Seung Hyeok , Park Se Chang
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Spinal deformities, including kyphoscoliosis, have been consistently documented in cetaceans. However, the majority of reported cases of kyphoscoliosis in cetaceans pertain to bottlenose dolphins, with limited information on its occurrence in narrow‐ridged finless porpoise (NFP) (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis).

Materials and methods

In November 2021, two deceased NFPs were discovered stranded on the shores of the Republic of Korea. As part of the pioneer stranded cetacean imaging programme in the Republic of Korea, both carcasses underwent post‐mortem computed tomography (PMCT), revealing congenital and degenerative traumatic kyphoscoliosis, respectively.

Results

Although kyphoscoliosis may not have directly caused the demise of these individuals, it is hypothesized that the reduced spinal range of motion and mobility associated with kyphoscoliosis may have contributed to their deaths.

Conclusion

This case report presents the first documented cases of kyphoscoliosis in two NFPs stranded in Korean waters, utilizing PMCT as an efficient methodology for assessing skeletal abnormalities in cetaceans.
Symplectic groupoids and Poisson electrodynamics
Authors: Kupriyanov Vladislav G. , Sharapov Alexey A. , Szabo Richard J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We develop a geometric approach to Poisson electrodynamics, that is, the semi-classical limit of noncommutative U(1) gauge theory. Our framework is based on an integrating symplectic groupoid for the underlying Poisson brackets, which we interpret as the classical phase space of a point particle on noncommutative spacetime. In this picture gauge fields arise as bisections of the symplectic groupoid while gauge transformations are parameterized by Lagrangian bisections. We provide a geometric construction of a gauge invariant action functional which minimally couples a dynamical charged particle to a background electromagnetic field. Our constructions are elucidated by several explicit examples, demonstrating the appearances of curved and even compact momentum spaces, the interplay between gauge transformations and spacetime diffeomorphisms, as well as emergent gravity phenomena.
T-duality/plurality of BTZ black hole metric coupled to two fermionic fields
Authors: Eghbali Ali , Hosseinpour-Sadid Meysam , Rezaei-Aghdam Adel
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We ask the question of classical super (non-)Abelian T-duality for BTZ black hole metric coupling to two fermionic fields. Our approach is based on super Poisson-Lie (PL) T-duality in the presence of spectator fields. In order to study the Abelian T-duality of the metric we dualize over the Abelian Lie supergroups of the types (1|2) and (2|2), in such a way that it is shown that both original and dual backgrounds of the models are conformally invariant up to one-loop order in the presence of field strength. Then, we study the non-Abelian T-duality of the BTZ vacuum metric coupling to two fermionic fields. The dualizing is performed on some non-Abelian Lie supergroups of the type (2|2), in such a way that we are dealing with semi-Abelian superdoubles which are non-isomorphic as Lie superalgebras in each of the models. In the non-Abelian T-duality case, it is interesting to mention that the models can be conformally invariant up to one-loop order in both cases of the absence and presence of field strength. In addition, starting from the decomposition of semi-Abelian Drinfeld superdoubles generated by some of the $$ \mathcal{C} $$
C
3 ⨁ $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
1,1 Lie superbialgebras we study the super PL T-plurality of the BTZ vacuum metric coupled to two fermionic fields. However, our findings are interesting in themselves, but at a constructive level, can prompt many new insights into supergravity and manifestly have interesting mathematical relationships with double field theory.
When the moduli space is an orbifold: spontaneous breaking of continuous non-invertible symmetries
Authors: Damia Jeremias Aguilera , Argurio Riccardo , Chaudhuri Soumyadeep
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We investigate theories of Nambu-Goldstone bosons where the spontaneously broken continuous symmetry is non-invertible. In such theories, the vacua generically parameterize an orbifold. We study in detail the simplest example of a single free scalar with shift symmetry, modded by reflection symmetry. At singular points of the vacuum manifold, we show that the spectrum of NG excitations is reduced, in particular there are no single-particle states. At the smooth points, on the other hand, single NG modes are present. We show that this is a consequence of the fact that at those points one can construct invertible operators implementing the continuous symmetry on the Hilbert space.
Confinement from distance in metric space and its relation to cosmological constant
Authors: Mohseni Amineh , Torabian Mahdi
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We argue that, in a theory of quantum gravity, the gauge coupling and the confinement scale of a gauge theory are related to distance in the space of metric configurations, and in turn to the cosmological constant. To support the argument, we compute the gauge kinetic functions in variuos supersymmetric Heterotic and type II string compactifications and show that they depend on distance. According to the swampland program, the distance between two (anti) de Sitter vacua in the space of metric configurations is proportional to the logarithm of the ratio of cosmological constants and thus the confinement scale depends on the value of the cosmological constant. In this framework, for de Sitter space, we revisit the swampland Festina Lente bound and gauge theories in the dark dimension scenario. We show that if the Festina Lente bound is realized in a de Sitter vacuum and dependence on distance is strong enough, it will be realized in vacua with higher cosmological constants. In dark dimension scenario, as the value of cosmological constant is related to the decompactifying dimension, we find that the confinement scale is indeed related to radius of dark dimension. We show that in this scenario the Festina Lente bound holds for the standard model QCD, as well as all confining gauge groups with Nc ≲ 103.
On AdS/CFT duality in the twisted sector of string theory on AdS5 × S5/ℤ2 orbifold background
Authors: Skrzypek Torben , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We consider type IIB string theory on an AdS5 × S5/ℤ2 orbifold background, which should be dual to 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal SU(N) × SU(N) gauge theory with two bi-fundamental hypermultiplets. The correlator of two chiral BPS operators from the twisted sector of this quiver CFT exhibits non-trivial dependence on the ’t Hooft coupling λ already in the planar limit. This dependence was recently determined using localisation and the expansion at large λ contains a subleading contribution proportional to ζ(3)λ−3/2. We address the question of how to reproduce this correction on the string theory side by starting with the ζ(3)α′3 term in the type IIB string effective action. We find a regular solution of type IIB supergravity which represents a resolution of the AdS5 × S5/ℤ2 orbifold and demonstrate that the relevant light twisted sector states may be identified as additional supergravity 2-form modes “wrapping” a finite 2-cycle in the resolution space. Reproducing the structure of the gauge theory result becomes more transparent in the large R-charge or BMN-like limit in which the resolved background takes a pp-wave form with the transverse space being a product of ℝ4 and the Eguchi-Hanson space.
Radiative Majorana neutrino masses in a parity solution to the strong CP problem
Authors: Hall Lawrence J. , Harigaya Keisuke , Shpilman Yogev
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The strong CP problem is solved in Parity symmetric theories, with the electroweak gauge group containing SU(2)L × SU(2)R broken by the minimal set of Higgs fields. Neutrino masses may be explained by adding the same number of gauge singlet fermions as the number of generations. The neutrino masses vanish at tree-level and are only radiatively generated, leading to larger couplings of right-handed neutrinos to Standard Model particles than with the tree-level seesaw mechanism. We compute these radiative corrections and the mixing angles between left- and right-handed neutrinos. We discuss sensitivities to these right-handed neutrinos from a variety of future experiments that search for heavy neutral leptons with masses from tens of MeV to the multi-TeV scale.
Bergung eines Fetus während einer Obduktion (der Mutter) mit einem Gewicht unter 500 g, aber einem Schwangerschaftsalter von mehr als 24 Wochen – Totgeburt oder Fehlgeburt?
Authors: Gehrels Doreen , Kölzer Sarah C. , Chabiera Peter Jan , Kettner Mattias , Verhoff Marcel A.
Published: March 2024

Im Rahmen der Obduktion des Leichnams einer angeblich im 7. Monat Schwangeren wurde ein toter Fetus geborgen. Dieser war durch Fäulnis und Madenfraß stark verändert und wog 405 g, wobei in Anbetracht des zu Verlust gegangenen Gewebes von einem Gewicht zum Zeitpunkt des Todes über 500 g auszugehen war. Die übrigen erhobenen Maße sprachen wenigstens für ein Erreichen der 26. Schwangerschaftswoche. Dennoch wurde aufgrund des Gewichts eine Einordnung als Fehlgeburt vorgenommen. Gemäß dem später, am 01.11.2018, geänderten § 31 PStV wäre eine Klassifikation als Totgeburt möglich geworden.
Demazure crystals and the Schur positivity of Catalan functions
Authors: Blasiak Jonah , Morse Jennifer , Pun Anna
Published: March 2024

Catalan functions, the graded Euler characteristics of certain vector bundles on the flag variety, are a rich class of symmetric functions which include $k$
k
-Schur functions and parabolic Hall-Littlewood polynomials. We prove that Catalan functions indexed by partition weight are the characters of $U_{q}(\widehat{\mathfrak{sl}}_{\ell })$

U
q

(

sl
ˆ

ℓ

)
-generalized Demazure crystals as studied by Lakshmibai-Littelmann-Magyar and Naoi. We obtain Schur positive formulas for these functions, settling conjectures of Chen-Haiman and Shimozono-Weyman. Our approach more generally gives key positive formulas for graded Euler characteristics of certain vector bundles on Schubert varieties by matching them to characters of generalized Demazure crystals.
Discovering new living Pinna nobilis populations in the Sea of Marmara
Authors: Karadurmuş Uğur , Benli Tacan , Sarı Mustafa
Published: March 2024

Fan mussel (Pinna nobilis) is one of the largest bivalve species in the Mediterranean Sea. The situation of the species is critical as it faces widespread mass mortality attributed to pathogens in various parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The Sea of Marmara (SoM) offers a unique environment for fan mussel populations, with some areas hosting alive populations. This study aims to explore and describe new P. nobilis populations in the SoM that are known to be not affected by mortality. An area of 28,200 m2 at 47 stations along the 105 km coastline in the southern part of the SoM was explored using underwater visual transects. A total of 544 alive fan mussels were recorded during the underwater surveys, ranging in total shell height from 11.8 to 31.4 cm. The mean density was estimated as 5.3 ind 100 m−2 although maxima of 18.8 ind 100 m−2 were recorded in some stations. These density hotspots were distributed from the shoreline to a 10 m depth range and 100 m distance from the shoreline in sandy and seagrass meadow habitats. The presence of juveniles provided evidence of successful recruitment. The distribution pattern and recorded mortalities were attributed to hydrodynamic factors and intense human activities. Potential environmental factors (low salinity and temperature) in the SoM may control or delay the possible spread of the lethal pathogens. Favorable conditions result in mussels’ resilience and survival mechanisms. The SoM offer a promising larval reservoir for the recolonization of affected areas, such as those found in the Aegean Sea, through larval exportation.