bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and multi‐fractal dimension variation of tight sandstone by using centrifuge T2 spectral curve
Authors: Feng Shuailong , Li Mingyang , Zhang Junjian , Xu Guangwei , Vandeginste Veerle , Zhang Pengfei , Ju Wei
Published: December 2023

Pore‐fracture structure distribution heterogeneity (PFSH) affects dynamic variation of porosity‐permeability of tight sandstone reservoirs, then restricting gas production performance. A fractal model by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance technology (LF‐NMR) has been used in the quantitative characterization of PFSH. Among some literature, PFSH was studied by using a saturated T2 spectrum. However, there are few studies on fractal characteristics of T2 spectral morphology in a centrifugal state and its influence on porosity‐permeability parameters. In this paper, 30 tight sandstone samples were collected from Taiyuan Formation in Qinshui Basin. Then LF‐NMR technology was used to analyze PFSH, and sample types were divided by using T2 spectra difference under saturated and centrifugal conditions. Meanwhile, single (model 1 and 2) and multi‐fractal model are adopted to calculate fractal parameters of saturated and centrifugal T2 spectra, and then a difference in fractal parameters under different water conditions was compared. Correlation between different fractal parameters, pore structure and T2 cut‐off value are studied, and a mathematical prediction model for T2 cut‐off value by using fractal and pore structure parameters are established. The results are as follows. (1) All the samples are divided into four types A/B/C/D. For example, the type A sample is characterized by a single peak of T2 spectrum and T2 value is less than 10 ms, which indicates that this type belongs a smaller‐pore developed. Type B sample is characterized by a single peak of T2 spectrum and T2 value is10–100 ms, which indicates that this type belongs to mesopore developed. (2) In saturated state (DS), PFSH of type A sample by using model 1 and 2 is stronger than that of type B, followed by type C and D. Then the multifractal model shows that PFSH of type B sample is stronger than that of other sample types. Correlation between fractal dimension calculated by using single fractal and pore structure parameters is stronger than that of multifractal dimension. (3) T2 spectrum in centrifugal state has fractal characteristics (Di), and there are certain correlation Di with Ds. Therefore, a mathematical prediction model for T2 cut‐off value by using fractal and pore structure parameters is established. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of healthy aging and mnemonic strategies on verbal memory performance across the adult lifespan: Mediating role of posterior hippocampus
Authors: Hoang Kim Ngan , Huang Yushan , Fujiwara Esther , Malykhin Nikolai
Published: December 2023

In this study, we aimed to understand the contributions of hippocampal anteroposterior subregions (head, body, tail) and subfields (cornu ammonis 1‐3 [CA1‐3], dentate gyrus [DG], and subiculum [Sub]) and encoding strategies to the age‐related verbal memory decline. Healthy participants were administered the California Verbal Learning Test‐II to evaluate verbal memory performance and encoding strategies and underwent 4.7 T magnetic resonance imaging brain scan with subsequent hippocampal subregions and subfields manual segmentation. While total hippocampal volume was not associated with verbal memory performance, we found the volumes of the posterior hippocampus (body) and Sub showed significant effects on verbal memory performance. Additionally, the age‐related volume decline in hippocampal body volume contributed to lower use of semantic clustering, resulting in lower verbal memory performance. The effect of Sub on verbal memory was statistically independent of encoding strategies. While total CA1‐3 and DG volumes did not show direct or indirect effects on verbal memory, exploratory analyses with DG and CA1‐3 volumes within the hippocampal body subregion suggested an indirect effect of age‐related volumetric reduction on verbal memory performance through semantic clustering. As semantic clustering is sensitive to age‐related hippocampal volumetric decline but not to the direct effect of age, further investigation of mechanisms supporting semantic clustering can have implications for early detection of cognitive impairments and decline.
Nano‐silicon fertiliser increases the yield and quality of cherry radish
Authors: Xu Xinxin , Guo Yaozu , Hao Yi , Cai Zeyu , Cao Yini , Fang Wanzhen , Zhao Bangyin , Haynes Christy L. , White Jason C. , Ma Chuanxin
Published: December 2023

Although silicon‐based nanomaterials (Si‐based NMs) can promote crop yield and alleviate biotic and abiotic stress, the underlying performance mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, the effect of the root application of Si‐based NMs on the physiological responses of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was evaluated in a life cycle experiment. Root exposure to 0.1% (w/w) Si‐based NMs significantly increased total fresh weight, total chlorophyll and carotenoids by 36.0%, 14.2% and 18.7%, respectively, relative to untreated controls. The nutritional content of the edible tissue was significantly enhanced, with an increase of 23.7% in reducing sugar, 24.8% in total sugar, and 232.7% in proteins; in addition, a number of nutritional elements (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, K, Ca, and P) were increased. Si‐based NMs exposure positively altered the phytohormone network and decreased abscisic acid content, both of which promoted radish fresh weight. LC‐MS‐based metabolomic analysis shows that Si‐based NMs increased the contents of most carbohydrates (e.g., α‐D‐glucose, acetylgalactosamine, lactose, fructose, etc.) and amino acids (e.g., asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, valine, arginine, etc.), subsequently improving overall nutritional values. Overall, nanoscale Si‐based agrochemicals have significant potential as a novel strategy for the biofortification of vegetable crops in sustainable nano‐enabled agriculture.
The association of multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury to acute and long COVID‐19 outcomes
Authors: Abramoff Benjamin A. , Hentschel Claudia , Dillingham Ingram A. , Dillingham Timothy , Baraniecki‐Zwil Gwen , Williams Asha , Pezzin Liliana E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Although persons with disabilities are a high‐risk group, little is known about the association between specific disabling conditions and acute or long COVID outcomes.

Objective

To examine the severity of acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and post‐COVID outcomes among people with a preexisting diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using the TrinetX Research Database, a large representative database of medical records. COVID‐19‐positive persons with MS, SCI, or TBI (cases) were matched 1:1 on age, gender, race, ethnicity, and comorbidities to COVID‐19‐positive persons without these diagnoses (controls). The main outcomes assessed were hospitalization for acute COVID‐19, length of stay (LOS), the total number of hospitalizations, mortality, and incidence of six prevalent post‐COVID sequelae within 6 months following a COVID‐19 diagnosis.

Results

There were 388,297 laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 cases identified. Of these cases, 2204 individuals had one of the following preexisting diagnoses: 51.3% TBI, 31.4% MS, and 17.3% SCI. People with TBI, MS, and SCI were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for COVID‐19 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.46) than matched controls. There was no difference in LOS, total hospitalizations, or mortality during the 6 months following the initial COVID diagnosis. Multivariable analyses reveal that persons with TBI, MS, and SCI were more likely to experience new weakness (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.19–2.00), mobility difficulties (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.17–2.35), and cognitive dysfunction (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.38–2.33) than controls, even after controlling for the presence of these symptoms prior to their COVID infection and other risk factors. There were no differences in fatigue, pain, or dyspnea.

Conclusions

Having a history of MS, SCI or TBI was not associated with higher mortality risk from COVID‐19. However, associations between these diagnoses and postacute COVID‐19 symptoms raise concern about widening health outcome disparities for individuals with such potentially disabling conditions following COVID‐19 infection.
Arc Discharge Synthesis of Chitosan‐Mediated Copper Nanoparticles for Heterogeneous Catalysis in 4‐Nitrophenol Degradation
Authors: Ahmad Noor Azfarena , Hajibeigy Mohammad Taghi , Poor Mohsen Nabi , Kartouzian Aras , Moeini Hassan , Shameli Kamyar
Published: December 2023

Copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NPs) have garnered substantial interest in the field of nanotechnology due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties and cost‐effectiveness. However, challenges such as particle aggregation and rapid copper oxidation affect nanoscale production. This study systematically investigates the synthesis of colloidal Cu‐NPs using chitosan (Cts) as a stabilizer and reducing agent in the arc discharge system, comparing it to distilled water as a medium. Confirmation of the purity, size, and morphology of the Cu‐NPs is achieved through various physicochemical characterization methods. X‐ray diffraction patterns confirm the synthesis of highly pure face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal Cu‐NPs. UV–vis analysis reveals absorption peaks at 572–585 nm, indicating pure copper. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy shows peaks at 638 and 597 cm−1, corresponding to Cu─Cts bonds. Transmission electron microscopy images depict spherical nanoparticles ranging from 15 to 45 nm, with smaller sizes at higher Cts concentrations. The catalytic activity of Cu‐NPs in the degradation of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol is assessed, with Cu‐NPs synthesized in distilled water demonstrating superior catalytic properties compared to 0.10 wt.% Cts. This study highlights the efficacy of the arc discharge method in producing pure, uniformly sized Cu‐NPs with potential applications in catalysis.
Molecular mechanism of Fe3+ binding inhibition to Vibrio metschnikovii ferric ion‐binding protein, FbpA, by rosmarinic acid and its hydrolysate, danshensu
Authors: Lu Peng , Jiang Jinyan , Liu Chang , Okuda Suguru , Itoh Hideaki , Okamoto Ken , Suzuki Michio , Nagata Koji
Published: December 2023

Global warming has increased the growth of pathogenic Vibrio bacteria, which can cause foodborne illnesses and death. Vibrio bacteria require iron for growth and survival. They utilize a ferric ion‐binding protein (FbpA) to bind and transport Fe3+ into the cell. FbpA from Vibrio metschnikovii (Vm) is a potential target for inhibiting its growth. Rosmarinic acid (RA) can block the binding of VmFbpA to Fe3+; however, the molecular mechanism of Fe3+ binding and RA inhibition to VmFbpA is unclear. In this study, we used x‐ray crystallography to determine the Fe3+‐binding mode of VmFbpA and the mechanism of RA inhibition. The structures revealed that in the Fe3+ bound form, Fe3+ was coordinated to VmFbpA by two Tyr residues, two HCO3− ions, and two water molecules in a six‐coordinated geometry. In contrast, in the inhibitor bound form, RA was initially bound to VmFbpA following gel filtration purification, but it was hydrolyzed to danshensu (DSS), which occupied the binding site as shown in an electron density map and reverse phase chromatography (RPC) analysis. Both RA and DSS exhibited a stronger binding affinity to VmFbpA, higher Fe3+ reduction capacity, and more potent bacteriostatic effect on V. metschnikovii compared with caffeic acid (CA), another hydrolysis product of RA. These results provide insight into the mechanism of iron acquisition by V. metschnikovii and inhibition by RA and DSS. Our findings offer clues on the development of effective strategies to prevent Vibrio infections.
Probing effects of site‐specific aspartic acid isomerization on structure and stability of GB1 through chemical protein synthesis
Authors: Heath Shelby L. , Guseman Alex J. , Gronenborn Angela M. , Horne W. Seth
Published: December 2023

Chemical modifications of long‐lived proteins, such as isomerization and epimerization, have been evoked as prime triggers for protein‐damage related diseases. Deamidation of Asn residues, which results in formation of a mixture of l‐ and d‐Asp and isoAsp via an intermediate aspartyl succinimide, can result in the disruption of cellular proteostasis and toxic protein depositions. In contrast to extensive data on the biological prevalence and functional implications of aspartyl succinimide formation, much less is known about the impact of the resulting altered backbone composition on properties of individual proteins at a molecular level. Here, we report the total chemical synthesis, biophysical characterization, and NMR structural analysis of a series of variants of the B1 domain of protein G from Streptococcal bacteria (GB1) in which all possible Asp isomers as well as an aspartyl succinimide were individually incorporated at a defined position in a solvent‐exposed loop. Subtle local structural effects were observed; however, these were accompanied by notable differences in thermodynamic folded stability. Surprisingly, the noncanonical backbone connectivity of d‐isoAsp led to a variant that exhibited enhanced stability relative to the natural protein.
Structural determination and kinetic analysis of the transketolase from Vibrio vulnificus reveal unexpected cooperative behavior
Authors: Georges Rainier‐Numa , Ballut Lionel , Octobre Guillaume , Comte Arnaud , Hecquet Laurence , Charmantray Franck , Doumèche Bastien
Published: December 2023

Vibrio vulnificus (vv) is a multidrug‐resistant human bacterial pathogen whose prevalence is expected to increase over the years. Transketolases (TK), transferases catalyzing two reactions of the nonoxidative branch of the pentose‐phosphate pathway and therefore linked to several crucial metabolic pathways, are potential targets for new drugs against this pathogen. Here, the vvTK is crystallized and its structure is solved at 2.1 Å. A crown of 6 histidyl residues is observed in the active site and expected to participate in the thiamine pyrophosphate (cofactor) activation. Docking of fructose‐6‐phosphate and ferricyanide used in the activity assay, suggests that both substrates can bind vvTK simultaneously. This is confirmed by steady‐state kinetics showing a sequential mechanism, on the contrary to the natural transferase reaction which follows a substituted mechanism. Inhibition by the I38‐49 inhibitor (2‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐1‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine) reveals for the first time a cooperative behavior of a TK and docking experiments suggest a previously undescribed binding site at the interface between the pyrophosphate and pyridinium domains.
Highly Responsive Switchable Broadband DUV‐NIR Photodetector and Tunable Emitter Enabled by Uniform and Vertically Grown III–V Nanowire on Silicon Substrate for Integrated Photonics
Authors: Yu Huabin , Wang Rui , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Luo Yuanmin , Xiao Shudan , Fu Lan , Sun Haiding
Published: December 2023

Low‐dimensional semiconductor nanostructures, particularly in the form of nanowire configurations with large surface‐to‐volume‐ratio, offer intriguing optoelectronic properties for the advancement of integrated photonic technologies. Here, a bias‐controlled, superior dual‐functional broadband light detecting/emitting diode enabled by constructing the aluminum‐gallium‐nitride‐based nanowire on the silicon‐platform is reported. Strikingly, the diode exhibits a stable and high responsivity (R) of over 200 mAW−1 covering an extremely wide operation band under reverse bias conditions, ranging from deep ultraviolet (DUV: 254 nm) to near‐infrared (NIR: 1000 nm) spectrum region. While at zero bias, it still possesses superior DUV light selectivity with a high off‐rejection ratio of 106. When it comes to the operation of the light‐emitting mode under forward bias, it can achieve large spectral changes from UV to red simply by coating colloid quantum dots on the nanowires. Based on the multifunctional features of the diodes, this study further employs them in various optoelectronic systems, demonstrating outstanding applications in multicolor imaging, filterless color discrimination, and DUV/NIR visualization. Such highly responsive broadband photodetector with a tunable emitter enabled by III–V nanowire on silicon provides a new avenue toward the realization of integrated photonics and holds great promise for future applications in communication, sensing, imaging, and visualization.
Dynamic Gold Nanostructures Based on DNA Self Assembly
Authors: Kou Bo , Wang Zhichao , Mousavi Shikufa , Wang Pengfei , Ke Yonggang
Published: December 2023

The combination of DNA nanotechnology and Nano Gold (NG) plasmon has opened exciting possibilities for a new generation of functional plasmonic systems that exhibit tailored optical properties and find utility in various applications. In this review, the booming development of dynamic gold nanostructures are summarized, which are formed by DNA self‐assembly using DNA‐modified NG, DNA frameworks, and various driving forces. The utilization of bottom‐up strategies enables precise control over the assembly of reversible and dynamic aggregations, nano‐switcher structures, and robotic nanomachines capable of undergoing on‐demand, reversible structural changes that profoundly impact their properties. Benefiting from the vast design possibilities, complete addressability, and sub‐10 nm resolution, DNA duplexes, tiles, single‐stranded tiles and origami structures serve as excellent platforms for constructing diverse 3D reconfigurable plasmonic nanostructures with tailored optical properties. Leveraging the responsive nature of DNA interactions, the fabrication of dynamic assemblies of NG becomes readily achievable, and environmental stimulation can be harnessed as a driving force for the nanomotors. It is envisioned that intelligent DNA‐assembled NG nanodevices will assume increasingly important roles in the realms of biological, biomedical, and nanomechanical studies, opening a new avenue toward exploration and innovation.
Being an appreciative educator in today's world: Unknowingly and knowingly using appreciative frameworks in higher education
Authors: Gano Brian C. , Oxendine Symphony D.
Published: December 2023

The authors share their stories on how they moved from unknowingly using appreciative frameworks in their life and work in higher education to knowingly applying it as appreciative educators. They share a co‐created definition of being an appreciative educator and how appreciative inquiry can be used today in higher education.
Anchored in appreciation, motivated through Moʻolelo: The power of storytelling
Authors: Abes Katrina , Kahanu Kēhau , Nāhulu Adam Kainoa , Wāhilani Welaahilani
Published: December 2023

Looking from a strengths‐based Indigenous lens and an Appreciative Education framework, this article will discuss how components of Building a Beloved Community curriculum exercised through different areas on campus have enhanced a cultural wealth perspective.
Developing an appreciative peer mentorship curriculum in a cooperative education program
Authors: Kelly Annie , Cooper Chris , Miskovic Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Appreciative Advising is applied in the creation and delivery of an “Appreciative Mentorship” course for University of Cincinnati undergraduate peer mentors. The article explores course content, learning activities, and assignments. A former peer mentor shares examples of applying the phases when mentoring pre‐professional engineering students.
Flipping the script: A model response to student conduct using appreciative inquiry
Authors: Glassman Valerie Beth
Published: December 2023

In the traditional model of student conduct adjudication, a finding of responsibility often results in prescribed punitive and/or educational outcomes, which may not resonate with the student or evoke deeper learning. Following a student's acceptance of responsibility, the Appreciative Inquiry process provides a highly personal, forward‐thinking approach to future decision‐making and self‐authorship.
Supporting the first steps: Appreciative supervision for student affairs graduate assistants
Authors: Erck Ryan W. , Strehlow Sean
Published: December 2023

This article examines how appreciative inquiry can be a helpful tool to improve the supervision of graduate assistants in student affairs. Representing the future of the field, these emerging professionals need supervisors willing to invest in their development, a process that can be improved when approached with appreciative frameworks.
Supporting an organizational change process with appreciative inquiry
Authors: Mather Peter C.
Published: December 2023

The author describes and analyzes the application of an Appreciative Inquiry initiative in a student success unit called University College, an academic unit with approximately 60 staff members. The article addresses the decision to adopt Appreciative Inquiry as part of the change process; the introduction of AI to the staff; the enactment of the process; and analytic reflections that could assist adoption of the AI process in other contexts.
Utilizing appreciative assessment in student affairs
Authors: Doyle Heather
Published: December 2023

Utilizing an appreciative model of assessment can help foster a consistent and purposeful approach to assessment while creating a more holistic community of practice by using a collaborative and positive‐focused framework. This article will delve into practical applications of how to incorporate appreciative assessment into Student Affairs.
Rademacher Expansion of a Siegel Modular Form for $${{\mathcal {N}}}= 4$$ Counting
Authors: Cardoso Gabriel Lopes , Nampuri Suresh , Rosselló Martí
Published: December 2023

The degeneracies of 1/4 BPS states with unit torsion in heterotic string theory compactified on a six torus are given in terms of the Fourier coefficients of the reciprocal of the Igusa cusp Siegel modular form $$\Phi _{10}$$

Φ
10

of weight 10. We use the symplectic symmetries of the latter to construct a fine-grained Rademacher-type expansion which expresses these BPS degeneracies as a regularized sum over residues of the poles of $$1/\Phi _{10}$$

1
/

Φ
10

. The construction uses two distinct $$\textrm{SL}(2, {\mathbb {Z}})$$

SL
(
2
,
Z
)

subgroups of $$\textrm{Sp}(2, {\mathbb {Z}})$$

Sp
(
2
,
Z
)

which encode multiplier systems, Kloosterman sums and Eichler integrals appearing therein. Additionally, it shows how the polar data are explicitly built from the Fourier coefficients of $$1/\eta ^{24}$$

1
/

η
24

by means of a continued fraction structure.
Elevated factor XI is associated with increased risk of recurrent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a cohort study
Authors: Paszek Elżbieta , Polak Maciej , Undas Anetta
Published: December 2023

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has no identified cause in 15% of cases. Elevated factors (F) VIII and FXI have been associated with thromboembolism, but data on CVST are limited. We hypothesized that elevated plasma FVIII and FXI predispose to first and recurrent CVST. In 50 CVST survivors aged < 60 years, following anticoagulant cessation and in 50 controls, we determined plasma FVIII and FXI, along with fibrin clot properties: lysis time, permeability, maximum D-dimer (D-Dmax), and maximum rate of D-dimer increase (D-Drate). We recorded CVST recurrence during a follow-up of 58.5 (55.0–60.0) months. Plasma FVIII was 22.7% higher in CVST than in controls, with elevated FVIII > 150% in 13 (26%) vs. 4 (8%) patients, respectively (p = 0.02). Median FXI tended to be higher in CVST vs. controls (110.5 [99.0-117-0]% vs. 104.5 [97.0-116.0]%, p = 0.07), while FXI > 120% was observed more commonly in the former group (12 [24%] vs. 4 [8%], respectively, p = 0.03). Patients with FVIII > 150% were less likely to achieve complete recanalization compared with the remainder (2 [15.4%] vs. 28 [75.7%], respectively; p < 0.001). Eight patients (16%) experienced CVST recurrence. They had higher baseline FXI, but not FVIII, as compared with the remainder (125.5 [114.5–140.0]% vs. 107.5 [102.0-117.0]%, respectively, p = 0.01). Patients with FXI > 120% were four times more likely to have recurrent CVST (5 [62.5%] vs. 7 [16.7%], respectively; p = 0.01). Plasma FXI > 120% could represent a novel risk factor for first and recurrent CVST. Given advances in anti-FXI agents, CVST might be another indication for this emerging treatment.
Decoding human cytomegalovirus for the development of innovative diagnostics to detect congenital infection
Authors: Lawrence Shelley M. , Goshia Tyler , Sinha Mridu , Fraley Stephanie I. , Williams Marvin
Published: December 2023

Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of congenital infectious disease and the leading nongenetic etiology of sensorineural hearing loss. Although most infected neonates are asymptomatic at birth, congenital cytomegalovirus infection is responsible for nearly 400 infant deaths annually in the United States and may lead to significant long-term neurodevelopmental impairments in survivors. The resulting financial and social burdens of congenital cytomegalovirus infection have led many medical centers to initiate targeted testing after birth, with a growing advocacy to advance universal newborn screening. While no cures or vaccines are currently available to eliminate or prevent cytomegalovirus infection, much has been learned over the last five years regarding disease pathophysiology and viral replication cycles that may enable the development of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics. This Review will detail our current understanding of congenital cytomegalovirus infection, while focusing our discussion on routine and emerging diagnostics for viral detection, quantification, and long-term prognostication.

Impact

This review highlights our current understanding of the fetal transmission of human cytomegalovirus.

It details clinical signs and physical findings of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

This submission discusses currently available cytomegalovirus diagnostics and introduces emerging platforms that promise improved sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, viral quantification, detection of genomic antiviral resistance, and infection staging (primary, latency, reactivation, reinfection).
Depth analysis of local conformation in poly(methyl methacrylate) adsorbed onto SiOx studied by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy combined with an Ar gas cluster ion beam
Authors: Yamane Hiroyuki , Oura Masaki , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Nitta Kiyofumi , Sekizawa Oki , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Yamamoto Satoru , Tanaka Keiji , Hatsui Takaki
Published: December 2023

Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with linearly polarized soft X-rays, we investigated the local conformation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) adsorbed to a SiOx/Si(111) surface. The preedge intensity of the O K-edge XAS for PMMA, originating from the O 1s → π* transition at a C=O group in the side chain, was stronger for vertically polarized incident X-rays than for horizontally polarized ones. Conversely, the XAS intensity originating from the O 1s → σ* transition showed the opposite trend. These findings suggest that the C=O group in the side chain of PMMA exhibited preferential orientation rather than an amorphous arrangement. To gain further insights, we conducted a depth profile analysis of the local conformation of PMMA using XAS combined with an argon gas cluster ion beam (GCIB). GCIB-XAS analysis revealed that the orientation of the C=O group in the side chain of PMMA differs between the region from the SiOx interface to a distance on the order of 1 nanometer and the bulk PMMA region.
Ultrathin Fe-MOFs modified by Fe9S10 for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Shang Wenjing , Wang Binghao , Deng Xin , Tian Yiqin , Lou Yongbing , Chen Jinxi
Published: December 2023

Fe9S10/Fe-MOF/NF-2 could inherit the characteristics and improve the deficiencies of monomers. Owing to its optimal structure, the catalyst displayed low overpotentials in alkaline solution and simulated seawater.
Nycterohemeral airborne fungal and bacterial communities and health risks of potential pathogens in Shanghai
Authors: Geng Xueyun , Nie Changliang , Chen Hui , Tang Xu , Wei Min , Wang Yi , Gao Huanxiang , Li Dan , Fang Mingliang , Ju Ruiting , Li Bo , Kan Haidong , Chen Renjie , Zhao Jinzhuo , Wang Lin , Chen Jianmin
Published: December 2023

Urbanization-influenced airborne microorganisms and megacity bioaerosols have garnered particular attention due to their importance in the atmospheric environment.
Arylazo sulfones: multifaceted photochemical reagents and beyond
Authors: Chawla Ruchi , Singh Atul K. , Dutta Pradip K.
Published: December 2023

The versatile behaviour of arylazo sulfones as photochemical reagents in synthetic organic chemistry and beyond has been reviewed.
Drug delivery systems for enhanced tumour treatment by eliminating intra-tumoral bacteria
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Ma Yige , Ye Jinxin , Li Guofeng , Kang Xiaoxu , Xie Wensheng , Wang Xing
Published: December 2023

This review will provide guidelines for the “synergistic antimicrobial and antitumour” drug delivery strategy.
An efficient model‐free adaptive optimal control of continuous‐time nonlinear non‐zero‐sum games based on integral reinforcement learning with exploration
Authors: Guo Lei , Xiong Wenbo , Song Yuan , Gan Dongming
Published: December 2023

To reduce the learning time and space occupation, this study presents a novel model‐free algorithm for obtaining the Nash equilibrium solution of continuous‐time nonlinear non‐zero‐sum games. Based on the integral reinforcement learning method, a new integral HJ equation that can quickly and cooperatively determine the Nash equilibrium strategies of all players is proposed. By leveraging the neural network approximation and gradient descent method, simultaneous continuous‐time adaptive tuning laws are provided for both critic and actor neural network weights. These laws facilitate the estimation of the optimal value function and optimal policy without requiring knowledge or identification of the system's dynamics. The closed‐loop system stability and convergence of weights are guaranteed through the Lyapunov analysis. Additionally, the algorithm is enhanced to reduce the number of auxiliary NNs used in the critic. The simulation results for a two‐player non‐zero‐sum game validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Fault identification for power transformer based on dissolved gas in oil data using sparse convolutional neural networks
Authors: Liu Zhijian , He Wei , Liu Hang , Luo Linglin , Zhang Dechun , Niu Ben
Published: December 2023

This paper addressed the challenges associated with the complexity, numerous parameters, computational resource demands, and slow processing speed of transformer fault identification models based on deep learning technologies. Sparse convolutional neural network (CNN) approach is proposed for identifying faults related to dissolved gases in oil. Leveraging an improved Gramian angular field, one‐dimensional fault samples are converted into two‐dimensional feature images and data augmentation is implemented to meet the input requirements of deep learning models. Building upon visual geometry group (VGG)19 and residual networks (ResNet)50 networks for fault diagnosis, sparsity techniques are introduced through pruning, the fusion of convolution layers and batch normalization layers, and parameter quantization. Numerical experiments and performance evaluations on dissolved gas in transformer oil fault data demonstrate that the proposed method effectively reduced model complexity, minimized parameter count, conserved computational resources, and improved processing speed while maintaining a considerable level of fault identification accuracy. This made it applicable to edge computing platforms characterized by small form factors and low power consumption in the power industry.
Metasubstrate-based SH guided wave piezoelectric transducer for unidirectional beam deflection without time delay
Authors: Miao Hongchen , Du Yuehao
Published: December 2023

Focusing the energy of a guided wave along a desired direction is of great significance in structural health monitoring (SHM), since it can improve the sensitivity to defects and reduce the complexity of signal interpretations. The phased array method is the most common approach for beam deflection, which requires a high uniformity of each element and the support of expensive and complex electronics. Moreover, the mirrored wave beam cannot be avoided for a linear array, resulting in the difficulty of distinguishing the defects at the symmetric positions. In this work, a metasubstrate-based piezoelectric transducer (MSBPT) is developed for unidirectional SH0 wave (the fundamental shear horizontal wave) beam deflection under a single driving source. The proposed MSBPT is constituted by a metasubstrate and two columns of thickness-shear mode PZT wafers. The metasubstrate is designed to provide the required phase gradient for unidirectional beam deflection, so no extra time delay is needed during excitation and reception. An analytical model is proposed to guide the design of the transducer to obtain the desired wave beam. The beam deflection properties of the MSBPT are validated by finite element simulations and experiments. It is observed that the MSBPT can concentrate the energy of the generated SH0 mode only in one desired direction with a small divergence angle. Moreover, the MSBPT can also serve as a sensor that only receives the SH0 mode propagating from the deflection angle and filters out the wave energies from other incident angles. Due to the simple configuration, the proposed MSBPT will be helpful in the controllable generation and reception of SH0 mode in SHM.
Pre-existing orthorhombic embryos-induced hexagonal–orthorhombic martensitic transformation in MnNiSi1–x
(CoNiGe)
x
alloy
Authors: Zhang 张 Ting-Ting 婷婷 , Gong 龚 Yuan-Yuan 元元 , Lu 鲁 Zi-Qian 子骞 , Xu 徐 Feng 锋
Published: December 2023

The thermal–elastic martensitic transformation from high-temperature Ni2In-type hexagonal structure to low-temperature TiNiSi-type orthorhombic structure has been widely studied in MnMX (M = Ni or Co, and X = Ge or Si) alloys. However, the answer to how the orthorhombic martensite nucleates and grows within the hexagonal parent is still unclear. In this work, the hexagonal–orthorhombic martensitic transformation in a Co and Ge co-substituted MnNiSi is investigated. One can find some orthorhombic laths embedded in the hexagonal parent at a temperature above the martensitic transformation start temperature (M
s). With the the sample cooing to M
s, the laths turn broader, indicating that the martensitic transformation starts from these pre-existing orthorhombic laths. Microstructure observation suggests that these pre-existing orthorhombic laths do not originate from the hexagonal–orthorhombic martensitic transformation because of the difference between atomic occupations of doping elements in the hexagonal parent and those in the pre-existing orthorhombic laths. The phenomenological crystallographic theory and experimental investigations prove that the pre-existing orthorhombic lath and generated orthorhombic martensite have the same crystallography relationship to the hexagonal parent. Therefore, the orthorhombic martensite can take these pre-existing laths as embryos and grow up. This work implies that the martensitic transformation in MnNiSi1−x
(CoNiGe)
x
alloy is initiated by orthorhombic embryos.
On-chip ultrafast stackable dielectric laser positron accelerator
Authors: Sun 孙 Bin 斌 , He 何 Yangfan 阳帆 , Pan 潘 Chenhao 晨浩 , Fan 樊 Sijie 思劼 , Wang 王 Du 度 , Wang 王 Shaoyi 少义 , Zhao 赵 Zongqing 宗清
Published: December 2023

We present a first on-chip positron accelerator based on dielectric laser acceleration. This innovative approach significantly reduces the physical dimensions of the positron acceleration apparatus, enhancing its feasibility for diverse applications. By utilizing a stacked acceleration structure and far-infrared laser technology, we are able to achieve a seven-stage acceleration structure that surpasses the distance and energy gain of using the previous dielectric laser acceleration methods. Additionally, we are able to compress the positron beam to an ultrafast sub-femtosecond scale during the acceleration process, compared with the traditional methods, the positron beam is compressed to a greater extent. We also demonstrate the robustness of the stacked acceleration structure through the successful acceleration of the positron beam.
Creation and annihilation of artificial magnetic skyrmions with the electric field
Authors: Cheng 程 Jun 军 , Sun 孙 Liang 亮 , Zhang 张 Yike 一可 , Ji 吉 Tongzhou 同舟 , Cao 曹 Rongxing 荣幸 , Miao 缪 Bingfeng 冰锋 , Zhao 赵 Yonggang 永刚 , Ding 丁 Haifeng 海峰
Published: December 2023

Recent theory and experiments show that artificial magnetic skyrmions can be stabilized at room temperature without the need for the external magnetic field, casting strong potentials for the device applications. In this work, we study the electric field manipulation of artificial magnetic skyrmions imprinted by Co disks on CoPt multilayers utilizing the micromagnetic simulations. We find that the reversible annihilation and creation of skyrmions can be realized with the electric field via the strain mediated magnetoelastic coupling. In addition, we also demonstrate controllable manipulation of individual skyrmion, which opens a new platform for constructing magnetic field-free and low-energy dissipation skyrmion based media.
Analysis of Bright Source Hardness Ratios in the 4 yr Insight-HXMT Galactic Plane Scanning Survey Catalog
Authors: Wang Chen , Liao Jin-Yuan , Guan Ju , Liu Yuan , Li Cheng-Kui , Sai Na , Jin Jing , Zhang Shuang-Nan
Published: December 2023

We conduct a statistical analysis of the hardness ratio (HR) for bright sources in the 4 yr Galactic Plane Scanning Survey catalog of Insight-HXMT. Depending on the stable (variable) flux F
s (F
v) or spectrum S
s(S
v) of each source, the bright sources are classified into three groups: F
v&S
v, F
v&S
s, and F
s&S
s. Our study of the HR characteristics in different types of sources reveals that accretion-powered neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) exhibit softer energy spectra than NS high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs), but harder energy spectra than black hole binaries in most cases. This difference is probably due to their different magnetic field strengths. Additionally, F
v&S
v LMXBs tend to be harder than F
v&S
s LMXBs below 7 keV, while the opposite is true for HMXBs. Our results suggest that LMXBs may dominate unclassified sources, and NS binaries are likely to be the primary type of X-ray binaries with ambiguous compact stars. By comparing the HR of transient sources in their outburst and low-flux states, it is found that the averaged HR of four sources in the two states are roughly comparable within uncertainties. We also investigate the spatial properties of the three groups and find that F
v&S
v sources are mainly located in the longitude of −20° < l < 9°, F
v&S
s sources cross the Galactic Plane, and F
s&S
s sources are predominantly concentrated in 19° < l < 42°. In addition, analyzing the HR spatial distributions shows the absorption of soft X-rays (primarily below 2 keV) in the Galactic Plane.
Theoretical studies of electronic and optical characteristics in donor-π-Acceptor (D-π-A) dyes: DFT and TD-DFT methods
Authors: Numbury Surendra Babu , Khalfan Mwanahadia Salum , Vuai Said A H
Published: December 2023

This research focused on enhancing D-π-A organic dyes derived from coumarin and its derivatives, collectively referred to as D-CM-A dyes. The study aimed to improve these dyes by introducing various donors and acceptors to the coumarin structure. Six new coumarin dyes were evaluated, primarily for their potential application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance energy efficiency. The analysis involved calculating the geometry, electronic properties, and optoelectronic characteristics of the dye molecules using DFT and TD-DFT methods with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G basis set in both gas and solvent phases. The primary focus was to understand how modifications to the π-conjugated D-π-A organic dyes influenced their optoelectronic properties, including key factors such as maximum absorption wavelength (λmax), highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (ELUMO), and energy gap (Egap). Additionally, the study explored the photovoltaic properties of these dyes. The findings highlighted D4-CM-A4 as a promising candidate with the narrowest energy gap, while D1-CM-A1 and D2-CM-A2 showed superior light-harvesting efficiencies (LHE) compared to other derivatives. In conclusion, this study suggests that D1-CM-A1 and D2-CM-A2 are favourable choices for enhancing the performance of DSSCs due to their promising optoelectronic properties.
Efficient selection of a biallelic and nonchimeric gene-edited tree using Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing
Authors: Sato Ryosuke , Nanasato Yoshihiko , Takata Naoki , Nagano Soichiro , Fukatsu Eitaro , Fujino Takeshi , Yamaguchi Katushi , Moriguchi Yoshinari , Shigenobu Shuji , Suzuki Yutaka , Kasahara Masahiro , Ueno Saneyoshi
Published: December 2023

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 nuclease system is a versatile and essential biotechnological tool in the life sciences that allows efficient genome editing. When generating gene-edited trees, T0-generation plants are often used for subsequent analysis because of the time that is required to obtain the desired mutants via crossing. However, T0-generation plants exhibit various unexpected mutations, which emphasizes the need to identify mutants with expected mutation patterns. The two critical checkpoints in this process are to confirm the expected mutation patterns in both alleles and to exclude somatic chimeric plants. In this study, we generated gene-edited Cryptomeria japonica plants and established a method to determine chimerism and mutation patterns using fragment analysis and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)-based amplicon sequencing. In the first screening, fragment analysis, i.e., indel detection via amplicon analysis, was used to predict indel mutation patterns in both alleles and to discriminate somatic chimeric plants in 188 candidate mutants. In the second screening, we precisely determined the mutation patterns and chimerism in the mutants using ONT-based amplicon sequencing, where confirmation of both alleles can be achieved using allele-specific markers flanking the single guide RNA target site. In the present study, a bioinformatic analysis procedure was developed and provided for the rapid and accurate determination of DNA mutation patterns using ONT-based amplicon sequencing. As ONT amplicon sequencing has a low running cost compared with other long-read analysis methods, such as PacBio, it is a powerful tool in plant genetics and biotechnology to select gene-edited plants with expected indel patterns in the T0-generation.
Ezetimibe ameliorates cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity: A novel therapeutic approach via modulating AMPK/Nrf2/TXNIP signaling
Authors: Fathy Nevine , Farouk Shaimaa , Sayed Rabab H. , Fahim Atef Tadros
Published: December 2023

Cisplatin (Cis) is among the most powerful antineoplastic medications, nevertheless, its serious side effects; particularly nephrotoxicity designates a major concern. Previous studies reported that ezetimibe (Eze), a well‐known antihyperlipidemic drug, exerts additional trivial pharmacological effects. In this work, we displayed Eze as an intriguing protective candidate in a cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity rat model through AMPK activation. Eze (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for two weeks and Cis (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on the 10th day to induce nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Treatment with Eze greatly augmented the phosphorylation of adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the antioxidant regulator; nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), thus, mitigating oxidative injury through induction of the antioxidant enzymes, such as heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and glutathione reductase (GR). As well, Eze relieved inflammation by reducing protein expression of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), which led to a decrease in the release of caspase‐1, in addition to, the inflammatory markers IL‐18 and IL‐1 β. Besides, Eze ameliorated apoptosis in the renal cells through inhibiting the phosphorylated Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase‐1(p‐ASK1), caspase‐3 and reducing Bax/Bcl2ratio. Correspondingly, histopathological examination corroborated the previous biochemical findings. Collectively, Eze exerts significant renal protection against Cis‐induced nephrotoxicity via antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic pathways that are probably mediated, at least partly, via activating AMPK/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and conquering both TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome and TXNIP/ASK1 signaling pathways. To confirm the protective effect of Eze via AMPK‐activation, an AMPK‐inhibitor, dorsomorphin (Dors), when co‐administered with Eze abolished its protective effect.
Femoral Head Remodeling After Surgical Reduction of Developmental Hip Dislocations
Authors: Ellsworth Bridget K. , Lee Julianna Y. , Sankar Wudbhav N.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is prevalent and is associated with dysplasia of both the femoral head and acetabulum. There is a paucity of literature describing femoral head remodeling after surgical reduction of developmentally dislocated hips. The purpose of this study was to describe and quantify changes in femoral head sphericity after closed or open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients with typical developmental hip dislocations who underwent closed or open reduction from 2009 to 2022 at a single institution and had immediate postoperative and average 3-week follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. A subset of patients also had 3-year follow-up MRI scans. Patients with insufficient imaging or bony procedures at the time of reduction were excluded. We developed a technique to quantify femoral head “sphericity” by comparing differences in measured radii of the femoral head on axial and coronal plane MRI slices. We then calculated the variance of the radii for each plane and averaged these to calculate a combined variance. The variance was used to represent “sphericity,” with a larger variance indicating a wider distribution of radii and thus a less spherical shape.

Results:

A total of 74 patients (69 females) with 96 hips were included in this series. The median age of the child at the time of reduction was 8.7 months [interquartile range (IQR): 2.2]. Over half (58.3%) of the hips had a closed reduction, whereas the remaining were open reduced (41.7%). Immediately postoperatively, at the 3-week time point, and at the 3-year time point the median combined variance was 1.1 (IQR: 3.93), 0.51 (IQR: 1.32), and 0.31 (IQR: 0.50), respectively, indicating improved sphericity over time.

Conclusions:

Sphericity of the femoral head in developmental hip dislocations improves in both the immediate postoperative period, as well as the first few years after reduction. Further research is needed to evaluate the mechanism of remodeling, the ideal timing of reduction, and the relationship between femoral head and acetabular remodeling.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—case series, therapeutic study.