bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic remodeling under oxidative stress: Mechanisms driving tumor metastasis
Authors: Peng Peilan , Qin Siyuan , Li Lei , He Zhijun , Li Bowen , Nice Edouard C. , Zhou Li , Lei Yunlong
Published: November 2024

Tumor metastasis is a multistep, inefficient process orchestrated by diverse signaling pathways. Compared to primary tumor cells, disseminated tumor cells inevitably encounter higher oxidative stress in foreign environments. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluctuate dynamically during different metastatic stages, adding complexity to the regulation of metastatic progression. Numerous studies suggest that epigenetic remodeling, a key reversible mechanism of gene regulation, plays a critical role in responding to oxidative stress and controlling gene expression profiles that drive metastasis. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive understanding of how oxidative stress impacts metastasis through epigenetic modifications remains elusive, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, ncRNAs, and m6A modification. Epigenetic therapeutic strategies, such as DNMT inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), and miRNA mimics, have shown promise, yet challenges related to immunogenicity, specificity, and delivery also exist. Furthermore, due to limited understanding, some drugs targeting m6A modification have yet to be explored. In this review, we provided an overview of how oxidative stress influences tumor metastatic behavior, summarized the epigenetic mechanisms involved in these processes, and reviewed the latest advancements in epigenetic‐targeted therapies, which may pave the way to develop novel strategy for preventing or treating tumor metastasis.
Design of Absorptive Bandpass Filters With General Chebyshev Response Based on λ/4 Microstrip Lines
Authors: Feng Zhang‐Zhe , Ma Yi‐Hao , Liu Qi Qiang , Zhao Wen‐Sheng
Published: November 2024

In this brief, a synthesis design method is proposed for one‐port absorptive bandpass filters (BPFs) with general Chebyshev response and transmission zeros. The method is based on coupling matrix theory, enabling the derivation of normalized coupling matrix coefficients based on user‐defined parameters, including 3 dB bandwidth, in‐band reflection coefficient, and out‐of‐band rejection. Moreover, it offers design equations for designing absorptive filters using transmission lines, coupling lines, and stubs, all with a length of one‐quarter wavelength at the center frequency of the passband. To illustrate this method, a fourth‐order absorptive BPF with a general Chebyshev response and two transmission zeros is designed, fabricated, and measured. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the design method.
Open‐chest cardiac ultrasound‐mediated imaging with a vacuum coupler
Authors: Mathuria Nilesh , Vishwanath Krithik , Brero Giorgio , Fallon Blake C. , Martino Antonio , Willson Richard C. , Filgueira Carly S. , Bouchard Richard R.
Published: November 2024

Background

A fundamental obstacle for the preclinical development of ultrasound‐(US) mediated cardiac imaging remains cardiac motion, which limits interframe correlation during extended acquisition periods.

Purpose

To address this need, we present the design and implementation of a 3D‐printed vacuum coupler that stabilizes a US transducer on the epicardial surface of the heart for feasibility assessment and development of advanced, cardiac, US‐mediated imaging approaches.

Methods

The vacuum coupler was 3D printed with biocompatible resins and secured with a standard intraoperative suction aspirator. US‐mediated imaging (i.e., B‐mode and photoacoustic [PA] imaging) was performed in an open‐chest porcine model with and without the vacuum coupler. Based on inter‐frame displacement tracking and cross‐correlation (CC) coefficients, changes in frame motion and stability were compared for each imaging mode/configuration through a prolonged (∼1 min) acquisition, while the impact on PA‐based SO2 accuracy was assessed.

Results

When compared to conventional handheld imaging, stand‐off imaging, and coupler without suction, epicardial imaging with the vacuum coupler and suction applied led to a significantly reduced mean axial displacement of 0.15 mm versus 0.89, 0.49, & 0.49 mm, respectively (p‐values ≤ 8.65e‐7). Comparing the coupler without suction to that with suction applied, physiologically unrealistic SO2 estimates reduced from 1.72 to 0.81%, respectively, and lateral interframe displacement reduced from 4.58 to 2.01 mm, respectively (p‐value = 5.07e‐23). Overall, reduced cardiac tissue motion and increased interframe CC coefficient (baseline = 0.43 vs. coupler with suction = 0.80) allow for more accurate PA unmixing.

Conclusions

Epicardial US‐mediated imaging with a vacuum coupler reduces cardiac motion artifact, providing a consistent sampling of an intended region of interest (ROI) over multiple cardiac cycles. This could help facilitate the development of advanced US‐mediated imaging, which is often hindered by cardiac motion. Stable implementation of these imaging techniques could allow for intra‐operative assessments of local cardiac perfusion as well as tissue characterization.
Two New Alkaloids of the Endophytic Fungus Rhizopus oryzae From Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz
Authors: Meicen Yue , Hui Lei , Baorui Teng , Xiujuan Fu , Siwei Chen , Zan Wang , Dan Zhang , Yu Luo
Published: November 2024

Two new alkaloids, named migenomycin I (1) and II (2), along with nine known compounds (3–11), were isolated from the fungus Rhizopus oryzae from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods (MS, NMR, and CD). All compounds were isolated from Rhizopus oryzae for the first time. In addition, the antitumor activities of compounds 1 and 2 and the hypoglycemic activities of most compounds were evaluated.
MSC: A Unique Chameleon Hash‐Based Off‐Chain Storage Framework for Metaverse Applications
Authors: Xiong Chenxi , Yang Ting , Mao Gang
Published: November 2024

Blockchain has evolved into a secure and trustworthy environment for decentralized applications, offering the advantages of tamper‐resistant, while simultaneously introducing on‐chain overhead issues. The development of metaverse related smart contracts on blockchain has given rise to a compelling research inquiry concerning the secure reduction of on‐chain storage overhead. In this research, the Metaverse Off‐chain Storage Framework based on Chameleon hash (MSC), a unique framework for decentralized system based on chameleon hash, supports code or stored data updates without changing on‐chain data is presented. The index of decentralized applications' data is calculated using the Chameleon hash to ensure that the index remains unchanged during the data modification process. Simultaneously, data can be stored outside of the blockchain with proper authentication mechanisms in place. The experimental results have shown that MSC exhibits reduced on‐chain storage requirements when compared to similar frameworks. Furthermore, MSC significantly reduced overhead as compared to the direct storage of data within a smart contract.
Multidisciplinary Inpatient Community Rehabilitation Programmes for Frail Older People: A Scoping Review
Authors: McDonnell Muireann , Bell Mary , Lawler Fiona , Duffy Anita , Connolly Michael
Published: November 2024

Aim

The aim of this review was to examine the evidence on multidisciplinary inpatient community rehabilitation intervention programmes for frail older people to establish what frailty rehabilitation programmes if any have been described within the literature and to identify gaps in knowledge and outcome measures used.

Design

A scoping review was conducted.

Methods

Using the Joanna Briggs Institute approach to scoping reviews, a comprehensive literature search was conducted accessing MEDLINE via PubMed, PsychINFO (via Proquest), CINAHL Complete (via EBSCO) and the Cochrane Library and a limited search of the grey literature was undertaken.

Results

Four articles met the inclusion criteria. A heterogenous approach to geriatric rehabilitation was evident across the literature. While the reported rehabilitation interventions were aimed at frail older people, the predominant focus of frailty rehabilitation programmes were on the physical functionality of the older person with an absence or limited measurement of any psychosocial, cognitive or spiritual outcomes or aspects of quality of life.

Conclusion

This scoping review exposed the paucity of scientific evidence supporting the need for inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitative programmes for frail older people wishing to remain at home.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Timely access to inpatient integrated frailty rehabilitation programmes can improve the quality of life and reduce the likelihood of hospital admissions for frail older people who wish to remain living in their own homes. With the current dearth of published evidence available, there is a necessity to undertake further research to understand the form, content and best models of delivery for frailty rehabilitative services for clinical, policy and practice purposes.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.
Orexin concentrations and diurnal variation in the cerebrospinal fluid of intensive care unit patients undergoing aortic surgery with spinal drainage
Authors: Nishiyama Seiya , Sekine Akiko , Masuyama Tomoyuki , Nagatomo Kanae , Kanbayashi Takashi , Sanui Masamitsu
Published: November 2024

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of orexin show a cyclic diurnal variation in healthy subjects, which is diminished in patients with certain diseases. However, possible circadian variations in orexin levels in critically ill patients remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the orexin concentrations in the CSF and their diurnal variation in patients undergoing thoracic aortic aneurysm repair with lumbar intrathecal catheterization for CSF drainage after non‐neurosurgery.

Methods

Eligible patients with a lumbar intrathecal catheter placed for CSF drainage following aortic surgery at a single‐center ICU between September 2019 and February 2020 were included. Catheters were placed before anesthesia induction, and CSF was collected at the time of catheter placement, ICU admission, and daily at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 24:00 until the catheter was removed or for up to 5 days after admission to the ICU.

Results

Three patients (Patients A, B, and C) who underwent thoracic aortic aneurysm repair were included. Patients B and C received sedatives or hypnotics during the orexin measurement period. The baseline orexin levels for Patients A, B, and C were 219.9, 312.3, and 403.8 pg/mL, while the mean orexin levels were 319.4 ± 82.6, 372.4 ± 56.0, and 306.3 ± 48.3 pg/mL, respectively. For all three patients, orexin levels showed diurnal variations, but no consistent periodic changes.

Conclusion

CSF orexin concentrations for patients undergoing thoracic aortic aneurysm repair in the ICU were within the reported range compared to those of previously reported healthy subjects; however, consistent periodic diurnal variations were not observed.
The missing woodland story: Implications of 1700 years of stand‐scale change on ‘naturalness’ and managing remnant broadleaved woodlands
Authors: Everard Annabel , Schofield J. Edward , Mighall Tim , Timpany Scott , Plunkett Gill
Published: November 2024

Longer‐term perspectives—equivalent to the lifespans of long‐lived trees—are required to fully inform perceptions of ‘naturalness’ used in woodland conservation and management.

Stand‐scale dynamics of an old growth temperate woodland are reconstructed using palaeoecological data. The study site is Cambusurich Wood, Scotland, a woodland designated for conservation due to its ‘naturalness’. High temporal resolution palaeoecological records (pollen, plant macrofossils, non‐pollen palynomorphs and charcoal analyses) are used to explore long‐term human‐woodland interactions and the drivers of stand‐scale woodland dynamics.

The results demonstrate stand‐scale woodland responses to climatic changes and human‐woodland interactions (increasingly) since 220 cal. BP (1730 CE).

Periods of intense herbivore grazing and trampling altered the local vegetation composition and sediment accumulation.

Greater vegetation diversity is associated with woodland disturbance through fire and moderate grazing. Subsequent cessation of localised burning and continued (long‐term) grazing have had legacy effects on woodland composition and diversity.

Synthesis and applications: The current woodland is identified as being compositionally and structurally distinct from past woodland conditions, and its perceived ‘naturalness’ can be considered a ‘shifted baseline’, highlighting the importance of longer‐term perspectives to woodland management. Human‐woodland interactions are important in shaping modern woodlands and should not be overlooked in future management strategies as human‐induced disturbance can promote woodland diversity, resilience and valuable ecosystem characteristics.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Characterization of Biocompatible Gellan Gum Fractions for Prolonged Retention in Ocular Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Tatykhanova Gulnur S. , Tuleyeva Rysgul N. , Gizatullina Nargiz N. , Kaldybekov Daulet B. , Bardadym Yuliia V. , Aseyev Vladimir O. , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt E.
Published: November 2024

Gellan gum (GG) emerges as a promising candidate for developing polymeric carriers with extended retention on the ocular surface, aiming to enhance the efficacy of topical ocular drug delivery systems. This study undertakes the purification of commercial GG through fractional dissolution and ultrasonic treatment, producing fractions characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The intrinsic viscosity of GG samples was measured in a 0.025 M tetramethylammonium chloride solution and their molecular weights were calculated via the Mark‐Kuhn‐Houwink equation. Methodological choices regarding synthetic procedures, solvents and reagents were guided by considerations of biocompatibility, aligning with the end goal of drug delivery applications. The study further explores the mucoadhesive potential of GG fractions with varying molecular weights for ocular drug delivery, utilizing an in vitro flow‐through technique with fluorescent detection on freshly excised bovine corneal mucosa surfaces. The findings under‐score the viability of GG formulations in enhancing ocular drug retention and pave the way for future applications in topical ocular therapeutics.
Recent developments in the mechanical properties and recycling of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Kumar Amit , Dixit Saurav , Singh Subhav , Sreenivasa S. , Bains Pardeep Singh , Sharma Rohit
Published: November 2024

Fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) have become integral to various industries due to their exceptional strength‐to‐weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and versatility. Recent advancements in the properties and recycling of FRPCs reflect significant progress in performance and sustainability. This paper reviews the latest developments in FRPC technology, highlighting innovations in material formulation, including advancements in fiber types, matrix materials, and hybrid composites that enhance mechanical properties. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the modification of matrices by incorporating graphene, which aims to improve the chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking between fiber and matrix. Additionally, it addresses recent breakthroughs in recycling technologies, focusing on methods such as chemical recycling, mechanical recycling, and developing eco‐friendly matrices. Integrating these advancements aims to improve the lifecycle management of FRPCs, reduce environmental impact, and support the transition towards a circular economy. This review underscores the balance between enhancing composite performance and promoting sustainable practices, paving the way for more environmentally responsible applications of FRPCs.

Highlights

The different types of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have been thoroughly reviewed.

How does graphene affect the mechanical behavior of fiber composite laminates?

Provide a systematic correlation and comparison between fabrication methods, materials, and properties.

The recycling methods for fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have been deliberated.
Introducing Antifouling Properties Onto Janus‐Like Decellularized Corneas via Graft‐From Zwitterionic Polymers
Authors: Wu Simin , Han Jiandong , Guo Xiukai , Rao Zilong , Zhang Kexin , Quan Daping , Bai Ying
Published: November 2024

The lack of endothelial layer hinders the use of decellularized corneal stroma in keratoplasty, resulting in adverse effects, such as non‐specific protein adsorption and corneal oedema after implantation, which leads to rapid failure of the ophthalmic implants. In this study, superhydrophilic poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) was gently introduced to the porcine‐derived decellularized corneal stroma matrix (pDCSM), aiming to resist undesirable biofilm adsorption within the ocular environment. After complete decellularization, the pDCSM was first methacrylated by the integration of methacrylic anhydride. Consecutively, PMPC was only grafted from the back surface (endothelium side) of the methacrylated pDCSM through surface‐initiated free radical polymerization. This one‐side surface‐modified pDCSM not only retained good optical transmittance and mechanical properties that were comparable to the untreated pDCSM, but both surfaces of the same artificial cornea also showed non‐cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. Moreover, the PMPC‐grafted back surface exhibited considerable antifouling properties that resisted both protein and cell adhesion. Consequently, such Janus‐like artificial cornea holds great promise in future ophthalmic applications, which may serve as a springboard for the design of versatile decellularized extracellular matrix based biomedical implants with Janus‐like properties.
Comparison of Swollen vs. Compounded Cross‐linked High‐Cis‐1,4‐Polybutadiene/n‐Tetracosane Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Basak Sayan , Cavicchi Kevin A.
Published: November 2024

Blending elastomers with phase change materials offers a modular approach to fabricating smart materials, such as shape memory polymers. This study compares shape memory polymers prepared by peroxide cross‐linking a blend of polybutadiene and n‐tetracosane (compounded samples) versus swelling peroxide cross‐linked polybutadiene in n‐tetracosane (swollen samples). Characterization of the thermal, thermomechanical, and shape memory behavior of the two types of samples show very similar behavior as a function of polybutadiene content. The sample with ca. 30% polybutadiene displayed shape memory metrics of ~90% fixity and ~99% recovery at 25% applied strain. The main difference in the samples was the change in fixity and recovery with cycling where they were heated and cooled using water baths. The compounded samples exhibited a 1.4% decrease in fixity, 0.2% decrease in recovery, and 2.25% weight loss over 20 cycles. In contrast, the swollen samples have a 4.2% decrease in fixity, 0.4% decrease in recovery, and 5.63% weight loss over 20 cycles. This weight loss was attributed to the expulsion of the n‐tetracosane that experienced a higher driving force in the swollen sample with stretched chains. The cyclic and long‐term aging of these polymers is different depending on the preparation method to incorporate the n‐tetracosane into the material.
Determining the optimal time window to detect emerald ash borer damage for effective management
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhang Xudong , Yu Linfeng , Qi Ruohan , Ren Lili , Luo Youqing
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive pest of global concern. Accurate detection of EAB is crucial for effective management. Traditional field surveys fail to meet large‐scale monitoring requirements. Remote sensing methods offer a potential solution, but the phenological decline of ash trees may obscure the remote sensing features for detecting EAB. Therefore, determining the timing of leaf abscission caused by EAB before phenology is crucial for effective detection. We collected time‐series data of Leaf Area Index (LAI), leaf sizes, and hyperspectral images of damaged ash trees throughout the growing season to determine the optimal detecting time window for EAB detection using field surveys or remote sensing techniques.

RESULTS

Significant differences in LAI and leaf size were observed throughout the growing season among ash trees with different EAB infestation degrees, providing a basis for small‐scale field surveys. However, in May and June, the hyperspectral reflectance showed no variation. The difference began to appear in July and became apparent from August to October. By October, severely EAB‐infested ash trees had almost completely defoliated. Machine learning classification results showed that accuracies after July were higher than before July. After July, the highest classification accuracy reached 100%, while the highest accuracy before July was only 88.57%.

CONCLUSIONS

Selecting the optimal monitoring time significantly enhanced detection accuracy. The optimal period for field surveys is from May to November, whereas for remote sensing it is from August to October. Identifying the optimal months enables us to achieve more efficient decision‐making and management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on Bandgap of Two‐Dimensional Square Lattice Acoustic Metamaterial with Multiembedded Cores
Authors: Jiang Shuang , Li Yujun , Dong Junyan
Published: November 2024

Acoustic metamaterials have been widely studied for their excellent ability of vibration isolation. In this article, a 2D square lattice acoustic metamaterial structure with multiembedded cores is proposed. Based on Bloch's theorem and finite element method, the band structures and bandgap properties of the structure are calculated and analyzed, and the vibration isolation ability of the structure is investigated. The effects of structural parameters on the bandgap property are analyzed. Thus, the anisotropy of the structure is also analyzed by the contours of phased velocity and group velocity. The results show that the structure has significant bandgap properties and vibration isolation. The second‐order similarity ratio has significant effects on the bandgap property. Via increasing the second‐order similarity ratio, the total bandgap width and low‐frequency bandgap width are widened. In addition, the structure has significant anisotropy, and the energy of elastic wave propagates at the direction of 45° and 135°. The research in this article supplements the design and research of 2D lattice acoustic metamaterials and makes a beneficial exploration for future engineering applications.
Improved DeTraC Binary Coyote Net‐Based Multiple Instance Learning for Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis of Breast Cancer From Whole‐Slide Pathological Images
Authors: Ramkumar M. , Sarath Kumar R. , Padmapriya R. , Balu Mahandiran S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Early detection of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer is vital for improving treatment outcomes and prognosis.

Methods

This study introduces an Improved Decompose, Transfer, and Compose Binary Coyote Net‐based Multiple Instance Learning (ImDeTraC‐BCNet‐MIL) method for predicting lymph node metastasis from Whole Slide Images (WSIs) using multiple instance learning. The method involves segmenting WSIs into patches using Otsu and double‐dimensional clustering techniques. The developed multiple instance learning approach introduces a paradigm into computational pathology by shaping pathological data and constructing features. ImDeTraC‐BCNet‐MIL was utilised for feature generation during both training and testing to differentiate lymph node metastasis in WSIs.

Results

The proposed model achieves the highest accuracy of 95.3% and 99.8%, precision values of 98% and 99.8%, and recall rates of 92.9% and 99.8% on the Camelyon16 and Camelyon17 datasets.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the effectiveness of ImDeTraC‐BCNet‐MIL in enhancing the early detection of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.
Renewable realities: Charting a greener course for the world's high‐emitting nations through information technology insights
Authors: Ranthilake Tharulee , Caldera Yuganthi , Senevirathna Dilshani , Gunawardana Heshan , Jayathilaka Ruwan , Peter Suren
Published: November 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most abundant gas among all greenhouse gas emissions, severely impacting global warming. This study examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), population dynamics, Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (PGDP), and Renewable Energy Consumption (REC) on CO₂ on a global scale, representing 38 countries selected using the Pareto principle. Results from the panel regression model indicate a significantly positive relationship between ICT, PGDP, and population on CO₂ emissions. In contrast, REC exhibits a negative relationship. The Multiple Linear Regression model shows that an increase in PGDP leads to higher CO₂ emissions, except in Uzbekistan. ICT increases emissions in the United States, Argentina, Australia, Canada, and Egypt. Population growth raises emissions, except in the United States, France, Germany, and Russia. REC reduces CO₂ emissions in most countries. Policymakers in individual countries can gain a precise understanding of how these variables impact CO₂ emissions, enabling them to mitigate the risks associated with global warming.
Microplastics in global rivers: Sustainable practices
Authors: Guo Yutong , Ayeri Tolga , van Puijenbroek Peter , Strokal Maryna
Published: November 2024

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for implementing sustainable practices by 2030, but their effects on microplastic pollution over time are limited. Here, we aimed to understand better the effects of improved centralized‐sanitation and reduced production and consumption on point‐source inputs of microplastics into rivers from 2010 to 2100 with a 10‐year time step for 10,226 sub‐basins globally. We developed scenarios with sustainable practices and implemented them into the MARINA‐Plastics model. Our baseline scenario followed the “middle‐of‐the‐road” socioeconomic pathway, where global microplastics (MIPs) in rivers will almost triple by 2100. European and Asian rivers were major MIP pollution hotspots in the past whereas Africa will join them in the future. Better centralized‐sanitation may reduce MIPs in rivers globally in the long‐term by 2100, while controlled waste generation may reduce MIPs in rivers in the short‐term by 2030. Our insights could guide policymaking in implementing SDG 6 and 12. We argue that combined sustainable practices could reduce MIP in global rivers in the short‐ and long‐term.
Underlying Mechanism of Electrolyte Compositional Engineering Based on Additive Solvation‐Structure Governing Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Min A , Jang Ho Yeon , Lee Jeongin , Byun Jooeun , Jung Yunchae , Song Jun Ho , Yu Ji‐Sang , Song Hyun‐Kon , Hwang Chihyun , Back Seoin , Kim Hyun‐seung
Published: November 2024

Substantial efforts are dedicated to optimizing the additive dosage in the electrolyte and studying its effect on solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). This study reveals that the decomposition characteristics of the additive based on its lithium‐ion solvation nature significantly contribute to controlling SEI formation. During SEI formation, the strong lithium‐ion solvating additive spontaneously migrates to the negative electrode due to negative charge accumulation on the surface, and SEI reinforcement is feasible by increasing the additive dosage. In contrast, population‐based SEI formation occurs with a weaker solvating additive, so dosage‐dependent modification of the SEI is not effective. These findings demonstrate that compositional electrolyte engineering based on the solvation properties of the additive can be more effective than empirical and experimental studies based on trial and error.
Investigating the Effect of Carbon Nanotubes Decorated SmVO4‐MoS2 Nanocomposite for Energy Storage Enhancement via VARTM‐Fabricated Solid‐State Structural Supercapacitors Using Woven Carbon Fiber
Authors: Shoeb Mohd , Mashkoor Fouzia , Jeong Hongjun , Khan Mohammad Naved , Jeong Changyoon
Published: November 2024

Traditional supercapacitors are cumbersome and need separate enclosures, which add weight and reduce space efficiency. In contrast, structural supercapacitors combine energy storage with load‐bearing materials, optimizing space and weight for automotive and aerospace applications. This study investigates the synthesis of SmVO4‐MoS2 and SmVO4‐MoS2‐CNT nanocomposites, focusing on optimizing CNT concentration in SmVO4‐MoS2‐CNT for high‐performance supercapacitors. The optimal concentration of SmVO4‐MoS2‐CNT is identified and used to fabricate structural supercapacitor devices via the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. The results indicate that the specific capacitance of Sm‐Mo‐C5, using a three‐electrode system, reached 1.01 F cm−2 at a current density of 2.187 mA cm−2. The performance improvement is attributed to the synergistic interaction among SmVO4, MoS2, and CNTs, collectively enhancing conductivity and active site availability. The practical application of this study is demonstrated by synthesizing Sm‐Mo‐C5 on woven carbon fiber (WCF) and subsequently fabricating a structural supercapacitor device (SSD) using the VARTM. The SSD, produced via VARTM, exhibited a specific capacitance of 0.287 F cm−2 at a current density of 2 A cm−2. The device showcased exceptional cyclic stability, maintaining 72.5% of its initial capacitance after 50,000 charge‐discharge cycles. Additionally, it achieved a maximum energy density of 79.86 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1017.69 W kg−1.
Bio‐Inspired Core–Shell Structured Electrode Particles with Protective Mechanisms for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Song Zelai , Dong Taowen , Chen Siyan , Gao Zhenhai
Published: November 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), as predominant energy storage devices, are applied to electric vehicles, which is an effective way to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the major obstructions to their applications are two dilemmas: enhanced cyclic life and thermal stability. Taking advantage of bio‐inspired core–shell structures to optimize the self‐protective mechanisms of the mercantile electrode particles, LIBs can improve electrochemical performance and thermal stability simultaneously. The favorable core–shell structures suppress volume expansion to stabilize electrode–electrolyte interfaces (EEIs), mitigate direct contact between the electrode material and electrolyte, and promote electrical connectivity. They possess wide operating temperatures, high‐voltage resistance, and inhibit short circuits. During cycling, the cathode and anode generate a cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) and a solid–electrolyte interface (SEI), respectively. Applying multitudinous coating approaches can generate multifarious bio‐inspired core–shell structured electrode particles, which is helpful for the generation of the EEIs, self‐healing the surface cracks, and maintaining the structural integrities of electrodes. The protected shells act as barriers to minimize unwanted side reactions and enhance thermal stability. These in‐depth understandings of the bio‐inspired evolution for electrode particles can inspire further enhancements in LIB lifetime and thermal safety, especially for bio‐inspired core–shell structured electrodes possessing high‐performance protective mechanisms.
Nucleation‐Controlled Doping of II–VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals Mediated by Magic‐Sized Clusters
Authors: Ji Seunghyun , Abbas Hafiz Ghulam , Kim Seo Young , Lee Hyo Cheol , Lee Kyunghoon , Li Shi , Choe Seungho , Ahn Hyungju , Ringe Stefan , Yang Jiwoong
Published: November 2024

Doping quantum‐confined semiconductor nanocrystals offers an effective way to tailor their unique properties. However, the inherent challenges of nanoscale doping processes, such as the low probability of successful doping, have hindered their practical applications. Nucleation‐controlled doping has emerged as a potential solution, but a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of this process is lacking. Herein, the nucleation‐controlled doping process facilitated by magic‐sized cluster intermediates is elucidated. This approach enables the synthesis of 2D ZnSe quantum nanoribbons with two distinct doping sites. Remarkably, the identity of the dopants plays a critical role in determining the chemical pathways of nucleation‐controlled doping. Substitutional doping of magic‐sized clusters with Mn2+ ions leads to successful substitutional doping of the final 2D nanocrystals. Conversely, Co2+ ions, initially occupying substitutional positions in the magic‐sized cluster intermediates, relocate to alternative sites, such as interstitial sites, in the final nanocrystals. First‐principle calculations of dopant formation energies support these experimental findings, demonstrating the thermodynamic favorability of specific dopant site preferences. Moreover, a consistent tendency is observed in CdSe nanocrystals, suggesting that the proposed doping mechanism is generally applicable to II–VI semiconductors. This study will advance the controlled synthesis of various doped semiconductor nanocrystals using nucleation‐controlled doping processes.
Mechanisms to support changeability during sustainment: Modularity, excess, and operations
Authors: Singh Aditya , Szajnfarber Zoe
Published: November 2024

Complex engineered systems face protracted design cycles and indefinite lifetimes, leading to discrepancies between expected and actual operating conditions. The field of design for changeability has focused on developing strategies to cope with these discrepancies. Literature has implicitly assumed that future changes can be predicted by system designers, but this assumption does not match observed reality. Often, systems must be modified in unexpected ways to maintain value, limiting the usefulness of standard change mechanisms. To understand how unexpected changes are implemented in practice, we studied the C‐130, a setting where one platform performed many missions, and close air support in Desert Storm, a setting where many platforms performed one mission. Through this examination, we find that excess and operator change are key mechanisms for changeability that have been largely ignored by literature. Excess can enable additions to systems without having to remove or swap subsystems out. It is also a critical enabler of modular changes during the operational phase. Operator changes are non‐form changes driven by system users who change how their systems are used to gain new capabilities rather than relying on changes to the form of the system. This paper also studies the relationship between these mechanisms to shed light on how changeability is achieved in practice, building the foundation for future work to study tradeoffs of implementing valuable excess during design.
Instructor recommendations for student learning strategies and metacognition: An analysis of undergraduate biology syllabi
Authors: Ewell Sharday N. , Harvey Alayna , Clark Amanda , Maloney Megan E. , Stevison Laurie S. , Ballen Cissy J.
Published: November 2024

An inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities for marginalized students (i.e., opportunity gaps) leads to challenges in identifying effective study behaviors, metacognition, and academic help‐seeking in higher education. While students benefit when these skills are taught explicitly through co‐curricular workshops and courses, these interventions often require significant time investment from faculty and students, underscoring a need for alternative interventions that provide students with access to resources related to these skills. Course syllabi are one potential resource that can address these needs, and we asked to what extent biology syllabi are used for this purpose. We collected a national sample of introductory biology syllabi and used content analysis to determine if syllabi are learner‐centered and whether they incorporate information on study behaviors, metacognition, and academic help‐seeking. We found that most syllabi are not learner‐centered, encourage ineffective study behaviors, did not include metacognition recommendations, and include incomplete academic help‐seeking recommendations. We make several recommendations on how to incorporate complete, accurate information regarding study behaviors, metacognition, and academic help‐seeking.
Communication skills influence horse owners’ trust in their equine veterinarians
Authors: Rutherford David J. , England Jade T.
Published: November 2024

Background

Trust is an essential component of the relationship between veterinarians and horse owners. To what extent do horse owners consider their vets to be trustworthy, what aspects are important to horse owners when evaluating their vet's trustworthiness and how can equine vets become more trusted?

Methods

Using an anonymous online survey, we asked horse owners whether they consider their veterinarians to be credible, reliable, empathetic and self‐orientated, and therefore trustworthy compared with other professionals. Which of their equine vet's characteristics and behaviours influence how credible, reliable, empathetic and self‐orientated, and therefore trustworthy, they appear? Credibility, reliability, empathy and self‐orientation scores for equine veterinarians, human medical general practitioners (GPs), hairdressers/barbers and dentists were compared using a Kruskal‒Wallis H‐test and post hoc Dunn's test and then combined to create a trustworthiness rating. The importance of various characteristics and behaviours displayed by equine vets when horse owners assess how credible, reliable, empathetic and self‐orientated they appear was investigated using quantitative scoring and thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 415 horse owners completed the survey. Overall, respondents considered equine veterinarians to be significantly more credible, reliable and empathetic than GPs, hairdressers/barbers and dentists. Using the trust equation, equine veterinarians had the highest trustworthiness rating (8.33), followed by hairdressers/barbers and dentists (5.5) and then GPs (4.75).

Limitations

Only the views of a small subset of horse owners are represented. As such, the findings may not be representative of horse owners more generally.

Conclusions

Veterinarians' communication skills influence clients' perceptions of their credibility, reliability, empathy and self‐orientation. Additionally, equine veterinarians should develop their clinical skills and knowledge to increase credibility. Meanwhile, perceptions of reliability, empathy and self‐orientation can be improved by continuity of care, demonstrating a clear interest in the patient and avoiding rushed consultations, respectively.
Deer: an underappreciated reservoir of bovine TB?
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: November 2024

Josh Loeb discusses how Britain's wild deer population – standing at around three million – could be playing an active role in spreading bovine TB.
Dendrochronology and Bayesian Radiocarbon Modelling at the Early Neolithic Site of La Draga (Banyoles, NE Spain)
Authors: López-Bultó Oriol , Andreaki Vasiliki , Gassmann Patrick , Barceló Joan Anton , Antolín Ferran , Palomo Antoni , Terradas Xavier , Piqué Raquel
Published: November 2024

La Draga (Banyoles, Spain) is one of the most relevant Early Neolithic site in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, among other reasons, for its excellent preservation of organic archaeological materials in waterlogged conditions. The site corresponds to a lake dwelling of the early farmers in the region. The goal of this paper is to present the current results of the dendrochronological analysis of the piles and horizontal woods and the 14C dates. In order to understand the relation of the wooden piles with the occupation phases documented, a Bayesian model has been built including the stratigraphy, dendrochronological and 14C data; moreover, a wiggle-matching of the dendrochronology and 14C dates of the piles has also been developed. The dendrochronological results show three phases of tree felling, a single main construction event and establish a minimum duration of the wooden constructions at la Draga of 27 years. Radiocarbon dating combined with dendrochronology confirms these results and dates the construction event around 5310 cal BC.
Wetland Dendrochronology: An Overview of Prehistoric Chronologies from the Southwestern Balkans
Authors: Maczkowski Andrej , Bolliger Matthias , Francuz John
Published: November 2024

In the past few decades, a number of prehistoric wetland archaeological sites have been detected in the south-central part of the BalkanPeninsula. However, only a few of them have been excavated. In this study, we discuss the characteristics of the wooden remains and selected tree-ring width chronologies from the archaeological sites of Sovjan, Ploča Mičov Grad and Dispilio. They represent the first prehistoric centennial and multi-centennial tree-ring chronologies from the region, covering various periods of the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and the Bronze Age. The dominant wood species utilised on the sites are members of the genus Quercus, but significant numbers of Juniperus and Pinus were also recovered, in addition to someotherdeciduous species. Through radiocarbon dating and wiggle-matching, we were able to anchor these floating tree-ring chronologies on the calendar scale with high temporal resolution.
Wetland Archaeology in Northern Italy: An Overview
Authors: Baioni Marco , Mangani Claudia , Micheli Roberto
Published: November 2024

Northern Italy has furnished abundant evidence of the ‘pile-dwelling phenomenon’ which is found throughout the Alpine area. Neolithic pile-dwellings are known for northern Italy starting from the Early Neolithic (Isolino di Varese). However, lake-dwelling villages were most widespread in Northern Italy between about 2000 and 1400 BC, between the Early and Middle Bronze Age, and continued in the Late Bronze Age. At a time when in other Alpine regions pile-dwellings became rarer, in a large part of northern Italian territory they became the main settlementmodel. Pile-dwelling villages spread from western Piedmont to Veneto, from Trentino to the lower Lombardy and Veneto plains, along the banks of lakes, peat bogsand river depressions. The main concentration of pile-dwellingsettlements was in the Varese lakes and around Lake Garda. In recent decades, in part thanks to the introduction of dendrochronology, our knowledge of these sites has deepened. New excavations, scientific analysis and dendrochronology have helped to increase our knowledge of these settlements.
Social Justice as Parity of Participation: Fraser’s Theory
Authors: Hargreaves Eleanore , Buchanan Denise , Quick Laura
Published: November 2024

This chapter explores Nancy Fraser’s conceptualisation of social justice as parity of participation, drawing from her political science works. We describe how parity of participation implies all people having unobstructed access to equal participation in terms of access to wealth, access to status and access to political representation. While her works concern adults in social contexts, we argue that this lens onto social justice can be usefully employed to analyse children’s experiences of schooling too. This approach is especially useful in relation to children designated as ‘lower-attainers’ because of the high risks of their marginalisation in terms of participation in many aspects of schooling. The three aspects of injustice—that is, lack of parity of participation—include, according to Fraser, maldistribution, misrecognition and misrepresentation. In this book, we emphasise the second of these and explore in depth the circumstances that exacerbate the children’s sense of misrecognition (status subordination).
Motivational Orientations: Watkins’ Theory with Ryan and Deci’s Theories
Authors: Hargreaves Eleanore , Buchanan Denise , Quick Laura
Published: November 2024

In the CLIPS project, we explored how the children were motivated at school and how their motivation influenced their engagement with learning in school, across their life-histories. Some children would respond to school-work primarily by feeling dominated by anxiety about failure in their performances; and punishments for failure. Others would focus on control structures such as school rules and control figures such as teachers who directed them to carry out their performances. These responses were likely to interfere with wholehearted engagement in school-learning because they aligned with the school-child’s sense that they had little or no power to achieve a task or initiate a change. Other children would react in an agentic way—whereby they were likely to reflect on their environment and make a conscious choice about how to respond to school-work most beneficially. The outcome for these children was likely to be whole-hearted engagement in intentional learning. Watkins (Learning, performance and improvement. Research Matters: The Research Publication of the International Network for School Improvement, 2010) has labelled this group of children as having a Learning Orientation; and the former two, the Performance Orientation. In the CLIPS study, most children had a Performance Orientation whereby they tried to get through schooling, without being punished and also without engaging intentionally with learning.
The Life-Histories
Authors: Hargreaves Eleanore , Buchanan Denise , Quick Laura
Published: November 2024

Drawing on Ryan and Deci’s (“Step by Step”: Advances in motivation science (6). Elsevier Inc.:, Cambridge, MA, 2019) Causality Orientations Theory, we divided the 23 children in the CLIPS study into three groups. Within the Performance Orientation, we categorised GROUP (A) as Impersonal Performance Orientation, allied to a weak Sense of Agency and (B) as Controlled Performance Orientation, linked to a Sense of Restricted Agency. Within the Learning Orientation, we categorised GROUP (C) as Autonomous Learning Orientation, which was associated with a strong Sense of Agency. Using child-accessible language, we asked the 23 children in the CLIPS study to choose the one of these three that best represented them. In this chapter, we present the life-histories of all the children in each of the three groups. These were constructed by pulling together and interpreting all the data we collected for each child over the four years of the CLIPS project. Twelve children selected the Impersonal Performance Orientation. Their life-histories are presented in Sect. 6A: Abe, Harriet, Fin, Zeph, Gabriella, Michael, Mark, Jack, Laurie, Louise, Sam and Salah. Seven children chose the Controlled Performance Orientation, whose life-histories are provided in Sect. 6B: Gemma, Clara, Jon, Edith, Eden, Samiya and Ellie. Finally, in Sect. 6C, we present the life-histories of the four children who selected the Learning Autonomy Orientation: Musa, Rory, Santosh and Amin.
Introduction: Cybernetic Avatar
Authors: Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: November 2024

The chapter discusses the potentially revolutionary impact of Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) as a new medium of communication, liberating individuals from physical limitations and enabling them to work more freely. Through CAs, people with disabilities and the elderly will gain new opportunities for social engagement. Moreover, we envision a more inclusive society where humans coexist with robots and AI, fostering diversity and collaboration. The chapter also explores the transformative initiatives of our JST Moonshot R&D Goal 1, and the social and ethical considerations inherent in a society in which CAs and humans are integrated.