bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using culturally sustaining science fiction book clubs to address agency and academic and emotional literacies with Dutch neurodiverse youth
Authors: Polleck Jody N.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the experiences of 10 neurodiverse students in Amsterdam, Netherlands, who all participated within in‐class youth‐led book clubs that centered science fiction. Over a 6‐month period, the researcher conducted pre‐ and post‐interviews and analyzed these along with transcription data from 24 book club sessions. Findings reveal that book clubs, using culturally sustaining science fiction and healing‐centered facilitative practices, provide opportunities to address students' academic and emotional literacies as well as their sense of agency.
Genotoxic and neurotoxic potential of intracellular nanoplastics: A review
Authors: Casella Claudio , Ballaz Santiago J.
Published: March 2024

Plastic waste comprises polymers of different chemicals that disintegrate into nanoplastic particles (NPLs) of 1–100‐nm size, thereby littering the environment and posing a threat to wildlife and human health. Research on NPL contamination has up to now focused on the ecotoxicology effects of the pollution rather than the health risks. This review aimed to speculate about the possible properties of carcinogenic and neurotoxic NPL as pollutants. Given their low‐dimensional size and high surface size ratio, NPLs can easily penetrate biological membranes to cause functional and structural damage in cells. Once inside the cell, NPLs can interrupt the autophagy flux of cellular debris, alter proteostasis, provoke mitochondrial dysfunctions, and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Harmful metabolic and biological processes induced by NPLs include oxidative stress (OS), ROS generation, and pro‐inflammatory reactions. Depending on the cell cycle status, NPLs may direct DNA damage, tumorigenesis, and lately carcinogenesis in tissues with high self‐renewal capabilities like epithelia. In cells able to live the longest like neurons, NPLs could trigger neurodegeneration by promoting toxic proteinaceous aggregates, OS, and chronic inflammation. NPL genotoxicity and neurotoxicity are discussed based on the gathered evidence, when available, within the context of the intracellular uptake of these newcomer nanoparticles. In summary, this review explains how the risk evaluation of NPL pollution for human health may benefit from accurately monitoring NPL toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics at the intracellular resolution level.
How are irritability and anhedonia symptoms linked? A network approach
Authors: Sistiaga Sonia , Tseng Wan‐Ling , Zhang Lanting , Rossignol Mandy , Bellaert Nellia
Published: March 2024

Background

Anhedonia and irritability are two prevalent symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) that predict greater depression severity and poor outcomes, including suicidality. Although both symptoms have been proposed to result from paradoxical reward processing dysfunctions, the interactions between these symptoms remain unclear. Anhedonia is a multifaceted symptom reflecting impairments in multiple dimensions of reward processing (e.g., pleasure, desire, motivation, and effort) across distinct reward types (e.g., food, sensory experiences, social activities, hobbies) that may differentially interact with irritability. This study investigated the complex associations between anhedonia and irritability using network analysis.

Method

Participants (N = 448, Mage = 33.29, SD = 14.58) reported their symptoms of irritability on the Brief Irritability Test (Holtzman et al., 2015) and anhedonia (i.e., pleasure, desire, motivation, and effort dimensions across four reward types) on the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (Rizvi et al., 2015). A regularized Gaussian Graphical Model was built to estimate the network structure between items.

Results

Irritability was negatively related to willingness to expand effort to obtain food/drinks (estimate = −0.18), social activities (−0.13), and hobbies (−0.12) rewards. Irritability was positively associated with a desire for food/drinks (0.12).

Limitations

Only a small proportion (5.8%) of our sample was clinical and the study design was cross‐sectional.

Conclusion

A specific link between irritability and the effort dimension of the hedonic response across three reward types was identified. Investigating effort expenditure deficits with experimental paradigms may help us understand the mechanisms underlying the comorbidity between irritability and anhedonia in the context of MDD.
Unintended effects of algorithmic transparency: The mere prospect of an explanation can foster the illusion of understanding how an algorithm works
Authors: Ostinelli Massimiliano , Bonezzi Andrea , Lisjak Monika
Published: March 2024

This research shows that merely believing that one can access an explanation of how an algorithm works can foster an illusory sense of understanding the algorithm, even when people do not actually access and read the explanation. This effect occurs because the belief that one can access an explanation provides a feeling of empowerment that fosters an illusory sense of understanding. In turn, this illusory sense of understanding can yield unfounded reliance on algorithmic determinations. We further show that this effect is moderated by the target of an explanation and by the perceived utility of an explanation in enabling consumers to use an algorithm more effectively. From a theoretical standpoint, we offer a novel psychological account of illusory understanding based on empowerment. From a practical standpoint, we point to an unintended effect of algorithmic transparency: merely knowing that one can access an explanation for how an algorithm works may lull consumers into a false sense of understanding that yields unfounded reliance on algorithmic recommendations.
Patient engagement with an automated postdischarge text messaging program for improving care transitions
Authors: Fakhoury Hassan , Trochez Ricardo , Kripalani Sunil , Choma Neesha , Blessinger Emily , Nelson Lyndsay A.
Published: March 2024

Automated text messaging is a promising approach to monitor patients after hospital discharge and avert readmissions; however, it is not known to what extent patients would engage with this type of program and whether engagement may vary based on patients' characteristics. Using data from a 30‐day postdischarge texting program at a large university hospital, we examined engagement over time (operationalized as response rate to text messages) and patient characteristics associated with engagement. Of the 1324 patients in the study sample, 838 (63%) stayed in the program for the full duration. Among those retained, the median response rate was 33% (interquartile range: 11%–77%) and decreased over time. Patients who were male (p < .05), were Black/African American (p < .001), had lower health literacy (p < .01), or had not recently logged into the patient portal (p < .001), all had lower response rates. Results support closer examinations of patient engagement in hospital‐based texting programs and who is positioned to benefit.
Optimization of organogels prepared with turpentine oil and wax mixtures via response surface methodology and determination of vaporization kinetic parameters
Authors: Öğütcü Mustafa , Dincer Albayrak Elif , Toklucu Ayşegül Kırca
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The main aim of the study is to investigate the thermal, textural and vaporization behaviors of turpentine oil (representing essential oils) organogels prepared with wax mixtures (beeswax, BW; shellac wax, SHW) instead of a single wax. The second aim was to determine the optimum level of wax addition to minimize vaporization of volatiles using response surface methodology.

RESULTS

Both weighing and thermogravimetric analyses showed that when the total wax concentration increased, the vaporization was decelerated. The variation of the hardness and melting point values depended on both wax types and amounts in the mixtures. Additionally, the kinetics of the vaporization of the volatile compounds at 37 °C were evaluated, and both first‐ and second‐order reaction kinetic models fitted well for the vaporization with R2 values of 0.96–0.99. The organogelation increased the thermal stability and limited the release of volatiles. The multiple response optimization results showed that the melting point, the reaction rate constant and the weight loss of the organogels produced with 24.43% BW and 17.68% SHW were 44.40 °C, 4.00 × 10−3 day−1 and 30.02%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

As a result, essential oil organogels produced with a wax mixture instead of a single wax can provide controlled release of volatiles as well as tailored texture and melting range. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modelling tomato pericarp microstructure as force control reference for harvesting robot
Authors: Xie Weigui , Yang Jinchen , Tan Zhenhua , Guo Zhengqiang , Liu Wangyu , Luo Yuanqiang , Gou Jingren
Published: March 2024

Background

The harvest of fruit can be significantly advanced with the thriving development of intelligent and automated robot technologies. Nevertheless, the picking success rate of tomato fruit still requires improvement as some fruits are unexpectedly damaged inside, which is imperceptible by machine vision. Herein, a modelling method based on modified Voronoi algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the cellular structure of tomato pericarp.

Results

Based on the reconstructed micro‐model, the compression physical behaviour of the pericarp cells is simulated to observe internal local stress and potential damage. It is revealed that the simulation result for pericarps of tomatoes with different ripeness is highly consistent to the experimental tests, which has well validated the feasibility of this modelling and simulation method.

Conclusion

A Voronoi‐based modelling method is proposed for micro‐reconstruction of tomato pericarp, and the corresponding compression simulation results agree well with the experimental tests. Such result can be utilized as reference to improve the grasping force control for harvesting robot to avoid invisible damage induced by accident overload issue. With the predicting result, superior success rate can be achieved to enhance robot performance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evolution of volatile compounds of baked dried tofu during catalytic infrared baking process and their correlation with relevant physicochemical properties
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Ma Haile , Jiang Qunhui , Shen Chen
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Energy‐saving and low‐carbon baking processes, as well as the need to determine the flavor‐forming mechanisms of baked dried tofu, are becoming increasingly necessary. The application of emerging catalytic infrared radiation (CIR) technology in baking of dried tofu is considered of high interest due to the low energy consumption and high baking efficiency compared to traditional baking methods. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the evolution of aroma compounds in baked dried tofu during the CIR baking process and reveal relevant relationships between physical qualities, potential flavor precursors and key volatile compounds.

RESULTS

The results showed that the surface color of dried tofu gradually turned an appetizing golden yellow color during the rapid heating process, caused by the uniform infrared radiation from the radiant emitters. Meanwhile, the moisture of dried tofu experienced minimal reduction and the hardness of dried tofu gradually increased with the formation of crust on the surface. In addition, 49 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and 13 substances – 1‐hexanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 1‐pentanol, heptanal, nonanal, hexanal, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, (E,Z)‐2,4‐decadienal, octanal, (E)‐2‐octenal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, 2‐heptanone and 2‐pentylfuran – were confirmed as key aroma compounds. Moreover, the amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine, lysine and arginine, and the fatty acids butyric, caprylic, capric, tridecanoic, stearic, oleic and linolenic were responsible for the unique flavor of CIR‐baked dried tofu.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, the findings can provide a scientific basis for manufacturers to achieve precise quality control and large‐scale production of CIR‐baked dried tofu products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Divergent responses in microbial metabolic limitations and carbon use efficiency to variably sized polystyrene microplastics in soil
Authors: Li Guanlin , Tang Yi , Son Yowhan , Zhao Xiaoxun , Iqbal Babar , Khan Kiran Yasmin , Guo Ruoyu , Yin Weiqing , Zhao Xin , Du Daolin
Published: March 2024

Microplastics, considered emerging contaminants, have been accumulating excessively within soil ecosystems, conferring potentially detrimental effects with respect to soil carbon turnover and pools. As a major participant in soil carbon processes, microplastics affecting microorganisms may be one of the main agents affecting soil carbon dynamics. However, the microbial metabolism processes through which microplastics affect soil carbon dynamics remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of variously sized (1300, 800, 100, and 0.1 μm) polystyrene microplastics on soil microbial metabolism. Soil microplastics of all sizes invariably and consistently affected microbial metabolism, though nanomicroplastics (0.1 μm) stressed soil microorganisms more than micron‐microplastics. Furthermore, microplastics inhibited both microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) and respiration, the exception being the CUE in the 1300 μm microplastics treatment. As microplastic particle size decreased, the suppressive influence of microplastics on microbial respiration was gradually lost, the inhibitory effect on microbial CUE increased steadily, and the impact on microorganisms shifted from extracellular to intracellular, with intracellular microplastics exhibiting higher toxicity than extracellular microplastics. We used stoichiometric models to provide precise projections of microbial metabolism features associated with microplastic contamination, thereby enhancing the understanding of the effects of microplastic contamination on the carbon cycle and soil ecosystem.
Mixed plantation forest litter improves microbial nitrogen transformation by increasing nitrogen metabolism related genes and key bacterial taxa in northern China
Authors: Wu Di , Yin Changwei , Liu Zhili , Jin Guangze
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen (N) metabolism is a key metabolic pathway of nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. However, the mechanisms by which mixed plantation forest litter improves microbial N transformation are poorly understood. Thus, we investigated the N characteristics, N metabolism‐related genes, and key microbial modules of litter and soil in three types of forests: coniferous (CP forest), broadleaf (BP forest), and mixed forests (MCBP forest). Results indicated that the total N (TN), total hydrolysable organic N (THON), and percentage values of NH4+‐N/TN and NO3−‐N/TN in BP forest and MCBP forest litter were higher than those of CP forest litter, which was attributed to the increase in abundance of N fixation genes and dissimilatory nitrate reduction genes. The MCBP forest increased the bacterial number and diversity, and the abundance of key bacterial taxa. Bacterial key modules 1 and 2 were identified, consisting of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, Proteobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes, while archaeal module 5 was also a key module, comprising Thaumarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. Nutrients were the limiting factor of key microbial modules   in the decomposition of litter, further influencing N metabolism‐related genes and enzymes. Therefore, mixed plantation forests increased microbial N fixation and transformation during litter decomposition in northern China.
Insight into the pitting corrosion behavior of laser‐welded R60702 zirconium alloy in chloride electrolyte
Authors: Ren Lina , Wang Dayuan , Qi Liang , Ye Mengyuan , Miao Zhuang , Zhang Qunbing , Zhang Jianxun , Lei Xiaowei
Published: March 2024

This work aims to analyze the passivation and pitting corrosion behaviors of laser beam welded R60702 zirconium alloy in neutral and acidic chloride‐containing electrolytes. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements are carried out to investigate the electrochemical performance of the welding joint. Scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and three‐dimensional profile digital microscope are utilized to reveal the microstructures and corrosion morphologies. The electrochemical results show that the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) and weld zone have nearly equal corrosion performance, and both of them are more corrosion‐resistant than the base metal. The corrosion morphologies suggest that the HAZ has the lowest sensitivity to pitting corrosion. Moreover, it is unraveled that, in chloride‐containing electrolytes, the quantity and distribution of Zr(Fe,Cr)2 particle phases are the main factors that determine the different corrosion performances of the welding joint.
Synthesis and Properties of Vinyl Ether and Acrylonitrile Copolymers
Authors: Wang Guochen , Guo Shanshan , Xu Weiping , Chen Dong , Song Changtong , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: March 2024

The radical copolymerizations of vinyl ethers, including ethylene glycol monovinyl ether (HEVE) and isobutyl vinyl ether (IBVE), and acrylonitrile (AN) are investigated. The reactivity ratios of comonomers are evaluated by Fineman–Ross (rHEVE = 0.032 and rAN = 1.054, and rIBVE = 0.031 and rAN = 13.984) and Kelen–Tudos (rHEVE = 0.001 and rAN = 1.036, and rIBVE = 0.032 and rAN = 13.981) methods, respectively. The conversions of HEVE and IBVE under similar conditions also support that HEVE has a higher reactivity than that of IBVE. A series of poly(HEVE‐co‐AN)s (Mn from 56 000 to 110 000) and poly(IBVE‐co‐AN)s (Mn from 52 000 to 97 000) with random sequential structure are prepared. Furthermore, the glass transitional temperatures of poly(vinyl ether‐co‐AN)s decrease with the increase of vinyl ether units in the copolymers. Thermal stability of poly(vinyl ether‐co‐AN)s is comparable, which is slightly affected by vinyl ether contents. Poly(HEVE‐co‐AN)s possess a two‐stage weight loss (one around 230 °C, and the other around 300 °C), and poly(IBVE‐co‐AN)s decompose at around 350 °C with one stage. In addition, the poly(HEVE‐co‐AN)s demonstrate a good hydrophilicity of which the average of static water contact angles decrease from 85.4° to 62.4° with the HEVE units increased from 8% to 33%.
Understanding the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance genes mediated by IS26
Authors: Tang Na , Wei Dawei , Zeng Yuan , Zhang Gang , Wang Chao , Feng Jie , Song Yuqin
Published: March 2024

Insertion sequences (ISs) promote the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) across bacterial populations. However, their contributions and dynamics during the transmission of resistance remain unclear. In this study, we selected IS26 as a representative transposable element to decipher the relationship between ISs and ARGs and to investigate their transfer features and transmission trends. We retrieved 2656 
translocatable 
IS26
‐bounded 
units with 
ARGs (tIS26‐bUs‐ARGs) in complete bacterial genomes from the NCBI RefSeq database. In total, 124 ARGs spanning 12 classes of antibiotics were detected, and the average contribution rate of IS26 to these genes was 41.2%. We found that 
IS26
‐bounded 
units (IS26‐bUs) mediated extensive ARG dissemination within the bacteria of the Gammaproteobacteria class, showing strong transfer potential between strains, species, and even phyla. The IS26‐bUs expanded in bacterial populations over time, and their temporal expansion trend was significantly correlated with antibiotic usage. This wide dissemination could be due to the nonspecific target site preference of IS26. Finally, we experimentally confirmed that the introduction of a single copy of IS26 could lead to the formation of a composite transposon mediating the transmission of “passenger” genes. These observations extend our knowledge of the IS26 and provide new insights into the mediating role of ISs in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
Role of autoreactive Tc17 cells in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Peng Yong , Zhang Xiuli , Tang Yandan , He Shunqing , Rao Guilan , Chen Quan , Xue Yahui , Jin Hong , Liu Shu , Zhou Ziyang , Xiang Yun
Published: March 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE—an animal model of MS) is primarily mediated by T cells. However, recent studies have only focused on interleukin (IL)‐17‐secreting CD4+ T‐helper cells, also known as Th17 cells. This study aimed to compare Th17 cells and IL‐17‐secreting CD8+ T‐cytotoxic cells (Tc17) in the context of MS/EAE.

Methods

Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptides 35–55 (MOG35–55), pertussis toxin, and complete Freund's adjuvant to establish the EAE animal model. T cells were isolated from the spleen (12–14 days postimmunization). CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were purified using isolation kit and then differentiated into Th17 and Tc17, respectively, using MOG35–55 and IL‐23. The secretion levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐17 were measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using cultured CD4+ and CD8+ T cell supernatants. The pathogenicity of Tc17 and Th17 cells was assessed through adoptive transfer (tEAE), with the clinical course assessed using an EAE score (0–5). Hematoxylin and eosin as well as Luxol fast blue staining were used to examine the spinal cord. Purified CD8+ CD3+ and CD4+ CD3+ cells differentiated into Tc17 and Th17 cells, respectively, were stimulated with MOG35–55 peptide for proliferation assays.

Results

The results showed that Tc17 cells (15,951 ± 1985 vs. 55,709 ± 4196 cpm; p < 0.050) exhibited a weaker response to highest dose (20 μg/mL) MOG35–55 than Th17 cells. However, this response was not dependent on Th17 cells. After the 48 h stimulation, at the highest dose (20 μg/mL) of MOG35–55. Tc17 cells secreted lower levels of IFN‐γ (280.00 ± 15.00 vs. 556.67 ± 15.28 pg/mL, p < 0.050) and IL‐17 (102.67 ± 5.86 pg/mL vs. 288.33 ± 12.58 pg/mL; p < 0.050) than Th17 cells. Similar patterns were observed for IFN‐γ secretion at 96 and 144 h. Furthermore, Tc17 cell‐induced tEAE mice exhibited similar EAE scores to Th17 cell‐induced tEAE mice and also showed similar inflammation and demyelination.

Conclusion

The degree of pathogenicity of Tc17 cells in EAE is lower than that of Th17 cells. Future investigation on different immune cells and EAE models is warranted to determine the mechanisms underlying MS.
Moving Beyond the Temporal Bone Lab: Creating a Drilling Station in the Otolaryngology Clinic
Authors: Freiser Monika E. , Morill Christian , Eichar Bradley , Baddour Khalil , Jabbour Noel
Published: March 2024

With the advent of operable 3‐dimensional (3D)‐printed models, case preparation could occur outside of the cadaveric laboratory. The objective of this study was to design a mobile drilling station that can be used for surgical practice in a variety of clean workplaces. Using materials obtained from hardware stores and online retailers, a wheelable drilling station was constructed to mimic laboratory conditions while also being easily maneuverable into clinic rooms. The station houses the otologic drill, suction, and irrigation mechanisms, is height adjustable, and has a shielded workspace. The mobile drilling station was moved into a microscope‐containing otolaryngology clinic room where faculty and trainees were asked to drill a pediatric 3D‐printed temporal bone followed by completing an evaluation survey. This is the first mobile drilling station described in the literature and can be easily constructed, mobilized, and used in an otolaryngology clinic for dedicated surgical practice using 3D‐printed models.
Endoscopic Transnasal Management of Meningoceles and Encephaloceles in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Alyssa Y. , Gaebe Karolina , Quon Jennifer L. , Vescan Allan , James Adrian L. , Wolter Nikolaus E.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To review surgical techniques used in the endoscopic transnasal repair of pediatric basal meningoencephaloceles and compare perioperative outcomes in children <2 and ≥2 years old.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL.

Review Methods

Data sources were searched from inception to August 22, 2022, using search terms relevant to endoscopic transnasal meningoencephalocele repair in children. Reviews and Meta‐analyses were excluded. Primary outcomes were the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leak, recurrence, and reintervention. Quality assessments were performed using Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale, ROBIN‐I, and NIH.

Results

Overall, 217 patients across 61 studies were identified. The median age at surgery was 4 years (0‐18 years). Fifty percent were female; 31% were <2 years. Most defects were meningoencephaloceles (56%), located transethmoidal (80%), and of congenital origin (83%). Seventy‐five percent of repairs were multilayered. Children ≥2 years underwent multilayer repairs more frequently than those <2 years (P = 0.004). Children <2 years more frequently experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (P = 0.02), meningoencephalocele recurrence (P < 0.0001), and surgical reintervention (P = 0.005). Following multilayer repair, children <2 years were more likely to experience recurrence (P = 0.0001) and reintervention (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Younger children with basal meningoencephaloceles appear to be at greater risk of postoperative complications following endoscopic endonasal repair, although the quality of available evidence is weakened by incomplete reporting. In the absence of preoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak or meningitis, it may be preferable to delay surgery as access is more conducive to successful repair in older children.
Experimental estimation and numerical validation of cohesive zone parameters in hydroxyl functionalized MWCNTs‐reinforced CFRP under pure mode II loading
Authors: Saikia Pran Jyoti , Kumar Munna , Kumar Avneesh , Muthu Nelson
Published: March 2024

The present study concerns the interface mode II fracture of hydroxyl functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites. The well‐known cohesive zone model (CZM) is employed for investigating crack propagation. The major difficulty in applying the CZM is the parameter identification. In this work, the CZM's strength and energy parameters are determined reliably from the Short beam shear (SBS) and End‐notched flexure (ENF) tests, respectively, for pristine and three MWCNTs variations—0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%. The derived CZM parameters from the tests are imputed to a bilinear cohesive law to simulate the global load vs. displacement responses, which correlate well with the experimental findings. It is observed that the addition of 0.2 wt.% of MWCNTs increases the cohesive strength and fracture energy up to 14.14% and 17.78%, respectively, when compared to the pristine composites. Finally, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis is carried out to investigate the fracture mechanisms.

Highlights

Cohesive properties under mode II are estimated using standard fracture tests.

The homogenization technique is used to calculate the effective properties of CFRP.

The maximum % error among the experimental and the numerical peak load is 3.01%.

A higher density of hackles with an increase of MWCNTs up to 0.2 wt.%.
Undesired films with brilliant whiteness produced from a transparent amorphous polymer solution during room temperature evaporation or water washing
Authors: Zhu Peng , Pan Chundi , Liu Jianxin , Feng Luyao , Zhang Huapeng , Ma Ning , Tsai Fang‐Chang
Published: March 2024

During the use, storage, or cleaning of polyetherimide (PEI) solutions, undesired white films often appear. In this study, equivalent experiments of PEI solutions involving room temperature evaporation and solvent exchange with water are conducted to simulate their air exposure and water washing processes, respectively. Specifically, we focus on investigating the phenomenon and mechanism of white appearance in their films from room temperature evaporation with a cellular‐like porous structure and solvent exchange films that exhibit a finger‐like porous structure. Results obtained from FE‐SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Datacolor reflectance spectrophotometer indicate that both types of porous structures exhibit long‐range disorderliness, leading to multiple scattering of incident light and high reflectance across the visible light spectrum resulting in a white appearance. Furthermore, due to different structures caused by phase separation, mechanical properties of solvent exchange films are significantly inferior compared with those of films from room temperature evaporation. Finally, we verify the universality of these mechanisms for white film formation in PEI through experiments using PS and PMMA. This study provides insights into efficient utilization of polymer solutions and offers new strategies for biomimetic preparation of white films.

Highlights

White cellular‐like porous films were prepared by solvent evaporation method.

White finger‐like porous films were produced through solvent exchange by water.

Multiple scattering caused by above porous structures led to white appearance.

Finger‐like porous films with nanosphere as the basic scatter unit had a luster.

Universality of both white formation mechanisms was verified by PMMA and PS.
Natural compound plumbagin based inhibition of hIAPP revealed by Markov state models based on MD data along with experimental validations
Authors: Nabi Faisal , Ahmad Owais , Khan Adeeba , Hassan Md Nadir , Hisamuddin Malik , Malik Sadia , Chaari Ali , Khan Rizwan Hasan
Published: March 2024

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin or hIAPP) is a 37 residue hormone co‐secreted with insulin from β cells of the pancreas. In patients suffering from type‐2 diabetes, amylin self‐assembles into amyloid fibrils, ultimately leading to the death of the pancreatic cells. However, a research gap exists in preventing and treating such amyloidosis. Plumbagin, a natural compound, has previously been demonstrated to have inhibitory potential against insulin amyloidosis. Our investigation unveils collapsible regions within hIAPP that, upon collapse, facilitates hydrophobic and pi‐pi interactions, ultimately leading to aggregation. Intriguingly plumbagin exhibits the ability to bind these specific collapsible regions, thereby impeding the aforementioned interactions that would otherwise drive hIAPP aggregation. We have used atomistic molecular dynamics approach to determine secondary structural changes. MSM shows metastable states forming native like hIAPP structure in presence of PGN. Our in silico results concur with in vitro results. The ThT assay revealed a striking 50% decrease in fluorescence intensity at a 1:1 ratio of hIAPP to Plumbagin. This finding suggests a significant inhibition of amyloid fibril formation by plumbagin, as ThT fluorescence directly correlates with the presence of these fibrils. Further TEM images revealed disappearance of hIAPP fibrils in plumbagin pre‐treated hIAPP samples. Also, we have shown that plumbagin disrupts the intermolecular hydrogen bonding in hIAPP fibrils leading to an increase in the average beta strand spacing, thereby causing disaggregation of pre‐formed fibrils demonstrating overall disruption of the aggregation machinery of hIAPP. Our work is the first to report a detailed atomistic simulation of 22 μs for hIAPP. Overall, our studies put plumbagin as a potential candidate for both preventive and therapeutic candidate for hIAPP amyloidosis.
Biogeomorphological response to river restoration of a suburban river with large wood: Creating a restoration vision and cost‐effectively monitoring the response trajectory using the citizen science MoRPh survey
Authors: Shuker Lucy , Gurnell Angela , Hull Toby
Published: March 2024

Biogeomorphological responses to river restoration are rarely reported. Despite a transition in the emphasis and priorities of river management over the last 40 years from controlling river channel forms and processes to restoring and supporting natural processes, forms and functions, remarkably little information is available on project outcomes. Here, using the example of Beverley Brook within Wimbledon Common, Greater London, UK, we illustrate how standardised detailed monitoring information can be assembled at a very low cost using the citizen science MoRPh survey and we demonstrate the importance of having a pre‐project vision of likely outcomes that can be tracked by the monitoring programme. We show how a pre‐project and five post‐project surveys undertaken over 4 years according to a before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) design provides scientifically robust data. Analysis of the survey data quantifies the nature, abundance and spatial distribution of restoration interventions, the immediate responses to those interventions, and the ensuing trajectory of biogeomorphological adjustments. Changes in the persistence, size, position, abundance and evolution of habitats reveal the degree to which the restoration achieved the pre‐project biogeomorphological vision and why the recovery trajectory progressed at the observed rate and to the observed end point over 4 years. Our approach has enormous potential for monitoring the outcomes of river interventions. Whilst our project was limited in its spatial scale and focus on physical habitats, we suggest how these limitations could be overcome whilst still containing costs.
Interfacial Electronic Interaction in Amorphous–Crystalline CeOx‐Sn Heterostructures for Optimizing CO2 to Formate Conversion
Authors: Zhu Ying , Sun Xiang , Zhang Rong , Feng Xiaochen , Zhu Ying
Published: March 2024

Formate, a crucial chemical raw material, holds significant promise for industrial applications in the context of CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2RR). Despite its potential, challenges, such as poor selectivity and low formation rate at high current densities persist, primarily due to the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and high energy barriers associated with *OCHO intermediate generation. Herein, one‐step chemical co‐reduction strategy is employed to construct an amorphous–crystalline CeOx‐Sn heterostructure, demonstrating remarkable catalytic performance in converting CO2 to formate. The optimized CeOx‐Sn heterostructures reach a current density of 265.1 mA cm−2 and a formate Faraday efficiency of 95% at −1.07 V versus RHE. Especially, CeOx‐Sn achieves a formate current density of 444.4 mA cm−2 and a formate production rate of 9211.8 µmol h−1 cm−2 at −1.67 V versus RHE, surpassing most previously reported materials. Experimental results, coupled with （density functional theory）DFT calculations confirm that robust interface interaction between CeOx and Sn active center induces electron transfer from crystalline Sn site to amorphous CeOx, some Ce4+of CeOx get electrons and convert to unsaturated Ce3+, optimizing the electronic structure of active Sn. This amorphous–crystalline heterostructure promotes electron transfer during CO2RR, reducing the energy barrier formed by *OCHO intermediates, and thus achieving efficient reduction of CO2 to formate.
Development of TiO2/Nb2O5 Films and Evaluation of Corrosion Prevention in AISI 304
Authors: Santos Brenda Ghiane Pena , Machado Anelise Andrade , Dias Mércia Silva , Silva Tiago Almeida , Neto Almir da Silva , Denadai Ângelo , Oliveira Fernando Castro de
Published: March 2024

The combination of TiO2 and Nb2O5 in thin films has proven promising for preventing the corrosion of AISI 304. The thin films are developed using sol–gel and dip‐coating techniques, followed by heat treatment. Morphological and X‐ray diffraction analyses indicate a predominant anatase phase in TiO2, and isomorphic substitution of up to 20% Nb occurs in the thin‐film composition. Phase segregation above 30% is observed. Electrochemical tests are conducted in a 2 mol L−1 HCl solution. Scanning electron microscopy reveals satisfactory thin film deposition on AISI 304 but shows the presence of regions with discontinuities. Polarization curves show a corrosion current of 128.72 μA for pure AISI 304, an average corrosion current of 0.34 μA for thin films, and an average of 6.44 μA for films with discontinuities. This significant reduction in current demonstrates the efficiency of the corrosion protection of the film at the studied concentrations because of the high corrosion inhibition percentages. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results suggest a high charge transfer resistance, indicating a lower corrosion rate in xTiO2 the yNb2O5 films compared to uncoated AISI 304.
Atomic‐Scale Phase Transformation in Perovskite LaCoOx Resistive Switching Memristive Devices
Authors: Chen Yen‐Jung , Lo Hung‐Yang , Chiu Chun‐Chien , Wang Che‐Hung , Yang Jan‐Chi , Chen Jui‐Yuan , Wu Wen‐Wei
Published: March 2024

Resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) is considered the next‐generation nonvolatile memory owing to its simplicity, low power consumption, and high storage density. Resistive switching (RS) occurs in a wide range of materials among the transition metal oxides. Herein, an epitaxial ternary metal oxide layer, LaCoOx (LCO), grown on Nb‐doped SrTiO3 substrates, is utilized as an RRAM device. When voltage is applied, it exhibits excellent RS behavior. More than 900 cycles are obtained, and the retention time reaches up to 104 s. To investigate the RS behavior, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic‐scale scanning transmission electron microscopy are used to observe the structural evolution and oxygen ion migration in LCO. The structure exhibits a perovskite–brownmillerite topotactic phase transformation from LaCoO2.5 or LaCoO2.67 to the LaCoO3 conductive regions. The reversible transition between the low‐resistance states and high‐resistance states enables the RS mechanism. Additionally, the valence states are confirmed using high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This study not only illustrates the oxygen‐ion migration mechanism of LCO but also demonstrates its suitability for RRAM applications.
Bewertung wesentlicher Einflussgrößen auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit typischer Kerbdetails – experimentelle Untersuchungen
Authors: Bartsch Helen , Seyfried Benjamin , Hofmann Gloria , Feldmann Markus , Ummenhofer Thomas , Kuhlmann Ulrike
Published: March 2024

Das Phänomen der Ermüdung spielt in vielen Konstruktionen der modernen Infrastruktur eine große Rolle. Eine hohe Bedeutung kommt daher dem Ermüdungsnachweis von Stahlkonstruktionen zu. Um die Ermüdungsbemessung gemäß DIN EN 1993‐1‐9 effizienter zu gestalten, wurden im Forschungsprojekt EVOKERB wichtige Einflussgrößen auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit von Standardkerbdetails analysiert. Dieser Beitrag präsentiert die zugehörigen experimentellen Untersuchungsergebnisse, bei denen Einflüsse durch Geometrie, Fertigung und Schweißnahtqualität im Fokus stehen. Zusätzlich werden Versuchsdaten aus der Literatur durch eine demnächst der Öffentlichkeit zugängliche Ermüdungsversuchsdatenbank mit einbezogen. Die Datenbank umfasst die wesentliche Datengrundlage von DIN EN 1993‐1‐9. Zusammenfassend zeigt sich, dass anhand der vorgestellten Versuchsergebnisse wichtige Einflüsse auf die Ermüdungsfestigkeit typischer Details identifiziert bzw. unwichtige ausgeschlossen werden konnten. Zukünftig wird der Untersuchungsraum durch numerische Simulationen erweitert, sodass allgemeine normative Regelungen abgeleitet werden können. Die Regeln sollen zu einer effizienteren Ermüdungsbemessung beitragen – ein wichtiger Schritt für eine größere Ressourceneffizienz und Nachhaltigkeit im Stahlbau.
Cyclic performance of non‐ductile reinforced concrete columns retrofitted by partial steel plate jacketing: Experiment and numerical analysis
Authors: Yooprasertchai Ekkachai , Juntanalikit Pragasit , Jirawattanasomkul Tidarut , Srivaranun Supasit , Pimanmas Amorn
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the strengthening of non‐ductile reinforced concrete (RC) columns using partial steel‐plate jacketing to enhance ductile capacity. Quasi‐static cyclic loading tests were conducted on three rectangular RC columns with varying shear‐span‐to‐depth ratios, evaluating the effectiveness of steel‐plate jacketing. Results show improved ductile flexural response, high drift capacity, and maintained gravity‐loading capacity under high lateral displacements. A numerical investigation, adopting a multi‐spring fiber section model, predicted cyclic lateral strength, drift ratio, and failure mode, accurately simulating reinforcement behavior and capturing the shear‐strength enhancement due to steel‐plate jacketing. Numerical results demonstrated good agreement with experimental findings. Based on these outcomes, a simple design procedure for retrofitted concrete columns, applicable to design engineers, has been developed and reported in this paper. This study contributes valuable insights into the practical applications of steel‐plate jacketing for non‐ductile RC column retrofitting, offering a comprehensive approach to predicting their seismic performance.
Surfing the fourth wave: An examination of faculty motivation(s) to participate in SoTL
Authors: Cruz Laura , Kelley Jacob , Major Claire , Braxton John M.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this survey‐based research study was to assess factors that higher education faculty identify as enabling and inhibiting their participation in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) across multiple U.S‐based institutions of higher education. Within the current “fourth wave” of SoTL, we identify the need for differentiated strategies to facilitate the participation of a wider range of faculty in emerging questions of teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Effectiveness of betahistine as an add‐on therapy to epley maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alsolamy Renad , Alaraifi Abdulaziz K. , Aloqaili Yazeed
Published: March 2024

Objective

Epley maneuver is the most effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Betahistine has been shown to be effective in treating BPPV. This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of Epley maneuver with betahistine to Epley maneuver alone in reducing residual dizziness in BPPV.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL.

Methods

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared Epley maneuver with betahistine to Epley maneuver alone for treating BPPV. We evaluated the effectiveness of this intervention using Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for vertigo, and provocation maneuvers. We used the standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes and the odds ratio (OR) for the dichotomous outcomes.

Results

A total of eight RCTs that enrolled 516 participants were deemed eligible. Administration of betahistine with Epley maneuver showed no clinically significant difference over Epley maneuver alone in DHI score (SMD: −0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.57 to 0.34, p = 0.63, I2 = 79%), VAS scores (SMD: −0.57, 95% CI, −1.57 to 0.43, p = 0.26, I2 = 89%), or on provocation maneuvers (OR: 1.84, 95% CI, 0.92 to 3.68, p = 0.08, I2 = 0%) after 1 week of betahistine administration. However, participants who received betahistine combined with Epley maneuver showed a statistically significant reduction in VAS scores after 4 weeks of betahistine administration (SMD: −0.89, 95% CI, −1.30 to −0.49, p < 0.0001, I2 = 33%).

Conclusion

Combining betahistine with Epley maneuver could improve the outcomes of BPPV in the long term. However, clinical trials with longer follow‐up periods are needed to unravel its efficacy.
Pesticide‐free management of invasive ants impacting ground‐nesting wildlife populations
Authors: King Joshua R.
Published: March 2024

Nonnative, invasive ants, and especially the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, are a widespread threat to ground‐nesting wildlife. In this paper I describe a method of controlling fire ants using hot water. The hot water approach was applied to reduce fire ant impacts on sea turtles and ground‐nesting songbirds and to demonstrate its utility in protection of different ground‐nesting species in different habitats. Fire ant controls using hot water provided 90% or greater control, significantly improving survival of both turtle and bird hatchlings, without the use of pesticides. The success of the method and the availability of necessary equipment shows that hot water control of fire ant populations should be considered as a tool for wildlife affected by fire ants and is useful for a wide variety of scenarios where fire ant controls are desirable or necessary. The method does require that 1) wildlife nest locations are known and that 2) nearby fire ant colonies can be found and treated with hot water. The method can be used as a complement to broadcast or bait‐station baiting strategies or as a stand‐alone method for managing fire ants.
Analytic formulae for inflationary correlators with dynamical mass
Authors: Aoki Shuntaro , Noumi Toshifumi , Sano Fumiya , Yamaguchi Masahide
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Massive fields can imprint unique oscillatory features on primordial correlation functions or inflationary correlators, which is dubbed the cosmological collider signal. In this work, we analytically investigate the effects of a time-dependent mass of a scalar field on inflationary correlators, extending previous numerical studies and implementing techniques developed in the cosmological bootstrap program. The time-dependent mass is in general induced by couplings to the slow-roll inflaton background, with particularly significant effects in the case of non-derivative couplings. By linearly approximating the time dependence, the mode function of the massive scalar is computed analytically, on which we derive analytic formulae for two-, three-, and four-point correlators with the tree-level exchange of the massive scalar. The obtained formulae are utilized to discuss the phenomenological impacts on the power spectrum and bispectrum, and it is found that the scaling behavior of the bispectrum in the squeezed configuration, i.e., the cosmological collider signal, is modified from a time-dependent Boltzmann suppression. By investigating the scaling behavior in detail, we are in principle able to determine the non-derivative couplings between the inflaton and the massive particle.
Logarithmic correction to BPS black hole entropy from supersymmetric index at finite temperature
Authors: Anupam A. H. , Athira P. V. , Chowdhury Chandramouli , Sen Ashoke
Published: March 2024

Abstract

It has been argued by Iliesiu, Kologlu and Turiaci in arXiv:2107.09062 that one can compute the supersymmetric index of black holes using black hole geometry carrying finite temperature but a specific complex angular velocity. We follow their prescription to compute the logarithmic correction to the entropy of BPS states in four dimensions, defined as the log of the index of supersymmetric black holes, and find perfect agreement with the previous results for the same quantity computed using the near horizon AdS2 × S2 geometry of zero temperature black holes. Besides giving an independent computation of supersymmetric black hole entropy, this analysis also provides a test of the procedure used previously for computing logarithmic corrections to Schwarzschild and other non-extremal black hole entropy.