bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robot skill acquisition for precision assembly of flexible flat cable with force control
Authors: Song Xiaogang , Xu Peng , Xu Wenfu , Li Bing , Qin Lei
Published: October 2024

The flexible flat cable (FFC) assembly task is a prime challenge in electronic manufacturing. Its characteristics of being prone to deformation under external force, tiny assembly tolerance, and fragility impede the application of robotic assembly in this field. To achieve reliable and stable robotic automation assembly of FFC, an efficient assembly skill acquisition strategy is presented by combining a parallel robot skill learning algorithm with adaptive impedance control. The parallel robot skill learning algorithm is proposed to enhance the efficiency of FFC assembly skill acquisition, which reduces the risk of damaging FFC and tackles the uncertain influence resulting from deformation during the assembly process. Moreover, FFC assembly is also a complex contact-rich manipulation task. An adaptive impedance controller is designed to implement force tracking during the assembly process without precise environment information, and the stability is also analyzed based on the Lyapunov function. Experiments of FFC assembly are conducted to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is robust and efficient.
Task design, L1 literacy, and second language oracy
Authors: Ryan Jonathon , Foster Pauline , Wang Yi , Fester Anthea , Yap Jia Rong
Published: October 2024

This paper reports a replication of part of Tavakoli and Foster’s (2008) investigation into the influence of narrative task design on second language (L2) oral performance. The initial study found in part that narratives with both foreground and background information elicited significantly greater syntactic complexity than those with only foreground information. This close replication adds the variable of literacy, conducting the study with adult refugees to New Zealand with low first language (L1) literacy. Participants narrated two of the four cartoon strips in Tavakoli and Foster (2008). In contrast to the initial study, background information in the narrative tasks had no impact on the syntactic complexity, lexical diversity, or fluency of performances. However, given the tendency of participants to omit background events, this outcome is discussed in terms of visual literacy, and aptness to describe rather than connect the cartoon frames. The implications for the use of narrative tasks with such learners are explored.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of pinaverium bromide dihydrate
Authors: Chen Dezhen , Zhou Wangting , Wei Yujing , Zhuang Chenghan , He Yazheng , Li Xiaoli , Li Kaibo , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zhang Guoqing
Published: October 2024

In the present study, we have discovered and identified a new crystalline form of pinaverium bromide, pinaverium bromide dihydrate (C26H41BrNO4⋅Br⋅2H2O), whose single crystals can be obtained by recrystallization from a mixture of water and acetonitrile at room temperature. The obtained crystals were characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, and their crystal structure was also solved based on X-ray single-crystal diffraction data. The results show that the final pinaverium bromide dihydrate model contains an asymmetric unit of one pinaverium bromide (C26H41Br2NO4) molecule and two water molecules that combine with the bromine ion through O–H⋯O and O–H⋯Br hydrogen bonds. Then, the adjacent pinaverium bromide dihydrates are linked by O–H⋯O, O–H⋯Br, and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, the experimentally obtained X-ray powder diffraction pattern is in good agreement with the simulated diffraction pattern from their single-crystal data, confirming the correctness of the crystal structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis was employed to understand and visualize the packing patterns, indicating that the H⋯H interaction is the main acting force in the crystal stacking of pinaverium bromide dihydrate.
Water scarcity and consumer behavior: an analysis of diet-related water footprint
Authors: Frola Enrica Nadia , Cavaliere Alessia , De Marchi Elisa , D'Alessandro Felice , Benfenati Alessandro , Aletti Giacomo , Banterle Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Within the framework of an increasing water scarcity, fostered by the climate change, in this study we investigate the environmental impact associated with current food consumption by means of the Water footprint indicator focusing on the case of Italy. For the analysis of the real food consumption and its impact, we selected the Mediterranean diet as a benchmark, since previous evidence shows that Italians are shifting their dietary habits away from the traditional Mediterranean Diet in favor of dietary patterns rich in animal-based products, especially meat. To promote more sustainable food choices, we applied a Sustainable Diet Model to analyze alternative diets that can reduce the Water footprint associated with food consumption. The results of the analysis show that by adopting slight changes in the consumption of certain categories of foods, it is possible to reduce the Water footprint of diets. The findings of this research are useful for supporting policies for the promotion of sustainable food consumption that would lead to a reduction in the exploitation of a scarce resource such as water, improving the allocation of this resource and achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
A microsystem for in vivo wireless monitoring of plastic biliary stents using magnetoelastic sensors
Authors: Nambisan Ramprasad M. , Green Scott R. , Kwon Richard S. , Elta Grace H. , Gianchandani Yogesh B.
Published: October 2024

With an interest in monitoring the patency of stents that are used to treat strictures in the bile duct, this paper reports the investigation of a wireless sensing system to interrogate a microsensor integrated into the stent. The microsensor is comprised of a 28-μm-thick magnetoelastic foil with 8.25-mm length and 1-mm width. Magnetic biasing is provided by permanent magnets attached to the foil. These elements are incorporated into a customized 3D polymeric package. The system electromagnetically excites the magnetoelastic resonant sensor and measures the resulting signal. Through shifts in resonant frequency and quality factor, the sensor is intended to provide an early indication of sludge accumulation in the stent. This work focuses on challenges associated with sensor miniaturization and placement, wireless range, drive signal feedthrough, and clinical use. A swine specimen in vivo experiment is described. Following endoscopic implantation of the sensor enabled plastic stent into the bile duct, at a range of approximately 17 cm, the signal-to-noise ratio of ~106 was observed with an interrogation time of 336 s. These are the first reported signals from a passive wireless magnetoelastic sensor implanted in a live animal.
Tumor-targeted glutathione oxidation catalysis with ruthenium nanoreactors against hypoxic osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Hanchen , Montesdeoca Nicolás , Tang Dongsheng , Liang Ganghao , Cui Minhui , Xu Chun , Servos Lisa-Marie , Bing Tiejun , Papadopoulos Zisis , Shen Meifang , Xiao Haihua , Yu Yingjie , Karges Johannes
Published: October 2024

The majority of anticancer agents have a reduced or even complete loss of a therapeutic effect within hypoxic tumors. To overcome this limitation, research efforts have been devoted to the development of therapeutic agents with biological mechanisms of action that are independent of the oxygen concentration. Here we show the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of the incorporation of a ruthenium (Ru) catalyst into polymeric nanoreactors for hypoxic anticancer therapy. The nanoreactors can catalyze the oxidation of glutathione (GSH) to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in hypoxic cancer cells. This initiates the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides, leading to the demise of cancer cells. It also stimulates the overexpression of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) ion channels, triggering macrophage activation, leading to a systemic immune response. Upon intravenous injection, the nanoreactors can systemically activate the immune system, and nearly fully eradicate an aggressive osteosarcoma tumor inside a mouse model.
Regulatory review of benefits and risks of preventing infant RSV disease through maternal immunization
Authors: Hong-Nguyen Yugenia K. , Toerner Joseph , Lee Lucia , Allende Maria C. , Kaslow David C.
Published: October 2024

In August 2023, FDA approved Abrysvo for active immunization of pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), including severe LRTD, caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants from birth through 6 months of age. A pragmatic approach to narrow the interval of use of Abrysvo in pregnant individuals balanced benefits of vaccine effectiveness against potential risks to infant and mother.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the mangrove climber species Dalbergia candenatensis
Authors: Shi Miaomiao , Zhang Yu , Huang Huiwen , Gu Shiran , Wang Xiangping , Li Shijin , Zhao Zhongtao , Tu Tieyao
Published: October 2024

Consisting of trees, climbers and herbs exclusively in the intertidal environments, mangrove forest is one of the most extreme and vulnerable ecosystems of our planet and has long been of great interest for biologists and ecologists. Here, we first assembled the chromosome-scale genome of a climber mangrove plant, Dalbergia candenatensis. The assembled genome size is approximately 474.55 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 48.1 Mb, a complete BUSCO score of 98.4%, and a high LTR Assembly Index value of 21. The genome contained 283.46 Mb (59.74%) repetitive sequences, and 29,554 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 87.54% were functionally annotated in five databases. The high-quality genome assembly and annotation presented herein provide a valuable genomic resource that will expedite genomic and evolutionary studies of mangrove plants and facilitate the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the salt- and water-logging-tolerance of mangrove plants.
Spatial selective auditory attention is preserved in older age but is degraded by peripheral hearing loss
Authors: Caso Andrea , Griffiths Timothy D. , Holmes Emma
Published: October 2024

Interest in how ageing affects attention is long-standing, although interactions between sensory and attentional processing in older age are not fully understood. Here, we examined interactions between peripheral hearing and selective attention in a spatialised cocktail party listening paradigm, in which three talkers spoke different sentences simultaneously and participants were asked to report the sentence spoken by a talker at a particular location. By comparing a sample of older (N = 61; age = 55–80 years) and younger (N = 58; age = 18–35 years) adults, we show that, as a group, older adults benefit as much as younger adults from preparatory spatial attention. Although, for older adults, this benefit significantly reduces with greater age-related hearing loss. These results demonstrate that older adults with excellent hearing retain the ability to direct spatial selective attention, but this ability deteriorates, in a graded manner, with age-related hearing loss. Thus, reductions in spatial selective attention likely contribute to difficulties communicating in social settings for older adults with age-related hearing loss. Overall, these findings demonstrate a relationship between mild perceptual decline and attention in older age.
Long-term snow-track indices of a Finnish native mesopredator declined while those of an invasive one increased
Authors: Selonen Vesa , Toivonen Pyry , Lindén Andreas
Published: October 2024

Monitoring both native and invasive species is crucial for understanding their ecological impacts. However, obtaining reliable data can be challenging, especially for elusive species like mesopredators. This study utilized snow-track surveys in Finland (1989–2022) to examine population trends of the invasive raccoon dog and the native red fox. While raccoon dogs are known to reduce activity during cold weather, we demonstrated that accounting for temperature and snowfall allows for effective population trend estimation using snow-track data. Track accumulation decreased in cold and snowy weather more clearly for raccoon dogs than for red foxes. We also found that the track accumulation of the raccoon dog had significantly increased, while those of the red fox population had declined, particularly in southern parts of the country. Notably, raccoon dog snow-track numbers increased in northern regions, suggesting a potential for further range expansion under a warming climate. These findings reveal a concerning shift in Finland’s mesopredators abundance due to the invasive species’ success and the decline of the native species. Thus, the invasive raccoon dog is likely to have an increasing role in those northern ecosystems where it interacts with the native fauna.
Single-nucleus RNA-seq dissection of choroid plexus tumor cell heterogeneity
Authors: Hill Anthony D , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Herr Marla K , Thomas Christian , Thongjuea Supat , Hasselblatt Martin , Patrizi Annarita
Published: October 2024

The genomic, genetic and cellular events regulating the onset, growth and survival of rare, choroid plexus neoplasms remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the heterogeneity of human choroid plexus tumors by single-nucleus transcriptome analysis of 23,906 cells from four disease-free choroid plexus and eleven choroid plexus tumors. The resulting expression atlas profiles cellular and transcriptional diversity, copy number alterations, and cell–cell interaction networks in normal and cancerous choroid plexus. In choroid plexus tumor epithelial cells, we observe transcriptional changes that correlate with genome-wide methylation profiles. We further characterize tumor type-specific stromal microenvironments that include altered macrophage and mesenchymal cell states, as well as changes in extracellular matrix components. This first single-cell dataset resource from such scarce samples should be valuable for divising therapies against these little-studied neoplasms.
Eicosapentaenoic acid induces macrophage Mox polarization to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Jie , Nan Wenshan , Huang Xiaoli , Meng Huali , Wang Shue , Zheng Yan , Li Ying , Li Hui , Zhang Zhiyue , Du Lei , Yin Xiao , Wu Hao
Published: October 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) leads to heart failure, with few effective approaches for its intervention. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an essential nutrient that benefits the cardiovascular system, but its effect on DC remains unknown. Here, we report that EPA protects against DC in streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice, with an emphasis on the reduction of cardiac M1-polarized macrophages. In vitro, EPA abrogates cardiomyocyte injury induced by M1-polarized macrophages, switching macrophage phenotype from M1 to Mox, but not M2, polarization. Moreover, macrophage Mox polarization combats M1-polarized macrophage-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Further, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) was identified to maintain the Mox phenotype, mediating EPA suppression of macrophage M1 polarization and the consequential cardiomyocyte injury. Mechanistic studies reveal that G-protein-coupled receptor 120 mediates the upregulation of HO-1 by EPA. Notably, EPA promotes Mox polarization in monocyte-derived macrophages from diabetic patients. The current study provides EPA and macrophage Mox polarization as novel strategies for DC intervention.
Combined Fluorescence and MRI in Bioimaging
Authors: Xu Suying , Guo Chang , Pan Kexin , Wang Leyu
Published: October 2024

Accurate understanding of the entire biological system requires the acquisition and integration of structural and functional information at multiple levels and scales, from molecules to cells, to tissues and ultimately the human body. Bioimaging techniques have endowed researchers with access to accurate measurement and visualization of life activities. Yet, to date, no single imaging modality is fit for all requirements for imaging biological processes in a cross-scale approach. Thus, it is a great challenge to break through the barriers between scale and modality, and to comprehensively and accurately analyze the mysteries of life and the occurrence and development of major diseases. This chapter will discuss the design of bioimaging probes that combine magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging. In addition, the basic principles and recent progress will be briefly summarized.
Engineering of Prevalent Luciferase–Luciferin Pairs Toward Tunable Light and Applications in the Field of Bioluminescence Imaging
Authors: Huang Zihui , Li Minyong
Published: October 2024

The photon emission mechanisms of two of the most thoroughly studied luciferase–luciferin pairs, which emit distinct hues of light in the presence of different luciferases by employing d-luciferin and coelenterazine as substrates, respectively, were elucidated as far back as the last century. In an attempt to expand the bioluminescent optogenetic toolkit, scientists have achieved excellent results over the past 20 years by engineering luciferase and chemically modifying luciferin. In light of the widespread adoption of caged luciferin and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer strategies in recent years, a significant variety of bioluminescence-induced optogenetic biosensors have been reported that shed light on physiological events and control of signaling pathways. The purpose of this review is to outline the advances in bioluminescent systems engineering and the broader scope of bioluminescence-driven biomedical applications.
Biomass Carbon Dots for Bioimaging
Authors: Yin Wei-Ming , Chen Zhijun
Published: October 2024

Biomass-based carbon dots (BCDs) are carbon-based nanoparticles obtained by a series of syntheses using biomass as raw material, which have excellent chemical, physical and biological properties. The unique electronic structure of biomass carbon dots gives them excellent photoluminescence properties and they can be used for fluorescence bioimaging. This chapter introduces the latest progress in BCDs as a new multifunctional biomaterial, focusing on the source of raw materials and conversion mechanism of BCDs. The application progress of BCDs in bioimaging is reviewed, and the current limitations and future development directions of this exciting material are discussed.
Protecting group free synthesis of nitroxide-functionalized poly(2-oxazoline)s: direct access to electroactive polynitroxides
Authors: Roxburgh Nicholas , Ghorbani Milad , Bottle Steven E. , Kempe Kristian , Blinco James P.
Published: October 2024

We report the simple and direct cationic ring opening polymerization of a nitroxide bearing 2-oxazoline monomer to yield redox-active poly[1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-(2-oxazoline)] with no requirement for protecting group chemistries.
COFs as porous organic materials for the separation and purification of ethylene from C2 hydrocarbons
Authors: Kan Xuan , Wang Jian-Cheng , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: October 2024

This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the types of COF-based porous organic materials and their applications in the separation and purification of ethylene from C2 hydrocarbons.
Cu2O@PdCu synergistic catalysis for highly effective C–H arylation of azoles
Authors: Liu Wei , Jing Haochuan , Hou Hao , Xu Yangsen , Qiu Chuntian , Ling Xiang
Published: October 2024

An efficient heterogeneous Pd/Cu synergistic catalysis system without a ligand was utilized for C–H arylation of azoles.
Solvation and oxidation effects on the crystal structure and morphology of tetraoxolene-based materials
Authors: Kamin Ashlyn A. , Brannan E. J. , Snook Kathleen M. , Krajewski Sebastian , Gannon Paige M. , Kaminsky Werner , Xiao Dianne J.
Published: October 2024

Redox-active tetraoxolene ligands give rise to materials with unusual electronic and magnetic properties. Here, we show how solvent and oxidant choice enable structural and morphological control of tetraoxolene-based coordination networks.
Photofragmentation and fragment analysis; Coriolis interactions in excited states of CH3
Authors: Jiang Meng-Xu , Kvaran Ágúst
Published: October 2024

Formation, energetics and fragmentations relevant to the methyl radical, with main emphasis on dramatic effects of Coriolis interaction within its excited states.
Crystallographic models of ribbons and ribbon-based J-aggregate nanotubes from the geometry of tube ends
Authors: Prokhorov Valery V. , Prusakov Kirill A. , Pozin Sergey I. , Perelygina Olga M. , Mal’tsev Eugene I. , Nekrasov Alexander A.
Published: October 2024

We propose the procedure of establishing the crystal structure of ribbons and ribbon-based tubes on the basis of crystallographic analysis of the tube-end geometry.
Bismuth oxybromide nanosheets as an efficient photocatalyst for dye degradation
Authors: Onwumere Joy N. , Hua Rong , Zhou Guojun , Zheng Haoquan , Huang Zhehao
Published: October 2024

The contamination of water resources by organic pollutants presents significant environmental and health challenges.
Zn(ii) coordination influences the secondary structure, but not antimicrobial activity of the N-terminal histatin 3 hydrolysis product
Authors: Dzień Emilia , Wątły Joanna , Hecel Aleksandra , Mikołajczyk Aleksandra , Matera-Witkiewicz Agnieszka , Adrover Miquel , Barceló-Oliver Miquel , Domínguez-Martín Alicia , Rowińska-Żyrek Magdalena
Published: October 2024

Histatin 3 and 4 have greater activity against Gram(+) than Gram(−) bacteria, and Cu(ii) or Zn(ii) binding can moderately increase their antimicrobial activity. The N-terminal part of histatin 3 becomes α-helical upon Zn(ii) binding.
Design and theoretical analysis of a tunable bifunctional metasurface absorber based on vanadium dioxide and photoconductive silicon
Authors: Fu Changfeng , Wang Xinke , Zhang Yicheng , Ju Jiaxin , Fan Wei , Yan Xiaobo , Han Lianfu
Published: October 2024

A bifunctional metasurface absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) and photoconductive silicon (PSi) is proposed, which can be switched from dual- to single-broadband absorption by VO2, and the absorptivity is tunable by varying σPSi.
A logic-based resilience metric for water resource recovery facilities
Authors: Laino Anna S. , Wooding Ben , Soudjani Sadegh , Davenport Russell J.
Published: October 2024

A new notion of resilience using signal temporal logic from computer science.
Determination of contact ion-pair formation in CoCl2 aqueous, methanol, and ethanol dilute solutions by UV-vis and X-ray absorption spectroscopies
Authors: Tofoni Alessandro , Busato Matteo , Rigacci Irene , Giustini Mauro , D’Angelo Paola
Published: October 2024

The inner sphere complex structures of CoCl2 in diluted aqueous, methanol and ethanol solutions have been determined.
Green approach for the synthesis of a acrylonitrile hyperbranched polymer/chitosan composite for the removal of diclofenac from water: determination of optimal conditions using statistical experiment design
Authors: Afroz Atif , Nasir Mohd , Kashif Mohammad , Samdani Mohammad Shahzad
Published: October 2024

An acrylonitrile hyperbranched polymer/chitosan composite (AC–Hyp/CS) material was synthesized for the removal of diclofenac.
The impact of anion shielding on the catalytic activity of CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Al-Anati Malak H. , Qaroush Abdussalam K. , Eftaiha Ala’a F. , Hammad Suhad B. , Al-Qaisi Feda’a M. , Assaf Khaleel I.
Published: October 2024

We reported on novel multi-active-site ammonium-phenolic catalysts for CO2 conversion, where the catalytic activity is influenced by a “congested active site” effect.
Synthetic-bioinformatic natural product-inspired peptides
Authors: Nelson Samantha , Parkinson Elizabeth I.
Published: October 2024

Synthetic-bioinformatic natural product inspired peptides (syn-BNPs) are predicted peptides from biosynthetic gene clusters that are synthetically accessed. This method enables easier access to natural product-like peptides for bioactivity screening.
Design of a new process for the stabilization of FeS–Bi2S3 hybrid nanostructure and its application as a field emitter
Authors: Arora Arushi , Mahajan Anima , Khan Nausad , Ghosh Santanu , Jha Menaka
Published: October 2024

Design of a new process for the fabrication of FeS–Bi2S3 anisotropic nanostructure for field emission application.
Identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from traditional medicinal plants for Alzheimer's disease using in silico and machine learning approaches
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Aktaruzzaman Md. , Saif Ahmed , Hasan Al Riyad , Sourov Md. Mehedi Hasan , Sikdar Bratati , Rehman Saira , Tabassum Afrida , Abeed-Ul-Haque Syed , Sakib Mehedi Hasan , Muhib Md. Muntasir Alam , Setu Md. Ali Ahasan , Tasnim Faria , Rayhan Rifat , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Raihan Md. Obayed
Published: October 2024

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) holds significance in Alzheimer's disease (AD), where cognitive impairment correlates with insufficient acetylcholine levels.
Enhancement of antibacterial activity in electrospun fibrous membranes based on quaternized chitosan with caffeic acid and berberine chloride for wound dressing applications
Authors: Chiu Po-Hsun , Wu Zhao-Yi , Hsu Chih-Chin , Chang Yung-Chi , Huang Chang-Ming , Hu Cheng-Ti , Lin Che-Min , Chang Shin C. , Hsieh Hsyue-Jen , Dai Chi-An
Published: October 2024

Composite electrospun membranes composed of quaternized chitosan, chitosan, poly(ethylene oxide) and either caffeic acid or berberine demonstrated improved hydrophilicity and enhanced antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
Comparison of three elements (In, Sn, and Sb) in the same period as catalysts in the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide: from amorphous to semicrystalline polyesters
Authors: González-Belman Oscar F. , Jiménez-Halla J. Oscar C. , González Gerardo , Báez José E.
Published: October 2024

This work explores the effect of three p-block elements (In, Sn, and Sb) in the same period of the periodic table as catalysts in the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide.
Retraction: Supramolecular organic nanotubes: how to utilize the inner nanospace and the outer space
Authors: Kameta Naohiro , Minamikawa Hiroyuki , Masuda Mitsutoshi
Published: October 2024

Retraction of ‘Supramolecular organic nanotubes: how to utilize the inner nanospace and the outer space’ by Naohiro Kameta et al., Soft Matter, 2011, 7, 4539–4561, https://doi.org/10.1039/C0SM01559H.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability of high performance symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells with praseodymium-doped SrCo0.2Fe0.8O3−δ electrodes
Authors: Li Peng , Yang Bing , Chen Jing , Li Bo , Ma Lushan , Wang Mengjia , Sun Xuzhuo , Tian Yunfeng , Chi Bo
Published: October 2024

Symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells (SSOFCs) represent a promising path towards energy conversion and storage solutions characterized by reduced material costs, simplified manufacturing, and improved operational stability.
Solar stills: the future enabled by machine learning
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Chaohai , He Chang , Nam Ho Ngoc , Wang Junning , Mao Yanli , Zhu Xinfeng , Liu Wei , Kim Minjun , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: October 2024

In this review, machine learning techniques are particularly emphasized along with exploring the differences between solar stills and other solar desalination technologies.
A highly durable photoelectrode on a bendable yttria-stabilized zirconia substrate for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Hwang Jun Beom , Lee Jeongsu , Nam Gyeong Duk , Choi Soomin , Yang Jiwoong , Jung Yoonsung , Kim Yejoon , Oh Inhyeok , Joo Jong Hoon , Lee Sanghan
Published: October 2024

This work presents flexible, durable BiVO4/WO3 photoanodes on a bendable yttria-stabilized zirconia substrate, achieving enhanced photocurrent density and stability under bending, for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Non-copper metals catalyzing deep CO2 electroreduction to hydrocarbon
Authors: Chen Chaojie , Bai Xiaowan , Jiao Yan , Zheng Yao , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: October 2024

This research successfully achieved deep CO2 electroreduction on non-Cu metals (Pd, Ag, Zn and Ga) through a general strategy of modulating the local environment.
Mitochondrial membrane potential-independent near-infrared fluorescent probes for viscosity-exclusive imaging
Authors: Pan Xiu , Zhao Yu , Wang Jia-Li , Feng Shun , Yu Xiao-Qi , Wu Ming-Yu
Published: October 2024

A novel mitochondrial targeting mitochondrial membrane potential-independent near-infrared fluorescent probe, ACR-DMA, was developed which can be firmly immobilized in mitochondria for tracking of mitochondrial viscosity changes in vitro and in vivo.
Fluorescence sensing techniques for quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines: a review
Authors: Xiao Yanyu , Wang Hui , Gao Chenxia , Ye Xinyi , Lai Yuting , Chen Meiling , Ren Xiaoliang
Published: October 2024

We summarized the advantages and advanced applications of fluorescence sensing technology compared with other analytical techniques, as well as the challenges and prospects of current application in the field of TCM quality evaluation.
A biomimetic solution, albumin–doxorubicin molecular complex, targeting tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhong Lanlan , Ma Sirui , Gong Bokai , Shen Chen , Wang Zijun , Deng Li , Zhao Dong , Gao Huile , Gong Tao
Published: October 2024

Chemotherapy-induced immunologic cell death is haunted by the non-specific distribution of chemotherapeutic drugs and insignificant immune activation effects, which render efforts to inhibit the distant metastasis of tumors frustrated.
Recent advances in plasma etching for micro and nano fabrication of silicon-based materials: a review
Authors: Li Chaojiang , Yang Yuxin , Qu Rui , Cao Xun , Liu Guodong , Jin Xin , Liu Yuxuan , Liu Shenggui , Jiang Wang , Zhang Xianchao
Published: October 2024

This review provides the mechanism, simulation, chemistries and processes employed in the plasma etching of silicon-based materials. Current applications and research prospects in plasma etching for micro and nanofabrication are discussed.
Effect of counterion tether length on stability, work function and application of a self-compensated, hole-doped triarylamine-alt-fluorene model polymer
Authors: Koh Qi-Mian , Boellaard Kevin Christopher , Wang Yu , Tang Cindy G. , Seah Qiu-Jing , Ho Peter. K. H. , Png Rui-Qi , Chua Lay-Lay
Published: October 2024

Ultrahigh workfunctions of 5.75 eV are attained in solution-doped materials, independent of tether length, higher than SbF6− doped materials. Best thermal and ambient stabilities are attained for tether length n = 3, attributed to counterion packing.
Silver-incorporated NiCo metal–organic frameworks with controlled morphology for enhanced cycling in flexible supercapacitor applications
Authors: Chu Chu , Zhang Wenjing , Yan Xuehua , Yan Yingnan , Pan Jianmei , Shahnavaz Zohreh , Moradian Jamile Mohammadi
Published: October 2024

The specific capacitance of NCA15-MOF/NF was 1317 F g−1, which was significantly higher compared to the NCA0-MOF/NF. After 15 000 charge–discharge cycles, the NCA15-MOF/NF retained 89% of its initial specific capacitance.
Plasma-activated copper-alkanolamine precursor paste for printed flexible antenna: formulation, mechanism, and performance evaluation
Authors: Yang Wendong , Guo Zihao , Hengge Michael , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: October 2024

Plasma activation mechanism and antenna application of a printable copper precursor paste were explored, demonstrating its feasibility for use in flexible wireless electronics.
Strain and U driven phase transitions in monolayer intrinsic ferrovalley NbIn2As2Se2
Authors: Zhu Jiajun , Zhao Heyun , Hu Wanbiao
Published: October 2024

Strain and U value driven topological phase transitions in monolayer NbIn2As2Se2.
Benzothiophene based semi-bis-chalcone as a photo-luminescent chemosensor with real-time hydrazine sensing and DFT studies
Authors: Oza Nidhi H. , Kasundra Dinkal , Deshmukh Amar G. , Borane Niteen , Boddula Rajamouli , Patel Paresh N.
Published: October 2024

Hydrazine sensing is essential as its a very toxic chemical that poses a major threat to human health and the environment.
Evaluation of E-Cigarette Use in Opioid-Dependent Patients in
Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Rabl Josef , Specka Michael , Bonnet Udo , Irtürk Özge , Schifano Fabrizio , Scherbaum Norbert
Published: October 2024

Introduction As tobacco smoking decreases, the use of e-cigarettes is on
the rise. There is a debate whether switching from smoking to the use of
e-cigarettes might represent a harm reduction strategy for those who smoke
tobacco heavily, a habit often observed in individuals with opioid dependence.
The present study investigated the prevalence and patterns of tobacco smoking
and e-cigarette use in patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) and
whether e-cigarette use contributed to the cessation of smoking tobacco.

Methods In 2014 (n=84) and in 2021 (n=128), patients from two OMT clinics
of a psychiatric university hospital were interviewed

Results In both surveys, patients presented with a comparable average age
(45.6 vs. 46.9 years of age), gender distribution (mainly male 71.4 vs. 75.8%),
and length of OMT history (median: 66 vs. 55 months). The lifetime prevalence of
e-cigarette use (45.2% in 2014 and 38.3% in 2021) was much higher than the
current prevalence (4.9% and 7.8%, respectively). Few patients reported either a
complete switch from smoking to the use of e-cigarettes (2014, n=1 vs. 2021,
n=2) or the achievement of abstinence from smoking after a temporary use of
e-cigarettes (2014, n=2 vs. 2021, n=1).

Discussion No increase in the use of e-cigarettes was observed in these
groups of patients undergoing OMT. Presumably, harm reduction strategies
relating to the use of e-cigarettes in this group need to be supported by
motivational interventions. Given the high morbidity and mortality due to
smoking, OMT clinics should offer professional help in reducing smoking.
Current State and Outlook in Medical 3D Printing and the Role of Radiology
Authors: Streckenbach Anna , Schubert Niklas , Streckenbach Felix , Dust Tobias , Ngo Ngoc Tuan , Fiehler Jens , Munz Martin , Hueners Ida , Schneider Philipp , Frenzel Thorsten , Gargioni Elisabetta , Wegner Marie , Chin Shih-Jan , Well Lennart , Adam Gerhard , Meyer Mathias
Published: October 2024

Medical three-dimensional (3D) printing is playing an increasingly important role in clinical practice. The use of 3D printed models in patient care offers a wide range of possibilities in terms of personalized medicine, training and education of medical professionals, and communication with patients. DICOM files from imaging modalities such as CT and MRI provide the basis for the majority of the 3D models in medicine. The image acquisition, processing, and interpretation of these lies within the responsibility of radiology, which can therefore play a key role in the application and further development of 3D printing.

The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of the principles of 3D printing in medicine and summarize its most important clinical applications. It highlights the role of radiology as central to developing and administering 3D models in everyday clinical practice.

This is a narrative review article on medical 3D printing that incorporates expert opinions based on the current literature and practices from our own medical centers.

While the use of 3D printing is becoming increasingly established in many medical specialties in Germany and is finding its way into everyday clinical practice, centralized “3D printing labs” are a rarity in Germany but can be found internationally. These labs are usually managed by radiology departments, as radiology is a connecting discipline that – thanks to the imaging technology used to produce data for 3D printing – can play a leading role in the application of medical 3D printing. Copying this approach should be discussed in Germany in order to efficiently use the necessary resources and promote research and development in the future.
Histopathological Findings of Epithelial Invasion after Arcuate and Radial Keratotomies
Authors: Serfözö Alexandra , Flockerzi Fidelis , Berger Tim , Quintin Adrien , Seitz Berthold
Published: October 2024

Background Complications after arcuate (АKs) and radial keratotomies (RKs) may include infection, delayed wound healing, and epithelial invasion.

Purpose To assess the histopathologic findings of epithelial invasion following АK/RK.

Methods The study included patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) after previous АK or RK treatment. In corneas with histologically confirmed epithelial invasion, the following parameters were examined: invasion depth (µm), width (µm) in the superficial, middle, and deep stroma, and the ratio of invasion depth to corneal thickness. The time between АK/RK and PK was compared for corneas with and without detectable epithelial invasion.

Results Out of 31 excised corneas, 7 (22%) showed epithelial invasion 2 to 19 years (median 6 years) after АK/RK. Histological examination revealed different invasion patterns, with a mean depth of 315 (231 to 395) µm or 57% (46 to 66%) of corneal thickness. The mean width in the superficial stroma was 291 (75 to 789) µm, in the middle stroma 210 (33 to 422) µm, and in the deep stroma 164 (19 to 324) µm. No significant association was found between the presence of the epithelial invasion and the time after PK (p = 0.83).

Conclusion In almost a quarter of the eyes after АK or RK, epithelial invasion could be detected. The potential biomechanical instability associated with this should be considered in cases of trauma as well as in the context of planning cataract surgery or PK, particularly in the hands of less experienced surgeons. Nonmechanical contact-free excimer laser trephination may be helpful in PK.
Developing Participatory Methods to Include Young Children's Voices in Research
Authors: Newhouse Jeannie , Levy Rachael
Published: October 2024

This clinical tutorial draws on a case study to demonstrate how researchers can design studies that access the voices of even the youngest children. The case study explored young children's perceptions of reading at a time when government policy directs that reading should be taught through a systematic synthetic phonics “first and fast” approach and assessed using the phonics screening check. This collective case study, set within a single primary school, used a range of tools designed within a listening framework, to explore the views of seven 5- to 6-year-old children. By reflecting carefully on the methodology used in this study, this article demonstrates how children can be skilled and insightful participants in research provided they are given activities that allow them to engage, respond, and communicate in ways appropriate for their age. This tutorial has implications for all those interested in conducting participatory research with young children.
Canopy structure and herbage intake rate of three tropical forage grasses cultivated as pure or mixed stands
Authors: Otaviano Emanoella Karol Saraiva , Fameli Mammana Alexandre , Gomes Caio Macret , Silva Alex Marciano dos Santos , Fernanda Garcia Carvalho Larissa , Sbrissia André Fischer , Barbosa Rodrigo Amorim , Sollenberger Lynn E. , da Silva Sila Carneiro
Published: October 2024

Context Using forage grass species with complementary growth and resource-use strategies to enhance forage plant diversity in pastures may be an alternative to traditional monocultures in tropical regions. Aims This study aimed to determine whether a mixture of three perennial tropical forage grasses (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina, Panicum maximum cv. Massai, and Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) could be an alternative to enhance herbage intake rates relative to their respective monocultures. Methods The treatments corresponded to three perennial tropical forage grasses cultivated as monocultures and as a mixture composed of all three species. Defoliation management corresponded to a pre-cutting height of 35 cm and post-cutting height of 17.5 cm. Key results The botanical composition of the mixture was dynamic throughout the experimental period, with variations in the proportion of species across seasons. The upper half of the canopy predominantly comprised leaves for all treatments. The canopy structure of the mixture allowed for greater herbage intake rates than monocultures during winter/early spring. Andropogon gambagrass showed lower herbage intake rates than the other treatments. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that it is possible to combine tropical forage grass species without compromising canopy structure and grazing animal responses, compared with single-species grass pastures. Implications The selection of forage species for mixed pastures should consider their phenological cycle, growth, and resource-use strategies to achieve temporal complementarity and provide an optimal grazing environment for animals throughout the year.
Enhanced prediction of extreme fire weather conditions in spring using the Hot-Dry-Windy Index in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Elliott Kyle G. , Flannigan Mike D. , Tymstra Cordy
Published: October 2024

Background Fire weather indices forecast fire behaviour and provide valuable information for wildland fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression. However, these indices do not directly account for atmospheric conditions aloft. The province of Alberta, Canada has experienced extreme fire weather conditions during spring for decades, leading to the continued occurrence of disastrous wildland fires. Aims We examined the Hot-Dry-Windy Index (HDWI) and spread days over the first 4 days of 80 large wildland fires that started in May 1990–2019 in Alberta. Methods HDWI values were calculated using ERA5 reanalysis data from the 1000, 975 and 950 hPa levels. Differences between HDWI distributions on spread days and non-spread days were examined using permutation tests. Initial Spread Index was also examined as it is considered an important Fire Weather Index System value for wildland fire spread during spring in Alberta. Key results Higher median HDWI values were observed on spread days than non-spread days, where median Initial Spread Index values showed little to no difference. Conclusions This analysis suggests that HDWI can contribute to the prediction of significant spring wildland fire spread in Alberta. Implications Forecasted HDWI and HDWI climatologies may provide additional decision support for wildland fire management agencies.
Plain Legal Language as accessibility tool for translators
Authors: Policastro-Ponce Gisella
Published: October 2024

The accessibility of legal language has become an essential component of social integration for all
citizens. Likewise, for any legal translator, understanding legal language will be a crucial first step in overcoming any
communication barrier.

In light of this consideration, the purpose of this study is to compare the original Charter of the United
Nations with the plain-language version adapted to the same language, paying particular attention to differences in
phraseology. By conducting this study, we will have an opportunity to examine the linguistic simplification strategies applied
by this international organization, taking into consideration the factors highlighted by plain language as a means of making
legal language more communicatively accessible.
Experiencia educativa
Authors: Harteel Kendall
Published: October 2024

The importance of accessibility services in audiovisual products is irrefutable. There is an increasing
need to work on accessible audiovisual content so that people with sensory disabilities can benefit from having access to
culture and entertainment. Accessible audiovisual translation is accordingly one of the best methods to this end. Our
objective is to teach two groups of university students to use the appropriate tools and create accessible materials,
introducing them to a new professional opportunity and the new audiovisual market needs. For that, we will undertake an
educational project which consists of offering a quality translation for people who are deaf or hearing impaired. The results
reflect the interest and awareness of these students about people with specific needs.
La audiodescripción de la intertextualidad en el cine de Almodóvar
Authors: Botella Tejera Carla
Published: October 2024

Audio description (AD) must compensate for the loss of visual information through words, so the training of
audio-describers is necessary and, given the importance of this service, more important than ever. For us, one of the issues
that seems to be the most complex to bring into the audio description script is that of intertextuality, and audio-describers
must decide the degree of their intervention to ensure that these connections reach the viewers. Thus, we have reviewed some
previous studies and we have carried out an analysis proposal in the film Dolor y gloria (Almodóvar 2019) to observe the degree of explicitation. Finally, we have developed a
series of didactic activities to work with intertextuality in audio description training.
Language teacher self-efficacy beliefs for pronunciation instruction
Authors: Zhang Bei , Faez Farahnaz
Published: October 2024

Studies on language teachers’ self-efficacy (LTSE) have gained attention in recent years; however, limited
research has explored LTSE in specific domains of language instruction, particularly pronunciation. The present study employs a
domain-specific survey to measure English as a second language (ESL) teachers’ self-efficacy in pronunciation instruction (PI) in
Canadian classrooms. Data from the survey and follow-up interviews were analyzed to explore ESL teachers’ overall self-efficacy
beliefs, relationships with language, and pronunciation proficiencies. The findings reveal that ESL teachers in Canada generally
report high levels of self-efficacy for teaching pronunciation. While the correlation between general language proficiency and
self-efficacy was not significant, the correlation between their pronunciation proficiency and self-efficacy for teaching
pronunciation was significant, even though it falls below the benchmark for small effect size.
Facilitative L1-transfer in nonnative sound production of monolingual and bilingual learners
Authors: Li Peng , Ye Chengjia
Published: October 2024

The L1-transfer pattern may be different between bilinguals and monolinguals as the former has multiple L1
candidates to transfer. This study compared how Mandarin monolingual learners (MDN), Shanghainese-Mandarin bilingual learners
(SHM), and Japanese natives produce Japanese stops in word-reading and paragraph-reading tasks. The L2 Japanese learners varied in
the years of learning (1–3 years). Shanghainese differs from Mandarin in that the word-medial voiced stops are prevoiced, which
may allow facilitative transfer to Japanese voiced stops. As a result, SHM in general showed more target-like pronunciation of
voiced stops than MDN. Regarding the L2 experience, third-year SHM produced more target-like word-medial voiced stops, whereas
first-year SHM produced less target-like word-initial voiceless and word-medial voiced stops. These results suggest that the
overlap between the target L2 and one of the learners’ L1s may lead to finer phonetic realization, but the facilitative transfer
is subject to bilingual learners’ L2 experience.