bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lift and stall behavior of a co-flow jet airfoil: a detailed analysis
Authors: Vigneswaran C. M. , Hasan Inamul , Rajkumar S. , Rajan Sudhagara , Jain Prathik S.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of a co-flow jet (CFJ) airfoil with the objective of enhancing lift and reducing drag through active flow control. National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 0018 airfoil was employed for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study. This work examines the effect of slot placement, coefficient of jet momentum, and CFJ metrics namely injection velocity, injection mass flow rate, and injection height on the variation of aerodynamic coefficients. Additionally, the tradeoff between aerodynamic coefficients and associated power consumption was investigated. The study indicates that positioning injection slots near regions of minimum static pressure on the upper surface of the leading edge increases the coefficient of lift and mitigates power consumption. A maximum improvement in lift coefficient up to 30% was achieved, while the stall margin increased by 25%. The findings also indicate that CFJ configurations with higher jet momentum coefficients exhibit an improvement in lift-to-drag ratios by approximately 40% with a 15% reduction in drag in comparison with those of conventional airfoil. This research underlines the transformative potential of CFJ technology in optimizing aerodynamic performance with minimal energy impact, suggesting promising applications for enhancing aircraft efficiency and sustainability.
Influence of rough surfaces on airfoil aerodynamics and the ground effect on near-wall flow
Authors: Babu Dhanya Prakash R. , Madhesh D. , Hasan Inamul , Mukesh R.
Published: February 2025

Agricultural aircraft play a pivotal role in crop dusting and aerial applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, where their close proximity to crop surfaces during operations has significant implications. These interactions affect not only crop safety and treatment efficacy but also environmental impact and operational optimization. This study investigates the aerodynamic interactions between an airfoil and a rough surface, representing crops, focusing on the dual effects of airfoil proximity on surface flow dynamics and the influence of the rough wall on airfoil aerodynamics. A computational framework employing overset (Chimera) mesh for a movable airfoil is developed and rigorously validated against experimental data. Using this validated model, we examine the aerodynamic consequences of proximity, revealing that the rough wall substantially modifies the flow field around the airfoil, altering lift and drag characteristics. Conversely, the airfoil's motion significantly influences wall shear stress and surface flow patterns on the rough wall. These findings provide new insights into the coupled dynamics of airfoil aerodynamics and wall effects, offering a basis for optimizing agricultural aircraft operations while mitigating environmental and crop impacts.
Optimized heat transfer and drag reduction through corner modifications in square cylinders immersed in power-law fluids
Authors: Verma G. , Barman R. N.
Published: February 2025

This study numerically investigates fluid flow and heat transfer around a square cylinder with modified corner geometries, varying the corner radius ratio (CRR = r/d) from sharp (r/d = 0) to fully rounded corners (r/d = 0.5). Using computational fluid dynamics based on the finite volume method, the analysis is conducted for incompressible power-law non-Newtonian fluids with power-law indices (n = 0.6 to 1.4) and Reynolds numbers (Re = 5 to 40). The study focuses on how CRR influences heat transfer performance and flow behavior. Results show that increasing CRR significantly enhances heat transfer, as reflected in higher local and average Nusselt numbers (Nu). At Re = 40, the average Nusselt number (Nuavg) increases by 20%–26% when CRR changes from 0 to 0.5, demonstrating the thermal advantages of rounded geometries. Modified corners reduce recirculation lengths and delay flow separation, shifting the separation angle downstream and increasing the separation Reynolds number. These changes improve thermal mixing within the flow. Additionally, drag coefficients decrease by 7%–11% with increasing CRR, illustrating the dual benefits of drag reduction and heat transfer enhancement. Streamline, isotherms and vorticity contour plots provide detailed visualizations of boundary layer development and wake dynamics, revealing the role of CRR in disrupting flow structures and enhancing heat transport. This study highlights the potential of rounded geometries to optimize heat transfer and flow efficiency in systems using power-law non-Newtonian fluids, offering valuable insights for engineering applications.
Dynamics and energetics of a sphere during water exit
Authors: Huang Yang , Xiao Qing , Zhu Qiang
Published: February 2025

By using a multi-phase Navier–Stokes solver combining the volume of fluid approach for water–air interface, the large-eddy simulations method for turbulence effect, and the overset mesh technique for moving boundary, we investigate the dynamics and energetics of a neutrally buoyant sphere during water exit process. The sphere is launched vertically with various initial velocities. In our analysis, the water exit process is divided into three distinct phases, fully submerged, partially submerged, and airborne. The focus is on the roles of the gravity, buoyancy, viscous, and wave-radiation forces in determining the motion and energy exchange/dissipation. During the fully submerged phase, the energy loss of the sphere is caused by the viscous force and the wave-radiation force, with the former playing the dominating role. In the partially submerged phase, the buoyancy force decreases as the submerged volume is reduced. However, under certain conditions, there could be an additional supporting force on the sphere caused by upward water flow beneath it. Once the sphere is fully airborne, its motion is primarily governed by gravity, and the maximum height it attains correlates strongly with the water-exit speed. These findings offer deeper insights into optimizing underwater launch parameters and understanding energy transfer mechanisms in water exit scenarios.
Signal response and energy evolution of separated sandstone
Authors: Yue Weitao , Feng Xiaojun , Wang Enyuan , Zhao Enlai , Wang Dongming , Liu Quanlin , Ding Zeng
Published: February 2025

This study aims to establish a precise prediction system for strong rockbursts and mine earthquakes caused by high-hard roof fractures. A three-point bending test was conducted on separated sandstone (SS) to analyze deformation field changes under the influence of digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) signals during rock fracture. Microscopic fracture modes and energy evolution patterns of SS are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and Particle Flow Code in 2 Dimension, revealing the internal mechanisms linking fracture modes, crack classifications, and energy evolution. The results show that the AE signals and DIC deformation fields are highly correlated. Tensile cracks are the primary indicator of damage to SS during the strong contact phase. Complete failure occurs at peak load, driven by a combination of tensile and shear cracks. Increasing the precast crack length (b) or the upper-to-lower rock layer thickness ratio (U/L) enhances tensile failure sensitivity, whereas simultaneous increases reduce it. Macroscopically, this is reflected in variations of AE peak frequency and the primary fracture's peak frequency. Microscopically, it appears as changes in fracture surface roughness and grain fracture morphology. Energetically, this is evident in changes to the ratios of strain energy and slip energy relative to total energy. Additionally, as b and U/L increase, the primary crack location and AE energy density concentration shift progressively from the lower to the upper rock layers. Meanwhile, total input energy decreases with increasing b or as U/L deviates from 1.
Convergent, discriminant, and known-groups validity of the Behavioural Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) in chronic traumatic brain injury
Authors: Juengst Shannon , Wright Brittany , Vos Leia , Rodriguez Gabriel , Conley Michael , Terhorst Lauren
Published: February 2025

Background The Behavioural Assessment Screening Tool (BAST), which measures self-reported neurobehavioural symptoms experienced by adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), was specifically developed as a self-reported measure for remote symptom reporting. Our aim was to assess the convergent, discriminant, and known-groups validity of the BAST among community-dwelling adults with TBI. Methods We assessed correlations and group differences with previously validated measures in two existing datasets (n = 111, n = 134). Other measures were the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (anxiety), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (Executive Dysfunction, Apathy, Disinhibition), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (Fatigue), Aggression Questionnaire (anger, hostility, physical and verbal aggression), and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (alcohol misuse). Results BAST subscales had stronger correlations with measures of similar (|r| = 0.602–0.828, P < 0.001) and related (|r| = 0.364–0.589, P < 0.001) constructs and weaker correlations (|r| < 0.300) with measures of dissimilar/unrelated constructs. Statistically significant BAST subscale differences (ps < 0.001) were found (Cohen’s d = 1.2–1.9) for known groups with moderate–severe depression, moderate-severe anxiety, fatigue, problematic disinhibited and frontal executive behaviours, and alcohol misuse. Results support the construct validity of the BAST subscales. Conclusion(s) The BAST demonstrated good convergent, discriminant, and known-groups validity, supporting its use for remote self-reported symptom reporting to improve chronic symptom monitoring in community-dwelling adults with TBI.
Ethylene-independent modulation of root development by ACC via downregulation of WOX5 and group I CLE peptide expression
Authors: Mou Wangshu , Khare Ria , Polko Joanna K. , Taylor Isaiah , Xu Juan , Xue Dawei , Benfey Philip , Van de Poel Bram , Chang Caren , Kieber Joseph J.
Published: February 2025

In seed plants, the canonical role of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) is to serve as the precursor in the biosynthesis of the phytohormone ethylene, and indeed, ACC treatment is often used as a proxy for ethylene treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that ACC can also act independently of ethylene to regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. Here, we explore the effects of ACC on
Arabidopsis thaliana
root growth and the mechanisms by which it acts. ACC inhibits growth of the primary root in
Arabidopsis
seedlings when ethylene signaling is blocked, which becomes evident after 36 h of treatment with ACC. This reduced root growth is in part the result of suppressed cell proliferation in the root meristem resulting from altered expression of a key regulator of stem cell niche activity, WOX5. ACC also promotes lateral root (LR) development, in contrast to ethylene, which inhibits LR formation. Transcriptomic analysis of roots revealed no significant changes in gene expression after 45 min or 4 h of ACC treatment, but longer treatment times revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes, including the downregulation of the expression of a small group of phylogenetically related CLE peptides. Reduced expression of these group 1 CLEs in response to ACC leads to the activation of a transcription factor, LBD18, which promotes LR development. These results suggest that ACC acts to modulate multiple aspects of
Arabidopsis
root growth independently of ethylene via distinct transcriptional effects in the root meristem and LR precursor cells.
Perfect confinement of acoustic vortex by phase-gradient metacage
Authors: Fang Xicheng , Li Songsong , Sun Baoyin , Yan Dongyang , Yang Junyi , Luo Jie , Gao Dongliang , Xu Yadong
Published: February 2025

Acoustic wave isolation and noise reduction represent significant challenges in the field of physics and its various applications. Traditional noise control devices are often hampered by substantial size limitations and their operational efficacy is generally restricted to planar waveforms. In this work, we demonstrate the perfect confinement of acoustic vortex waves using an acoustic metacage consisting of phase-gradient metasurfaces. By leveraging the parity-reversed diffraction rule of the phase-gradient metasurfaces, the designed metacage exhibits remarkable capabilities for perfect confinement of acoustic vortex waves, showcasing robust performance even with source offsets. These findings present a promising strategy for the development of precise and adaptable acoustic confinement technologies.
Prediction of dual quantum spin Hall insulator in NbIrTe4 monolayer
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Lai Junwen , Zhan Jie , Yu Tianye , Shi Wujun , Liu Peitao , Chen Xing-Qiu , Sun Yan
Published: February 2025

Dual quantum spin Hall insulator (QSHI) is a newly discovered topological state in the 2D material TaIrTe4, exhibiting both a traditional Z
2 band gap at the charge neutrality point and a Van Hove singularity (VHS) induced correlated Z
2 band gap with weak doping. Inspired by the recent progress in theoretical understanding and experimental measurements, we predicted a promising dual QSHI in the counterpart material of the NbIrTe4 monolayer by first-principles calculations. In addition to the well-known band inversion at the charge neutrality point, two new band inversions were found after a CDW phase transition when the chemical potential is near the VHS, one direct and one indirect Z
2 band gap. The VHS-induced non-trivial band gap is around 10 meV, much larger than that from TaIrTe4. Furthermore, since the new generated band gap is mainly dominated by the 4d orbitals of Nb, electronic correlation effects should be relatively stronger in NbIrTe4 as compared to TaIrTe4. Therefore, the dual QSHI state in the NbIrTe4 monolayer is expected to be a good platform for investigating the interplay between topology and correlation effects.
Recent advances in surface charge dynamics in dielectric barrier discharge: future strategies for control and technological optimisation
Authors: Komuro Atsushi
Published: February 2025

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) using atmospheric pressure plasma are utilised in various industries, including environmental remediation, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy technology. It is crucial to understand and regulate their properties for technological optimisation. Of particular significance is the surface charge generated by DBDs, as it is the primary physical factor that determines the electric field in the plasma, resulting in overcurrent suppression and radical formation. This study explores recent advancements in research concerning the dynamic properties of surface charge and examines future strategies for optimising DBDs and achieving real-time surface charge control.
Forecast analysis of astrophysical stochastic gravitational wave background beyond general relativity: a case study on brans-dicke gravity
Authors: Chen Ran , Li Zhao , Li Yin-Jie , Wang Yi-Ying , Niu Rui , Zhao Wen , Fan Yi-Zhong
Published: February 2025

Scalar-tensor gravity, exemplified by Brans-Dicke (BD) gravity, introduces additional scalar polarization modes that contribute scalar radiation alongside tensor modes.
We conduct a comprehensive analysis of how gravitational wave generation and propagation effects under Brans-Dicke gravity are encoded into the astrophysical stochastic gravitational wave background (AGWB).
We perform end-to-end analyses of realistic populations of simulated coalescing binary systems to generate AGWB mock data with third-generation gravitational wave detectors and conducted a complete Bayesian analysis for the first time.
We find the uncertainties in the population properties of binary black holes (BBH) significantly affect the ability to constrain BD gravity.
Furthermore, we explore the detectability of potential scalar backgrounds that originates from binary neutron star (BNS) and neutron-star-black-hole (NSBH) mergers, with NSBH systems expected to modify the spectral index of the scalar background and introduce oscillatory behavior.
We show that the observations of the AGWB enable the separation of mixed tensor and scalar polarization modes with comparable sensitivity to each mode.
However, the scalar background is expected to remain substantially weaker than the tensor background, even in scenarios where BD gravity exhibits significant deviations from general relativity (GR), resulting only upper limits can be placed on the scalar background.
We conclude that for ambiguous populations, employing waveform matching with individual sources provides a more robust approach to constrain BD gravity.
Spectroscopic and transition properties of strontium chloride
Authors: Wu Dong-Lan , Liu Bi-Kun , Zhou Wen-Tao , Chen Jia-Yun , Lai Zhang-Li , Liu Bo , Yan Bing
Published: February 2025

The spectroscopic and transition properties of strontium chloride (SrCl) are investigated based on a theoretical approach of ab initio quantum chemistry. The calculation accuracy is improved by introducing Davidson correction, core-valence correlation (CV), the scalar relativistic and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect. The results show that the spectroscopic constants of X2Σ+ and A2Π states are consistent with the experimental results. The spectroscopic and molecular constants of most highly excited electronic states have been reported for the first time. The permanent dipole moment (PDMs) and the spin orbit (SO) matrix element have a sudden change for the avoidance of crossing. The potential energy curves (PECs) of the 14 Λ-S states split into 30 Ω states. The splitting energy of A2Π is 290.76 cm-1, which has a little difference from the experimental value 295.597 cm-1. Finally, the transition properties are given, including transition dipole moment (TDMs), Franck-Canton factor (FCFs) and radiation lifetime. It is found that the calculated radiation lifetime is in the order of 10ns. The research will provide theoretical reference for the feasibility laser cooling of SrCl molecule.
Extension to the range of prefixes for binary multiples
Authors: Brown Richard J C
Published: February 2025

This letter summarises the history of prefixes for binary multiples and introduces the new binary prefixes that are now officially available for use following an update to the IEC 80000-13 documentary standard on Information Science and Technology, the successor to the document where the binary prefixes were originally introduced in 1999. These new binary prefixes mirror the new SI prefix multiples that were approved at the 27th CGPM in 2022. The difference between the numerical size of equivalent binary and decimal prefixes is highlighted, emphasizing the need to use the appropriate prefix type to ensure unambiguous communication, especially for data science and information technology applications where both sets of prefixes are regularly used together with the non-SI units bit and byte.
Evaluation of Timepix3 with a 1 mm thick silicon sensor as a Compton imaging polarimeter in the hard X-ray band
Authors: Jelinek Jindrich , Bergmann Benedikt , Smolyanskiy Petr
Published: February 2025

The present work demonstrates the usage of a Timepix3 with a 1 mm thick silicon sensor as a scattering polarimeter with simultaneous Compton-camera imaging. For this purpose, laboratory experiments were designed where the detector was placed at different scattering angles with respect to a plastic target that is irradiated with X-rays from a Hamamatsu microfocus tube (tube voltage 75 kV, tube current 60 µA). Photons scattered in the target at 90∘ are almost 100 % linearly polarized. Measurements in an energy range of 32.5–67.5 keV showed modulation factors above 70 %. Simulations of 100 % linearly polarized beams showed modulation factors μ
100 > 77 % in an energy range of 45–80 keV. The efficiency of detection has a maximum above 0.13 % at 45–50 keV. We implemented the origin ensemble with resolution recovery (OE-RR) algorithm for Compton camera imaging. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the image of 16–21∘ was achieved.
Biodegradable Mg-1%Ca alloy inhibits the growth of cervical cancer
Authors: Ouyang Yunshan , Cao Lingling , Zhao Qian , Yang Wang , Lin Chen
Published: February 2025

The traditional treatment for cervical cancer involves aggressive surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, these treatments have certain limitations and side effects, thus breakthroughs and advances are required in cervical cancer therapy. Magnesium alloy is a promising antitumor biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the potential effects of magnesium alloy on cervical tumors have not been extensively explored. Recent studies have demonstrated that adding a small amount of calcium to the magnesium matrix can reduce grain size and corrosion rate while providing good biocompatibility. We conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to test the antitumor properties of Mg-1%Ca alloys. The results indicated that the Mg-1%Ca alloy released Mg2+ and OH- more slowly, inhibited the proliferation of SiHa and HeLa cells, induced apoptosis in tumor cells, disrupted the cytoskeleton, and inhibited cell migration and invasion. At the molecular level, Mg-1%Ca alloythe MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In the future, Mg-1%Ca may be employed in the treatment of cervical cancer as a novel adjuvant therapeutic material with anticancer function to prevent the occurrence and progression of cancer proliferation and metastasis.
3D printed polycaprolactone/poly (L-lactide-co-ϵ-caprolactone) composite ureteral stent with biodegradable and antibacterial properties
Authors: Teng Yanjiao , Wang Xinyan , Song Lin , Yang Jianing , Hou Shike , Lv Qi , Jiang Li , Guan Yong , Shi Jie
Published: February 2025

The clinical application of biodegradable ureteral stents holds significant potential. There is an urgent need to develop new materials for ureteral stents to address the limitations related to performance degradation and antibacterial properties observed in current designs. Here, we developed a Polycaprolactone (PCL)/Poly (L-lactide-co-ϵ-caprolactone) (PLCL) composite ureteral stent by three-dimensional (3D) printing, which exhibits biodegradable and antibacterial properties. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were bonded to the surface of the stent through the polymerization of dopamine (PDA) and coating with type I collagen (Col I). The ureteral stent (PP-PDA-Ag-Col) had a densely spiraled structure and higher hydrophilicity. The release behavior of silver ions from the stent was found to be slow and continuous when coated with AgNPs, which can enable long-term antibacterial effects after being implanted in vivo. Additionally, in vitro degradation experiments demonstrated that the different ratios of ureteral stents degraded slowly in artificial urine over 6 weeks without compromising functionality. The stent exhibits excellent hemocompatibility and cell compatibility. The subcutaneous implantation experiment in Sprague–Dawley rats showed that the PP-PDA-Ag-Col stent degraded slowly in vivo and had good biocompatibility. The stent PCL5/PLCL5 was the most promising ureteral stent regarding antibacterial, mechanical properties, and degradation. The novel 3D-printed PP-PDA-Ag-Col stent exhibits biocompatibility for safe in vivo transplantation and antibacterial properties that reduce reliance on antibiotics. Additionally, its biodegradability eliminates the need for secondary surgical removal, making it a promising option for the clinical application of ureteral stents.
Chitosan hydrochloride coated and nonionic surfactant modified niosomes: a better way for oral administration of semaglutide
Authors: Wang Ben , Su Zhengxing , Kuang Meiyan , Luo Yi , Xu Minhao , Sun Meng , Liu Xingyou , Guo Yue , Bai Lu , Wang Yu , Yan Xinlei , Xie Jing , Tang Yaqin
Published: February 2025

Diabetes is now a global chronic disease, with the number of people with diabetes expected to reach 643 million by the end of 2030. Semaglutide, a human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue with 94% similarity to human GLP-1, can promote insulin secretion and repress glucagon secretion in a glucose concentration-dependent manner, resulting in substantial improvement of blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. To improve the absorption efficiency of semaglutide in oral delivery, we developed chitosan hydrochloride-coated and nonionic surfactant-modified niosomes (CS.HCL-NSPEs-NIO) as a new way to encapsulate it. The results showed that CS.HCL-NSPEs-NIO could efficiently penetrate the cell junctions in the intestinal endothelium and therefore promote drug absorbance. In addition, gastrointestinal distribution studies revealed that CS. HCL-NSPEs-NIO could stay in the intestine for more than 4 hours, thus allowing for long-term glucose regulation. Effective reduction of blood glucose levels and weight loss were observed in db/db mice while no toxicity was detected in major organs. Overall, we suggest CS.HCL-NSPEs-NIO is a promising oral delivery agent to improve the hypoglycemic effect of semaglutide.
Distinct changes in the vertical structure of QBO amplitude due to tropical upwelling and wave forcing
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Ren Hong-Li
Published: February 2025

The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) dominates variability of the equatorial stratosphere and shows a weakening trend in the lower levels in recent studies. This study focuses on the vertical structure of QBO amplitude changes in observation, the dynamic reasons involved, and possible changes under future scenarios. The QBO amplitude has an increased trend in the upper levels of stratosphere and a decreased one in the lower during 1960–2022. Results indicate that the QBO amplitude changes are mainly controlled by the tropical upwelling and wave forcing, where the former dampens the lower QBO but the latter primarily maintains the whole QBO amplitude. In addition, the entire QBO could be weakened in the future, responding to the high emission scenario in CMIP6. Under the high scenario, the enhanced tropical upwelling would weaken the amplitude of QBO at lower levels of stratosphere, and meanwhile, the reduced wave forcing, mainly caused by the increased tropospheric stability and weakened convection activity, would make the QBO amplitude maintenance hard.
Bilateral Network with Text Guided Aggregation Architecture for Lung Infection Image Segmentation
Authors: pan xiang , Mei Hanxiao , Zheng Jianwei , Zheng Herong
Published: February 2025

Lung image segmentation is a crucial problem for autonomous understanding of the potential illness. However, existing approaches lead to a considerable decrease in accuracy for lung infection areas with varied shapes and sizes. Recently, researchers aimed to improve segmentation accuracy by combining diagnostic reports based on text prompts and image vision information. However, limited by the network structure, these methods are inefficient and ineffective. To address this issue, this paper proposes a Bilateral Network with Text Guided Aggregation Architecture (BNTGAA) to fully fuse local and global information for text and image vision. This proposed architecture involves (i) a global fusion branch with a Hadamard product to align text and vision feature representation and (ii) a multi-scale cross-fusion branch with positional coding and skip connection, performing text-guided segmentation in different resolutions. (iii) The global fusion and multi-scale cross-fusion branches are combined to feed a mamba module for efficient segmentation. Extensive quantitative and qualitative evaluations demonstrate that the proposed architecture performs better both in accuracy and efficiency. Our architecture outperforms the current best methods on the QaTa-COVID19 dataset, improving mIoU and Dice scores by 3.08\% and 2.35\%, respectively. Meanwhile, our architecture surpasses the computational speed of existing multimodal networks. Finally, the architecture has a quick convergence and generality. It can exceed the performance of the current best methods even if it is trained with only 50\% of the dataset.
Boosting fiber properties via selective sorting and wet spinning of high aspect ratio carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ryu Ki-Hyun , Lim Seok-In , Kim Dae-Yoon
Published: February 2025

The development of high-performance fibers using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has gained significant attention due to their extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. In this study, we focus on the selective sorting and wet spinning of high aspect ratio CNTs to enhance the physical properties of the resulting fibers. By utilizing a lyotropic liquid crystal mesophase, we effectively separated long and short CNTs. At the isotropic cloud point, long CNTs form nematic domains while short CNTs remain in the isotropic phase, enabling selective sorting based on differences in surfactant adsorption probability. After removing amorphous carbon and surfactant molecules through thermal treatment and dialysis purification, continuous CNT fibers were produced via wet spinning process. The CNT fibers, composed primarily of long CNTs, demonstrated outstanding mechanical strength (1.76 GPa) and electrical conductivity (4.17 MS m−1), surpassing fibers made from short or as-synthesized CNTs. This strategy provides a promising approach to boost the physical properties of CNT fibers, utilizing commercially available CNTs to broaden their applications in flexible electronics and energy transportation.
A revised model of noise sensitivity
Authors: Wu Jiana , Dirks Kim N , Shepherd Daniel , Welch David
Published: February 2025

Earlier definitions of noise sensitivity implicitly presupposed that some sounds can objectively be defined as noise and that some people are intrinsically more sensitive to it. Moreover, noise sensitivity has typically been thought to moderate the relationship between noise exposure and the feeling of annoyance. This cannot be true though, because the experience of sound as noise is subjective. We therefore suggest that noise sensitivity is actually the process whereby a sound is identified as noise. Using semi-structured interviews, this paper presents the results of a qualitative study focusing on the factors related to noise sensitivity, forming the basis of a revised model of noise sensitivity. Study participants were asked to share their thoughts and experiences of being sensitive to noise. Based on their responses, a thematic analysis was used to generate themes related to noise sensitivity. New factors such as masking and perceived control over the sound emerged and were incorporated into the model. The model was also modified by explicitly adopting the terminology ‘low road’ and ‘high road’ to describe inputs from the limbic system and the cortex, respectively. The revised model elucidates the potential mechanisms underlying the experience of noise, thereby providing avenues for reducing the level of harm to those who experience it.
Groups of proper homotopy equivalences of graphs and Nielsen Realization
Authors: Algom-Kfir Yael , Bestvina Mladen
Published: February 2025

For a locally finite connected graph

X
X

we consider the group

M
a
p
s
(
X
)

Maps(X)

of proper homotopy equivalences of

X
X

. We show that it has a natural Polish group topology, and we propose these groups as an analog of big mapping class groups. We prove the Nielsen Realization theorem: if

H
H

is a compact subgroup of

M
a
p
s
(
X
)

Maps(X)

then

X
X

is proper homotopy equivalent to a graph

Y
Y

so that

H
H

is realized by simplicial isomorphisms of

Y
Y

.
Z-sets in ANRs
Authors: Ancel Fredric
Published: February 2025

This paper is an exposition of the concept of a Z-set which played a central role in the development of the topology of infinite dimensional manifolds in the 1960’s and 1970’s and which reemerged in the 1990’s as a key concept in the study of group boundaries in geometric group theory. The principle result of this paper, Theorem 4.1, describes the logical relations between 10 different potential candidates for the definition of Z-set that have appeared in the literature. We call this theorem Torunczyk’s Equivalence Theorem in recognition of the contribution of H. Torunczyk’s article [Concerning locally homotopy negligible sets and characterization of

l
2

l_2

-manifolds, Fund. Math. 101 (1978), no. 2, 93–110], which introduced several of these conditions and proved their equivalence without assuming the ambient space to be an ANR. Indeed, Theorem 4.1 establishes that five of these conditions are equivalent with no additional hypotheses, eight become equivalent if the ambient space is assumed to be an ANR, and all ten becomes equivalent if, in addition, the subset under consideration is taken to be a closed set. Theorem 4.1 is preceded by a survey of the theory of ANRs which includes background material necessary for understanding the proof of the theorem. With the goal of fostering an appreciation of the usefulness of the concept of a Z-set, this survey also includes statements of the main results of infinite dimensional manifold theory in which Z-sets played an indispensable role. The statement of Theorem 4.1 is followed by a relatively self-contained proof and two examples illustrating the necessity of certain hypotheses in the statement of the theorem. Next, the related notion of a strong Z-set is explored. Finally, a short alternative proof discovered by C. Guilbault and M. Moran of a result of S. Ferry is presented; this result gives a useful criterion for detecting when being a Z-subset is preserved by a map between spaces.
The End Sum of Surfaces
Authors: Axon Liam , Calcut Jack
Published: February 2025

End sum is a natural operation for combining two noncompact manifolds and has been used to construct various manifolds with interesting properties. The uniqueness of end sum has been well-studied in dimensions three and higher. We study end sum—and the more general notion of adding a 1-handle at infinity—for surfaces and prove uniqueness results. The result of adding a 1-handle at infinity to distinct ends of a surface with compact boundary is uniquely determined by the chosen ends and the orientability of the 1-handle. As a corollary, the end sum of two surfaces with compact boundary is uniquely determined by the chosen ends. Unlike uniqueness results in higher dimensions, which rely on isotopy uniqueness of rays, our results rely fundamentally on a classification of noncompact surfaces.
Totally Symmetric Sets
Authors: Caplinger Noah , Margalit Dan
Published: February 2025

We survey the theory of totally symmetric sets, with applications to homomorphisms of symmetric groups, braid groups, linear groups, and mapping class groups.
Proper 2-equivalences and amalgams over virtually free groups
Authors: Cárdenas M. , Lasheras F. , Quintero A.
Published: February 2025

We recall that two finitely presented groups are said to be proper

2
2

-equivalent if they can be realized as fundamental groups of finite

2
2

-dimensional CW-complexes whose universal covers are proper homotopy equivalent. This yields a topological equivalence relation which is coarser than the quasi-isometry relation. For a

1
1

-ended and semistable at infinity group, its proper

2
2

-equivalence class is determined by the pro-isomorphism type of its fundamental pro-group. This paper is intended to be part of a program for a better understanding of the behaviour of proper

2
2

-equivalences with respect to the basic constructions in combinatorial group theory (i.e., amalgamated free products and HNN-extensions). Previous joint work with R. Roy shows some results in the case the amalgamation subgroups are finite. Here we show that if a

1
1

-ended finitely presented group

G
G

splits non-trivially as an amalgamated product

G
1

∗
F

G
2

G_1 \ast _F G_2

(or an HNN-extension

G
1

∗
F

G_1 \ast _F

) over a finitely generated virtually free group

F
F

where the groups

G
i

G_i

have a fundamental pro-group of a special type (namely, semistable and pro-(finitely generated free)) at each end, then so does

G
G

at infinity. As a consequence, it follows from some previous work and recent results by M. Mihalik and S. Shepherd that such a group

G
G

as above is proper

2
2

-equivalent to either

Z

×

Z

{\mathbb {Z}} \times {\mathbb {Z}}

(and hence

G
G

is a virtually surface group) or

F
2

×

Z

F_2 \times {\mathbb {Z}}

, where

F
2

F_2

denotes the free group on two generators.
On Gromov’s conjecture for right-angled Artin groups
Authors: Dranishnikov Alexander , Howladar Satyanath
Published: February 2025

We explore in terms of KO-homology the 2nd obstruction for the universal covering

M
~

\widetilde M

of a closed spin

n
n

-manifold

M
M

with positive scalar curvature (PSC) to have macroscopic dimension

≤
n
−
2

\le n-2

. As a corollary we prove that the universal covering

M
~

\widetilde M

of an

n
n

-dimensional closed spin PSC manifold

M
M

with

π
1

(
M
)
∈

\pi _1(M)\in

RAAG has macroscopic dimension

dim

m
c

⁡

M
~

≤
n
−
2

\dim _{mc}\widetilde M\le n-2

. This confirms Gromov’s conjecture in the case of RAAG (right-angled Artin group) fundamental groups.
Beyond the Fontaine-Wintenberger theorem
Authors: Jahnke Franziska , Kartas Konstantinos
Published: February 2025

Given a perfectoid field, we find an elementary extension and a henselian defectless valuation on it, whose value group is divisible and whose residue field is an elementary extension of the tilt. This specializes to the almost purity theorem over perfectoid valuation rings and Fontaine-Wintenberger. Along the way, we prove an Ax-Kochen/Ershov principle for certain deeply ramified fields, which also uncovers some new model-theoretic phenomena in positive characteristic. Notably, we get that the perfect hull of

F

p

(
t

)
h

{\mathbb {F}}_p(t)^h

is an elementary substructure of the perfect hull of

F

p

(

(
t
)

)

{\mathbb {F}}_p(\!(t)\!)

.
Fast-food and convenience outlets near schools in California: a comparison of private and public schools
Authors: Karimuzzaman Md , Miller Sydney , Sanchez-Vaznaugh Emma V , Sánchez Brisa N
Published: February 2025

Food environments near schools (FENS) influence children's dietary habits and contribute to obesity. Socioeconomic characteristics of schools and school neighborhoods play a role in determining FENS. We compare the availability of fast-food restaurants (FFR) and convenience stores (CS) across schools' socioeconomic characteristics: whether the school is public vs. private, and the school neighborhood’s median household income. We obtained the number of FFR and CS within a 0.75-mile network buffer from schools' locations and the names of the outlets. Negative binomial regression models, stratified by urbanicity, were used to estimate the association between the number of outlets near schools and schools’ socioeconomic characteristics. We explored brand names and types of outlets. Private schools' neighborhoods had more FFR and CS than public schools across all income and urbanization levels. Private and public schools in low-income urban neighborhoods had more outlets compared to those in higher-income urban areas. While the names of FFR and CS near both school types were broadly similar, private schools had more non-chain outlets. Programs and policies to promote healthy eating and reduce obesity and diet-related diseases should target food environments near both private and public schools, especially those located in urban areas and low-income communities.
Implementing standard practices in the safe handling of gene therapy and biohazardous drugs in a health-system setting
Authors: Wang Austin , Ngo Zoe , Yu Stacey J , MacDonald Elyse A
Published: February 2025

Disclaimer

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Purpose

This publication outlines development of the infrastructure and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling of gene therapy drugs within an integrated health-system setting. These guidelines aim to fill the gap in occupational safety standardization, as current materials focus on precautions in a research laboratory setting and do not fully take into account occupational hazards for pharmacists, technicians, and other medical staff.

Pharmacists in a large integrated healthcare system recognized the gap in knowledge as well as lack of standard procedures in handling gene therapy drugs in the pharmacy setting and sought to establish updated best practices. The objectives were to implement the necessary infrastructure and SOPs for the handling, compounding, and cleanup of gene therapy drugs and to update existing resources such as spill kits to reflect the new SOPs. Critical milestones included establishing a new biohazardous drug risk classification and standardizing medication labeling. These steps were necessary to ensure consistent and safe handling across the enterprise.

Conclusion

With the increasing prevalence of gene therapy drugs, it is of paramount importance to establish best practices to ensure occupational safety. While existing regulations and literature outline basic handling guidelines for laboratory use, there is a limited amount of information in relation to pharmacy departments within healthcare groups. In establishing robust SOPs surrounding the handling, compounding, and management of gene therapy drugs, pharmacy groups can better ensure both patient and staff safety.
Cosmetic Surgery in Adolescents: Psychological, Social, and Medico-Legal Responsibilities
Authors: Pititto Fortunato , Pulin Giuseppe , Paladini Elisa , Bellacicco Roberto , Marrone Maricla
Published: February 2025

The increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgery among adolescents raises critical questions regarding medical responsibility and the legal standards for informed consent. Although the desire to meet aesthetic standards promoted by media and social networks is a key factor driving demand for these procedures, the psychological vulnerability typical of adolescence calls for careful evaluation of patient rights and medical obligations. Informed consent for adolescents, in particular, must be assessed within a multidimensional framework that considers psychological conditions, personal motivations, and the social and cultural pressures that can negatively affect young patients’ self-perception. This article examines the complexities of informed consent in adolescent cosmetic surgery, focusing on the physician's responsibility to ensure patients have a clear understanding of both the risks involved and realistic expectations of the procedure. It also discusses the value of a multidisciplinary approach, involving psychologists and legal professionals, to address the specific needs of adolescents. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for preoperative psychological assessments to distinguish between genuine desires and social pressures, with the goal of protecting adolescents’ psychological and physical well-being and preventing decisions driven by unstable motivations. The article concludes with recommendations for adopting guidelines and enhancing education, advocating for an approach that respects young patients’ rights and emphasizes physicians’ accountability for ethical and safe practice.
Epigenetic insights into fertility: involvement of immune cell methylation in dairy cows reproduction
Authors: Bouzeraa Lotfi , Martin Helene , Dufour Pascal , Marques Jessica C S , Cerri Ronaldo , Sirard Marc-Andre
Published: February 2025

Infertility and post-partum reproductive diseases are significant challenges in cattle farming, with the maternal immune system’s ability to recognize and tolerate the embryo being crucial for successful gestation. DNA methylation in hematopoietic cells may influence susceptibility to post-partum fertility issues, making the identification of epigenetic changes vital for sustainable animal production. This study aimed to characterize the methylome of immune cells in relation to fertility, potentially enabling early detection of subfertility. Using whole epigenome sequencing and enzymatic methyl-seq, we analyzed DNA methylation patterns in blood from twelve Holstein cows before the onset of any disease. Our findings revealed 216 990 differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) between fertile and subfertile cows. Notably, three genes—Interferon tau-3 (IFNT3), KIAA0825, and RAS-Related Protein 2A—showed high significance in their differential methylation between fertile and subfertile cows. IFNT3, crucial for early embryonic development, had seven DMCs in its transcription start site (TSS) shores in subfertile cows. Additionally, the KLRA1 gene (Ly49), was identified as containing DMCs across all five genomic regions analyzed (TSS shores, exons, introns, downstream, and distal intergenic). Its widespread differential methylation highlights its potential impact on fertility. Key interleukin genes, including IL6, IL15, IL22, and IL36G, also showed multiple DMCs, reinforcing the role of the immune system in bovine fertility. These findings illustrate the potential control that immune cell epigenetics exert on cattle post-partum fertility. Additionally, this study suggests that the risk of developing subfertility could potentially be estimated with as few as 220 biomarkers, paving the way for enhanced animal health management and improved fertility treatments.
A Striking Hand Phenotype and Guselkumab Efficacy in NIPAL4-linked ARCI
Authors: Klapproth Henning , Rauterberg Jonas , Koll Philipp , Soellner Lukas , Neumayer Daniela , Fischer Judith , Tantcheva-Poór Iliana
Published: February 2025

In this study, we report as first on the presence of pachydermodactyly and pseudo-ainhum in two unrelated patients with a NIPAL4-associated Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis (ARCI), thus expanding the phenotype of this genodermatosis in respect to the digital manifestations. Further, this is the first report on the efficacy of guselkumab as a monotherapy in ARCI, thus adding our experience to current attempts of re-purposing available targeted therapies for cornification disorders.