bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles of metabotropic signaling of nicotine receptors in the development and maintenance of nicotine reward through regulation of dopamine D3 receptor expression
Authors: Kundu Dooti , Acharya Srijan , Wang Shujie , Cao Yongkai , Kim Hee Jin , Cheong Jae Hoon , Kim Kyeong‐Man
Published: December 2024

The α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), an ionophore, has been suggested to signal through metabotropic pathways and interact with other receptor families, such as dopamine receptors. In this study, the interaction between α4β2 nAChR and dopamine receptors was investigated through in vivo and in vitro studies. Nicotine exposure in adolescent rats is known to induce a sustained increase in nicotine's rewarding effects which was assessed by conditioned place preference (CPP) assay. The expression levels of α4β2 nAChR and dopamine D2/D3 receptors (D2R, D3R) increased after nicotine treatment. To determine which of these two dopamine receptors was increased by nicotine treatment, a newly developed ligand with high selectivity for D3R was used in the radioligand binding assay. Although the expression of both α4β2 nAChR and D3R was enhanced by nicotine exposure during adolescence, only the elevated level of D3R persisted into adulthood. In experiments conducted on mice, D3R knockout mice showed significantly lower CPP scores in adulthood compared to wild‐type mice. Cellular studies showed that an increase in D3R expression was attributed to enhanced D3R promoter activity, regulated by a signaling cascade composed of Src, Syk, PKC, and NF‐κB. These results demonstrate that the metabotropic signaling pathway is involved in the interaction between α4β2 nAChR and D3R, and also suggest how nicotine reward initiated in adolescence could relapse after a long abstinence period. Given the significance of adolescent nicotine exposure on nicotine addiction, this study is thought to offer a novel mechanistic perspective for understanding nicotine reward and relapse.

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Multiple effects of kisspeptin on neuroendocrine, reproduction, and metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yang Qiaorui , Jia Shengxiao , Tao Jing , Zhang Jinfu , Fan Zhenliang
Published: December 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disease characterized by a combination of reproductive and endocrine abnormalities, often associated with metabolic and mental health disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS remain unclear, but recent research has increasingly focused on the upstream mechanisms underlying its development. Among these, kisspeptin (KISS) signaling has emerged as a pivotal component in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, with significant roles in reproductive function, energy regulation, and metabolism. Women with PCOS commonly exhibit disruptions in gonadotropin secretion, including elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, imbalanced LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios, and increased androgen levels, all of which are usually parallel with abnormal KISS signaling. Furthermore, alterations in the KISS/KISS1R system within the central and circulatory systems, as well as peripheral tissues, have been implicated in the development of PCOS. These changes affect multiple pathophysiological domains, including reproductive function, energy regulation, metabolic homeostasis, inflammatory response, and emotional disorders, and are further influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the existing experimental and clinical evidence supporting these roles of KISS in PCOS, with the goal of establishing a foundation for future research and potential clinical applications.
Problematizing the Cooperative Firm: A Marxian View on Paradoxes, Dialectics, and Contradictions
Authors: Las Heras Jon , Errasti Anjel , Bretos Ignacio
Published: December 2024

Scholars are increasingly turning their attention to cooperative firms, characterized by worker ownership and management, as a way for organizations to address the economic, societal and environmental problems posed by corporate capitalism. This renewed interest stems from the potential of cooperatives to foster an alternative economic system grounded in democratic, solidary and environmentally conscious values. However, previous studies have not provided a comprehensive analysis of the contradictory nature of cooperatives within a broader inter‐organizational and systemic framework. Applying a Marxian perspective on paradoxes and dialectics, we theorize that cooperative firms operating within capitalist economies must navigate the ‘solidarity paradox’ – the inherent impossibility of overcoming market competition through partial and limited solidarity strategies. Drawing on an examination of the Mondragon cooperative group, we illustrate how such a fundamental contradiction manifests itself into multiple paradoxes that are interwoven, mutually constituted and inseparable. The article contributes to critical management scholarship on cooperatives by offering a deeper understanding of how these organizations perpetuate systemic capitalist patterns. It also contributes to paradox and dialectics scholarship by theorizing that paradoxes are not timeless and universal but the result of persistent contradictions inherent to historically contingent organizational forms.
Increasing Soybean Resistance Against Rust Using a Product Containing Calcium and Nitrogen Complexed With Polyphenols
Authors: Fontes Bianca Apolônio , Silva Leandro Castro , Silva Bruno Nascimento , Lata‐Tenesaca Luis Felipe , Brás Verônica Vieira , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: December 2024

Among soybean diseases, rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, stands out as one of the most destructive. Resistance inducers may be a great alternative to reduce the yield losses caused by this disease from the perspective of more sustainable agriculture. In this study, soybean plants were sprayed with water (control) or with Cautha [referred to as induced resistance (IR) stimulus after that] and inoculated or non‐inoculated with P. pachyrhizi. The germination of urediniospores was significantly reduced by 22%, 26%, 19%, and 25% for the IR stimulus rates of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mL/L, respectively. Rust severity was significantly reduced by 27%, 19%, 23%, 25%, and 41% at 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days after inoculation, respectively, and the area under the disease progress curve significantly decreased by 27% for IR stimulus‐sprayed plants compared to water‐sprayed plants. For infected plants, foliar concentrations of Ca, N, chlorophyll a + b, and carotenoids were higher for IR‐stimulus sprayed plants than for water‐sprayed plants. Lower concentrations of malondialdehyde (less cellular damage) and reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical) along with great activities of antioxidative enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase) helped to reduce rust symptoms for IR‐stimulus sprayed plants. On top of that, these plants also showed greater foliar concentrations of total soluble phenols and lignin as well as increased activities of defence‐related enzymes (chitinase, β‐1,3‐glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and lipoxygenase). These results strongly support the potential of using this IR stimulus to increase soybean resistance against infection by P. pachyrhizi and, at the same time, to act directly against the germination of the urediniospores.
Conflict Inflation: Keynesian Path Dependency or Marxian Cumulation?
Authors: Skott Peter
Published: December 2024

Notions of conflict inflation have been central to neo‐Marxian and post‐Keynesian economics. There are tensions, however, within the Marxian/post‐Keynesian camp. Post‐Keynesians emphasize weak feedback effects between price and wage inflation, thereby preserving the importance of aggregate demand in the determination of output and employment in the medium and long run. Like Kalecki in his famous analysis of “Political aspects of full employment”, Marxists typically suggest, on the contrary, that if unemployment is kept low, cumulative increases in workers' power and militancy imply severe limitations of aggregate demand policy in the long run. The paper discusses these rival perspectives and their implications, suggesting that (i) valid Marxian concerns are likely to derail ambitious reform programs that rely on fiscal expansion, (ii) Kalecki's analysis failed to recognize the centrality of inflation for aggregate demand policy and the multidimensional character of class conflict, and (iii) rather than focus on the wage struggle, labor movements may benefit from prioritizing political and institutional change.
Systematic review of the efficacy of yoga and mindfulness in the management of pediatric obesity
Authors: López‐Alarcón Mardia , Villasis‐Keever Miguel A. , Fernández José R.
Published: December 2024

The neuroplasticity of adolescents could make them responsive to interventions affecting brain maturation such as yoga and mindfulness. We aimed to determine their efficacy and safety for the management of children and adolescents with obesity. A systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycInfo was performed up to March 2024. We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using yoga or mindfulness alone (or combined with standard therapy) compared to placebo, nothing, or standard therapy for weight loss. Methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Risk of Bias 2 tool. The primary outcomes were changes in weight and adiposity (kg, body mass index [BMI], BMI z‐score, fat mass, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio). We assessed 4 yoga and 7 mindfulness RCTs, including 620 participants 8–19 years old. The number of participants varied per type of intervention (yoga, n = 10–63; mindfulness, n = 11–47). Comparators were no‐intervention or active controls. All yoga trials reported anthropometric improvements, but all trials combined yoga with extra physical activity. Five out of seven mindfulness trials reported anthropometric improvements. The methodological quality of the RCTs was low. No safety information was reported. The effect of yoga and mindfulness on psychological and metabolic variables was inconsistent. This evidence is insufficient to recommend yoga or mindfulness for the management of adolescents with obesity.
Exploring the implementation of a novel, transdiagnostic, hybrid ecological momentary intervention for improving resilience in youth (EMIcompass): A process evaluation in the realist framework
Authors: Paetzold Isabell , Gugel Jessica , Schick Anita , Rauschenberg Christian , Hirjak Dusan , Boecking Benjamin , Doi Lawrence , Schwannauer Matthias , Reininghaus Ulrich
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Previous research indicates that the hybrid compassion‐focused intervention EMIcompass may reduce stress reactivity and improve quality of life. Our aim was to investigate what components of the intervention work for whom, how, and under which circumstances to contribute to the enhancement of resilience.

Methods

We conducted a process evaluation using a realist framework. First, we developed initial programme theories using compassion‐focused interventions and ecological momentary intervention documents, in addition to conducting a focus group and an interview with an individual expert. Second, we tested the initial programme theories based on qualitative data from 20 participants. Third, we refined the programme theories by analysing and interpreting the data.

Results

We identified four programme components experienced as enhancing the activation of the soothing system and the application of compassion‐focused principles. EMIcompass was perceived as lowering the burden of and barriers to treatment and facilitating the translation into daily life. Intra‐ and interpersonal context factors interacted with the mechanisms, leading to improvement in well‐being, which was identified as a main outcome.

Discussion

The intervention worked by strengthening participants' soothing system and facilitating ecological translation leading to improved well‐being. Adaptions to improve the intervention may allow for more flexibility in individual intervention trajectories acknowledging different needs and preferences.
Splenomegaly and progressive neurologic involvement: Think about Niemann–Pick type C disease
Authors: Yoldas Celik Merve , Yazici Havva , Erdem Fehime , Yuksel Yanbolu Ayse , Canda Ebru , Sezer Ebru , Kalkan Ucar Sema , Onay Huseyin , Ozkinay Ferda , Yildirim Sozmen Eser , Coker Mahmut
Published: December 2024

Background

Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is a lysosomal storage disease with visceral organ involvement and neurological and psychiatric symptoms. This study presents the clinical and laboratory findings of NPC cases involving three novel variants.

Methods

The clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed retrospectively between February 2006 and December 2022.

Results

There were nine females and five males. The median age of diagnosis of the patients was 5 months (range: 1 month to 38 years). The clinical phenotypes of the patients were early infantile (n = 7), late infantile (n = 4), juvenile (n = 2), and adult (n = 1). The visceral findings were splenomegaly (100%), hepatomegaly (78.6%), neonatal jaundice (42.8%), and hepatic failure (14.3%). The neurological findings were developmental delay (71.4%), seizures (50%), vertical supranuclear gaze palsy (28.6%), ataxia (28.6%), dysarthria (28.6%), dysphagia (21.4%), dystonia (21.4%). Cataplexy (14.3%) and psychiatric manifestations (14.3%) were recorded in juvenile and adult‐onset patients. Three novel variants were detected (p.Asn524LysfsTer39, p.Val1023Phe, and p.Asn906Tyr). Miglustat treatment was received by 64.3% of patients but had no clear effect on the disease course. The median duration of use was 3 years (with a range from 1–13 years). Miglustat's adverse effects were low platelet count (35.7%) and diarrhea (7.1%).

Conclusions

Niemann–Pick type C disease should be considered in the presence of visceral organ involvement and progressive neurological findings. It is essential to support the diagnosis with laboratory and genetic analysis.
The Novel Allele, HLA‐C*06:391, Identified by Next Generation Sequencing in a Saudi Individual
Authors: AlAbduladheem Dalal , Alharbi Hassan , AlZahrani Saber , Mohammed Amani , Awaji Mohammad
Published: December 2024

A single nucleotide substitution in exon 2 of HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 results in the novel allele, HLA‐C*06:391.
Ultrasound diagnosis: a case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor with paraneoplastic syndrome
Authors: Bi Menglu , Zhang Xuan , Cao Xiaoli
Published: December 2024

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External snapping hip due to thickened iliotibial tract: dynamic ultrasound examination and ultrasound-guided tenolysis
Authors: Wee Cristel Bernice T. , Wu Wei-Ting , Chang Ke-Vin , Özçakar Levent
Published: December 2024

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Robust estimation of Shear Wave group velocity for ultrasound elastography based on frequency domain analysis
Authors: Lv Qian , Zhao Xin , Zhao Liang , Liu Ying , Tian Ye , Guo Jianzhong
Published: December 2024

Aims: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is of great significance in measuring the elasticity and in evaluating mechanical properties of biological tissues. The elasticity of biological tissues can be reflected by measuring the propagation velocity of shear waves. Therefore, accurate estimation of shear wave velocity is crucial.Material and methods: In this study, we proposed a robust estimation method based on a cyclic shifting algorithm (CSA) for measuring shear wave group velocity in homogeneous media. To validate the utility of the algorithm, we conducted accuracy analysis and robustness analysis with different noise levels in the digital phantom used for the standardization of shear wave velocity by Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA) of the Radiological Society of North America.Results: The estimated shear wave velocities (SWV) of the elastic digital phantoms with Young’s moduli 3 kPa, 6 kPa, 15 kPa, 30 kPa are 1.0156 m/s, 1.4065 m/s, 2.1875 m/s, 3.1250 m/s, respectively. When adding Gaussian white noise with 0 dB, the relative errors of the estimated SWVs are 2.5%, 4.8%, 11.8%, 20.5%, respectively. The estimated SWVs in the gelatin phantom with gelatin concentration of 7% and 10% are 2.0442 m/s and 3.1237 m/s. Compared with the existing two representative estimation algorithms, the estimation algorithm proposed in this paper has a higher anti-noise performance due to effective energy accumulation in the frequency domain.Conclusions: The proposed SWV method based on CSA in frequency domain is a robust shear wave group velocity estimation method, which seems to be a useful tool in homogeneous media for ultrasound elastography.
Prediction of dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma based on ultrasound and contrast enhanced ultrasound – a preliminary study
Authors: Wang Nan , Lv Xiaorong , Wang Peihua , Huang Xiao , Liu Luping , Zhu Ju , Nie Fang
Published: December 2024

Aims: To investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound features with dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC). Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confirmed by pathology results from October 2016 to December 2023. Patients were categorized into DPHCC and non-DPHCC (NDPHCC) groups based on immunohistochemical findings. Clinical baseline characteristics and ultrasound features were compared between these groups. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify predictive factors. A logisticregression model and nomogram were developed to predict DPHCC.Results: This study included 219 HCC patients (average age: 55.84±9.00, 173 males), with 61 cases of DPHCC and 158 cases of NDPHCC. The results of multivariate logistic regression indicated that halo sign (OR=1.93, p=0.049), PVP hypo-enhancement (OR=2.73, p=0.002) and nodule-in-nodule sign (OR=4.23, p=0.003) were independent predictors of DPHCC. The model’s AUC value was 0.73 (95%CI: 0.65-0.80). The calibration curve displayed good predictive accuracy.Conclusions: Ultrasound features, including CEUS, may provide additional information for the non-invasive diagnosis of DPHCC.
Using Accelerometer Fragmentation Metrics to Compare Temporality of Preschoolers’ Indoor and Outdoor Free Play
Authors: Clevenger Kimberly A. , McKee Katherine L. , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: December 2024

Children’s play includes brief and intermittent physical activity (PA) interspersed with rest, but there is a lack of recent research confirming this assumption. Accelerometer-derived fragmentation metrics are a potential tool for characterizing the temporality of children’s movement that have not yet been used in this population. Purpose: The present study describes the accelerometer-measured temporality of indoor and outdoor free play during preschool. Methods: Children (n = 44, 3–5 years) wore a hip-worn accelerometer for one indoor and one outdoor free-play session. Mean and median duration of total PA (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) bouts and probabilities of transitioning between inactivity and TPA or MVPA were calculated using two sets of cut points. Indoor and outdoor PA were compared using paired t tests adjusted for multiple comparisons, Cohen’s d effect sizes, and correlation coefficients (r). Results: Outdoor TPA (55.9%–63.9% depending on the cut point used) and MVPA (23.3%–50.3%) were significantly higher than indoor TPA (40.3%–49.1%) or MVPA (13.9%–34.9%) (d = 0.67–0.83). In addition, children’s outdoor play was characterized by longer bout durations (3–10 vs. 2–6 s; d = 0.79–0.86), and lower probabilities of transitioning from activity to inactivity (3.6%–15.3% vs. 7.6%–23.5%; d = 0.86–1.00) compared with indoor play. Higher MVPA was associated with less fragmented activity as represented by longer bout durations (r = .27–.83) and a higher probability of transitioning from inactivity to activity (r = .45–.75). Discussion: Our findings confirm that children’s free play is highly transient and includes very short bouts of both TPA and MVPA. Identifying ways to promote sustained PA is a potential avenue for interventionists.
A Consensus Method for Estimating Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in Adults Using Wrist-Worn Accelerometers
Authors: Clevenger Kimberly A. , McNarry Melitta A. , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Pfeiffer Karin A. , Nelson M. Benjamin , Bock Joshua M. , Imboden Mary T. , Kaminsky Leonard A. , Montoye Alexander H.K.
Published: December 2024

Inconsistency in the calculation of time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) limits interstudy comparability and interpretation of surveillance data. This study assesses whether combining multiple individual methods results in a more accurate estimate of MVPA, while considering the influence of device brand and wear location. Participants (n = 30, age = 49.2 ± 19.5 years) wore two accelerometers (GENEActiv, ActiGraph) on each wrist during two laboratory visits. Individual classification methods (11 for left wrist, eight for right wrist) estimated minutes of MVPA using three approaches (cut-point, two-regression, and machine learning), two types of input (count and raw), and five epoch lengths (1, 5, 15, 30, and 60 s). The consensus estimate was calculated as the mean or median (due to skew) across all individual estimates. No individual or consensus estimates were statistically equivalent to direct observation (mean 38.2 min), with 81%–95% of individual methods overestimating MVPA. The best-performing individual methods were raw acceleration cut-points, with a bias of −3.2 to 2.4 min across devices and wrists. Correlation coefficients between individual methods and the criterion were .35–.71 for the left and .12–.67 for the right wrist, compared to .65–.70 and .58–.66 for consensus methods, respectively. Correlations between device brands were .23–.99 for individual methods and .70–.86 for consensus methods, while correlations between locations were .55–.86 and .73–.87, respectively. Better methods are required for estimating MVPA from wrist-worn accelerometers given the consistent overestimation of MVPA observed. While a consensus method for wrist-worn data was not able to fully resolve these issues, it improves interwrist or interbrand comparability.
Hydrogenotrophic methanogens overwrite isotope signals of subsurface methane
Authors: Mayumi Daisuke , Tamaki Hideyuki , Kato Souichiro , Igarashi Kensuke , Lalk Ellen , Nishikawa Yasunori , Minagawa Hideki , Sato Tomoyuki , Ono Shuhei , Kamagata Yoichi , Sakata Susumu
Published: December 2024

Methane, a greenhouse gas and energy source, is commonly studied using stable isotope signals as proxies for its formation processes. In subsurface environments, methane often exhibits equilibrium isotopic signals, but the equilibration process has never been demonstrated in the laboratory. We cocultured a hydrogenotrophic methanogen with an H
2
-producing bacterium under conditions (55°C, 10 megapascals) simulating a methane-bearing subsurface. This resulted in near-complete reversibility of methanogenesis, leading to equilibria for both hydrogen and carbon isotopes. The methanogen not only equilibrated kinetic isotope signals of initially produced methane but also modified the isotope signals of amended thermogenic methane. These findings suggest that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis can overwrite the isotope signals of subsurface methane, distorting proxies for its origin and formation temperature—insights crucial for natural gas exploration.
The struggles and joys of being an Indigenous researcher in the academy
Authors: Kukutai Tahu
Published: December 2024

In November I took part in two very different gatherings—one in Canada, the other in Aotearoa New Zealand—which highlight both the ongoing struggles and joys of being an Indigenous researcher in the academy.
In Science Journals
Authors: Osborne Ian S. , Smith Keith T. , Yeston Jake S. , Seale Madeleine , Ross Sarah H. , Jiang Di , Yashinski Melisa , VanHook Annalisa M. , Maroso Mattia , Lopez Bianca , Walia Ankit , Szuromi Phil , Funk Michael A. , Grocholski Brent , Scanlon Seth T. , Matsiko Amos , Malo Courtney
Published: December 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Climate scientists gird for Trump administration
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: December 2024

Trump agents have vowed to squash research and fire adversaries
The
Legionella pneumophila
effector PieF modulates mRNA stability through association with eukaryotic CCR4−NOT
Authors: Mount Harley O'Connor , Urbanus Malene L. , Zangari Francesco , Gingras Anne-Claude , Ensminger Alexander W.
Published: December 2024

The eukaryotic CCR4−NOT deadenylase complex is a highly conserved regulator of mRNA metabolism that influences the expression of the complete transcriptome, representing a prime target for a generalist bacterial pathogen. We show that a translocated bacterial effector protein, PieF (Lpg1972) of
Legionella pneumophila
, directly interacts with the CNOT7/8 nuclease module of CCR4−NOT, with a dissociation constant in the low nanomolar range. PieF is a robust
in vitro
inhibitor of the DEDD-type nuclease, CNOT7, acting in a stoichiometric, dose-dependent manner. Heterologous expression of PieF phenocopies knockout of the CNOT7 ortholog (POP2) in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, resulting in 6-azauracil sensitivity. In mammalian cells, expression of PieF leads to a variety of quantifiable phenotypes: PieF silences gene expression and reduces mRNA steady-state levels when artificially tethered to a reporter transcript, and its overexpression results in the nuclear exclusion of CNOT7. PieF expression also disrupts the association between CNOT6/6L EEP-type nucleases and CNOT7. Adding to the complexities of PieF activity
in vivo
, we identified a separate domain of PieF responsible for binding to eukaryotic kinases. Unlike what we observe for CNOT6/6L, we show that these interactions can occur concomitantly with PieF’s binding to CNOT7. Collectively, this work reveals a new, highly conserved target of
L. pneumophila
effectors and suggests a mechanism by which the pathogen may be modulating host mRNA stability and expression during infection.

IMPORTANCE

The intracellular bacterial pathogen
Legionella pneumophila
targets conserved eukaryotic pathways to establish a replicative niche inside host cells. With a host range that spans billions of years of evolution (from protists to humans), the interaction between
L. pneumophila
and its hosts frequently involves conserved eukaryotic pathways (protein translation, ubiquitination, membrane trafficking, autophagy, and the cytoskeleton). Here, we present the identification of a new, highly conserved host target of
L. pneumophila
effectors: the CCR4−NOT complex. CCR4−NOT modulates mRNA stability in eukaryotes from yeast to humans, making it an attractive target for a generalist pathogen, such as
L. pneumophila
. We show that the uncharacterized
L. pneumophila
effector PieF specifically targets one component of this complex, the deadenylase subunit CNOT7/8. We show that the interaction between PieF and CNOT7 is direct, occurs with high affinity, and reshapes the catalytic activity, localization, and composition of the complex across evolutionarily diverse eukaryotic cells.
Synthesis of Dipolar Chromophores Based on Polyfluorinated Triphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles and Dicyanoisophorone with a Thiophene Fragment in the Polymethine Chain
Authors: Shelkovnikov V. V. , Ishchenko A. V. , Kargapolova I. Yu. , Orlova N. A.
Published: December 2024

A series of donor–acceptor polymethine dyes containing a polyfluorinated triphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole fragment as donor moiety, dicyanoisophorone fragment as acceptor moiety, and polymethine chain including a thiophene fragment have been synthesized as potential nonlinear optical chromophores. The electronic absorption spectra of the synthesized dyes showed a long-wavelength maximum at λ 540–550 nm, which is shifted by 40 nm to the red region compared to their analogues without a thiophene bridge. The dyes displayed luminescence in chloroform solution with an emission maximum at λ 740–760 nm and a Stokes shift of 200–210 nm (5000 cm–1).
Quantum Chemical Study of Mechanisms of Organic Reactions: XIII. Reaction of Propargyl Chloride with Dipotassium Ethane-1,2-bis(thiolate) in the System Hydrazine Hydrate–Potassium Hydroxide. Heterocyclization Pathways
Authors: Chirkina E. A. , Grabelnykh V. A. , Korchevin N. A. , Krivdin L. B. , Rozentsveig I. B.
Published: December 2024

The reaction of propargyl chloride with ethane-1,2-bis(thiolate) in the system hydrazine hydrate–potassium hydroxide has been simulated using the combined CCSD(T)/6-31+G*//B3LYP/6-311++G** approach. Elementary steps of the process and possible heterocyclization pathways of the primary intermediates have been identified. Under experimental conditions (40–42°C, 6 h), the title reaction produced 25% of 2-methyl-5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiine and 24% of 4,7-dithiadeca-2,8-diyne. No cyclic products were formed at –10 to –15°C.
A Hybrid Intelligent Algorithm for Deterministic and Probabilistic Interval Predictions of a High-Speed Railway Wind Warning System
Authors: Zhao Y. S. , He Xuhui , Shi K. , Cai C. Z. , Zou Y. F.
Published: December 2024

A wind warning system (WWS) is designed to ensure the operational safety of trains amid various wind environments. The system integrates the Internet, cloud computing, and virtual instrumentation technologies to automatically collect wind speed data and intelligently output alert information. To precisely predict the wind speed, a hybrid intelligent algorithm termed VMD–SSA–GRU comprising variational mode decomposition (VMD), sparrow search algorithm (SSA), and gated recurrent unit (GRU) is proposed and integrated into the WWS. Besides, the quantile regression (QR) is applied to wind speed uncertainty estimation, and the probability density functions of partial intervals are further evaluated by an improved kernel density estimation method. Two typical wind speed datasets (typhoon and normal wind conditions) measured by the WWS are used for validation of the applicability of the developed forecasted model. Through comparison to seven single and four combined models, the developed model presents the highest forecast accuracy in both definitive and uncertainty predictions even in typhoon wind conditions. The study demonstrates that the WWS integrated with the proposed hybrid intelligent algorithm can provide sensible warning for the safety of train operation.
Low-Resolution Surveillance Face Image Denoising Using Multistage Multifilter Algorithm
Authors: Bhagwat Sumedha , Ragha Leena
Published: December 2024

Face recognition in surveillance video depends on the surveillance camera and the surrounding environment. The problem becomes more complex to identify human faces in such surveillance videos when the frames have low resolution details and are affected by various noises. While several researchers have attempted to remove noise from degraded video frame images, there remains a void in the research of denoising surveillance images. It is observed that the existing denoising algorithms are not giving satisfactory results. Hence, we propose a Multistage Multifilter (MSMF) algorithm with four stages which employs super pixel segmentation followed by three different denoising techniques, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Median, and anisotropic diffusion filtering, to denoise the low-resolution and noisy surveillance images. Overall, this approach to denoise surveillance images involves a combination of statistical, nonlinear, and edge-preserving filtering techniques to address the challenges posed by the noise present in these low-resolution images. The results are quite promising with 59.12% as the average Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) value for Gaussian Noise and 60.15% as the average PSNR value for Salt and Pepper Noise.
Learning-Based Hybrid Exploration Method for Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
Authors: Zhao Jiahua , Gao Han
Published: December 2024

The application of deep reinforcement learning techniques to adaptive traffic signal control is effective in reducing traffic congestion, due to its advantages over more traditional experience-based or model-driven methods. Although numerous studies have been conducted on traffic signal control, many of them suffer from issues such as unreasonable phase settings and long model-building times in complex environments. By analyzing the spatial-temporal characteristics of intersection traffic volume, this paper puts forward an automatic phase-switching mechanism to improve the problem of phase scheme mismatch with actual traffic flow. To reduce the training time of the model, this paper proposes to add noise to the parameters of the agent to stabilize the environment exploration process, so that the agent’s decision is more dependent on the observed environment state. Using real-world traffic flow data and simulated data for experimental verification, the experimental results show that the signal control model after optimization can effectively reduce the average travel time and increase network throughput.
Thermal buckling and postbuckling of porous FGM beams with elastically restrained ends resting on nonlinear elastic foundations
Authors: Thinh Nguyen Van , Tung Hoang Van
Published: December 2024

The combined influences of porosity, elasticity of tangential end constraints, nonlinear elastic foundations and initial geometrical imperfection on the buckling and postbuckling of functionally graded material (FGM) beams under uniform temperature rise are investigated in this paper. The pores are distributed into FGM according to the even and uneven types. The properties of constituent materials are assumed to be temperature-dependent and effective properties of porous FGM are determined using a modified rule of mixture. Two ends of beams are assumed to be simply supported or clamped and under tangentially elastic constraints. Equilibrium equations are derived based on Timoshenko beam theory taking into account the von Kármán nonlinearity, initial geometrical imperfection and interactive pressure from nonlinear elastic foundation. Analytical solutions are assumed and Galerkin method is used to obtain the expressions of buckling loads and nonlinear load–deflection relation. An iteration process is adopted to determine the critical buckling temperatures and postbuckling temperature–deflection curves. Parametric studies are carried out to analyze the effects of porosity, degree of in-plane constraints of ends, out-of-plane boundary conditions, imperfection, slenderness ratio and elastic foundations on the thermal buckling and postbuckling behaviors of porous FGM beams.
Considering Trauma in Accessible Design for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Venkatasubramanian Krishna , Ranalli Tina-Marie , Kirupaharan Priyankan , Cannon Liam
Published: December 2024

Applying the principles of trauma-informed care when designing apps can improve accessibility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Editorial: Special Issue on Software Engineering and AI for Data Quality
Authors: Khomh Foutse , Metzger Andreas , Nguyen Phu , Sen Sagar
Published: December 2024

This editorial summarizes the content of the Special Issue on Software Engineering and AI for Data Quality of the Journal of Data and Information Quality (JDIQ).
ISP Meets Deep Learning: A Survey on Deep Learning Methods for Image Signal Processing
Authors: Santos Claudio Filipi Goncalves dos , Arrais Rodrigo Reis , Silva Jhessica Victoria Santos da , Silva Matheus Henrique Marques da , Neto Wladimir Barroso Guedes de Araujo , Lopes Leonardo Tadeu , Bileki Guilherme Augusto , Lima Iago Oliveira , Rondon Lucas Borges , Souza Bruno Melo de , Regazio Mayara Costa , Dalapicola Rodolfo Coelho , Tasca Arthur Alves
Published: December 2024

The entire Image Signal Processor (ISP) of a camera relies on several processes to transform the data from the Color Filter Array (CFA) sensor, such as demosaicing, denoising, and enhancement. These processes can be executed either by some hardware or via software. In recent years, Deep Learning (DL) has emerged as one solution for some of them or even to replace the entire ISP using a single neural network for the task. In this work, we investigated several recent pieces of research in this area and provide deeper analysis and comparison among them, including results and possible points of improvement for future researchers.
Sputtering Deposition of Lipon Solid Electrolyte on Slurry-Cast Composite Cathode
Authors: Yoo Hyunjoon , Oh Woong , Ahn Chi Won , Oh Il-Kwon
Published: December 2024

As the miniaturization of wearable and implantable devices advances, the demand for ultra-small power supply systems continues to grow. These miniature devices can operate by harvesting energy from the environment or by incorporating micro-sized energy storage devices. However, since these devices require continuous and precise operation for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, integrating micro-sized batteries is essential for a stable power supply. Consequently, one of the major challenges in microbattery development is enhancing areal energy density, as the size must be comparable to that of the miniature device. Thin-film-based microbatteries have attempted to increase surface area by adopting 3D structures, but their effectiveness is limited due to the low ionic and electrical conductivity of cathode materials, which restricts the deposition thickness to just a few tens of nanometers. In all-solid-state batteries, a strategy to address these inherent issues of the cathode involves using composite cathodes that incorporate materials with high ionic conductivity. In this study, we fabricated a composite cathode by slurry-casting a mixture of LiCoO₂ and PEO/PVDF-HFP, followed by the sputter deposition of a LiPON solid electrolyte. The half-cell and full-cell configurations were evaluated for improvements in areal capacity under various C-rates. This method offers flexibility in designing the thickness and composition of the cathode material, highlighting its potential applicability for various future biodevices.
Electrowritten Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for an Electrosprayed Si-C Composite Anode
Authors: Cheng Yingxuan , Zhou Yazhou , Kim Jae Chul
Published: December 2024

A silicon (Si) anode is a promising material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It has high theoretical specific capacity of 3579 mAh/g, nearly ten times larger than that of the graphite anode. This high capacity can significantly enhance the energy density of LIBs, a critical requirement for applications such as electric vehicles and portable electronics. However, the Si anode faces fundamental challenges due to their substantial volume change, up to 400%, upon lithiation and delithiation. This volume change, if repeated, can pulverize active particles, leading to mechanical degradation and loss of electrical wiring, and thereby rapid capacity fading. In this study, we combine two different manufacturing techniques to achieve large capacity and long cycle life for the Si anode. We employ electrowriting that is our unique capability to produce three-dimensional (3D), flexible fiber structures. This pushes the manufacturing limit of electrospinning to produce orientation-controlled fibers with micron precision. We will electrowrite 3D scaffolds that can contain Si-C composite particles produced by electrospraying. These particles are secondary particles that are uniform in size (average diameter ~800 nm) and porosity. Their primary particle size is 40 nm (Si). This controlled porosity can facilitate efficient electrolyte penetration, contributing to improved electrochemical performance. Electrowriting can build 20 x 20 μm grid structures made of 2 µm-diameter polyacrylic acid (PAA) fibers. We found that the electrosprayed Si/C anode delivers 2000 mAh/g at the 20th discharge at C/10 with a capacity retention rate 88.6%. Capacity fading may originate from the weak adhesion force of the sprayed particles, rather than pulverization. Electrowriting can improve the adhesion of electrosprayed Si-C particles, leading to higher capacity retention. Compared with a conventionally prepared Si anode, this construction can accommodate volume change of the Si-C anode upon Li cycling. The polymer-based 3D scaffold can help the anode maintain integrity by effectively dissipating strain energy. We consider that our approach provides a new insight to battery manufacturing that can address challenges in the Si anode.
(Invited) Integrating Biology and Technology: Unleashing the Power of Graphene Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Aran Kiana
Published: December 2024

As we deepen our understanding of biological machineries, we increasingly recognize the mechanisms at work within living organisms and the vast potential these biological systems offer for technological innovation. The fusion of biological machineries with cutting-edge technology has the potential to create a new era of solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. The integration of biological machineries with field effect nano biosensing technologies, opens up unprecedented avenues for advancements in healthcare, monitoring, biosecurity, and much more.

Graphene Field Effect Transistors (gFETs) stand at the forefront of this interdisciplinary journey. gFETs are highly sensitive to changes in their electrical environment, making them ideal for detecting biological signals. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits remarkable electrical, mechanical, and optical properties. Its high conductivity, flexibility, and surface area make it an excellent material for biosensing applications. When biological molecules bind to graphene's surface, they induce a change in its electrical properties, which can be precisely measured by the gFET. This sensitivity to electrical changes at the molecular level enables the direct detection of biological entities without the need for labeling or amplification, offering real-time monitoring capabilities.

This talk will highlight the fusion of gFET technology with biology to offer novel approaches to detecting genetic mutations and volatile organic compounds with high sensitivity and specificity. By functionalizing graphene's surface with biological receptors or molecules, such as those used in CRISPR-Cas9 systems or odorant receptors, gFETs can directly detect target DNA sequences or distinguish complex odor profiles without the need for traditional, complex laboratory procedures. The integration of gFET technology with biological specificity is a testament to the transformative potential at the intersection of biology and technology, opening new avenues for innovation in healthcare and beyond.

Figure 1
Scaling up Solid State Battery Research at Fraunhofer FFB
Authors: Zahnow Julian , Schmuch Richard
Published: December 2024

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) hold immense promise for revolutionizing the future of energy storage due to their enhanced safety and higher potential energy density. Within the context of the federally funded FoFeBat project dedicated to production research for batteries, this abstract outlines the overarching goals and collaborative strategies of the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB in advancing ASSB production.

In five designated so-called innovation laboratories, which are run in close collaboration with some of the leading academic battery research institutions in Germany, including Universities of Muenster, Giessen and Aachen, as well as Research Center Juelich (FZJ), Fraunhofer FFB addresses the problems in scaling up solid state battery and solid electrolyte production. The planned research activities include upscaling the synthesis of polymer-, oxide- and thiophosphate-based solid electrolytes to the kg-scale. The in-house produced materials are used to study the production process of ASSB electrodes with different cathode active materials and how different forms of pressure application (warm-isostatic pressing, calendaring) influence the resulting electrode composite. This includes the evaluation of the influence of different binder materials and solvents on the production process of the electrodes. For the cell assembly, a prototype-scale production line will be established, where the different sheets (electrodes, separator) will be combined, and environmental influences can be studied by the application of sealed mini environments at the different assembly steps. The finalized cells are electrochemically characterized to study the influence of different operating conditions (temperature, pressure) on the cell performance. In addition to this, safety evaluation of the different materials and the fully assembled cells is part of this project. The establishment of the innovation laboratories for ASSB research provide the unique opportunity to test the acquired parameters on the pilot scale production line of the Fraunhofer FFB, which will help to evaluate the transferability of the different production steps into a full-scale lithium-ion-battery production line at FFB.

Scaling up these processing steps will produce challenges that are currently being investigated by various companies without the possibility of accessing the acquired knowledge. Solving these challenges and making the obtained knowledge publicly available through scientific journal publications, will help speed up the development of solid-state batteries.
The Role of Volume Change in Lithium Oxygen Battery Electrodes
Authors: Oldham Eric , Alvaré Javier , Wheeler Dean
Published: December 2024

Lithium oxygen batteries have an exceptionally high theoretical specific capacity, but a variety of obstacles stand in the way of reaching that high capacity over many cycles. Recent research into catalysts and redox shuttles has improved the reversibility of the reaction between lithium ions and oxygen to form lithium peroxide, creating renewed interest in lithium oxygen technologies.

A significant obstacle is that achieving high capacity necessarily implies that a large volume fraction of lithium peroxide must be stored in the cathode during discharge, to be released upon charge. Likewise, a large volume fraction of lithium metal must be stored as part of the anode during charge, to be released upon discharge. Such large volume changes create severe materials and reversibility issues. For instance, lithium peroxide particles displace electrolyte and cause the cathode to expand many times its original volume. The cathode material must be carefully selected to provide a good conductive lattice with high porosity and the ability to handle massive volume changes while also allowing the movement of electrolyte in and out of the cathode.

To address this issue our research group has adopted the use of a binderless carbon nanotube (CNT) paper as our cathode. The CNT paper consists of layers of interconnected CNTs and displays high tensile strength, conductivity, porosity, and reaction sites. In typical slurry-coated electrodes a large volume expansion can cause fractures and cracks, electrically isolating sections of the carbon matrix and decreasing capacity with increased cycling. The durability and layer structure of the CNT paper permits high volumetric expansion with reduced damage to the carbon matrix.

The CNT paper cathodes showed a discharge capacity of 10.000 mAh/g C, which is equivalent to 12 mAh/cm2. Figure 1 shows the substantial volume changes during the charge process. During lithiation of the cathode from (a) to (b) we can observe the cathode increased from approximately 28 microns to 160 microns thickness, or about six times the starting volume. Discharged cathodes were then rinsed in DI water to dissolve the lithium peroxide and observe the response of the carbon matrix (panel c). It can be seen that the removal of lithium peroxide left large gaps in the carbon matrix, which must be subsequently remedied in a charge cycle. We will present these and other results from our experiments on this system.

Figure 1