bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Cryogenic Strength–Ductility–Toughness of Multi‐Alloy Steel by Optimizing the Feature of Retained Austenite
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Ye Qi‐Bin , Zhao Tan , Sun Xun , Jin Lei
Published: February 2024

There is a general inverse relationship between strength and toughness in low‐carbon steels. The transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effect of retained austenite (RA) can help overcome this contradiction by providing strain hardening and transformation toughening during service. In this study, the effect of RA on the microstructure evolution, cryogenic mechanical properties, and fracture behavior of multi‐alloyed Ni‐containing steel is explored. Two well‐established techniques are employed to tailor the RA: quenching–intercritical tempering (QIT) and quenching–lamellarizing–intercritical tempering (QLIT). QLIT steel has a 25.1 vol% RA fraction, which is twice that of QIT steel, and offers exceptional stability at –196 °C. As a result, QLIT steel exhibits superior cryogenic mechanical properties in comparison to QIT steel, including a 6.9% increase in yield strength up to 1228 MPa, a 36.6% increase in elongation up to 33.2%, and a 147.4% increase in impact energy up to 193 J. These improvements are due to the higher fraction of RA transformed into the martensite during tensile deformation, resulting in an enhanced TRIP effect and increased work‐hardening rate. The exceptional stability of the RA also provides more sustainable TRIP toughening during cryogenic impact deformation, which helps to arrest crack propagation.
Influence of core width on the optimization analysis of the outrigger‐braced structure
Authors: Chen Xin , Er Guo‐Kang , Pan Iu Vai
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the governing equations of the outrigger‐braced structure are formulated by considering the influence of core‐wall width. The axial forces in the columns are considered as unknowns and the compatibility of the column's axial deformation is considered in formulating the governing equations. Then, the governing equations for the optimum locations of outriggers are formulated by minimizing the top drift of central core wall. After that, the influence of core‐wall width on the optimum outrigger locations, the drift‐reduction efficiency and moment‐reduction efficiency is investigated numerically. Some results are presented for the reference in the preliminary design of the outrigger‐braced structures.
Single-Cycle Infrared Waveform Generation and Control
Authors: Nagl Nathalie , Steinleitner Philipp , Kowalczyk Maciej , Zhang Jinwei , Pervak Vladimir , Hofer Christina , Głuszek Aleksander , Sotor Jarosław , Weigel Alexander , Mak Ka Fai , Krausz Ferenc
Published: February 2024

Tailoring the electric-field waveform of few-cycle light pulses lays the foundation for controlling nonlinear optical phenomena on their genuine, attosecond time scale. So far, waveform control has been demonstrated mostly in the visible-to-near-infrared spectral region. Extending it to the mid-infrared range will open up new prospects in ultrafast optoelectronics as well as broadband field-resolved spectroscopy. We present a novel approach for shaping few-cycle waveforms, and thereby achieved the first multi-octave synthesis of single-cycle transients in the mid-infrared spectral range, with a continuously adjustable and highly-reproducible electric-field evolution. The concept is generalizable towards the synthesis of a broader variety of infrared waveforms, with a diversity of applications in ultrafast opto-electronics, attosecond metrology and field-resolved mid-infrared sensing.
The Future of Attosecond Science
Authors: Dudovich Nirit , Fang Li , Gaarde Mette , Keller Ursula , Landsman Alexandra , Richter Maria , Rohringer Nina , Young Linda
Published: February 2024

Conferences are incredible opportunities to strengthen the inclusive outlook of our scientific community. The participation of female scientists, postdocs, and graduate students in the ATTO VIII conference was remarkable, with more than 40% of female invited speakers. The Local Organizing Committee seized this opportunity to promote an atmosphere that welcomes all. An entirely female evening panel, with experience across the attosecond science spectrum, was convened to explore the Future of Attosecond Science in the evening session of Wednesday, July 13. Furthermore, a booklet entitled Perspectives in Attosecond Science was compiled by Dr. Shima Gholam-Mirzaei of the University of Ottawa and ATTO co-chairs Luca Argenti and Michael Chini, in collaboration with members of the Local Organizing Committee and others, which included interviews with female scientists at all career levels and which was included in the conference materials. The text has been minimally edited to improve clarity and readability.
Strukturelle Perspektiven: Wie ist das Bildungswesen zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts gestaltet?
Authors: van Ackeren-Mindl Isabell , Klemm Klaus , Schmid-Kühn Svenja Mareike
Published: February 2024

Jede Darstellung der Struktur des deutschen Schulsystems und seiner strukturellen Besonderheiten muss berücksichtigen, dass sich dieses System unter den Bedingungen des historisch gewachsenen Föderalismus und der damit verbundenen Kulturhoheit der Länder entwickelt hat und auch weiter entwickeln wird. Grundlegende Besonderheiten der einzelnen Bildungsstufen werden ebenso berücksichtigt wie aktuelle Reformen und Veränderungen.
Drittes Kapitel: Die Zurechnung von Vermögensgegenständen
Authors: Knoblauch Michael
Published: February 2024

Die wirtschaftliche Vermögenszurechnung sowie das wirtschaftliche Eigentum werden als Ausdruck der wirtschaftlichen Betrachtungsweise verstanden. Insofern ist insbesondere auf das wirtschaftliche Gehalt eines jeweiligen Geschäftsvorfalls abzustellen. Gleichermaßen ist eine Objektivierung notwendig, die durch Verrechtlichung erreicht wird und zu Rechtsklarheit sowie Rechtssicherheit beitragen kann.
FAM76B regulates PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-mediated M1 macrophage polarization by influencing the stability of PIK3CD mRNA
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhao Xinyue , Wang Qizhi , Zheng Xiaojing , Simayi Dilihumaer , Zhao Junli , Yang Peiyan , Mao Qinwen , Xia Haibin
Published: February 2024

Macrophage polarization is closely related to inflammation development, yet how macrophages are polarized remains unclear. In our study, the number of M1 macrophages was markedly increased in Fam76b knockout U937 cells vs. wild-type U937 cells, and FAM76B expression was decreased in M1 macrophages induced from different sources of macrophages. Moreover, Fam76b knockout enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of M1 macrophage-associated marker genes. These results suggest that FAM76B inhibits M1 macrophage polarization. We then further explored the mechanism by which FAM76B regulates macrophage polarization. We found that FAM76B can regulate PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway-mediated M1 macrophage polarization by stabilizing PIK3CD mRNA. Finally, FAM76B was proven to protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway in vivo. In summary, FAM76B regulates M1 macrophage polarization through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway in vitro and in vivo, which may inform the development of future therapeutic strategies for IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
Spem2, a novel testis-enriched gene, is required for spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice
Authors: Li Chaojie , Shen Chunling , Xiong Wenfeng , Ge Haoyang , Shen Yan , Chi Jun , Zhang Hongxin , Tang Lingyun , Lu Shunyuan , Wang Jinjin , Fei Jian , Wang Zhugang
Published: February 2024

Spermiogenesis is considered to be crucial for the production of haploid spermatozoa with normal morphology, structure and function, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SPEM family member 2 (Spem2), as a novel testis-enriched gene, is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility. Spem2 is predominantly expressed in the haploid male germ cells and is highly conserved across mammals. Mice deficient for Spem2 develop male infertility associated with spermiogenesis impairment. Specifically, the insufficient sperm individualization, failure of excess cytoplasm shedding, and defects in acrosome formation are evident in Spem2-null sperm. Sperm counts and motility are also significantly reduced compared to controls. In vivo fertilization assays have shown that Spem2-null sperm are unable to fertilize oocytes, possibly due to their impaired ability to migrate from the uterus into the oviduct. However, the infertility of Spem2−/− males cannot be rescued by in vitro fertilization, suggesting that defective sperm–egg interaction may also be a contributing factor. Furthermore, SPEM2 is detected to interact with ZPBP, PRSS21, PRSS54, PRSS55, ADAM2 and ADAM3 and is also required for their processing and maturation in epididymal sperm. Our findings establish SPEM2 as an essential regulator of spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice, possibly in mammals including humans. Understanding the molecular role of SPEM2 could provide new insights into future therapeutic treatment of human male infertility and development of non-hormonal male contraceptives.
Identity-Based Encryption with (Almost) Tight Security in the Multi-instance, Multi-ciphertext Setting
Authors: Hofheinz Dennis , Koch Jessica , Striecks Christoph
Published: February 2024

We construct an identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme that is tightly secure in a very strong sense. Specifically, we consider a setting with many instances of the scheme and many encryptions per instance. In this setting, we reduce the security of our scheme to a variant of a simple assumption used for a similar purpose by Chen and Wee (CRYPTO 2013, Springer, 2013). The security loss of our reduction is$$\textbf{O} (k)$$O(k)(where$$k $$kis the security parameter). Our scheme is the first IBE scheme to achieve this strong flavor of tightness under a simple assumption. Technically, our scheme is a variation of the IBE scheme by Chen and Wee. However, in order to “lift” their results to the multi-instance, multi-ciphertext case, we need to develop new ideas. In particular, while we build on (and extend) their high-level proof strategy, we deviate significantly in the low-level proof steps.
Early-life economic conditions and old-age male mortality: evidence from historical county-level bank deposit data
Authors: Noghanibehambari Hamid , Fletcher Jason , Schmitz Lauren , Duque Valentina , Gawai Vikas
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the long-run mortality effects of in utero and early-life economic conditions. We examine how local economic conditions experienced during the Great Depression, proxied by county-level banking deposits during in utero and first years of life, influences old-age longevity. We find that a one-standard-deviation rise in per capita bank deposits is associated with an approximately 1.7 month increase in males’ longevity at old age. Additional analyses comparing state-level versus county-level economic measures provide insight on the importance of controlling for local-level confounders and exploiting more granular measures when exploring the relationship between early-life conditions and later-life mortality.
High-frequency channel attention and contrastive learning for image super-resolution
Authors: Yan Tianyu , Yin Hujun
Published: February 2024

Over the last decade, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have allowed remarkable advances in single image super-resolution (SISR). In general, recovering high-frequency features is crucial for high-performance models. High-frequency features suffer more serious damages than low-frequency features during downscaling, making it hard to recover edges and textures. In this paper, we attempt to guide the network to focus more on high-frequency features in restoration from both channel and spatial perspectives. Specifically, we propose a high-frequency channel attention (HFCA) module and a frequency contrastive learning (FCL) loss to aid the process. For the channel-wise perspective, the HFCA module rescales channels by predicting statistical similarity metrics of the feature maps and their high-frequency components. For the spatial perspective, the FCL loss introduces contrastive learning to train a spatial mask that adaptively assigns high-frequency areas with large scaling factors. We incorporate the proposed HFCA module and FCL loss into an EDSR baseline model to construct the proposed lightweight high-frequency channel contrastive network (HFCCN). Extensive experimental results show that it can yield markedly improved or competitive performances compared to the state-of-the-art networks of similar model parameters.
Pyrolysis temperature affects biochar suitability as an alternative rhizobial carrier
Authors: Shabir Rahat , Li Yantao , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Chen Chengrong
Published: February 2024

Biochars produced from different feedstocks and at different pyrolysis temperatures may have various chemical and physical properties, affecting their potential use as alternative microbial carrier materials. In this study, biochars were produced from pine wood and oak feedstocks at various temperatures (400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C and 800°C), characterized, and assessed for their potential as carriers for Bradyrhizobium japonicum (CB1809) strain. The biochars were then stored at two different storage temperatures (28°C and 38°C) for up to 90 days. Furthermore, the study also explored the role of potentially ideal carriers as inoculants in the growth of Glycine max L. (soybean) under different moisture levels i.e., 55% water holding capacity (WHC) (D0), 30% WHC (D1) and, 15% WHC (D2) using a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% sand. The results were compared to a control group (without inoculants) and a peat inoculant. Among all the materials derived from pine wood and oak, pine wood biochar pyrolyzed at 400℃ (P-BC400) exhibited the highest CFU count, with values of 10.34 and 9.74 Log 10 CFU g− 1 after 90 days of storage at 28℃ and 38℃, respectively. This was notably higher compared to other biochars and peat carriers. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in plant properties: shoot and root dry biomass (174% and 367%), shoot and root length (89% and 85%), number of leaves (71%), membrane stability index (27%), relative water content (26%), and total chlorophyll (140%) were observed in plants treated with P-BC400 carrier inoculant compared to the control at D2; however, lower enrichment of δ13C (37%) and δ15N (108%) with highest number of root nodules (8.3 ± 1.26) and nitrogenase activity (0.869 ± 0.04) were observed under D2, as evident through PCA analysis, showing more nitrogen (N) fixation and photosynthetic activity. Overall, this experiment concluded that biochar pyrolyzed at lower temperatures, especially P-BC400, was the most suitable candidate for rhizobial inoculum and promoted soybean growth.
Acoustics and aerodynamic effects following glottal and infraglottal medialization in an excised larynx model
Authors: Oren Liran , Maddox Alexandra , Farbos de Luzan Charles , Xie Changchun , Howell Rebecca , Dion Gregory , Gutmark Ephraim , Khosla Sid
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the implant’s vertical location during Type 1 Thyroplasty (T1T) on acoustics and glottal aerodynamics using excised canine larynx model, providing insights into the optimal technique for treating unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Methods

Measurements were conducted in six excised canine larynges using Silastic implants. Two implant locations, glottal and infraglottal, were tested for each larynx at low and high subglottal pressure levels. Acoustic and intraglottal flow velocity field measurements were taken to assess vocal efficiency (VE), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and the development of intraglottal vortices.

Results

The results indicated that the implant's vertical location significantly influenced vocal efficiency (p = 0.045), with the infraglottal implant generally yielding higher VE values. The effect on CPP was not statistically significant (p = 0.234). Intraglottal velocity field measurements demonstrated larger glottal divergence angles and stronger vortices with the infraglottal implant.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that medializing the paralyzed fold at the infraglottal level rather than the glottal level can lead to improved vocal efficiency. The observed larger divergence angles and stronger intraglottal vortices with infraglottal medialization may enhance voice outcomes in UVFP patients. These findings have important implications for optimizing T1T procedures and improving voice quality in individuals with UVFP. Further research is warranted to validate these results in clinical settings.
Efficacy of anti-VEGF monotherapy versus anti-VEGF therapy with subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) in the management of diabetic macular oedema (DMO): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wijeweera Chandana , Ni Jing , Petocz Peter , Preda Veronica , Jabbour James
Published: February 2024

Background

Intravitreal injection anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (IVI anti-VEGF) therapy serves as the primary treatment for centre involving diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Conventional laser therapy (CLT) adjunct has proven beneficial; however, it is not widely used due to significant risks of retinal scarring. Subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) therapy has, however, emerged as a comparable alternative to combination therapy, offering a distinct advantage by mitigating the risk of retinal scarring.

Methods

A search of six databases was conducted. A meta-analysis of mean differences was performed including subgroup analyses where appropriate. Primary outcome was the number of injections at 12–14 months; secondary outcomes were changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6–8 months and 12–14 months.

Results

A total of ten papers including six randomised clinical trials and four retrospective clinical studies were included in our study, capturing 563 eyes of 478 patients. Overall, the risk of bias was moderate for these studies. Significantly fewer anti-VEGF therapy injections were administered in the combination therapy versus anti-VEGF monotherapy patients at 12–14 months who had poor visual acuity (6/18 Snellen or worse) at baseline, mean difference − 2.25 (95% CI; − 3.35, − 1.15; p < 0.05). Combination therapy was not associated with significantly fewer intravitreal injections in patients with a higher visual acuity (6/15 Snellen or better) at baseline. Our analysis also showed significant improvements to both BCVA and CMT were reached at 6 − 8 month post-baseline at the 95% confidence intervals: − 1.13 (− 2.09, − 0.16) and − 4.04 (− 7.59, − 0.50). These improvements remained statistically significant at 12–14 months: − 0.94 (− 1.67, − 0.20) and − 1.92 (− 3.52, − 0.32) respectively with combination therapy.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that combination therapy (SML + IVI anti-VEGF) is associated with fewer intravitreal injections. We report a better BCVA and a reduction in CMT at 6 and 12 months from baseline with combination treatment compared to the IVI anti-VEGF monotherapy comparator. SML is a proven non-scarring cost-effective therapy for DMO that should be readily available in the medical retinal therapy as it may reduce the burden of care.
Effects of acute and multi-day low-dose sodium bicarbonate intake on high-intensity endurance exercise performance in male recreational cyclists
Authors: Aktitiz S. , Koşar Ş. N. , Turnagöl H. H.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effects of acute and multi-day low-dose sodium bicarbonate (SB) intake on high-intensity endurance exercise performance.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, twelve recreational male cyclists (age: 31.17 ± 4.91 years; $$\dot{{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2peak: 47.98 ± 7.68 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed three endurance performance tests following acute SB (ASB, 0.2 g·kg−1 SB), multi-day SB (MSB, 0.2 g·kg−1·day−1 SB for four days), and placebo (PLA) intake. The high-intensity endurance performance was assessed with a cycling exercise test, wherein participants cycled on a bicycle ergometer at 95% of the predetermined anaerobic threshold for 30 min, followed by a time-to-exhaustion test at 110% of the anaerobic threshold. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

Significant main effects of supplementation protocol were evident in pre-exercise bicarbonate concentrations (F = 27.93; p < 0.01; partial eta squared (η2) = 0.72; false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p value = 0.001). Prior to performance test, blood bicarbonate concentrations were significantly higher in MSB (25.78 ± 1.63 mmol·L−1 [95% CI 26.55–28.44] (p < 0.001; FDR-adjusted p value = 0.001)) and ASB (27.49 ± 1.49 mmol·L−1 [95% CI 24.75–26.81] (p < 0.001; FDR-adjusted p value = 0.007)) compared to PLA (23.75 ± 1.40 mmol·L−1 [95% CI 22.86 to 24.64]). Time-to-exhaustion increased in MSB (54.27 ± 9.20 min [95% CI 48.43–60.12]) compared to PLA (49.75 ± 10.80 min [95% CI 42.89–56.62]) (p = 0.048); however, this increase in MSB did not reach the significance threshold of 1% FDR (FDR-adjusted p value = 0.040). No significant difference was noted in exhaustion times between ASB (51.15 ± 8.39 min [95% CI 45.82–56.48]) and PLA (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Both acute and multi-day administration of low-dose SB improves buffering system in cyclists; nevertheless, neither intervention demonstrates sufficient efficacy in enhancing high-intensity endurance performance.
Exploring inclusion in UK agricultural robotics development: who, how, and why?
Authors: Ayris Kirsten , Jackman Anna , Mauchline Alice , Rose David Christian
Published: February 2024

The global agricultural sector faces a significant number of challenges for a sustainable future, and one of the tools proposed to address these challenges is the use of automation in agriculture. In particular, robotic systems for agricultural tasks are being designed, tested, and increasingly commercialised in many countries. Much touted as an environmentally beneficial technology with the ability to improve data management and reduce the use of chemical inputs while improving yields and addressing labour shortages, agricultural robotics also presents a number of potential ethical challenges – including rural unemployment, the amplification of economic and digital inequalities, and entrenching unsustainable farming practices. As such, development is not uncontroversial, and there have been calls for a responsible approach to their innovation that integrates more substantive inclusion into development processes. This study investigates current approaches to participation and inclusion amongst United Kingdom (UK) agricultural robotics developers. Through semi-structured interviews with key members of the UK agricultural robotics sector, we analyse the stakeholder engagement currently integrated into development processes. We explore who is included, how inclusion is done, and what the inclusion is done for. We reflect on how these findings align with the current literature on stakeholder inclusion in agricultural technology development, and suggest what they could mean for the development of more substantive responsible innovation in agricultural robotics.
“I Would Consult a Doctor, But What the Rabbi Says Goes”: Ultra-Orthodox Jews’ Relationships with Rabbis and Doctors in Israel
Authors: Neriya-Ben Shahar Rivka , Yuval Fany , Tur-Sinai Aviad
Published: February 2024

We examine relationships among ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews, their doctors, and rabbis when medical decisions are made. Analyzing excerpts from sixteen focus groups with 128 ultra-Orthodox Jews, we determine how their belief system affects their decisions about whom to trust and follow when the doctor’s instructions contradict the rabbi’s advice. We argue that the strict behaviors described here with regard to relations among doctors, rabbis, and patients, function as social capital that raises the status of ultra-Orthodox Jews as members of an exclusive club that balances health decisions with the social demand to obey their religious leaders.
A constitutive model considering creep damage of wood
Authors: Trcala M. , Suchomelová P. , Bošanský M. , Němec I.
Published: February 2024

The serviceability of wooden structures involves multiphysical phenomena, notably the interactions among creep, plasticity, and damage. The influence of creep on the initialization of the damage and on its growth and spread can be adjusted by an additional alpha parameter in order to take into account the coupled effect between creep and damage more properly. We integrate an orthotropic viscoelastic model, based on the generalized Kelvin chain, with an orthotropic damage model, capturing both the immediate nonlinear elastic–plastic–damage response and the time-dependent viscous response of timber. The combination of these material models is important to obtain a realistic description of wood behavior, because the timber shows an immediate nonlinear elastic–plastic–damage response, but also the time-dependent viscous response. In this paper, we algorithmize, implement, and validate the concept of ‘creep damage’, a phenomenon observed in wooden structures. Benchmark tests reveal two distinct patterns of damage in beech wood, immediate postload damage that evolves over time and damage that occurs and spreads during the loading period.
High-order linearly implicit exponential integrators conserving quadratic invariants with application to scalar auxiliary variable approach
Authors: Sato Shun
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a framework for constructing high-order linearly implicit exponential integrators that conserve a quadratic invariant. This is then applied to the scalar auxiliary variable (SAV) approach. Quadratic invariants are significant objects that are present in various physical equations and also in computationally efficient conservative schemes for general invariants. For instance, the SAV approach converts the invariant into a quadratic form by introducing scalar auxiliary variables, which have been intensively studied in recent years. In this vein, Sato et al. (Appl. Numer. Math. 187, 71-88 2023) proposed high-order linearly implicit schemes that conserve a quadratic invariant. In this study, it is shown that their method can be effectively merged with the Lawson transformation, a technique commonly utilized in the construction of exponential integrators. It is also demonstrated that combining the constructed exponential integrators and the SAV approach yields schemes that are computationally less expensive. Specifically, the main part of the computational cost is the product of several matrix exponentials and vectors, which are parallelizable. Moreover, we conduct some mathematical analyses on the proposed schemes.
Does Regulatory Quality Reduce Informal Economy? A Theoretical and Empirical Framework
Authors: Barra Cristian , Papaccio Anna
Published: February 2024

Italy is characterised by a significant dualistic economy, which also includes an extensive underground sector. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between the quality of legislation and irregular employment in Italy. Our contribution consists of two components: the theoretical modelling of the impact of regulatory quality on the informal economy and the empirical validation of the predictions of the theoretical model using data from the Italian region between 2004 and 2019. The results confirm the theoretical and empirical arguments in favour of the need for laws to curb the informal sector. The regions with the highest institutional standards tend to have a lower percentage of irregular workers that fosters and encourages the legality of the labor market. Some robustness tests back up the main conclusions which show how important following rules is for strengthening the internal economy and for lowering the number of illegal workers.
Electronic nose: a tool to verify the PDO declaration of Portuguese olive oils
Authors: Rodrigues Nuno , Ferreiro Nuno , Ruano Daniela , Dias Francisco , Veloso Ana C. A. , Pereira José A. , Peres António M.
Published: February 2024

The volatile and olfactory profiles of three Portuguese olive oils with protected designations of origin (PDO) were studied: “Azeite do Alentejo Interior”, “Azeites da Beira Interior”, and “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes”. Seven classes of volatiles were identified, with aldehydes, followed by hydrocarbons and alcohols, the most prevalent (5.63, 2.92, and 2.79 mg/kg olive oil, respectively). The “Azeites da Beira Interior” oils exhibited the highest amount of volatiles (18.2 ± 4.6 mg/kg olive oil) compared to the oils from the other two PDOs. Ten positive olfactory sensations were detected, and a significant effect of the PDO on the intensities of fruity, apple, cabbage, tomato, dry and fresh herbs was observed. Specifically, “Azeite do Alentejo Interior” PDO oils were characterized as fruity-ripe, while “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes” PDO oils were labelled as fruity-green. Conversely, “Azeites da Beira Interior” PDO oils encompassed both fruity-ripe and fruity-green oils. Unique volatile and olfactory fingerprints were established for each PDO, allowing the linear discrimination of the oils according to the PDO, with a predictive sensitivity of 98.0 ± 4.2% (repeated K-fold-CV). Furthermore, a lab-made electronic nose successfully discriminated the studied oils based on the PDO, with a predictive accuracy of 99.7 ± 2.0% (repeated K-fold-CV). This device also allowed predicting the concentrations of the three main volatile classes found in the oils through multiple linear regression models (R2 ≥ 0.923 ± 0.101 and RMSE ≤ 1.32 ± 0.72 mg/kg oil; repeated K-fold-CV). These findings underscore the potential of the electronic nose as a reliable traceability tool to authenticate the PDO declaration of Portuguese olive oils, and broaden its use beyond non-PDO oils from a specific geographical area to encompass a national scale.

Graphical abstract
Experimental and modeling studies on the removal of bromocresol green from aqueous solutions by using pine cone-derived activated biochar
Authors: Kaya Nihan , Uzun Zeynep Yıldız
Published: February 2024

This study was carried out to evaluate the potential application of pine cone (PC)-derived activated biochar which has a surface area of 1714.5 m2/g for bromocresol green (BCG) dye removal from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments involved varying pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentrations and the maximum BCG removal (96.27%) occurred at pH: 2.0, T: 45 °C, m: 2 g/L, t: 15 min., and Co: 25 mg/L. To study the characteristics of adsorption, the adsorption kinetic isotherm and thermodynamic parameters were employed. The experimental data was evaluated to fit well with the Temkin isotherm (R2 = 0.99) and the adsorption process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.96). Thermodynamic parameters obtained from the adsorptive uptake showed that the interaction was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The regenerated activated PC biochar showed good performance (95.0%), even, after 4th regeneration. To predict the BCG adsorption capacity of activated PC biochar, many different artificial neural network (ANN) models have been developed. The optimal ANN model gave mean absolute error (MAE), mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE), and R2 values of 0.036, 0.578, 0.947, and 0.999, respectively. The results obtained showed that ANN can be used to effectively model the BCG adsorption process.
Cepharanthine suppresses APC-mutant colorectal cancers by down-regulating the expression of β-catenin
Authors: Su Guifeng , Wang Dan , Yang Qianqing , Kong Lingmei , Ju Xiaoman , Yang Qihong , Zhu Yiying , Zhang Shaohua , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

The aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely associated with the development of various carcinomas, especially colorectal cancers (CRCs), where adenomatous colorectal polyposis (APC) mutations are the most frequently observed, which limits the anti-tumor efficiency of inhibitors targeting the upstream of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The anti-tumor activity of the naturally occurring alkaloid cepharanthine (CEP) extracted from the plant Stephania cepharantha Hayata has been reported in various types of tumors. We previously observed that its derivatives inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver cancer; however, the specific mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we confirmed CEP can effectively inhibit APC-mutant CRC cell lines (SW480, SW620, LoVo) through disturbing of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that CEP attenuates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling by decreasing the β-catenin, subsequently impeding the proliferation of APC-mutant CRCs. Moreover, CEP induced β-catenin transcription inhibition rather than the instability of β-catenin protein and mRNA contributes to reduction of β-catenin. Taken together, our findings identify CEP as the first β-catenin transcriptional inhibitor in the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and indicate CEP as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of APC-mutated CRCs.

Graphical Abstract
Improving antimicrobial treatment in terms of antimicrobial stewardship and health costs by an OPAT service
Authors: Burch Andrea R. , Ledergerber Bruno , Ringer Martin , Padrutt Maria , Reiber Claudine , Mayer Fabienne , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Eberhard Nadia , Kaelin Marisa B. , Hasse Barbara
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a standard for antimicrobial therapy internationally. With this prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the impact of an OPAT service as part of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and evaluate the safety and efficiency of the program while illuminating the financial benefit for the hospital.

Methods

Socio-demographic data, treatment regimen and outcomes were prospectively recorded for all patients assigned to the program of the OPAT unit of the University Hospital of Zurich between November 2018 and September 2022.

Results

In total, we recorded 303 OPAT assignments of which 260 resulted in effective OPAT episodes. The 260 OPAT episodes were further optimized toward the choice of antimicrobial agent (n = 18) and length of therapy (n = 6). Moreover, OPAT resulted in alteration of patient assessment and care led by AMS strategies in 247 of 260 episodes (95%). While the bed days saved per year increased consistently with time, a total of 3934 in-hospital treatment days were saved amounting to a cost saving of 9,835,000 CHF over 47 months. Adverse events were recorded in 46 cases whilst only two of these have been the reason for readmission during OPAT treatment. Clinical cure was noted in 77% (199/260) and was negatively associated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; OR per 1 unit higher 0.85 (95% CI 0.78–0.93)).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the impact of an OPAT service in the framework of AMS as well as its benefits for the hospital whilst preserving safety and efficacy for the patient’s parenteral antimicrobial treatment.
Current Status and Perspectives of Dual-Atom Catalysts Towards Sustainable Energy Utilization
Authors: Li Yizhe , Li Yajie , Sun Hao , Gao Liyao , Jin Xiangrong , Li Yaping , LV Zhi , Xu Lijun , Liu Wen , Sun Xiaoming
Published: February 2024

The exploration of sustainable energy utilization requires the implementation of advanced electrochemical devices for efficient energy conversion and storage, which are enabled by the usage of cost-effective, high-performance electrocatalysts. Currently, heterogeneous atomically dispersed catalysts are considered as potential candidates for a wide range of applications. Compared to conventional catalysts, atomically dispersed metal atoms in carbon-based catalysts have more unsaturated coordination sites, quantum size effect, and strong metal–support interactions, resulting in exceptional catalytic activity. Of these, dual-atomic catalysts (DACs) have attracted extensive attention due to the additional synergistic effect between two adjacent metal atoms. DACs have the advantages of full active site exposure, high selectivity, theoretical 100% atom utilization, and the ability to break the scaling relationship of adsorption free energy on active sites. In this review, we summarize recent research advancement of DACs, which includes (1) the comprehensive understanding of the synergy between atomic pairs; (2) the synthesis of DACs; (3) characterization methods, especially aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron spectroscopy; and (4) electrochemical energy-related applications. The last part focuses on great potential for the electrochemical catalysis of energy-related small molecules, such as oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and N2 reduction reaction. The future research challenges and opportunities are also raised in prospective section.
Failure mechanics of fused filament fabricated nylon/carbon-reinforced composites
Authors: Ramachandran Karthikeyan , Nasr Azadani Meysam , Ravichandran Prithviraj , Shivaprakash Nithyasri Bangalore , Obi Martins , Gnanasagaran Constance L.
Published: February 2024

This work focuses on understanding the failure mechanisms of nylon-reinforced chopped carbon fiber (Onyx) composite and its reinforcement with carbon fiber printed using different infill patterns, i.e., solid fill, honeycomb, and triangular via fused filament fabrication (FFF) to enhance the sustainable manufacturing processes. The solid fill with carbon fiber reinforcement showcased a maximum tensile strength and flexural strength of ~ 300 MPa and ~ 22 MPa which were more than twice that of non-reinforced composites with fiber pull-out and layer debonding as predominant failure mechanisms. On the other hand, non-reinforced samples indicated matrix debonding as predominant failure behavior. The solid fill samples illustrated a lower failure mechanism owing to their higher bonding between each layer with limited voids whereas honeycomb and triangular samples failed faster due to the high number of voids limiting their bonding behavior. Furthermore, the load transfer capacity of honeycomb and triangular infill composites was limited due to reduced adhesion between the layers. Although the mechanical properties of onyx-based composites do not make them suitable for structural applications, the fused filament fabrication approach makes onyx a potential material for internal non-loading structures with complex geometries.
Investigating enhanced interfacial adhesion in multi-material filament 3D printing: a comparative study of t and Mickey Mouse geometries
Authors: Frascio M. , Zafferani A. , Monti M. , Avalle M.
Published: February 2024

In this study, a novel design to enhance interfacial adhesion in multi-material components produced through filament 3D printing techniques is presented. Multi-material additive manufacturing often faces challenges related to poor chemical affinity between polymers and physical discontinuities between component sub-parts. To address these issues, an interface geometry that leverages both diffusion and mechanical adhesion mechanisms to facilitate interlocking is proposed. The performance of the widely used T-shaped geometry, as per existing literature, with a newly introduced Mickey Mouse lobate modified shape is compared. Additionally, the linear butt interface, which relies solely on chemical diffusion is investigated. For the study, Polylactic Acid and Polyethylene Terephthalate as the material pairs was selected. The findings underscore the significant impact of interface geometry on the mechanical properties of multi-material components. Using the ultimate tensile strength of the standard ISO 527-2 specimen as a reference, a butt interface results in a residual strength of 60% for homogeneous materials, but only 10% for heterogeneous materials. The adverse impact of the heterogeneous materials configuration was alleviated by the interfaces, leading to an enhancement of 7% and 58% for the Mickey Mouse and T geometries, respectively. While the Mickey Mouse geometry effectively reduces stress concentrations, it falls short of achieving the desired improvement in multi-material adhesion between parts. This outcome suggests the necessity of further research, particularly towards optimizing the proposed geometry for enhanced performance.
Structure and molecular interactions in 1‑ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ion pair conformers: abinitio DFT based study
Authors: Wagaye Abraham Molla , Yohannes Teketel , Workneh Getachew Adam
Published: February 2024

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with Grimme’s B97D functional including dispersion are employed to provide both structural and electronic insight into the multifold interactions occurring in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid [EMI][TFSI], which is currently being targeted for applications in next-generation Li-ion battery electrolytes. The geometric structure, interaction energy and natural bond orbital analysis of the ion-pair conformers of [EMI][TFSI] show differences from the conventional H-bonds. A total of six stable [EMI][TFSI] ion pair conformers were observed. Our results show that a doubly ionic H-bond exists between [EMI]+ and [TFSI]− ion pair conformers. The greater the number of multiple H-bond type interactions, the greater the absolute value of the interaction energy. Moreover, results from the NBO analysis show that, for [EMI][TFSI] ion pair conformers, charge transfer occurs mainly from the lone pairs of oxygen and nitrogen atom to the σ-type anti-bonding orbital of the C–H and π-type anti-bonding orbitals of N–C bonds. This was evident from the values of the stabilization energy E(2) associated with each electron delocalization from the donor to acceptor orbitals. There exist large numbers of multiple concomitant hydrogen bonds, but the values of the stabilization energy E(2) are generally small (E(2)n$$\to$$
→
σ* < 3 kcal/mol) for the individual H-bond interactions. The shorter the C–H···O and/or C–H···N bond is, the larger charge transfer, and the larger the stabilization energy E(2) associated with electron delocalization from donor to acceptor. Generally, the [EMI][TFSI] ion pair conformers tend to form multiple but bent H bonds, reducing the strength of the individual H bonds from a potential (linear) maximum.
Cellulose and gellan gum compresses for cleaning mud and pomegranate stains from a historical printed paper
Authors: Hassan Rushdya R. A. , Mohamed Wael S. , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , ElMajd Aya M. O. Abu , Ebrahim Eman E. M. , Naeem Eman M. A. , Elsayed Esraa G. A.-E. , Hassan Rehab A. A.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the current investigation was to ascertain the efficacy of cellulose and gellan gum in removing pomegranate stains and dirt from a historic printed manuscript from the year 1888 AD. To confirm the efficacy of these compresses before and after treatment, as well as after exposing treated samples to artificial aging, numerous studies including a digital microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), color change (ΔE), and pH were carried out. After cleaning and aging, promising results were obtained. p-Hydroxy benzoic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, quercetin, catechol, and rutin were the most prevalent phytochemicals in the pomegranate stain, which was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The digital microscope and scanning microscope demonstrated that the gellan gum compress was successful in removing stains but severely weakened the paper, resulting in a clear cut of the fibers and substantially removing the inks. In contrast, the cellulose compress effectively removed stains without harming the paper fibers. Both compresses revealed a substantial rise in ΔE in the treated sample. These alterations were connected to a rise in the paper samples' Lightness (L), which was measured after surface debris was removed. As groups remained unaffected after the cleaning procedure, infrared spectrum analysis proved that the chemical structure of the paper had not been altered. However, after cleaning, both compresses, particularly gellan gum, showed an increase in the intensity of peaks at 3400 cm−1 (OH stretching). Additionally, a significant change was seen following treatment, with pH values rising. Gellan gum and cellulose compresses were shown to be quite good at removing acidity, and since pH levels rose after treatment, this suggests that the stain was cleaned up and removed. Based on these findings, we suggest cleaning cellulosic supports with a cellulose compress.
Impact resistance of macro and micro steel fibre reinforced self-compacted concrete (SFRSCC) with modelling and reliability analysis
Authors: Kesavamoorthi R. , Ganesh G. Mohan
Published: February 2024

Adding steel fibres can transform the brittle characteristic of concrete into a ductile state. The objective of the current study is to test the impact resistance of macro and micro steel fibre-reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) experimentally by applying a simulated drop-weight impact, as well as statistically and through reliability studies. Cube specimens were used for the experiment. The inclusion of macro and micro steel fibre greatly increased the concrete mixture’s impact resistance. It is observed that the volume fraction of 0.75 and 0.50% of macro and micro steel fibre has improved impact resistance with an increase in the percentage of energy absorption of 216.21 and 240.53%, respectively. All the concrete samples exhibited the same failure pattern. Using Response Surface Methodology, the impact resistance of SFRSCC mixtures can be accurately predicted. The first and failure cracks (N1 and N2) follow a two-parameter Weibull distribution function of drop-weight impact test.
Numerical investigation of scour around monopile foundation of offshore wind farm
Authors: Otoo Ebenezer , Asumadu Richard , Boadi Gideon Kwabena , Zhang Jisheng , Boadu Solomon , Mattah Precious
Published: February 2024

Local scour at the foot of monopile foundations is a major threat to the stability of offshore wind farms. This study presents a 3D numerical model to investigate the local scour around monopile foundations considering the influence of both flow velocity and particle size. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the Renormalization Group (RNG) k-epsilon (k − ε) turbulence model were coupled with a sediment transport model to simulate the flow-sediment interaction process. The results reveal that the maximum scour depth and the extent of the scour footprint increase with flow velocity and decrease with particle size. The scour rate is higher for finer sediments than for coarser sediments. The scour depth and footprint reach a plateau when the particle size is larger than a certain critical value. The critical particle size increases with the increase of flow velocity.