bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of compliant mechanics and motor control in hopping - from human to robot
Authors: Mohammadi Nejad Rashty Aida , Sharbafi Maziar A. , Mohseni Omid , Seyfarth André
Published: March 2024

Compliant leg function found during bouncy gaits in humans and animals can be considered a role model for designing and controlling bioinspired robots and assistive devices. The human musculoskeletal design and control differ from distal to proximal joints in the leg. The specific mechanical properties of different leg parts could simplify motor control, e.g., by taking advantage of passive body dynamics. This control embodiment is complemented by neural reflex circuitries shaping human motor control. This study investigates the contribution of specific passive and active properties at different leg joint levels in human hopping at different hopping frequencies. We analyze the kinematics and kinetics of human leg joints to design and control a bioinspired hopping robot. In addition, this robot is used as a test rig to validate the identified concepts from human hopping. We found that the more distal the joint, the higher the possibility of benefit from passive compliant leg structures. A passive elastic element nicely describes the ankle joint function. In contrast, a more significant contribution to energy management using an active element (e.g., by feedback control) is predicted for the knee and hip joints. The ankle and knee joints are the key contributors to adjusting hopping frequency. Humans can speed up hopping by increasing ankle stiffness and tuning corresponding knee control parameters. We found that the force-modulated compliance (FMC) as an abstract reflex-based control beside a fixed spring can predict human knee torque-angle patterns at different frequencies. These developed bioinspired models for ankle and knee joints were applied to design and control the EPA-hopper-II robot. The experimental results support our biomechanical findings while indicating potential robot improvements. Based on the proposed model and the robot’s experimental results, passive compliant elements (e.g. tendons) have a larger capacity to contribute to the distal joint function compared to proximal joints. With the use of more compliant elements in the distal joint, a larger contribution to managing energy changes is observed in the upper joints.
Improving the estimation of environment parameters via a two-qubit scheme
Authors: Mirza Ali Raza , Chaudhry Adam Zaman
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate how using two qubits can drastically improve the estimation of environment parameters compared to using only a single qubit. The two qubits are coupled to a common harmonic oscillator environment, and the properties of the environment are imprinted upon the dynamics of the two qubits. The reduced density matrix of only one of these qubits contains a decoherence factor and an additional factor taking into account the indirect interaction induced between the qubits due to the interaction with their common environment. This additional factor can drastically improve the estimation of the environment parameters, as quantified by the quantum Fisher information. In particular, we investigate the estimation of the cutoff frequency, the coupling strength, and the temperature using our two-qubit scheme compared to simply using a single qubit. We find that the precision of the estimates can be improved by orders of magnitude.
DNA metabarcoding reveals ecological patterns and driving mechanisms of archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryotic communities in sediments of the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole
Authors: Li Qingxia , Lei Yanli , Li Tiegang
Published: March 2024

The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole (SYBH) is the world’s deepest marine blue hole with unique physicochemical characteristics. However, our knowledge of the biodiversity and community structure in SYBH sediments remains limited, as past studies have mostly focused on microbial communities in the water column. Here, we collected sediment samples from the aerobic zone (3.1 to 38.6 m) and the deep anaerobic zone (150 m, 300 m) of the SYBH and extracted DNA to characterize the archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryotic communities inhabiting these sediments. Our results showed that the archaeal and bacterial communities were dominated by Thaumarchaeota and Proteobacteria, respectively. The dominant taxa of eukaryotes in different sites varied greatly, mainly including Phaeophyceae, Annelida, Diatomea and Arthropoda. All three examined domains showed clear vertical distributions and significant differences in community composition between the aerobic and anaerobic zones. Sulfide played a prominent role in structuring the three domains, followed by salinity, nitrous oxide, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen, all of which were positively correlated with the turnover component, the main contributor to beta diversity. Neutral community model revealed that stochastic processes contributed to more than half of the community variations across the three domains. Co-occurrence network showed an equal number of positive and negative interactions in the archaeal network, while positive interactions accounted for ~ 80% in the bacterial and eukaryotic networks. Our findings reveal the ecological features of prokaryotes and eukaryotes in SYBH sediments and shed new light on community dynamics and survival strategies in the special environment of marine blue holes.
Validity of annealed approximation in a high-dimensional system
Authors: Um Jaegon , Hong Hyunsuk , Park Hyunggyu
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the suitability of the annealed approximation in high-dimensional systems characterized by dense networks with quenched link disorder, employing models of coupled oscillators. We demonstrate that dynamic equations governing dense-network systems converge to those of the complete-graph version in the thermodynamic limit, where link disorder fluctuations vanish entirely. Consequently, the annealed-network systems, where fluctuations are attenuated, also exhibit the same dynamic behavior in the thermodynamic limit. However, a significant discrepancy arises in the incoherent (disordered) phase wherein the finite-size behavior becomes critical in determining the steady-state pattern. To explicitly elucidate this discrepancy, we focus on identical oscillators subject to competitive attractive and repulsive couplings. In the incoherent phase of dense networks, we observe the manifestation of random irregular states. In contrast, the annealed approximation yields a symmetric (regular) incoherent state where two oppositely coherent clusters of oscillators coexist, accompanied by the vanishing order parameter. Our findings imply that the annealed approximation should be employed with caution even in dense-network systems, particularly in the disordered phase.
Pregnenolone sulfate induces transcriptional and immunoregulatory effects on T cells
Authors: El Hajj Yasmine , Shahin Tala , Dieng Mame Massar , Alshaikh Manar , Khair Mostafa , Manikandan Vinu , Idaghdour Youssef
Published: March 2024

Pregnenolone sulfate is a steroid metabolite of the steroidogenesis precursor, pregnenolone, with similar functional properties, including immunosuppression. We recently reported an elevation in serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate in children with malaria, contributing to an immunosuppressed state. Yet, the molecular mechanisms in which this steroid exerts its immunoregulatory functions are lacking. In this study, we examined the effects of pregnenolone sulfate on T cell viability, proliferation and transcriptome. We observed a pregnenolone sulfate dose-dependent induction of T cell death and reduction in proliferation. RNA sequencing analysis of pregnenolone sulfate-treated T cells for 2 and 24 h revealed the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and the upregulation of the steroid nuclear receptor superfamily, NR4A, as early-response genes. We also report a strong activation of the integrated stress response mediated by the upregulation of EIF2AK3. These results contribute to the knowledge on transcriptional regulation driving the immunoregulatory effects of pregnenolone sulfate on T cells.
Mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel guides maturation and organization of the bilayered mammary epithelium
Authors: Tytti Kärki , Sanna Koskimäki , Carla Guenther , Jonatan Pirhonen , Kaisa Rajakylä , Sari Tojkander
Published: March 2024

Biophysical cues from the cell microenvironment are detected by mechanosensitive components at the cell surface. Such machineries convert physical information into biochemical signaling cascades within cells, subsequently leading to various cellular responses in a stimulus-dependent manner. At the surface of extracellular environment and cell cytoplasm exist several ion channel families that are activated by mechanical signals to direct intracellular events. One of such channel is formed by transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member, TRPV4 that is known to act as a mechanosensor in wide variaty of tissues and control ion-influx in a spatio-temporal way. Here we report that TRPV4 is prominently expressed in the stem/progenitor cell populations of the mammary epithelium and seems important for the lineage-specific differentiation, consequently affecting mechanical features of the mature mammary epithelium. This was evident by the lack of several markers for mature myoepithelial and luminal epithelial cells in TRPV4-depleted cell lines. Interestingly, TRPV4 expression is controlled in a tension-dependent manner and it also impacts differentation process dependently on the stiffness of the microenvironment. Furthermore, such cells in a 3D compartment were disabled to maintain normal mammosphere structures and displayed abnormal lumen formation, size of the structures and disrupted cellular junctions. Mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel therefore act as critical player in the homeostasis of normal mammary epithelium through sensing the physical environment and guiding accordingly differentiation and structural organization of the bilayered mammary epithelium.
Eye morphometry, body size, and flexibility parameters in myopic adolescents
Authors: Kuoliene Kristina , Danieliene Egle , Tutkuviene Janina
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical and physiological ocular parameters in adolescents with myopia and to examine the relations between refractive error (SER), ocular biometry, body size and flexibility parameters in myopic adolescents. A cross-sectional study of 184 myopic adolescents, aged 15 to 19 years was conducted. Refractive error and corneal curvature measures of the eye were evaluated using an autorefractometer under cycloplegia. Central corneal thickness was determined by contact pachymetry. The ocular axial length, anterior and vitreous chamber depth, and lens thickness were measured using A-scan biometry ultrasonography. Height and body weight were measured according to a standardized protocol. Body mass index (BMI) was subsequently calculated. Beighton scale was used to measure joint flexibility. Body stature was positively correlated with ocular axial length (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and vitreous chamber depth (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between height and SER (r = − 0.46; p < 0.001). Beighton score and body weight had weak positive correlations with axial length and vitreous chamber depth, and a weak negative correlation with SER. A significantly more negative SER was observed in the increased joint mobility group (p < 0.05; U = 5065.5) as compared to normal joint mobility group: mean − 4.37 ± 1.85 D (median − 4.25; IQR − 6.25 to − 3.25 D) and mean − 3.72 ± 1.66 D (median − 3.50; IQR − 4.75 to − 2.25 D) respectively. There was a strong association between height and axial length, as well as SER. Higher degree of myopia significantly correlated with greater Beighton score (increased joint mobility).
A cost-effective approach to measurements of fluorophore temperature sensitivity and temperature change with reasonable accuracy
Authors: Cai Matthew , Sun Alexander , Yan Andrea , Ding Zachary , Jiang Melvin Zunyao , Wang Charissa , Yuan Baohong
Published: March 2024

The demand for measuring fluorophore temperature sensitivity and temperature change in chemical or biological samples has spurred the search for effective methods. While infrared (IR) light-based thermal devices are popular, they are limited to surface temperature measurement. Fluorescence-based thermometry, which utilizes intensity, lifetime, polarization, and spectrum change, provides the temperature information directly from the samples and can have high temporal and spatial resolution. However, measuring fluorescence can be tricky and expensive. A cost-effective approach to achieving reasonable accuracy is highly desired. This study introduces such an approach, employing a light-emitting diode (LED) for fluorophore excitation and a laser diode (LD) for sample heating, with a phone camera recording fluorescence changes. A data processing method converts the video into digital data, processed through digital filters. Utilizing a small-volume cuvette enhances heating efficiency. This study serves as a practical guide for inexperienced individuals, including students, instructors, and researchers, facilitating entry into the field and navigating the complexities of fluorescence-based thermometry.
DNA methylation fine-tunes pro-and anti-inflammatory signalling pathways in inactive ulcerative colitis tissue biopsies
Authors: Meng Wei , Fenton Christopher G. , Johnsen Kay-Martin , Taman Hagar , Florholmen Jon , Paulssen Ruth H.
Published: March 2024

DNA methylation has been implied to play a role in the immune dysfunction associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the disease development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Changes of the DNA methylation and correlated gene expression in patient samples with inactive UC might reveal possible regulatory features important for further treatment options for UC. Targeted bisulfite sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing were performed on mucosal biopsies from patients with active UC (UC, n = 14), inactive UC (RM, n = 20), and non-IBD patients which served as controls (NN, n = 11). The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified by DMRseq. Correlation analysis was performed between DMRs and their nearest differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed based on correlated DMR regulated genes. DMR regulated genes then were functional annotated. Cell-type deconvolutions were performed based on methylation levels. The comparisons revealed a total of 38 methylation-regulated genes in inactive UC that are potentially regulated by DMRs (correlation p value < 0.1). Several methylation-regulated genes could be identified in inactive UC participating in IL-10 and cytokine signalling pathways such as IL1B and STAT3. DNA methylation events in inactive UC seem to be fine-tuned by the balancing pro- and anti- inflammatory pathways to maintain a prevailed healing process to restore dynamic epithelium homeostasis.
Proof–of–concept evidence for high–density EEG investigation of sleep slow wave traveling in First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Castelnovo Anna , Casetta Cecilia , Cavallotti Simone , Marcatili Matteo , Del Fabro Lorenzo , Canevini Maria Paola , Sarasso Simone , D’Agostino Armando
Published: March 2024

Schizophrenia is thought to reflect aberrant connectivity within cortico-cortical and reentrant thalamo-cortical loops, which physiologically integrate and coordinate the function of multiple cortical and subcortical structures. Despite extensive research, reliable biomarkers of such "dys-connectivity" remain to be identified at the onset of psychosis, and before exposure to antipsychotic drugs. Because slow waves travel across the brain during sleep, they represent an ideal paradigm to study pathological conditions affecting brain connectivity. Here, we provide proof–of–concept evidence for a novel approach to investigate slow wave traveling properties in First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) with high-density electroencephalography (EEG). Whole–night sleep recordings of 5 drug-naïve FEP and 5 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects were obtained with a 256-channel EEG system. One patient was re-recorded after 6 months and 3 years of continuous clozapine treatment. Slow wave detection and traveling properties were obtained with an open-source toolbox. Slow wave density and slow wave traveled distance (measured as the line of longest displacement) were significantly lower in patients (p < 0.05). In the patient who was tested longitudinally during effective clozapine treatment, slow wave density normalized, while traveling distance only partially recovered. These preliminary findings suggest that slow wave traveling could be employed in larger samples to detect cortical "dys-connectivity" at psychosis onset.
Thermal shakedown in granular materials with irregular particle shapes
Authors: Pan Yize , Gong Xiaohui , Rotta Loria Alessandro F.
Published: March 2024

Granular materials with irregular particle shapes undergo a myriad of temperature variations in natural and engineered systems. However, the impacts of cyclic temperature variations on the mechanics of granular materials remain poorly understood. Specifically, little is known about the response of granular materials to cyclic temperature variations as a function of the following central variables: particle shape, applied stress level, relative density, and temperature amplitude. This paper presents advanced laboratory experiments to explore the impacts of cyclic temperature variations on the mechanics of granular materials, with a focus on sands. The results show that cyclic temperature variations applied to sands induce thermal shakedown: the accumulation of irreversible bulk deformations due to microstructural rearrangements caused by thermal expansions and contractions of the constituting particles. The deformation of sands caused by thermal shakedown strongly depends on particle shape, stress level, relative density, and temperature amplitude. This deformation is limited for individual thermal cycles but accumulates and becomes significant for multiple thermal cycles, leading to substantial compaction in sands and other granular materials, which can affect various natural and engineered systems.
Common mental disorders and associated factors among adult chronic kidney disease patients attending referral hospitals in Amhara Regional State
Authors: Gela Yibeltal Yismaw , Tesfaye Winta , Melese Mihret , Getnet Mihret , Ambelu Adugnaw , Eshetu Habitu Birhan , Bitew Desalegn Anmut , Diress Mengistie
Published: March 2024

Common mental disorders (CMDs) are a wide term that includes disorders like depression, anxiety, and somatic manifestations. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at high risk of developing a common mental disorders, which leads to a lower survival rate, poor clinical outcome, longer hospitalization, increased health-care utilization, difficulty adhering to medications, an increased risk of initiation of dialysis, poor quality of life, and an increased risk of mortality. However, there is limited study done related to common mental disorders and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients attending referral hospitals in Amhara Regional State. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospitals from January to April 2020. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Common mental disorders were assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-Falk Institute (SRQ-F) tool. Data were entered into Epi Data Version 3.0 then exported into STATA 14 for analysis. Both bivariable and multi-variable binary logistic regressions were done to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 were declared as a statistically associated with common mental disorders. In this study, 424 CKD patients were included, with a response rate of 100%. Among screened CKD patients, 40.8% was positive for common mental disorders, with a 95% CI (36–45%). Independent predictors of common mental disorders among CKD patients were poor social support [(AOR 3.1, 95% CI (1.67–5.77)], family history of mental disorders, [AOR 3.6, 95% CI (1.12–11.8)], comorbidity [AOR 1.7, 95% CI (1.03–2.78)], being female [AOR 2.69, 95% CI (1.72–4.20)], and duration of CKD (AOR 3.5; 95% CI (2.28–5.54). Two out of five CKD patients screened for CMDs were found to be positive. Common mental disorders were more common among CKD patients with poor social support, a family history of mental disorders, comorbidity, being female, and the duration of CKD. Therefore, screening CKD patients for common mental disorders is recommended.
Influence of thermal maturity on carbazole distributions in coal source rocks during compaction pyrolysis experiments
Authors: Bao Jian , Liu Yan , Fan Yunpeng , Xu Yaohui , Ding Kangle , Wen Zhigang , Li Yang , Gao Ye , Zhang Cunyang , Li Lu
Published: March 2024

Carbazole compounds are widely used in determining the direction of petroleum migration, but the effect of thermal maturity on carbazoles is still ambiguity. In this paper, using compaction pyrolysis simulation experiments, artificial mature samples with vitrinite reflectance (Ro) range from 0.38 to 3.0% were acquired. And the content and composition change characteristics of carbazole compounds were analyzed in coal source rocks. The experimental results showed that thermal maturity controls the generation of a large amount of carbazole compounds in coal rocks. Compared with the low mature stage, the content of carbazole compounds was about 10–100 times higher in the mature stage. With the increasing maturity, in the coal sample, the content of carbazole compounds showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. In derivatives of carbazole, the corresponding maturity for the maximum generation of ethylcarbazole (EC), dimethylcarbazole (DMCA), methylcarbazole (MCA), carbazole (CA) and benzocarbazole (BCA) performed the increasing sequence. With the increasing maturity, the relative abundance of 2-MCA, 1,7-DMCA and benzo[a]carbazole increased with the increasing maturity, while 4-MCA, 1,4-DMCA and benzo[c]carbazole gradually decreased. Benzocarbazole ratio [a]/[a] +[ c] varies only in a narrow range 0.36–0.61 in the entire maturity range, suggesting limited maturity dependence. The experimental conclusion provides more theoretical basis for future geochemical analysis using carbazole compounds.
A new intelligently optimized model reference adaptive controller using GA and WOA-based MPPT techniques for photovoltaic systems
Authors: Deghfel Nassir , Badoud Abd Essalam , Merahi Farid , Bajaj Mohit , Zaitsev Ievgen
Published: March 2024

Recently, the integration of renewable energy sources, specifically photovoltaic (PV) systems, into power networks has grown in significance for sustainable energy generation. Researchers have investigated different control algorithms for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to enhance the efficiency of PV systems. This article presents an innovative method to address the problem of maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic systems amidst swiftly changing weather conditions. MPPT techniques supply maximum power to the load during irradiance fluctuations and ambient temperatures. A novel optimal model reference adaptive controller is developed and designed based on the MIT rule to seek global maximum power without ripples rapidly. The suggested controller is also optimized through two popular meta-heuristic algorithms: The genetic algorithm (GA) and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). These meta-heuristic approaches have been exploited to overcome the difficulty of selecting the adaptation gain of the MRAC controller. The reference voltage for MPPT is generated in the study through an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. The suggested controller’s performance is tested via MATLAB/Simulink software under varying temperature and radiation circumstances. Simulation is carried out using a Soltech 1sth-215-p module coupled to a boost converter, which powers a resistive load. Furthermore, to emphasize the recommended algorithm’s performance, a comparative study was done between the optimal MRAC using GA and WOA and the conventional incremental conductance (INC) method.
Body odor samples from infants and post-pubertal children differ in their volatile profiles
Authors: Owsienko Diana , Goppelt Lisa , Hierl Katharina , Schäfer Laura , Croy Ilona , Loos Helene M.
Published: March 2024

Body odors change during development, and this change influences the interpersonal communication between parents and their children. The molecular basis for this chemical communication has not been elucidated yet. Here, we show by combining instrumental and sensory analyses that the qualitative odorant composition of body odor samples is similar in infants (0-3 years) and post-pubertal children (14-18 years). The post-pubertal samples are characterized by higher odor dilution factors for carboxylic acids and by the presence of 5α-androst-16-en-3-one and 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol. In addition to the olfaction-guided approach, the compounds 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (6MHO), geranyl acetone (GA) and squalene (SQ) were quantified. Both age groups have similar concentrations of 6MHO and GA, whereas post-pubertal children tend to have higher concentration of SQ. In conclusion, sexual maturation coincides with changes to body odor chemical composition. Whether those changes explain differences in parental olfactory perception needs to be determined in future studies with model odors.
Momentum-dependent intraband high harmonic generation in a photodoped indirect semiconductor
Authors: Suthar Pawan , Trojánek František , Malý Petr , Derrien Thibault J.-Y. , Kozák Martin
Published: March 2024

Nonlinear optical response of solid-state materials exposed to strong non-resonant light fields leads to the generation of harmonic frequencies as a consequence of interband polarization and coherent intraband dynamics of the electrons. The efficient production of a macroscopic wave requires the preservation of the mutual phase between the driving wave and the individual microscopic sources of radiation. Here, we experimentally and theoretically show that the yield of high harmonic generation in a photodoped silicon crystal is enhanced by the nonlinear intraband current whose amplitude depends not only on the volume density of the photogenerated carriers but also on their momentum distributions within the bands. The strongest enhancement is reached when the carrier system is relaxed to the band minima before interacting with the strong nonresonant wave, which drives the high harmonic generation. These results extend the possibilities of high harmonic spectroscopy towards the investigation of ultrafast carrier relaxation in condensed matter.
A disconnect in science and practitioner perspectives on heat mitigation
Authors: Schneider Florian A. , Epel Erin , Middel Ariane
Published: March 2024

Researchers and city practitioners are paramount stakeholders in creating urban resilience but have diverse and potentially competing views. To understand varying stakeholder perspectives, we conducted a systematic literature content analysis on green infrastructure (GI) and reflective pavement (RP). The analysis shows a United States (US)-based science-practice disconnect in written communication, potentially hindering holistic decision-making. We identified 191 GI and 93 RP impacts, categorized into co-benefits, trade-offs, disservices, or neutral. Impacts were further classified as environmental, social, or economic. The analysis demonstrates that US city practitioners emphasize social and economic co-benefits that may not be fully represented in the scientific discourse. Scientists communicate a broader range of impacts, including trade-offs and disservices, highlighting a nuanced understanding of the potential consequences. Identifying contrasting perspectives and integrating knowledge from various agents is critical in urban climate governance. Our findings facilitate bridging the science-policy disconnect in the US heat mitigation literature.
Electrocaloric cooling system utilizing latent heat transfer for high power density
Authors: Metzdorf Julius , Corhan Patrick , Bach David , Hirose Sakyo , Lellinger Dirk , Mönch Stefan , Kühnemann Frank , Schäfer-Welsen Olaf , Bartholomé Kilian
Published: March 2024

Electrocalorics (EC) is potentially more efficient than refrigeration and heat pumps based on compressors and does not need detrimental fluids. Current EC-prototypes use solid-state contact or forced convection with liquids to transfer the heat generated from the EC-material, which inhibits high cycle frequencies and thus limits power density. Here we present a heatpipe system solution, where the heat transfer is realized through condensation and evaporation of ethanol as a heat transfer fluid. Our prototype with lead scandium tantalate (PST) EC-material working at 5 Hz shows a specific cooling power of 1.5 W g−1. This is one order of magnitude more than previously reported for ceramic EC-prototypes. Overcoming the limits of slow heat transfer is essential to reach high specific cooling powers enabling a future commercial success of the technology.
E-contact facilitated by conversational agents reduces interethnic prejudice and anxiety in Afghanistan
Authors: Sahab Sofia , Haqbeen Jawad , Hadfi Rafik , Ito Takayuki , Imade Richard Eke , Ohnuma Susumu , Hasegawa Takuya
Published: March 2024

Intergroup contact occurring through indirect means such as the internet has the potential to improve intergroup relationships and may be especially beneficial in high conflict situations. Here we conducted a three-timepoint online experiment to ascertain whether the use of a conversational agent in E-contact platforms could mitigate interethnic prejudices and hostility among Afghanistan’s historically segregated and persistently conflictual ethnic groups. 128 Afghans of Pashtun, Tajik, and Hazara backgrounds were assigned to one of four E-contact conditions (control with no conversational agent and three experimental groups that varied in the conversational agent settings). Participants in the experimental conditions contributed more ideas and longer opinions and showed a greater reduction in outgroup prejudice and anxiety than those in the control group. These findings demonstrate that E-contact facilitated by a conversational agent can improve intergroup attitudes even in contexts characterized by a long history of intergroup segregation and conflict.
Autonomous millimeter scale high throughput battery research system
Authors: Rahmanian Fuzhan , Fuchs Stefan , Zhang Bojing , Fichtner Maximilian , Stein Helge Sören
Published: March 2024

The high-throughput Auto-MISCHBARES platform streamlines reliable autonomous experimentation across laboratory devices through scheduling, quality control, live feedback, and real-time data management, including measurement, validation and analysis.
Sciadonic acid attenuates high-fat diet-induced bone metabolism disorders in mice
Authors: Yao Shiwei , Lu Hongling , Zhou Tianhuan , Jiang Qihong , Jiang Chenkai , Hu Wenjun , Li Mingqian , Tan Chin Ping , Feng Yongcai , Du Qun , Shen Guoxin , Xiang Xingwei , Chen Lin
Published: March 2024

High-fat diet (HFD) has been associated with certain negative bone-related outcomes, such as bone metabolism disruption and bone loss.
Patterned organic layers on gold surfaces prepared by electro-grafting of photolabile-protected aryl diazonium salts
Authors: Taras Max , Bergamini Jean-Francois , Brooksby Paula A. , Hapiot Philippe , Lagrost Corinne , Leroux Yann R.
Published: March 2024

Direct photolithography of organic layers deposited via aryl diazonium electrografting by introduction of a photolabile protecting group.
Polymerizable BODIPY probe crosslinker for the molecularly imprinted polymer-based detection of organic carboxylates via fluorescence
Authors: Sun Yijuan , Gawlitza Kornelia , Valderrey Virginia , Bell Jérémy , Rurack Knut
Published: March 2024

A novel polymerizable BODIPY-based probe targeting carboxylates for molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed, exhibiting selective recognition of levofloxacin, enabling detection at submicromolar concentrations.
Tweaking the electrocatalytic ability of Cu-MOF by the inclusion of PTA: a selective electrochemical sensor for resorcinol
Authors: Jose Sandra , Ghosh Munmun , Varghese Anitha
Published: March 2024

A facile and superior electrochemical fabrication route was procured to develop the composite of Cu-BTC-MOF/PTA/CFP for the sensitive detection of resorcinol (RL).
Hydrogels as carriers deliver stem cells/exosomes for liver injury
Authors: Zheng Qiuxia , Yao Jia , Sun Zongbin , Mao Yongcui , Wei Jiayun , Xie Ye , Hu Xue Kai , Li Xun
Published: March 2024

Hydrogels are biomaterials with porous structures, which have the characteristics of slow-release and mimic ECM. Hydrogel-encapsulated stem cells or exosomes can gradually release therapeutic elements and enhance liver regeneration in liver injuries.
Molecular dynamics simulation-based study to analyse the properties of entrapped water between gold and graphene 2D interfaces
Authors: Mishra Shashank , Liu Fengyuan , Shakthivel Dhayalan , Rai Beena , Georgiev Vihar
Published: March 2024

Heterostructures based on graphene and other 2D materials have received significant attention in recent years.
Polymer–DNA assembled nanoflower for targeted delivery of dolastatin-derived microtubule inhibitors
Authors: Wu Tiantian , Shi Yanqiang , Yang Tao , Zhao Pengxuan , Yang Zhu , Yang Bin
Published: March 2024

Polymer–DNA assembled nanoflower for targeted delivery of dolastatin-derived microtubule inhibitors was developed, and it exhibited increased cellular uptake and enhanced inhibitory effect, especially in multidrug-resistant tumor cell.
DNA liquid crystals with AIE effect toward humidity-indicating biomaterials
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Zhao Jing , Liang Qikai , Wu Zhongtao , Zhang Lei , Luo Xiliang
Published: March 2024

A DNA-containing material displaying a trackable humidity-induced change in fluorescence could accurately indicate in real time the environmental relative humidity at room temperature in 4 minutes.
Identification and quantification of pigments in plant leaves using thin layer chromatography-Raman spectroscopy (TLC-Raman)
Authors: Payne Taylor D. , Dixon Lily R. , Schmidt Fiona C. , Blakeslee Joshua J. , Bennett Alison E. , Schultz Zachary D.
Published: March 2024

This work utilizes the collection of Raman spectra directly from thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates for quantitative determination of the pigment content of plant leaves.
Novel hierarchical porous Fe2O3@GA composites for solar-Fenton catalysis of dyes
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Qin Jun , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Yu , Liu Zhixiong , Jia Jianfeng , Wu Haishun , Feng Feng , Bai Yunfeng
Published: March 2024

The hierarchical porous composite H-Fe2O3@GA shows excellent solar-Fenton degradation performance for MB, in which the reactive oxygen species OH˙ and 1O2 acted as leading factors.
Expanding the dimensionality of bis(tetrazolyl)alkane-based Fe(ii) coordination polymers by the application of dinitrile coligands
Authors: Tołoczko Aleksandra , Kaźmierczak Marcin , Książek Maria , Weselski Marek , Siczek Miłosz , Kusz Joachim , Bronisz Robert
Published: March 2024

Di(tetrazolyl)alkanes form with Fe(ii) chains or layers which can be extended into spin-crossover 2D and 3D networks by applying dinitriles.
Selective fluoride sensing by a novel series of lanthanide-based one-dimensional coordination polymers through intramolecular proton transfer
Authors: Singh Vaibhav , Suresh Lakshmi Thachanadan , Sutter Jean-Pascal , Bar Arun Kumar
Published: March 2024

A novel series of lanthanide based one-dimensional coordination polymers are found to exhibit selective fluoride ion sensing with an excellent efficiency both colorimetrically and fluorimetrically via ground-state intra-molecular proton transfer.
Development of a double-side ordered membrane electrode assembly based on titanium nitride nanoarrays
Authors: Xuan Lingfeng , Mei Deqing , Zhou Caiying , Mao Wenze , Wang Yancheng
Published: March 2024

This work aims to develop a double-sided ordered MEA based on TiN nanorod arrays, which can provide good mass transfer channels and a large reaction surface area, thereby improving the utilization and stability of the catalyst.
Expression of concern: Deep eutectic solvent mediated synthesis and fabrication of a WO3–MgO nanocomposite as an electrode material for energy storage applications
Authors: Joel C. , Bennie R. Biju , Antony A. Jerold , Paul Raj A. Nirmal , Selvakumar G.
Published: March 2024

Expression of concern for ‘Deep eutectic solvent mediated synthesis and fabrication of a WO3–MgO nanocomposite as an electrode material for energy storage applications’ by C. Joel et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 2797–2808, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ05642A.
Synthesis of urchin-like NiCo2S4 electrode materials based on a two-step hydrothermal method for high-capacitance supercapacitors
Authors: Tian Jingyu , Zhang Jingjia , Li Xiaofeng
Published: March 2024

The specific capacity of urchin-like NiCo2S2 is 1352 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The NiCo2S4//AC ASC device provides high energy density at a power density of 2025 W kg−1. The capacitance retention of NCS-1.5//AC is 81.98% after 10 000 cycles of charging and discharging.
The circularly permuted globin domain of androglobin exhibits atypical heme stabilization and nitric oxide interaction
Authors: Reeder Brandon J. , Deganutti Giuseppe , Ukeri John , Atanasio Silvia , Svistunenko Dimitri A. , Ronchetti Christopher , Mobarec Juan Carlos , Welbourn Elizabeth , Asaju Jeffrey , Vos Marten H. , Wilson Michael T. , Reynolds Christopher A.
Published: March 2024

Since the discovery of androglobin, a multi-domain hemoglobin associated with ciliogenesis and spermatogenesis, there has been little advance in the knowledge of the biochemical and structural properties of this member of the hemoglobin superfamily.
Electrophilic aromatic substitution in eutectic-type mixtures: from an old concept to new sustainable horizons
Authors: Martí Tatiana , Marset Xavier , Guillem Celia , Ramón Diego J. , Guillena Gabriela
Published: March 2024

This review provides a critical overview on the use of sustainable eutectic mixtures in SEAr transformations.
Automatic cinematography for body movement involved virtual communication
Authors: Yu Zixiao , Wang Honghong , Un Kim
Published: March 2024

The emergence of novel AI technologies and increasingly portable wearable devices have introduced a wider range of more liberated avenues for communication and interaction between human and virtual environments. In this context, the expression of distinct emotions and movements by users may convey a variety of meanings. Consequently, an emerging challenge is how to automatically enhance the visual representation of such interactions. Here, a novel Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) based model, AACOGAN, is introduced to tackle this challenge effectively. AACOGAN model establishes a relationship between player interactions, object locations, and camera movements, subsequently generating camera shots that augment player immersion. Experimental results demonstrate that AACOGAN enhances the correlation between player interactions and camera trajectories by an average of 73%, and improves multi‐focus scene quality up to 32.9%. Consequently, AACOGAN is established as an efficient and economical solution for generating camera shots appropriate for a wide range of interactive motions. Exemplary video footage can be found at https://youtu.be/Syrwbnpzgx8.
Water vapour masers in long-period variable stars
Authors: Winnberg A. , Brand J. , Engels D.
Published: March 2024

Context. Water maser emission is often found in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars, that is, asymptotic giant branch stars and red supergiants with oxygen-rich chemistry. The H2O emission shows strong variability in evolved stars of both of these types.

Aims. We wish to understand the reasons for the strong variability of water masers emitted at 22 GHz. In this paper, we study U Her and RR Aql as representatives of Mira variable stars.

Methods. We monitored U Her and RR Aql in the 22 GHz maser line of water vapour with single-dish telescopes. The monitoring period covered about two decades between 1990 and 2011, with a gap between 1997 and 2000 in the case of RR Aql. Observations were also made in 1987 and 2015 before and after the period of contiguous monitoring. In addition, maps of U Her were obtained in the period 1990–1992 with the Very Large Array.

Results. We find that the strongest emission in U Her is located in a shell with boundaries of 11–25 AU. The gas-crossing time is 8.5 yr. We derive lifetimes for individual maser clouds of ≤4 yr based on the absence of detectable line-of-sight velocity drifts of the maser emission. The shell is not evenly filled, and its structure is maintained over much longer timescales than those of individual maser clouds. Both stars show brightness variability on several timescales. The prevalent variation is periodic, following the optical variability of the stars with a lag of 2–3 months. Superposed are irregular fluctuations of a few months in duration, with increased or decreased excitation at particular locations, and long-term systematic variations on timescales of a decade or more.

Conclusions. The properties of the maser emission are governed by those of the stellar wind while traversing the H2O maser shell. Inhomogeneities in the wind affecting the excitation conditions and prevalent beaming directions likely cause the variations seen on timescales of longer than the stellar pulsation period. We propose the existence of long-living regions in the shells, which maintain favourable excitation conditions on timescales of the wind-crossing times through the shells or orbital periods of (sub)stellar companions. The H2O maser properties in these two Mira variables are remarkably similar to those in the semiregular variables studied in our previous papers regarding shell location, outflow velocity, and lifetime. The only difference is the regular brightness variations of the Mira variables caused by the periodic pulsation of the stars.
Survival of the long-lived inner disk of PDS70
Authors: Pinilla Paola , Benisty Myriam , Waters Rens , Bae Jaehan , Facchini Stefano
Published: March 2024

The K7 T Tauri star PDS 70 remains the best laboratory for investigating the influence of giant planet formation on the structure of the parental disk. One of the most intriguing discoveries is the detection of a resolved inner disk from ALMA observations that extends up to the orbit of PDS 70b. It is challenging to explain this inner disk because most of the dust particles are expected to be trapped at the outer edge of the gap opened by PDS 70b and PDS 70c. By performing dust evolution models in combination with radiative transfer simulations that match the gas disk masses obtained from recent thermo-chemical models of PDS 70, we find that when the minimum grain size in the models is larger than 0.1 µm, there is an efficient filtration of dust particles, and the inner disk is depleted during the first million year of dust evolution. To maintain an inner disk, the minimum grain size in the models therefore needs to be smaller than 0.1 µm. Only when grains are that small are they diffused and dragged along with the gas throughout the gap opened by the planets. The small grains transported in the inner disk grow and drift into it, but the constant reservoir of dust particles that are trapped at the outer edge of the gap and that continuously fragment allows the inner disk to refill on million-year timescales. Our flux predictions at millimeter wavelength of these models agree with ALMA observations. These models predict a spectral index of 3.2 in the outer and 3.6 in the inner disk. Our simple analytical calculations show that the water emission in the inner disk that was recently observed with the James Webb Space Telescope may originate from these ice-coated small grains that flow through the gap, grow, and drift toward the innermost disk regions to reach the water snowline. These models may mirror the history and evolution of our Solar System, in which Jupiter and Saturn played a crucial role in shaping the architecture and properties of the planets.
Establishing a mass-loss rate relation for red supergiants in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Antoniadis K. , Bonanos A. Z. , de Wit S. , Zapartas E. , Munoz-Sanchez G. , Maravelias G.
Published: March 2024

Context.The high mass-loss rates of red supergiants (RSGs) drastically affect their evolution and final fate, but their mass-loss mechanism remains poorly understood. Various empirical prescriptions scaled with luminosity have been derived in the literature, yielding results with a dispersion of two to three orders of magnitude.

Aims.We determine an accurate mass-loss rate relation with luminosity and other parameters using a large, clean sample of RSGs. In this way, we shed light into the underlying physical mechanism and explain the discrepancy between previous works.

Methods.We assembled a sample of 2219 RSG candidates in the Large Magellanic Cloud, with ultraviolet to mid-infrared photometry in up to 49 filters. We determined the luminosity of each RSG by integrating the spectral energy distribution and the mass-loss rate using the radiative transfer codeDUSTY.

Results.Our derived RSG mass-loss rates range from approximately 10−9 M⊙yr−1to 10−5 M⊙yr−1, mainly depending on the luminosity. The average mass-loss rate is 9.3 × 10−7 M⊙yr−1for log(L/L⊙) > 4, corresponding to a dust-production rate of ∼3.6 × 10−9 M⊙yr−1. We established a mass-loss rate relation as a function of luminosity and effective temperature. Furthermore, we found a turning point in the relation of mass-loss rate versus luminosity at approximately log(L/L⊙) = 4.4, indicating enhanced rates beyond this limit. We show that this enhancement correlates with photometric variability. We compared our results with prescriptions from the literature, finding an agreement with works assuming steady-state winds. Additionally, we examined the effect of different assumptions on our models and found that radiatively driven winds result in mass-loss rates higher by two to three orders of magnitude, which is unrealistically high for RSGs. For grain sizes < 0.1 μm, the predicted mass-loss rates are higher by a factor of 25−30 than larger grain sizes. Finally, we found that 21% of our sample constitute current binary candidates. This has a minor effect on our mass-loss relation.
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
…
Authors: Portius Dorothea
Published: March 2024

in einer Zeit, in der Zivilisationskrankheiten wie Adipositas,
Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und Depressionen unaufhörlich zunehmen, wird die
Bedeutung einer fächerübergreifenden Zusammenarbeit immer evidenter.
18 Jahre alter, spontan retrograder Unterarm-Schleifenshunt
Authors: Krönung Gerhard
Published: March 2024

Bildgebend dokumentiertes topografisches und funktionelles Gefäßmapping und gründliche Erfahrung mit der Dynamik des arteriellen und venösen Remodelings sind und bleiben wesentliche Säulen für eine nachhaltig erfolgreiche Shuntchirurgie einschließlich der Vermeidung unnötiger Eingriffe.