bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered circadian rhythm, sleep, and
rhodopsin 7
–dependent shade preference during diapause in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Meyerhof Geoff T. , Easwaran Sreesankar , Bontempo Angela E. , Montell Craig , Montell Denise J.
Published: June 2024

To survive adverse environments, many animals enter a dormant state such as hibernation, dauer, or diapause. Various
Drosophila
species undergo adult reproductive diapause in response to cool temperatures and/or short day-length. While flies are less active during diapause, it is unclear how adverse environmental conditions affect circadian rhythms and sleep. Here we show that in diapause-inducing cool temperatures,
Drosophila melanogaster
exhibit altered circadian activity profiles, including severely reduced morning activity and an advanced evening activity peak. Consequently, the flies have a single activity peak at a time similar to when nondiapausing flies take a siesta. Temperatures ≤15 °C, rather than photoperiod, primarily drive this behavior. At cool temperatures, flies rapidly enter a deep-sleep state that lacks the sleep cycles of flies at higher temperatures and require high levels of stimulation for arousal. Furthermore, we show that at 25 °C, flies prefer to siesta in the shade, a preference that is virtually eliminated at 10 °C. Resting in the shade is driven by an aversion to blue light that is sensed by Rhodopsin 7 outside of the eyes. Flies at 10 °C show neuronal markers of elevated sleep pressure, including increased expression of Bruchpilot and elevated Ca
2+
in the R5 ellipsoid body neurons. Therefore, sleep pressure might overcome blue light aversion. Thus, at the same temperatures that cause reproductive arrest, preserve germline stem cells, and extend lifespan,
D. melanogaster
are prone to deep sleep and exhibit dramatically altered, yet rhythmic, daily activity patterns.
Structural determinants of ivabradine block of the open pore of HCN4
Authors: Saponaro Andrea , Krumbach Jan H. , Chaves-Sanjuan Antonio , Sharifzadeh Atiyeh Sadat , Porro Alessandro , Castelli Roberta , Hamacher Kay , Bolognesi Martino , DiFrancesco Dario , Clarke Oliver B. , Thiel Gerhard , Moroni Anna
Published: June 2024

HCN1-4 channels are the molecular determinants of the If/Ihcurrent that crucially regulates cardiac and neuronal cell excitability. HCN dysfunctions lead to sinoatrial block (HCN4), epilepsy (HCN1), and chronic pain (HCN2), widespread medical conditions awaiting subtype-specific treatments. Here, we address the problem by solving the cryo-EM structure of HCN4 in complex with ivabradine, to date the only HCN-specific drug on the market. Our data show ivabradine bound inside the open pore at 3 Å resolution. The structure unambiguously proves that Y507 and I511 on S6 are the molecular determinants of ivabradine binding to the inner cavity, while F510, pointing outside the pore, indirectly contributes to the block by controlling Y507. Cysteine 479, unique to the HCN selectivity filter (SF), accelerates the kinetics of block. Molecular dynamics simulations further reveal that ivabradine blocks the permeating ion inside the SF by electrostatic repulsion, a mechanism previously proposed for quaternary ammonium ions.
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity induction reveals dissociable supplementary– and premotor–motor pathways to automatic imitation
Authors: Turrini Sonia , Fiori Francesca , Bevacqua Naomi , Saracini Chiara , Lucero Boris , Candidi Matteo , Avenanti Alessio
Published: June 2024

Humans tend to spontaneously imitate others’ behavior, even when detrimental to the task at hand. The action observation network (AON) is consistently recruited during imitative tasks. However, whether automatic imitation is mediated by cortico-cortical projections from AON regions to the primary motor cortex (M1) remains speculative. Similarly, the potentially dissociable role of AON-to-M1 pathways involving the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) or supplementary motor area (SMA) in automatic imitation is unclear. Here, we used cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) to enhance or hinder effective connectivity in PMv-to-M1 and SMA-to-M1 pathways via Hebbian spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to test their functional relevance to automatic and voluntary motor imitation. ccPAS affected behavior under competition between task rules and prepotent visuomotor associations underpinning automatic imitation. Critically, we found dissociable effects of manipulating the strength of the two pathways. While strengthening PMv-to-M1 projections enhanced automatic imitation, weakening them hindered it. On the other hand, strengthening SMA-to-M1 projections reduced automatic imitation but also reduced interference from task-irrelevant cues during voluntary imitation. Our study demonstrates that driving Hebbian STDP in AON-to-M1 projections induces opposite effects on automatic imitation that depend on the targeted pathway. Our results provide direct causal evidence of the functional role of PMv-to-M1 projections for automatic imitation, seemingly involved in spontaneously mirroring observed actions and facilitating the tendency to imitate them. Moreover, our findings support the notion that SMA exerts an opposite gating function, controlling M1 to prevent overt motor behavior when inadequate to the context.
Post-mortem study and long cycling stability of silica/carbon composite as anode in Li-ion cells
Authors: Gulavani Vaibhavi , Thotiyl Musthafa Ottakam , John Bibin , Yengantiwar Ashish
Published: June 2024

The present work emphases on the post-mortem study of silica/carbon composite as functional anode in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, the silica/carbon composite is synthesized by facile in-situ hydrothermal technique. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicates the amorphous nature of silica/carbon composite. The stacked sheet-like morphology of silica/carbon composite is seen in the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) & scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. In addition, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), and x-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) characterizations of silica/carbon composite has been studied in detail. The rate capability of silica/carbon composite anode in LIB indicates 99% capacity retention after applying current density ranging from 50 mA g−1 to 1000 mA g−1, successively. The composite anode delivers a stable specific capacity ∼300 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 for 500 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study analyzed the faster Li-ion diffusion and increment in the diffusion coefficient by a factor of 1000 after 500 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work on the post-mortem study of silica/carbon composite as anode in LIB. Post-cycling characterizations including XRD, FTIR, and SEM reveal the absence of any impurity phases and negligible volumetric expansion after prolonged cycling. It further confirms that the carbon present in the silica/carbon composite helps to accommodate the volumetric expansion of silica and prevents cracking of the anode over 500 cycles.
Addressing variability in cell electrorotation through holographic imaging and correction factors
Authors: Uning Kevin T , Li Yuqian , Lin Ziduo , Mangraviti Giovanni , Lagae Liesbet , Campos Camila D M
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the variations observed in electrorotation measurements due to cell positioning and movement. Electrorotation provides a non-disruptive method for inferring the electrical properties of individual cells. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by significant variation in the observed speed. By mitigating the impact of positional dependencies and other influencing factors, our methodology opens avenues for broader applications of electrorotation in single-cell analysis without the need for complex setups to trap and retain the cell in place. Our novel approach combines multi-plane imaging with mathematical treatment of rotation data. This method uses a conventional quadrupole chip and lens-free imaging to track cell movement, resulting in a simpler design and set-up. Through numerical simulations incorporating cell coordinates, chip design, and experimental parameters, we calculate the variation in torque for each position. These values serve as the basis for the correction factors. Validation experiments with T-lymphocytes and fibroblasts show that the correction factors reduce electrorotation speed variation due to cell movement, with an average reduction to 21% and 18%, respectively. These corrections also revealed previously concealed changes in cell properties, in response to external stimuli, thereby enhancing the reliability of measurements and enabling broader applications in single-cell analysis.
Design of electrical energy harvesting devices utilizing air bubbles sliding along a fluoropolymer immersed in water
Authors: Håskjold O E , Helseth L E
Published: June 2024

Recent research has shown that it is possible to utilize contact electrification combined with electrostatic induction to harvest electrical energy from the mechanical motion of air bubbles sliding along a charged solid surface immersed in water. The working principle of these devices is simple, but the design is usually complicated as transduction efficiency depends on a number of interdependent parameters. Here we propose a simple analytical model and demonstrate how it can be used to determine the optimal energy per bubble for a given resistive load. The model allows one to estimate the optimal energy harvested per bubble in terms of polymer thickness, electrode separation and load resistance. It is shown that the model provides a good fit to experimental data. The model may be used as an initial step when designing energy harvesting devices utilizing air bubbles sliding along a solid surface.
Photoexcited charge-carrier transport in monolayer and bulk bismuth oxyiodide: the impact of the polaronic effect and deep-level defects
Authors: Thongnum Anusit
Published: June 2024

Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI), in monolayer and bulk forms, is a lead-free semiconductor material that has sparked increased interest for applications in perovskite solar cells and x-ray detectors. It is vital to clarify the transport nature of photoexcited charge-carriers to improve device performance. However, the transport scattering mechanisms remain poorly understood, and a detailed explanation of the measured charge-carrier mobilities in this material system is still under scrutiny. Herein, we implement transport scattering models that include LO phonon scattering based on the polaronic effect and ionized impurity scattering due to deep-level defects to elucidate photoexcited charge mobilities. We found that large polarons produced by photoexcited charge carriers coupled with LO phonon modes of 86 cm−1 and 156 cm−1 play a key role in the transport process of the BiOI system. Large polaron mobility provides a good explanation for the measured mobilities in single crystal samples between 26–83 cm2V−1s−1 at 295 K. The estimated results from both transport scattering models agree with the temperature-dependent mobilities measured in thin-film samples, between 13 cm2V−1s−1 at 5 K and 3 cm2V−1s−1 at 295 K. This work provides important insights into a band-like transport feature in the BiOI system.
Bell inequality violation in relativity theory
Authors: Belinsky A V , Dzhadan I I
Published: June 2024

A violation of Bell local realism inequalities in Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt form has been discovered in a relativistic Gedankenexperiment. This means that there are no definite joint probabilities and this finds a classical explanation in the structure of special relativity. The discovered nonlocality is weaker than Albert Einstein’s quantum ‘spooky action at a distance’, and its presence suggests certain parallels between special relativity and quantum mechanics.
Perturbing the Stable Accretion Disk in Kerr and 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet Gravities: Comprehensive Analysis of Instabilities and Dynamics
Authors: Donmez Orhan
Published: June 2024

The study of a disturbed accretion disk holds great significance in the realm of astrophysics, as such events play a crucial role in revealing the nature of disk structure, the release of energy, and the generation of shock waves. Consequently, they can help explain the causes of X-ray emissions observed in black hole accretion disk systems. In this paper, we perturb the stable disk formed by spherical accretion around Kerr and Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) black holes. This perturbation reveals one- and two-armed spiral shock waves around the black hole. We find a strong connection between these waves and the black hole spin parameter (a/M) and the EGB coupling constant (α). Specifically, we find that as α increases in the negative direction, the dynamics of the disk and the waves become more chaotic. Additionally, we observe that the angular momentum of the perturbing matter significantly affects mass accretion and the oscillation of the arising shock waves. This allows us to observe changes in QPO frequencies, particularly, perturbations with angular momentum matching the observed C−type low-frequency QPOs of the GRS 1915+105 source. Thus, we conclude that the possibility of the occurrence of shock waves within the vicinity of GRS 1915+105 is substantial.
Novel low-temperature adsorption material Ni0.85Se for efficient removal of elemental mercury from coal-fired flue gas
Authors: Lu Junhua , Chen Shuo , Zhang Meilin , Wu Jiang
Published: June 2024

Mercury pollution poses a serious hazard to the ecological environment and human well-being. The issue of mercury emissions has always been a hot topic of concern. In this work, spherical Ni0.85Se material was successfully prepared and applied for the first time in the mercury removal of coal-fired flue gas. After a series of experiments and characterization studies, it was found that Ni0.85Se has excellent mercury removal performance in low-temperature environments below 120°C, especially with almost 100% mercury removal efficiency below 60°C. It effectively removes mercury from the coal-fired flue gas at power stations and can be adopted as an effective adsorption material for mercury removal in other industries with coal combustion.
Three-dimensional ZnO/CC coupled with external magnetic field for controlled sodium deposition
Authors: Wang Yunfei , Wang Xia , Li Shandong
Published: June 2024

Sodium-metal batteries are garnering increasing attention due to their utilization of abundant resources and high theoretical specific capacity. However, the growth of sodium dendrites has remained a challenging issue, which makes it difficult to apply. In this study, we employ carbon cloth as a substrate to mitigate the sodium dendrite growth, onto which sodium-affinitive material ZnO is grown to facilitate uniform nucleation. Furthermore, we enhance the cycling stability and rate performance significantly by introducing an external magnetic field. Under a 200 mT applied magnetic field and deposition/stripping at 1 mA/cm2 and 1 mAh/cm2, symmetric cells exhibit a remarkable cycling stability exceeding 1200 hours. Additionally, in full cells, NVP is used for the positive electrode, and ZnO/CC is the negative electrode, with a capacity of 108 mAh/g, and energy density maintained at 429.4 Wh/kg over 200 cycles under the influence of a 200 mT magnetic field.
Comparison of two vacuum system technologies for the synchrotron storage ring: case study of Iranian Light Source Facility
Authors: Karimi H. , Ghiam Sh. , Afhami S. , Khosravi N.
Published: June 2024

The current study compares two vacuum system designs for the Iranian Light Source Facility (ILSF) storage ring: conventional vacuum system design with stainless-steel vacuum chambers that are pumped by Non-Evaporable Getter (NEG) cartridges and ion pumps. In this design, all synchrotron radiation is absorbed by the local photon absorbers. In the second design, the water-cooled copper tubes that are coated with NEG materials are used as the vacuum chambers. This study will illustrate the advantages of using the NEG-coated vacuum chambers over the conventional design with the stainless-steel chambers. Since the two designs for ILSF are now completed, some of the details of this comparison might be interesting to other light sources, especially those that have plans to upgrade to a 4th generation.
Highly aligned pyrolytic graphite blades for neutron monochromatization
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Liu Juanjuan , Zhang Yufeng , Wang Jinchen , Xu Daye , Cheng Peng , Wang Hongliang , Bao Wei
Published: June 2024

Highly aligned pyrolytic graphite blades for neutron monochromatization have been fabricated successfully from smaller commercial highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) crystals. These blades of a large coverage area, 136 mm wide × 2 mm high, are achieved with minimum increase of the mosaic over that of the original HOPG crystal. A specialized crystal cleavage device and soldering device are developed for the fabrication process. Furthermore, an optimized intermittent mode of the radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique is employed to deposit indium on HOPG crystals. The devices and procedure reported here could be applied to the development of the focusing monochromators and analyzers in neutron scattering instruments using a sizable neutron beam.
A computing module for speeding up the bunch-by-bunch measurement of transverse positions and transverse profiles within injection period
Authors: Wu Ruizhe , Wang Jigang , Lu Ping , Sun Baogen , Tang Leilei
Published: June 2024

The Multi-Bend-Achromat (MBA) structure of the
Diffraction-limited Synchrotron Light Source (DLSR) makes the
dynamic range of its injection significantly smaller, thus posing a
more demanding challenge for the stable injection of beams. To
investigate the possible instabilities during the injection process,
multi-anode photomultiplier tubes (MAPMT) are used in bunch-by-bunch
measurements to obtain the transverse positions and transverse
profiles of the bunched beams as they are injected. However, the
data processing time witnessed in prior measurements posed a
significant challenge in obtaining this information in time, thus
failing to meet the stringent demands of online
measurements. Consequently, this paper proposes one computing
module, engineered to enhance the speed of bunch-by-bunch
measurements of transverse positions and profiles. This solution is
capable of delivering measurement results for each bunch in the
filling pattern, all within the specified injection period.
Design and beam dynamics validation of a spiral FFAG accelerator for CSNS-II
Authors: Wu Bin , Zhou Kai , Xu Shouyan , Den Changdong , Huang Mingyang , Bao Yu , Jing Hangtao , Li Xiao
Published: June 2024

The fixed-field alternating gradient (FFAG) accelerator, with its compact structure and the combined advantages of high energy from synchrotrons and high beam intensity from cyclotrons, offers unparalleled benefits in accelerating protons, heavy ions, and short-lived particles such as muons and unstable nuclei. The China Spallation Neutron Source plans to establish an FFAG accelerator with a diameter of 20 meters at the end of the negative hydrogen linac for various purposes, including experiments in nuclear physics and medical applications. For this design, a scaling scheme using spiral magnets as the basic focusing structure is investigated to provide the proton beam with kinetic energy ranging from 300 MeV to 600 MeV. We present the design results for the scaling FFAG accelerator and discuss the optimization of the cell tune. A detailed beam dynamics verification and discussion of the proposed FFAG accelerator lattice are presented using the ray-tracing code Zgoubi, including off-axis optical characteristics, large amplitude transverse motion, and full-cycle longitudinal acceleration. The FFAG accelerator is demonstrated to provide a large transverse and longitudinal acceptance for the tracking beam in the designed lattice. A new simulation code based on Python for the study of FFAG accelerator beam dynamics has been developed, and the corresponding verification results are also presented.
Charge generation by passive plant leaf motion at low wind speeds: design and collective behavior of plant-hybrid energy harvesters
Authors: Meder Fabian , Armiento Serena , Naselli Giovanna Adele , Mondini Alessio , Speck Thomas , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: June 2024

Energy harvesting techniques can exploit even subtle passive motion like that of plant leaves in wind as a consequence of contact electrification of the leaf surface. The effect is strongly enhanced by artificial materials installed as ‘artificial leaves’ on the natural leaves creating a recurring mechanical contact and separation. However, this requires a controlled mechanical interaction between the biological and the artificial component during the complex wind motion. Here, we build and test four artificial leaf designs with varying flexibility and degrees of freedom across the blade operating on Nerium oleander plants. We evaluate the apparent contact area (up to 10 cm2 per leaf), the leaves’ motion, together with the generated voltage, current and charge in low wind speeds of up to 3.3 m s−1 and less. Single artificial leaves produced over 75 V and 1 µA current peaks. Softer artificial leaves increase the contact area accessible for energy conversion, but a balance between softer and stiffer elements in the artificial blade is optimal to increase the frequency of contact-separation motion (here up to 10 Hz) for energy conversion also below 3.3 m s−1. Moreover, we tested how multiple leaves operating collectively during continuous wind energy harvesting over several days achieve a root mean square power of ∼6 µW and are capable to transfer ∼80 µC every 30–40 min to power a wireless temperature and humidity sensor autonomously and recurrently. The results experimentally reveal design strategies for energy harvesters providing autonomous micro power sources in plant ecosystems for example for sensing in precision agriculture and remote environmental monitoring.
Improving structural damage tolerance and fracture energy via bamboo-inspired void patterns
Authors: Zhu Xiaoheng , Liu Jiakun , Hua Yucong , Tertuliano Ottman A , Raney Jordan R
Published: June 2024

Bamboo has a functionally-graded microstructure that endows it with a combination of desirable properties, such as high failure strain, high toughness, and a low density. As a result, bamboo has been widely used in load-bearing structures. In this work, we study the use of bamboo-inspired void patterns to geometrically improve the failure properties of structures made from brittle polymers. We perform finite element analysis and experiments on 3D-printed structures to quantify the effect of the shape and spatial distribution of voids on the fracture behavior. The introduction of periodic, uniformly distributed voids in notched bend specimens leads to a 15-fold increase in the fracture energy relative to solid specimens. Adding a gradient to the pattern of voids leads to a cumulative 55-fold improvement in the fracture energy. Mechanistically, the individual voids result in crack blunting, which suppresses crack initiation, while neighboring voids redistribute stresses throughout the sample to enable large deformation before failure.
Moving object detection based on bioinspired background subtraction
Authors: Zheng Zhu’anzhen , Guo Aike , Wu Zhihua
Published: June 2024

Flying insects rely mainly upon visual motion to detect and track objects. There has been a lot of research on fly inspired algorithms for object detection, but few have been developed based on visual motion alone. One of the daunting difficulties is that the neural and circuit mechanisms underlying the foreground-background segmentation are still unclear. Our previous modeling study proposed that the lobula held parallel pathways with distinct directional selectivity, each of which could retinotopically discriminate figures moving in its own preferred direction based on relative motion cues. The previous model, however, did not address how the multiple parallel pathways gave the only detection output at their common downstream. Since the preferred directions of the pathways along either horizontal or vertical axis were opposite to each other, the background moving in the opposite direction to an object also activated the corresponding lobula pathway. Indiscriminate or ungated projection from all the pathways to their downstream would mix objects with the moving background, making the previous model fail with non-stationary background. Here, we extend the previous model by proposing that the background motion-dependent gating of individual lobula projections is the key to object detection. Large-field lobula plate tangential cells are hypothesized to perform the gating to realize bioinspired background subtraction. The model is shown to be capable of implementing a robust detection of moving objects in video sequences with either a moving camera that induces translational optic flow or a static camera. The model sheds light on the potential of the concise fly algorithm in real-world applications.
NSPCs-ES: mechanisms and functional impact on central nervous system diseases
Authors: Si Yu , Hayat Muhammad Abid , Hu Jiabo
Published: June 2024

Patients with central neuronal damage may suffer severe consequences, but effective therapies remain unclear. Previous research has established the transplantation of neural stem cells that generate new neurons to replace damaged ones. In a new field of scientific research, the extracellular secretion of NPSCs (NSPCs-ES) has been identified as an alternative to current chemical drugs. Many preclinical studies have shown that NSPCs-ES are effective in models of various central nervous system diseases (CNS) injuries, from maintaining functional structures at the cellular level to providing anti-inflammatory functions at the molecular level, as well as improving memory and motor functions, reducing apoptosis in neurons, and mediating multiple signaling pathways. The NSPC-ES can travel to the damaged tissue and exert a broad range of therapeutic effects by supporting and nourishing damaged neurons. However, gene editing and cell engineering techniques have recently improved therapeutic efficacy by modifying NSPCs-ES. Consequently, future research and application of NSPCs-ES may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of CNS diseases in the future. In this review, we summarize the current progress on these aspects.
A novel antibiotic: the antimicrobial effects of CFBSA and its application on electronspun wound dressing
Authors: Sun Shu , Cao Lei , Wu Jinglei , Sun Binbin , El-Newehy Mohamed , Moydeen Abdulhameed Meera , Mo Xiumei , Yang Xianjin , Zheng Hao
Published: June 2024

N-chloro-N-fluorobenzenesulfonylamide (CFBSA), was a novel chlorinating reagent, which exhibits potential antibacterial activities. In this study, CFBSA was confirmed as a wide-broad antimicrobial and bactericidal drug against different gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria and fungi, while it was found to have low cytotoxicity for eukaryotic cells. In addition, microorganism morphology assay and oxidative stress test was used to determine the antimicrobial mechanisms of CFBSA. According to the results, CFBSA probably had a target on cell membrane and killed microorganism by disrupting its cell membrane. Then, CFBSA was first combined with poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL)/SF via electrospinning and applied in wound dressings. The characterization of different PLCL/SF of CFBSA-loaded nanofibrous mats was investigated by SEM, water contact angle, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cell compatibility and antimicrobial test. CFBSA-loaded PLCL/SF nanofibrous mats showed excellent antimicrobial activities. In order to balance of the biocompatibility and antibacterial efficiency, SP-2.5 was selected as the ideal loading concentration for further application of CFBSA-loaded PLCL/SF. In conclusion, the electrospun CFBSA-loaded PLCL/SF nanofibrous mat with its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and bactericidal activity and good biocompatibility showed enormous potential for wound dressing.
Performance of a multiphase bioactive socket plug with a barrier function for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Yao Chao , Pripatnanont Prisana , Zhang Junbiao , Suttapreyasri Srisurang
Published: June 2024

The natural healing process of extraction socket and traditional socket plug material could not prevent buccal bone wall resorption and down growth of epithelium from the socket orifice. A multiphase bioactive socket plug (BP) is designed to overcome the natural healing process by maintaining the three-dimensional (3D) volume of extraction sockets, particularly in sockets with wall defects, and later provide sufficient alveolar bone volume for implant placement. The study aimed to fabricate and evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological performance of BP in vitro. The BP was fabricated through freeze-drying and layer-by-layer assembly, comprised of a base serving as a scaffold, a central portion for promoting bone regeneration, an upper buccal portion for maintaining alveolar socket dimension with a covering collagen membrane (Memb) on the top and upper buccal surface to prevent soft tissue infiltration. The BP as the experimental group and a pure collagen plug (CP) as the control group were investigated and compared. Radiograph, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy mapping confirmed that the four-part BP was successfully assembled and fabricated. Swelling rate analysis indicated that BP, CP, and Memb reached swelling equilibrium within 1 hour. BP exhibited a high remaining weight percentage in collagenase solution (68.81 ± 2.21% on day 90) and sustained calcium ion release, reaching the maximum 0.13 ± 0.04 mmol l−1 on day 14. In biological assays, BP exhibited excellent cell proliferation (The OD value increased from 0.02 on day 1 to 0.23 on day 21.). The BP group exhibited higher alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content than the CP group within 21 days. Memb and BP exhibited outstanding barrier function, as evidenced by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. In summary, the multiphase bioactive socket plug represents a promising scaffold for alveolar ridge preservation application.
Changes in soil microbial metabolic limitations after half-century forest restoration in degraded tropical lands
Authors: Hu Minghui , Zhu Yiren , Li Jianling , Yao Xianyu , Hu Yuanliu , Huang Xiaolin , Li Yonghui , Zhang Deqiang , Deng Qi
Published: June 2024

Due to increasing anthropogenic pressure, over half of the world’s tropical forests are reforested or afforested secondary forests or plantations. The recovery pace and potential of these forests depend largely on soil microbially-mediated biogeochemical cycling. Here we measured soil extracellular enzyme activities and quantified microbial metabolic limitations using a vector analysis in a bare land (BL, representing the original state before restoration), two afforested sites [i.e. a restored secondary forest (MF) and a managed Eucalyptus exserta plantation (EP)] and a nearby undisturbed forest (UF) in south China. Results showed that soil microbial metabolisms were co-limited by carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) across the four forests. Both microbial C and P limitations were higher in BL than UF. Microbial C limitation significantly reduced after restoration only in MF when compared to BL, but it was still higher than that in UF. Interestingly, microbial P limitation significantly enhanced after restoration in both EP and MF when compared to BL, and it did not differ between the two restored forests. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that microbial C limitation was primarily attributed to microbial C use efficiency, while microbial P limitation was co-driven by plant biomass, microbial C use efficiency and soil P availability. These findings suggest microbial C limitation could be gradually recovered after forest restoration in southern China, which would facilitate soil organic carbon accumulation. However, the enhanced microbial P limitation after forest restoration underlines the necessity to develop optimal P management in these restored forests.
Do we accurately measure what we consume?
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin P , Gounaridis Dimitrios , Newell Joshua P , Pelton Rylie , Schmitt Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Understanding how consumption patterns affect the environment and shape well-being hinges on the rationale that the data collected on what is consumed, who consumes it, and where it is consumed are indeed accurate. To identify these consumption patterns and recommend corresponding policies, researchers and policy makers often rely on national surveys. Studies have explored the accuracy of individual surveys and the level of agreement across surveys of the same type (e.g. household expenditures), but no studies have compared representative national surveys measuring consumption in different ways. This study compares household consumption measured as expenditures and as material consumption (i.e. physical units) to assess how well we currently measure what we consume. We use multiple rigorous, national surveys to estimate meat consumption, household energy use, and private automobile use in the United States, with consumption profiles parsed by affluence, race/ethnicity, and education. Our results indicate that commonly used surveys may not accurately track important aspects of household consumption. For meat consumption, which included 30 consumption profiles detailing the consumption patterns across different demographic characteristics and meat types (e.g. kilograms beef consumed/capita for Caucasians), there is considerable disagreement between data sources for 20 profiles. By contrast, national surveys accurately measure household energy and transport (disagreement for four profiles). Our findings indicate that national surveys more accurately measure consistently tracked, standardized consumables like electricity than irregularly tracked, variable goods such as food. These results cast doubt on studies that use national surveys to draw conclusions about the how the environmental impacts of food, and, potentially, other goods (e.g. manufactured goods) vary across demographic groups. Overcoming this challenge will necessitate new surveys, updating legacy databases, and harnessing breakthroughs in data science.
Residential segregation and summertime air temperature across 13 northeastern U.S. states: potential implications for energy burden
Authors: Carrión Daniel , Rush Johnathan , Colicino Elena , Just Allan C
Published: June 2024

High ambient summertime temperatures are an increasing health concern with climate change. This is a particular concern for minoritized households in the United States, for which differential energy burden may compromise adaptive capacity to high temperatures. Our research question was: Do minoritized groups experience hotter summers than the area average, and do non-Hispanic white people experience cooler summers? Using a fine-scaled spatiotemporal air temperature model and U.S. census data, we examined local (within-county) differences in warm season cooling degree days (CDDs) by ethnoracial group as a proxy for local energy demand for space cooling across states of the northeast and mid-Atlantic U.S. in 2003–2019. Using state-specific regression models adjusted for year and county, we found that Black and Latino people consistently experienced more CDDs, non-Hispanic white people experienced fewer CDDs, and Asian populations showed mixed results. We also explored a concentration-based measure of residential segregation for each ethnoracial group as one possible pathway towards temperature disparities. We included the segregation measure as a smooth term in a regression model adjusted for county and year. The results were nonlinear, but higher concentrations of white people were associated with lower annual CDDs and higher concentrations of Latino people were associated with higher annual CDDs than the county average. Concentrations for Black and Asian people were nonmonotonic, sometimes with bowed associations. These findings suggest that present-day residential segregation, as modeled by spatially smoothed ethnoracial subgroup concentrations, may contribute to summertime air temperature disparities and influence adaptive capacity. We hope these findings can support place-based interventions, including targeting of energy insecurity relief programs.
Quantization of pseudo-hermitian systems
Authors: Baldiotti M C , Fresneda R
Published: June 2024

This work is a generalization of (Raimundo et al 2021 Phys. Rev. A 103 022201) to Grassmann algebras of arbitrary dimensions. Here we present a covariant quantization scheme for pseudoclassical theories focused on non-hermitian quantum mechanics. The quantization maps canonically related pseudoclassical theories to equivalent quantum realizations in arbitrary dimensions. We apply the formalism to the problem of two coupled spins with Heisenberg interaction.
One-dimensional continuous-time quantum Markov chains: qubit probabilities and measures
Authors: de la Iglesia Manuel D , Lardizabal Carlos F
Published: June 2024

Quantum Markov chains (QMCs) are positive maps on a trace-class space describing open quantum dynamics on graphs. Such objects have a statistical resemblance with classical random walks, while at the same time they allow for internal (quantum) degrees of freedom. In this work we study continuous-time QMCs on the integer line, half-line and finite segments, so that we are able to obtain exact probability calculations in terms of the associated matrix-valued orthogonal polynomials and measures. The methods employed here are applicable to a wide range of settings, but we will restrict ourselves to classes of examples for which the Lindblad generators are induced by a single positive map, and such that the Stieltjes transforms of the measures and their inverses can be calculated explicitly.
High entropy oxides for reversible lithium-ion battery: a brief review
Authors: Sur Soumyadeep , Anand Gautam , Jha Shikhar Krishn
Published: June 2024

Multicomponent systems were proposed in 2004 with tremendous potential in various applications. The central idea was to enhance the configurational contribution to entropy of a (nearly) equiatomic mixture of element to achieve invariability. In 2015, this concept of entropy induced stabilization was illustrated in a blend of oxides. Following this, other entropy stabilized oxides were studied, exploding in the vast composition space with materials showing enhanced properties. These systems were adept in wide range of technologies ranging from thermal barrier coatings, ultra-high temperature refractories, wear and corrosion resistant coatings, catalysts, thermoelectrics, and electrochemical energy storage systems (EES). We will walk through the recent developments in high entropy oxides for reversible energy storage in this review, looking at the high entropy attributes that enhance their electrochemical capabilities. The influence of entropy can no longer be avoided in ceramics and will be crucial to the advancement of sustainable technologies in the future.
Preparation and application of rosin@apatite hybrid material with new natural surfactants based on in-situ reaction by sol-gel method
Authors: Wang Maogong , Guo Xuying , Yang Xiaofang , Zhang Junjie , Yang Mingsheng , Song Jie , Han Chunrui , Liu Liujun
Published: June 2024

Due to the combination of organic and inorganic advantages, organic@inorganic hybrid materials have important applications in drug-loading, water-treatment and other fields. Rosin@apatite (AP) hybrid materials with various morphologies were designed and obtained by in situ reaction using two novel rosin-based phosphoester surfactants as organic phosphorus sources. The hybrid materials combined multi-ring, multi-electron groups of natural rosin diterpene and strong physical adsorption properties of apatite. Block and sheet rosin@AP hybrid materials were prepared by sol–gel method with mild reaction conditions. The materials have excellent adsorption capacity of phenol (9.2 mg g−1) and loading capacity (492 mg g−1) of adriamycin (DOX) induced by π–π stacking interaction with rosin bases. The content of rosin based organic materials in hybrid materials is as high as 47.5% by thermogravimetric analysis. The formation mechanism of hybrid materials was speculated in detail.
Carbon capture and co-pollutants in a networked power system
Authors: Pimentel Furlanetto Paola , Ash Michael , Baker Erin , Diana Bridget , Donaghy Tim , Zakeri Golbon
Published: June 2024

We evaluate how the availability of carbon capture (CC) in a networked electricity system affects the emissions of both carbon and of co-pollutants, under a range of plausible technical, economic, and policy scenarios about CC technology, the pace of renewable deployment, the structure of the power grid, and climate policy. We employ a Power Flow model of a three-node, mixed-source network in which fossil fuel power plants may invest in CC via retrofit. Our stylized model retains some of the complexities of a real power system while allowing for a detailed analysis of the impact of power plant operations and transmission constraints. We find that, in a networked system, the availability of CC may lead some generation to move from natural gas to coal, thus leading to a significant increase in co-pollutants. This is of particular concern during the mid-transition, a period when both carbon and non-carbon electrical generation is active. The introduction of CC can lead to an increase in co-pollution even as the energy system transitions toward renewable energy and, surprisingly, co-pollution outcomes can be worse under a stronger decarbonization policy. This insight is important and timely in light of recent rules incentivizing the use of CC. Systems in the early stages of the energy transition may experience an increase in co-pollution if the co-pollutant dynamics are not considered in the first steps of CC policy design.
Iris Murdoch and the Political
Authors: Browning Gary
Published: June 2024

Iris Murdoch is a celebrated philosopher and novelist. Was she a political theorist? It has been argued that she concentrated upon the personal and the moral at the expense of the social and the political. However, this book urges the contrary. Murdoch had lifelong interests in politics, literature, and philosophy. More than that, Murdoch sees experience, historical experience, as the foundation upon which literature, philosophy, and political theory are based. Hence, in reading Murdoch we get a clear insight into the nature of the political world in the twentieth century. From an early political radicalism to a later scepticism over political possibilities, Murdoch reacted to and thought about the great political events of the twentieth century, notably the Holocaust, the rise and fall of ideologies, the possibilities of utopianism, and the realities of political tyranny and totalitarianism. Her political philosophy conceptualized relations between moral and political spheres. Her novels deal imaginatively with questions of migration, refugees, sexuality, and freedom. Her letters and journals provide moment to moment reactions to political events.
The Later Politics
Authors: Browning Gary
Published: June 2024

Murdoch moved on from radicalism at the end of the 1960s. She was critical of Soviet Communism in Eastern Europe, disagreed with Labour policy on education, Ireland, and the trade unions, and reacted against student revolt. Her letters and journals reveal visceral reactions to everyday politics. Her continued philosophical reading of politics is evident in Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals (1992), where she emphasizes the need to maintain basic axioms, such as rights and the provision of welfare, which differ from moral duties and the demands of personal moral lives. Murdoch highlights the importance of the political in that political rights can provide security and protection from tyrants, and a good polity enables individuals to develop personal moral commitments. Although the personal and the political are different for Murdoch, the one pursuing perfection and the other dealing with imperfection, she recognizes that, at times, individuals will seek to change political norms, and she does not see political axioms as fixed. Indeed, at the end of her life she recognizes the environmental dangers to the planet in her correspondence with the Australian philosopher Brian Medlin.
The Plays: Enacting the Political
Authors: Browning Gary
Published: June 2024

Murdoch wrote a number of plays, with decided political themes. She composed three important ones in 1969, The Servants and the Snow, The Three Arrows, and Joanna, Joanna.  The Servants and the Snow is set somewhere in Central or Eastern Europe and deals with the succession to an autocratic ruler. Basil, a liberal-minded son takes over from a tyrant. He is keen to reform. He finds the project of reform difficult to implement, however, which invites the audience and readership to reflect upon the issues involved. In the Three Arrows, a Japanese rebel politician languishes in jail, and his potential release depends upon his undertaking the ancient ceremony of the three arrows, which forces him to choose between personal love and political commitment. Joanna, Joanna is set in a higher education institution, where a cynical head is making cuts. He sacks a popular member of staff, which incites a student protest. Students and management are shown to misperceive key issues, and this again invites the audience to consider the politics of the situation. In a late operatic play, The One Alone, a lone dissident in a totalitarian country is imprisoned for an apparently hopeless protest and is left to consider their fate and what, if anything, political protest can achieve.
Behavior Change Techniques Involved in Physical Activity Interventions for Children With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Hamsini , Davis Elizabeth , Obadimeji Lerato , Valentine Jane , Wood Fiona , Shetty Vinutha , Finlay-Jones Amy
Published: June 2024

Background

Behavior change techniques (BCTs) have been extensively used in physical activity interventions for children, however, no systematic reviews have synthesized their effects.

Purpose

The present review aimed to identify the most promising BCTs used in physical activity interventions associated with (i) increased physical activity behavior and (ii) positive psychosocial outcomes in children with chronic conditions.

Methods

A systematic search of 6 databases identified 61 articles as eligible for inclusion. Data, including BCTs, were extracted from these studies and analyzed descriptively. Due to the heterogeneity of interventions, chronic conditions, and outcome measures, a meta-analysis was not conducted.

Results

Social support (unspecified), graded tasks, generalization of target behavior, and credible source were the most commonly reported and most promising (i.e., present in 2+ studies evidencing significant effects) BCTs across all studies. These BCTs were found to be especially relevant to improving psychosocial outcomes in the short- and long-term and improving physical activity behaviors in the long-term. Meanwhile, to improve short-term physical activity behaviors, in addition to social support (unspecified), action planning, goal setting (behavior), and problem solving were found to be promising BCTs.

Conclusions

The BCTs identified in this review may be relevant to incorporate when planning future interventions to support physical activity and psychosocial outcomes for children with chronic conditions.