bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue Ablation with Multi‐Millimeter Depth and Cellular‐Scale Collateral Damage by a Femtosecond Mid‐Infrared Laser Tuned to the Amide‐I Vibration
Authors: Tian Kan , Xiang Maoxing , Wen Xiangyi , Guo Jinmiao , He Linzhen , Yu Peng , Han Jinghua , Peng Xu , Wang Fan , Zhang Lidan , Fu Zhizhuo , Chen Pengfan , Xie Jing , Wang Zhenzhou , Wan Zhongjun , Li Wenkai , Hu Bo , Wang Weizhe , Yang Xuemei , Ding Chunmei , Liu Yuan , Zeng Yi , Li Yang , Wu Han , He Changtao , Feng Guoying , Peng Yujie , Jiang Xian , Li Jianshu , Wang Qi Jie , Zhao Shengyu , Leng Yuxin , Liang Houkun
Published: October 2023

Laser ablation of bio‐tissues is the key technology of future surgeries, owing to the merits of submicron accuracy, non‐contact operation, and precision control assisted by automation and computer intelligence. Excellent efficiency, minimal collateral damage, biological safety, and tissue selectivity are the ideal parameters for delicate surgical applications. Here, by exploring the mid‐infrared (MIR) resonant ablation and the femtosecond cold processing, tissue ablation with multi‐millimeter depth and cellular collateral damage, enabled by a tabletop femtosecond MIR optical parametric amplifier operating at the amide‐I resonant wavelength of 6.1 µm, is demonstrated. Remarkably, the collateral damage is observed to be 15, <4, and <1 µm in the porcine cornea, sclera, and articular cartilage, respectively, with multi‐millimeter incision depth. In addition, preliminary proof‐of‐concept experiments of tissue‐selective ablation, microchannels on cartilage for drug delivery, laser glaucoma, keratotomy, neurologic tissue incision, dentin deep crater formation, and hypertrophic scarring ablation are demonstrated, which pave the way for high‐precision surgical applications with a tabletop solution.
Nanofibrous PAN‐PDMS Films‐Based High‐Performance Triboelectric Artificial Whisker for Self‐Powered Obstacle Detection
Authors: Varghese Harris , Priya K Vaishna , Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair Saraswathy , Chandran Achu
Published: October 2023

Avoiding collisions is a key necessity for any autonomous mobile robot, and obstacle mapping enables them to maneuver in an uncharted area. In this era of the Internet of Things, with the emerging need for a multitude of sensors, adopting self‐powered technologies is more practically viable than batteries for powering the same. Herein, with the fabrication of a triboelectric artificial whisker (TAW), a self‐powered obstacle detection is demonstrated via tactile perception. The mechanical contact with the obstacle gives rise to an electrical signal from the TAW owing to the embedded triboelectric sensor. In addition, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and polydimethylsiloxane film, which facilitates this self‐powered artificial sensation, generates an output voltage of 720 V and current density of 5 mA m−2 with 1.7 W m−2 of maximum power delivery from a force of 10 N. The electro‐spinning aided enhancement in contact area of the PAN is responsible for the remarkable improvement in the performance of the TENG, 3.4 times enhancement in power density, when compared to the nonsurface‐modified ones. In addition, the TENG is able to charge commercial capacitors up to appreciable values and demonstrates powering different electronic gadgets such as calculators and thermometers.
Exploring the potential of transethosomes in therapeutic delivery: A comprehensive review
Authors: Chowdary Pavani , Padmakumar Ananya , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: October 2023

The growing need for innovative drug delivery systems has led to extensive research to address the limitations associated with conventional dosage forms. Lipid nanoparticles have become prominent as frontline nanocarriers for the delivery of drugs and vaccine formulations. However, the pursuit of new materials and modifications to improve lipid nanocarrier properties remains ongoing. In this context, transethosomes have gained attention as a promising solution, offering distinct advantages over traditional formulations. Transethosomes minimize plasma fluctuations, first‐pass metabolism, organ toxicity, and poor bioavailability. This comprehensive review provides an in‐depth exploration of transethosomes, starting with an overview of the impact of formulation components on their properties and effective targeting. This article delves into the production techniques and evaluation properties employed to ensure efficient drug delivery. A significant contribution of this review lies in the analysis of various routes of administration for transethosomes, including transdermal, transvaginal, pulmonary, and ocular delivery, showcasing the versatility of transethosome‐loaded with drugs and their potential to target specific tissues to achieve controlled release. Furthermore, the potential of functionalization and photodynamic therapy approaches to enhance drug delivery efficacy are explored. Overall, this review emphasizes the significant potentiality of transethosomes as a promising drug delivery system addressing the challenges associated with conventional drug delivery approaches.
Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) homozygous Tyr471His mutation associates with thromboembolic disease
Authors: Tao Yanyi , Ma Jiewen , Feng Yuanzheng , Gao Chenggang , Wu Tingting , Xia Yunqing , Cheng Zhipeng , Zhang Yi , Liu Tingting , Hu Yu , Tang Liang V.
Published: October 2023

Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) encoded by PLAT is a major mediator that promotes fibrinolysis and prevents thrombosis. Pathogenetic mutations in PLAT associated with venous thromboembolism have rarely been reported. Here, we report the first case of a homozygous point mutation c.1411T>C (p.Y471H) in PLAT leading to thromboembolic events and conduct related functional studies. The corresponding tPA mutant protein (tPA‐Y471H) and wild‐type tPA (tPA‐WT) were synthesized in vitro, and mutant mice (PLATH/H mice) were constructed. The molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance results indicated that the mutation impeded the hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the protease domain of tPA and the kringle 4 domain of plasminogen, and the binding affinity of tPA and plasminogen was significantly reduced with a difference of one order of magnitude. mRNA half‐life assay showed that the half‐life of tPA‐Y471H was shortened. The inferior vena cava thrombosis model showed that the rate of venous thrombosis in PLATH/H mice was 80% compared with 53% in wild‐type mice. Our data suggested a novel role for the protease domain of tPA in efficient plasminogen activation, and demonstrated that this tPA mutation could reduce the fibrinolysis function of the body and lead to an increased propensity for thrombosis.
Characterization of rationally sampled quaternionic dual Gabor frames
Authors: Li Yun‐Zhang , Zhang Xiao‐Li
Published: October 2023

This paper addresses quaternionic dual Gabor frames under the condition that the products of time‐frequency shift parameters are rational numbers. For a general overcomplete quaternionic Gabor frame with the product of time‐frequency shift parameters not equal to , we show that its corresponding frame and translation operators do not commute, which leads to its canonical dual frame not having the Gabor structure, but it may have other dual frames with Gabor structure. We characterize when two quaternionic Gabor Bessel sequences form a pair of dual frames, and present a class of quaternionic dual Gabor frames. We also characterize quaternionic Gabor Riesz bases and prove that their canonical dual frames have Gabor structure.
Exact traveling wave solutions of the generalized fifth‐order dispersive equation by the improved Fan subequation method
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the improved Fan subequation method is employed to construct exact traveling wave solutions for a generalized fifth‐order dispersive equation. By making use of bifurcation theory of dynamical systems, we have succeeded to obtain the phase portraits of the subequations involving all possible parameter conditions, and many different types of traveling wave solutions as well, which include more general soliton solutions, kink solutions, triangular function solutions, rational solutions, and Jacobian elliptic function solutions with double periods and so on. Furthermore, as all parameters in the representations of exact solutions are free variables, the solutions obtained show more complex dynamical behaviors and could be applicable to explain diversity in qualitative features of wave phenomena.
Yueliang Yin Ameliorates Endometrial Receptivity in Mice with Embryo Implantation Failure by Reducing Pyroptosis and Activating BDNF/TrkB Pathway
Authors: Jiang Mei , Huang Ling , Wang Yuxi , Wang Yao , Kang Qianjun , Chen Cong , Hu Yujie , Li Jialin , Wang Ting
Published: October 2023

Scope

Endometrial receptivity plays a vital role in embryonic implantation.Yueliang Yinis a marketed solid drink in China, also known asBushen CuyunRecipe (BCR), that is, assumed to have a therapeutic effect on infertility by improving endometrial receptivity. This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of BCR in protecting the endometrium.

Methods and results

Mice with mifepristone‐induced embryo implantation failure that exhibited a decreased implantation sites number, thinner endometrium, reduced endometrial glands number, and poor pinopode expression levels are treated with BCR, and these mentioned conditions significantly improves afterward. Molecular docking shows that the main active components kaempferol, quercetin, and hesperetin of BCR stably bound to gasdermin D (GSDMD). Experimental results demonstrate that levels of GSDMD, cleaved caspase‐1 and leucine‐rich repeat, and pyrin domain‐containing 3 and IL‐1β levels in model mice are significantly decreased and expressions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine protein kinase B (TrkB) expression levels are significantly elevated after BCR treatments, and that the DNA damage is significantly reversed in BCR‐treated mice.

Conclusions

BCR is potent and effective in ameliorating endometrial receptivity. The potential mechanisms of BCR on endometrial receptivity may mediate by activating BDNF/TrkB pathway activation and protecting endometrial cells' protection against pyroptosis.
Speech production real‐time MRI at 0.55 T
Authors: Lim Yongwan , Kumar Prakash , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To demonstrate speech‐production real‐time MRI (RT‐MRI) using a contemporary 0.55T system, and to identify opportunities for improved performance compared with conventional field strengths.

Methods

Experiments were performed on healthy adult volunteers using a 0.55T MRI system with high‐performance gradients and a custom 8‐channel upper airway coil. Imaging was performed using spiral‐based balanced SSFP and gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) pulse sequences using a temporal finite‐difference constrained reconstruction. Speech‐production RT‐MRI was performed with three spiral readout durations (8.90, 5.58, and 3.48 ms) to determine trade‐offs with respect to articulator contrast, blurring, banding artifacts, and overall image quality.

Results

Both spiral GRE and bSSFP captured tongue boundary dynamics during rapid consonant‐vowel syllables. Although bSSFP provided substantially higher SNR in all vocal tract articulators than GRE, it suffered from banding artifacts at TR > 10.9 ms. Spiral bSSFP with the shortest readout duration (3.48 ms, TR = 5.30 ms) had the best image quality, with a 1.54‐times boost in SNR compared with an equivalent GRE sequence. Longer readout durations led to increased SNR efficiency and blurring in both bSSFP and GRE.

Conclusion

High‐performance 0.55T MRI systems can be used for speech‐production RT‐MRI. Spiral bSSFP can be used without suffering from banding artifacts in vocal tract articulators, provide better SNR efficiency, and have better image quality than what is typically achieved at 1.5 T or 3 T.
Computational methods for the estimation of ideal current patterns in realistic human models
Authors: Giannakopoulos Ilias I. , Georgakis Ioannis P. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Lattanzi Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To introduce a method for the estimation of the ideal current patterns (ICP) that yield optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for realistic heterogeneous tissue models in MRI.

Theory and Methods

The ICP were calculated for different surfaces that resembled typical radiofrequency (RF) coil formers. We constructed numerical electromagnetic (EM) bases to accurately represent EM fields generated by RF current sources located on the current‐bearing surfaces. Using these fields as excitations, we solved the volume integral equation and computed the EM fields in the sample. The fields were appropriately weighted to calculate the optimal SNR and the corresponding ICP. We demonstrated how to qualitatively use ICP to guide the design of a coil array to maximize SNR inside a head model.

Results

In agreement with previous analytic work, ICP formed large distributed loops for voxels in the middle of the sample and alternated between a single loop and a figure‐eight shape for a voxel 3‐cm deep in the sample's cortex. For the latter voxel, a surface quadrature loop array inspired by the shape of the ICP reached of the optimal SNR at 3T, whereas a single loop placed above the voxel reached only of the optimal SNR. At 7T, the performance of the two designs decreased to and , respectively, suggesting that loops could be suboptimal at ultra‐high field MRI.

Conclusion

ICP can be calculated for human tissue models, potentially guiding the design of application‐specific RF coil arrays.
Outcome and late effects of patients treated for childhood vaginal malignant germ cell tumors
Authors: Coppin Robin , Martelli Helene , Chargari Cyrus , Sudour‐Bonnange Helene , Orbach Daniel , Vérité Cecile , Pasquet Marlene , Saumet Laure , Piguet Christophe , Patte Catherine , Guérin Florent , Faure‐Conter Cecile , Fresneau Brice
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Vaginal malignant germ cell tumors (MGCT) are rare, occurring in children less than 2 years old and raise the question of the optimal local treatment.

Methods

We included children treated for vaginal MGCT according to the French TGM‐95/2013 regimen. Patients were classified as standard risk (SR: localized disease and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) < 10,000 ng/mL) or high risk (HiR: metastatic and/or AFP > 10,000 ng/mL) and were treated, respectively, with three to five VBP (vinblastine–bleomycin–cisplatin) or four to six VIP (etoposide–ifosfamide–cisplatin), followed by conservative surgery and/or brachytherapy in case of post‐chemotherapy residuum.

Results

Fourteen patients were included (median age = 12 months), of which six (43%) were classified as HiR. AFP levels were normalized after first‐line chemotherapy in all cases but one. A vaginal post‐chemotherapy residuum (median size = 8 mm, range: 1–24 mm) was observed in 13/14 patients, treated by complete resection in seven of 13 (viable cells in three of seven), incomplete resection in four of 13 (viable cells in two of four), with adjuvant brachytherapy in two of 13, and exclusive brachytherapy in two of 13 (viable cells in one of six). Among the six patients with viable disease, four patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient (SR) experienced immediate postoperative relapse despite presenting no viable residual cells and was treated with four VIP cycles and brachytherapy. At last follow‐up (median = 4.6 years, range: 0.5–16), all patients were alive in complete remission. Five patients suffered from vaginal sequelae with synechiae and/or stenosis (of whom four had undergone brachytherapy).

Conclusion

Childhood vaginal MGCTs show a highly favorable prognosis with risk‐adapted chemotherapy and local treatment of post‐chemotherapy residuum (preferably by conservative surgery with partial vaginectomy). Brachytherapy could be an alternative when conservative surgery is not deemed possible or in cases of incomplete resection with residual viable cells.
Effects of two treatments on interpersonal, affective, and lifestyle features of psychopathy and emotion dysregulation
Authors: Mohajerin Banafsheh , Howard Richard Charles
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the relative efficacy of Mentalization‐based therapy (MBT) and United Protocol (UP) in reducing symptoms of psychopathy and emotion dysregulation in a sample of Iranian community residents with concurrent diagnoses of antisocial and borderline personality disorders (PDs). Interpersonal, affective, and lifestyle features of psychopathy were measured post‐treatment and at 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, 24‐, and 36‐months follow‐up using the 13‐item version of the Psychopathy Revised‐Checklist (PCL‐R), which excluded, by design, criminal history features. Emotion dysregulation was measured using the Deficits in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) developed by Gratz and Roemer (2004). After treatment, both UP‐ and MBT‐treated individuals showed significantly fewer features of psychopathy and significantly less emotion dysregulation. Compared with those treated with MBT, UP‐treated individuals showed significantly less emotion dysregulation in all DERS subscales and a greater reduction in psychopathy features, particularly affective features. It is suggested that this likely reflected the particular emphasis placed by UP on improving emotional self‐regulation and facilitating the therapeutic alliance. These results suggest that, despite the traditional pessimism that surrounds psychopathic individuals' treatability, they can be successfully treated.
Versatile synthesis of siloxane‐based graft copolymers with tunable grafting density
Authors: D'Ambra Colton A. , Czuczola Michael , Getty Patrick T. , Murphy Elizabeth A. , Abdilla Allison , Biswas Souvagya , Mecca Jodi M. , Bekemeier Thomas D. , Swier Steven , Hawker Craig J. , Bates Christopher M.
Published: October 2023

A versatile synthetic platform is reported that affords high molecular weight graft copolymers containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) backbones and vinyl‐based polymer side chains with excellent control over molecular weight and grafting density. The synthetic approach leverages thiol‐ene click chemistry to attach an atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator to a variety of commercially available poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐methylvinylsiloxane) backbones (PDMS‐co‐PVMS), followed by controlled radical polymerization with a wide scope of vinyl monomers. Selective degradation of the siloxane backbone with tetrabutylammonium fluoride confirmed the controlled nature of side‐chain growth via ATRP, yielding targeted side‐chain lengths for copolymers containing up to 50% grafting density and overall molecular weights in excess of 1 MDa. In addition, by using a mixture of thiols, grafting density and functionality can be further controlled by tuning initiator loading along the backbone. For example, solid‐state fluorescence of the graft copolymers was achieved by incorporating a thiol‐containing fluorophore along the siloxane backbone during the thiol‐ene click reaction. This simple synthetic platform provides facile control over the properties of a wide variety of grafted copolymers containing flexible PDMS backbones and vinyl polymer side chains.
Lianhua Qingke ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung injury by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps formation and pyroptosis
Authors: Peng Wenjun , Qi Hui , Zhu Wensi , Tong Lin , Rouzi Ainiwaer , Wu Yuanyuan , Han Linxiao , He Ludan , Yan Yu , Pan Ting , Liu Jie , Wang Qin , Jia Zhenhua , Song Yuanlin , Zhu Qiaoliang , Zhou Jian
Published: October 2023

LHQK is a patented Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is clinically used for acute tracheobronchitis, cough, and other respiratory diseases. Recent studies have proved that LHQK exhibits excellent clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the corresponding mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of LHQK on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI in mice. The pathological examination, inflammatory cytokines assessments, and mucus secretion evaluation indicated that administration of LHQK ameliorated LPS‐induced lung injury, and suppressed the secretion of Muc5AC and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β) in plasma and BALF. Furthermore, the results of cell‐free DNA level showed that LHQK significantly inhibited LPS‐induced NETs formation. Western blot revealed that LHQK effectively inhibited LPS‐triggered pyroptosis in the lung. In addition, RNA‐Seq data analysis, relatively bioinformatic analysis, and network pharmacology analysis revealed that LHQK and relative components may play multiple protective functions in LPS‐induced ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by regulating multiple targets directly or indirectly related to NETs and pyroptosis. In conclusion, LHQK can effectively attenuate lung injury and reduce lung inflammation by inhibiting LPS‐induced NETs formation and pyroptosis, which may be regulated directly or indirectly by active compounds of LHQK.
Predicting nitrogen mineralization from dairy manure and broadleaf residue in a semiarid cropping system
Authors: Leytem April B. , Moore Amber D. , Rogers Christopher W. , Dungan Robert S.
Published: October 2023

Approximately 37% of US milk production occurs in semiarid regions, providing an opportunity to recycle manure nutrients through a variety of cropping systems. Accurate prediction of nitrogen (N) mineralization is critical to determine manure application suitability in intensive irrigated agriculture as many crops in the region have quality parameters that are sensitive to N. Research was conducted in southcentral Idaho to evaluate N mineralization via a buried bag methodology to develop a predictive N‐mineralization model. The study was arranged in a randomized complete block design with manure application rates of 18, 36, and 52 Mg·ha−1 (dry weight basis) both annually and biennially with synthetic fertilizer and untreated check treatments. The crop rotation included small‐grain and broadleaf crops. In the final year of the study, preplant soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and NO3–N concentrations were positively linearly correlated with manure application rate. Nearly five times as much N was mineralized annually in the 0‐ to 30‐cm depth as compared to the 30‐ to 60‐cm depth. Increased rates of N mineralization for each kilogram of added N occurred in years when residue from broadleaf crops (slope = 0.17) was applied as compared to years with manure only application (slope = 0.07). Stepwise modeling determined that the most predictive model for seasonal N mineralization (R2 = 0.79) included manure N, residue N, soil organic matter, and electrical conductivity. These results allow preplant N mineralization estimation and will prove critical for managing manure in semiarid regions for agronomic, economic, and environmentally sound crop production.
Commentary—misconceiving merit: Paradoxes of excellence and devotion in academic science and engineering
Authors: Losoya Sarah
Published: October 2023

Misconceiving Merit: Paradoxes of excellence and devotion in academic science and engineering is an easy‐to‐read, well‐organized text that implicates hegemonic ideology and the myth of meritocracy that is omnipresent within science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The book is filled with both qualitative and quantitative data that tells a story of the popular notions of success and exceptionality including work devotion and scientific excellence and counters them with the realities of scientific productivity. It paints a picture of what academic STEM spaces are like for women, racially minoritized, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons, and how the myth of meritocracy is upheld and reinforced by systems within academia. I recommend this book for students, teachers, grant funders, and anyone else within academic STEM and STEM education spaces.
Zincophilic Metal‐Organic‐Framework Interface Mitigating Dendrite Growth for Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Zehua , Zhang Huandi , Shi Xiaowei , Zhang Yan , Tang Cheng , Zhao Haitao , Liu Jiamei , Wang Guolong , Li Lei
Published: October 2023

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries are the ideal candidate for large‐scale energy storage systems owing to their high safety and low cost. However, the uncontrolled deposition and parasitic reaction of Zn metal anode hinder their commercial application. Here, the 2D metal‐organic‐framework (MOF) nanoflakes covered on the surface of Zn are proposed to enable dendrite‐free for long lifespan Zn metal batteries. The MOF can facilitate the desolvation process to accelerate reaction kinetic due to its special channel structure. The abundant zincopilicity sites of MOF can realize the homogenous Zn2+ deposition. Consequently, their synergetic effect makes the MOF protected Zn anode good electrochemical performance with a long cycle life of 1400 h at 1 mA cm−2 and a high depth of discharge of 30 mAh cm−2 (DOD ≈ 54%) continued for over 700 h. This work provides a novel strategy for high‐performance rechargeable Zn‐ion batteries.
Nanoarchitectonics of MXene Derived TiO2/Graphene with Vertical Alignment for Achieving the Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Park Seungyoung , Choi Seo Hyun , Kim Ju Min , Ji Seulgi , Kang Saewon , Yim Soonmin , Myung Sung , Kim Seong. K. , Lee Sun Sook , An Ki‐Seok
Published: October 2023

Structural engineering and hybridization of heterogeneous 2D materials can be effective for advanced supercapacitor. Furthermore, architectural design of electrodes particularly with vertical construction of structurally anisotropic graphene nanosheets, can significantly enhance the electrochemical performance. Herein, MXene‐derived TiO2 nanocomposites hybridized with vertical graphene is synthesized via CO2 laser irradiation on MXene/graphene oxide nanocomposite film. Instantaneous photon energy by laser irradiation enables the formation of vertical graphene structures on nanocomposite films, presenting the controlled anisotropy in free‐standing film. This vertical structure enables improved supercapacitor performance by forming an open structure, increasing the electrolyte–electrode interface, and creating efficient electron transport path. In addition, the effective oxidation of MXene nanosheets by instantaneous photon energy leads to the formation of rutile TiO2. TiO2 nanoparticles directly generated on graphene enables the effective current path, which compensates for the low conductivity of TiO2 and enables the functioning of an effective supercapacitor by utilizing its pseudocapacitive properties. The resulting film exhibits excellent specific areal capacitance of 662.9 mF cm−2 at a current density of 5 mA cm−2. The film also shows superb cyclic stability during 40 000 repeating cycles, maintaining high capacitance. Also, the pseudocapacitive redox reaction kinetics is evaluated, showing fast redox kinetics with potential for high‐performance supercapacitor applications.
Formulating N‐Doped Carbon Hollow Nanospheres with Highly Accessible Through‐Pores to Isolate Fe Single‐Atoms for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Zi‐Hao , Ma Fei‐Xiang , Fan Hong‐Shuang , Liu Zheng‐Qi , Du Yue , Zhen Liang , Xu Cheng‐Yan
Published: October 2023

It is challenging yet promising to design highly accessible N‐doped carbon skeletons to fully expose the active sites inside single‐atom catalysts. Herein, mesoporous N‐doped carbon hollow spheres with regulatable through‐pore size can be formulated by a simple sequential synthesis procedure, in which the condensed SiO2 is acted as removable dual‐templates to produce both hollow interiors and through‐pores, meanwhile, the co‐condensed polydopamine shell is served as N‐doped carbon precursor. After that, Fe─N─C hollow spheres (HSs) with highly accessible active sites can be obtained after rationally implanting Fe single‐atoms. Microstructural analysis and X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis reveal that high‐density Fe─N4 active sites together with tiny Fe clusters are uniformly distributed on the mesoporous carbon skeleton with abundant through‐pores. Benefitted from the highly accessible Fe─N4 active sites arising from the unique through‐pore architecture, the Fe─N─C HSs demonstrate excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in alkaline media with a half‐wave potential up to 0.90 V versus RHE and remarkable stability, both exceeding the commercial Pt/C. When employing Fe─N─C HSs as the air‐cathode catalysts, the assembled Zn–air batteries deliver a high peak power density of 204 mW cm−2 and stable discharging voltage plateau over 140 h.
Reaction‐Induced Liquid Crystalline Polybenzoxazine Bearing Aromatic Amide Side Branches
Authors: Rafique Irum , Liu Baoliang , Said Amir , Khan Shahid , Lu Zaijun
Published: October 2023

In this study, a nematic phase structure is incorporated into polybenzoxazine to increase its thermal conductivity. A simple route for the synthesis of a thermally conductive polybenzoxazine containing liquid crystalline (LC) structure by grafting oligomeric p‐sulfophenylene‐terephthalamide (PSTA) is offered. Benzoxazine monomer of pHBA‐da is synthesized via Mannich reaction of p‐hydroxy benzoic acid, p‐formaldehyde, and dodecyl amine. After ring‐opening polymerization, the oligomer benzoxazine of OBZ─COOH is obtained. The OBZ─COOH/PSTA mixture is prepared by mixing PSTA with OBZ─COOH. Afterward, the grafted copolymer is named OBZ─PSTA copolymer. The liquid crystalline behavior of OBZ─COOH/PSTA is studied by polarized optical microscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering analysis. The results show that the OBZ─PSTA forms the LC structure during isothermal and non‐isothermal curing. The LC structure displays a floral textured nematic phase. The phase formation is induced by an amidation reaction. Due to the grafts of LC PSTA, the thermal conductivity of OBZ─PSTA is 0.296 W m−1 K−1, which is 26% greater than OBZ─COOH. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of OBZ─PSTA is 241 °C. The 5% (Td5) and 10% weight loss temperatures (Td10) of OBZ─PSTA are 346 and 362 °C, respectively.
Physical, chemical, and biological evaluation of domestic laundry greywater discharges to attract reclamation strategies and reuse applications in urban settings
Authors: Khapra Rajat , Singh Nirankar
Published: October 2023

Due to increasing freshwater demand and limited availability of resources, conservation and recycling of greywater are getting attention worldwide. Greywater (GW) is considered a potential contender to different types of industrial wastewater in terms of recyclability, toxicity, and reusability. The reuse and treatment methodologies in the case of LGW mainly depend on parameters such as pH, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Total dissolved solids (TDS), Total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, ionic concentration, surfactants, and microbial growth. Available literature suggests that domestic as well as commercial laundries are major contributors to greywater around the globe. This paper presents the results of investigations conducted on the quantity and quality of greywater generated from domestic urban laundries. Various factors were observed that influence the quantity of generated LGW such as family size, type of washing (machine or manual), and composition of LGW influenced by the work profile of family members, etc. The average values of BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, turbidity, Chloride (Cl−), Sulphate (SO42−), Fluoride (F−), Nitrate (NO3−), and anionic surfactants as MBAS (methylene blue active substances) were observed as 265.73 mgL−1, 1754.67 mgL−1, 469.13 mgL−1, 1837.73 mgL−1, 281.8 NTU, 438.6 mgL−1, 87.93 mgL−1, 0.87 mgL−1, 6.83 mgL−1, and 16.45 mgL−1, respectively. The average concentration of Escherichia coli and total coliforms was observed to be 73.4 MPN/100 mL (most probable number per 100 mL) and 386.2 MPN/100 mL, respectively. The high values of selected parameters necessitate the planning of greywater treatment in urban locations for re‐utilization. This study also revealed that a huge amount of freshwater is being converted to greywater by domestic laundries that can be re‐utilized for non‐potable purposes after some treatment.
Prosociality in Shared Leadership from the Finnish Principals’ Viewpoint
Authors: Yada Takumi
Published: October 2023

This chapter aims to explore the role of prosociality when exercising shared leadership in Finnish schools. Educational professionals work collectively to generate expertise conducive for shared leadership. Importantly, shared leadership could be deeply related to helping each other, which is referred to as prosociality. Potential development of shared leadership is achieved with help from others. However, no previous study has investigated the role of prosociality in exercising shared leadership. Therefore, research question is formed as following: How do the principals represent prosociality in shared leadership? This study explored prosociality through the lens of three aspects of prosociality: prosocial motivation, behaviour, and impact. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview from 12 Finnish principals in primary and lower secondary schools. The data were analysed with a thematic analysis in a deductive manner according to the three prosocial aspects. The findings showed that the principals acknowledge the prosocial elements that are deeply related to shared leadership. Moreover, the role of prosocial impact was highlighted by the principals.
Positioning and Conceptualising Finnish Pedagogical Leadership in the International Setting
Authors: Alava Jukka , Kovalainen Marja Terttu , Risku Mika
Published: October 2023

This chapter presents the conceptual evolvement of Finnish pedagogical leadership in the international setting. There are three main scopes. First, we discuss the historical evolvement of school leadership in Finland. This started in the 1950s with the first initiatives towards pedagogical leadership. Then, we describe the findings of the studies of several researchers to identify various aspects and nuances of pedagogical leadership till today. Second, we discuss the findings of one of the latest theorising studies on Finnish pedagogical leadership, present its four axioms of pedagogical leadership and connect these with various international studies ending with a new understanding of the core of Finnish pedagogical leadership. Third, we combine the findings of the historical scope, and several recent Finnish studies in pedagogical leadership. Finally, we present the novel understanding of Finnish pedagogical leadership in more detail, its core, its orientations, its goals and its processes. Last, we make a proposal for a paradigm shift for teachers, day-care centre and school leaders, and educational leader educating organisations.
Tourism and Conservation-Based Development in the Periphery
Authors: Bosak Keith , Gale-Detrich Trace , Ednie Andrea
Published: October 2023

This overview introduces the major concepts and themes that are addressed within the three parts of this book (Part I: Evolution of the green economy in Patagonia; Part II: Contemporary conservation-based development: challenges for green integration; and Part III: Building resilience and sustainability). Fundamental concepts, including core–periphery interactions, conservation-based development, and imaginaries, are described, and we explain how they are prominent themes within this book’s chapters. A geographical overview of the studies represented within this book is provided, along with an outline of the geopolitical and historical contexts of the imaginary region of Patagonia. The three book parts are contextualized within the context of some of the major challenges facing nature-based tourism in Patagonia, including recent and upcoming initiatives that may contribute to sustainability and resilience. This chapter concludes with an overview of this book’s contributors.
Employing Local Tourism Councils to Improve Protected Area Tourism Development and Governance in the Aysén Region of Chile
Authors: Rovira Adriano , Inostroza Villanueva Gabriel , Pacheco Habert Guillermo Sebastián , Szmulewicz Pablo
Published: October 2023

This chapter presents a recent regional project developed to improve tourism governance in and around the protected areas (PAs) administered by the National System of State Natural Protected Areas (SNASPE) within the Aysén Region of Chile. The project focused on the design of a participatory multi-scale governance and management system that would enable local communities to work with SNASPE PAs and improve tourism services for visitors, both within PAs and within the surrounding communities. As part of the project, a proposal for the creation of Local Tourism Councils (LTC) was developed. In this chapter, we discuss the validation of the proposed local governance model through a pilot implementation of the LTC concept, within the Cerro Castillo National Park (CCNP) and two of its primary gateway communities: Cerro Castillo Village and Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez. Early outcomes for the CCNP and its gateway communities seem to support the potential for the LTC model. We present a series of enabling factors observed during the project that may inform the creation of other LTCs in other areas. Achieving this outcome would help stimulate local economies and improve the potential for tourism development to be compatible with the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
Geometric phases characterise operator algebras and missing information
Authors: Banerjee Souvik , Dorband Moritz , Erdmenger Johanna , Weigel Anna-Lena
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We show how geometric phases may be used to fully describe quantum systems, with or without gravity, by providing knowledge about the geometry and topology of its Hilbert space. We find a direct relation between geometric phases and von Neumann algebras. In particular, we show that a vanishing geometric phase implies the existence of a well-defined trace functional on the algebra. We discuss how this is realised within the AdS/CFT correspondence for the eternal black hole. On the other hand, a non-vanishing geometric phase indicates missing information for a local observer, associated to reference frames covering only parts of the quantum system considered. We illustrate this with several examples, ranging from a single spin in a magnetic field to Virasoro Berry phases and the geometric phase associated to the eternal black hole in AdS spacetime. For the latter, a non-vanishing geometric phase is tied to the presence of a centre in the associated von Neumann algebra.
Violation of the Landau-Yang theorem from infrared Lorentz symmetry breaking
Authors: Asorey M. , Balachandran A. P. , Momen M. Arshad , Qureshi B.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Lorentz symmetry forbids decays of massive spin-1 particle like the Z0 into two massless photons, a result known as the Landau-Yang theorem. But it is known that infrared effects can break Lorentz invariance. Employing the construction of Mund et al. [1] which incorporated this Lorentz violation, we propose an interaction leading to the decay Z0→ 2γ and study the dependence of the decay on the parameter of this Lorentz violation.
Fuzzballs and random matrices
Authors: Das Suman , Garg Sumit K. , Krishnan Chethan , Kundu Arnab
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Black holes are believed to have the fast scrambling properties of random matrices. If the fuzzball proposal is to be a viable model for quantum black holes, it should reproduce this expectation. This is considered challenging, because it is natural for the modes on a fuzzball microstate to follow Poisson statistics. In a previous paper, we noted a potential loophole here, thanks to the modes depending not just on the n-quantum number, but also on the J-quantum numbers of the compact dimensions. For a free scalar field ϕ, by imposing a Dirichlet boundary condition ϕ = 0 at the stretched horizon, we showed that this J-dependence leads to a linear ramp in the Spectral Form Factor (SFF). Despite this, the status of level repulsion remained mysterious. In this letter, motivated by the profile functions of BPS fuzzballs, we consider a generic profile ϕ = ϕ0(θ) instead of ϕ = 0 at the stretched horizon. For various notions of genericity (eg. when the Fourier coefficients of ϕ0(θ) are suitably Gaussian distributed), we find that the J-dependence of the spectrum exhibits striking evidence of level repulsion, along with the linear ramp. We also find that varying the profile leads to natural interpolations between Poisson and Wigner-Dyson(WD)-like spectra. The linear ramp in our previous work can be understood as arising via an extreme version of level repulsion in such a limiting spectrum. We also explain how the stretched horizon/fuzzball is different in these aspects from simply putting a cut-off in flat space or AdS (i.e., without a horizon).
Mechanical stress confers nuclear and functional changes in derived leukemia cells from persistent confined migration
Authors: de Lope-Planelles Ana , González-Novo Raquel , Madrazo Elena , Peralta-Carrero Gracia , Cruz Rodríguez María Pilar , Zamora-Carreras Héctor , Torrano Verónica , López-Menéndez Horacio , Roda-Navarro Pedro , Monroy Francisco , Redondo-Muñoz Javier
Published: October 2023

Nuclear deformability plays a critical role in cell migration. During this process, the remodeling of internal components of the nucleus has a direct impact on DNA damage and cell behavior; however, how persistent migration promotes nuclear changes leading to phenotypical and functional consequences remains poorly understood. Here, we described that the persistent migration through physical barriers was sufficient to promote permanent modifications in migratory-altered cells. We found that derived cells from confined migration showed changes in lamin B1 localization, cell morphology and transcription. Further analysis confirmed that migratory-altered cells showed functional differences in DNA repair, cell response to chemotherapy and cell migration in vivo homing experiments. Experimental modulation of actin polymerization affected the redistribution of lamin B1, and the basal levels of DNA damage in migratory-altered cells. Finally, since major nuclear changes were present in migratory-altered cells, we applied a multidisciplinary biochemical and biophysical approach to identify that confined conditions promoted a different biomechanical response of the nucleus in migratory-altered cells. Our observations suggest that mechanical compression during persistent cell migration has a role in stable nuclear and genomic alterations that might handle the genetic instability and cellular heterogeneity in aging diseases and cancer.
Capillarity-driven Stokes flow: the one-phase problem as small viscosity limit
Authors: Matioc Bogdan-Vasile , Prokert Georg
Published: October 2023

We consider the quasistationary Stokes flow that describes the motion of a two-dimensional fluid body under the influence of surface tension effects in an unbounded, infinite-bottom geometry. We reformulate the problem as a fully nonlinear parabolic evolution problem for the function that parameterizes the boundary of the fluid with the nonlinearities expressed in terms of singular integrals. We prove well-posedness of the problem in the subcritical Sobolev spaces $$H^s(\mathbb {R})$$

H
s

(
R
)

up to critical regularity, and establish parabolic smoothing properties for the solutions. Moreover, we identify the problem as the singular limit of the two-phase quasistationary Stokes flow when the viscosity of one of the fluids vanishes.
Cantharidin and sodium fluoride attenuate the negative inotropic effects of carbachol in the isolated human atrium
Authors: Schwarz Rebecca , Hofmann Britt , Gergs Ulrich , Neumann Joachim
Published: October 2023

Carbachol, an agonist at muscarinic receptors, exerts a negative inotropic effect in human atrium. Carbachol can activate protein phosphatases (PP1 or PP2A). We hypothesized that cantharidin or sodium fluoride, inhibitors of PP1 and PP2A, may attenuate a negative inotropic effect of carbachol. During bypass-surgery trabeculae carneae of human atrial preparations (HAP) were obtained. These trabeculae were mounted in organ baths and electrically stimulated (1 Hz). Force of contraction was measured under isometric conditions. For comparison, we studied isolated electrically stimulated left atrial preparations (LA) from mice. Cantharidin (100 µM) and sodium fluoride (3 mM) increased force of contraction in LA (n = 5–8, p < 0.05) by 113% ± 24.5% and by 100% ± 38.2% and in HAP (n = 13–15, p < 0.05) by 625% ± 169% and by 196% ± 23.5%, respectively. Carbachol (1 µM) alone exerted a rapid transient maximum negative inotropic effect in LA (n = 6) and HAP (n = 14) to 46.9% ± 3.63% and 19.4% ± 3.74%, respectively (p < 0.05). These negative inotropic effects were smaller in LA (n = 4–6) and HAP (n = 9–12) pretreated with 100 µM cantharidin and amounted to 58.0% ± 2.27% and 59.2% ± 6.19% or 3 mM sodium fluoride to 63.7% ± 9.84% and 46.3% ± 5.69%, (p < 0.05). We suggest that carbachol, at least in part, exerts a negative inotropic effect in the human atrium by stimulating the enzymatic activity of PP1 and/or PP2A.
The weakening AMOC under extreme climate change
Authors: Madan Gaurav , Gjermundsen Ada , Iversen Silje C. , LaCasce Joseph H.
Published: October 2023

Changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in the quadrupled CO2 experiments conducted under the sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) are examined. Increased CO2 triggers extensive Arctic warming, causing widespread melting of sea ice. The resulting freshwater spreads southward, first from the Labrador Sea and then the Nordic Seas, and proceeds along the eastern coast of North America. The freshwater enters the subpolar gyre north of the separated Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Current. This decreases the density gradient across the current and the current weakens in response, reducing the inflow to the deepwater production regions. The AMOC cell weakens in tandem, first near the North Atlantic Current and then spreading to higher and lower latitudes. This contrasts with the common perception that freshwater caps the convection regions, stifling deepwater production; rather, it is the inflow to the subpolar gyre that is suppressed. Changes in surface temperature have a much weaker effect, and there are no consistent changes in local or remote wind forcing among the models. Thus an increase in freshwater discharge, primarily from the Labrador Sea, is the precursor to AMOC weakening in these simulations.