bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Well‐defined synthesis of crystalline MnO, Mn2O3, and Mn3O4 phases by anodic electrodeposition and calcination
Authors: Cestaro Roberto , Rheingans Bastian , Schweizer Peter , Müller Arnold , Vockenhuber Christof , Cancellieri Claudia , Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Schmutz Patrik
Published: August 2024

Tailoring of the stoichiometry, crystallinity, and microstructure of manganese oxides (MnOx) is of utmost importance for technological applications in the field of catalysis, energy storage, and water splitting. In this work, α‐Mn2O3, α‐Mn3O4, and MnO thin films with defined stoichiometric compositions and crystal structures were prepared by calcination of an anodically electrodeposited Mn‐oxyhydroxide precursor film in different gas atmospheres (air, inert, or reducing gas). The crystal structure and composition of the precursor and product films were determined by combining X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and elastic recoil detection analysis. The anodically electrodeposited precursor film consists of nanocrystals of α‐Mn3O4 dispersed in an amorphous MnOOH matrix phase, and can be fully transformed into either crystalline α‐Mn2O3, α‐Mn3O4, or MnO upon calcination in an oxidizing, inert or reducing atmosphere, respectively. In situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction was applied to derive the phase transformation kinetics, resulting in a corresponding activation energy which decreases in the order α‐Mn2O3 (268 kJ/mole) > MnO (102 kJ/mole) > α‐Mn3O4 (60 kJ/mole). The disclosed synthesis routes for the preparation of single‐phase MnOx films with a defined crystal structure and stoichiometry can be exploited for a wealth of applications.
The influence of the addition of titanium oxide nanotubes on the properties of 3D printed denture base materials
Authors: Mhaibes Anwr Hasan , Safi Ihab Nabeel , Haider Julfikar
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In this study, the effects of adding titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) to 3D‐printed denture base resin on the mechanical and physical properties of denture bases were examined for the first time.

Methods

The specimens were digitally created using 3D builder software from Microsoft Corporation through computer‐aided design. In accordance with the test specifications for transverse strength, impact strength, hardness, surface roughness, and color stability, specimens were designed and printed with certain dimensions following relevant standards. TiO2 nanotubes (diameter: 15–30 nm and length: 2–3 μm) were added to the 3D‐printed denture base resin (DentaBase, Asiga, Australia) at 1.0% and 1.5% by weight. Flexural strength, impact strength (Charpy impact), hardness, surface roughness, and color stability were evaluated, and the collected data were analyzed with ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping were used to evaluate the dispersion of the nanotubes.

Results

Compared with those of the control group (0.0 wt.% TiO2 nanotubes), the average flexural, impact, and hardness values of the 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% TiO2 nanotube reinforcement groups increased significantly. Both nanocomposite groups showed significant color changes compared to that of the pure resin, and there was a considerable reduction in the surface roughness of the nanocomposites compared to that of the control group.

Conclusion

Adding TiO2 nanotubes to 3D‐printed denture base materials at 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% could enhance the mechanical and physical properties of the material, leading to better clinical performance.

Clinical Significance

In terms of clinical applications, 3D‐printed denture base material has been shown to be a viable substitute for traditional heat‐cured materials. By combining this with nanotechnology, existing dentures could be significantly enhanced, promoting extended service life and patient satisfaction while addressing the shortcomings of the current standard materials.
Assessment of dietary yeast‐based additives for cultured catfish and tilapia health
Authors: Cacot Guillaume , Davis D. Allen , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Liles Mark R. , Butts Ian A. E. , Shoemaker Craig A. , Beck Benjamin H. , Farmer Mark , Bruce Timothy J.
Published: August 2024

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) are two aquaculture species of great importance. Intensive production is often hindered by poor growth performance and disease mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a commercial fermented yeast product, DVAQUA, on channel catfish and Nile tilapia growth performance metrics and disease resistance. Channel catfish and Nile tilapia were fed practical diets supplemented with 0%, 0.1% or 0.4% of DVAQUA over approximately 2‐month feeding periods in recirculation aquaculture systems. To assess the potential of the postbiotic against common aquaculture pathogens, juvenile catfish were subsequently challenged by immersion with Edwardsiella ictaluri S97‐773 or virulent Aeromonas hydrophila ML09‐119. Nile tilapia juveniles were challenged by injection with Streptococcus iniae ARS‐98‐60. Serum lysozyme activity, blood chemistry and growth metrics were measured at the end of the feeding period, but no differences were observed across the different metrics, except for survival. For the pathogen challenges, there were no differences in endpoint mortality for channel catfish with either pathogen (p > .05). In contrast, Nile tilapia survivability to S. iniae infection increased proportionally to the inclusion of DVAQUA (p = .005). Changes to sera lysozyme activity were also noted in the tilapia trial, with a reduction of activity in the fish fed the 0.4% DVAQUA diet compared to the control diet (p = .031). Expression profiles of proinflammatory genes and antibodies were also found to be modulated in channel catfish fed the postbiotic, indicating some degree of protective response. These results suggest that this postbiotic may be beneficial in protecting Nile tilapia against S. iniae infection by influencing immune parameters and additional research is needed to evaluate the potential of this DVAQUA for improving catfish health and disease control.
A biallelic mutation in CACNA2D2 associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy affects calcium channel‐dependent as well as synaptic functions of α2δ‐2
Authors: Haddad Sabrin , Ablinger Cornelia , Stanika Ruslan , Hessenberger Manuel , Campiglio Marta , Ortner Nadine J. , Tuluc Petronel , Obermair Gerald J.
Published: August 2024

α2δ proteins serve as auxiliary subunits of voltage‐gated calcium channels and regulate channel membrane expression and current properties. Besides their channel function, α2δ proteins regulate synapse formation, differentiation, and synaptic wiring. Considering these important functions, it is not surprising that CACNA2D1‐4, the genes encoding for α2δ‐1 to ‐4 isoforms, have been implicated in neurological, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Mutations in CACNA2D2 have been associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) and cerebellar atrophy. In our present study, we performed a detailed functional characterization of the p.R593P mutation in α2δ‐2, a homozygous mutation previously identified in two siblings with DEE. Importantly, we analyzed both calcium channel‐dependent as well as synaptic functions of α2δ‐2. Our data show that the corresponding p.R596P mutation in mouse α2δ‐2 drastically decreases membrane expression and synaptic targeting of α2δ‐2. This defect correlates with altered biophysical properties of postsynaptic CaV1.3 channel but has no effect on presynaptic CaV2.1 channels upon heterologous expression in tsA201 cells. However, homologous expression of α2δ‐2_R596P in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons affects the ability of α2δ‐2 to induce a statistically significant increase in the presynaptic abundance of endogenous CaV2.1 channels and presynaptic calcium transients. Moreover, our data demonstrate that in addition to lowering membrane expression, the p.R596P mutation reduces the trans‐synaptic recruitment of GABAA receptors and presynaptic synapsin clustering in glutamatergic synapses. Lastly, the α2δ‐2_R596P reduces the amplitudes of glutamatergic miniature postsynaptic currents in transduced hippocampal neurons. Taken together, our data strongly link the human biallelic p.R593P mutation to the underlying severe neurodevelopmental disorder and highlight the importance of studying α2δ mutations not only in the context of channelopathies but also synaptopathies.

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Problematic internet use profiles and their associated factors among adolescents
Authors: Piqueras José A. , Rico‐Bordera Pilar , Galán Manuel , García‐Oliva Carlos , Marzo Juan C. , Pineda David
Published: August 2024

The cognitive‐behavioral model of generalized Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is the theoretical approach that has obtained the most evidence on the study of this problem, which includes four components: Online Social Preference, Mood Regulation, Deficient Self‐Regulation, and Negative Outcomes. This study aimed to identify PIU profiles using Latent Profile Analysis, and to analyze the differences in them attending to some of the principal PIU risk and protective factors. A total of 675 Spanish adolescents completed questionnaires assessing PIU, Internet usage, mental health problems, personality, psychological strengths, and family relationships. Four profiles were obtained: Nonproblematic use (68.30% of the sample), Slightly problematic use (17.90% of the sample), Problematic use (8.50% of the sample), and Severe problematic use (5.40% of the sample). Results showed differences between them, with the profile with more PIU having more risk factors and less protective factors. Results showed that many different personal and social variables included in the study play a role in PIU. Knowing the different PIU profiles can help in the design of more specific and precise procedures and instruments for risk assessment, as well as aiding in prevention and in the design of more individualized treatments.
Insights into gut fungi in pigs: A comprehensive review
Authors: Wei Guanyue
Published: August 2024

Fungi in the gut microbiota of mammals play a crucial role in host physiological regulation, including intestinal homeostasis and host immune regulation. However, our understanding of gut fungi in mammals remains limited, especially in economically valuable animals, such as pigs. Therefore, this review first describes the classification and characterisation of fungi, provides insights into the methods used to study gut fungi, and summarises the recent progress on pig gut fungi. Additionally, it discusses the challenges in the study of pig gut fungi and highlights potential perspectives. The aim of this review is to serve as a valuable reference for advancing our knowledge of gut fungi in animals.
The effect of the fat to starch ratio in young horses' diet on plasma metabolites, muscle endurance and fear responses
Authors: Lashkari Saman , Beblein Carina , Christensen Janne W. , Jensen Søren K.
Published: August 2024

High‐starch diets may affect equine hindgut microbiota and increase blood glucose levels, which may cause unwanted physiological changes, but may also elicit behavioural changes such as increased fear reactions. The purpose of the current study was to feed a high starch (300) and low fat (43; HS_LF) or a low starch (60) and high fat (85; LS_HF, g/kg of DM) concentrate within the available commercial range and investigate how muscle endurance and fear reactions of horses respond to different diets. Twenty Danish Warmblood stallions (4 years) were randomly allocated to two treatments: LS_HF (n = 10) and HS_LF (n = 10) for 9 weeks. During the two last weeks, a single step exercise test was performed, and plasma metabolites and blood gases were measured before and after exercise in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The effect of two diets on fearfulness was tested by exposing the horses to novel objects test (T1 and T2). Plasma metabolites was not affected by diets. However, plasma level of glucose post‐exercise (4.9) was lower than pre‐exercise (5.6 mmol/L; p < 0.001). Similarly, plasma level of insulin post‐exercise (4.2) was lower than pre‐exercise (13.1 pmol/L; p < 0.001). Plasma level of lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001), non‐esterified fatty acids (p = 0.002), β‐hydroxybutyrate (p = 0.001), and fructosamine (p = 0.01) post‐exercise was higher than pre‐exercise. Regardless of type of diets, RRR‐α‐tocopherol was the dominance α‐tocopherol stereoisomers in plasma. In conclusion, during aerobic exercise, fat to starch ratio in horse diets within the normal range had no significant effect on plasma metabolites. However, horses fed LS_HF tended to show more investigative behaviour than horses fed HS_LF.
Chronotype in relation to shift work: A cohort study among 37,731 female nurses
Authors: de Bruijn Linske , Berentzen Nina E. , Vermeulen Roel C. H. , Vlaanderen Jelle J. , Kromhout Hans , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Schaapveld Michael
Published: August 2024

Chronotype may affect tolerance for circadian disruption induced by shift work. This study examines the association between chronotype, self‐reported sleep timing, shift type preference, and sleep problems among nurses, and studies chronotype stability over time. The study included 37,731 Dutch female nurses who completed a baseline (2011) and follow‐up questionnaire (2017), with information on shift work (e.g., job history, shift type preference [collected in 2017 only]), and sleep characteristics (e.g., chronotype, preferred sleep–wake time in a work‐free period [collected in 2017 only], and sleep problems between working days according to Medical Outcomes Study‐Sleep Problem Index II [MOS‐SPI‐II]). The association between chronotype and sleep timing was examined using (age‐adjusted) linear regression. Associations between chronotype and shift type preference and sleep problems (MOS‐SPI‐II >30) were examined using ordered logistic and Poisson regression, respectively. With later chronotype, midsleep time increased (definite evening vs. intermediate types [reference]: β = 55 min, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 54–55), the odds ratio (OR) for 1‐point increase in preference for night (2.68; 95% CI: 2.48–2.90) and evening shifts increased (OR 2.20; 95% CI: 2.03–2.38), while the odds for day (OR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.16–0.18) and morning shifts (OR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.21–0.24) decreased. Intermediate chronotype was associated with fewer sleep problems (median MOS‐SPI‐II = 27.2, p < 0.01), compared with definite morning (28.9) and evening types (31.7). This study shows that chronotype is associated with sleep–wake times in a work‐free period, shift type preference, and sleep problems in nurses. Future studies on the association of shift work‐induced circadian disruption and health outcomes should therefore consider chronotype as effect‐modifier.
Stoking the fires of professional resistance: Trainees' efforts across time
Authors: Wyatt Tasha R. , Scarlett Emily , Jain Vinayak , Ma Ting Lan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Researchers who study acts of resistance largely focus on efforts when they are at their peak, giving the impression that those who resist are in a constant state of arousal. What is missing in such studies is the variable of time, which is theorised to be intimately connected to power and resistance. To explore this aspect, we followed a group of trainees engaged in professional resistance against social injustice over the period of 1 year to understand how their efforts shifted across time. This longitudinal approach was meant to capture the temporality of resistance, specifically how time affects resistance efforts.

Methods

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach for data collection and analysis, we conducted follow‐up interviews with 13 trainees approximately 10 months apart. Interviews were analysed using holistic narrative analysis, in which we analysed contexts, subjectivities and interactions across the two time points. We then conducted a cross‐case analysis and restoried the data to develop an understanding of how resistance shifts across time. Finally, we contextualised the data using the metaphor of open and zombie wildfires.

Results

The findings demonstrate that when trainees transition to new institutions or professional positions, their access to power and interactions with colleagues shift, thus making it challenging for them to resist in ways they had done so earlier. In transitions where trainees were given power, the flames of resistance continued to blaze visibly. In other cases, without an appreciable change in power, resistance resembled more of a ‘zombie fire’, smouldering quietly underfoot.

Discussion

Examining trainees' acts of resistance across time demonstrates that the work of advocacy and resistance is extremely taxing for trainees. Therefore, when they experience shifts in their context or subjectivity, they conserve energy and strategise their next move. This study provides new insight on the relationship between time and resistance.
Adapting rapid ethnographic research in an evolving emergency: Generalizable lessons in resilience
Authors: Sobo Elisa J. , Brunson Emily K. , McClure Stephanie , Cartwright Elizabeth , Jordan Meg , Thomas Stephen B. , Schoch‐Spana Monica
Published: August 2024

To ensure the real‐world utility of emergency ethnographic research, plans must evolve as circumstances shift. The CommuniVax coalition's work provides a case study of this scenario. Using rapid ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and other methods, the six local CommuniVax teams sought to comprehend and improve COVID‐19 vaccine access and uptake. To this end, they responded nimbly to varying community priorities, the pandemic's shifting nature, evolving bureaucratic mechanisms, and political fluctuations. This paper provides specific examples of such instances, highlighting some of the critical decision points that emerged, demonstrating the flexibility needed for effective rapid community‐based research, reiterating the importance of a bottom‐up orientation, and elaborating on the trade‐offs that occurred in decision‐making regarding how best to move forward. This discussion is relevant to tackling any narrowly defined research problem, emergency‐related or not, as well as research seeking actionable answers to specific questions that have practical bearing on human lives.
A systematic review of social connections as determinants of obesity: Longitudinal evidence limited to marital transitions
Authors: Madani Civi Rana , Mehranfar Sanaz , Plunkett Riley , Veenstra Gerry , Conklin Annalijn I.
Published: August 2024

Background

Social relationships impact health and may affect proximal determinants such as obesity. Our review examined empirical evidence of the impact of changes in social relationships on risk of obesity in aging adults, with attention to gender.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations and reference lists of relevant reviews and papers published up to November 2022. Longitudinal studies examining changes in marital status, living arrangement, social participation, and social networks and anthropometric changes or incident obesity were deemed eligible. Relevant data were extracted and synthesized narratively.

Results

We identified 41,910 eligible titles, resulting in 252 full texts and 7 included studies. All studies were conducted in the United States and assessed marital transitions only; 3 studies included both women and men. Overall, compared with people who remain non‐married, entering marriage leads to a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) for both genders. Conversely, transitioning out of marriage through widowhood or divorce leads to a decrease in weight (kg/lbs), waist circumference, and BMI for both genders. All seven studies were deemed to be of medium quality.

Conclusions

Our review revealed a paucity of prospective evidence on social connections as determinants of obesity among aging adults. There is limited evidence that marital transitions are associated with changes in anthropometric measurements in aging individuals, but no evidence on the effects of changes in living arrangements, social participation, and social networks on anthropometric measurements. More research attention to the social determinants of obesity is warranted.
Simultaneous Single‐Position Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation under O‐Arm Navigation for Modified MISDEF Type II Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: Case Series and Surgical Technique
Authors: Wang Yan , Han Shuo , Guo Zhu , Sun Chong , Ma Xuexiao
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) has become a popular technique for treating adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS), but traditional OLIF technology often requires repositioning for one‐stage or staged posterior fixation. The objective of this pilot study was to describe the surgical technique of simultaneous single‐position OLIF and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (OLIF 360) under O‐Arm navigation for modified MISDEF type II ADS.

Methods

Between June 2022 and December 2023, six patients classified as having modified MISDEF type II ADS underwent OLIF 360 assisted by O‐Arm navigation at our institution. Intraoperative blood loss, duration of operation, and complications related to the OLIF 360 procedure were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative spinal pelvic parameters were measured using X‐rays. The accuracy of pedicel screws was recorded in accordance with the modified Gertzbein–Robbins classification on CT. Postoperative MRI was performed to evaluate the indirect decompressive effect. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score for low back pain was used to evaluate surgical outcomes.

Results

Navigated OLIF 360 were performed in six ADS patients with 44 percutaneous pedicel screws and 16 cages placement, including four women and two men. The mean operation time was 160.83 ± 33.23 min, and the mean blood loss was 111.67 ± 39.71 mL. Postoperative spinal pelvic parameters and spinal stenosis degree improved significantly on X‐ray and MRI. All screws were clinically acceptable according to the Gertzbein–Robbins classification, with 92.7% grade A and 7.3% grade B. No serious intraoperative and postoperative adverse events were recorded in all patients. The JOA scores for low back pain of all patients were significantly improved at postoperative 1 month and the final follow‐up.

Conclusion

We report on a case series and describe navigated OLIF 360 in treating modified MISDEF type II ADS patients. Navigation‐assisted OLIF 360 has shown encouraging surgical outcomes with good spinal imbalance correction and indirect decompression.
Outcome of transvenous lead extraction in nonagenarians: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Komatsu Toshinori , Okada Ayako , Shoda Morio , Tanaka Kiu , Kobayashi Hideki , Oguchi Yasutaka , Saigusa Tatsuya , Ebisawa Soichiro , Motoki Hirohiko , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: August 2024

Background

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED)‐related infections has increased. The incidence of TLE in nonagenarians is low, with limited reports outlining the outcomes of this procedure. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to clarify the outcomes of TLE in nonagenarians.

Methods

Patients with TLE treated at our hospital between 2014 and 2023 were retrospectively examined; patient characteristics, device type, indications, procedures, complications, and clinical data of nonagenarians were analyzed.

Results

Of 12 patients with 24 leads (active fixation lead, n = 11; passive fixation lead, n = 13) who underwent TLE, the indication for TLE was infection (pocket infection, n = 8; sepsis, n = 4). Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently identified causative agent (n = 4). The median patient age was 91 years; five patients were female. The median lead dwell time was 9 years. Excimer laser sheath (16 leads), mechanical sheath (five leads), Evolution RL (one lead), and manual traction (two leads) were employed in TLE. The procedure was successful in all patients, and only one had a minor complication. Six patients required CIED re‐implantation, and leadless pacemakers were selected for five patients. The 30‐day mortality after TLE was 0%.

Conclusion

TLE can be safely performed in nonagenarians. The decision to perform TLE should not be based on old age alone; the suitability of removing infected CIEDs should be determined based on each patient's condition.
Eco‐evolutionary factors contribute to chemodiversity in aboveground and belowground cucurbit herbivore‐induced plant volatiles
Authors: Thompson M. N. , Cohen Z. P. , Merrell D. , Helms A. M.
Published: August 2024

When attacked by insect herbivores, plants emit blends of chemical compounds known as herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Although HIPVs are produced both aboveground and belowground, how HIPVs vary across plant tissues remains unresolved, as do the selective forces shaping interspecific HIPV emission patterns. Here, we compared foliar and root HIPVs within and among closely related plant species and evaluated if different eco‐evolutionary forces, including plant domestication, coexistence histories with herbivores, or phylogenetic relatedness, explain HIPV blends.

To examine aboveground and belowground patterns in HIPVs, we compared leaf and root volatile profiles for six species in the Cucurbitaceae that differed in domestication status and coexistence history with specialist insect herbivores. We predicted that within‐species HIPVs from different tissues would be more similar than HIPV blends among different species, and that plant volatile chemodiversity was reduced by domestication and enhanced by coexistence histories with herbivores.

We found that herbivory induced both quantitative and qualitative changes in volatile emissions across all plant species, which were more pronounced aboveground than belowground. Each species produced tissue‐specific HIPVs, and foliar and root HIPVs differed among species. Contrary to our predictions, plant domestication enhanced foliar volatile diversity, while coexistence histories with herbivores reduced foliar and root volatile diversity. Additionally, phylogenetic relatedness did not correlate with aboveground or belowground volatiles.

Overall, this work furthers our understanding of the eco‐evolutionary forces driving patterns in aboveground and belowground HIPV emissions, elucidating an important and previously undescribed component of within‐plant variation in chemodiversity.
The interplay of perceptual processing demands and practice in modulating voluntary and involuntary motor responses
Authors: Marinovic Welber , Nguyen An T. , Vallence Ann‐Maree , Tresilian James R. , Lipp Ottmar V.
Published: August 2024

Understanding how sensory processing demands affect the ability to ignore task‐irrelevant, loud auditory stimuli (LAS) during a task is key to performance in dynamic environments. For example, tennis players must ignore crowd noise to perform optimally. We investigated how practice affects this ability by examining the effects of delivering LASs during preparatory phase of an anticipatory timing (AT) task on the voluntary and reflexive responses in two conditions: lower and higher visual processing loads. Twenty‐four participants (mean age = 23.1, 11 females) completed the experiment. The AT task involved synchronizing a finger abduction response with the last visual stimulus item in a sequence of four Gabor grating patches briefly flashed on screen. The lower demand condition involved only this task, and the higher demand condition required processing the orientations of the patches to report changes in the final stimulus item. Our results showed that higher visual processing demands affected the release of voluntary actions, particularly in the first block of trials. When the perceptual load was lower, responses were released earlier by the LAS compared to the high‐load condition. Practice reduced these effects largely, but high perceptual load still led to earlier action release in the second block. In contrast, practice led to more apparent facilitation of eyeblink latency in the second block. These findings indicate that a simple perceptual load manipulation can impact the execution of voluntary motor actions, particularly for inexperienced participants. They also suggest distinct movement preparation influences on voluntary and involuntary actions triggered by acoustic stimuli.
Dimensions of parenting during infancy: Testing a latent bifactor model
Authors: Martini Julia , Wade Mark , Prime Heather , Jenkins Jennifer
Published: August 2024

In the current paper, we examined the dimensional structure of parenting using a bifactor model of observed parenting domains during infancy. We validated our parenting dimensions by examining correlations with indicators of family well‐being and child development. Data come from a longitudinal cohort that recruited a diverse sample of mothers (56.5% White) and their newborn child (50.7% males). Parenting was assessed using multiple indicators at an average of 18 months (N = 397). Bifactor modelling revealed a general latent dimension of sensitivity and two unique dimensions indexing emotional input and cognitive input. We found a pattern of shared and unique correlations of the three parenting dimensions with family and child well‐being. The most robust correlations were with the general sensitivity dimension, which we argue cuts across parentings behaviors and is fundamental to development.
Establishing CRISPR‐Cas9 in the sexually dimorphic moss, Ceratodon purpureus
Authors: Tavernier Emilie‐Katherine , Perroud Pierre‐François , Lockwood Emily , Nogué Fabien , McDaniel Stuart F.
Published: August 2024

The development of CRISPR technologies provides a powerful tool for understanding the evolution and functionality of essential biological processes. Here we demonstrate successful CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing in the dioecious moss species, Ceratodon purpureus. Using an existing selection system from the distantly related hermaphroditic moss, Physcomitrium patens, we generated knock‐outs of the APT reporter gene by employing CRISPR‐targeted mutagenesis under expression of native U6 snRNA promoters. Next, we used the native homology‐directed repair (HDR) pathway, combined with CRISPR‐Cas9, to knock in two reporter genes under expression of an endogenous RPS5A promoter in a newly developed landing site in C. purpureus. Our results show that the molecular tools developed in P. patens can be extended to other mosses across this ecologically important and developmentally variable group. These findings pave the way for precise and powerful experiments aimed at identifying the genetic basis of key functional variation within the bryophytes and between the bryophytes and other land plants.
Suppressing a β‐1,3‐glucanase gene expression increases the seed and fibre yield in cotton
Authors: Wang Haitang , Liu Chuchu , Zhou Xuesong , Wan Yu , Song Xiaohui , Li Weixi , Guo Wangzhen
Published: August 2024

Seeds are initiated from the carpel margin meristem (CMM) and high seed yield is top one of breeding objectives for many crops. β‐1,3‐glucanases play various roles in plant growth and developmental processes; however, whether it participates in CMM development and seed formation remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a β‐1,3‐glucanase gene (GLU19) as a determinant of CMM callose deposition and seed yield in cotton. GLU19 was differentially expressed in carpel tissues between Gossypium barbadense (Gb) and Gossypium hirsutum (Gh). Based on resequencing data, one interspecies‐specific InDel in the promoter of GLU19 was further detected. The InDel was involved in the binding site of the CRABS CLAW (CRC) transcription factor, a regulator of carpel development. We found that the CRC binding affinity to the GLU19 promoter of G. barbadense was higher than that of G. hirsutum. Since G. barbadense yields fewer seeds than G. hirsutum, we speculated that stronger CRC binding to the GLU19 promoter activated higher expression of GLU19 which in turn suppressed seed production. Consistent with this hypothesis was that the overexpression of GhGLU19 caused reduced seed number, boll weight and less callose formation in CMM. Conversely, GhGLU19‐knockdown (GhGLU19‐KD) cotton led to the opposite phenotypes. By crossing GhGLU19‐KD lines with several G. hirsutum and G. barbadense cotton accessions, all F1 and F2 plants carrying GhGLU19‐KD transgenic loci exhibited higher seed yield than control plants without the locus. The increased seed effect was also found in the down‐regulation of Arabidopsis orthologs lines, indicating that this engineering strategy may improve the seed yield in other crops.
A Jacobi–Ritz Approach for Aeroelastic Analysis of Swept Distributed Propulsion Aircraft Wing
Authors: Melvin Josh , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2024

This article presents a Jacobi–Ritz approach for conducting flutter and divergence analysis of a complex distributed propulsion aircraft wing similar to that of NASA X-57. The general orthogonal Jacobi polynomials are used to approximate the bending displacement and torsional rotation angle in the Ritz method-based structural and aeroelastic analysis. The Jacobi polynomials satisfy the orthogonality condition using weight functions, which are easily modified to satisfy different essential and natural boundary conditions. Compared to simple polynomials, Jacobi polynomials can eliminate the well-known ill-conditioning numerical issues when considering higher-order polynomial terms during the eigenvalue analysis. The Jacobi–Ritz method is also found to alleviate mode switching, which is often encountered in tracking the changes of modes with the varying airspeed. The Jacobi–Ritz method is later used to investigate the flutter and divergence speeds under different parameters including distributed propulsor mass and their locations, nonuniform aerodynamic model for the wing in the presence of multiple propulsors, and the sweep angle. Results show that placing the distributed propulsors on the wing’s leading edge increases the flutter speed even though the bending and torsion modal frequencies are decreased compared to those of the wing without propulsors. The presence of pods for the middle high-lift motors causes an extra aerodynamic moment, which reduces the flutter speed. Parametric studies also show that the divergence speed is lower than the flutter speed for a uniform and straight distributed propulsor wing. Using swept-back wing configuration and placing the tip propulsor near the wing’s leading edge can help to increase both flutter and divergence speeds.
Model Development of Manufacturing Information System for Silicon Carbide Wafer Production
Authors: Fatoki Olukayode , Li Zhichao
Published: August 2024

Silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as a highly promising semiconductor material, driving demand for SiC wafers. Establishing robust manufacturing processes is crucial for efficient production and delivering high-quality SiC wafers. This paper focuses on developing a comprehensive manufacturing information system model tailored for SiC wafer production for the first time. The model aims to guide manufacturing processes and provide a panoramic view of operations. It dissects the SiC wafer fabrication process into three flow components: data flow, material flow, and process flow. First, the process flow is re-investigated to map out manufacturing steps. Equipment, process, and consumable are employed as key parameters for precise information tracking. Second, the material flow is systematically analyzed to trace the change of material form, properties, and wafer manufacturing specifications. Therefore, more comprehensive data can be collected and stored efficiently. The data flow involves collecting and categorizing information on a series of IDs such as order ID, production batch ID, boule ID, and wafer ID etc. Exemplary entities and their attributes in each flow are proposed and identified, respectively. The relationship within flow and between flows is demonstrated using the crow’s foot model. Based on the model, an innovative information system is proposed for SiC fabrication and the semiconductor industry. The model will offer a potent tool for process guidance, data-driven decision-making, and a comprehensive overview of SiC wafer manufacturing operations. It will empower semiconductor manufacturers to navigate complexities with precision and confidence.
Parametric Investigation of Abrasive Water Jet Cutting of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Mahmood Khalid
Published: August 2024

In the world of technological advancement, advanced machining processes are taking over the role of traditional methods. Abrasive Water jet (AWJ) is one of the fast-growing non-conventional cutting methods with various advantages e.g., negligible heat effected zone, less cutting forces, and flexibility of materials. This work explores machining titanium alloy grade V using AWJ technique. To identify significant process parameters that statistically affect the kerf angle and surface roughness, the Taguchi technique (L9 array), regression equations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. The chosen processing variables include traverse speed, abrasive flow rate, water pressure and standoff distance. Embedment of abrasive particles was analyzed using Xray diffraction (XRD). Results revealed traverse speed as the most significant factor affecting kerf angle while for surface roughness, traverse speed and standoff distance were found to be the most influential factors. It is observed that for obtaining smooth surface, lower values of traverse speed and standoff distance should be preferred. Entrapment of abrasive particles such as aluminum, silicon titanium was also found during XRD analysis in the machined surface of the samples. The obtained results were compared with the work of other researchers and noticed as worthwhile.
Remote Laser Cutting of Metal Foils for Battery Electrodes Fabrication: Modelling of the Process and Experimental Validation
Authors: Liverani Erica , Ascari Alessandro , Angeloni Caterina , Francioso Michele , Cestone Lorenzo , Zha Dexiang , Fortunato Alessandro
Published: August 2024

A significant socioeconomic shift is arising from the world’s and Europe’s direction towards a radical change in transportation with an increasing demand for electric vehicles. In this context, the definition and the optimization of the processes involved in battery production and assembly are currently under development, and the electrode production steps are key topics. Cutting and trimming of electrodes are two of these relevant processes and the cut quality of the cutting edges is considered the main quality criterion for the success of the process. This high quality is continuously in pursuit of new productivity demands and flexibility requests from Gigafactories, so new technological solutions must be introduced. According to this perspective, laser-based manufacturing is currently the best viable option, making these processes the new standard for producing electric vehicles. Competitiveness, higher productivity, and sustainable production will result from establishing the link between the laser system and cut quality. Following the previous considerations, this paper presents an experimental investigation and a process modeling of remote ablation trimming performed with a single-fiber laser. CUT/NO-CUT threshold was defined for copper and aluminum current collectors, respectively 6 μm and 12 μm in thickness, as well as the process conditions that return spatter, dross and burns. These defects were correlated to specific areas of the CUT process windows with proper differentiation between Al and Cu foils.

The presented thermal-based model identifies cutting condition and dross formation and a good accuracy in kerf width prediction was confirmed, which is crucial for reducing resource consumption. The final results allow for the identification of an appropriate process parameter window for both materials.
Design of an Acoustic Measurement System for Non-Contact Displacement Estimation and its Experimental Verification in Turning Operations
Authors: Masaki Nichika , Suzuki Norikazu
Published: August 2024

This study presents a novel non-contact displacement estimation technique using a microphone in turning operations. Microphones are inexpensive, non-contact measurement devices. Therefore, there is a high possibility that microphones can be used as the non-contact measurement means of structural vibration such as forced/chatter vibrations and/or machining phenomena such as tool wear and chip morphology. First, a sound pressure measurement system that can be installed close to the cutting edge was designed. In the designed system, a metal pipe is installed in the path from the source of the cutting sound to the microphone to provide anisotropic measurement sensitivity, which reduces the influence of environmental noise and provides protection of the microphone from cutting fluid and scattering chips simultaneously. Next, a compensation method for the measurement signal is proposed. In the developed measurement system with a metal pipe, sound resonance occurs and resonant frequency components are amplified. In addition, this sound pressure measurement system has the problem of generating harmonics due to sound pressure distortion. Digital processing of the measured sound compensates the frequency response of the designed sound pressure measurement system by the inverse transfer function, which is identified in advance. In addition, harmonics are removed by band-stop filters, so that the original sound pressure information can be reconstructed. Furthermore, the relationship between sound pressure and vibration displacement is formulated based on the wave equation, and a sound pressure-vibration conversion model is proposed to estimate the vibration of a mechanical structure from sound pressure information. A series of experiments were conducted to clarify the anisotropy and frequency characteristics of the prototype sound pressure measurement system, and it was found that the sound pressure signal can be corrected for steady-state vibration. In addition, turning experiments were conducted on an experimental system with a flexible workpiece structure to estimate the vibration of the workpiece which is triggered by chatter instability. The results of the validation experiments confirmed that the proposed method can predict the vibration displacement from the cutting noise. However, it was found that the estimated vibration displacement had a phase error, and thus accurate estimation of transient vibration phenomena was not sufficient. This fact indicates that further modification of the proposed model is necessary.
Direct Measurement of Tool-Chip Contact Stresses in Machining Using Full-Field Photoelasticity
Authors: Thomas Mathews Jobin , Sagapuram Dinakar
Published: August 2024

Tool-chip contact stresses are of major interest in developing a basic understanding of the mechanics of machining. The interfacial and sliding conditions along the tool-chip contact in machining differ significantly from that of conventional, lightly loaded, tribological contacts in two major aspects — the occurrence of plastic flow (in the chip) at the sliding interface and intimate nature of the contact where apparent and real contact areas are the same. In this study, we present an experimental method for direct measurement of the tool-chip contact stresses. This involves the use of sapphire as a cutting tool coupled with digital photoelasticity to obtain full-field principal stress difference (isochromatics) and principal stress directions (isoclinics). This enables direct full-field characterization of the tool-chip contact stresses, as well as stresses within the cutting tool, at a micron-scale resolution not achieved previously. Our results show that the shear stress exhibits a maximum at a small distance from the tool tip, while the normal stress decreases monotonically with increasing distance from the tool tip. The maximum shear stress shows a good correlation with the shear flow stress of the material that is being machined. We also briefly discuss applications of the method to derive the stress distribution at the tool flank face and quantify frictional dissipation at both the contacts — tool-chip contact and flank-machined surface contact.
Sizing of Grid-Connected PV-Battery System in Manufacturing Facility Considering Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Yun Lingxiang , Li Lin
Published: August 2024

This paper adopted a multi-objective optimization approach, integrating LCA with TEA, to systematically analyze the relationship between the economic and environmental performance of PV-battery systems at manufacturing facilities. For this purpose, under the inspiration of the ReCiPe life cycle assessment method, information from several sources was compiled and adapted to quantify the different environmental impacts of the manufacturing facility’s energy consumption in the sizing formulation. The other objective function is formulated as the total cost of energy consumption, including the installation, operation, and maintenance cost of the PV-battery system and the cost of energy purchased from the grid. A case study of a PV-battery system at a typical lithium-battery assembly manufacturing facility is presented, with the facility’s energy consumption under a high throughput target simulated as the load profile. The results highlight the trade-offs between minimizing the costs and the environmental impacts of the facility’s energy consumption. It is also found that only considering the environmental impacts during the operation stage can cause underestimation of the impacts and lead to a selection of a more polluting PV-battery sizing configuration. This result further justifies the necessity of considering LCA in the PV-battery sizing problems.
Structure-Function Relationships for the Bio-Inspired Design of Scales
Authors: Chavez Martinez Itzel , Mistry Ved , Bhate Dhruv
Published: August 2024

The structure of scales, found in organisms ranging from fish to plants, demonstrates a wide range of patterned design. Composed of keratin, collagen, or other biomaterials, scales exhibit a hierarchical organization with diverse patterning strategies. Functionally, scales serve several critical roles in organisms’ survival and adaptation. The applications of scale-inspired designs span a diverse array of fields, from improving the hydrodynamic efficiency of aircraft and underwater vehicles, to developing advanced wound dressings and prosthetic materials in the biomedical field. Scale-inspired structures have also been integrated into architecture and building materials. Despite some examples, there has been limited exploration of bio-inspired design of scales, which have received a lot of attention with the progress made in computational design and additive manufacturing. We argue there that this is at least partly on account of the limited design principles formally abstracted for scales, which further, may be attributed to a tenuous connection between structure-function relationships that are well described for families of organisms in biology, and engineering applications. Towards addressing this gap, we first develop a new structural and functional classification for scales that cuts across multiple groups of organisms, using a designer’s perspective. We show how such a perspective emphasizes design choices as opposed to phylogenetic relationships, commonly used in biological classification. Structure-function relationships are then mapped to each other, providing a direction from scale structure to potential applications. We end with a discussion of how such a structure-function map may be embedded into a computational design tool for scales, and how it may also deepen our understanding of the evolution of scales in biology by providing a pathway for engineering studies of structure-function relationships.