bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the opposite behaviours of Korean heatwaves with extreme hot sea surface temperatures in August 2016 and 2022
Authors: Choi Nakbin , Lee Seonju
Published: September 2023

In South Korea, an unprecedented heatwave occurred in August 2016. That year, sea surface temperature (SST) in the Korean marginal seas (KMS) was remarkably higher than that in climatology, and upper‐level anticyclonic circulations favoured this heatwave. More recently, similar conditions that can expect the frequent occurrence of heatwaves prevailed in August 2022. However, the opposite extreme phenomenon, heatwave days below climatology, occurred with the emergence of a stationary rainband in South Korea. This study aims to understand the two different behaviours of heatwaves in Korea under the same hot SST conditions in the KMS. The most pronounced difference between these two extreme cases is the existence of moisture flux related to the western North Pacific summer monsoon (WNPSM). Although the WNPSM is not generally highly correlated with temperature and precipitation in Korea, their relationship is particularly strong when hot SST conditions develop in the KMS. This SST condition, combined with the WNPSM, plays a role in determining this anomalous moisture flux in Korea. Enough tropical moisture flux occurred to build a stationary front with declining heatwave days during August 2022. In contrast, extremely dry and hot weather was more likely in 2016 due to inactive moisture fluxes from the western North Pacific.
GHz Figure‐9 Er‐Doped Optical Frequency Comb Based on Nested Fiber Ring Resonators
Authors: Cao Xinru , Zhou Jiaqi , Cheng Zhi , Li Sha , Feng Yan
Published: September 2023

The field of optical‐frequency‐combs (OFCs) has seen significant progress in recent years due to the advance of mode‐locked fiber lasers with low‐noise performance and long‐term reliability. With the emergence of applications, OFCs with repetition rates close to GHz have become highly sought after. However, generating GHz fiber‐based combs with low noise remains a significant challenge. In this study, a GHz figure‐9 Er‐doped OFC based on a nested fiber ring resonator is presented. By matching the free‐spectral range (FSR) of external and internal optical resonators, an 11‐fold increase in repetition rate from 82 MHz to 907 MHz is achieved. Notably, it is demonstrated that a single pulse operation with long‐term FSR matching can be achieved without any active feedback control. The comb offset frequency is detected using f‐to‐2f technique to ensure high coherence between pulses, which is distinguished from harmonic mode‐locking. The results show that the nested resonators are capable of generating GHz ultrafast OFC pulses with low phase noise via a more flexible cavity design than conventional short‐cavity solutions. This work provides a valuable contribution to the field of ultrafast laser and optical metrology, which demonstrates the potential of nested‐resonators for generating low noise OFCs with boosted repetition rate.
Hybrid Macromolecular Constructs as a Platform for Spectral Nanoprobes for Advanced Cellular Barcoding in Flow Cytometry
Authors: Kudláčová Júlia , Kužílková Daniela , Bárta František , Brdičková Naděžda , Vávrová Adéla , Kostka Libor , Hovorka Ondřej , Kalina Tomáš , Etrych Tomáš
Published: September 2023

Herein, an advanced bioconjugation technique to synthesize hybrid polymer‐antibody nanoprobes tailored for fluorescent cell barcoding in flow cytometry‐based immunophenotyping of leukocytes is applied. A novel approach of attachment combining two fluorescent dyes on the copolymer precursor and its conjugation to antibody is employed to synthesize barcoded nanoprobes of antibody polymer dyes allowing up to six nanoprobes to be resolved in two‐dimensional cytometry analysis. The major advantage of these nanoprobes is the construct design in which the selected antibody is labeled with an advanced copolymer bearing two types of fluorophores in different molar ratios. The cells after antibody recognition and binding to the target antigen have a characteristic double fluorescence signal for each nanoprobe providing a unique position on the dot plot, thus allowing antibody‐based barcoding of cellular samples in flow cytometry assays. This technique is valuable for cellular assays that require low intersample variability and is demonstrated by the live cell barcoding of clinical samples with B cell abnormalities. In total, the samples from six various donors were successfully barcoded using only two detection channels. This barcoding of clinical samples enables sample preparation and measurement in a single tube.
Influence of Hot‐Press Temperature on β‐Phase Formation and Electrical Properties of Solvent‐Casted PVDF‐HFP Co‐Polymer Films Prepared from Two Different Solvents: A Comparison Study
Authors: Lipsa Loree , Rajput Shailendra , Parida Sabyasachi , Ghosh Surya Prakash , Verma Sushil Kumar , Gupta Sonika
Published: September 2023

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) co‐polymer films are prepared via solution casting followed by hot‐press method. Two different types of solvents, viz., solvent mixture DMF and acetone and single solvent only DMF are used to prepare two sets of samples which are then hot‐pressed at various temperatures (110, 120, and 130 °C) to study the effect of hot‐press temperature on samples prepared from different types of solvents. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra shows formation of electroactive β‐phase whose fraction remaining above 71% for all the synthesized samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is performed to obtain the degree of crystallinity of the as‐prepared samples and the hot‐pressed samples seemed to have a single exothermic melting peak instead of two in case of the casted ones. Dielectric properties and AC conductivity of the samples are also studied. The highest dielectric constant among the synthesized samples is found to be ≈12 at 1 kHz at room temperature. The static hysteresis loops are traced for all the as‐synthesized films. Remnant polarization is found to increase with increase in the hot‐press temperature, the coercive field remaining almost similar for all of them. The PUND analysis is also carried out for the all as‐prepared samples. A comparison study is presented through this report, emphasizing the influence of hot‐press temperature on β‐phase fraction of PVDF‐HFP films prepared from two different types of solvents, intended for energy harvesting and storage applications.
Ionic Liquid‐Mediated Biopolymer Extraction from Coffee Fruit
Authors: Rieland Julie M. , Nikafshar Saeid , Hu Zeyuan , Nejad Mojgan , Love Brian J.
Published: September 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) are effective solvents for biomass. Refined cellulose is commonly used; however, recent interest has grown to consider woody and herbaceous biomass and industrial crop residues like fruit peels. Here, the authors report results on the dissolution and shaping of cotton and coffee fruit (cascara) in 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐inium acetate ([DBUH][OAc]). Cascara is a high‐volume, low‐value crop residue that poses an environmental and economic burden in producer countries leading to a high‐value proposition if recoverable. Fruit/ionic liquid solutions (0–15% w/w dissolved at 60 °C) were characterized with respect to biomass concentration and shaped into fibers and films coagulated in DI water and methanol. Rheology was assessed using parallel plate rheometry. Cotton/IL mixtures formed better fibers compared to cascara‐based solutions, which required 2.6× more biomass in solution for viable fiber formation. At 10% loading, fibers could be produced from untreated coffee fruit with diameters ranging from 18–100 microns. Coffee fruit residues and their precipitated films show that both cellulose and lignin dissolve in pure [DBUH][OAc]. Chemical characterization of cascara and cascara films demonstrates the conveyance of high concentrations of lignin and extracts that result in weaker mechanical properties. Further purification of cascara is required for effective use in structural applications.
Ion Track Formation and Nanopore Etching in Polyimide: Possibilities in the MeV Ion Energy Regime
Authors: Kaur Rajdeep , Eljamal Ghada , Tran Tuan Thien , Primetzhofer Daniel , Ström Petter
Published: September 2023

Polyimide films of thickness 7.5 µm are irradiated by a wide range of ions (1H to 197Au) with energies between 1.05 and 48 MeV. Irradiated samples are then chemically etched in sodium hypochlorite solution to investigate nanopore formation due to ion track etching. A threshold in terms of electronic stopping power, Set, needs to be surpassed to preferentially etch the ion tracks. Close to Set, intermittent tracks are formed where only part of the track is etchable. The fraction of these etchable parts increases as we move away from Set, toward higher stopping powers, eventually yielding continuous etchable tracks. Both intermittent and continuous track formation thresholds are observed to be velocity‐dependent, yielding a decrease of the thresholds in the present work compared to previously reported thresholds for swift heavy ions. This finding leads the authors to suggest that electrostatic ion accelerators with terminal voltages of several MV are applicable for the production of ion track membranes up to ≈10–20 µm in thickness. Suitable ions for nanopores in 7.5 µm polyimide films include 42 MeV 59Co and 48 MeV 197Au. The growth mechanism for the pores during etching is discussed, relating it to the properties of the original ion track.
Time‐delay compensation‐based robust control of mechanical manipulators: Operator‐theoretic analysis and experiment validation
Authors: Song Geun Il , Kim Jung Hoon
Published: September 2023

This paper provides a new robust control approach to uncertain mechanical manipulators in the computed torque framework. With respect to the fact that model uncertainties occurring from the framework could make the overall system unstable although the resulting nominal plant is stabilized, this paper develops a readily applicable method for estimating such uncertain elements. More precisely, we propose a time‐delay compensation method, by which prior values relevant to the model uncertainties in a sufficiently small time instant are used for such an estimation. The theoretical effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by establishing the two different arguments on operator‐theoretic exponential stability and Lypaunov‐based disturbance input‐to‐state stability. Finally, some simulation and experiment results are provided to demonstrate the overall arguments developed in this paper for both the theoretical and practical aspects.
Quantifying U‐Net uncertainty in multi‐parametric MRI‐based glioma segmentation by spherical image projection
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Lafata Kyle , Vaios Eugene , Hu Zongsheng , Mullikin Trey , Yin Fang‐Fang , Wang Chunhao
Published: September 2023

Background

Uncertainty quantification in deep learning is an important research topic. For medical image segmentation, the uncertainty measurements are usually reported as the likelihood that each pixel belongs to the predicted segmentation region. In potential clinical applications, the uncertainty result reflects the algorithm's robustness and supports the confidence and trust of the segmentation result when the ground‐truth result is absent. For commonly studied deep learning models, novel methods for quantifying segmentation uncertainty are in demand.

Purpose

To develop a U‐Net segmentation uncertainty quantification method based on spherical image projection of multi‐parametric MRI (MP‐MRI) in glioma segmentation.

Methods

The projection of planar MRI data onto a spherical surface is equivalent to a nonlinear image transformation that retains global anatomical information. By incorporating this image transformation process in our proposed spherical projection‐based U‐Net (SPU‐Net) segmentation model design, multiple independent segmentation predictions can be obtained from a single MRI. The final segmentation is the average of all available results, and the variation can be visualized as a pixel‐wise uncertainty map. An uncertainty score was introduced to evaluate and compare the performance of uncertainty measurements.

The proposed SPU‐Net model was implemented on the basis of 369 glioma patients with MP‐MRI scans (T1, T1‐Ce, T2, and FLAIR). Three SPU‐Net models were trained to segment enhancing tumor (ET), tumor core (TC), and whole tumor (WT), respectively. The SPU‐Net model was compared with (1) the classic U‐Net model with test‐time augmentation (TTA) and (2) linear scaling‐based U‐Net (LSU‐Net) segmentation models in terms of both segmentation accuracy (Dice coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy) and segmentation uncertainty (uncertainty map and uncertainty score).

Results

The developed SPU‐Net model successfully achieved low uncertainty for correct segmentation predictions (e.g., tumor interior or healthy tissue interior) and high uncertainty for incorrect results (e.g., tumor boundaries). This model could allow the identification of missed tumor targets or segmentation errors in U‐Net. Quantitatively, the SPU‐Net model achieved the highest uncertainty scores for three segmentation targets (ET/TC/WT): 0.826/0.848/0.936, compared to 0.784/0.643/0.872 using the U‐Net with TTA and 0.743/0.702/0.876 with the LSU‐Net (scaling factor = 2). The SPU‐Net also achieved statistically significantly higher Dice coefficients, underscoring the improved segmentation accuracy.

Conclusion

The SPU‐Net model offers a powerful tool to quantify glioma segmentation uncertainty while improving segmentation accuracy. The proposed method can be generalized to other medical image‐related deep‐learning applications for uncertainty evaluation.
Circumventing volumetric locking in stabilized smoothed particle finite element method and its application to dynamic large deformation problems
Authors: Liu Ming , Huang Wen‐Xiong , Gou Zheng‐Hong , Yuan Wei‐Hai , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2023

The smoothed particle finite element method (SPFEM) is an effective framework for large deformation analysis. The original SPFEM possesses the rank deficiency issue due to the direct nodal integration technique, which can be overcome by incorporating the strain gradient stabilization method. However, an extra volumetric locking due to the strain gradient stabilization term has been found. In this study, we propose a simple and efficient approach, the B‐dev approach, which only considers the deviatoric part of the smoothed strain gradient for stabilization to overcome the volumetric locking issue. First, the correctness of the stabilized SPFEM method is verified by an elastic cantilever beam vibration problem without considering incompressibility. Then, through the example of the strip footing penetration problem, the volumetric locking in the stabilized SPFEM is demonstrated and the capability of the proposed B‐dev approach in terms of overcoming the volumetric locking is verified. Furthermore, the stabilized SPFEM with B‐dev approach is applied to two types of elastoplastic problems in geotechnical engineering. All numerical results illustrate that the proposed approach can improve the performance of the stabilized SPFEM in dealing with incompressible and large deformation problems in geomechanics.
Static, dynamic mechanical, and thermal analysis of coir/epoxy composites: Effect of hollow glass microspheres reinforcement
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Trivedi Alok Kumar , Gupta M. K. , Singh Harinder
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, various types of biocomposites are being developed using different types of natural fibers and polymers to fulfill the requirement for sustainable products. Recently, the addition of fillers in biocomposites has been a useful approach to improve their performance and overwhelm their limitations. The hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) were uniformly distributed into epoxy using a magnetic stirrer and subsequently, a hand lay‐up technique was employed to produce the HGMs/coir/epoxy composites under a static loading condition. In the current study, the effect of varying weight percentages (i.e., 1, 3, and 5) of HGMs on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties of coir/epoxy composites has been studied. Further, morphological analysis of fractured surfaces of samples was also performed. The results suggested that the addition of HGMs caused a significant improvement in the tensile and impact properties of the composites but could not extensively improve the flexural strength, thermal stability, storage modulus, and loss modulus. There was a significant improvement of 80.5% in tensile strength and 24.7% in impact strength of composites after the addition of 1 wt%. HGMs. Further, tensile and flexural moduli were found to be gradually improved with increased HGMs weight percentages in the composites.

Highlights

Development of HGMs/coir/epoxy composites.

Addition of HGMs increases tensile and impact strength of coir/epoxy composites.

Microstructural analysis of HGMs/coir/epoxy composites.
Multi‐omic analyses and network biology in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Reitz Cristine J. , Kuzmanov Uros , Gramolini Anthony O.
Published: September 2023

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in North America and worldwide. Despite advances in therapies, the chronic nature of cardiovascular diseases ultimately results in frequent hospitalizations and steady rates of mortality. Systems biology approaches have provided a new frontier toward unraveling the underlying mechanisms of cell, tissue, and organ dysfunction in disease. Mapping the complex networks of molecular functions across the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome has enormous potential to advance our understanding of cardiovascular disease, discover new disease biomarkers, and develop novel therapies. Computational workflows to interpret these data‐intensive analyses as well as integration between different levels of interrogation remain important challenges in the advancement and application of systems biology‐based analyses in cardiovascular research. This review will focus on summarizing the recent developments in network biology‐level profiling in the heart, with particular emphasis on modeling of human heart failure. We will provide new perspectives on integration between different levels of large “omics” datasets, including integration of gene regulatory networks, protein–protein interactions, signaling networks, and metabolic networks in the heart.
New progress in an old debate? Applying the DSM‐5 criteria to assess traumatic events and stressor‐related disorders in cancer survivors
Authors: Springer Franziska , Friedrich Michael , Kuba Katharina , Ernst Jochen , Glaesmer Heide , Platzbecker Uwe , Vucinic Vladan , Heyne Svenja , Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja , Esser Peter
Published: September 2023

Objective

The rather broad definition of medical trauma within DSM‐IV has contributed to long‐lasting debates on the applicability of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in oncological patients and its differentiation from Adjustment Disorder (AjD) which results from non‐traumatic critical life events. The DSM‐5 criteria have introduced a narrower definition of medical traumatization. However, studies on updated prevalence rates in cancer patients are missing.

Methods

Within a cross‐sectional study, we assessed hematological cancer survivors using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5. We investigated (i) the frequency and type of cancer‐related stressors, (ii) the proportion of stressors qualifying as traumatic according to DSM‐5 (i.e., an event of sudden and catastrophic character) and (iii) the prevalence of PTSD, AjD and cancer‐related PTSD according to DSM‐5.

Results

291 patients participated (response rate: 58%). Mean age was 54 years, 60% were male. 168 patients (59%) reported cancer‐related stressors, with the most frequent being cancer diagnosis disclosure (n = 58, 27%). Eight percent of reported stressors qualified as traumatic events according to DSM‐5. Five (1.8%), 15 (5.3%) and 20 (7.0%) cancer survivors met DSM‐5 criteria for current PTSD, lifetime PTSD and AjD, respectively. Among all PTSD cases, three were cancer‐related (1.1%). In addition, seven patients (2.5%) met all symptoms for cancer‐related PTSD, but not the DSM‐5 criterion for medical trauma. Considering receiving the cancer diagnosis as traumatic event, which is debatable according to DSM‐5, 38% of stressors qualified as traumatic and six patients (2.1%) met criteria for cancer‐related PTSD.

Conclusions

DSM‐5 criteria enable a clear identification of traumatic events in the context of cancer. This change may inform discussions on the appropriateness of PTSD in cancer patients and facilitates its differentiation from AjD. Larger studies need to validate our findings.
Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment of hypertensive target organ damage: Role of natural products and formulations
Authors: Liao Xiaolin , Han Yuanshan , Shen Chuanpu , Liu Jianjun , Wang Yuhong
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Hypertension is a major global health problem that causes target organ damage (TOD) in the heart, brain, kidney, and blood vessels. The mechanisms of hypertensive TOD are not fully understood, and its treatment is challenging. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the role of Nod‐like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in hypertensive TOD and the natural products and formulations that inhibit it.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI for relevant articles using the keywords “hypertension,” “target organ damage,” “NLRP3 inflammasome,” “natural products,” and “formulations.” We reviewed the effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome on hypertensive TOD in different organs and discussed the natural products and formulations that modulate it.

Key results

In hypertensive TOD, the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by various stimuli such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome leads to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that exacerbate tissue damage and dysfunction. Natural products and formulations, including curcumin, resveratrol, triptolide, and allicin, have shown protective effects against hypertensive TOD by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Conclusions and Implications

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a promising therapeutic target in hypertensive TOD. Natural products and formulations that inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome may provide novel drug candidates or therapies for hypertensive TOD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and optimize the dosages of these natural products and formulations and evaluate their clinical efficacy and safety.
Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety
Authors: Peng Zhaolei , Lu Jing , Liu Kai , Xie Long , Wang Yulin , Cai Chunyan , Yang Dejun , Xi Jingjing , Yan Chunmei , Li Xiaofang , Shi Mingyi
Published: September 2023

Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
Unconstrained Piezoelectric Vascular Electronics for Wireless Monitoring of Hemodynamics and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Tang Chuyu , Liu Zhirong , Hu Quanhong , Jiang Zhuoheng , Zheng Mingjia , Xiong Cheng , Wang Shaobo , Yao Shuncheng , Zhao Yunchao , Wan Xingyi , Liu Guanlin , Sun Qijun , Wang Zhong Lin , Li Linlin
Published: September 2023

The patient‐centered healthcare requires timely disease diagnosis and prognostic assessment, calling for individualized physiological monitoring. To assess the postoperative hemodynamic status of patients, implantable blood flow monitoring devices are highly expected to deliver real time, long‐term, sensitive, and reliable hemodynamic signals, which can accurately reflect multiple physiological conditions. Herein, an implantable and unconstrained vascular electronic system based on a piezoelectric sensor immobilized is presented by a “growable” sheath around continuously growing arterial vessels for real‐timely and wirelessly monitoring of hemodynamics. The piezoelectric sensor made of circumferentially aligned polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers around pulsating artery can sensitively perceive mechanical signals, and the growable sheath bioinspired by the structure and function of leaf sheath has elasticity and conformal shape adaptive to the dynamically growing arterial vessels to avoid growth constriction. With this integrated and smart design, long‐term, wireless, and sensitive monitoring of hemodynamics are achieved and demonstrated in rats and rabbits. It provides a simple and versatile strategy for designing implantable sensors in a less invasive way.
Electrolyte Modulation Strategies for Low‐Temperature Zn Batteries
Authors: Han Mingming , Li Tian Chen , Chen Xiang , Yang Hui Ying
Published: September 2023

Aqueous rechargeable Zn metal batteries (ARZBs) are extensively studied recently because of their low‐cost, high‐safety, long lifespan, and other unique merits. However, the terrible ion conductivity and insufficient interfacial redox dynamics at low temperatures restrict their extended applications under harsh environments such as polar inspections, deep sea exploration, and daily use in cold regions. Electrolyte modulation is considered to be an effective way to achieve low‐temperature operation for ARZBs. In this review, first, the fundamentals of the liquid–solid transition of water at low temperatures are revealed, and an in‐depth understanding of the critical factors for inferior performance at low temperatures is given. Furthermore, the electrolyte modulation strategies are categorized into anion/concentration regulation, organic co‐solvent/additive introduction, anti‐freezing hydrogels construction, and eutectic mixture design strategies, and emphasize the recent progress of these strategies in low‐temperature Zn batteries. Finally, promising design principles for better electrolytes are recommended and future research directions about high‐performance ARZBs at low temperatures are provided.
Mechanism of Thermoelectric Performance Enhancement in CaMg2Bi2‐Based Materials with Different Cation Site Doping
Authors: Guo Muchun , Liu Ming , Zhu Jianbo , Zhu Yuke , Guo Fengkai , Cai Wei , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhang QinYong , Sui Jiehe
Published: September 2023

Chemical bonds determine electron and phonon transport in solids. Tailoring chemical bonding in thermoelectric materials causes desirable or compromise thermoelectric transport properties. In this work, taking an example of CaMg2Bi2 with covalent and ionic bonds, density functional theory calculations uncover that element Zn, respectively, replacing Ca and Mg sites cause the weakness of ionic and covalent bonding. Electrically, Zn doping at both Ca and Mg sites increases carrier concentration, while the former leads to higher carrier concentration than that of the latter because of its lower vacancy formation energy. Both doping types increase density‐of‐state effective mass but their mechanisms are different. The Zn doping Ca site induces resonance level in valence band and Zn doping Mg site promotes orbital alignment. Thermally, point defect and the change of phonon dispersion introduced by doping result in pronounced reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. Finally, combining with the further increase of carrier concentration caused by Na doping and the modulation of band structure and the decrease of lattice thermal conductivity caused by Ba doping, a high figure‐of‐merit ZT of 1.1 at 823 K in Zn doping Ca sample is realized, which is competitive in 1–2–2 Zintl phase thermoelectric systems.
Design's secret partner in research: Cybernetic practices for design research pedagogy
Authors: Sweeting Ben , Sutherland Sally
Published: September 2023

How to understand the relation between design and research is a longstanding question in design theory and practice. It is also a question in design pedagogy, especially in taught postgraduate programmes where students are expected to engage with and conduct research in formal ways, often for the first time. In this article, we discuss a curriculum that we have developed for introducing research literacy to taught postgraduate students in architecture and design disciplines. The curriculum draws both explicitly and implicitly on an analogy between designing and researching developed through the lens of cybernetics, a transdisciplinary field that relates to both design and science. When cybernetics has been invoked in the context of design, it has usually been as a form of explanatory theory, contributing to the theoretical foundations of design research and its relations with other disciplines. Our approach instead positions cybernetics as a mode of transdisciplinary engagement within students' own learning where an unfamiliar topic (research) is approached through analogy to a familiar one (design). We begin by contextualizing the curriculum and introducing the rationale for this approach in the context of design research. We then summarize key moments in the curriculum and our observations of its impact in students' work. We conclude by speculating on the extent to which enacted analogies such as the example presented here may be taken up in other practical situations, and the potential value of doing so in reformulating cybernetics in ways that are practiced (rather than abstract) and methodological (not just explanatory).
Effect of Soluble Potato Starch on the Pregelatinization Properties of Non‐Conventional Elephant Foot Yam Starch
Authors: Banerjee Riya , Kumar K. Jayaram
Published: September 2023

In recent years, researchers have been exploring alternative sources of starch for drug delivery. Traditional options like corn, potato, and rice starches have been widely used, but sustainability concerns have prompted the investigation of nonconventional starches. Elephant foot yam starch, derived from an agricultural polymer, has gained popularity due to its wide availability. Starches are fundamentally unsuited for the majority of applications; they must be physically and/or chemically altered to maximize their advantages and/or minimize their drawbacks. Due to the chemical toxicity, starch modification is often done using physical techniques that are inexpensive. This study aims to evaluate the impact of elephant foot yam starch on the physicochemical properties and drug delivery of potato starch. Pregelatinization, a crucial process, is found to increase amylose content and improves starch flow properties, as confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showing gelatinization in the mixture. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images reveal complete disruption of the starch granular structure after modification. Tablets made with a mixture of pregelatinized starches exhibit a slower drug release compared to those with pregelatinized starch alone. Notably, inclusion of potato starch in the mixture results in a more sustained drug release. Hence, modified starches have diverse applications for enhancing solubility of poorly soluble drugs.
Effect of hybrid steel, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and jute fibers on the properties of ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete exposed to elevated temperature
Authors: Ali Manar , Elsayed Mahmoud , Tayeh Bassam A. , Maglad Ahmed M. , El‐Azim Ahmed Abd
Published: September 2023

Evaluation of the effects of different fiber types with different ratios on the mechanical properties and explosive spalling prevention of Ultra‐High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) at elevated temperatures is the primary objective of the experimental work. Several fiber types, including steel fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyvinyl alcohol fiber, and natural jute fiber were used. Eight UHPFRC mixes were cast comprising the different hybrid fiber types. The results show that replacing polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and jute fibers with steel fiber decreases the fresh and hardened properties of unheated UHPFRC while increasing durability. The existence of hybrid fibers improves the fire resistance of UHPFRC and fully prevents explosive spalling because of a considerable improvement in permeability. According to the test results, the optimum replacement ratio for UHPFRC mix is to replace polyvinyl alcohol fiber with an equivalent volume fraction of steel fiber, as it has a slight influence on the mechanical properties and prevented explosive spalling.
A waterproof, environment‐friendly, multifunctional, and stretchable thermoelectric fabric for continuous self‐powered personal health signal collection at high humidity
Authors: He Xinyang , Li Bingyi , Cai Jiaxin , Zhang Honghua , Li Chengzu , Li Xinxin , Yu Jianyong , Wang Liming , Qin Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

Thermoelectric sensors have attracted increasing attention in smart wearables due to the recognition of multiple signals in self‐powered mode. However, present thermoelectric devices show disadvantages of low durability, weak wearability, and complex preparation processes and are susceptible to moisture in the microenvironment of the human body, which hinders their further application in wearable electronics. Herein, we prepared a new thermoelectric fabric with thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotubes (TPU/CNTs) by combining vacuum filtration and electrospraying techniques. Electrospraying TPU microsphere coating with good biocompatibility and environmental friendliness made the fabric worn directly and exhibits preferred water resistance, mechanical durability, and stability even after being bent 4000 times, stretched 1000 times, and washed 1000 times. Moreover, this fabric showed a Seebeck coefficient of 49 μV K−1 and strain range of 250% and could collect signals well and avoided interference from moisture. Based on the biocompatibility and safety of the fabric, it can be fabricated into devices and mounted on the human face and elbow for long‐term and continuous collection of data on the body's motion and breathing simultaneously to provide collaborative support information. This thermoelectric fabric‐based sensor will show great potential in advanced smart wearables for health monitoring, motion detection, and human–computer interaction.
Fluoride exposure confers NRF2 activation in hepatocyte through both canonical and non‐canonical signaling pathways
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Wang Yi , Liu Rongrong , Shi Mengjiao , Zhao Yishu , Zeng Kaixuan , Fu Rongguo , Liu Pengfei
Published: September 2023

Due to the high abundance in the Earth's crust and industrial application, fluoride is widely present in our living environment. However, excessive fluoride exposure causes toxicity in different organs. As the most important detoxification and excretion organ, liver is more easily involved in fluoride toxicity than other organs, and oxidative stress is considered as the key mechanism related with fluoride hepatotoxicity. In this study, we mainly investigated the role of nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (NRF2, a core transcription factor in oxidative stress) in fluoride exposure‐induced hepatotoxicity as well as the related mechanism. Herein, liver cells (BNL CL.2) were treated with fluoride in different concentrations. The hepatotoxicity and NRF2 signaling pathway were analyzed respectively. Our results indicated that excessive fluoride (over 1 mM) resulted in obvious toxicity in hepatocyte and activated NRF2 and NRF2 target genes. The increased ROS generation after fluoride exposure suppressed KEAP1‐induced NRF2 ubiquitylation and degradation. Meanwhile, fluoride exposure also led to blockage of autophagic flux and upregulation of p62, which contributed to activation of NRF2 via competitive binding with KEAP1. Both pharmaceutical activation and genetic activation of NRF2 accelerated fluoride exposure‐induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, the upregulation of NRF2 in hepatocyte after fluoride exposure can be regarded as a cellular self‐defense, and NRF2‐KEAP1 system could be a novel molecular target against fluoride exposure‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Assessment and quantification of heavy metals in cultivated soils in Kafin Hausa Jigawa State Nigeria using Nigerian research reactor‐1
Authors: Bashir Adamu Suleiman , Faragai Inuwa Aliyu , Yalwa Lawan Musa , Kayode Katibi Kamil , Chiromawa Idris Muhammad , Mikailu Abdullahi , Abubakar Tafida Rabiu , Shitu Ibrahim Garba , Muhammad Aminu , Iya Sani Garba Durumin , Yusuf Yusuf Yakubu
Published: September 2023

Anthropogenic activities that cause heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils pose a significant health risk to humans who consume contaminated agricultural foods such as rice and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to access the level of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils in Kafin Hausa by analyzing soil samples from five different sampling sites for heavy metals including aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn). A total of 15 soil samples were collected using a soil auger from various locations within Kafin Hausa area, and the concentrations of the collected soil samples were estimated using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique via the Nigeria Research Reactor‐1. The results of the study showed that the mean concentrations of these heavy metals in the sampled soils were within the limits set by the World Health Organization. In addition, pollution indexes such as enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and geo‐accumulation index (Igeo) were adequately determined. The sampling sites were identified to have significant enrichment, except for BR3 which was moderately enriched with Al and Ti, followed by Fe, and had an EF value of 4.87. Mean Igeo values indicated that all the sampling sites were uncontaminated. Furthermore, multivariate statistics revealed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) among the investigated metals, suggesting that the major sources of those metals are similar.
Quality Read‐alouds Matter: How you Teach is Just as Important as What you Teach
Authors: Baker Doris Luft , Santoro Lana
Published: September 2023

In this manuscript we show how readalouds can significantly enrich student vocabulary and comprehension by demonstrating enhancements that will foster student learning and language development. We anchor our examples to empirical evidence demonstrating that the content of a readaloud (i.e., the what we teach) as well as the quality of the instruction (i.e., the how we teach content during a readaloud) are important and necessary to enhance student learning. We use authentic scenarios to illustrate the difference between a readaloud taught with basic instructional fidelity and a readaloud with basic instructional fidelity that was enhanced with features of instructional quality. Specific steps to action before, during, and after a readaloud using examples from a first grade readaloud science unit are provided.
Decision making on antimicrobial use: Cat and dog owners’ knowledge and preferences for veterinary communication
Authors: Frey Erin , Kedrowicz April , Hedgpeth Mari‐Wells
Published: September 2023

Background

Veterinarians' understanding of cat and dog owners’ perceptions about antimicrobial use will enhance their ability to communicate with clients to uphold antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

Methods

A total of 571 cat and dog owners were surveyed via an online platform to understand their antimicrobial knowledge and preferences for veterinary communication in antimicrobial use decision making. Data were analysed descriptively and inferentially to determine relationships between variables.

Results

Cat and dog owners’ backgrounds had an impact their antimicrobial knowledge. Women, individuals with a university degree, those with a health/science background and those identifying as white had a higher level of knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Owners’ trust in veterinarians positively impacts adherence to recommendations. Where there was a strong preference for one type of messaging regarding antimicrobial use and stewardship, the owner's background was not predictive of a difference in response.

Limitations

The study population was mostly white, which reflects the US population and the reported distribution of pet owners who own dogs and cats. Respondents may have been susceptible to recall bias and/or social desirability bias.

Conclusion

Veterinarians should tailor their communication to meet clients’ level of knowledge and rely on competent communication to enhance understanding and facilitate adherence to antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.
Kernel Regulation of Ultra‐stable Cu12 Nanoclusters by Triple Collaborative Ligands
Authors: Ye Pingting , Zhang Hao , Xiang Shengchang , Fan Xi , Wang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: September 2023

Cu clusters are generally unstable and their cluster nuclei are difficult to be controlled. Even minor adjustments in the synthesis of Cu clusters can easily lead to great changes in their cluster nuclei. In this work, we have successfully utilized triple collaborative ligands to obtain a pair of infinitely extended Cu12 cluster‐based chains (Cu12‐1 and Cu12‐2). They have identical Cu12 metal core structures but slightly different coordinated ligands. Both Cu12‐1 and Cu12‐2 show excellent thermal and ambient stability. However, they exhibit diverse room‐temperature photoluminescence phenomena. Crystalline Cu12‐2 displays red‐shifted photoluminescence (637 nm) compared with Cu12‐1 (624 nm) due to the relatively smaller LUMO‐HOMO gap caused by the substituent effect of electro‐withdrawing F atoms. Meanwhile, the substituent effect has influences on electronic structures and electrostatic potentials, thus leading to differences in photoluminescence intensity, PLQY, and lifetime. Crystalline Cu12‐1 displays more intense room‐temperature photoluminescence, higher PLQY and longer lifetime. This work provides a valuable approach for how to prepare highly stable Cu clusters and precisely control their structures to regulate their properties.
Accurate, automated taxonomic assignment of genebank accessions: a new method demonstrated using high-throughput marker data from 10,000 Capsicum spp. accessions
Authors: Rabanus-Wallace M. Timothy , Stein Nils
Published: September 2023

Key message

We demonstrate how an algorithm that uses cheap genetic marker data can ensure the taxonomic assignments of genebank samples are complete, intuitive, and consistent—which enhances their value.

To maximise the benefit of genebank resources, accurate and complete taxonomic assignments are imperative. The rise of genebank genomics allows genetic methods to be used to ensure this, but these need to be largely automated since the number of samples dealt with is too great for efficient manual recategorisation, however no clearly optimal method has yet arisen. A recent landmark genebank genomic study sequenced over 10,000 genebank accessions of peppers (Capsicum spp.), a species of great commercial, cultural, and scientific importance, which suffers from much taxonomic ambiguity. Similar datasets will, in coming decades, be produced for hundreds of plant taxa, affording a perfect opportunity to develop automated taxonomic correction methods in advance of the incipient genebank genomics explosion, alongside providing insights into pepper taxonomy in general. We present a marker-based taxonomic assignment approach that combines ideas from several standard classification algorithms, resulting in a highly flexible and customisable classifier suitable to impose intuitive assignments, even in highly reticulated species groups with complex population structures and evolutionary histories. Our classifier performs favourably compared with key alternative methods. Possible sensible alterations to pepper taxonomy based on the results are proposed for discussion by the relevant communities.
Effect of chronic low-dose treatment with chitooligosaccharides on microbial dysbiosis and inflammation associated chronic ulcerative colitis in Balb/c mice
Authors: Rajesh K M , Kinra Manas , Ranadive Niraja , Pawaskar Goutam Mohan , Mudgal Jayesh , Raval Ritu
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to investigate the potential of low dose chitooligosaccharide (COS) in ameliorating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced chronic colitis by regulating microbial dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory responses. Chronic colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by DSS (4% w/v, 3 cycles of 5 days) administration. The mice were divided into four groups: vehicle, DSS, DSS + mesalamine and DSS+COS. COS and mesalamine were administered orally, daily once, from day 1 to day 30 at a dose of 20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg respectively. The disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathological score, microbial composition, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were evaluated. COS (20 mg/kg, COSLow) administration reduced the disease activity index, and colon shortening, caused by DSS significantly. Furthermore, COSLow restored the altered microbiome in the gut and inhibited the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) in the colon against DSS-induced chronic colitis in mice. Moreover, COSLow treatment improved the probiotic microflora thereby restoring the gut homeostasis. In conclusion, this is the first study where microbial dysbiosis and pro-inflammatory responses were modulated by chronic COSLow treatment against DSS-induced chronic colitis in Balb/c mice. Therefore, COS supplementation at a relatively low dose could be efficacious for chronic inflammatory bowel disease.