bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From human herpes virus‐6 reactivation to autoimmune reactivity against tight junctions and neuronal antigens, to inflammation, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to Long COVID
Authors: Maes Michael , Almulla Abbas F. , Tang Xiaoou , Stoyanova Kristina , Vojdani Aristo
Published: August 2024

Inflammation and autoimmune responses contribute to the pathophysiology of Long COVID, and its affective and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms, labeled “the physio‐affective phenome.” To investigate whether Long COVID and its physio‐affective phenome are linked to autoimmunity to the tight junction proteins, zonulin and occludin (ZOOC), and immune reactivity to lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and whether the latter are associated with signs of human herpes virus‐6 (HHV‐6) reactivation, autoimmunity directed against oligodendrocyte and neuronal proteins, including myelin basic protein. IgA/IgM/IgG responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), HHV‐6, ZOOC, and neuronal proteins, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), were measured in 90 Long COVID patients and 90 healthy controls. The physio‐affective phenome was conceptualized as a factor extracted from physical and affective symptom domains. Neural network identified IgA directed to LPS (IgA‐LPS), IgG‐ZOOC, IgG‐LPS, and IgA‐ZOOC as important variables associated with Long COVID diagnosis with an area under the ROC curve of 0.755. Partial Least Squares analysis showed that 40.9% of the variance in the physio‐affective phenome was explained by CRP, IgA‐myelin basic protein (MBP), and IgG‐MBP. A large part of the variances in both autoimmune responses to MBP (36.3%–39.7%) was explained by autoimmunity (IgA and IgG) directed to ZOOC. The latter was strongly associated with indicants of HHV‐6 reactivation, which in turn was associated with increased IgM‐SARS‐CoV‐2. Autoimmunity against components of the tight junctions and increased bacterial translocation may be involved in the pathophysiology of Long COVID's physio‐affective phenome.
The dual role of cellular senescence in human tumor progression and therapy
Authors: Ma Liang , Yu Jie , Fu Yidian , He Xiaoyu , Ge Shengfang , Jia Renbing , Zhuang Ai , Yang Zhi , Fan Xianqun
Published: August 2024

Cellular senescence, one of the hallmarks of cancer, is characterized by cell cycle arrest and the loss of most normal cellular functions while acquiring a hypersecretory, proinflammatory phenotype. The function of senescent cells in cancer cells varies depending on the cellular conditions. Before the occurrence of cancer, senescent cells act as a barrier to prevent its development. But once cancer has occurred, senescent cells play a procancer role. However, few of the current studies have adequately explained the diversity of cellular senescence across cancers. Herein, we concluded the latest intrinsic mechanisms of cellular senescence in detail and emphasized the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype as a key contributor to heterogeneity of senescent cells in tumor. We also discussed five kinds of inducers of cellular senescence and the advancement of senolytics in cancer, which are drugs that tend to clear senescent cells. Finally, we summarized the various effects of senescent cells in different cancers and manifested that their functions may be diametrically opposed under different circumstances. In short, this paper contributes to the understanding of the diversity of cellular senescence in cancers and provides novel insight for tumor therapy.
‘Strategic sustainable development: The role of intermediaries in managing the sustainability compliance of a multi‐tier crop agri‐food supply chain. A developing economy perspective’
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Behrendt Karl , Papadas Dimitrios , Arnold Lydia
Published: August 2024

This qualitative case study investigation highlights deeply entrenched sustainability challenges within a multi‐tier supply chain of a developing country's crop agri‐food sector. Focusing on the rice supply chain, the study reveals how Agri Processing Company Limited (APCL), operating as a first‐tier intermediary, effectively launched and managed different levels of intermediaries through ‘multi‐actor’ and ‘multi‐level’ management approaches to extend sustainability upstream in the rice supply chain, especially in the lower‐tiers previously considered ‘commodities with no value’. Social networking and progressive farmers played the inclusive roles of change agents in bringing all the stakeholders of a traditional and fragmented supply chain into a coordinated platform. The bottom‐up strategic management approach of APCL gained the trust of local stakeholders and buying firms, resulting in a sustainable business strategy. Increased collaboration at different levels of farming communities led to a transformed methodology for sustainable development through intermediaries. The transformed business structure and mediated governance of ‘multi actors’ supply chains revamped socio‐ecological outcomes for the lower‐tiers and improved local living conditions through economic fairness and equal opportunities. This transformation contributed to significant advances in Pakistan's rice industry towards sustainable development.
Evaluating the environmental impacts of Chinese decentralization policies toward SDG 13
Authors: Yousaf Tahir , Shahzad Muhammad Faisal , Ain Qurat ul
Published: August 2024

As local governments play a decisive role in attaining sustainable development goals, notably SDG 13 (climate action), decentralization policies offer the flexibility to modify climate strategies according to local necessities and enhance resource distribution. However, the simultaneous demands for economic advancement and environmental conservation pose notable hurdles. Drawing on a county‐level time‐varying quasi‐natural experiment, the results explore that fiscal decentralization, when implemented alone, significantly reduces firm pollution emission intensity. This pollution reduction is attributed to its alleviating fiscal stress on counties. In contrast, administrative decentralization is associated with increased pollution emissions, driven by tax preferences and competition in infrastructure investment. Moreover, the study reveals that fiscal and administrative decentralization reforms are complementary in their impact on a firm's intensity of pollution emissions. Furthermore, the joint implementation of complementary decentralization reforms is observed to decrease the intensity of pollution emissions in developed counties, particularly in areas characterized by high institutional quality and improved mobility. The study provides insights into the interplay between different decentralization policies and their contextual factors, enhancing our understanding of how nations can articulate decentralization policies to adopt an informed and context‐sensitive approach in crafting a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Higher education and sustainable entrepreneurship: The state of the art and a look to the future
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Kirby David Anthony , Sigahi Tiago F. A. C. , Bella Ricardo L. F. , Anholon Rosley , Quelhas Osvaldo L. G.
Published: August 2024

The integration of sustainable entrepreneurship education in higher education is important as part of efforts to step towards equipping future leaders with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to address global sustainability challenges through innovative and entrepreneurial solutions. This approach involves a multidisciplinary, holistic education model that combines the principles of sustainability with entrepreneurial practices. This paper, which entails a case studies approach, examines the current initiatives being undertaken by a sample of higher education institutions located in Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Europe, with the aim of fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. It concludes by proposing a series of measures with respect to sustainable entrepreneurship that higher education institutions may deploy, to address the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of the global sustainability challenges.
Whose streets? Understanding sexual minority support for the Black Lives Matter movement
Authors: Fahs Breanne , Swank Eric , Mayon Marli
Published: August 2024

Using a “political distinctiveness” lens, this study tested the claim that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people valued the goals and tactics of Black Lives Matter (BLM) more than heterosexual people did. Using a sample of currently enrolled college students (N = 89), the study also tried to explain why a possible sexuality gap (that is, discrepancy in participation between heterosexuals and sexual minorities) for BLM support and involvement existed. Through a set of multivariate regressions, we concluded that sexual minority support of BLM was influenced by sexuality differences in group memberships, commitments to activism, and emotional bonds to people of color. Exposure to diversity courses in college and lesbian/gay communities, along with identifying as a queer person of color, increased BLM support, but they were not a significant force behind greater BLM activism for sexual minorities. We included suggestions for how social justice allies can support anti‐oppressive social movements in an impactful and just manner and how gender and race interact with sexual identity in support for activism.
Resource loss a significant issue for healthcare professionals: A case study of an Australian regional hospital
Authors: Rauf Afshan , Rook Laura , Rajapakse Bishan , Lartey Joshua King Safo , Almeida Shamika
Published: August 2024

Healthcare professionals report poor overall well‐being, with many citing mental health concerns and stress as contributing factors. Given that healthcare professionals are crucial to the sustainability of the health sector, examining the factors affecting their well‐being at work is essential. This paper reports the findings of research conducted in an Australian regional public hospital, utilising the conservation of resources theory to examine the factors (similarities and differences) that influence the resource loss of healthcare professionals (nurses, medical professionals, and allied health professionals). Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 43 healthcare professionals of varying roles, and participant perspectives revealed two themes contributing to a resource‐poor work environment: ‘occupational demands and obstacles’ and ‘barriers to effective teams’. These challenges caused individual resource loss, and as stress arises from resource depletion, each turn of the stress spiral left the individuals and organization with fewer resources to counteract the loss, causing loss spirals to intensify in momentum and scale. The findings of this research emphasise the importance of executing a proactive approach to well‐being initiative implementation to support resource investment and assist in creating a more nurturing healthcare work environment that fosters resource creation and sustenance for healthcare professionals.
Verknüpfung von Nano mit Makro – Chancen für den Stahlbau
Authors: Rutner Marcus , Spalek Niclas , Falah Mohsen , Lalkovski Nikolay
Published: August 2024

Nanostrukturierte metallische Multilayer weisen eine wesentlich höhere Festigkeit, Ermüdungsfestigkeit und Duktilität als monolithische homogene Metallquerschnitte auf. Die überragenden strukturellen Eigenschaften nanostrukturierter Querschnitte sind bekannt, und so ist verwunderlich, warum bis heute kein Versuch unternommen wurde, nanostrukturierte Querschnitte in Makroquerschnitten im Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau zur Verbesserung der Querschnittseigenschaften einzusetzen. Dieser Aufsatz verknüpft die Vorteile der nanostrukturierten Multilayer mit den Bedürfnissen der homogenen metallischen Makroquerschnitte und geht der Frage nach, inwieweit das Hochleistungsmaterial Nanolaminat die konstruktiven Schwachstellen metallischer Infrastruktur ausgleichen kann. Die folgenden Schwachstellen der metallischen Konstruktion werden adressiert: 1) die Schweißnaht unter Ermüdungsbeanspruchung und Korrosion, 2) additiv gedruckte metallische Querschnitte unter Ermüdungsbeanspruchung und Korrosion. Der Aufsatz gibt Denkanstöße, wie nanostrukturierte Querschnitte möglicherweise die Zukunft im Stahlbau mitbestimmen können. Beispielhaft wird auf die Bemessung und Wartung von ermüdungsbeanspruchten metallischen Infrastrukturbauwerken, wie Brücken und Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen, eingegangen und aufgezeigt, wie Nachhaltigkeit, Ressourcenschonung, Senkung des CO2‐Fußabdrucks, Verfügbarkeit, Versorgungssicherheit und Wirtschaftlichkeit von Stahl‐Infrastrukturbauwerken potenziell erreichbar sind.
Petrogenesis of microgranular enclaves in the A-type granitoid Krasnopol intrusion (Mazury Complex, northeastern Poland): Evidence of magma mixing
Authors: Domańska-Siuda Justyna , Grabarczyk-Gurba Anna , Nejbert Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

The origin of magmatic microgranular enclaves has been investigated in the Mesoproterozoic granitoid Krasnopol intrusion (1.5 Ga), part of the AMCG (anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite) Mazury Complex in the East European Craton (NE Poland). The granitoids are ferroan and metaluminous, and display the typical characteristics of A-type granites, with high contents of Zr, Nb, Ga and rare earth elements (REEs). The enclaves are metaluminous and have a broad compositional range with two groups distinguished: silica-poor (45–50 wt% SiO2) and silica-rich (54 to 59 wt% SiO2), the latter overlapping in composition with the granitoid samples. The silica-poor enclaves are enriched in REEs compared to the silica-rich type, while the silica-rich enclaves exhibit trace-element patterns similar to those of the granitoids. Initial whole rock εNd values range between -3.8 and -4.0 for the granitoids and give a slightly wider range from -2.6 to -3.8 for the enclaves. The 87Sr/86Sr initial values vary from 0.7084 to 0.7138 for the granitoids and between 0.7052 and 0.7075 for the enclaves and indicate that the granitoids and enclaves are not isotopically identical. These may suggest that the two magmatic systems represented by the granitoid host rock and the enclaves, were probably derived from different sources, but with sufficient interaction, which led to a progressive change in the composition of the enclaves towards intermediate composition. We suggest that the mafic melts of the enclaves were generated at the base of the thickened crust through partial melting of the lower crustal source, with a significant contribution from mantle material. The increase in temperature resulted in anatexis of the lower crust and the formation of the granitoid parental magma.
Mutual information-based feature selection for inverse mapping parameter updating of dynamical systems
Authors: Kessels Bas M. , Fey Rob H. B. , van de Wouw Nathan
Published: August 2024

A digital twin should be and remain an accurate model representation of a physical system throughout its operational life. To this end, we aim to update (physically interpretable) parameters of such a model in an online fashion. Hereto, we employ the inverse mapping parameter updating (IMPU) method that uses an artificial neural network (ANN) to map features, extracted from measurement data, to parameter estimates. This is achieved by training the ANN offline on simulated data, i.e., pairs of known parameter value sets and sets of features extracted from corresponding simulations. Since a plethora of features (and feature types) can be extracted from simulated time domain data, feature selection (FS) strategies are investigated. These strategies employ the mutual information between features and parameters to select an informative subset of features. Hereby, accuracy of the parameters estimated by the ANN is increased and, at the same time, ANN training and inference computation times are decreased. Additionally, Bayesian search-based hyperparameter tuning is employed to enhance performance of the ANNs and to optimize the ANN structure for various FS strategies. Finally, the IMPU method is applied to a high-tech industrial use case of a semi-conductor machine, for which measurements are performed in closed-loop on the controlled physical system. This system is modeled as a nonlinear multibody model in the Simscape multibody environment. It is shown that the model updated using the IMPU method simulates the measured system more accurately than a reference model of which the parameter values have been determined manually.
Real-time low-light video enhancement on smartphones
Authors: Zhou Yiming , MacPhee Callen , Gunawan Wesley , Farahani Ali , Jalali Bahram
Published: August 2024

Real-time low-light video enhancement on smartphones remains an open challenge due to hardware constraints such as limited sensor size and processing power. While night mode cameras have been introduced in smartphones to acquire high-quality images in light-constrained environments, their usability is restricted to static scenes as the camera must remain stationary for an extended period to leverage long exposure times or burst imaging techniques. Concurrently, significant process has been made in low-light enhancement on images coming out from the camera’s image signal processor (ISP), particularly through neural networks. These methods do not improve the image capture process itself; instead, they function as post-processing techniques to enhance the perceptual brightness and quality of captured imagery for display to human viewers. However, most neural networks are computationally intensive, making their mobile deployment either impractical or requiring considerable engineering efforts. This paper introduces VLight, a novel single-parameter low-light enhancement algorithm that enables real-time video enhancement on smartphones, along with real-time adaptation to changing lighting conditions and user-friendly fine-tuning. Operating as a custom brightness-booster on digital images, VLight provides real-time and device-agnostic enhancement directly on users’ devices. Notably, it delivers real-time low-light enhancement at up to 67 frames per second (FPS) for 4K videos locally on the smartphone.
Development of ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites for hypersonic applications via reactive melt infiltration and mechanical testing under high temperature
Authors: Baier Luis , Frieß Martin , Hensch Nils , Leisner Vito
Published: August 2024

In the ongoing development of hypersonic technologies, material advancements play a key role in meeting the ever-increasing thermomechanical demands of these applications. Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composites (UHTCMCs) offer a promising solution for components operating under such extreme conditions. Their outstanding thermomechanical properties, including high temperature and thermal shock resistance, excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, position them as ideal candidates for applications in fields like leading edges or inlet ramps for ramjets and scramjets. Due to their remarkable material composition, UHTCMCs are capable of operating in temperature regimes that surpass 1700 °C during their operation times under oxidizing atmospheres. At the German Aerospace Center (DLR), a UHTCMC material based on carbon fibres and a zirconium diboride matrix is being developed utilizing Reactive Melt Infiltration (RMI). With RMI, the orientation of the reinforcement fibres can be tailored, to enable the material to fulfill the demanding load requirements. The reactive melt infiltration process comprises three stages: preform fabrication, pyrolysis, and the actual melt infiltration. The foundation for important material properties of the final ceramic, including the matrix composition, is established in the preform production, which is a crucial step in the process. A boron- and zirconium diboride-based slurry is infiltrated into pitch-based carbon fibre fabric. Subsequently, the preforms are consolidated, pyrolysed, and infiltrated with molten Zr2Cu to obtain the UHTC matrix by in situ reaction with the preform elements. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) enable the examination of the microstructural features, including the arrangement and distribution of zirconium diboride within the matrix. Mechanical evaluation of the UHTCMCs is conducted via 3-point bending tests at both room temperature and at elevated temperature at 900 °C. It has been demonstrated that Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composites can be produced by means of reactive melt infiltration, and that they retain their strength even at elevated temperatures.
The Impact of Computational Labs on Conceptual and Contextual Understanding in a Business Calculus Course
Authors: Spencer-Tyree Brielle , Bowen Bradley D. , Olaguro Modiu
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of computational labs on students’ conceptual understanding of calculus in a one-semester Business Calculus course. The computational labs integrated Jupyter Notebook as the modeling tool. Using the Calculus Concept Inventory, quantitative analysis was performed to measure differences in conceptual knowledge between a control and experimental group based on whether the student engaged in computational labs compared to traditional classwork. Qualitative analysis was conducted to understand student perspectives about the value of participating in computational labs during the course. The qualitative data involved student reflections at the end of each lab experience. Although the quantitative analysis did not produce statistically significant results, the qualitative analysis revealed the students perceived the computational labs as beneficial regarding their understanding of the content and practical applications of the material. Notably, the students reported the labs offered a unique way to solve problems, allowed for connections to real-life mathematical situations, and helped to visualize calculus concepts. This paper describes the research project and offers practical applications of computational labs in Business Calculus courses, as well as suggestions for future research.
Life Cycle Assessment of Cobalt Catalyst Production and Recycling
Authors: Aromaa-Stubb Riina , Rinne Marja , Lundström Mari
Published: August 2024

Catalysts with an active phase of cobalt are crucial for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS), yet the environmental impacts of the catalyst production and the recycling of the spent catalyst remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impacts of both catalyst production as well as the recycling of spent catalyst as cobalt hydroxide, cobalt sulfate, or cobalt carbonate. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to quantify the environmental impacts of the studied processes. The life cycle inventory (LCI) was gathered based on the mass and energy balances of process simulations built on information available in the literature. The results show that compared to primary production of equivalent products, all studied recycling processes for spent catalyst decrease the environmental impacts by more than 50% in all investigated impact categories. For example, the global warming potential (GWP) of cobalt recovery from spent FTS catalyst as cobalt sulfate was 1.7 kg CO2-eq./kg CoSO4whereas the corresponding GWP for primary production was 4 kg CO2-eq./kg CoSO4. The process hotspots of recycling were found to be the production of the chemicals consumed, particularly sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, which together contributed between 64 and 95% of the total environmental impacts. LCAs on FTS have included the consumption of cobalt catalyst in the LCI using various approximations. The impacts calculated for the production of cobalt catalyst in this study were found to be markedly higher. The largest contributors included the production of materials for the precursor and support, as well as NOx emissions and consumption of nitric acid.

Graphical Abstract
Curve progression following selective and nonselective spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: are selective fusions stable?
Authors: Campbell Richard E. , Rudic Theodore , Hafey Alexander , Driskill Elizabeth , Newton Peter O. ,   Harms Research Study Group, Bachmann Keith R.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes between selective and non-selective fusions longitudinally over the first five postoperative years.

Methods

Patient parameters were retrieved from a multicenter, prospective, database. Patients with Lenke 1–6, B and C deformities were included. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: selective fusion (SF), if the last instrumented vertebra (LIV) was at or cranial to the lumbar apex, or non-selective fusion (NSF). Differences in coronal and sagittal radiographic outcomes were assessed with generalized linear models (GLMs) at 1-, 2- and 5- year postoperative outcomes. Five-year postoperative categorical radiographic outcomes, flexibility, scoliosis research society scores (SRS), and reoperation rates were compared between groups. Matched cohorts were created for subgroup analysis.

Results

416 (SF:261, NF:155) patients, including 353 females were included in this study. The mean preoperative thoracic and lumbar Cobb angles were 57.3 ± 8.9 and 45.3 ± 8.0, respectively. GLMs demonstrated greater postoperative coronal deformity in the SF group (p < 0.01); however, the difference between groups did not change overtime (p > 0.05) indicating a relatively stable postoperative deformity correction. The SF group had a greater incidence of lumbar Cobb ≥ 26 degrees (p < 0.01). The NSF group demonstrated worse forward and lateral flexibility at 5-year postoperative outcome (p < 0.05). There was no difference in postoperative SRS scores between the SF and NSF groups. Reoperation rates were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Selective fusion results in greater coronal plane deformity; however, this deformity does not progress significantly over time compared to non-selective fusion. Selective spinal fusion may be a beneficial option for a larger subset of patients than previously identified.

Level of evidence

III.
Turbulent jet theory via Lie symmetry analysis: the free plane jet
Authors: Malik Nadeem A. , Hussain Fazle
Published: August 2024

A theory of incompressible turbulent plane jets (TPJs) is proposed by advancing an improved boundary layer approximation over the limiting classical – retaining more terms in the momentum balance equations. A pressure deficit inside the jet (with respect to the ambient) must exist due to transverse turbulence (Miller & Comings, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 3, 1957, pp. 1–16; Hussain & Clarke, Phys. Fluids, vol. 20, 1977, pp. 1416–1426). Contrary to the universally accepted invariance of the total momentum flux

$J_T(x)$

(non-dimensionalized by its inlet value) as a function of the streamwise distance

$x$

, we prove that

$J_T(x) >1$

– a condition that all TPJs must satisfy; surprisingly, prior theories and most experiments do not satisfy this condition. This motivated us to apply Lie symmetry analysis with translational and dilatational transformations of the modified equations (incorporating

$J_T>1$

), which yields scaling laws for key jet measures: the mean streamwise and transverse velocities

$U(x,y)$

and

$V(x,y)$

, the turbulence intensities, the Reynolds shear stress

$-\rho \,\overline {u'v'}(x,y)$

, the mean pressure

$P(x,y)$

, etc. Experiments satisfying

$J_T(x)>1$

validate our predictions for all jet measures, including, among others, the profiles of

$U$

,

$V$

and

$-\rho \,\overline {u'v'}$

. We further predict

$U \sim x^{-0.24}$

,

$V \sim x^{-0.45}$

,

$-\rho \,\overline {u'v'}\sim x^{-0.69}$

, the mass flux

$Q_m \sim x^{0.55}$

, and

$J_T$

increases to approximately 1.5. Contrary to the classical linear jet spread, we find sublinear spread, with the jet half-width growing like

$b(x)\sim x^{0.79}$

, indicating a narrower jet. Our predictions differ notably from most results reported in the literature. These contradictions demand revisiting jet studies involving carefully designed facilities and boundary conditions, and highly resolved simulations.
Non-canonical start codons confer context-dependent advantages in carbohydrate utilization for commensal E. coli in the murine gut
Authors: Cherrak Yassine , Salazar Miguel Angel , Näpflin Nicolas , Malfertheiner Lukas , Herzog Mathias K.-M. , Schubert Christopher , von Mering Christian , Hardt Wolf-Dietrich
Published: August 2024

Resource competition is a driver of gut microbiota composition. Bacteria can outcompete metabolically similar rivals through the limitation of shared growth-fuelling nutrients. The mechanisms underlying this remain unclear for bacteria with identical sets of metabolic genes. Here we analysed the lactose utilization operon in the murine commensal Escherichia coli 8178. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we showed that translation of the lactose utilization repressor gene lacI from its native non-canonical GTG start codon increases the basal expression of the lactose utilization cluster, enhancing adaptation to lactose consumption. Consequently, a strain carrying the wild type lacI GTG start codon outperformed the lacI ATG start codon mutant in the mouse intestine. This advantage was attenuated upon limiting host lactose intake through diet shift or altering the mutant frequency, emphasizing the context-dependent effect of a single nucleotide change on the bacterial fitness of a common member of the gut microbiota. Coupled with a genomic analysis highlighting the selection of non-ATG start codons in sugar utilization regulator genes across the Enterobacteriaceae family, our data exposed an unsuspected function of non-canonical start codons in metabolic competition.
Advancing the analysis of water pipe failures: a probabilistic framework for identifying significant factors
Authors: Muddassir Muhammad , Zayed Tarek , Taiwo Ridwan , Ben Seghier Mohamed El Amine
Published: August 2024

The failure of water pipes in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) is associated with environmental, economic, and social consequences. It is essential to mitigate these failures by analyzing the historical data of WDNs. The extant literature regarding water pipe failure analysis is limited by the absence of a systematic selection of significant factors influencing water pipe failure and eliminating the bias associated with the frequency distribution of the historical data. Hence, this study presents a new framework to address the existing limitations. The framework consists of two algorithms for categorical and numerical factors influencing pipe failure. The algorithms are employed to check the relevance between the pipe’s failure and frequency distributions in order to select the most significant factors. The framework is applied to Hong Kong WDN, selecting 10 out of 21 as significant factors influencing water pipe failure. The likelihood feature method and Bayes’ theorem are applied to estimate failure probability due to the pipe materials and the factors. The results indicate that galvanized iron and polyethylene pipes are the most susceptible to failure in the WDN. The proposed framework enables decision-makers in the water infrastructure industry to effectively prioritize their networks’ most significant failure factors and allocate resources accordingly.
Conditional guided generative diffusion for particle accelerator beam diagnostics
Authors: Scheinker Alexander
Published: August 2024

Advanced accelerator-based light sources such as free electron lasers (FEL) accelerate highly relativistic electron beams to generate incredibly short (10s of femtoseconds) coherent flashes of light for dynamic imaging, whose brightness exceeds that of traditional synchrotron-based light sources by orders of magnitude. FEL operation requires precise control of the shape and energy of the extremely short electron bunches whose characteristics directly translate into the properties of the produced light. Control of short intense beams is difficult due to beam characteristics drifting with time and complex collective effects such as space charge and coherent synchrotron radiation. Detailed diagnostics of beam properties are therefore essential for precise beam control. Such measurements typically rely on a destructive approach based on a combination of a transverse deflecting resonant cavity followed by a dipole magnet in order to measure a beam’s 2D time vs energy longitudinal phase-space distribution. In this paper, we develop a non-invasive virtual diagnostic of an electron beam’s longitudinal phase space at megapixel resolution (1024 × 1024) based on a generative conditional diffusion model. We demonstrate the model’s generative ability on experimental data from the European X-ray FEL.
Fabrication of a multifunctional ionic covalent organic framework via the Menshutkin reaction and ion-exchange for dual-mode detection of organochlorine pesticides and design of a smartphone sensing platform
Authors: Shen Xiaoqin , Yan Bing
Published: August 2024

A novel ionic COF has been successfully synthesized through a two-step process, which can be used for dual-mode detection of organochlorine pesticides and the construction of a smartphone sensing platform.
High‐strength, electrically insulated industrial meta‐aramid paper reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate microfibre pulp in a sandwich structure
Authors: Chen Meijun , Yao Songjun , Zhu Guobin , Wu Mengyun , Li Zhiying , Xiong Siwei , Yang Shiwen , Wang Hua , Zhu Liangbo , Wang Luoxin
Published: August 2024

The weak interfacial strength and porous structure of the meso‐aramid paper cause mechanical and insulating deficiencies. Enhancing density, regulating pore structure, and improving interfacial interactions of meso‐aramid are crucial for promoting the performance of meso‐aramid papers. A PMIA/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composite paper was prepared using the wet method with meso‐aramid short cut fibres (PMIA) and PET pulp as raw materials. The sandwich‐structured PMIA/PET paper was achieved by covering PET microfiber non‐wovens served as the surface layer while the PMIA/PET composite paper acted as the core layer. During the high‐temperature hot pressing process, the PET pulp transformed into a viscous melt that coated on aramid fibres in between layers, forming a typical ‘reinforced concrete’ interface structure within the core layer of the PMIA/PET composite paper. The PET non‐wovens on top and bottom surfaces were converted into a dense PET film that filled and covered the holes and defects in the PMIA/PET composite paper. This unique structure enabled the sandwich‐structured PMIA/PET composite paper to exhibit excellent tensile strength (80.41 N/cm) and breakdown strength (56.35 kV/mm), surpassing most reported performances of meso‐aramid papers in literature. This work not only provides novel insights for preparing high‐performance meso‐aramid papers, but also shows potential applications for other materials and structures.
Deconvolution of dynamic heterogeneity in protein structure
Authors: Ren Zhong , Yang Xiaojing
Published: August 2024

Heterogeneity is intrinsic to the dynamic process of a chemical reaction. As reactants are converted to products via intermediates, the nature and extent of heterogeneity vary temporally throughout the duration of the reaction and spatially across the molecular ensemble. The goal of many biophysical techniques, including crystallography and spectroscopy, is to establish a reaction trajectory that follows an experimentally provoked dynamic process. It is essential to properly analyze and resolve heterogeneity inevitably embedded in experimental datasets. We have developed a deconvolution technique based on singular value decomposition (SVD), which we have rigorously practiced in diverse research projects. In this review, we recapitulate the motivation and challenges in addressing the heterogeneity problem and lay out the mathematical foundation of our methodology that enables isolation of chemically sensible structural signals. We also present a few case studies to demonstrate the concept and outcome of the SVD-based deconvolution. Finally, we highlight a few recent studies with mechanistic insights made possible by heterogeneity deconvolution.
Role of the coupling of the electronic transitions on the order of the metal-to-insulator phase transition in nickelates
Authors: Varbaro Lucia , Korosec Lukas , Hsu Chih-Ying , Alexander Duncan T. L. , Jaouen Nicolas , Triscone Jean-Marc
Published: August 2024

Rare-earth nickelates (chemical formula RNiO3, R being a rare-earth cation) display a temperature-dependent metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) together with a breathing distortion of the NiO6 octahedra units at a temperature ranging from 0 to 600 K depending on the size of the R cation. Their rich phase diagram is also characterized by a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition that occurs at the same temperature as the MIT for R = Pr, Nd, while it arises at lower temperatures for all the other members of the series. In this work, we have investigated the order of the MIT in a portion of the phase diagram spanning from SmNiO3 to NdNiO3 by means of temperature dependent transport measurements and resonant elastic x-ray scattering performed on high quality epitaxial SmxNd1−xNiO3 solid solution thin films. Our results show that the order of the metal-to-insulator transition does not depend on whether or not the MIT is coupled with the magnetic transition.
Exploring maize proteins: Resistance to storage fungi and postharvest insects
Authors: Cervantes-Macedo Elizabeth , González-Rodríguez Tzitziki , Winkler Robert , García-Lara Silverio
Published: August 2024

Maize is among the most essential crops produced worldwide. It goes through multiple stages of processing before becoming edible or consumed. During storage, maize is exposed to the attack of different biological agents, such as fungi and insects, which often result in significant quantitative and qualitative losses. Several physical, chemical, and biological strategies have been developed to combat this problem, and the study and identification of proteins with activity correlated to maize resistance becomes relevant. However, most of these studies are focused on the preharvest stages of the crop. Our review summarizes the latest knowledge of maize proteins associated with fungal and insect resistance during storage and the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives on postharvest proteomics and the challenges of breeding storage-resistant maize.
Study on mechanical properties and durability of C40 polymer concrete
Authors: Kong Xiangze , Liu Guoxing , Li Gang , Wang Xilong , Wang Huiru , Wang Yanmin
Published: August 2024

The present study investigates the mechanical properties and frost resistance of C40 polymer concrete, and examines the impact of different epoxy resin mixing methods on concrete properties. Experimental findings demonstrate that polymer concrete enhances mechanical physical properties as well as frost resistance. However, variations in incorporation methods reveal that the mechanical and physical properties of C40 concrete-added epoxy resin are better than those of C40 concrete-impregnated epoxy resin, but the frost resistance is poorer.
The influence of Nano-composite metal oxides on the thermal decomposition performance of RDX
Authors: Liu Junhong , Liu Zhitao , Yang Jing , Xu Bin , Chen Feiyun
Published: August 2024

In order to investigate the effect of nano-composite metal oxides on the thermal decomposition performance of hexogen (RDX), this study prepared nano nickel-iron (NFO), nickel-cobalt (NCO), and nickel-iron-cobalt (NFCO) composite oxides by liquid-phase co-precipitation method. The precursor of Prussian blue analogs was synthesized and then calcined in air at 600°C. The addition of nano nickel-iron (NFO), nickel-cobalt (NCO), and nickel-iron-cobalt (NFCO) composite oxides to RDX has a significant impact on its thermal decomposition process. The peak exothermic temperatures were delayed by 8.4°C, 8.5°C, and 8.3°C, respectively, after adding the nano-composite metal oxides, and the heat release also increased to a certain extent. Among them, the addition of NCO nano-composite metal oxides had the greatest impact on the exothermic peak temperature of RDX, while the addition of NFCO nano-composite metal oxides resulted in the largest increase in heat release. This indicates that the addition of NFO, NCO, and NFCO to RDX altered the thermal decomposition reaction process to some extent.
The measurement method of solvent evaporation rate of photoresist liquid film based on monochromatic light interference
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu , Liu Qiuyu , Yan Ying , Zhou Ping
Published: August 2024

The solvent evaporation rate of the photoresist is a crucial parameter in the spin coating process, influencing process conditions and product quality. When the thickness of the film changes rapidly, the difference between the evaporation obtained through static testing and the actual evaporation during the process becomes significant. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an in-situ method to measure evaporation in situ. This study proposed a method for measuring the solvent evaporation rate of photoresist liquid film based on monochromatic light interference. The hardware of the measurement system consists of an image receiver, a lens assembly, and a light source. The software code for calculating the evaporation rate is based on the principle of relative light intensity. Experimental measurements of the evaporation rate during the drying stage of the spin coating process were conducted using this system. The evaporation rate gradually decreases during the drying process of the liquid film, which is consistent with the characteristics of interfacial evaporation. The experiment demonstrates that this method is convenient and feasible for evaporation rate measurement in the spin coating process.
Synthesis and performance study of new polycarboxylate superplasticizer
Authors: Lin Yanmei , Shen Qiang
Published: August 2024

Acrylic acid, oxidant, and reducing agent are essential raw materials for the synthesis of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer. Adjusting their amounts can change the molecular weight and structure of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer. This article studies the effects of the amounts of acrylic acid, oxidant, and reducing agent on the dispersibility of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer. It characterizes the structure of the synthesized polycarboxylate superplasticizers. The results show that when the amounts of acrylic acid, oxidant, and reducing agent account for 9.0%, 1.00%, and 0.15% of the mass of the polyether macromonomer, respectively, the dispersibility of the polycarboxylate superplasticizer is optimal.
Customized machining of internal structure of droplet based on laser injection and templated self-assembly
Authors: Chang Fengjiao , Guo Jinkun
Published: August 2024

The machining of micro- and nanostructures of droplets holds significant scientific and practical importance. A major challenge lies in customizing the internal architecture of droplets. In this work, we introduce a method that employs laser injection and templated self-assembly to precisely engineer the internal structures of droplets. Laser injection breaks the droplet’s inherent confinement, enabling the injection of any desired number of inner cores. The diverse topological defects of cholesteric liquid crystal droplets facilitate the templated self-assembly of these injected cores into ordered substructures, thus achieving the customization of the droplet’s internal structure. This study explores our capabilities in machining soft matter micro- and nanostructures within closed interfaces and promises potential applications in the development of functional materials, pharmaceuticals, and sensors.
Design and experimental study of copper bars for high voltage equipment boxes of rail trains
Authors: Gao Chao , Xia Changkai , Cheng Zhaolu , Guo Jishun , Sun Chenkai
Published: August 2024

This article describes the theoretical design and selection of copper bars, simulation of electric field theory for different structural copper bars, and vibration anti loosening tests for different fasteners, providing theoretical and data support for the forward design of high-voltage copper bars, and providing certain guidance for subsequent projects. The design and selection of copper bars have been verified to meet the requirements through vibration tests and impulse withstand voltage tests.
Research on the application of high-speed EMU driver’s cab console based on new composite materials
Authors: Jiao Mingli , Jin Xin , Lin Xiangli , Xia Changkai , Yu Deguang , Ding Mingpeng , Zou Youwei
Published: August 2024

This paper mainly introduces the design and verification of the driver’s cab console for high-speed EMU based on new composite materials and molding technology. The structure of the driver’s cab console is divided into 5 functional modules, and the main body of the structure is made of carbon fiber. The electrical layout follows the relevant standards such as UIC 651 and UIC 612, and is arranged according to the dimensions of importance, frequency, and accessibility. Through ergonomics simulation analysis, finite element simulation analysis, and prototype trial verification, the design scheme proposed in this paper has been significantly improved in many aspects such as function realization, lightweight, and ergonomics comfort.
Finite element design analysis of composite leaf spring
Authors: Wang Weiheng , Fan Guanghong
Published: August 2024

The composite leaf spring is utilized to replace the traditional leaf spring in a truck model to reduce weight and achieve lightweight goals based on load and installation conditions. The design of a glass fiber-reinforced composite leaf spring is carried out through the design of a ply scheme. Then, Ansys finite element software will be used to perform a detailed static analysis. Finally, the sample trial test of the composite leaf spring is carried out, and the results are further compared with the simulation results to verify the validity of the established finite element model and the accuracy of the calculated results. Finally, a composite leaf spring product with superior performance and over 50% weight reduction was achieved.
Electromagnetic centrifugal casting physical field analysis of Al-7Si-4Cu
Authors: Zhang Jiacheng , Wang Zhongwen , Li Xiaoyu , Ban Chunyan , Qin Ke
Published: August 2024

Centrifugal casting is mostly used to manufacture cylinder liners at present. Electromagnetic fields can realize the function of no pollution and optimize the structure and mechanical properties. On the foundation of centrifugal casting, electromagnetic centrifugal casting adds a magnetic field to generate electromagnetic stirring so that casting defects are controlled. In this article, Al-7Si-4Cu is selected as the simulation object, using Fluent software to set up a model with a rotating speed of 1700 rpm, a magnetic field strength of 0.05 T, a pouring temperature of 750°C, an initial mold temperature of 250°C, and a pouring speed of 0.45 m/s. According to the analysis of the temperature field and flow field, the rule of flowing characteristics of liquid metal and heat transfer effects can be predicted. Furthermore, we evaluate the changes in the approximate area of defects of the outer surface, which has a certain guiding function for the electromagnetic centrifugal casting technology.
Optimization of typical structural components of composite materials based on fatigue life
Authors: Tong Xiaohu , Zhang Dahai
Published: August 2024

Optimizing the fatigue life of reinforced composite panels in hypersonic aircraft is crucial for enhancing performance and reliability. Employing the rainflow counting method and a linear cumulative damage model, we process stress-time history data under random loading. The optimization model, with structural fatigue life as the objective function and parameters as constraints, is tackled using genetic algorithms. This efficient approach, exemplified with needle-punched C/SiC composite reinforced panels, significantly improves fatigue life, offering substantial benefits to hypersonic aircraft.