bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shell-core structured nanofibers mediate staged anti-inflammatory and pro-neurogenic activities to repair peripheral nerve
Authors: Lin Zhichuan , Zhong Rui , Xu Yong , Wu Yan , Ru Chen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The inflammatory reaction significantly impedes the neurogenic process during the restoration of peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Therefore, establishing a non-inflammatory environment is crucial for effective nerve regeneration. This study proposes the use of shell-core structured nanofibers with sequential anti-inflammatory and pro-neurogenic activities to repair PNI. Icariin (ICA), known for its anti-inflammatory effects, was blended with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to form the shell layer’s spinning solution. Concurrently, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was combined with graphene oxide (GO) to create the core layer’s spinning solution. These solutions were then subjected to co-axial electrospinning, resulting in shell-core structured GDNF@GO-ICA@PLGA nanofibers. Additionally, a control group of unordered GDNF/GO/ICA/PLGA nanofibers was prepared using conventional electrospinning. The resulting GDNF@GO-ICA@PLGA nanofibers exhibited distinct fibrous structures with a clear shell-core architecture and demonstrated mechanical properties similar to the control group. Notably, the shell-core structured GDNF@GO-ICA@PLGA nanofibers displayed unique staged release kinetics: over 90% ICA was released priorly within the first 0 to 13 days, followed by GDNF release from days 9 to 31. Furthermore, the GDNF@GO-ICA@PLGA nanofibers showed excellent biocompatibility with Schwann cells. In vitro results highlighted the potent anti-inflammatory capabilities of ICA released from the shell layer, while GDNF released from the core layer effectively induced neurogenic differentiation of Schwann cells. The GDNF@GO-ICA@PLGA nanofibers were then processed into a nerve conduit and applied to a 10 mm rat sciatic PNI model. The staged release of ICA and GDNF facilitated by the GDNF@GO-ICA@PLGA nanofibers created a non-inflammatory environment before initiating nerve regeneration, leading to improved PNI restoration. This study underscores the importance of shell-core structured nanofibers in sequentially mediating anti-inflammation and neurogenesis, offering a novel approach for addressing PNI.
Recent advances in encapsulation strategies for flexible transient electronics
Authors: Han Won Bae , Hwang Suk-Won , Yeo Woon-Hong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Transient electronics, designed to dissolve, disintegrate, or degrade in a controlled manner after fulfilling their functions without remaining biologically and environmentally harmful byproducts, have emerged as a transformative paradigm with promising applications in temporary biomedical devices, eco-friendly electronics, and security applications. The success of this device development relies significantly on an effective encapsulation to protect their degradable active materials from environmental factors, such as biofluids and water, and secure reliable device functions throughout a desired lifespan. This review article provides an overview of recent advances in various encapsulation strategies for developing flexible, transient electronics. Details include materials selection, key characteristics, water-barrier capabilities, degradation mechanisms, and relevant applications, categorized into inorganic materials, synthetic/natural polymers, and hybrid composites. In addition, our insights into existing challenges and key perspectives for enhancing encapsulation performance are shared.
Characteristics and influencing factors of carbon source/sink variations in the Zoige grassland wetland ecological function zone on the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Bin , Chen Chao , Pang Yanmei , Luo Yu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) refers to the portion of net primary productivity (NPP) that is available for carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems after subtracting photosynthetic carbon consumed by heterotrophic respiration. The amount of the NEP reflects the size of carbon sinks/sources in terrestrial ecosystems, holding great significance for the research of climate change and global carbon cycle. In this study, the NEP of the Zoige grassland wetland ecological function zone (ZGW) on the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau from 2001 to 2020 is estimated by using the improved Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach model for NPP and a statistical model for soil heterotrophic respiration, based on the meteorological data, vegetation data and socioeconomic data. Additionally, the spatio-temporal variations of the NEP are analyzed, and the influences of natural factors and anthropogenic activities on the NEP are investigated. The results indicate that the ZGW overall plays a role as a carbon sink, and the carbon sink area accounts for approximately 99.3% of the whole ZGW. The annual average NEP in the study area is 447.9 g·m−2, showing a gradual increase at a rate of 5.0 g·m−2·a−1, although the increasing trend is not significant. The carbon sink capacity increased in 93.5% of the ZGW, remained relatively stable in 5.9% of the ZGW, and decreased and significantly decreased in 0.6% of the ZGW. Climate warming and humidifying promote the enhancement of carbon sink capacity in the ecosystem of the ZGW, and precipitation is the dominant climatic factor influencing NEP variations. Natural factors are the determinants of NEP variations, while anthropogenic activities play a secondary role. The implementation of ecological restoration and management projects in the areas along the Yellow River, around the main roads and the core area of wetlands, as well as the continuation of green and coordinated development policies of orderly developing grassland resources, is conducive to enhancing vegetation carbon sink capacity of the ZGW.
Smartphone-based diagnostics with coherent and infrared imaging for cultural heritage
Authors: Daffara Claudia , Ambrosini Dario 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Nondestructive optical techniques are crucial in heritage science for monitoring the condition of artworks in full field. Various imaging methods based on infrared and interferometry techniques have been proposed, but they often require specialized training and expensive equipment. This paper explores the emerging field of smartphone science and its potential to revolutionize artwork diagnostics, especially for cultural institutions with limited budgets. The smartphone science approach is divided into using the device ‘as is’ or enhancing it with add-on sensors. After a concise overview of smartphone sensing in different fields, the paper demonstrates smartphone-based optical diagnostics on traditional wooden painting models, employing coherent techniques like laser speckle imaging and moiré fringe technique, and infrared techniques like reflectography and thermography. The comparison of obtained results with established instrumentation in the field clearly shows that smartphone-based diagnostics have the potential to greatly contribute to cultural heritage preservation and conservation, transforming the field’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
Collapse analysis of a masonry arch bridge using the applied element method
Authors: Farneti E , Ávila F , Cavalagli N , Ubertini F 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Masonry arch bridges constitute a fundamental part of the European transport network. Given their historical relevance and ongoing functional role, often under significantly higher load conditions than originally designed for, a reliable assessment of their load-bearing capacity is essential to understand whether they can guarantee adequate structural performance. To address this need, research efforts have focused on the development of computational methods capable of providing realistic simulations of the structural and collapse behavior of this kind of structures. In this context, the present paper aims to evaluate the application of the recently developed Applied Element Method (AEM) to masonry arch bridges, using the well-known Prestwood bridge (Staffordshire, UK) as a benchmark case study. The bridge was modeled using AEM and loaded until collapse simulating the actual conditions of the in situ test carried out in 1986. Results show consistency, in terms of bearing capacity and collapse mechanism, with the experimental data and previous studies that used other numerical approaches, proving the ability of the Applied Element Method to provide an accurate estimate of the collapse behavior of this kind of structures. AEM’s ability to represent collapse mechanisms involving large displacements, at a reduced computational cost, is especially useful for the design of alert and monitoring systems for structures in a damaged or pre-collapse state.
Dynamic data reconciliation based on elman neural network and particle filter
Authors: Ye Jiaqi , He Yijia , Chen Chong , Zhang Zhengjiang , Zhao Sheng , Wu Guichu , Guo Fengyi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In the process of modern industries, complex nonlinear dynamic systems present high requirements for measured data. In the actual industrial process system, the measurement data obtained by sensors will inevitably be subject to noise disturbances from the equipment itself or from the outside environment. These noise disturbances will deteriorate the dynamic performance of the system to a certain extent and affect the industrial production. Particle filter (PF) can be used to infer the accurate outputs of nonlinear dynamic system from the contaminated measurement data, but PF is limited to the pre-known state space model. In the actual industrial process, it is difficult to summarize the internal behavior of the system and obtain the pre-known state space model. Therefore, it is impossible to directly use PF in the nonlinear dynamic system with unknown model. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a dynamic data reconciliation method called ENN-PF, which combines Elman neural network (ENN) data-driven modeling with PF. In this method, ENN is used for data-driven modeling, that is, the system model is dynamically identified by using the input and output data of the system, and then the dynamic data reconciliation is carried out by using PF according to the model identified by ENN. Finally, the proposed ENN-PF method is validated by simulations and practical experiments to effectively reduce the interference of measurement noise and improve the dynamic performance of the system.
Application of integrated entropy-COPRAS and ANN approaches for maximizing wire EDM machinability attributes of Al6082-T6/GNP/TiB2 composites
Authors: Ch Maheswara Rao , Prasad K G Durga , Venkata Subbaiah K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) utilizes electrical sparks to cut conductive materials precisely. It employs a thin, electrically charged wire to erode the material, creating complex shapes with high accuracy, tight tolerance, and minimal material waste. The current study investigates the effect of WEDM process parameters on the various output properties of machining a hybrid Aluminium metal matrix nanocomposite (HAMMNC). A series of experiments were conducted on a composite constructed using Taguchi’s standard L18 Orthogonal Array (OA) design. The acquired responses of Material-Removal-Rate (MRR), Surface-Roughness (SR), and Kerf-Width (KfW) were optimized using integrated Entropy-COPRAS and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms respectively. The relative significance (

Q

i

)values obtained for the alternatives are analyzed with the Taguchi method. The outcomes showed that the optimal setting of WEDM process variables is achieved at Servo Voltage: high volts; Pulse-on-time: 60 μs; Pulse-off-time: 16 μs; Peak Current: 6 Amp; Variable frequency: 18 Hz; Speed: 50 RPM; Sim Speed: 30 RPM respectively. The models developed from ANN were adequate and accurate from the results of error histogram and regression plots and they are best suited for the prophecy of future responses. The surface morphology studies confirmed the appearance of pockmarks, voids, and globules of debris on the Wire EDMed surfaces.
Learning-assisted specklegram analysis for recognition of simultaneous weights on multimode optical fiber
Authors: Vangety Nikhil , Roy Sourabh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A deep learning-based recognition of multimode fiber (MMF) specklegrams for various simultaneous weights is presented in this work. Five different random locations have been considered along the length of MMF and the specklegram images are recorded corresponding to seven different combinations of random simultaneous weights applied at these locations. A popular deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) model, VGG-16 is employed on these images for the recognition of these seven weight combinations. The impact of acoustic vibrations, laser power, external temperature, and image sizes on the recognition accuracy is examined. A 100% recognition accuracy is attained and a negligible accuracy variation of ∼1.9% for acoustic vibrations as well as for changing laser power is observed, whereas a drastic fall in accuracy is observed in case of change in image sizes less than 80 × 80 pixels. Also, a negligible variation of ∼2% is observed for the applied external temperature. The heart of our work lies in the accumulation of a diverse, large volume of specklegram dataset by virtue of conducting brute force experiments that take care of eradication of model overfitting. The proposed proof-of-concept scheme might be useful for low-cost, efficacious, self-assisted multi-weight analysis in structural health monitoring.
Popular Song and Ethics: Ethical Perspectives and Personal Qualities
Authors: Giovannelli Alessandro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Jerrold Levinson has elegantly defended a proposal for the ethical evaluation of popular songs, which looks at the ‘personal qualities’ a song exhibits. I claim that the personal-qualities theory of artistic expression importantly contributes to explaining how songs get to have their meanings, yet that it does not very proﬁtably extend to their ethical evaluation. I propose that the notion of a work’s ethical perspective best generates a central way of ethically evaluating popular songs, by properly linking the ethical evaluation of songs to their meanings. Reference to songs’ ethical perspectives proves able to (a) enjoy broad scope; (b) produce charitable ethical assessments; (c) generate ﬁne-grained and comparative attributions of ethical value; and (d) deal, better than the personal-qualities view, with songs that include multiple characters, manifest despicable personae without explicitly condemning them, or exhibit a persona that eschews ethical evaluation. Investigating the theoretical centrality of this type of ethical judgment also provides us with an opportunity to better understand what construing the meaning of songs—and more generally works of art—involves: when relevant, the proper construal of works’ ethical perspectives’ objects, and of the perspectives themselves as often presenting us with outlooks just for our consideration, not approval. I close by suggesting a possible relationship between our song preferences and our sense of self, via David Hume’s notion of pride: the songs we favour help us with self-perception and -assessment, and perhaps with self-construction.
Vittorio Hösle, Intentionalism, and Understanding Understanding
Authors: Moore Tyler S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Vittorio Hösle’s 2018 book, Kritik der Verstehenden Vernunft: Eine Grundlegung der Geisteswissenschaften (“A Critique of Understanding Reason: The Grounding of the Humanities”) provides an ambitious and systematic treatment of human understanding that is important for legal scholars and others. In it, he addresses questions like the nature of mental acts, how they are expressed and grasped, the complex relationship between authorial intention and understanding, what conditions are necessary for understanding to succeed, and more. His account also touches directly on legal interpretation and speaks to a number of contemporary jurisprudential puzzles. Part I of this essay provides a grand tour of Hösle’s theory of understanding, as well as his specific treatment of law. Understanding, as he defines it, is focused on the attempt to indirectly recreate a past mental act though the medium of author’s physical manifestations of meaning (often language). Yet, given his intentionalism, Hösle’s treatment of legal interpretation lands in a surprising place. Though he continues to insist on the importance of the lawmaker’s original mental acts and the difference between questions of meaning and truth, he also recognizes several reasons why it could be undesirable for legal decisions to be strictly bound by the lawmaker. Part II of this essay turns to how Hösle’s theory might inform current debates about legal interpretation by applying it to three recurring puzzles for intentionalist theories: (1) the problem of the inartful author; (2) whether there is anything interpretation (or understanding) “just is”; and (3) the nature of group intentions. As to the first puzzle, Hösle connects “meaning” with the author’s original mental act(s) even if the attempt to communicate this meaning on a specific occasion misfires. Yet Hösle also grants that, from the reader’s or hearer’s perspective, understanding necessarily relies on currently available evidence. Concerning the second puzzle, Hösle suggests the phenomenon of indirectly attempting to recreate the mental acts of another (i.e., “understanding”) just is something that occurs in the process of legal adjudication, whatever you call it. But it does not follow that adjudication should (or can) always be bound by this understanding. For the third puzzle, the manner in which Hösle conceptualizes group intention and “works” suggests that only openly shared aspects of the lawmaking body’s plan count as part of the group’s intention. For this reason, especially in the context of works accomplished by a group, his intentionalism shares at least initial similarities with public meaning originalism.
In Defense of the Common Good
Authors: Barber N W 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Vermeule argues that law should uphold community morality, and critiques originalists and progressivists for losing sight of this. Though his critique is powerful, the book shares those problems Vermeule diagnoses in the work of others. As with the originalists, Vermeule’s theory of interpretation is not yet able to provide guidance. We need to know more about its content and its moral base to evaluate its attractions. Additionally, Vermeule underplays strong similarities between progressivists and his own scholarship. Acknowledging these similarities draws attention to a pair of shared institutional problems. First, the moral cost in taking decisions away from individuals and passing them to state institutions: using law to regulate an issue runs the risk of error, and may produce morally significant side-effects by coercively limiting people’s options. Secondly, morality speaks to the institutional process by which decisions are produced as well as their substance: the way we decide is important.
When is lethal deceptive pollination maintained? A population dynamics approach
Authors: Nakazawa Takefumi , Matsumoto Tetsuya K , Katsuhara Koki R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Not all plant–pollinator interactions are mutualistic, and in fact deceptive pollination systems are widespread in nature. The genus Arisaema has a pollination system known as lethal deceptive pollination, in which plants not only attract pollinating insects without providing any rewards, but also trap them until they die. Many Arisaema species are endangered from various disturbances, including reduction in forest habitat, modification of the forest understorey owing to increasing deer abundance, and plant theft for horticultural cultivation. We aimed to theoretically investigate how lethal deceptive pollination can be maintained from a demographic perspective and how plant and pollinator populations respond to different types of disturbance.

Methods
We developed and analysed a mathematical model to describe the population dynamics of a deceptive plant species and its victim pollinator. Calibrating the model based on empirical data, we assessed the conditions under which plants and pollinators could coexist, while manipulating relevant key parameters.

Key Results
The model exhibited qualitatively distinct behaviours depending on certain parameters. The plant becomes extinct when it has a low capability for vegetative reproduction and slow transition from male to female, and plant–insect co-extinction occurs especially when the plant is highly attractive to male insects. Increasing deer abundance has both positive and negative effects because of removal of other competitive plants and diminishing pollinators, respectively. Theft for horticultural cultivation can readily threaten plants whether male or female plants are frequently collected. The impact of forest habitat reduction may be limited compared with that of other disturbance types.

Conclusions
Our results have emphasized that the demographic vulnerability of lethal deceptive pollination systems would differ qualitatively from that of general mutualistic pollination systems. It is therefore important to consider the demographics of both victim pollinators and deceptive plants to estimate how endangered Arisaema populations respond to various disturbances.
Evidence that the StlA polyketide synthase is required for the transition of growth to development in Polysphondylium violaceum
Authors: Yamasaki Daiki T , Narita Takaaki B 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
The social amoeba Polysphondylium violaceum uses chemoattractants different from those of Dictyoctelium discoideum for cell aggregation. However, the detailed mechanisms in P. violaceum remain unknown. We have previously reported that the polyketide synthase StlA is involved in inducing aggregation in this species. To elucidate the mechanism of StlA-induced aggregation in P. violaceum, we analyzed the phenotype of P. violaceum stlA− (Pv-stlA−) mutants in more detail. Unlike our previous results, the mutant cells did not exhibit proper chemotaxis toward glorin. Defective aggregation was not restored by glorin pulses, 8Br-cAMP, or deletion of the homologue of PufA that is a translational repressor of protein kinase A, whereas mutant cells grown in the presence of 4-methyl-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol (MPBD), the putative Pv-StlA product, aggregated normally without it after starvation. Furthermore, the early developmental marker gene, dscA, was downregulated in the mutant cells. Our data thus suggested that StlA is required for the transition from growth to development in P. violaceum.