Inside Out Research Articles

‘It’s stuff I’ve been thinking about since I was 6 years old.’: an interview with Mark Waid

ABSTRACT In Fall 2023, as part of the ‘Superman’s Cleveland’ celebration of 85 years of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creations, Mark Waid, the writer of Superman: Birthright, The Last Days of Lex Luthor, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, Kingdom Come and more sat down or an interview at the Cleveland Public Library. We discussed his childhood love of superhero continuity, what it means to ‘write from the inside out,’ and why Superman persists as a character. Mark Waid also shared insight into his current work on World’s Finest as well as The Last Days of Lex Luthor, and more. We ended with a lightning round of questions.

From the inside out: Were the cuticular Pseudonocardia bacteria of fungus-farming ants originally domesticated as gut symbionts?

The mutualistic interaction specificity between attine ants and antibiotic-producing Actinobacteria has been controversial because Pseudonocardia strains cannot always be isolated from worker cuticles across attine ant species, while other actinobacteria can apparently replace Pseudonocardia and also inhibit growth of Escovopsis mycopathogens. Here we report that across field samples of Panamanian species: (i) Cuticular Pseudonocardia were largely restricted to species in the crown of the attine phylogeny and their appearance likely coincided with the first attines colonizing Central/North America. (ii) The phylogenetically basal attines almost always had cuticular associations with other Actinobacteria than Pseudonocardia. (iii) The sub-cuticular glands nourishing cuticular bacteria appear to be homologous throughout the phylogeny, consistent with an ancient general attine-Actinobacteria association. (iv) The basal attine species investigated always had Pseudonocardia as gut symbionts while Pseudonocardia presence appeared mutually exclusive between cuticular and gut microbiomes. (v) Gut-associated Pseudonocardia were phylogenetically ancestral while cuticular symbionts formed a derived crown group within the Pseudonocardia phylogeny. We further show that laboratory colonies often secondarily acquire cuticular Actinobacteria that they do not associate with in the field, suggesting that many previous studies were uninformative for questions of co-adaptation in the wild. An exhaustive literature survey showed that published studies concur with our present results, provided that they analyzed field colonies and that Actinobacteria were specifically isolated from worker cuticles shortly after field collection. Our results offer several testable hypotheses for a better overall understanding of attine-Pseudonocardia interaction dynamics and putative coevolution throughout the Americas.

Spatial Distribution of Critical Metals and Chemostratigraphy in Co‐Rich Ferromanganese Nodules in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean

AbstractFerromanganese nodules are important marine storehouses for critical metals and windows for changing oceans. Although advanced in situ analytical techniques have been applied to visualize the elemental distribution in the nodule cross‐sections, their spatial distribution remains largely uncertain. This study addresses this gap by employing micro X‐ray fluorescence mapping of parallel nodule cross‐sections to delineate the spatial distributions of critical metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ti, Ni, and Cu) in three Co‐rich ferromanganese nodules from the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The 10‐layer Os isotopic compositions of one nodule closely align with the well‐documented marine Os isotope evolution of seawater, providing a chronological framework and a maximum age of ∼36 Ma for these nodules. Three concentric chemostratigraphic layers, labeled L1, L2, and L3, were identified from the inside out, based on microscopic structures and the distributions of critical metals. The early growth stage was marked by Mn‐rich, Si‐rich, and high Mn/Fe ratios, suggesting a diagenetic‐driven process attributed to high paleoproductivity conditions because of the low latitude of the study area at that time. The subsequent growth stages are all hydrogenetic in origin to be rich in Fe, Co, and Ti with low Mn/Fe ratios. The apparent detritus present during the second growth stage of the nodules may correspond to the stronger bottom currents in the early Miocene. The final mineralization stage indicates a more stable environment with diminished bottom current activity, leading to the formation of a dense, laminar hydrogenetic layer.

Non-isothermal simulation of wormhole propagation in fractured carbonate rocks based on 3D-EDFM

The current models of fractured carbonate acidizing are limited to 2D simulation or are solely applicable to the acidizing process in porous media with few fractures, neglecting the acid flow between intersecting fractures. In response to these issues, a coupled 3D thermal-hydro-chemical 3D-EDFM method is developed to simulate the acidizing process in fractured carbonate rock. The fractured carbonate acidizing model is coupled by 3D-EDFM, the two-scale continuum model and the heat transfer model in this paper. Numerical simulations of acidizing under different temperatures are performed, and the simulation results are consistent with previous experimental findings, thus verifying the accuracy of the model. Through simulations, we found that as the flow rate increases, the fracture plane transitions from acting as a “dissolution object of acid” to serving as a “transport channel of acid”. The density and inclination angle of the fracture plane significantly affect the wormholes propagation. The presence of fracture planes accelerates the pressure drop during acidizing and complicates the distribution of the acid-rock reaction heat. Unlike in the 2D model, we observe that when cold acid is injected into high-temperature fractured carbonate rock, the acid cools the rock from the inside out. Although higher rock temperatures lead to an increase in , the difference in the optimum injection rate remains minimal. Compared to porous media without fracture planes, the fracture plane increases the optimum injection rate, and appropriately increasing the injection rate can more effectively utilize the transport characteristics of natural fractures.

Failure and complication rates following meniscal all-inside and inside-out repairs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study examines failure rates, complication rates and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for meniscal all-inside (AI) and inside-out (IO) repair techniques. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane (inception to January 2024) assessing for Level I-III studies evaluating outcomes after meniscal repair. The primary outcome regarded differences in failure rates between AI and IO repair techniques. Secondary outcomes included a comparison of complication rates and PROMs. Quality assessment was performed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted for outcomes reported by more than three comparative studies. A total of 24 studies (13 studies and 912 menisci for AI vs. 17 studies and 1,117 menisci for IO) were included. The mean follow-up ranges were 22-192 months (AI) and 18.5-155 months (IO). The overall reported AI failure rate ranged from 5% to 35% compared to 0% to 25% within the IO group. When comparing meniscal repair failure rates in the setting of concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the AI group had a failure rate (AI: 5%-34%; IO: 0%-12.9%). The complication rate ranged from 0% to 40% for AI and 0% to 20.5% for IO. Post-operative PROM scores ranged from 81.2 to 93.8 (AI) versus 89.6 to 94 (IO) for IKDC and 4.0-7.02 (AI) versus 4.0-8.0 (IO) for Tegner. Upon pooling of six comparative studies, a significantly lower failure rate favouring the IO technique was observed (15.9% AI vs. 11.1% IO; p = 0.02), although this result was influenced by a study with a predominantly elite athlete population. Moreover, no significant differences were found regarding complication rates between cohorts (7.3% AI vs. 4.8% IO; p = 0.86). The present study underscores comparable clinical success between AI and IO meniscal repair techniques, with both techniques demonstrating similar complication rates. However, the AI repair technique was associated with 1.77 times higher odds of failure compared to the IO cohort. Level III.

Valence-Transforming O2-Depleting Nano-Assembly Enable In Situ Tumor Depositional Embolization.

Abnormal metabolism and blood supply/O2 imbalance in tumor cells affect drug transport delivery and increase the difficulty of tumor treatment. Controlling tumor growth by inhibiting tumor cell metabolism and regulating progressive embolization in the tumor region provides an innovative basis for constructing tumor therapeutic models. A highly biocompatible and efficient O2-depleting agent has been investigated to enable in situ precipitation and embolization within the tumor microenvironment. In situ deformation embolizer, Fe-GA@CaCO3 nano-assembly (GA: gallic acid), can convert into the large granular size embolization components of Fe(III) precipitates and affluent Ca2+ within the tumor microenvironment. In situ progressive O2 depletion produces Fe(III) precipitates that embolize tumor regions, isolating O2 and nutrients by blocking supply. Meanwhile, affluent Ca2+ acts on the intracellular, causing mitochondrial dysfunction through calcium overload and contributing to irreversible tumor cell damage. Both internal and external routes work synergistically to produce precise functional inhibition of tumors from the inside out, simultaneously responding to both intracellular and the corresponding tumor regions, providing an innovative solution for anti-tumor therapy.

Inside out: Exploring edible biocatalytic biosensors for health monitoring

Edible biosensors can measure a wide range of physiological and biochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, gases, gastrointestinal biomarkers, enzymes, hormones, glucose, and drug levels, providing real-time data. Edible biocatalytic biosensors represent a new frontier within healthcare technology available for remote medical diagnosis. The main challenges to develop edible biosensors are: i) finding edible materials (i.e. redox mediators, conductive materials, binders and biorecognition elements such as enzymes) complying with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Medicines Agency (EMEA) regulations; ii) developing bioelectronics able to operate in extreme working conditions such as low pH (∼pH 1.5 gastric fluids etc.), body temperature (between 37 °C and 40 °C) and highly viscous bodily fluids that may cause surface biofouling issues. Nowadays, advanced printing techniques can revolutionize the design and manufacturing of edible biocatalytic biosensors.This review outlines recent research on biomaterials suitable for creating edible biocatalytic biosensors, focusing on their electrochemical properties such as electrical conductivity and redox potential. It also examines biomaterials as substrates for printing and discusses various printing methods, highlighting challenges and perspectives for edible biocatalytic biosensors.

Inside out: the neural basis of spontaneous and creative thinking.

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Default mode network electrophysiological dynamics and causal role in creative thinking’ by Bartoli et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae199).

Corrosion of AISI1018 and AISI304 steel exposed to sulfates

This research analyses the behavior of corrosion, durability, and quality of reinforced concrete samples coated with two different materials when exposed to contaminated soil with sulfates. The initial assessment involved evaluating the water absorption rate of the coating materials before and after exposure to a solution containing 3% Na2SO4 + 3% MgSO4 + 3% K2SO4 + 3% CaSO4 to determine their durability. The corrosion potential and linear polarization resistance technique were employed to measure the corrosion rate. Carbon steel and AISI 304 steel bars were tested alongside a stainless counter electrode. The findings indicate that the solvent-based coating exhibited superior performance, demonstrating reduced corrosion and water absorption rates. Additionally, the presence of sulfates led to the formation of a surface layer on the concrete, initially aiding in limiting water penetration. However, over time, this layer eventually causes damage to the concrete from the inside out.

Rewarding Frugality

Abstract This article considers frugality as an important political praxis in South Korea's Park Chung Hee period (1961–79), examining “frugality awards” that encouraged bureaucrats and citizens to practice “ascetic nationalism” in daily life contexts. The authoritarian state attempted to institutionalize frugality, as spending less and saving more became a visual indicator of one's dedication, sacrifice, and alignment with the state's collective vision of fast-paced economic growth. Seemingly mundane activities such as switching off lights and making fewer phone calls became a cultural prescription of the state, with award recommendations evaluating how a civil servant, his family, and their neighbors performed these activities. To become frugal, people strove to control their immediate environment, manage resources, and perform thrift. Administering frugality became a “fingertip” project of the authoritarian state. The state's collective claims on frugality existed in ambivalent relation to capitalist forces, however, as one of the incentives to perform frugality became collecting the reward money, compromising its goals from the inside out.

Radio Frequency Vacuum Drying Study on the Drying Characteristics and Quality of Cistanche Slices and Analysis of Heating Uniformity.

To fully leverage the advantages of both hot air drying and radio frequency vacuum drying, a segmented combination drying technique was applied to post-harvest Cistanche. This new drying method involves using hot air drying in the initial stage to remove the majority of free water, followed by radio frequency vacuum drying in the later stage to remove the remaining small amount of free water and bound water. During the radio frequency vacuum drying (RFV) phase, the effects of temperature (45, 55, and 65 °C), vacuum pressure (0.020, 0.030, and 0.040 MPa), plate spacing (65, 75, and 85 mm), and slice thickness (4, 5, and 6 mm) on the drying characteristics, quality, and microstructure of Cistanche slices were investigated. Additionally, infrared thermal imaging technology was used to examine the surface temperature distribution of the material during the drying process. The results showed that compared to radio frequency vacuum drying alone, the hot air-radio frequency combined drying significantly shortened the drying time. Under conditions of lower vacuum pressure (0.020 MPa), plate spacing (65 mm), and higher temperature (65 °C), the drying time was reduced and the drying rate increased. Infrared thermal imaging revealed that in the early stages of hot air-radio frequency vacuum combined drying, the center temperature of Cistanche was higher than the edge temperature. As drying progressed, the internal moisture of the material diffused from the inside out, resulting in higher edge temperatures compared to the center and the formation of overheating zones. Compared to natural air drying, the hot air-radio frequency vacuum combined drying effectively preserved the content of active components such as polysaccharides (275.56 mg/g), total phenols (38.62 mg/g), total flavonoids (70.35 mg/g), phenylethanoid glycosides, and iridoids. Scanning electron microscopy observed that this combined drying method reduced surface collapse and cracking of the material. This study provides theoretical references for future drying processes of Cistanche.

Physical and mechanical response of large-diameter shield tunnel lining structure under non-uniform fire: A full-scale fire test-based study

When a fire occurs in an underground shield tunnel, it can result in substantial property damage and cause permanent harm to the tunnel lining structure. This is especially true for large-diameter shield tunnels that have numerous segments and joints, and are exposed to specific fire conditions in certain areas. This paper constructs a full-scale shield tunnel fire test platform and conducts a non-uniform fire test using the lining system of a three-ring large-diameter shield tunnel with an inner diameter of 10.5 m. Based on the tests, the temperature field distribution, high-temperature bursting, cracking phenomena, and deformation under fire conditions are observed. Furthermore, the post-fire damage forms of tunnel lining structures are obtained through the post-fire ultimate loading test, and the corresponding mechanism is explained. The test results illustrate that the radial and circumferential distribution of internal temperature within the tunnel lining, as well as the radial temperature gradient distribution on the inner surface of the lining, have non-uniform distribution characteristics. As a result, the macroscopic phenomena of lining concrete bursting and crack development during the fire test mainly occur near the fire source, where the temperature rise gradient is the highest. In addition, the lining structure has a deformation characteristic of local outward expansion and cannot recover after the fire load is removed. The ultimate form of damage after the fire is dominated by crush damage from the inside out of the lining joints in the fire-exposed area. The above results serve as a foundation for future tunnel fire safety design and evaluation.

Preparation of molten salt promoted MgO for efficient CO2 capture by microwave method: Performance evaluation and mechanism exploration

MgO’s great potential for capturing CO2 has drawn a lot of attention, but the limited O2– sites prevents its further development. This work proposed a microwave-induced method (microwave hydrothermal and microwave sintering) to produce high-performance MgO CO2 adsorbent and was further modified using carbonates (K2CO3) and nitrates of alkali metals (NaNO3, KNO3). The outcomes demonstrated that the small particle size MgO nanocrystals (6.20 nm) with a CO2 uptake of 1.8 mmol·g−1 could be produced by a unique method of microwave heating from the inside out. Among the modified samples, addition of 20 mol% NaNO3 on the surface of MgO exhibited the highest CO2 uptake (11.91 mmol·g−1), and the uptake was still 7.9 mmol·g−1 after 10 cycles. The addition of molten salt changed the adsorbent’s active sites, resulting in an increase in O2– alkaline sites and the activation of MgO lattice defects, both of which improved the sample’s CO2 adsorption performance. This work could offer a new idea for creating affordable and effective CO2 solid adsorbents to capture CO2.

A Fully Integrated Conformal Wearable Ultrasound Patch for Continuous Sonodynamic Therapy.

Cancer treatment is a continuous process, that the current therapy cannot meet the requirement well, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Wearable ultrasound device has the potential for continuous sonodynamic therapy due to its portability. However, the miniaturization of ultrasonic probe, system integration of device, and the strategy of continuous treatment are still urgent issues to be addressed. Herein, a portable wearable antitumor system is introduced, which utilizes a custom-developed multiplexed ultrasonic patch array (CWUS Patch) to accurately focus ultrasound on the lesion site and controllably stimulate sonosensitizer to produce a large amount of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). The system enables dynamic control of the ultrasound patches and allows real-time adjustments to optimize their performance in various applications, providing greater flexibility and precision in healthcare technology. Furthermore, the excellent penetration property of ultrasound into tumor tissues that induce synchronous apoptosis of tumor cells from the inside out is verified through a mouse model of breast cancer. This fully integrated conformal wearable ultrasound system provides a promising approach to noninvasively, continuously, and efficiently treat deep tumors.

It’s getting personal: exploring our inner world in the regenerative paradigm shift

Regenerative tourism argues that addressing the current ecological crisis requires inner transformation, referring to changes in people’s mindsets, values, beliefs, and worldviews. Combined, they influence the systems we create and, as such, represent deep levers for systems change. Yet, an in-depth analysis of the inner dimension in the context of regeneration is missing. It is unclear which qualities foster inner development towards regenerative change. Using the concept of leverage points and through a scoping review and thematic analysis of 309 articles on regenerative approaches, regenerative tourism, and the inner dimension of sustainability, this study proposes the Inner Regenerative Development Framework, a whole-person approach constituting aspects of our inner world that enhance our ability to work regeneratively; conceptualised here as Inner Regenerative Development. The framework brings together cognitive, affective, grounded, and holistic aspects of ourselves, encompassing 12 inner leverage points and 85 inner qualities serving as the basis for interventions, a few of which are proposed as starting points for inner-outer transformation. Collectively, these elements highlight the inner domains, capacities, and practices that can be cultivated to support regenerative tourism from the inside out.

Study on the mechanical behavior of microcapsules during the mixing process of asphalt mixture

To enhance the survival rate of microcapsules during the mixing process of asphalt mixture, the mechanical behavior of microcapsules during this process was investigated through simulation. Initially, the asphalt mixture containing microcapsules was divided into mesoscopic and microscopic scales. Utilizing composite material models, the stepwise inclusion method and high-temperature tensile tests, the equivalent mechanical parameters for the microcapsules, asphalt mastic and asphalt mortar at mixing temperature were estimated. Following this, the mixing process of the asphalt mixture incorporating microcapsules was simulated employing the discrete element method (DEM) coupled with multi-body dynamics (MBD). This simulation was instrumental in identifying optimal mixing parameters and enabled the analysis of force chain transmission across the multi-scale model. Furthermore, the finite element method (FEM) was employed to develop a monomer model of the microcapsules, facilitating the assessment of their mechanical behavior under optimal mixing conditions. Finally, a detailed sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the influence of various parameters on the mechanical behavior of microcapsules. The results indicated that, at the mixing temperature, the equivalent Young’s modulus and Poisson's ratio for urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin microcapsules, asphalt mastic, and asphalt mortar were determined to be 0.22 GPa and 0.478, 19.87 GPa and 0.4986, and 88.77 GPa and 0.468, respectively. The optimal mixing parameters for AC-16 asphalt mixture including mixing speed, filling rate and mixing duration were identified as 49 rpm, 50 % and 53 s, under which the most adverse load on the microcapsule is 80 mN. Under the most adverse load, microcapsules might rupture from the inside out, and their survival rate was not less than 68.9 %. Increasing the particle size of microcapsules and reducing the relative radius of the microcapsule core could potentially enhance the crack resistance of microcapsules during mixing.

Inside out: Enhancing mental health for minorities

Inside out: Enhancing mental health for minorities

Sliding connectors for cyclic construction of steel-UHPC composite truss arch bridges: design method and feasibility study

To break through the three major technical bottlenecks of traditional long-span arch bridges, which are excessive self-weight, high cost and difficult construction, a new steel-ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) composite truss arch bridge scheme and a matching cyclic construction method were proposed. The main arch can be divided into several times for closure from the inside out. Special transverse connection devices need to be installed between the arch ribs constructed with successive closures by step. The devices can not only ensure the stability of the arch ribs constructed subsequently, but also do not cause serious stress superposition on the already closed arch ribs. Therefore, sliding connectors for the cyclic construction of new arch bridges and the corresponding simplified modeling method were proposed in this paper. Subsequently, the working mechanism was analyzed, and the design method was proposed. Finally, the feasibility of sliding connectors and the correctness of the corresponding design method were verified by the experiment. The results indicate that it is necessary to install a transverse sleeve structure in the sliding connector, which plays a key role in transverse adjustment. The design of key dimensions in sliding connectors is controlled by the maximum vertical and longitudinal displacements of the inner arch. The outer arch could slide freely under the premise of ensuring stability, and the mechanical superposition response of the inner arch was relatively small. For the inner arch, the vertical displacement at the crown only increased by 10.94 %, and the maximum compressive stress in the UHPC arch ribs only increased by 16.3 %. The sliding connector also has the potential for further optimization to achieve smaller stress superposition.

Processing and performance of ultra high temperature ceramic matrix composite (UHTCMCs) using radio frequency assisted chemical vapour infiltration (RF-CVI)

Ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) have been produced using a radio frequency assisted chemical vapour infiltration (RF-CVI) process. The composites were based on 2.5D carbon fibre preforms with a 0 / 90° (out of plane) fibre orientation and containing 23 % fibre volume fraction. These were initially impregnated with zirconium diboride (ZrB2) powder in the form of a slurry and then, after solvent removal, the majority of the porosity filled with pyrolytic carbon (PyC) using the RF-CVI process at 1273 K and 0.5 kPa chamber pressure. The latter resulted in a uniform rough laminar texture with good interfacial bonding. As intended, an inverse temperature profile was achieved using the RF heating, enabling uniform densification of the preform from the inside out, with no entrapped porosity and achieving 90 % of theoretical density in only 24 h, at least a tenfold reduction in processing time compared to the conventional CVI process and a fivefold reduction compared to other modified CVI processes such as forced flow or pressure gradient CVI. The resulting UHTCMCs displayed good mechanical strength and thermo-ablative behaviour.

“A Critic Who Makes No Claim”: Disrupting Lewis’s (In)Expert Rhetorical Flourishes

This article shows us how C. S. Lewis offers an alternative way of framing expertise as he speaks and writes about his period(s) and text(s). This essay establishes that Lewis’s humility is, to some degree, a deliberately cultivated and rhetorically shrewd one. The self-characterization of childlike inexperience and humility is a traditional medieval rhetorical move of which Lewis is a master. Moreover, the irony of this humility has washed over commentators who believe Lewis’s claim to be no true Shakespearean scholar and who have all too readily sought to rescue Lewis from his reticence. This paper sets the record straight by resituating Lewis as an academic exploring medieval and renaissance texts from the inside out. It takes Lewis’s reticent remark at the beginning of his Shakespeare Lecture to the British Academy (1942) as a case in point.