bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ways of Seeing, Ways of Being and Ways of Knowing in the Inner-City: Exploring Sense of Place through Visual Tours
Authors: Peyrefitte Magali
Published: December 2012

This paper presents an innovative insight into the complexities of the ways in which sense of place can be expressed and experienced. It particularly focuses on the phenomenological rapport participants have to the physicality of place and how it impacts on their ways of being, ways of seeing and on the construction of a sense of place (ways of knowing). In doing so it makes a case for conducting visual tours. Here I present the methodological framework that structured this approach and I give examples of how it can work. The narrative of this paper is constructed around three accounts of three different visual tours that were conducted in inner-city Nottingham. I argue that visual tours result in the combination of four types of intersecting narratives that give extra dimensions to the process of exploring ways of seeing and ways of being in the city: 1. the narrative of walking, 2. the visual narrative, 3. the narrative of the conversation in-situ 4. and finally the narrative of the written account by the researcher.

All of these narratives are constitutive and constructive of a sense of place. In the case of my research on British Asian suburbanisation in Nottingham, these intersecting narratives brought to light a series of points on ways of seeing and ways of being and overall on ways of knowing the city. It highlighted a sense of place constructed around paradoxes, dichotomies and overall contrasted visions of the inner city where participants used to live and the suburbs of desirable housing where they now live. These kinds of observations are essential in understanding the way mobility and movements operate in the ‘multicultural city’.
Uncertainties in SOA simulations due to meteorological uncertainties in Mexico City during MILAGRO-2006 field campaign
Authors: Bei N. , Li G. , Molina L. T.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the uncertainties in simulating secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in Mexico City metropolitan area (MCMA) due to meteorological initial uncertainties using the WRF-CHEM model through ensemble simulations. The simulated periods (24 and 29 March 2006) represent two typical meteorological episodes ("Convection-South" and "Convection-North", respectively) in the Mexico City basin during the MILAGRO-2006 field campaign. The organic aerosols are simulated using a non-traditional SOA model including the volatility basis-set modeling method and the contributions from glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Model results demonstrate that uncertainties in meteorological initial conditions have significant impacts on SOA simulations, including the peak time concentrations, the horizontal distributions, and the temporal variations. The ensemble spread of the simulated peak SOA at T0 can reach up to 4.0 μg m−3 during the daytime, which is around 35% of the ensemble mean. Both the basin wide wind speed and the convergence area affect the magnitude and the location of the simulated SOA concentrations inside the Mexico City basin. The wind speed, especially during the previous midnight and the following early morning, influences the magnitude of the peak SOA concentration through ventilation. The surface horizontal convergence zone generally determines the area with high SOA concentrations. The magnitude of the ensemble spreads may vary with different meteorological episodes but the ratio of the ensemble spread to mean does not change significantly.
Vertical transport of pollutants by shallow cumuli from large eddy simulations
Authors: Chen G. , Xue H. , Feingold G. , Zhou X.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This study investigates the vertical transport of a passive tracer in a shallow cumulus boundary layer using large eddy simulations. The tracer source is at the surface in one case, and in the inversion layer in the other case. Results show that shallow cumulus clouds can significantly enhance vertical transport of the tracer in both cases. In the case with surface-borne pollutants, cloudy regions are responsible for the upward transport, due to the intense updrafts in cumulus clouds. In the case where pollutants are aloft, cloud-free regions are responsible for the downward transport, but the downward transport mainly occurs in thin regions around cloud edges. This is consistent with previous aircraft measurements of downdrafts around cumulus clouds and indicates that the downward transport is also cloud-induced. Cumulus convection is therefore able to both vent pollutants upward from the surface and fumigate pollutants in the inversion layer downward into the lower boundary layer.
Heterogeneous ice nucleation on phase-separated organic-sulfate particles: effect of liquid vs. glassy coatings
Authors: Schill G. P. , Tolbert M. A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric ice nucleation on aerosol particles relevant to cirrus clouds remains one of the least understood processes in the atmosphere. Upper tropospheric aerosols as well as sub-visible cirrus residues are known to be enhanced in both sulfates and organics. The hygroscopic phase transitions of organic-sulfate particles can have an impact on both the cirrus cloud formation mechanism and resulting cloud microphysical properties. In addition to deliquescence and efflorescence, organic-sulfate particles are known to undergo another phase transition known as liquid-liquid phase separation. The ice nucleation properties of particles that have undergone liquid-liquid phase separation are unknown. Here, Raman microscopy coupled with an environmental cell was used to study the low temperature deliquescence, efflorescence, and liquid-liquid phase separation behavior of 2:1 mixtures of organic polyols (1,2,6-hexanetriol, and 1:1 1,2,6-hexanetriol +2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cycohexanol) and ammonium sulfate from 240–265 K. Further, the ice nucleation efficiency of these organic-sulfate systems after liquid-liquid phase separation and efflorescence was investigated from 210–235 K. Raman mapping and volume-geometry analysis indicates that these particles contain solid ammonium sulfate cores fully engulfed in organic shells. For the ice nucleation experiments, we find that if the organic coatings are liquid, water vapor diffuses through the shell and ice nucleates on the ammonium sulfate core. In this case, the coatings minimally affect the ice nucleation efficiency of ammonium sulfate. In contrast, if the coatings become semi-solid or glassy, ice instead nucleates on the organic shell. Consistent with recent findings that glasses can be efficient ice nuclei, the phase separated particles are nearly as efficient at ice nucleation as pure crystalline ammonium sulfate.
Estimating regional methane surface fluxes: the relative importance of surface and GOSAT mole fraction measurements
Authors: Fraser A. , Palmer P. I. , Feng L. , Boesch H. , Cogan A. , Parker R. , Dlugokencky E. J. , Fraser P. J. , Krummel P. B. , Langenfelds R. L. , O'Doherty S. , Prinn R. G. , Steele L. P. , van der Schoot M. , Weiss R. F.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. We use an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), together with the GEOS-Chem chemistry transport model, to estimate regional monthly methane (CH4) fluxes for the period June 2009–December 2010 using proxy dry-air column-averaged mole fractions of methane (XCH4) from GOSAT (Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite) and/or NOAA ESRL (Earth System Research Laboratory) and CSIRO GASLAB (Global Atmospheric Sampling Laboratory) CH4 surface mole fraction measurements. Global posterior estimates using GOSAT and/or surface measurements are between 510–516 Tg yr−1, which is less than, though within the uncertainty of, the prior global flux of 529 ± 25 Tg yr−1. We find larger differences between regional prior and posterior fluxes, with the largest changes (75 Tg yr−1) occurring in Temperate Eurasia. In non-boreal regions the error reductions for inversions using the GOSAT data are at least three times larger (up to 45%) than if only surface data are assimilated, a reflection of the greater spatial coverage of GOSAT, with the two exceptions of latitudes > 60° associated with a data filter and over Europe where the surface network adequately describes fluxes on our model spatial and temporal grid. We use CarbonTracker and GEOS-Chem XCO2 model output to investigate model error on quantifying proxy GOSAT XCH4 (involving model XCO2) and inferring methane flux estimates from surface mole fraction data and show similar resulting fluxes, with differences reflecting initial differences in the proxy value. Using a series of observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) we characterize the posterior flux error introduced by non-uniform atmospheric sampling by GOSAT. We show that clear-sky measurements can theoretically reproduce fluxes within 5% of true values, with the exception of South Africa and Tropical South America where, due to a large seasonal cycle in the number of measurements because of clouds and aerosols, fluxes are within 17% and 19% of true fluxes, respectively. We evaluate our posterior methane fluxes by incorporating them into GEOS-Chem and sampling the model at the location and time of independent surface CH4 measurements from the AGAGE (Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment) network and column XCH4 measurements from TCCON (Total Carbon Column Observing Network). The posterior fluxes modestly improve the model agreement with AGAGE and TCCON data relative to prior fluxes, with the correlation coefficients (r2) increasing by a mean of 0.04 (range: −0.17, 0.23) and the biases decreasing by a mean of 0.4 ppb (range: −8.9, 8.4 ppb).
Modelling climate change effects on a Dutch coastal groundwater system using airborne electromagnetic measurements
Authors: Faneca Sànchez M. , Gunnink J. L. , van Baaren E. S. , Oude Essink G. H. P. , Siemon B. , Auken E. , Elderhorst W. , de Louw P. G. B.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The forecast of climate change effects on the groundwater system in coastal areas is of key importance for policy makers. The Dutch water system has been deeply studied because of its complex system of low-lying areas, dunes, land won to the sea and dikes, but nowadays large efforts are still being done to find out the best techniques to describe complex fresh-brackish-saline groundwater dynamic systems. In this paper, we describe a methodology consisting of high-resolution airborne electromagnetic (EM) measurements used in a 3-D variable-density transient groundwater model for a coastal area in the Netherlands. We used the airborne EM measurements in combination with borehole-logging data, electrical conductivity cone penetration tests and groundwater samples to create a 3-D fresh-brackish-saline groundwater distribution of the study area. The EM measurements proved to be an improvement compared to older techniques and provided quality input for the model. With the help of the built 3-D variable-density groundwater model, we removed the remaining inaccuracies of the 3-D chloride field and predicted the effects of three climate scenarios on the groundwater and surface water system. Results showed significant changes in the groundwater system, and gave direction for future water policy. Future research should provide more insight in the improvement of data collection for fresh-brackish-saline groundwater systems as it is of high importance to further improve the quality of the model.
Future changes in extreme precipitation in the Rhine basin based on global and regional climate model simulations
Authors: van Pelt S. C. , Beersma J. J. , Buishand T. A. , van den Hurk B. J. J. M. , Kabat P.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Probability estimates of the future change of extreme precipitation events are usually based on a limited number of available global climate model (GCM) or regional climate model (RCM) simulations. Since floods are related to heavy precipitation events, this restricts the assessment of flood risks. In this study a relatively simple method has been developed to get a better description of the range of changes in extreme precipitation events. Five bias-corrected RCM simulations of the 1961–2100 climate for a single greenhouse gas emission scenario (A1B SRES) were available for the Rhine basin. To increase the size of this five-member RCM ensemble, 13 additional GCM simulations were analysed. The climate responses of the GCMs are used to modify an observed (1961–1995) precipitation time series with an advanced delta change approach. Changes in the temporal means and variability are taken into account. It is found that the range of future change of extreme precipitation across the five-member RCM ensemble is similar to results from the 13-member GCM ensemble. For the RCM ensemble, the time series modification procedure also results in a similar climate response compared to the signal deduced from the direct model simulations. The changes from the individual RCM simulations, however, systematically differ from those of the driving GCMs, especially for long return periods.
Multi-objective optimization for combined quality–quantity urban runoff control
Authors: Oraei Zare S. , Saghafian B. , Shamsai A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Urban development affects the quantity and quality of urban surface runoff. In recent years, the best management practices (BMPs) concept has been widely promoted for control of both quality and quantity of urban floods. However, means to optimize the BMPs in a conjunctive quantity/quality framework are still under research. In this paper, three objective functions were considered: (1) minimization of the total flood damages, cost of BMP implementation and cost of land-use development; (2) reducing the amount of TSS (total suspended solid) and BOD5 (biological oxygen demand), representing the pollution characteristics, to below the threshold level; and (3) minimizing the total runoff volume. The biological oxygen demand and total suspended solid values were employed as two measures of urban runoff quality. The total surface runoff volume produced by sub-basins was representative of the runoff quantity. The construction and maintenance costs of the BMPs were also estimated based on the local price standards. Urban runoff quantity and quality in the case study watershed were simulated with the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II) optimization technique was applied to derive the optimal trade off curve between various objectives. In the proposed structure for the NSGA-II algorithm, a continuous structure and intermediate crossover were used because they perform better as far as the optimization efficiency is concerned. Finally, urban runoff management scenarios were presented based on the optimal trade-off curve using the k-means method. Subsequently, a specific runoff control scenario was proposed to the urban managers.
Kalman filters for assimilating near-surface observations in the Richards equation – Part 2: A dual filter approach for simultaneous retrieval of states and parameters
Authors: Medina H. , Romano N. , Chirico G. B.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. We present a dual Kalman Filter (KF) approach for retrieving states and parameters controlling soil water dynamics in a homogenous soil column by using near-surface state observations. The dual Kalman filter couples a standard KF algorithm for retrieving the states and an unscented KF algorithm for retrieving the parameters. We examine the performance of the dual Kalman Filter applied to two alternative state-space formulations of the Richards equation, respectively differentiated by the type of variable employed for representing the states: either the soil water content (θ) or the soil matric pressure head (h). We use a synthetic time-series series of true states and noise corrupted observations and a synthetic time-series of meteorological forcing. The performance analyses account for the effect of the input parameters, the observation depth and the assimilation frequency as well as the relationship between the retrieved states and the assimilated variables. We show that the identifiability of the parameters is strongly conditioned by several factors, such as the initial guess of the unknown parameters, the wet or dry range of the retrieved states, the boundary conditions, as well as the form (h-based or θ-based) of the state-space formulation. State identifiability is instead efficient even with a relatively coarse time-resolution of the assimilated observation. The accuracy of the retrieved states exhibits limited sensitivity to the observation depth and the assimilation frequency.
Kalman filters for assimilating near-surface observations in the Richards equation – Part 3: Retrieving states and parameters from laboratory evaporation experiments
Authors: Medina H. , Romano N. , Chirico G. B.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the performance of a dual Kalman Filter procedure in retrieving states and parameters of a 1-D soil water budget model based on the Richards equation, by assimilating near surface soil water content values during evaporation experiments carried out under laboratory conditions. The experimental data set consists of simultaneously measured evaporation rates, soil water content and matric potential profiles. The parameters identified by assimilating measured data at 1 and 2 cm soil depths are in very good agreement with those obtained by exploiting the entire measured profiles. A reasonably good correspondence has been found between the parameters obtained from the proposed assimilation technique and those identified by applying a non sequential parameter estimation method. The dual Kalman Filter also performs very well in retrieving the water state in the porous system. Bias and accuracy of the predicted state profiles are affected by observation depth changes, particularly for the experiments involving low state vertical gradients. The assimilation procedure proved flexible and very stable in both experimental cases, independently from the chosen initial conditions and the involved uncertainty.
Remote sensing of sea ice: advances during the DAMOCLES project
Authors: Heygster G. , Alexandrov V. , Dybkjær G. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Girard-Ardhuin F. , Katsev I. L. , Kokhanovsky A. , Lavergne T. , Malinka A. V. , Melsheimer C. , Toudal Pedersen L. , Prikhach A. S. , Saldo R. , Tonboe R. , Wiebe H. , Zege E. P.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. In the Arctic, global warming is particularly pronounced so that we need to monitor its development continuously. On the other hand, the vast and hostile conditions make in situ observation difficult, so that available satellite observations should be exploited in the best possible way to extract geophysical information. Here, we give a résumé of the sea ice remote sensing efforts of the European Union's (EU) project DAMOCLES (Developing Arctic Modeling and Observing Capabilities for Long-term Environmental Studies). In order to better understand the seasonal variation of the microwave emission of sea ice observed from space, the monthly variations of the microwave emissivity of first-year and multi-year sea ice have been derived for the frequencies of the microwave imagers like AMSR-E (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer on EOS) and sounding frequencies of AMSU (Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit), and have been used to develop an optimal estimation method to retrieve sea ice and atmospheric parameters simultaneously. In addition, a sea ice microwave emissivity model has been used together with a thermodynamic model to establish relations between the emissivities from 6 GHz to 50 GHz. At the latter frequency, the emissivity is needed for assimilation into atmospheric circulation models, but is more difficult to observe directly. The size of the snow grains on top of the sea ice influences both its albedo and the microwave emission. A method to determine the effective size of the snow grains from observations in the visible range (MODIS) is developed and demonstrated in an application on the Ross ice shelf. The bidirectional reflectivity distribution function (BRDF) of snow, which is an essential input parameter to the retrieval, has been measured in situ on Svalbard during the DAMOCLES campaign, and a BRDF model assuming aspherical particles is developed. Sea ice drift and deformation is derived from satellite observations with the scatterometer ASCAT (62.5 km grid spacing), with visible AVHRR observations (20 km), with the synthetic aperture radar sensor ASAR (10 km), and a multi-sensor product (62.5 km) with improved angular resolution (Continuous Maximum Cross Correlation, CMCC method) is presented. CMCC is also used to derive the sea ice deformation, important for formation of sea ice leads (diverging deformation) and pressure ridges (converging). The indirect determination of sea ice thickness from altimeter freeboard data requires knowledge of the ice density and snow load on sea ice. The relation between freeboard and ice thickness is investigated based on the airborne Sever expeditions conducted between 1928 and 1993.
Gravity effect of glacial ablation in the Eastern Alps – observation and modeling
Authors: Arneitz P. , Meurers B. , Ruess D. , Ullrich C. , Abermann J. , Kuhn M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Absolute gravity measurements have been regularly performed in the Austrian Eastern Alps since 1985 until present. A gravity increase of 300 nm s−2 has been observed so far. The gravity trend is explained by ablation effects within surrounding glaciers. Ice thickness changes derived from 3 successive glacier inventories of 1969, 1997 and 2006 are used for quantitative 3-D modeling based on rectangular prisms with basis areas of ≤ 8 m × 8 m. Local topographic changes due to man-made mass displacements close to the measuring site are modeled by a polyhedron approach. 2/3 of the observed gravity increase can be explained by the ablation model response and man-made effects. A positive trend of about 100 nm s−2 remains. The origin of the residual trend remains open. Correcting for geodynamical processes like Alpine uplift or postglacial deformation is expected to cause a slight increase of this trend. The observed gravity signal shows seasonal gravity variations as well which are probably due to snow cover effects but cannot be quantified due to the lack of appropriate snow cover information.
Weak chaos from Tsallis entropy
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Nikos
Published: December 2012

We present a geometric, model-independent, argument that aims to explain why the Tsallis entropy describes systems exhibiting “weak chaos”, namely systems whose underlying dynamics has vanishing largest Lyapunov exponent. Our argument relies on properties of a deformation map of the reals induced by the Tsallis entropy, and its conclusion agrees with all currently known results.
The Development and Administration of Automated Systems in Academic Libraries
Authors: De Gennaro Richard
Published: December 2012

The first partof this paper considers three general approaches to the development of an automation system in a large research library. The library may decide simply to wait for developments; it may attempt to develop a total or integrated system from the start; or it may adopt an evolutionary approach leading to an integrated system. Oustside consultants, it is suggested, will become increasingly important. The second part of the paper deals with important elements in any program regardless of the approach. These include the building of a capability to do automation work, staffing, equipment, organizational structure, selection of projects, and costs.
Costs of Library Catalog Cards Produced by Computer
Authors: Kilgour Frederick G.
Published: December 2012

Production costs of 79,831 cards are analyzed. Cards were produced by four variants of the Columbia-Harvard-Yale procedure employing an IBM 870 Document Writer and an IBM 1401 computer. Costs per card ranged from 8.8 to 9.8 cents for completed cards.
Legal Hybridity in Hong Kong and Macau
Authors: Castellucci Ignazio
Published: December 2012

The article aims to compare the case of the two Chinese Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macau against the theoretical grid developed by Vernon V. Palmer to describe the “classical” civil law-common law mixed jurisdictions. The results of the research include an acknowledgement of the progressive hybridization of the legal systems of Hong Kong and Macau, hailing from the English common law and the Portuguese civil law tradition, respectively, by infiltration of legal models and ideologies from Mainland China.

The research also leads to a critical revision and refinement of the methodology and tools developed by Palmer in order to make them applicable to a wider range of processes of legal hybridization beyond “classical” mixes, and to a better appreciation of how transitional political and institutional phases play a critical role inlegal “mixity” or hybridity.
Ecologia de costões rochosos
Authors: Moreno Tatiane Regina , Rocha Rosana Moreira da
Published: December 2012

Os costões rochosos constituem ecossistemas costeiros de fácil acesso, que têm possibilitado importantes estudos experimentais em ecologia. Informações provenientes de estudos nesse ambiente têm sido generalizadas para outros tipos de ambientes. Um breve histórico sobre estudos em ecologia de costões rochosos é apresentado, além da citação de alguns projetos desenvolvidos para esse tipo de ambiente no litoral brasileiro. Considerando o aumento nos impactos causados a esse ecossistema e a preocupação com sua conservação, evidencia-se a importância da intensificação de estudos sobre padrões de distribuição de organismos ao longo de gradientes ambientais naturais de grande escala, bem como a análise de mudanças na estrutura de comunidades bentônicas visando ao monitoramento diante de mudanças climáticas e dos efeitos biológicos da poluição marinha, e à detecção precoce de espécies introduzidas.
Embedding Patient and Health Care Professional Voices in Clinical Trials
Authors: Nicholls Stuart G. , Campbell Marion K.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the need to include patient and health care professional perspectives in the design of clinical trials to improve trial features and implementation.
Letters, letter writing, ancient Near East
Authors: Warburton David A.
Published: June 2024

Brief summary of the ways letters were sent and hints at the value of the contents for insights into daily life in the ancient Near East.
Kallimachos (Callimachus), Athenian polemarch
Authors: Krentz Peter , Keesling Catherine M.
Published: June 2024

Kallimachos of Aphidna (before 520–490
bce
) was the Athenian archon polemarch killed in the battle of Marathon.
Sortition, Greece
Authors: Taylor Claire , Sing Robert
Published: June 2024

Appointment by lot, or sortition, was a common way of selecting public officials in the ancient world.
Agathokles (Agathocles), Ptolemaic minister
Authors: Lanciers Eddy
Published: June 2024

Agathokles was an important Ptolemaic courtier and minister in the late third century
bce
. He served under Ptolemy IV Philopator as “chief minister” along with Sosibios. After Philopator's death, he acted as guardian of the new king, but together with his family, he was soon murdered by the Alexandrian mob.
Advancing X‐Band Electromagnetic Interference Shielding: Single‐Layer Thin Films of Fe3O4‐MWCNT (1:2)‐PVDF Meta‐Nanocomposite Fabricated by Low‐Cost Drop‐Casting Process
Authors: Govindasamy Theertharaman , Mathew Nibin Kolanjikombil , Asapu Vinaya Kumar , Subramanian Venkatachalam , Subramanian Balakumar
Published: June 2024

This study, investigate of ternary thermoplastic fluoropolymer blend nanocomposite (NC) system for improved microwave (MW) shielding, consisting of polyvinyl dimethylamine fluoride (PVDF) and Fe3O4‐multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (1:2) NC. Using a hydrothermal process, complex hierarchical nanostructures (NSs) of Fe3O4‐MWCNT (1:2) NC are produced. These NSs are then integrated using a drop‐casting technique into PVDF matrices with different wt% (20, 40, and 60 wt%) and thicknesses (20, 50, and 80 μm). The single‐layer thin films (SLFs) with the Fe3O4‐MWCNT (1:2)‐PVDF matrix are successfully produced as a consequence of this approach. The presence of FeOC bonding from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms chemical interaction, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM–Energy dispersive spectroscopy EDX) imaging analysis for material homogeneity. Moreover, the SLFs of Fe3O4‐MWCNT (1:2)‐PVDF (20, 40, and 60 wt% for 80 μm thickness) are newly discovered meta‐nanocomposites (MNCs) properties, which are evidenced by negativeMW real complex permittivity (−274.4, −271.2, and −136.4), superior attenuation constant (12862.73, 16265.18, and 12256.34), and higher alternating current (AC)electrical conductivities (1020.8, 1174.6, and 727.7 S m−1). The synergistic impact of higher attenuation and AC conductivity of MNCs results in an increased average MW shielding effectiveness of ≈33.28 dB for Fe3O4‐MWCNT (1:2)‐PVDF 20 wt% MNCs (≈80 μm).
On the Temperature and Composition Dependence of Non‐basal Stacking Faults in C14 Laves Phases
Authors: Xie Zhuocheng , Chauraud Dimitri , Bitzek Erik , Korte‐Kerzel Sandra , Guénolé Julien
Published: June 2024

Activation of non‐basal slip is essential in improving the deformability of hexagonal crystals. However, for complex intermetallics such as Laves phase, the mechanism of non‐basal slip remains largely unknown. In this work, the prismatic slip systems of C14 Laves phase crystals and possible metastable states along the slip paths are assessed using atomistic simulations. Multiple prismatic stacking fault states with the same projected positions of atoms but different site occupancies and chemical distributions are identified at different inter‐atomic layers, temperatures and chemical compositions. The formation of energetically favorable prismatic stacking faults involves short‐range diffusion which implies the thermally activated nature of prismatic slip. The outcomes of this work advance the understanding of temperature and composition‐dependent non‐basal slip in Laves phases.
A System Built for Both Deterministic Transfer Processes and Contact Photolithography
Authors: Chen Huandong , Ravichandran Jayakanth
Published: June 2024

A home‐built compact system that functions as both a transfer stage for deterministic transfer processes and a mask aligner for contact photolithography, is constructed. The precision translation sample stage and optical microscope are shared between the two modes. In the transfer mode, assisted by either an adhesive or a heating element, the setup has been used to deterministically transfer freestanding semiconductors, 2D materials, and van der Waals electrodes. When configured in photolithography mode, the proposed instrument has been employed to fabricate various microscale patterns and devices, with minimum feature sizes of 1–2 μm achieved. The prototype instrument provides a feasible solution for performing high‐quality deterministic transfer and photolithography processes on one single tool in‐house.
Mesoporous N‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres as Anode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries with High Rate Capability and Superior Power Densities
Authors: Rützler Alexander , Büttner Jan , Oechsler Jan , Balaghi S. Esmael , Küspert Sven , Ortlieb Niklas , Fischer Anna
Published: June 2024

Optimized sodium ion battery (SIB) carbon anodes with high stability supporting high power densities are a much‐needed material class and therefore intensively researched. The optimum graphitization degree to accommodate sodium ions, while providing high conductivity, as well as the influence of particle size distribution or pore sizes on the performance of carbon anodes, is one of the most discussed topics in this field. While a lot of studies have been published discussing these questions, the convoluted nature of these parameters, originating from material synthesis constraints, usually prevents their independent optimization. Based on Mesoporous N‐doped Carbon Nanospheres (MPNC) as model carbon material systems, the graphitization temperaturefor spherical particles with a monomodal particle size distribution (≈280 nm) and a narrow pore size distribution (≈30 nm) is optimized for faradaic sodium ion storage (plateau capacity) and electrodes with a very high power density of 2680 W kg−1 at 1000 mA g−1 and a remarkable capacity retention over 2000 cycles of 86 %, only losing 0.04 % of its specific capacity per cycle, are demonstrated.
Ant‐Nest‐Inspired Biomimetic Composite for Self‐Cleaning, Heat‐Insulating, and Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Elhassan Ahmed , Li Jialu , Abdalla Ibrahim , Xu Ziao , Yu Jianyong , Li Zhaoling , Ding Bin
Published: June 2024

The pursuit of eco‐friendly electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) materials with multifunctional capabilities has garnered significant attention in practical applications. However, achieving these desired qualities simultaneously poses a significant challenge. This study introduces a single‐step calcination and chemical polymerization process to obtain an environmentally friendly ant‐nest‐inspired hybrid composite by optimizing conductive polypyrrole nanotubes (PNTs) within a 3D carbonaceous structure. The biomimetic composite forms a highly efficient conductive network, providing a pathway for free electrons within the carbonaceous barriers and enhancing the conduction loss. Remarkably, the EMWA performance of the composite achieves ultrathin (1.6 mm), wide effective absorption band (5.4 GHz), and strong absorption intensity (−67.6 dB) features. Moreover, due to the complex and intertwined 3D continuous network, the obtained samples exhibit excellent thermal insulation and superhydrophobic behavior by inhibiting heat transfer and preventing localized areas from being prone to water absorption. These findings not only offer a sustainable and low‐cost production route for biomimetic carbonaceous composites but also demonstrate a high‐efficiency absorber with great multifunctionality as a green alternative to traditional EMWA materials.
Phase Separation Derived Anisotropic Adhesive Structural Color Hydrogel Films For Flexible Electronics
Authors: Wang Yu , Cheng Yi , Cai Lijun , Chen Hanxu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: June 2024

Hydrogels hold great promise in the field of flexible electronics. Attempts in this area tend to the microstructure design of hydrogels, giving them specific adhesion and multi‐sensing functions. Here, a novel phase separation‐derived anisotropic adhesive structural color hydrogel film is presented for visually flexible electronics. The hydrogel film is generated by template replicating colloidal crystal by using phase separation emulsions of hydrophilic monomer (acrylic acid, AA), hydrophobic monomer (lauryl methacrylate, LMA), co‐monomer ([2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (SBMA)), surfactants (hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, CTAB) and initiator (ammonium persulphate (APS)). The appearance of phase separation results in asymmetric morphologies of hydrogel film, imparting them with anisotropic adhesive performance. Attributed to the formation of inverse opal scaffold structure, the hydrogel film is featured with vivid structural color, showing superior capability in self‐reporting mechanical behavior. Additionally, benefitting from the presence of abundant ions, the hydrogel film exhibits great conductivity. Thus, the resultant hydrogel film is demonstrated with stable dual‐signal sensing properties involving color‐changing and conductivity feedback ability to respond to human activities. These features make the proposed anisotropic adhesive structural color hydrogel film highly potential in the flexible electronic field.
Continuous Solar Energy Conversion Windows Integrating Zinc Anode‐Based Electrochromic Device and IoT System
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Li Changyu , Li Shaohui , Wang Bin , Huang Bingkun , Hu Kun , Liu Linhua , Yu William W. , Li Haizeng
Published: June 2024

Integration of solar cells and electrochromic windows offers crucial contributions to green buildings. Solar‐charging zinc anode‐based electrochromic devices (ZECDs) present opportunities for addressing the solar intermittency issue. However, the limited energy storage capacity of ZECDs results in wasted harnessing of solar energy as well as overcharging. Herein, spectral‐selective dual‐band ZECDs that continuously transport solar energy to indoor appliances by remotely controlling the repeated bleached‐tinted cycles during the daytime, are reported. Hexagonal phase cesium‐doped tungsten bronze (h‐Cs0.32WO3, CWO) nanocrystals are adopted for dual‐band ZECDs due to their independent control ability of near‐infrared (NIR) and visible (VIS) light transmittance (∆T = 73.0%, 700 nm; ∆T = 83.7%, 1200 nm) and excellent cycling stability (0.8% optical contrast decay at 1200 nm after 10 000 cycles). The prototype device (i.e., CWO//Zn//CWO) delivers extraordinary thermal insulation capability, displaying a 10 °C difference between “bright” and “dark” modes. Furthermore, an Internet of Things (IoT) controller to control the NIR and VIS lights of the CWO//Zn//CWO window wirelessly with a smartphone, empowering the continuous discharging of the solar‐charged window during the daytime remotely, is developed. Such windows represent an intriguing potential technology whose future impact on green buildings may be substantial.
Temporal Characterization of Laser Pulses Using an Air‐Based Knife‐Edge Technique
Authors: Béjot Pierre , Kumar Bhalavi Rishabh , Leblanc Adrien , Dubrouil Antoine , Billard Franck , Faucher Olivier , Hertz Edouard
Published: June 2024

The characterization of ultrashort laser pulses is presented by using the plasma‐induced frequency‐resolved optical switching technique, implemented in ambient air. The recently developed method allows for a temporal reconstruction of a pulse at its focal spot by utilizing a moderately intense pump laser pulse for generating a ionization‐induced ultrafast defocusing lens. When propagating through the produced plasma lens, the probe beam to characterize experiences an increase of its size in the far field. The spectrum of the defocused probe field, measured as a function of the pump‐probe delay, allows for a comprehensive characterization of the temporal and spectral attributes of the pulse. Herein, the ability of this technique, initially designed for use in rare gases, is reported to operate in ambient air conditions with similar performance. The method is remarkably straightforward to implement and requires no additional optical component other than a focusing mirror while delivering laser pulse reconstructions of high reliability.
High‐Affinity Superantigen‐Based Trifunctional Immune Cell Engager Synergizes NK and T Cell Activation for Tumor Suppression
Authors: Yu Yao‐An , Lien Wan‐Ju , Lin Wen‐Ching , Pan Yi‐Chung , Huang Sin‐Wei , Mou Chung‐Yuan , Hu Che‐Ming Jack , Mou Kurt Yun
Published: June 2024

The development of immune cell engagers (ICEs) can be limited by logistical and functional restrictions associated with fusion protein designs, thus limiting immune cell recruitment to solid tumors. Herein, a high affinity superantigen‐based multivalent ICE is developed for simultaneous activation and recruitment of NK and T cells for tumor treatment. Yeast library‐based directed evolution is adopted to identify superantigen variants possessing enhanced binding affinity to immunoreceptors expressed on human T cells and NK cells. High‐affinity superantigens exhibiting improved immune‐stimulatory activities are then incorporated into a superantigen‐based tri‐functional yeast‐display‐enhanced multivalent immune cell engager (STYMIE), which is functionalized with a nanobody, a Neo‐2/15 cytokine, and an Fc domain for tumor targeting, immune stimulation, and prolonged circulation, respectively. Intravenous administration of STYMIE enhances NK and T cell recruitment into solid tumors, leading to enhanced inhibition in multiple tumor models. The study offers design principles for multifunctional ICEs.
Uremic Toxin Receptor AhR Facilitates Renal Senescence and Fibrosis via Suppressing Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Authors: Xie Hongyan , Yang Ninghao , Lu Li , Sun Xi'ang , Li Jingyao , Wang Xin , Guo Hengjiang , Zhou Li , Liu Jun , Wu Huijuan , Yu Chen , Zhang Wei , Lu Limin
Published: June 2024

Retention of metabolic end‐products in the bodily fluids of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may lead to uremia. The uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS), a tryptophan metabolite, is an endogenous ligand of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It is clarified that the upregulation and activation of AhR by IS in tubular epithelial cells (TECs) promote renal senescence and fibrosis. Renal TEC‐specific knockout of AhR attenuates renal senescence and fibrosis, as well as the suppression of PGC1α‐mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in ischemia reperfusion (IR)‐ or IS‐treated CKD mice kidneys. Overexpression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐α (PGC1α) attenuates IS‐induced cell senescence and extracellular matrix production in cultured TECs. Mechanistically, AhR is able to interact with PGC1α and promotes the ubiquitin degradation of PGC1α via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. In summary, the elevation and activation of AhR by the accumulated uremic toxins in the progression of CKD accelerate renal senescence and fibrosis by suppressing mitochondrial biogenesis via promoting ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of PGC1α.
Hybridizing Shear‐Stiffening Gel and Chemically‐Strengthened Ultrathin Glass Sheets for Flexible Impact‐Resistant Armor
Authors: Wang Xuchao , Zhang Zijing , Liang Zhihua , Yao Haimin
Published: June 2024

Traditional anti‐impact armors and shields are normally made of stiff and hard materials and therefore deficient in flexibility. This greatly limits their applications in protecting objects with complex geometries or significant deformability. Flexible armors can be developed with the application of hard platelets and soft materials, but the lower rigidity of the flexible armors renders them incapable of providing sufficient resistance against impact attacks. To address the inherent conflict between flexibility and impact resistance in traditional armors, here, a composite is developed by hybridizing a shear‐stiffening gel as the matrix and chemically‐strengthened ultrathin glass sheets (CSGS) as the reinforcement. The resulting laminate, termed PCCL, exhibits both high flexibility and high impact resistance. Specifically, at low strain rates, the high ductility of the gel combined with the high flexural strength of the CSGS enables the PCCL to undergo considerable deformation; at high strain rates, on the other hand, the shear stiffening behavior of the gel matrix endows the PCCL with excellent impact resistance manifested by its high performance in energy absorption and high rigidity. With the combination of high flexibility and high impact resistance, the PCCL is demonstrated to be an ideal armor for protecting curved vulnerable objects from impact attacks.
Noncovalent Interactions‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Polyanionic Additive for Long Anti‐Calendar Aging and High‐Rate Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Yang Zimin , Sun Yilun , Li Jianwei , He Guanjie , Chai Guoliang
Published: June 2024

Zinc anodes of zinc metal batteries suffer from unsatisfactory plating/striping reversibility due to interfacial parasitic reactions and poor Zn2+ mass transfer kinetics. Herein, methoxy polyethylene glycol‐phosphate (mPEG‐P) is introduced as an electrolyte additive to achieve long anti‐calendar aging and high‐rate capabilities. The polyanionic of mPEG‐P self‐assembles via noncovalent‐interactions on electrode surface to form polyether‐based cation channels and in situ organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interface layer, which ensure rapid Zn2+ mass transfer and suppresses interfacial parasitic reactions, realizing outstanding cycling/calendar aging stability. As a result, the Zn//Zn symmetric cells with mPEG‐P present long lifespans over 9000 and 2500 cycles at ultrahigh current densities of 120 and 200 mA cm−2, respectively. Besides, the coulombic efficiency (CE) of the Zn//Cu cell with mPEG‐P additive (88.21%) is much higher than that of the cell (36.4%) at the initial cycle after the 15‐day calendar aging treatment, presenting excellent anti‐static corrosion performance. Furthermore, after 20‐day aging, the Zn//MnO2 cell exhibits a superior capacity retention of 89% compared with that of the cell without mPEG‐P (28%) after 150 cycles. This study provides a promising avenue for boosting the development of high efficiency and durable metallic zinc based stationary energy storage system.
Prevalence and clinicopathological features of primary age‐related tauopathy (PART): A large forensic autopsy study
Authors: Yoshida Koji , Hata Yukiko , Ichimata Shojiro , Tanaka Ryo , Nishida Naoki
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Primary age‐related tauopathy (PART), often regarded as a minimally symptomatic pathology of old age, lacks comprehensive cohorts across various age groups.

METHODS

We examined PART prevalence and clinicopathologic features in 1589 forensic autopsy cases (≥40 years old, mean age ± SD 70.2 ± 14.2 years).

RESULTS

PART cases meeting criteria for argyrophilic grain diseases (AGD) were AGD+PART (n = 181). The remaining PART cases (n = 719, 45.2%) were classified as comorbid conditions (PART‐C, n = 90) or no comorbid conditions (pure PART, n = 629). Compared to controls (n = 208), Alzheimer's disease (n = 133), and AGD+PART, PART prevalence peaked in the individuals in their 60s (65.5%) and declined in the 80s (21.5%). No significant clinical background differences were found (excluding controls). However, PART‐C in patients inclusive of age 80 had a higher suicide rate than pure PART (p < 0.05), and AGD+PART showed more dementia (p < 0.01) and suicide (p < 0.05) than pure PART.

DISCUSSION

Our results advocate a reevaluation of the PART concept and its diagnostic criteria.

Highlights

We investigated 1589 forensic autopsy cases to investigate the features of primary age‐related tauopathy (PART).

PART peaked in people in their 60s in our study.

Many PART cases over 80s had comorbid pathologies in addition to neurofibrillary tangles pathology.

Argyrophilic grain disease and Lewy pathology significantly affected dementia and suicide rates in PART.

Our results suggest that the diagnostic criteria of PART need to be reconsidered.