bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longer fatty acid-protected GalNAz enables efficient labeling of proteins in living cells with minimized S-glyco modification
Authors: Ding Xin , Wang Menghe , Chang Renhao , Su Miaomiao , Wang Jiajia , Li Xia
Published: May 2024

GalNAz incorporated with butyrate groups provides a more robust metabolic reporter negligible unexpected labeling signals compared to Ac4GalNAz.
t-BuOLi promoted regioselective N-thiolation of indoles with N-arylthio phthalimide
Authors: Huang Zhitian , Wei Hong , Huang Qianyu , Wang Jiayi , Song Gonghua
Published: May 2024

The developed protocol exhibits excellent regioselectivity and broad substrate tolerance in the preparation of N-thioindoles with diverse functional groups.
Targeting EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in lung and colon cancers: synthesis, antitumor evaluation of new 1,2,4-oxdiazoles tethered 1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Ayoup Mohammed Salah , Shawki Islam , Abdel-Hamid Hamida , Ghareeb Doaa A. , Masoud Aliaa , Harras Marwa F. , El-Atawy Mohamed , Alharbi Nuha Salamah , Ismail Magda M. F.
Published: May 2024

The EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is important for metastasis, medication resistance, apoptosis prevention, and malignant transformation.
Kinetic resolution of 1-(1-alkynyl)cyclopropyl ketones via gold-catalyzed divergent (4 + 4) cycloadditions: stereoselective access to furan fused eight-membered heterocycles
Authors: Wang Xunhua , Lv Ruifeng , Li Xiaoxun
Published: May 2024

The stereoselective construction of furan/pyrrole-fused eight-membered heterocycles via chiral gold-catalyzed (4 + 4) cycloadditions was realized.
Local dynamics and failure of inhomogeneous polymer networks
Authors: Ye Ziyu , Zhang Han , Riggleman Robert A.
Published: May 2024

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we simulate randomly end-linked polymer networks with irregular phase boundaries to highlight the impact of structural morphology on the local dynamics and mechanical responses of model inhomogeneous materials.
Investigating episodic mass loss in evolved massive stars
Authors: de Wit S. , Bonanos A. Z. , Antoniadis K. , Zapartas E. , Ruiz A. , Britavskiy N. , Christodoulou E. , De K. , Maravelias G. , Munoz-Sanchez G. , Tsopela A.
Published: May 2024

Mass loss during the red supergiant (RSG) phase plays a crucial role in the evolution of an intermediate-mass star; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We aim to increase the sample of well-characterized RSGs at subsolar metallicity by deriving the physical properties of 127 RSGs in nine nearby southern galaxies. For each RSG, we provide spectral types and used MARCS atmospheric models to measure stellar properties from their optical spectra, such as the effective temperature, extinction, and radial velocity. By fitting the spectral energy distribution, we obtained the stellar luminosity and radius for 92 RSGs, finding that ~50% of them have log(L/L⊙) ≥ 5.0 and six RSGs have R ≳ 1400 R⊙. We also find a correlation between the stellar luminosity and mid-IR excess of 33 dusty variable sources. Three of these dusty RSGs have luminosities exceeding the revised Humphreys-Davidson limit. We then derived a metallicity-dependent J − Ks color versus temperature relation from synthetic photometry and two new empirical J − Ks color versus temperature relations calibrated on literature TiO and J-band temperatures. To scale our derived cool TiO temperatures to values that are in agreement with the evolutionary tracks, we derived two linear scaling relations calibrated on J-band and i-band temperatures. We find that the TiO temperatures are more discrepant as a function of the mass-loss rate, and discuss future prospects of the TiO bands as a mass-loss probe. Finally, we speculate that three hot dusty RSGs may have experienced a recent mass ejection (12% of the K-type sample) and classify them as candidate Levesque-Massey variables.
An improved asteroseismic age of the rapid rotator Altair from TESS data
Authors: Rieutord Michel , Reese Daniel R. , Mombarg Joey S. G. , Charpinet Stéphane
Published: May 2024

Context. Understanding the effects of rotation in stellar evolution is key to modelling early-type stars, half of which have equatorial velocities over 100 km s−1. The nearby star Altair is an example of such fast-rotating stars, and furthermore, it has the privilege of being modelled by a detailed 2D concordance model that reproduces most of its observables.

Aims. The aim of this paper is to include new asteroseismic frequencies to improve our knowledge of Altair, especially its age.

Methods. We processed images of Altair obtained during July 2022 by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite using the halo photometry technique to obtain its light curve over this observation period.

Results. By analysing the light curve, we derived a set of 22 new frequencies in the oscillation spectrum of Altair and confirmed 12 previously known frequencies. Compared with model predictions, we could associate ten frequencies with ten axisymmetric modes. This identification is based on the modelled visibility of the modes. Moreover, nine of the modelled frequencies can be adjusted to simultaneously match their corresponding observed frequencies, once the core hydrogen mass fraction of the concordance model is set to Xcore/Xini ≃ 0.972, with Xini = 0.739. Using the combined results of a 1D MESA model computing the pre-main sequence and a 2D time-dependent ESTER model computing the main sequence, we find that this core hydrogen abundance sets the age of Altair to 88 ± 10 Myr, which is slightly younger than previous estimates.
Multi-wave modelling and short-term prediction of ICU bed occupancy by patients with Covid-19 in regions of Italy
Authors: Pelogia Frederico José Ribeiro , Mohallem Paiva Henrique , Polli Roberson Saraiva
Published: May 2024

This study offers perspectives into COVID-19 dynamics by employing a phenomenological model representing multiple epidemiological waves. It aims to support decision-making for health authorities and hospital administrators, particularly in optimizing intensive care unit (ICU) bed management and implementing effective containment measures. Given the intricate complexity of ICU environments, utilizing a mathematical model to anticipate occupancy is highly beneficial and might mitigate mortality rates associated with COVID-19. The study focuses on the evolution of intensive care patient numbers across multiple epidemiological waves in Italian regions. Our methodology involves the application of a low-complexity phenomenological model with an efficient optimization procedure. ICU occupancy data from five populous Italian regions are utilized to demonstrate the model’s efficacy on describing historical data and providing forecasts for two-week intervals. Based on the analyzed ICU occupancy data, the study confirms the efficacy of the proposed model. It successfully fits historical data and offers accurate forecasts, achieving an average relative RMSE of 0.51% for the whole fit and 0.93% for the predictions, across all regions. Beyond the immediate context, the model low complexity and efficient optimization make it suitable to diverse regions and diseases, supporting the tracking and containment of future epidemics.
Helio1D modeling of temporal variation of solar wind: Interfacing between MULTI-VP and 1D MHD for future operational forecasting at L1
Authors: Kieokaew R. , Pinto R.F. , Samara E. , Tao C. , Indurain M. , Lavraud B. , Brunet A. , Génot V. , Rouillard A. , André N. , Bourdarie S. , Katsavrias C. , Darrouzet F. , Grison B. , Daglis I.
Published: May 2024

Developing an automated pipeline for solar-wind condition prediction upstream of Earth is an important step for transitioning from space weather research to operation. We develop a prototype pipeline called “Helio1D” to model ambient solar wind conditions comprising temporal profiles of wind speed, density, temperature, and tangential magnetic field at L1 up to 4 days in advance. The prototype pipeline connects the MULTI-VP coronal model that provides daily predictions of the solar wind at 0.14 AU and a 1D magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model that propagates the solar wind to 1 AU. As a part of development towards a better-performing operational pipeline in the future, our present work focuses on the proof-of-concept, initial implementation, and validation of Helio1D. Here, we first benchmark Helio1D using the synoptic magnetograms provided by Wilcox Space Observatory as inputs to the coronal part of MULTI-VP for the intervals in 2004–2013 and 2017–2018. Using the classic point-to-point metrics, it is found that Helio1D underperforms the 27-day recurrence model for all time intervals while outperforming the 4-day persistence model in the late declining phase of the solar cycle. As a complementary analysis, we evaluate the time and magnitude differences between Helio1D and the observations by exploiting the Fast Dynamic Time Warping technique, which allows us to discuss Helio1D caveats and address calibration to improve the Helio1D performance. Furthermore, we model several solar wind conditions in parallel, for a total of 21 profiles corresponding to various virtual targets to provide uncertainties. Although our prototype pipeline shows less satisfactory results compared to existing works, it is fully automated and computationally fast, both of which are desirable qualities for operational forecasting. Our strategies for future improvements towards better-performing pipeline are addressed.
Kardiorespiratorische Polysomnografie – ein Update
Authors: Happe Svenja , Kotterba Sylvia , Penzel Thomas
Published: May 2024

Die kardiorespiratorische Polysomnografie (PSG) stellt das zentrale Messverfahren
in der Diagnostik im schlafmedizinischen Labor dar. Die Funktionen Schlaf,
Atmung, Kreislauf und Bewegung werden kontinuierlich gemessen und aufgezeichnet.
Entsprechend der Internationalen Klassifikation der Schlafstörungen (ICSD-3) aus
dem Jahr 2014 [1], überarbeitet 2023 [6] können damit, und mit diversen
zusätzlichen Untersuchungen, die schlafmedizinischen Erkrankungen diagnostiziert
bzw. ausgeschlossen werden.
Neurostimulation chronischer Schmerzsyndrome
Authors: Vesper Jan , Krause Molle Zarela , Slotty Philipp Joerg
Published: May 2024

Circa 20 Prozent aller Patienten in Deutschland, die eine schmerztherapeutische
Spezialeinrichtung aufsuchen, leiden unter ungenügend therapierten
neuropathischen Schmemrzen. Mittlerweile liegen aussagekräftigen Studien vor,
die für die angewendeten Neuromodulationsverfahren einen hohen Evidenzgrad
erreichen. Die Epidurale Rückenmarkstimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation, SCS)
ist ein solches neuromodulatorisches, reversibles interventionelles Verfahren
für Patienten mit chronischen, mit konservativen und weniger invasiven Mitteln
nicht ausreichend therapierbaren Schmerzen. Die Selektion eines Patienten für
eine SCS Therapie ist hauptsächlich durch die entsprechende Diagnose begründet.
Die SCS kann bei verschiedenen Formen neuropathischer, sympathisch vermittelter
oder ischämischer Schmerzen hilfreich sein. Die pathophysiologischen Grundlagen,
inklusive der spinalen und supraspinalen Mechanismen der Neurostimulation werden
dargestellt. Die verschiedenen Prinzipien der Stimulation, herkömmliche
tonische, wie auch neue Stimulationsparameter der Burst und HF Stimulation als
auch die Stimulation des Spinalganglions werden erwähnt. Indikationsstellung und
auch Patientenselektion sowie neue Aspekte der Stimulationstechniken des
peripheren Nervensystems werden in den Kontext der veränderten technischen
Möglichkeiten gestellt.
Effektives Schmerzmanagement begünstigt frühe stationäre Entlassung
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: May 2024

Die minimalinvasive Resektion ist ein etabliertes Standardverfahren zur anatomischen Lungenresektion im Frühstadium von Lungentumoren. Hierfür steht neben der videoassistierten Thorakoskopie auch die roboterassistierte Thoraxchirurgie zur Verfügung. Eine retrospektive Fallanalyse einer US-amerikanischen Arbeitsgruppe bei 279 Patient*innen mit Lungenkarzinom ergab, dass rund ⅓ (32,6 %) bereits an Tag 1 nach der Operation nach Hause entlassen werden konnten. In einer uni- und multivariaten logistischen Regressionsanalyse wurden die Faktoren untersucht, die mit einer Frühentlassung assoziiert waren.
S3-Leitlinien-Update: Neuigkeiten bei fortgeschrittenen hepatobiliären Karzinomen im Fokus
Authors: Sankawa Yuri
Published: May 2024

Seit August 2023 ist die aktualisierte S3-Leitlinie „Diagnostik und Therapie des Hepatozellulären Karzinoms und der biliären Karzinome“ unter Federführung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten verfügbar. Herr Prof. Jörg Trojan wurde zu den wesentlichen Neuerungen im Bereich der Früherkennung sowie zur systemischen Behandlung im fortgeschrittenen Tumorstadium befragt.
Phase-III-Studie IMpassion030 verfehlt primären Endpunkt
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: May 2024

Beim prognostisch ungünstigen triple-negativen Brustkrebs (TNBC) besteht weiterhin großer therapeutischer Bedarf. Doch die zusätzliche Gabe von Atezolizumab zur adjuvanten Chemotherapie hat sich in der Studie IMpassion030 beim frühen TNBC nicht bewährt.
Es ist ein weites Feld
Authors: Grimm Alexander , Marquetand Justus
Published: May 2024

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

was zählt heutzutage zur klinischen Neurophysiologie und was nicht?

Diese Frage – und manchmal damit möglicherweise subtil verwobene Kritik an
Programmpunkten auf Fortbildungen, Konferenzen und vielem mehr – hören wir immer
wieder. Während vielleicht vor Jahrzehnten eine Mehrzahl der Mitglieder unserer
Gesellschaft die Frage zunächst mit der Verbindung aus Elektrophysiologie und
klinischer Untersuchung assoziiert hätten, scheint das heutzutage nicht mehr der
Fall zu sein. Schließlich wurde im Verlauf der Zeit aus der „Deutschen
EEG-Gesellschaft“ die „Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische
Neurophysiologie und Funktionelle Bildgebung“, was verdeutlicht, dass neue
Modalitäten und Methoden stetig hinzukommen können. Ist die klinische
Neurophysiologie eng zu definieren? Um es mit den Worten von Theodor Fontane zu
sagen: „Nein, gewiss nicht; jedenfalls wollen wir darüber nicht streiten; es ist
ein weites Feld. Und dann sind auch die Menschen so verschieden“ (aus Effi
Briest).
Spannende Daten zu neuen Kombinationen beim Prostatakrebs
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: May 2024

Das Genitourinary Cancers Symposium der American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO GU) feierte in diesem Jahr unter dem Motto „20 Jahre Forschung in der Wissenschaft und Veränderung der Patientenversorgung“ sein 20-jähriges Jubiläum. Vorgestellt wurden unter anderem neue Studiendaten zum Prostatakarzinom.
Wie sich die Kodierung der Mangelernährung auf den Krankenhauserlös
auswirkt
Authors: Vonzun Nick , Minery Kevin , Tribolet Pascal
Published: May 2024

Einleitung Die Prävalenz der nicht näher bezeichneten Energie- und
Eiweissmangelernährung (E46) ist in der Schweiz seit einigen Jahren stabil hoch,
obwohl E46 keinen Einfluss mehr auf die Fallpauschale hat. Wenn E46 dokumentiert
wird, erfolgt eine Behandlung der Mangelernährung, die jedoch nicht zusätzlich
vergütet werden kann.

Methode In dieser retrospektiven ökonomischen Evaluation wurde eine
hypothetische Umkodierung von E46-Fällen (N=14'889) aus der medizinischen
Statistik der Krankenhäuser 2020 durchgeführt. Die E46-Diagnosen wurden anhand
von vier Szenarien, einschliesslich einer Umkodierung mittels multipler
Imputation, in spezifizierte Mangelernährungsdiagnosen umgewandelt. Für jedes
Szenario und mehreren Subgruppen wurden die Veränderungen des Gesamterlöses und
des durchschnittlichen Erlöses berechnet.

Ergebnisse Durch die Umkodierung stieg der Gesamterlös um CHF 10.9 Mio.
(E43), CHF 6.0 Mio. (E44.0), CHF 0 (E44.1) und CHF 6.1 Mio. (Mix). Der
durchschnittliche Erlös pro Fall stieg um CHF 732 (E43), CHF 404 (E44.0), CHF 0
(E44.1) und CHF 407 (Mix) an. In den meisten Subgruppen wurde eine Zunahme des
durchschnittlichen Erlöses festgestellt.

Diskussion Durch eine korrekte Durchführung und Abbildung der Kriterien für
die Kodierung der Energie- und Eiweissmangelernährung gemäss CH Kodierrichtlinie
Die Spezifizierung der Mangelernährung anstelle von E46 im Jahr 2020 hätte zu
einer relevanten Zunahme der Spitalerlöse führen können. Um eine zukünftige
Reduktion der E46-Codierung zu erreichen, ist eine systematische Implementierung
und Durchführung des Nutritional Risk Screenings 2002 erforderlich.
Sieben Schlüsselstrategien für Europa zur Vorbereitung auf eine
Opioidkrise
Authors: Stöver Heino , Steimle Larissa , Moazen Babak
Published: May 2024

Ziel In den vergangenen zwei Jahrzehnten haben der Konsum synthetischer
Opioide (SO) und die damit verbundenen negativen Folgen weltweit drastisch
zugenommen. Die hochpotenten SO schaffen einen komplexen und unberechenbaren
Markt, der neue Herausforderungen mit sich bringt.

Methodik Das europäische Forschungsprojekt „Stärkung der
Reaktionsbereitschaft von Gesundheitssystemen auf den potenziellen Anstieg der
Prävalenz und des Konsums von synthetischen Opioiden“ hat Leitlinien entwickelt,
mit denen das Gesundheitssystem auf die Herausforderungen durch SO reagieren
kann.

Ergebnisse Diese Leitlinien konzentrieren sich auf Interventionen für
Menschen, die SO konsumieren. Sie beinhalten sieben Schlüsselstrategien:
Frühwarnsysteme, Internet-Monitoring, E-Health, Drug-Checking,
Drogenkonsumräume, Naloxon sowie Opioid-Agonisten-Therapie (OAT). Während einige
Strategien längst etabliert sind (z. B. Drogenkonsumräume), herrscht in anderen
Bereichen (z. B. Drug-Checking) noch deutlicher Nachholbedarf.

Schlussfolgerung Herkömmliche Maßnahmen sowie einzelne Ansätze reichen
nicht aus, um einer möglichen Opioidkrise in Europa adäquat zu begegnen. Es ist
im Interesse der SO-Konsumierenden und des Gesundheitssystems, innovative
Maßnahmen mit etablierten Mitteln zu kombinieren. Der Schlüssel zum Erfolg liegt
in der Integration verschiedener Ansätze.
Improved Synthesis and Preparation of Analogues of a Pain-Relieving Pyridin-2(1H)-one
Authors: Artola Alain , Dallel Radhouane , Anizon Fabrice , Moreau Pascale , Frazier Théo , Murail Pauline , Giraud Francis
Published: May 2024

An optimization of the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted pyridin-2(1H)-ones with in vivo anti-allodynic activity was conducted. The optimized synthesis was employed to prepare novel analogues which were then assessed for their efficacy in preventing cutaneous mechanical allodynia in a male rat hindpaw capsaicin model.
Wealth and familiarity bias: sin stocks investment in Europe
Authors: Hamdan Mohammed , Calavia Pedro Fernandez , Aminu Nasir
Published: May 2024

Our study investigates the relationship between European society’s wealth and how they invest in sin stocks—stocks of listed firms involved in producing tobacco, alcohol, and gambling goods and services returns. Using time series data from 24 European countries from 2000 to 2020 to check the performance of sin stocks, we tested 3 hypotheses to explore the possibility that sin stock returns are related to the wealth of the countries they are based on and to the levels of consumption of alcohol and gambling in those countries. Three quantitative methods are used to measure risk-adjusted returns of the sin stocks: the CAPM single-factor or market model, the Fama-French 3-factor model, and the Fama-French 5-factor model. We found significant evidence of the existence of abnormal returns. The evidence supports that sin stocks have a significant relation with the market, lower volatility, and have better risk-adjusted returns during times of economic downturn. Our results show that sin stocks from the wealthier Northern European countries yield higher risk-adjusted returns than their Southern and Easter European counterparts. We found familiarity bias in gambling sin stocks, which suggests that getting used to something seen as sinful can lead to a lower feeling of rejection. As it is common in behavioural finance, behind the data and numbers of the financial markets, ordinary human behaviour is an essential explanation that defies the orthodox concepts of mathematical efficiency.
The contemporary malaise of interpassivity: On feeling, subjectivation, and automation
Authors: Ramaglia Ferdinando , Sommantico Massimiliano
Published: May 2024

From a psychoanalytic perspective, this article presents and discusses the concept of interpassivity as a possible unconscious dynamic constitutive of the new forms of contemporary malaise and how it is implicated in the dynamics of subjectivation and enjoyment. Drawing on Mario Perniola’s insights into the changing nature of feeling and its radical numbing, the article seeks to connect the threads of this form of malaise by investigating the influence of interpassivity in our relationship with objects and shedding light on the complex interplay between subjectivity and the objects that surround us. Furthermore, the authors propose a reading of interpassive practices that, from within the horizon of contemporary malaise, implies the disappearance of unconscious subjectivity and appears to induce specific processes of desubjectivation.
Neobanks in emerging markets: a risk assessment
Authors: Au Anson
Published: May 2024

Neobanks have risen as popular digital challengers to incumbent banks, especially in emerging markets (EMs) where the banking sector is often characterized by oligopolies. This article first estimates the value of Nubank and StoneCo in Brazil, two of the fastest-growing neobanks in Brazil. Normalizing revenue growth assumptions from their financial data, valuation models uncover that Nubank could be overvalued by about two times, whereas StoneCo could be undervalued by 80% of its fair value, as of March 19, 2024. This article then discusses firm-specific (high cumulative net operating losses, low long-term operating margins, high borrowing costs) and adherent macroeconomic (political uncertainty, foreign exchange risks, high equity risk premia) risks in EMs that explain the volatility in Nubank’s and StoneCo’s stock prices. These risks are instructive for understanding the challenges facing the business model of neobanks in EMs.
Polarization CARS microscopy of diamond needles
Authors: Dementjev Andrej , Karpicz Renata , Xu Bo , Malykhin Sergei , Svirko Yuri , Kuzhir Polina
Published: May 2024

We employed polarization-sensitive nonlinear optical microscopy to assess crystallinity of diamond microneedles. In the experiment, we mapped the coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) signal in the vicinity of 1332 cm−1 diamond Raman peak over the needle length and demonstrated that the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility remains the same at both micrometer-sized base and the nanoscale thin apex of the needle. This indicated the single-crystal nature of the diamond needle and allowed us to describe the results of the polarization CARS measurements in terms of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility of diamond. High crystallinity of the needle was also confirmed by measuring the linewidth of the zero-phonon line of the silicon-vacancy centers in diamond.
Alloy composition dependent built-in polarization fields and quantized carrier states in III-nitride multi-quantum well structures
Authors: Das Nikhil Ranjan , Bandyopadhyay Moubani
Published: May 2024

In this paper, mole fraction dependent strain in a III-nitride alloy and its effects on built-in polarization and quantized states in multi-quantum-wells (MQWs) have been investigated. The internal electric field arising out of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations in the presence of strain has been calculated. Then, the energy eigenvalues and wavefunctions of carriers in the modified potential well configurations have been computed by solving a time-independent Schrödinger equation using a finite difference method. Next, the overlap integrals between the wavefunctions of bound states in conduction and valence bands, an important consideration for optical transitions, have been computed and plotted. The results are shown taking three nitride-based MQW structures InGaN/GaN, GaN/AlGaN, and InGaN/InAlN as examples. The study helps choose suitable mole fractions for the improved and desired performance of the nitride MQW based devices.
Epitaxial Fe/Rh bilayers for efficient spin-to-charge conversion
Authors: Wiemeler Jonas , Aktas Ali Can , Farle Michael , Semisalova Anna
Published: May 2024

To address the spin pumping in the conventional ferromagnetic/“normal” metal systems, we fabricated 6 nm Fe/1–15 nm Rh epitaxial bilayers and determined the g-factor, magnetic anisotropy, and magnetization damping by combining both 0–40 GHz CPW-based frequency-dependent and cavity-based 9.56 GHz in-plane angular-dependent ferromagnetic resonance measurements at room temperature. Auger electron spectroscopy and low-energy electron diffraction show that Rh grows epitaxially on Fe. The epitaxial bilayers exhibit a high spin mixing conductance gmix↑↓=(2.9±0.2)×1019 m−2 and a spin diffusion length in Rhodium λsd=9.0±1.3 nm. This makes Rh comparable to Pt and Pd in terms of spin pumping and spin transport efficiency at room temperature.
Synthesis and properties of rare-earth high-entropy perovskite
Authors: Tanveer Rubayet , Windsor Dylan , Drewry Sean , Page Katharine , Xu Haixuan , Keppens Veerle , Weber William J.
Published: May 2024

The high-entropy concept was applied to synthesize a set of rare-earth perovskites REBO3 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) with the B-site occupied by Sc, Al, Cr, Ni, and Fe in equimolar ratios. All samples crystallize in the orthorhombic Pnma space group. Using an extended set of characterization measurements, the effects of multi-component material design and rare-earth selection on the electronic properties are explored. Transport measurements show semiconducting behavior. PrBO3, SmBO3, and LaBO3 show low-temperature magnetic ordering, with the ordering temperature shifting with the moment on the A-site.
On-demand release of silver from composite hydrogel by cold atmospheric plasma jet for wound infection control
Authors: Thet Naing Tun , Patenall Bethany L. , Short Robert D. , Jenkins A. Toby A.
Published: May 2024

Silver is an antimicrobial commonly used within wound care chiefly in advanced dressings or in a topical cream form, such as silver sulfadiazine (SSD). Although silver is effective at controlling the growth of many common wound bacteria, it can be cytotoxic and can build up in tissue, stalling the healing process. Here, we demonstrate the development of an on-demand release system for delivery of silver from a composite hydrogel comprising sodium polyacrylate particles dispersed in a cryo-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol carrier gel. Application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet to the silver loaded hydrogel resulted in controlled release of silver. This release is thought to occur due to the formation of nitrous acids in the hydrogel by the CAP, resulting in protonation of carboxylate groups in the hydrogel and subsequent gel de-swelling due to the reduction in interchain charge repulsion. The location of silver within the sodium polyacrylate particles was probed using scanning electron microscopy and EDX imaging. The released silver inhibited the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and significantly reduced the viable cell count of the P. aeruginosa biofilm.
Interaction of stream-wise vortices generated by swirler grid
Authors: Duda Daniel , Yanovych Vitalii
Published: May 2024

A system of stream-wise vortices has been created using a grid of swirling elements with alternating orientations (like a chessboard). The particle image velocimetry method has been used to map the velocity field in several planes perpendicular to the stream. The mesh-based Reynolds number is 1.35×104 and 2.71×104, respectively. The stream-wise development of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) shows first an increase in a distance of x≈10M, followed by power-law decay. Individual vortices are detected in each snapshot. The radial profile of TKE transformed to a vortex coordinate system is almost constant, either with maximum as in static frame or zero as observed by previous research. The properties of detected vortices are studied statistically: the meandering amplitude expressed as the standard deviation of vortex positions grows roughly as ∼ex, i.e., faster than expected random-walk growth ∼x. Vortex circulation decays exponentially as predicted by classical Helmholtz theorem. The interaction between neighboring vortices is expressed via correlation of selected quantities. Correlation of energy develops downstream from anticorrelation to a positive correlation. The strongest correlation is observed between the first vortex circulation and the second vortex position perpendicular to their connection line. Other correlations are weak.
Investigation of MBE grown high Al concentration AlGaN ohmic contact
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Shafa Muhammad , Wu Peng , Liao Yitao
Published: May 2024

Achieving low resistance ohmic connections is one of the significant factors in improving the performance of optoelectric and semiconductor devices. In this work, we examined the decrease in specific contact resistance (ρc) after high-temperature annealing and vanadium thickness variation on an n-type AlGaN epitaxial layer with a high aluminum concentration (75%). To measure it, we prepared rectangular transmission line model electrodes and measured the specific contact resistance at annealing temperatures ranging between 800 and 950 °C. The results showed that the minimum specific contact resistance achieved was 4.12 × 10−2 Ω cm2 at an annealing temperature of 850 °C, which was two times lower compared to that of surface contact mode. It is also demonstrated how the contact resistance of the epitaxial n-type AlGaN layer varies as the vanadium thickness changes from 2 to 15 nm.
Capturing the Essence
Authors: Cooper William
Published: May 2024

Once described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘the best ornithological illustrator alive’, William T. Cooper was a generous mentor to many wildlife artists. His willingness to share his knowledge and skills is epitomised in Capturing the Essence: Techniques for Bird Artists.

First published in 2011, Capturing the Essence is a step-by-step guide that offers practical advice to observing birds, retaining the essential information and then painting them from field notes and sketches, photographs and other observations.

The author takes the reader through the processes involved in oil painting, watercolour and acrylic techniques, and a piece of art is built up in stages to demonstrate the skills required in each of these media. While the book concentrates on birds, much of the general basics will be relevant to painting a wide variety of natural history and wildlife subjects.

This re-release edition will ensure a whole new generation of artists can learn and benefit from William T. Cooper’s timeless knowledge and expertise.
On the role of native contact cooperativity in protein folding
Authors: Wang David , Frechette Layne B. , Best Robert B.
Published: May 2024

The consistency of energy landscape theory predictions with available experimental data, as well as direct evidence from molecular simulations, have shown that protein folding mechanisms are largely determined by the contacts present in the native structure. As expected, native contacts are generally energetically favorable. However, there are usually at least as many energetically favorable nonnative pairs owing to the greater number of possible nonnative interactions. This apparent frustration must therefore be reduced by the greater cooperativity of native interactions. In this work, we analyze the statistics of contacts in the unbiased all-atom folding trajectories obtained by Shaw and coworkers, focusing on the unfolded state. By computing mutual cooperativities between contacts formed in the unfolded state, we show that native contacts form the most cooperative pairs, while cooperativities among nonnative or between native and nonnative contacts are typically much less favorable or even anticooperative. Furthermore, we show that the largest network of cooperative interactions observed in the unfolded state consists mainly of native contacts, suggesting that this set of mutually reinforcing interactions has evolved to stabilize the native state.
Tuning of thermoelectric performance by modulating vibrational properties in Ni-doped Sb2Te3
Authors: Mukherjee Suchandra , Rana Nabakumar , Goswami Swapnadeep , Das Subarna , Singha Pintu , Chatterjee Souvik , Bandyopadhyay Sudipta , Banerjee Aritra
Published: May 2024

Sb2Te3, a binary chalcogenide-based 3D topological insulator, attracts significant attention for its exceptional thermoelectric performance. We report the vibrational properties of magnetically doped Sb2Te3 thermoelectric material. Ni doping induces defect/disorder in the system and plays a positive role in engineering the thermoelectric properties through tuning the vibrational phonon modes. Synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction study confirms good crystalline quality and single-phase nature of the synthesized samples. The change in structural parameters, including B

iso
and strain, further corroborate with structural disorder. Detailed modification of phonon modes with doping and temperature variation is analysed from temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic measurement. Compressive lattice strain is observed from the blue shift of Raman peaks owing to Ni incorporation in Sb site. An attempt is made to extract the lattice thermal conductivity from total thermal conductivity estimated through optothermal Raman studies. Hall concentration data support the change in temperature-dependent resistivity and thermopower. Remarkable increase in thermopower is observed after Ni doping. Simulation of the Pisarenko model, indicating the convergence of the valence band, explains the observed enhancement of thermopower in Sb2−x
Ni
x
Te3. The energy gap between the light and heavy valence band at Γ point is found to be 30 meV (for Sb2Te3), which is reduced to 3 meV (in Sb1.98Ni0.02Te3). A significant increase in thermoelectric power factor is obtained from 715 μWm−1K−2 for pristine Sb2Te3 to 2415 μWm−1K−2 for Ni-doped Sb2Te3 sample. Finally, the thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT is found to increase by four times in Sb1.98Ni0.02Te3 than that of its pristine counterpart.
Review of research on signal decomposition and fault diagnosis of rolling bearing based on vibration signal
Authors: Li Junning , Luo Wenguang , Bai Mengsha
Published: May 2024

Rolling bearings are critical components that are prone to faults in the operation of rotating equipment. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to accurately diagnose the state of rolling bearings. This review comprehensively discusses classical algorithms for fault diagnosis of rolling bearings based on vibration signal, focusing on three key aspects: data preprocessing, fault feature extraction, and fault feature identification. The main principles, key features, application difficulties, and suitable occasions for various algorithms are thoroughly examined. Additionally, different fault diagnosis methods are reviewed and compared using the Case Western Reserve University bearing dataset. Based on the current research status in bearing fault diagnosis, future development directions are also anticipated. It is expected that this review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers aiming to enhance their understanding and improve the technology of rolling bearing fault diagnosis.
Characterizations of two-photon absorption process induced by defects in aluminum nitride using Z-scan method
Authors: Zhou Jingan , Li Tao , Zhao Xuan , Zhang Xiang , Doumani Jacques , Xu Mingfei , He Ziyi , Luo Shisong , Mei Zhaobo , Chang Cheng , Robinson Jacob T , Ajayan Pulickel M , Kono Junichiro , Zhao Yuji
Published: May 2024

In this work, we reported two-photon absorption (TPA) measurements for aluminum vacancies in Aluminum nitride single crystals. We measured the linear transmission and identified the defect levels. Using the Z-scan method, we measured the TPA coefficients of the transitions between defect levels from 380 nm to 735 nm. The transition occurs between the aluminum vacancies defect levels. Furthermore, the power dependence shows good linear fitting, confirming the TPA mechanism. These results will be helpful for the design and fabrication of ultra-low loss waveguides and integrated photonics in the ultraviolet spectral range.
An operational matrix strategy for time fractional Fokker-Planck equation in an unbounded space domain
Authors: Heydari M H , Azin H , Hosseini S E
Published: May 2024

In this study, the Caputo fractional derivative is used to define time fractional Fokker-Planck equation in an unbounded domain. To solve this equation, the Jacobi polynomials together with the tanh-Jacobi functions are employed. The operational matrices of the classical and fractional derivatives of these basis functions are obtained to use them in constructing a numerical method for the expressed equation. In the proposed method, the introduced basis functions are used simultaneously to approximate the equation’s unknown solution. More precisely, the shifted Jacobi polynomials are applied to approximate the solution in the temporal direction and the tanh-Jacobi functions are utilized to approximate the solution in the spatial direction. By substitute the expressed approximation into the equation and employing the introduced operational matrix, solving the problem under consideration transforms into solving an algebraic system of equations, which can be solved easily. The accuracy and efficiency of the presented method are investigated numerically by solving some numerical examples. The reported results confirms the high accuracy of the established method.
Low energy alpha particles dose mapping with a combination of CR-39 detector and a high resolution flatbed scanner
Authors: Mohamed Amal , Abdel-Mageed M , El Ghazaly M , El-Naggar Hala I , Aboelmaaref Amal , Al-Sayed A
Published: May 2024

The potential of a combination of the well-known CR-39 detector and a high-resolution flatbed scanner for low energy alpha particles dose mapping is investigated. The CR-39 detectors were irradiated with perpendicular incident 4 MeV alpha particles of doses 0.009, 0.018, 0.033, 0.051, 0.067, 0.134, and 0.164 Gy, thereafter, etched in 6.25 N NaOH at 70 °C. The CR-39 detectors were scanned with Canon CanScan 9000F Mark II of spatial resolution of 9600 dpi and color depth of 48 bit. The measurements reveal that the pixel values for different color channels are correlated linearly with 4 MeV alpha particles dose at the etching times of 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h. For blue channel, the maximum sensitivity was −53178 ± 1463 pixel value/Gy at etching time of 4 h, compared to −15290 ± 2004 pixel value/Gy, and −42255 ± 840 pixel value/Gy at 2 h and 3 h respectively, the negative sign indicates the pixel values decrease as the 4 MeV alpha particles dose increases. While for etching times, 5 h and 6 h, the pixel values decrease exponentially as the 4 MeV alpha particles dose increases. For prolonged etching time, the pixel values are non-monotonic function of alpha particles dose. The optical density was evaluated as a function of etching time (removal thickness) of CR-39 irradiated with different doses. For 0.009 Gy, and 0.018 Gy doses of alpha particles, the optical density is linearly correlated with the etching time; for other doses, the optical density is not a monotonic function of the etching time. These new findings pave the way to use the combination of the CR-39 detector and high-resolution flatbed scanner for dose mapping of alpha particles and heavy ions over large-scale areas, applying etching conditions for each particle type and corresponding energy, that produce maximum sensitivity and linearity.
Quaternary functional semiconductor devices
Authors: Altındal Yerişkin S , Dere A , Orman Y , Yakuphanoğlu F
Published: May 2024

Al/(Zn:Cd:Ni:TiO2)/p-Si diodes with (4:2:2:2), (5:2:2:1) and (6:4:4:0) ratios were named as D1, D2, D3, and Al/(CdO:ZnO:NiO:Ti)/p-Si diodes with of (4:2:2:2), (5:2:2:1) and (6:4:4:0) ratios were named as D4, D5 and D6, respectively. The functional interlayer was deposited via sol-gel spin coating method to develop new diodes/structures. Whereas the Ln(I)–V plot shows two linear sections for D1, D2, D3, and D5 structures, D2 and D6 revealed only one linear section in the forward-bias voltages. Therefore, D1, D2, D3, and D5 structures were found to exhibit two-exponential or two-parallel diode behavior in literature. The main electric parameters such as zero-bias barrier height, BH, (Φbo), ideality factor (n), reverse saturation-current (Is or Io)), rectification ratio at ±4.5 V, series resistance (Rs) and shunt resistance (Rsh) were extracted from the current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The number of surface sates (Nss) and their energy distribution were obtained using forward-bias I-V data by considering the voltage dependence of n and Φbo for each diode. The capacitance/conductance-voltage (C/G–V) plots at 1 MHz were used for extracting some of the other basic electrical parameters. The comparison of all the experimental results suggests that D1 and D3 structures have good performance in terms of lower leakage current, Nss and higher RR and so could be successfully used instead of conventional metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) structures.
Effect of different surface alignment layers and temperature changes on bandwidth of Bragg reflection in chiral nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Khalil Sarbaz Ramin , Zakerhamidi Mohammadsadeg , Rezaei Behroz , Ranjkesh Amid
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the practical properties of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) have been widely studied due to their unique feature of selective Bragg reflection. In this study, we investigated the following aspects: (i) the effect of surface alignment using polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide, and polyimide as covering substrate, (ii) the impact of temperature changes on the reflection bandwidth and, consequently, variations in the cholesteric pitch. Furthermore, we extended Li’s four-parameter model to the cholesteric environment using Haller’s assumption and Vuk’s equations for nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) and Fergason’s theory for CLCs. The fit of the experimental data with this model demonstrated an excellent agreement. The experimental data revealed that the S5011 chiral dopant, with left-handedness, used in the NLC environment of the host, exhibits a significant helical twist power (HTP). This leads to the narrowing of the reflection band width with increasing temperature, without causing a noticeable change in the wavelength of the central reflection. This feature highlights the high potential of these types of chiral materials as thermally stable materials for creating selective-reflective optical filters that remain stable with temperature changes, particularly away from the cholesteric to isotropic transition point.
High power single crystal KTA optical parametric amplifier for efficient 1.4–3.5 µm mid-IR radiation generation
Authors: Csanaková Bianka , Novák Ondřej , Roškot Lukáš , Mužík Jiří , Smrž Martin , Jelínková Helena , Mocek Tomáš
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present a single crystal, KTA (potassium titanyl-arsenate, KTiOAsO4) based picosecond optical parametric amplifier pumped by an in-house built 1030 nm Yb:YAG thin-disk laser, capable of tunability from 1.46 to 3.5 µm, operating at 90 kHz, with high average power in the signal and idler beams. The highest output power of 8.9 W was reached for the 1750 nm signal beam with 19% conversion efficiency and the respective 2500 nm idler beam power was 6.2 W with 13% efficiency. The highest combined signal and idler mid-infrared power was 17 W at the 2060 nm wavelength degeneracy point.
EEG connectivity in functional brain networks supporting visuomotor integration processes in dominant and non-dominant hand movements
Authors: Calcagno Alessandra , Coelli Stefania , Corda Martina , Temporiti Federico , Gatti Roberto , Galli Manuela , Bianchi Anna Maria
Published: May 2024

Objective. This study explores the changes in the organization of functional brain networks induced by performing a visuomotor integration task, as revealed by noninvasive spontaneous electroencephalographic traces (EEG). Approach. EEG data were acquired during the execution of the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) with the dominant and non-dominant hands in a group of 44 right-handed volunteers. Both spectral analysis and phase-based connectivity analysis were performed in the theta (ϑ), mu (

μ

) and beta (ß) bands. Graph Theoretical Analysis (GTA) was also performed to investigate the topological reorganization induced by motor task execution. Main results. Spectral analysis revealed an increase of frontoparietal ϑ power and a spatially diffused reduction of µ and ß contribution, regardless of the hand used. GTA showed a significant increase in network integration induced by movement performed with the dominant limb compared to baseline in the ϑ band. The µ and ß bands were associated with a reduction in network integration during the NHPT. In the µ rhythm, this result was more evident for the right-hand movement, while in the ß band, results did not show dependence on the laterality. Finally, correlation analysis highlighted an association between frequency-specific topology measures and task performance for both hands. Significance. Our results show that functional brain networks reorganize during visually guided movements in a frequency-dependent manner, differently depending on the hand used (dominant/non dominant).
A systematic evaluation of Euclidean alignment with deep learning for EEG decoding
Authors: Junqueira Bruna , Aristimunha Bruno , Chevallier Sylvain , de Camargo Raphael Y
Published: May 2024

Objective:Electroencephalography signals are frequently used for various Brain–Computer interface (BCI) tasks. While deep learning (DL) techniques have shown promising results, they are hindered by the substantial data requirements. By leveraging data from multiple subjects, transfer learning enables more effective training of DL models. A technique that is gaining popularity is Euclidean alignment (EA) due to its ease of use, low computational complexity, and compatibility with DL models. However, few studies evaluate its impact on the training performance of shared and individual DL models. In this work, we systematically evaluate the effect of EA combined with DL for decoding BCI signals.Approach:We used EA as a pre-processing step to train shared DL models with data from multiple subjects and evaluated their transferability to new subjects.Main results:Our experimental results show that it improves decoding in the target subject by 4.33% and decreases convergence time by more than 70%. We also trained individual models for each subject to use as a majority-voting ensemble classifier. In this scenario, using EA improved the 3-model ensemble accuracy by 3.71%. However, when compared to the shared model with EA, the ensemble accuracy was 3.62% lower.Significance:EA succeeds in the task of improving transfer learning performance with DL models and, could be used as a standard pre-processing technique.