bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global increase in destructive potential of extratropical transition events in response to greenhouse warming
Authors: Cheung Hung Ming , Chu Jung-Eun
Published: September 2023

When tropical cyclones (TCs) move to the mid-latitudes, they oftentimes undergo extratropical transition (ET) by which they lose their symmetry and warm-core characteristics. Upon transforming into extratropical cyclones (ETCs), they tend to impact larger areas and thus larger populations. In light of the increased TC intensity due to global warming identified in previous studies, here we examine its effect on the frequency and destructiveness of ET events globally using a high-resolution fully coupled Earth System model (0.25° for atmosphere; 0.1° for ocean) prescribed with present-day, doubling, and quadrupling CO2 concentrations. Our findings indicate that ETCs originated from the tropics with higher destructiveness (indicated by integrated kinetic energy) become more frequent in response to greenhouse warming, although the number of ET events does not change significantly. The key factor in the change in the destructiveness of ETCs is the increase in wind speed and the high-wind area at ET. Despite the uncertainty in the Northern Hemisphere, our results underscore the necessity for climate resilience in the mid-latitudes against global warming.
The mechanism of boreal summer SSTA phase-locking in the far eastern Pacific
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Jin Fei-Fei
Published: September 2023

In observations, the boreal winter El Niño—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase-locking phenomenon is evident in the central-eastern Pacific. In the far eastern equatorial Pacific (FEP) and South American coastal regions, however, the peak of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) tends to occur in the boreal summer, with fewer winter peak events. By separating the direct ENSO forcing from the FEP SSTA, we found that the summer peak preference is contributed by the residual SSTA component, while the ENSO forcing provides only a small probability of winter peak. The dynamics of FEP SSTA phase-locking in observations and its biases in the climate models are investigated by adopting a linear stochastic-dynamical model. In observations, the summer phase-locking of FEP SSTA is controlled by the seasonal modulation of the SSTA damping process. In contrast, in the climate models the strength of FEP SSTA phase-locking is much smaller than observed due to the overly negative SSTA damping rate.
Neural encoding of instantaneous kinematics of eye-head gaze shifts in monkey superior Colliculus
Authors: van Opstal A. John
Published: September 2023

The midbrain superior colliculus is a crucial sensorimotor stage for programming and generating saccadic eye-head gaze shifts. Although it is well established that superior colliculus cells encode a neural command that specifies the amplitude and direction of the upcoming gaze-shift vector, there is controversy about the role of the firing-rate dynamics of these neurons during saccades. In our earlier work, we proposed a simple quantitative model that explains how the recruited superior colliculus population may specify the detailed kinematics (trajectories and velocity profiles) of head-restrained saccadic eye movements. We here show that the same principles may apply to a wide range of saccadic eye-head gaze shifts with strongly varying kinematics, despite the substantial nonlinearities and redundancy in programming and execute rapid goal-directed eye-head gaze shifts to peripheral targets. Our findings could provide additional evidence for an important role of the superior colliculus in the optimal control of saccades.
The citrate transporters SLC13A5 and SLC25A1 elicit different metabolic responses and phenotypes in the mouse
Authors: Fernandez-Fuente Gonzalo , Overmyer Katherine A. , Lawton Alexis J. , Kasza Ildiko , Shapiro Samantha L. , Gallego-Muñoz Patricia , Coon Joshua J. , Denu John M. , Alexander Caroline M. , Puglielli Luigi
Published: September 2023

Cytosolic citrate is imported from the mitochondria by SLC25A1, and from the extracellular milieu by SLC13A5. In the cytosol, citrate is used by ACLY to generate acetyl-CoA, which can then be exported to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by SLC33A1. Here, we report the generation of mice with systemic overexpression (sTg) of SLC25A1 or SLC13A5. Both animals displayed increased cytosolic levels of citrate and acetyl-CoA; however, SLC13A5 sTg mice developed a progeria-like phenotype with premature death, while SLC25A1 sTg mice did not. Analysis of the metabolic profile revealed widespread differences. Furthermore, SLC13A5 sTg mice displayed increased engagement of the ER acetylation machinery through SLC33A1, while SLC25A1 sTg mice did not. In conclusion, our findings point to different biological responses to SLC13A5- or SLC25A1-mediated import of citrate and suggest that the directionality of the citrate/acetyl-CoA pathway can transduce different signals.
Structure of a putative immature form of a Rieske-type iron-sulfur protein in complex with zinc chloride
Authors: Tsutsumi Erika , Niwa Satomi , Takeda Ryota , Sakamoto Natsuki , Okatsu Kei , Fukai Shuya , Ago Hideo , Nagao Satoshi , Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Takeda Kazuki
Published: September 2023

Iron-sulfur clusters are prosthetic groups of proteins involved in various biological processes. However, details of the immature state of the iron-sulfur cluster into proteins have not yet been elucidated. We report here the first structural analysis of the Zn-containing form of a Rieske-type iron-sulfur protein, PetA, from Thermochromatium tepidum (TtPetA) by X-ray crystallography and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis. The Zn-containing form of TtPetA was indicated to be a dimer in solution. The zinc ion adopts a regular tetra-coordination with two chloride ions and two cysteine residues. Only a histidine residue in the cluster-binding site exhibited a conformational difference from the [2Fe-2S] containing form. The Zn-containing structure indicates that the conformation of the cluster binding site is already constructed and stabilized before insertion of [2Fe-2S]. The binding mode of ZnCl2, similar to the [2Fe-2S] cluster, suggests that the zinc ions might be involved in the insertion of the [2Fe-2S] cluster.
Green metrics in mechanochemistry
Authors: Fantozzi Nicolas , Volle Jean-Noël , Porcheddu Andrea , Virieux David , García Felipe , Colacino Evelina
Published: September 2023

The quantitative assessment of the greenness of mechanochemical processes for green metrics were calculated is herein reported. A general introduction to the topic, variables influencing the reaction outcome and, an outlook are also provided.
High performance nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors via thermally grown Cu native oxides (CuNOx) towards sweat glucose monitoring
Authors: Alam Maksud M. , Howlader Matiar M. R.
Published: September 2023

Diabetes, the seventh leading cause of death globally, requires real-time blood glucose monitoring, which is often an invasive process.
Surfactant-enhanced air-agitation liquid–liquid microextraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from edible oil using magnetic deep eutectic solvent prior to HPLC determination
Authors: Adib Fariba , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Nemati Mahboob , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Mohebbi Ali , Alizadeh Nabil Ali Akbar
Published: September 2023

Herein, an air-agitation liquid–liquid microextraction procedure was developed for the extraction of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from edible oil samples.
A novel exopolysaccharide (p-CY01) from the Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain CY01 cryopreserves human red blood cells
Authors: Kim Sung Jin , Youn Ui Joung , Kang Pilsung , Kim Tai Kyoung , Kim Il-Chan , Han Se Jong , Lee Dong-Woo , Yim Joung Han
Published: September 2023

A novel EPS (p-CY01), derived from Antarctic Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain CY01, can serve as a non-penetrating cryopreservation agent for the long-term storage of human red blood cells.
Deamination-triggered exponential signal amplification for chemiluminescent detection of cytosine deaminase at the single-cell level
Authors: Liu Wen-jing , Li Hai-Juan , Zou Xiaoran , Liu Qian , Ma Fei , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: September 2023

We construct a sensitive chemiluminescent biosensor for sensitive detection of cytosine deaminase APOBEC3A based on deamination-triggered exponential signal amplification.
A systematic study on the kinetics of H-shift reactions in pristine acyl peroxy radicals
Authors: Seal Prasenjit , Barua Shawon , Iyer Siddharth , Kumar Avinash , Rissanen Matti
Published: September 2023

A systematic study is carried out for the first time on H-shifts in pristine acyl peroxy radicals. The fastest rates were found to be in the range of 10−2 to 10−1 s−1, remaining competitive even under moderately polluted atmospheric conditions.
Aqueous electrolyte-mediated reversible K+ ion insertion into graphite
Authors: Baishya Ritupurna , Sarmah Devalina , Mahanta Debajyoti , Das Shyamal K.
Published: September 2023

The K+ ion electrochemistry of graphite in aqueous batteries is illustrated.
Trends in the stability of covalent dative bonds with variable solvent polarity depend on the charge transfer in the Lewis electron-pair system
Authors: Lo Rabindranath , Manna Debashree , Miriyala Vijay Madhav , Nachtigallová Dana , Hobza Pavel
Published: September 2023

Depending upon the extent of charge transfer between the subsystems, the neutral dative bond complexes may stabilise or destabilise with increase in solvent polarity.
Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics studies on the excited-state decay mechanisms of cytidine aza-analogues: 5-azacytidine and 2′-deoxy-5-azacytidine in aqueous solution
Authors: Chang Xue-Ping , Fan Feng-Ran , Zhang Teng-Shuo , Xie Bin-Bin
Published: September 2023

The excited state properties and deactivation pathways of two DNA methylation inhibitors, i.e., 5-azacytidine (5ACyd) and 2′-deoxy-5-azacytidine (5AdCyd) in aqueous solution are comprehensively explored with the QM(CASPT2//CASSCF)/MM protocol.
Constructing a NiMnS electrode with a Mn-rich surface for hydrogen production in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers
Authors: Guo Wenwu , Kim Hyunki , Hong Seokjin , Kim Soo Young , Ahn Sang Hyun
Published: September 2023

Efficient NiMnS electrodes have been developed for hydrogen production in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs).
Oxynitride K2Ba6.72Si16O40−1.5yNy:0.28Eu2+ phosphor with high thermal stability realized by crystal field engineering
Authors: Mao Aijun , Wang Xinwei , Guo Yali , Zhai Xuejie , Lv Pai
Published: September 2023

Extensive research has gone into modifying the chemical composition of phosphors to achieve desirable optical properties.
Doping transition metals to modulate the chirality and photocatalytic activity of rare earth clusters
Authors: Lu Ying , Yang Wen-Zhu , Ding Xiu-Xia , Nie Si-Qi , Jiang Zhan-Guo , Zhan Cai-Hong
Published: September 2023

Achiral dimers (ΛΛΛΔΔΔ-{Ln6M}) and chiral tetramers (ΔΔΔΔΔΔΛΛ-{Nd9Fe2} and ΛΛΛΛΛΛΔΔ-{Nd9Fe2}) have been assembled by utilizing achiral rigid chelating ligands (acac−) and doping transition metal.
Hydrogen society: from present to future
Authors: Guan Daqin , Wang Bowen , Zhang Jiguang , Shi Rui , Jiao Kui , Li Lincai , Wang Yang , Xie Biao , Zhang Qingwen , Yu Jie , Zhu Yunfeng , Shao Zongping , Ni Meng
Published: September 2023

Systematic insights into the recent attainments, limitations, and future directions of hydrogen production, storage, delivery, and usage are provided, aiming at offering critical guidance for the future establishment of a hydrogen society.
A unique air-assisted DMSO oxidation pathway for the highly efficient synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural/fructose
Authors: Pang Yujia , Chen Ning , Zhao Zhizhou , Zhang Lei , Broekman J. O. P. , Wei Junnan , Li Xiujuan , Lin Lu , Huang He
Published: September 2023

A unique air-assisted DMSO oxidation pathway is activated by the co-adsorption of DMSO and O2 on Co-(pyrrolic N–C) pairs of CoNC-MCM.
Pressure-dependent comparative study of the mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I): a DFT study for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Aktary M. , Kamruzzaman M. , Afrose R.
Published: September 2023

Inorganic metal-halide perovskite (MHP) materials are potential candidates for optoelectronic and energy-storage device applications.
Impact of solvent-induced morphological changes on the hole transfer dynamics during a charge separation process
Authors: Lee Dongchan , Oh Chang-Mok , Ryu Jiho , Jang Sung-Yeon , Hwang In-Wook , Cho Shinuk
Published: September 2023

Impact of different solvents on the morphology and charge dynamics of PM6:Y6 solar cells was examined using EL deconvolution. Alterations in morphology had influence on hole transfer states, leading to modifications in charge separation efficiency.
Profile generation using the filtering technique for the fast motion and smooth performance in the hardware level of autonomous system
Authors: Lam Duc Khai , Ngo Nhat Minh , Ngo Ha Quang Thinh
Published: September 2023

This study addresses the challenge of motion control in autonomousvehicles through the introduction of a novel profile generation design. Specifically,autonomous vehicles often contend with uncertain factors and physicallimitations within their operational environments, such as abrupt changes inacceleration or intricate parametric motion profiles. To tackle this problem, afiltering technique for motion profile generation is proposed, leveraging ahardware programming language as its foundation. The investigation begins byanalyzing the specific structure of the mobile platform, which includes twoactive side wheels, two passive rear wheels, a high load capacity, and adifferential drive mode. Building upon this theoretical basis, the proposedfiltering technique is introduced to attain smooth motion profiles and optimizetiming. Furthermore, the study suggests the use of FPGA (Field ProgrammableGate Array) acceleration to expedite these computations for swift motionprocessing. To validate the efficacy of the proposed method, both the mobilevehicle and the load are simulated as a one‐axis linear ball‐screw system withan aluminum ruler. The experimental results unequivocally demonstrate theeffectiveness, feasibility, and applicability of the proposed approach across avariety of industrial solutions.
Model predictive direct torque control of a three‐phase four‐switch inverter induction motor driving system
Authors: Qu Jialong , Li Kerui , Yan Shuo
Published: September 2023

With the development of power electronics and motor driving system, AC motor speed control or the servo system has been widely explored. Among them, the Induction Motor (IM) driving based on a three‐phase six‐switch inverter has become a mature technology for a wide range of applications. However, in some scenarios, a certain fault‐tolerant ability and further cost savings are required. Under this circumstance, the motor driving system based on the three‐phase four‐switch inverter is proposed. However, it has fewer voltage vectors, with unequal amplitudes, spatial asymmetry, and no zero vector, which will inevitably lead to the deterioration of the control performance. In this study, the operation of the four‐switch inverter IM driving is analysed in detail. The model predictive direct torque control (MPDTC) is proposed to obtain better static and dynamic characteristics. Through the simulation and experimental studies, the control algorithm is verified to drive a 2.2 kW IM. Compared with the conventional DTC, the proposed MPDTC has a rapid dynamic response and greatly reduces the torque and flux ripple in a steady state.
Statistically bias-minimized peculiar velocity catalogs from Gibbs point processes and Bayesian inference
Authors: Sorce Jenny G. , Stoica Radu S. , Tempel Elmo
Published: September 2023

The peculiar velocities of galaxies can serve as excellent cosmological probes provided that the biases inherent to their measurements are contained prior to the start of any study. This paper proposes a new algorithm based on an object point process model whose probability density is built to statistically reduce the effects of Malmquist biases and uncertainties due to lognormal errors in radial peculiar velocity catalogs. More precisely, a simulated annealing algorithm allows for the probability density describing the point process model to be maximized. The resulting configurations are bias-minimized catalogs. We conducted tests on synthetic catalogs mimicking the second and third distance modulus catalogs of the Cosmicflows project from which peculiar velocity catalogs are derived. By reducing the local peculiar velocity variance in catalogs by an order of magnitude, the algorithm permits the recovery of the expected one, while preserving the small-scale velocity correlation. It also allows for the expected clustering to be retrieved. The algorithm was then applied to the observational catalogs. The large-scale structure reconstructed with the Wiener-filter technique applied to the bias-minimized observational catalogs matches that of the local cosmic web well, as supported by redshift surveys of local galaxies. These new bias-minimized versions of peculiar velocity catalogs can be used as a starting point for several studies, from plausible estimations of the most probable value for the Hubble constant, H0, to the production of simulations constrained to reproduce the local Universe.
Parameterizing pressure–temperature profiles of exoplanet atmospheres with neural networks
Authors: Gebhard Timothy D. , Angerhausen Daniel , Konrad Björn S. , Alei Eleonora , Quanz Sascha P. , Schölkopf Bernhard
Published: September 2023

Context.Atmospheric retrievals (AR) of exoplanets typically rely on a combination of a Bayesian inference technique and a forward simulator to estimate atmospheric properties from an observed spectrum. A key component in simulating spectra is the pressure–temperature (PT) profile, which describes the thermal structure of the atmosphere. Current AR pipelines commonly use ad hoc fitting functions here that limit the retrieved PT profiles to simple approximations, but still use a relatively large number of parameters.

Aims.In this work, we introduce a conceptually new, data-driven parameterization scheme for physically consistent PT profiles that does not require explicit assumptions about the functional form of the PT profiles and uses fewer parameters than existing methods.

Methods.Our approach consists of a latent variable model (based on a neural network) that learns a distribution over functions (PT profiles). Each profile is represented by a low-dimensional vector that can be used to condition a decoder network that mapsPtoT.

Results.When training and evaluating our method on two publicly available datasets of self-consistent PT profiles, we find that our method achieves, on average, better fit quality than existing baseline methods, despite using fewer parameters. In an AR based on existing literature, our model (using two parameters) produces a tighter, more accurate posterior for the PT profile than the five-parameter polynomial baseline, while also speeding up the retrieval by more than a factor of three.

Conclusions.By providing parametric access to physically consistent PT profiles, and by reducing the number of parameters required to describe a PT profile (thereby reducing computational cost or freeing resources for additional parameters of interest), our method can help improve AR and thus our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres and their habitability.
A multi-technique approach to identifying and/or constraining radial-velocity substellar companions
Authors: Philipot F. , Lagrange A.-M. , Kiefer F. , Rubini P. , Delorme P. , Chomez A.
Published: September 2023

Context. Although more than one thousand substellar companions have already been detected with the radial velocity (RV) method, many new companions remain to be detected in the public RV archives.

Aims. We wish to use the archival data obtained with the ESO/HARPS spectrograph to search for substellar companions.

Methods. We used the astronomic acceleration measurements of stars obtained with the HIPPARCOS and Gaia satellites to identify anomalies that could be explained by the presence of a companion. Once hints for a companion were found, we combined the RV data with absolute astrometry data and, when available, relative astrometry data, using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to determine the orbital parameters and mass of the companion.

Results. We find and characterize three new brown dwarfs (GJ 660.1 C, HD 73256 B, and HD 165131 B) and six new planets (HD 75302 b, HD 108202 b, HD 135625 b, HD 185283 b, HIP 10337 b, and HIP 54597 b) with separations between 1 and 6 au and masses between 0.6 and 100 MJup. We also constrain the orbital inclination of ten known substellar companions and determine their true mass. Finally, we identify twelve new stellar companions. This shows that the analysis of proper motion anomalies enables the optimization of the RV search for substellar companions and their characterization.
Toward more accurate RR Lyrae metallicities
Authors: Kovacs Geza , Jurcsik Johanna
Published: September 2023

By using a large sample of fundamental mode RR Lyrae stars with published spectroscopic iron abundances and gravities, we point out the importance of correcting these abundances by using more accurate temporal gravities. For the 197 stars with multiple spectra, overall we find [Fe/H] standard deviations of 0.167 (as published), 0.145 (shifted by data source zero points), and 0.121 (both zero point shifted and corrected for the static gravity). These improvements are significant at the ~2σ level at each correction step, leading to a clearly significant improvement after both corrections are applied. The higher quality of the gravity-corrected metallicities is also strongly supported by the tighter correlation with the metallicities predicted from the period and Fourier phase, φ31. This work highlights the need for using some external estimates of the temporal gravity in the chemical abundance analysis, rather than relying on a full-fetched spectrum fit that leads to large correlated errors in the estimated parameters.
First report of an Ediacarian basement in the Western Alps: the Serre Chevalier crystalline unit (Briançonnais domain, France)
Authors: Thiéblemont Denis , Jacob Jean-Baptiste , Lach Philippe , Guerrot Catherine , Leguérinel Mathieu
Published: September 2023

We report new LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon ages of varied crystalline rocks occurring in the Serre Chevalier crystalline terrain, an allochtonous basement unit located at the top of the Briançonnais nappes stack ∼5 km west of Briançon city. Mapped as an undifferentiated metasedimentary basement on the geological map at 1/50,000 scale, this unit actually displays varied lithologies including alternating micaschist, paragneiss, quartzite, coarse-grained conglomerate and felsic (leptynite) to mafic (amphibolite) gneiss of magmatic origin. All rocks were metamorphosed in response to a dominant pre-Alpine event under amphibolite facies conditions. Partial recrystallization under low-grade amphibolite to greenschist facies conditions was associated with alpine events. Zircon ages were obtained on four types of rocks: (i) a micaceous quartzite from the core of the metasedimentary unit displays a dominant age population around 610 Ma, with a minimal age of 580 Ma, and subordinated age populations at c. 940 Ma, 1825 Ma and 2100-2560 Ma ; (ii) a granite boulder from a coarse-grained conglomerate yields a well-defined age of 582 ± 5 Ma and subordinated inherited ages between 1800 and 2200 Ma. Zircon rims of probable metamorphic origin provide a concordant age of 492 ± 4 Ma ; (iii) a gneissic band in the vicinity of the conglomerate is dated at 597 ± 4 Ma ; (iv) a coarse-grained garnet amphibolite yields an age of 517 ± 3 Ma interpreted as the emplacement age of the protolith, either as intrusive unit cutting accross the sedimentary succession or lava intercalated within the sediments.

The mainly Ediacarian record in the metasediments (quartzite and granite boulder in conglomerate) lead us to conclude that this material resulted from the erosion of a nearby Ediacarian (Cadomian ?) basement. The age of 517 Ma obtained on the amphibolite provides a minimum age for the sedimentary succession which deposition is therefore bracketed between 582 Ma and 517 Ma. This interval is comparable to that of the metasedimentary units of the Brioverian group of the Armorican Massif. Based on their low Th/U ratio, the 492 Ma-old zircon rims in the granite boulder are attributed to an Upper Cambrian metamorphic event.
Maladie d’Alzheimer, peptides β-amyloïdes et système ubiquitine-protéasome
Authors: Simon Philippe Yves Rémy , Bus Johanna , David Renaud
Published: September 2023

La maladie d’Alzheimer – une maladie neurodégénérative liée à l’âge entraînant une altération progressive des fonctions cognitives – se caractérise par une accumulation intracérébrale d’oligomères β-amyloïdes (Aβ) solubles, suivie d’une apparition d’enchevêtrements neurofibrillaires anormalement ubiquitinylés – un processus associé à une inflammation chronique. La présence systématique d’inclusions ubiquitinylées traduit une baisse d’activité du protéasome due (et concourant) à la présence d’oligomères Aβ – un dysfonctionnement central dans l’étiologie de la maladie. L’implication du système ubiquitine-protéasome ouvre de nouvelles perspectives thérapeutiques tant préventives que curatives.
Reducible 3-critical graphs
Authors: Allie Imran
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we provide further insights into the reducibility of 3-critical graphs. A graph is 3-critical if it is class two, that is, has chromatic index 4, and the removal of any one edge renders a graph with chromatic index 3. We consider two types of reductions: the suppression of a 2-connected subgraph into a single edge; and the suppression of a 3-connected subgraph into a single vertex. That is, in cases where the 2- or 3-connected subgraph is cubic or strictly subcubic. We show that every cyclically 2-connected 3-critical graph can be reduced to a smaller 3-critical graph using this method. We also prove that every 3-critical graph which is cyclically k-connected with k = 2 or k = 3, contains a 3-critical minor which is cyclically k-connected with k ≥ 4.
Bronchoscopy masks mitigate aerosols during upper gastrointestinal endoscopies
Authors: Phillips Frank , Crowley Jane , Warburton Samantha , Parra-Blanco Adolfo , Gordon George S. D.
Published: September 2023

Background and study aims Upper gastrointestinal endoscopies are
considered aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) that risk spread of airborne diseases such as
SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to investigate where clinically approved bronchoscopy masks applied to
patients during esophagogastroduodenoscopies can mitigate spread of aerosols and
droplets.

Patients and methods This study included patients undergoing routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a standard endoscopy room and used a particle counter to measure size and number of particles 10 cm from the mouths of 49 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, of whom 12 wore bronchoscopy masks and 37 did not (controls). Particle counts in the aerosol (≤ 5 µm diameter) and droplet (> 5 µm-diameter) size ranges were measured and averaged over the duration of procedures.

Results The use of bronchoscopy masks offers a 47% reduction
(P = 0.01) in particle count for particles < 5 μm in diameter
over the procedure duration (aerosols).

Conclusions Bronchoscopy masks or similar are a simple, low-cost
mitigation technique that can be used during outbreaks of respiratory diseases such as
COVID-19 to improve safety and reduce fallow times.
Reticulated Platelets Predict Cardiovascular Death and Adverse Events in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Bernlochner Isabell , Bongiovanni Dario , Novelli Laura , Condello Francesco , Kirmes Kilian , Han Jiaying , Wein Bastian , Elvinger Sébastien , Viggiani Giacomo , von Scheidt Moritz , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Raake Philip W.J. , Kastrati Adnan
Published: September 2023

Background The pro-thrombotic immature or reticulated platelets (RPs) are known to be elevated in high-risk patients and in different pathological settings. It has been shown that RPs correlate with an insufficient antiplatelet response to antiplatelet agents. RPs are emerging novel predictors of adverse cardiovascular events in cardiovascular disease. This study, using the totality of existing evidence, evaluated the prognostic role of RPs in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis including trials of acute and chronic coronary syndrome reporting clinical outcomes according to RPs levels in the peripheral blood. We compared patients with elevated RPs (RPshigh) to patients without elevated RPs (RPslow). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were used as metric of choice for treatment effects with random-effects models. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, urgent coronary revascularization and bleedings.

Results A total of 7 studies, including 2213 patients, were included. The risk for MACCE was significantly higher in RPshigh compared to RPslow patients (OR 2.67 [1.87; 3.81], I2
 = 43.8%). RPshigh were associated with cardiovascular death (OR 2.09 [1.36; 3.22], I2
 = 40.4%). No associations for RPshigh were detected with the other singular components of MACCE: myocardial infarction (OR 1.73 [0.89; 3.38] I2
 = 60.5%) and stroke (OR 1.72 [0.59; 4.96] I2
 = 21%). The risk of bleeding did not differ between groups(OR 0.58 [0.15; 2.22] I2
 = 86.1%).

Conclusion Elevated RPs are significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death.
Bias-assisted photoelectrochemical planarization of GaN (0001) with impurity concentration distribution
Authors: Toh D. , Kayao K. , Ohnishi R. , Osaka A. I. , Yamauchi K. , Sano Y.
Published: September 2023

To planarize semiconductor materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide with high efficiency, we developed a polarization method that combines ultraviolet irradiation and an abrasive-free polishing method known as catalyst-referred etching (CARE). In this method, the substrate surface is photoelectrochemically oxidized, thus improving the removal rate. Accordingly, an atomically well-ordered surface was obtained at a removal rate 100 times higher than that of the conventional CARE method without ultraviolet irradiation. However, in some cases, for GaN substrates with a high oxygen impurity concentration area, the oxidation rate is nonuniform on the substrate surface, resulting in the formation of a rough surface. In this study, we propose the application of a positive bias to the GaN substrate to suppress the oxidation rate fluctuation. In the positive bias state, the width of the depletion layer generated at the interface of GaN and the etchant becomes uniform on the entire surface regardless of crystallographic fluctuation, thereby achieving a uniform oxidation rate. When only 3.0 V was applied, the oxidation rate was uniform; thus, a flat GaN surface without the footprint originating from crystallographic fluctuations was obtained.
Nonlinear verification of the resistive-wall boundary modules in the specyl and pixie3d magneto-hydrodynamic codes for fusion plasmas
Authors: Spinicci L. , Bonfiglio D. , Chacón L. , Cappello S. , Veranda M.
Published: September 2023

A nonlinear verification benchmark is reported between the three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (3D MHD) codes specyl [Cappello and Biskamp, Nucl. Fusion 36, 571 (1996)] and pixie3d [Chacón, Phys. Plasmas, 15, 056103 (2008)]. This work substantially extends a former successful verification study between the same two codes [Bonfiglio et al., Phys. Plasmas, 17, 082501 (2010)] and focuses on the verification of thin-shell resistive-wall boundary conditions, recently implemented in both codes. Such boundary conditions feature a thin resistive shell in contact with the plasma and an ideal wall placed at a finite distance, separated from the resistive shell by a vacuum region, along with a 3D boundary flow consistent with Ohm’s law. This setup allows the study of MHD modes that are influenced by the plasma magnetic boundary, such as external kink modes. The linear growth and nonlinear saturation of external kink modes are studied in both the tokamak and reversed-field pinch magnetic configurations, demonstrating excellent agreement between the two codes. For the tokamak, we present a comparison with analytical linear stability results for the external kink mode, demonstrating remarkable agreement between numerical and analytical growth rates.
Air pollution and suicide in rural and urban America: Evidence from wildfire smoke
Authors: Molitor David , Mullins Jamie T. , White Corey
Published: September 2023

Air pollution poses well-established risks to physical health, but little is known about its effects on mental health. We study the relationship between wildfire smoke exposure and suicide risk in the United States in 2007 to 2019 using data on all deaths by suicide and satellite-based measures of wildfire smoke and ambient fine particulate matter (PM
2.5
) concentrations. We identify the causal effects of wildfire smoke pollution on suicide by relating year-over-year fluctuations in county-level monthly smoke exposure to fluctuations in suicide rates and compare the effects across local areas and demographic groups that differ considerably in their baseline suicide risk. In rural counties, an additional day of smoke increases monthly mean PM
2.5
by 0.41 μg/m
3
and suicide deaths by 0.11 per million residents, such that a 1-μg/m
3
(13%) increase in monthly wildfire-derived fine particulate matter leads to 0.27 additional suicide deaths per million residents (a 2.0% increase). These effects are concentrated among demographic groups with both high baseline suicide risk and high exposure to outdoor air: men, working-age adults, non-Hispanic Whites, and adults with no college education. By contrast, we find no evidence that smoke pollution increases suicide risk among any urban demographic group. This study provides large-scale evidence that air pollution elevates the risk of suicide, disproportionately so among rural populations.
Fully accessible fitness landscape of oncogene-negative lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yousefi Maryam , Andrejka Laura , Szamecz Márton , Winslow Monte M. , Petrov Dmitri A. , Boross Gábor
Published: September 2023

Cancer genomes are almost invariably complex with genomic alterations cooperating during each step of carcinogenesis. In cancers that lack a single dominant oncogene mutation, cooperation between the inactivation of multiple tumor suppressor genes can drive tumor initiation and growth. Here, we shed light on how the sequential acquisition of genomic alterations generates oncogene-negative lung tumors. We couple tumor barcoding with combinatorial and multiplexed somatic genome editing to characterize the fitness landscapes of three tumor suppressor genes NF1, RASA1, and PTEN, the inactivation of which jointly drives oncogene-negative lung adenocarcinoma initiation and growth. The fitness landscape was surprisingly accessible, with each additional mutation leading to growth advantage. Furthermore, the fitness landscapes remained fully accessible across backgrounds with the inactivation of additional tumor suppressor genes. These results suggest that while predicting cancer evolution will be challenging, acquiring the multiple alterations that drive the growth of oncogene-negative tumors can be facilitated by the lack of constraints on mutational order.
Transgenic expression of the HERV-W envelope protein leads to polarized glial cell populations and a neurodegenerative environment
Authors: Gruchot Joel , Lewen Isabel , Dietrich Michael , Reiche Laura , Sindi Mustafa , Hecker Christina , Herrero Felisa , Charvet Benjamin , Weber-Stadlbauer Ulrike , Hartung Hans-Peter , Albrecht Philipp , Perron Hervé , Meyer Urs , Küry Patrick
Published: September 2023

The human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) has been identified and repeatedly confirmed as human-specific pathogenic entity affecting many cell types in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our recent contributions revealed the encoded envelope (ENV) protein to disturb myelin repair by interfering with oligodendroglial precursor differentiation and by polarizing microglial cells toward an axon-damage phenotype. Indirect proof of ENV’s antiregenerative and degenerative activities has been gathered recently in clinical trials using a neutralizing anti-ENV therapeutic antibody. Yet direct proof of its mode of action can only be presented here based on transgenic ENV expression in mice. Upon demyelination, we observed myelin repair deficits, neurotoxic microglia and astroglia, and increased axon degeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis activity progressed faster in mutant mice equally accompanied by activated glial cells. This study therefore provides direct evidence on HERV-W ENV’s contribution to the overall negative impact of this activated viral entity in MS.
Molecularly confined hydration in thermoresponsive hydrogels for efficient atmospheric water harvesting
Authors: Guan Weixin , Zhao Yaxuan , Lei Chuxin , Yu Guihua
Published: September 2023

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, requiring innovative solutions such as atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), which captures moisture from the air to provide potable water to many water-stressed areas. Thermoresponsive hydrogels, a class of temperature-sensitive polymers, demonstrate potential for AWH as matrices for hygroscopic components like salts predominantly due to their relatively energy-efficient desorption properties compared to other sorbents. However, challenges such as limited swelling capacity due to the salting-out effect and difficulty in more complete water release hinder the effectiveness of conventional hydrogel sorbents. To overcome these limitations, we introduce molecularly confined hydration in thermoresponsive hydrogels by employing a bifunctional polymeric network composed of hygroscopic zwitterionic moieties and thermoresponsive moieties. Here, we show that this approach ensures stable water uptake, enables water release at relatively low temperatures, and exhibits rapid sorption–desorption kinetics. Furthermore, by incorporating photothermal absorbers, the sorbent can achieve solar-driven AWH with comparable water release performance. This work advances the design of AWH sorbents by introducing molecularly confined hydration in thermoresponsive hydrogels, leading to a more efficient and sustainable approach to water harvesting. Our findings offer a potential solution for advanced sorbent design with comprehensive performance to mitigate the freshwater crisis.
Repeated, imagined, hearsay
Authors: Thomas Jenelle
Published: September 2023

In this paper, I analyse the representation of reported discourse in testimony from a 1795 conspiracy trial. I present a framework for analysing scribal intervention in discourse reporting and show that, although the transcription conventions of historical criminal proceedings offer the appearance of being objective representations, recorded testimony privileges idealised representations of speech events. In fact, a special status is given to those speech events to which those in the courtroom were not privy, that is, hearsay. When scribes use Direct Discourse to report this type of speech, they are simultaneously marking it as evidence available for judicial decision-making and distancing themselves from the judgment and interpretation process. I show that this is particularly problematic for interpreted testimony. This has implications for both our understanding of historical courtroom processes and the use of trial transcripts for historical sociolinguistic and pragmatic analysis.
Comparative study of two equivalent circuit models for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis of epoxy zinc-rich coatings
Authors: Xie De-Ming , Wang Tian-Yu , Xie Jing-Ping , Cao Fang-Yuan , Wang Yu-Guang
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the impedance spectra of an epoxy zinc-rich coating (ZRC) and its free film immersed in 3.5% NaCl solution are investigated, the fitting error and model parameter trends of series and nested equivalent circuit fits are compared, and the differences in the high-frequency components of the ZRC and the epoxy coatings are analyzed. The results show that the high-frequency impedance of ZRC is the contact impedance between the zinc powders (Zm) rather than the film impedance (Zf). The corrosion reaction of the ZRCs is controlled by the diffusion of oxygen. For ZRCs, the series equivalent circuits are more reasonable compared to the nested equivalent circuit. Based on the series equivalent circuit, the variation law of the equivalent circuit elements (resistors, capacitors and dispersion coefficient) and the correlation of these elements with low-frequency impedance modulus (|Z|0.01Hz) and open circuit potential (OCP) are investigated in this paper.
Role of electrochemical processes in the extraction of metals and alloys – a review
Authors: Shamsuddin Mohammad , Sohn Hong Yong
Published: September 2023

This review discusses the electrochemical principles involved in the recovery of metals from aqueous solutions and fused salt electrolytes. In this article we concentrate on electrolytic processing of different types of metals with an emphasis on the significant role of electrochemical principles together with free energy and activity in electrowinning and electrorefining of common and reactive metals. Based on discharge potentials, metals are classified into three categories with respect to their characteristics of deposition from aqueous electrolytes without hydrogen evolution, under hydrogen over-voltage, and only from fused electrolytes.
Comparison of standards in field of measurement of 3D parameters of surface texture
Authors: Milovanova E A , Kosteev V A , Lysenko V G , Makarevich V B , Khrol A S , Kayupova M , Epenov T
Published: September 2023

Main text

In accordance with the COOMET comparison program for 2019, comparisons of unit length standards in the field of measuring 3D surface texture parameters were carried out in 2019 on the topic COOMET 776/RU-a/19. Pilot laboratory: Russian Research Institute of Metrological Service (VNIIMS, Russia). Participants: Russian Research Institute of Metrological Service (VNIIMS, Russia), Belarussian State Institute of Metrology (BelGIM, Belarus) and KazStandart (Kazakhstan).

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Design of a high-precision heat flow meter to characterize the thermoelectric module
Authors: Ren Hongrui , Niu Chunping , He Hailong , Wu Yi , Zhao Yabo , Li Youqun
Published: September 2023

Accurate characterization of the thermoelectric module (TEM) is a prerequisite for its application. Among the physical parameters of the TEM, the heat flow is crucial but it is the most difficult parameter to measure. This paper summarizes the previously reported heat flow measurement methods and proposes a heat flow meter (HFM) for TEM characterization with a sandwich structure composed of copper-glass-copper. The key factors affecting the precision of the HFM are analyzed with the assistance of simulation to obtain its design principles and fabrication procedures. A self-designed calibration device is used to calibrate the HFM to understand the relationship between heat flow and temperature. The HFM can characterize the TEM’s heat flow with its normalized root mean square error of no more than 2%. The accurate characterization of the TEM shows great potential to contribute to the development of TEM technologies.
A graphical derivation and statistical evaluation of simplified polynomials to determine vapour pressure deficit for use in ultra-low power microcontroller applications
Authors: Goodchild Martin S
Published: September 2023

The aim of this work has been to derive and statistically evaluate the accuracy of second-order and third-order polynomials to determine vapour pressure deficit (VPD). These polynomials take air temperature and relative humidity measurements to determine VPD without the use of an exponential function, as proposed by F W Murray in 1967. Replacing the exponential function with a 2nd or 3rd order polynomial may be beneficial in ultra-low power microcontroller-based measurement applications where; code size, memory usage and power requirements are critical design drivers. However, oversimplification may impact precision. This work presents alternative 2nd order and 3rd order equations that have been derived from a Murray equation dataset where VPD isothermal datasets were plotted against relative humidity. These linear relationships allow y = mx + c analysis where, (i) ‘c’ can be set to zero with a offset in the relative humidity data, and, (ii) ‘m’ can be derived from a 2nd of 3rd order polynomial where ‘m’ = f(T) and is derived using Excel-based fitting of the gradients from the isothermal datasets. The resulting ‘m’ = f(T) 2nd and 3rd order polynomials presented R
2 values of 0.998 04 and 0.999 98 respectively. A Bland-Altman statistical assessment was performed, where the Murray equation (reference) dataset is plotted against the difference between the reference and polynomial datasets using the same air temperature and relative humidity inputs. The difference datasets presented 2-sigma (95% confidence interval) variances for the 2nd and 3rd order polynomials as <±0.1 kPa and <±0.01 kPa respectively. The 2nd and 3rd order polynomials also resulted in a bias values of <0.0037 kPa and <0.0013 kPa respectively. These results suggest that a 3rd order polynomial equation could be used to determine VPD in ultra-low-power microcontroller measurement applications, with minimal impact on VPD measurement precision.
Influence of novel additives and antiwear agents on the properties of PAO-based magnetorheological fluids
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Li Chuanjiang , Liu Xinhua , Lu He , Zhang Yiwei , Yang Mao
Published: September 2023

Aiming to prepare high-property magnetorheological fluids (MRFs), experiment materials, optimized preparation processes, experimental methods, experimental procedures and test methods were elaborated for high-performance MRFs. Two carrier fluids, novel additives and three antiwear agents were selected to prepare MRFs. The characteristics of the MRFs samples including the settlement stability, zero-field viscosity, shear yield stress and wear resistance were tested and analyzed. The measurement of shear yield stress was obtained using a self-designed MRFs characteristics testing test-bed. The microstructure of unworn and worn magnetic-particles were observed using scanning electron microscope. Experimental results showed that HFGEL-310 and SD-104 mixed in a certain proportion can enhance settlement stability of MRFs, three antiwear agents can slow down the wear of MRFs to a certain extent and MRFs-31 with AlN had the best anti-wear performance. MRFs based on PAO10 with HFGEL-310 2.7%, SD-104 2.9% and AlN 5% was high-performance MRFs with good overall properties.