bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic prescribing for adults with group A streptococcal bacteremia in a large healthcare system
Authors: Gillins David A. , Hutton Mary , Buckel Whitney R.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Limited data exist regarding treatment of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections, including safety and efficacy of oral (PO) step-down therapy. We sought to describe current prescribing practices and clinical outcomes for patients with GAS bacteremia across a large health system, including a prespecified subset of patients who stepped down to PO antibiotics.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with a positive blood culture for GAS between July 2018 and July 2021. Primary outcomes included frequency of PO step-down, total duration of therapy, duration of intravenous (IV) therapy prior to PO switch, and antimicrobial selection. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), mortality, adverse events, and clinical failure leading to readmission within 90 days.

Results:

In total, 280 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 46.7% were stepped down to PO antibiotics. Median total duration of therapy was 15 days. Median duration of IV therapy prior to PO switch was 5 days. The predominant definitive antibiotic choice was a beta-lactam. Median LOS was 5 days. Ninety-day mortality was 16.7%. One patient developed an occluded line and one developed Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea within 90 days. Ninety-day readmission due to clinical failure was 12.5%. Among cases of uncomplicated skin and soft tissue source, mortality (6.1% vs 2.4%) and readmission (15.2% vs 16.9%) were similar between definitive IV and PO groups.

Conclusions:

Group A streptococcal bacteremia is a severe infection with a high readmission and mortality rate. Use of PO step-down therapy was common with similar readmission and mortality rates compared with definitive IV therapy.
Persistence of potential ST398 MSSA in outpatient settings among US veterans, 2010–2019
Authors: Carrel Margaret , Shi Qianyi , Hasegawa Shinya , Clore Gosia S. , David Michael Z. , Perencevich Eli N. , Smith Matthew , Goto Michihiko
Published: October 2023

Novel ST398 methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in the United States was first observed in New York City (2004–2007); its diffusion across the country resulted in changing treatment options. Utilizing outpatient antimicrobial susceptibility data from the Veterans Health Administration from 2010 to 2019, the spatiotemporal prevalence of potential ST398 MSSA is documented.
Development, implementation, and dissemination of operational innovations across the trial innovation network
Authors: Palm Marisha E. , Edwards Terri L. , Wieber Cortney , Kay Marie T. , Marion Eve , Boone Leslie , Nanni Angeline , Jones Michelle , Pham Eilene , Hildreth Meghan , Lane Karen , McBee Nichol , Benjamin Daniel K. , Bernard Gordon R. , Dean J. Michael , Dwyer Jamie P. , Ford Daniel E. , Hanley Daniel F. , Harris Paul A. , Wilkins Consuelo H. , Selker Harry P.
Published: October 2023

Improving the quality and conduct of multi-center clinical trials is essential to the generation of generalizable knowledge about the safety and efficacy of healthcare treatments. Despite significant effort and expense, many clinical trials are unsuccessful. The National Center for Advancing Translational Science launched the Trial Innovation Network to address critical roadblocks in multi-center trials by leveraging existing infrastructure and developing operational innovations. We provide an overview of the roadblocks that led to opportunities for operational innovation, our work to develop, define, and map innovations across the network, and how we implemented and disseminated mature innovations.
Ecological relationships between coprophagous insects and livestock production: a review
Authors: Perri Daiana V. , Bruzzone Octavio , Easdale Marcos H.
Published: October 2023

The ecological function played by the coprophagous insects is an important issue in livestock production contexts. The role of this fauna, specially dung beetles, provides benefits to both rangelands and production performance. This interaction has been studied and reported in many scientific articles, in very different places and with diverse production contexts. However, a comprehensive review of the relationship between coprophagous insects and livestock production is still lacking. We reviewed the research studies on this topic during the past five decades, with a focus in Scarabaeidae taxon and livestock production, in order to identify further research priorities. We analysed 435 research articles. The main results were: (I) studies were mostly located in temperate broadleaf forest biome, whereas arid environments were less studied; (II)Production practices impactscategory was the most studied, for which the effects produced by antiparasitic products on the coprophagous insects (n= 93; 21% of total revised articles) was the topics with major number of articles. Followed wasBiologycategory (n= 69; 16%), then inEcosystem functioncategory the most frequent studies were on dung removal (n= 40; 9%), whereas in theEcosystem Servicescategory the most frequent studies were on biological control (n= 28; 6%); (III) Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and United States were the countries with most research articles. We identified some knowledge gaps on relevant ecological functions of this fauna, in relation to benefits to livestock production. There is a need for future research on nutrient cycling, bioturbation, effects on primary production and vegetation diversity.
High primary productivity in an Ediacaran shallow marine basin influenced by strong seasonal to perennial upwelling
Authors: Ansari A.H. , Pandey S.K. , Ahmad Shamim , Sharma Mukund , Govil Pawan , Chaddha Amritpal Singh , Sharma Anupam
Published: October 2023

A significant area of late Neoproterozoic–early Cambrian seafloor hosted a ferruginous to euxinic condition as a result of expanded primary productivity-driven pumping of organic matter into subsurface water column and weak water column mixing in the concomitant sea. However, the cause and extent of increased marine primary productivity during this time interval remain unknown. To estimate the primary productivity in a late Neoproterozoic sea, this study investigated the Sirbu Shale, Vindhyan Supergroup, for trace elements, organic carbon isotopes and total organic carbon (TOC). Among the trace elements, cadmium (Cd), known for extremely low concentration in crustal rocks but higher abundance in biogenic organic matter, was the key parameter in the palaeoproductivity estimation. The Cd enrichment in the Sirbu Shale samples is comparable to that in modern marine sediments of the oxygen minimum zones in Chilean margins, Arabian Sea and Gulf of California characterized by high primary productivity and seasonal upwelling. In terms of Cd enrichment, the lower section of the Sirbu Shale was deposited under suboxic conditions, while the upper section was deposited under a relatively less reducing condition. Cd/Mo ratios > 0.36 in the shale sample indicate that the palaeoproductivity was strongly influenced by the nutrient supply through sea-shelf upwelling. Using non-detrital enrichment of Cd in Sirbu Shale samples, we calculated that the TOC exported to the floor of Sirbu Shale palaeodepositional setting through primary productivity ranged from 0.71 to 10.16%.
Natural occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema and Heterorhabditis) and Pristionchus nematodes in black truffle soils from Spain
Authors: Julià Ivan , Morton Ana , Garcia-del-Pino Fernando
Published: October 2023

The European truffle beetle Leiodes cinnamomeus is the most important pest in black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) plantations. Current control methods against it are inefficient, so entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) could play an important role in their population regulation due to their efficacy against many soil-dwelling insect pests. A survey of EPNs and Pristionchus nematodes was conducted in truffle soils of Spain, considering environmental and physical–chemical soil factors. A total of 164 soil samples were collected from forests, productive plantations and null-low productive plantations, representing three distinct black truffle-growing habitat types. EPNs were isolated from seven soil samples (4.3%); four nematodes were identified as Steinernema feltiae and three as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Both species were sampled in three types of soil texture (loam, sandy loam or sandy clay loam), characterized by alkaline pH (7.5 to 8.5) and high organic matter (2.1–11.04%). The presence of these EPNs was influenced by habitat type and organic matter content. Pristionchus nematodes were isolated from truffle soil, around truffle fruit bodies and under the elytra of L. cinnamomeus, with Pristionchus maupasi being the most commonly identified species. No significant associations were found between environmental and soil factors and the occurrence of Pristionchus nematodes. These nematodes were found in alkaline soils (pH 7.75 to 8.7), across all seven sampled soil textures, with variable organic matter content (0.73%–5.92%). The ecological trends and the presence of Pristionchus may affect the occurrence of EPNs and their prospective use as biological control agents against L. cinnamomeus in black truffle plantations.
Prevalence and factors associated with the coexistence of overweight/obesity and anaemia among women of reproductive age in Guinea
Authors: Diakité Djiba , Sidibé Sidikiba , Kolié Fassou , Camara Facely , Camara Djiki Mounir , Kourouma Mory , Délamou Alexandre
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of the coexistence of overweight or obesity (OWOB) and anaemia among non-pregnant Guinean women aged 15–49 years.

Design:

The analysis was performed using data from the 2018 Guinean Demographic and Health Survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the coexistence of OWOB and anaemia (OWOB + anaemia) among non-pregnant Guinean women.

Setting:

Guinea

Participants:

A total of 4783 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years with valid data on the nutritional status (BMI and Hb level) were included in the analysis.

Results:

The prevalence of coexistence of OWOB and anaemia among non-pregnant women was 11·16 % (95% CI: 10·05, 12·37). The following variables were associated with OWOB + anaemia in multivariate models (adjusted OR (AOR) 95% CI): higher wealth index (AOR = 4·69; 95% CI: 2·62, 8·39), middle wealth index (AOR = 1·96; 95% CI: 1·31, 2·93), four or more antenatal visits (AOR = 1·62; CI: 1·16, 2·28), having four or more children (AOR = 2·47; 95% CI: 1·37, 4·43) and the rural areas (AOR = 0·59; 95% CI: 0·37, 0·95).

Conclusion:

The current study’s findings reveal that OWOB + anaemia concerned one-tenth of non-pregnant women. Associated factors were household wealth index, multiparity, antenatal visits and rural areas. Thus, there is a need to design specific interventions to prevent the double burden of malnutrition among women of reproductive age. Interventions should include promoting physical exercise, family planning, healthy eating and raising awareness of behavioural change.
Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine
Authors: Xin Ying , Li Keming , Huang Miao , Liang Chenyu , Siemann Dietmar , Wu Lizi , Tan Youhua , Tang Xin
Published: October 2023

Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
Regional reemergence of a SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage amid an Omicron wave detected by wastewater sequencing
Authors: Haver Auke , Theijn Rick , Grift Ivo D. , Raaijmakers Gino , Poorter Elsa , Laros Jeroen F. J. , van Dissel Jaap T. , Lodder Willemijn J.
Published: October 2023

The implementation and integration of wastewater-based epidemiology constitutes a valuable addition to existing pathogen surveillance systems, such as clinical surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. In the Netherlands, SARS-CoV-2 variant circulation is monitored by performing whole-genome sequencing on wastewater samples. In this manuscript, we describe the detection of an AY.43 lineage (Delta variant) amid a period of BA.5 (Omicron variant) dominance in wastewater samples from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) during the months of August and September of 2022. Our results describe a temporary emergence, which was absent in samples from other WWTPs, and which coincided with peaks in viral load. We show how these lineage estimates can be traced back to lineage-specific substitution patterns. The absence of this variant from reported clinical data, but high associated viral loads suggest cryptic transmission. Our findings highlight the additional value of wastewater surveillance for generating insights into circulating pathogens.
Efficient ship noise classification with positive incentive noise and fused features using a simple convolutional network
Authors: Lin Xu , Dong Ruichun , Zhao Yuqing , Wang Rui
Published: October 2023

Ship noise analysis is a critical area of research in hydroacoustic remote sensing due to its practical implications in identifying ship direction, type, and even specific ship identities. However, the limited availability of data poses challenges in developing accurate ship noise classification models. Previous studies have mainly focused on small-sample learning approaches, resulting in complex network structures. Nonetheless, underwater robots often have limited computing power, making it essential to develop simpler recognition networks. In this paper, we address the issue of data scarcity by introducing positive incentive noise. We propose a CNN-based hydroacoustic signal recognition method that achieves comparable or superior performance to previous studies, using a simple network structure as a back-end decision system. We describe the feature extraction process using a dataset with added noise and compare the performance of various features. Additionally, we compare our proposed method with previous studies. Experimental results demonstrate that simple neural networks can achieve high performance and excellent generalizability without the need for complex network structures like adversarial learning models.
CuI-p-DPA coordination polymer isomers for “turn-on” fluorescence detection of thiophanate-methyl
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhao Haili , Chen Dan , Sun Haowei , Zhang Ke , Wang Chunqiong , Cao Qiue , Zheng Liyan
Published: October 2023

A signal-enhanced fluorescence analysis method for rapid and sensitive detection of the pesticide residue TM was established based on the strong affinity between TM molecules and CuI CPs.
Water-soluble organic macrocycles based on dye chromophores and their applications
Authors: Zhang Luying , Xu Yanqing , Wei Wei
Published: October 2023

This feature article focuses on recent water-soluble macrocyclic compounds based on organic dye chromophores, and introduces their applications such as molecular recognition, drug release and phototheranostics.
Ultrathin RhCo alloy nanowires with defect-rich active sites for alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhu Luyu , Xu Dongdong , Yi Chenglin
Published: October 2023

One-dimensional RhCo alloy nanowires with an anisotropic nanostructure and abundant defect sites are successfully prepared and their high activity and stability in alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis are further demonstrated.
Secondary-sphere preorganization enables nickel-catalyzed nitrile hydroboration
Authors: Afandiyeva Medina , Wu Xijue , Brennessel William W. , Kadam Abhishek A. , Kennedy C. Rose
Published: October 2023

Herein, we describe nickel-catalyzed nitrile hydroboration with pinacolborane, wherein a tethered NHC–pyridonate ligand enables cooperative activation of both reagents simultaneously to achieve efficient catalysis at room temperature.
The behaviour of tricyclic fused host systems comprising seven-membered B-rings in mixed pyridines
Authors: Barton Benita , Caira Mino R. , Trollip Danica B. , Hosten Eric C.
Published: October 2023

The intermolecular (host)π⋯π(host) and (guest)π⋯π(guest) (green dashed lines) and the (guest)C–H⋯π(host) and (host)C–H⋯π(host) (magenta) intermolecular interactions in H1·2(2MP) (in Å), the complex with the preferred pyridyl guest species.
Exploring the effect of substitution patterns on the symmetry of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular motifs in functionalized benzosiloxaboroles
Authors: Durka Krzysztof , Zuba Adam , Marek-Urban Paulina H. , Nowicki Krzysztof , Drapała Jakub , Woźniak Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz
Published: October 2023

A comparative analysis of crystal structures of a series of 26 functionalized 1,1-dimethyl-3-hydroxybenzo[c][1,2,3]siloxaboroles revealed a strong diversification of hydrogen-bond supramolecular assemblies involving BOH groups.
Prediction of the capture and utilization of atmospheric acidic gases by azo-based square-pillared fluorinated MOFs
Authors: Muthukumar D. , Palakkal Athulya S. , Pillai Renjith S.
Published: October 2023

Adsorptive separation and cyclo-addition of acidic gases with azo-based square-pillared fluorinated MOFs were performedviamolecular modelling.
WS2 supported PtOx clusters for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction: a DFT study
Authors: Zhu Linghao , Qin Cong , Wang Yan , Cao Jianliang
Published: October 2023

The CO2 photocatalytic conversion properties of PtOx clusters with variable sizes (Pt4O6, Pt5O8, Pt7O10, and Pt8O13) loaded on WS2 (PtOx–WS2) were investigated by density functional theory.
Unraveling the electronic origin of a special feature in the triplet-minus-singlet spectra of carotenoids in natural photosystems
Authors: Migliore Agostino , Corni Stefano , Agostini Alessandro , Carbonera Donatella
Published: October 2023

A special feature in the Qy region of the triplet-minus-singlet absorption spectra of chlorophyll–carotenoid complexes is explained as arising from effective singlet excitations on the chlorophylls influenced by a triplet density on the carotenoid.
Bionanotechnology and bioMEMS (BNM): state-of-the-art applications, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Borenstein Jeffrey T. , Cummins Gerard , Dutta Abhishek , Hamad Eyad , Hughes Michael Pycraft , Jiang Xingyu , Lee Hyowon (Hugh) , Lei Kin Fong , Tang Xiaowu (Shirley) , Zheng Yuanjin , Chen Jie
Published: October 2023

Advancements in fabrication technology, originally developed in the semiconductor industry, have been applied to address increasingly complex problems in medicine and biology for over three decades.
Cooling of Steam Turbine Exhaust Hood and Last Stage Blade
Authors: Hoznedl Michal , Ruml Zdeněk , Vlasák Jakub , Bém Jindřich , Kubíková Tereza , Ranš Matěj
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a novel semi-numerical method of water droplets path lines calculation in steam turbine axial exhaust hood 2D space. The axial velocity profile of steam as well as droplets evaporation are taken into account. Water droplets occur in several cooling nozzles placed on the outer wall of axial exhaust hood. Mathematical model of all water nozzles used in Doosan Škoda steam turbines was developed. Position and angle of cooling nozzles towards the outer exhaust hood wall influence the possibility of last stage blade trailing edges erosion given by droplets flow from the nozzles. The turbine lifetime is prolonged as the final consequence.
The concept, approach and benefits of energy auditing and its impact on the environment
Authors: Tomášková Tetjana , Duda Daniel , Abrhám Vladimír , Yanovych Vitalii , Uruba Václav
Published: October 2023

The electricity industry plays an irreplaceable role in the rise of the economic potential and development of every country around the world. The international community of industry, research institutions and global businesses focuses more on green finance; it rises its interest in environmental protection, climate change and strategies for sustainable development. A worldwide sudden increase in electricity consumption could occur due to the commitment to decarbonize economies. The implementation of an energy audit and its control elements in energy management is of great benefit to the organization and leads to the rational use of energy resources and improvement of energy efficiency. In addition, it can also promote the continuous sustainable development of the economy and society. Therefore, it seems reasonable for the electric power industry to incorporate the principles of sustainable development into its strategy and operations. This study aims to evaluate the energy audit and its impact on the environment in the context of reviewing current and potential problems and prospects. It will also describe the role of renewable energy in the sustainable development of the electricity sector. Furthermore, it identifies the main factors of sustainable development for the electricity sector.
Examining the Impact of Inlet Shape on Nasal Cavity Flow Field: A Computational Investigation
Authors: Trnka Filip , Schmirlerová Hana , Májovský Martin , Netuka David , Schmirler Michal
Published: October 2023

In numerical calculations, entrance lengths and volumes upstream of the control volume are commonly used to steady the flow and obtain more accurate results.

This paper discusses the effect of the geometrical shape of the inlet on the results of the flow field. The study presents the results of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of a real model of nasal cavity created from CT images of one patient. Furthermore, the spherical and cubic volume in front of the nostril entrance is modeled. Within the results, the flow fields are observed in planes across the entire sinus from the nostrils up to the nasopharynx. The resulting flow fields from all the three models are compared with each other. The effect of the geometric shape before the entrance to the nostrils is discussed considering the model without the modeled volume.

The model created from the CT data of one patient was modified in CAD software to create differently shaped volumes in front of the nostrils. The CFD calculations were performed using Ansys Fluent 2021 R1 software.
CuRAX – a new concept of a velocity-compounded radial micro-turbine for waste heat recovery
Authors: Weiß Andreas P. , Stümpfl Dominik , Streit Philipp
Published: October 2023

The paper introduces and discusses the new concept of a velocity-compounded, radial entry axial outlet Curtis turbine – called CuRAX. First, the motivation for the new turbine concept is discussed and the consideration which led to the CuRAX architecture is introduced. A 5 kWel air CuRAX turbine demonstrator was designed, following the in-house design procedure, and numerically and experimentally verified. The flow field shows the expected pressure and velocity distribution of a velocitycompounded turbine. However, potential for improvements is also obvious. The experimental results show the superiority of the CuRAX turbine at its design speed of 29,000 rpm with 50% total-to-static isentropic efficiency compared to 46 % of the quasi-impulse cantilever turbine – its direct competitor.
« En réalité, chaque entreprise s’engage vis-à-vis du collectif »
Authors: Dupin Ludovic
Published: October 2023

Olivier Bard est le délégué général du Groupement des industriels français de l’énergie nucléaire (Gifen). La publication du rapport Match a permis de chiffrer les efforts de recrutement, de formation et d’efficacité que la filière doit réaliser pour mener à bien les grands projets nucléaires des dix années à venir.
Prävention eines Progresses des allergischen Asthma bronchiale als Berufskrankheit
Authors: Frei-Stuber Ludwig , Wächter Annabelle , Benthaus Tobias , Ochmann Uta , Nowak Dennis
Published: October 2023

Seit 01.01.2021 entfällt in Deutschland bei allen Berufskrankheiten (BKen), die zur Anerkennung eine Tätigkeitsaufgabe erforderten, der Unterlassungszwang. Betroffen hiervon ist auch die BK Nr. 4301 gemäß Anlage 1 der Berufskrankheiten-Verordnung (BKV) (durch allergisierende Stoffe verursachte obstruktive Atemwegserkrankungen). Hierbei ist es bereits zu einem deutlichen Anstieg der BK-Anerkennungen gekommengekommen, der jedoch seit 2022 wieder regredient war. In diesem Artikel stellen wir 2 Patienten mit allergischem (beim zweiten Fallbericht gemischtförmigem) Asthma bronchiale vor, bei denen es infolge einer fortgesetzten beruflichen Allergenexposition als Landwirt zu einem medizinisch leicht vermeidbaren Krankheitsprogress gekommen ist. Gemäß § 3 (1) BKV besteht bei der „Gefahr, dass eine Berufskrankheit entsteht, wiederauflebt oder sich verschlimmert“ für die gesetzlichen Unfallversicherungsträger die Pflicht, „dieser Gefahr mit allen geeigneten Mitteln entgegenzuwirken“. Auch wenn diese individuellen Präventionsmaßnahmen bereits bei drohender BK gesetzlich verpflichtend und medizinisch sinnvoll sind, dürften diese wegen vermehrter BK-Anerkennungen in Zukunft häufiger indiziert sein und angeboten werden. Ungünstige Verläufe, wie sie in den beiden hier vorgestellten Kasuistiken erläutert werden, sollten somit zukünftig seltener vorkommen.
New Lupanes from Alstonia scholaris Reducing Uric Acid Level
Authors: Hu Bin-Yuan , Zhao Yun-Li , Xu Yuan , Wang Xiao-Na , Luo Xiao-Dong
Published: October 2023

Twelve lupanes including three new compounds named alstoscholarilups A−C (1–3) were isolated from the leaves of Alstonia scholaris. Their structures were elucidated by
spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculation. Structurally, compound 1 with a rare A ring-seco skeleton formed lactone and degraded C-3, while 2 with a 28-nor and 3
with a 29-nor-lupane skeleton supported the phytochemical diversity and novelty of the plant. Pharmacologically, compounds 4, 7, and 10 reduced the serum uric acid (UA)
levels of mice significantly.
Chiral Betaine-Mediated Efficient Organocatalytic Asymmetric Isomerization of β,γ-Unsaturated Butenolides
Authors: Zeng Yiqun , Fei Chao , Luo Jisheng , Deng Li , Zhou Xiao
Published: October 2023

An asymmetric isomerization of β,γ-unsaturated butenolides with a newly developed betaine catalyst at a 0.2–2 mol% loading, an improvement upon available methods that use 0.5–2.0 mol% catalyst.
Soft deposition of TCOs by pulsed laser for high-quality ultra-thin poly-Si passivating contacts
Authors: Ah Sen Mike Tang Soo Kiong , Mewe Agnes , Melskens Jimmy , Bolding Jons , van de Poll Mike , Weeber Arthur
Published: October 2023

In this work, the applicability of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) on high-quality ultra-thin poly-Si based passivating contacts is explored. Parasitic absorption caused by poly-Si layers can be minimized by reducing the poly-Si layer thickness. However, TCO deposition on poly-Si contacts, commonly by sputtering, results in severe deposition-induced damage and further aggravates the surface passivation for thinner poly-Si layers (<20 nm). Although a thermal treatment at elevated temperature (∼350 °C) can be used to partially repair the surface passivation quality, the contact resistivity severely increases due to the formation of a parasitic oxide layer at the poly-Si/ITO interface. Alternatively, we show that PLD TCOs can be used to mitigate the damage on ultra-thin (∼10 nm) poly-Si layers. Further improvement in poly-Si contact passivation can be achieved by increasing the deposition pressure while low contact resistivities (∼45 mΩ cm2) and good thermal stability (up to 350 °C) are achieved with a PLD indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) layer on high-quality ultra-thin poly-Si(n+) contacts. This allows for the application of a highly transparent front side contact by combining the excellent opto-electrical properties of a PLD ITO film with a 10 nm thin poly-Si contact.
Designing a new KBT-based binary solid solution as a candidate for dielectric energy storage materials
Authors: Chang Ziliang , Zhu Mankang , Li Yexin , Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong
Published: October 2023

Dielectric energy storage capacitors offer great potential in pulsed power devices due to the high power density and fast charging-discharging rate. Designing a host material with high field-induced polarization is of importance for developing dielectric energy storage materials via further composition modulation. In this paper, we compare the microstructure, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties as well as the energy storage performance of samples K1/2Bi1/2TiO3(KBT), 75KBT-25BiFeO3 (KBTF25), and 88KBT-12Bi0.85Nd0.15FeO3 (KBNTF12) in detail. It is found that, among three samples, sample KBNTF12 possesses the most complex local structure coexisting of a four-distortions with different polarities; meanwhile, sample KBNTF12 behaves as a strong relaxor, thus giving a high field-induced polarization. Besides, sample KBNTF12 realizes the highest electric breakdown strength Eb among three samples, which is resorted to the highest resistivity of grain boundary. Highest ΔP and Eb of sample KBNTF12 among three samples render it achieve ultrahigh stored energy density Ws of 6.94 J/cm3, high recoverable energy density Wr of 5.23 J/cm3, and high efficiency η of 75.4%. Our work suggests that 88KBT-12BNF binary composition be an optimal candidate for dielectric energy storage ceramics.
Symmetry-specific characterization of bond orientation order in DNA-assembled nanoparticle lattices
Authors: Logan Jack A. , Michelson Aaron , Pattammattel Ajith , Yan Hanfei , Gang Oleg , Tkachenko Alexei V.
Published: October 2023

Bond-orientational order in DNA-assembled nanoparticles lattices is explored with the help of recently introduced Symmetry-specific Bond Order Parameters (SymBOPs). This approach provides a more sensitive analysis of local order than traditional scalar BOPs, facilitating the identification of coherent domains at the single bond level. The present study expands the method initially developed for assemblies of anisotropic particles to the isotropic ones or cases where particle orientation information is unavailable. The SymBOP analysis was applied to experiments on DNA-frame-based assembly of nanoparticle lattices. It proved highly sensitive in identifying coherent crystalline domains with different orientations, as well as detecting topological defects, such as dislocations. Furthermore, the analysis distinguishes individual sublattices within a single crystalline domain, such as pair of interpenetrating FCC lattices within a cubic diamond. The results underscore the versatility and robustness of SymBOPs in characterizing ordering phenomena, making them valuable tools for investigating structural properties in various systems.
Wake interaction of aligned wind turbines over two-dimensional hills
Authors: Siguenza-Alvarado Diego , Pulletikurthi Venkatesh , Quinones Jhon J. , Nelson Clarice , Cheng Shyuan , Doosttalab Ali , Chamorro Leonardo P. , Castillo Luciano
Published: October 2023

An experimental investigation was carried out to explore the interaction and wake statistics of model wind turbines operating individually and in pairs over two-dimensional hills with varying heights. The hills shared a sinusoidal shape and extended L/D=20 in the streamwise direction, where D represents the diameter of the turbine rotor. The peak heights of the hills were H/D=0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5. The first turbine was located at the beginning of the hill development, and the second turbine was positioned halfway between the first and the hill's peak, downwind. The flow in the intermediate wake regions was characterized using particle image velocimetry, focusing on the recovery mechanisms of streamwise momentum on the windward side of the hills, ranging from gentle to steep-up slopes. The results indicate that the advection terms play a more significant role than turbulence in the wake recovery mechanism with steeper hill slopes. Associated reduced turbulence levels are attributed to flow acceleration, which led to a higher power availability at the top of the hills.
On computational simulations of dynamic stall and its three-dimensional nature
Authors: Khalifa Nabil M. , Rezaei Amirsaman , Taha Haithem E.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate the three-dimensional nature of dynamic stall. Conducting the investigation, the flow around a harmonically pitching National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0012 airfoil is numerically simulated using Unsteady-Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) and multiple detached eddy simulation (DES) solvers: the Delayed-DES (DDES) and the Improved-DDES (IDDES). Two- and three-dimensional simulations are performed for each solver, and the results are compared against experimental measurements in the literature. The results showed that three-dimensional simulations surpass two-dimensional ones in capturing the stages of dynamic stall and predicting the lift coefficient values, with a distinguished performance of the DES solvers over the URANS ones. For instance, the IDDES simulations, as an inherently three-dimensional solver, predicted the necessary cascaded amalgamation process of vortices to form the adequate strength of the dynamic stall vortex. This vortex size and timing provided accurate and sufficient suction that resulted in identical matching of the numerical and experimental lift coefficients at the peak value. Hence, the hypothesis that dynamic stall has a three-dimensional nature is supported by the superiority of the three-dimensional simulation in all aspects. In conclusion, it is found that dynamic stall is intrinsically a three-dimensional phenomenon.
Cavity-modified Fermi’s golden rule rate constants: Beyond the single mode approximation
Authors: Saller Maximlian A. C. , Lai Yifan , Geva Eitan
Published: October 2023

We extend our recently proposed theoretical framework for estimating cavity-modified equilibrium Fermi’s golden rule (FGR) rate constants beyond the single cavity mode case to cases where the molecular system is coupled to multiple cavity modes. We show that the cumulative effect of simultaneous coupling to multiple modes can enhance FGR rate constants by orders of magnitude relative to the single mode case. We also present an analysis of the conditions necessary for maximizing this effect in the Marcus limit of FGR-based rate theory.
Polyvalent s-block elements: A missing link challenges the periodic law of chemistry for the heavy elements
Authors: Cao Chang-Su , Zhao Jing , Hu Han-Shi , Schwarz W. H. Eugen , Li Jun
Published: October 2023

The Periodic Law of Chemistry is one of the great discoveries in cultural history. Elements behaving chemically similar are empirically merged in groups
G
of a Periodic Table, each element with
G
valence electrons per neutral atom, and with upper limit
G
for the oxidation and valence numbers. Here, we report that among the usually mono- or di-valent s-block elements (
G
= 1 or 2), the heaviest members (
87
Fr,
88
Ra,
119
E, and
120
E) with atomic numbers Z = 87, 88, 119, 120 form unusual 5- or 6-valent compounds at ambient conditions. Together with well-reported basic changes of valence at the end of the 6d-series, in the whole 7p-series, and for 5g6f-elements, it indicates that at the bottom of common Periodic Tables, the classic Periodic Law is not as straightforward as commonly expected. Specifically, we predict the feasible experimental synthesis of polyvalent [RaL
−

n

] (
n
= 4, 6) compounds.
Roses in the nonperturbative current response of artificial crystals
Authors: De Beule Christophe , Phong Võ Tiến , Mele E. J.
Published: October 2023

In two-dimensional artificial crystals with large real-space periodicity, the nonlinear current response to a large applied electric field can feature a strong angular dependence, which encodes information about the band dispersion and Berry curvature of isolated electronic Bloch minibands. Within the relaxation-time approximation, we obtain analytic expressions up to infinite order in the driving field for the current in a band-projected theory with time-reversal and trigonal symmetry. For a fixed field strength, the dependence of the current on the direction of the applied field is given by rose curves whose petal structure is symmetry constrained and is obtained from an expansion in real-space translation vectors. We illustrate our theory with calculations on periodically buckled graphene and twisted double bilayer graphene, wherein the discussed physics can be accessed at experimentally relevant field strengths.
One right can make a left: sentence processing in the right hemisphere after perinatal stroke
Authors: Martin Kelly C , Seydell-Greenwald Anna , Turkeltaub Peter E , Chambers Catherine E , Giannetti Margot , Dromerick Alexander W , Carpenter Jessica L , Berl Madison M , Gaillard William D , Newport Elissa L
Published: October 2023

When brain regions that are critical for a cognitive function in adulthood are irreversibly damaged at birth, what patterns of plasticity support the successful development of that function in an alternative location? Here we investigate the consistency of language organization in the right hemisphere (RH) after a left hemisphere (LH) perinatal stroke. We analyzed fMRI data collected during an auditory sentence comprehension task on 14 people with large cortical LH perinatal arterial ischemic strokes (left hemisphere perinatal stroke (LHPS) participants) and 11 healthy sibling controls using a “top voxel” approach that allowed us to compare the same number of active voxels across each participant and in each hemisphere for controls. We found (1) LHPS participants consistently recruited the same RH areas that were a mirror-image of typical LH areas, and (2) the RH areas recruited in LHPS participants aligned better with the strongly activated LH areas of the typically developed brains of control participants (when flipped images were compared) than the weakly activated RH areas. Our findings suggest that the successful development of language processing in the RH after a LH perinatal stroke may in part depend on recruiting an arrangement of frontotemporal areas reflective of the typical dominant LH.
HMCLab: a framework for solving diverse geophysical inverse problems using the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method
Authors: Zunino Andrea , Gebraad Lars , Ghirotto Alessandro , Fichtner Andreas
Published: October 2023

The use of the probabilistic approach to solve inverse problems is becoming more popular in the geophysical community, thanks to its ability to address nonlinear forward problems and to provide uncertainty quantification. However, such strategy is often tailored to specific applications and therefore there is a need for common platforms to solve different geophysical inverse problems and showing potential and pitfalls of the methodology. In this work, we demonstrate a common framework within which it is possible to solve such inverse problems ranging from, for example, earthquake source location to potential field data inversion and seismic tomography. This allows us to fully address nonlinear problems and to derive useful information about the subsurface, including uncertainty estimation. This approach can, in fact, provide probabilities related to certain properties or structures of the subsurface, such as histograms of the value of some physical property, the expected volume of buried geological bodies or the probability of having boundaries defining different layers. Thanks to its ability to address high-dimensional problems, the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) algorithm has emerged as the state-of-the-art tool for solving geophysical inverse problems within the probabilistic framework. HMC requires the computation of gradients, which can be obtained by adjoint methods. This unique combination of HMC and adjoint methods is what makes the solution of tomographic problems ultimately feasible. These results can be obtained with ‘HMCLab’, a numerical laboratory for solving a range of different geophysical inverse problems using sampling methods, focusing in particular on the HMC algorithm. HMCLab consists of a set of samplers (HMC and others) and a set of geophysical forward problems. For each problem its misfit function and gradient computation are provided and, in addition, a set of prior models can be combined to inject additional information into the inverse problem. This allows users to experiment with probabilistic inverse problems and also address real-world studies. We show how to solve a selected set of problems within this framework using variants of the HMC algorithm and analyse the results. HMCLab is provided as an open source package written both in Python and Julia, welcoming contributions from the community.
The role of mantle viscosity heterogeneities on the development of secondary plumes in the upper mantle
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Yongming , Zhao Liang , Chen Ling , Huang Jinshui
Published: October 2023

Recent seismic observations have revealed diverse plume morphologies beneath hotspots that are characterized by multiple secondary plume branches with different sizes and temperatures. However, how the structures of these secondary plumes have developed and what controls the properties of these secondary plumes have not been well explored. Here, we performed 3-D numerical models to systematically investigate the effects of mantle viscosity structures and the strength of the 660-km phase change on the development of secondary plumes. We find that the characteristics of the secondary plumes, in terms of their numbers, excess temperatures and sizes, are controlled by the Clapeyron slope of the 660-km phase change (γ660), the properties of the low-viscosity layer beneath the mantle transition zone (viscosity reduction ratio, thickness, depth or phase change dependency of viscosity) and the presence of the weak asthenosphere. For γ660 between −2.0 and −3.0 MPa K−1, the weak layer viscosity reduction ratio plays a first-order role in controlling secondary plume properties, that is, a smaller viscosity reduction ratio results in more secondary plumes, higher plume excess temperature and larger plume size. The thickness and viscosity dependencies of the weak layer have a secondary effect on secondary plume properties. However, a relatively small γ660 (e.g. −1.0 MPa K−1) would result in a single secondary plume irrespective of the weak layer viscosity reduction ratio, the viscosity dependency, and whether with or without the weak asthenosphere. However, our models also show that the presence of the weak asthenosphere has a prominent influence in increasing the number of secondary plumes but reducing the size of the plumes. Our results provide new insight into plume dynamics and suggest that the diverse plume structures observed in the upper mantle likely reflect different mantle viscosity structures beneath the hotspots.
The Musical Work in Copyright Law
Authors: Rahmatian Andreas
Published: October 2023

Music is a special art form and a special object for copyright protection. In contrast to other, more static, forms of art, such as most of the visual arts, music is fashioned time and therefore constitutes change and movement; it also exists only in its performance. This article shows how copyright constructs a normative device, the ‘musical work’, to be able to protect this fleeting and transient art form. The article also discusses how music is analysed to ascertain which of its elements obtain copyright protection against infringement, and whether a ‘hearing test’ is an adequate method for establishing infringement.
Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, and Peroxisomes
Authors: Cooper Geoffrey M. , Adams Kenneth W.
Published: October 2023

12.1 Mitochondrial Structure, Composition, and Dynamics

12.2 Oxidative Catabolism of Glucose and Fatty Acids

12.3 Oxidative Phosphorylation

12.4 Mitochondrial Assembly and Maintenance

12.5 Chloroplasts and Other Plastids

12.6 Peroxisomes

KEY EXPERIMENT

The Chemiosmotic Theory

MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy

In addition to carrying out protein...
Spanish Bare Interrogatives and Number
Authors: Alonso-Ovalle Luis , Rouillard Vincent
Published: October 2023

Dayal (1996) makes two predictions on the interaction of number and wh-phrases: (i) that questions with singular wh-phrases yield a uniqueness inference, and (ii) that questions with plural wh-phrases yield an antiuniqueness inference. Maldonado (2020) shows that Spanish bare wh-phrases do not conform to Dayal’s predictions. From this, she argues against a unified treatment of number across wh-expressions. Elliott et al. (2022) argue that a unified treatment of number can be maintained if bare wh-phrases are capable of ranging over generalized quantifiers. We weigh in on this discussion by arguing for an intermediate position: though independent evidence suggests that wh-phrases can range over generalized quantifiers, an assumption that we adopt for bare wh-phrases, the unified treatment of number presented in Elliott et al. (2022) faces challenges that can be avoided under Maldonado’s assumptions about number marking on bare wh-phrases.
Why Care About What There Is?
Authors: Korman Daniel Z
Published: October 2023

There’s the question of what there is, and then there’s the question of what ultimately exists. Many contend that, once we have this distinction clearly in mind, we can see that there is no sensible debate to be had about whether there are such things as properties or tables or numbers, and that the only ontological question worth debating is whether such things are (in one or another sense) ultimate. I argue that this is a mistake. Taking debates about ordinary objects as a case study, I show that the arguments that animate these debates bear directly on the question of which objects there are and cannot plausibly be recast as arguments about what’s ultimate. I then address the objection that, because they are easily answerable, questions about what there is cannot be a proper subject of ontological debate.