bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colloidal Quasi‐2D Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanostructures with Tunable Shape and High Chemical Stability
Authors: Klein Eugen , Lesyuk Rostyslav , Klinke Christian
Published: September 2024

Control over the lateral dimensions of colloidal nanostructures is a complex task which requires a deep understanding of the formation mechanism and reactivity in the corresponding systems. As a result, it provides a well‐founded insight to the physical and chemical properties of these materials. In this work, the preparation of quasi‐2D methylammonium lead bromide nanostripes and discuss the influence of some specific parameters on the morphology and stability of this material is demonstrated. The variation in the amount of the main ligand dodecylamine gives a large range of structures beginning with 3D brick‐like particles at low concentrations, nanostripes at elevated and ultimately nanosheets at large concentrations. The amount of the co‐ligand trioctylphosphine can alter the width of the nanostripe shape to a certain degree. The thickness can be adjusted by the amount of the second precursor methylammonium bromide. Additionally, insights are given for the suggested formation mechanism of these anisotropic structures as well as for stability against moisture at ambient conditions in comparison with differently synthesized nanosheet samples.
Diverse Self‐assembly Pathways in Nematic Compartment Network: Topological Percolation and Pathfinding
Authors: Jang Seongmin , Park Yong Woo , Kim Sunkuk , Panov Vitaly P. , Shen Tian‐zi , Hong Seung‐Ho , Song Jang‐Kun
Published: September 2024

The self‐assembly of nematic molecules in microcompartments with unambiguously defined surface anchoring is well predictable and is likely to have a single stable topological structure. Here, in contrast, a confined nematic system comprising an array of microcompartments interconnected by channels is demonstrated, exhibiting diverse molecular assembly pathways leading to the formation of four types of topological structures and twelve different patterns randomly distributed. Intercompartment communication via channels plays a crucial role in the diversity of patterns and distributions. It determines the sizes and structures of domains separated by channel defects. The domain structure, which features a pathfinding algorithm and reverse tree structure, can be modelled by an isotropically directed bond percolation with additional restrictions. This system serves as a model for controlled randomness and restricted growth of networks, with potential applications in anticounterfeit protection as a physically unclonable function (PUF) with multiple‐level communication protocols.
Defect Engineering in CuS1‐x Nanoflowers Enables Low‐Overpotential and Long‐Cycle‐Life of Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Feng Juanjuan , Abbas Adeel , Zhao Lingwen , Sun Hao , Li Zhihao , Wang Chunlei , Wang Hongchao
Published: September 2024

The defect engineering is essential for the development of efficient cathode catalysts for lithium‐oxygen batteries. Herein, CuS1‐x nanoflowers are fabricated by microwave hydrothermal method. Through theoretical and experimental analysis, the S vacancies are observed, which result in augmented charge around Cu, improved adsorption of LiO2, and reduced overpotential. On the one hand, the generated electronic defects cause the Fermi level to shift toward the conduction band, which enhances the electronic conductivity and ion transfer. On the other hand, the increased S vacancies provide a large number of Cu active sites, which increase the charge transfer from Cu to LiO2, which improves the stability of the intermediate adsorption. Interactively, CuS1‐x catalyst obtains a capacity of 23,227 mAh g−1 and a cycle life of 225 at 500 mA g−1. This work will be helpful for obtaining an efficient cathode catalyst by providing a deep understanding of vacancy modulation in advanced catalysts.
Heteronanotrimers by Selective Photodeposition of Gold Nanodots on Janus‐Type Cu2‒xS/CuInS2 Heteronanocrystals
Authors: Zhao Fenghuan , Xia Chenghui , Hao Junjie , Donegá Celso de Mello , Delville Marie‐Hélène , Delville Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly Au‐Cu2−xS/CuInS2 heteronanotrimers. The chosen strategy relies on the laser photodeposition of a single gold nanodot (ND) onto Janus Cu2−xS/CuInS2 heteronanocrystals (HNCs). This method offers precise control over the number, location, and size (5 to 8 nm) of the Au NDs by adjusting laser power for the career production, concentration of hole scavenger for charge equilibration in redox reactions, and gold precursor concentration, and exposure time for the final ND size. The photoreduction of gold ions onto HNCs starts systematically at the Cu2−xS tip. The Au deposition then depends on the CuInS2 segment length. For short HNCs, stable Au‐Cu2−xS/CuInS2 heteronanotrimers form, while long HNCs undergo a secondary photo‐induced step: the initial Au ND is progressively oxidized, with concomitant deposition of a second gold ND on the CuInS2 side, to yield Au2S‐Cu2−xS/CuInS2‐Au heteronanotrimers. Results are rationalized by quantitative comparison with a model that describes the growth kinetics of NDs and Au‐Cu2−xS transformation and emphasizes the importance of charge separation in predicting selective deposition in heteronanotrimer production. The key parameter controlling Au‐Cu2‒xS/CuInS2 HNCs is the photoinduced electric field gradient generated by charge separation, which is tailored by controlling the CuInS2 segment size.
Polymeric silk fibroin hydrogel as a conductive and multifunctional adhesive for durable skin and epidermal electronics
Authors: Fu Fanfan , Liu Changyi , Jiang Zhenlin , Zhao Qingyu , Shen Aining , Wu Yilun , Gu Wenyi
Published: September 2024

Silk fibroin (SF)‐based hydrogels are promising multifunctional adhesive candidates for real‐world applications in tissue engineering, implantable bioelectronics, artificial muscles, and artificial skin. However, developing conductive SF‐based hydrogels that are suitable for the micro‐physiological environment and maintain their physical and chemical properties over long periods of use remains challenging. Herein, we developed an ion‐conductive SF hydrogel composed of glycidyl methacrylate silk fibroin (SilMA) and bioionic liquid choline acylate (ChoA) polymer chains, together with the modification of acrylated thymine (ThyA) and adenine (AdeA) functional groups. The resulting polymeric ion‐conductive SF composite hydrogel demonstrated high bioactivity, strong adhesion strength, good mechanical compliance, and stretchability. The formed hydrogel network of ChoA chains can coordinate with the ionic strength in the micro‐physiological environment while maintaining the adaptive coefficient of expansion and stable mechanical properties. These features help to form a stable ion‐conducting channel for the hydrogel. Additionally, the hydrogel network modified with AdeA and ThyA, can provide a strong adhesion to the surface of a variety of substrates, including wet tissue through abundant hydrogen bonding. The biocompatible and ionic conductive SF composite hydrogels can be easily prepared and incorporated into flexible skin or epidermal sensing devices. Therefore, our polymeric SF‐based hydrogel has great potential and wide application to be an important component of many flexible electronic devices for personalized healthcare.
Effects of Different Dehulling Methods on Physical and Chemical Properties of Tartary Buckwheat Flour
Authors: Haixia Zhong , Xijuan Yang , Yongxin She , Bibo Shi , Shiming Xiao , Anhu Wang , Zhiguang Chen
Published: September 2024

Dehulling is a necessary step in the processing of Tartary buckwheat products. In this study, the effects of three different dehulling methods on the starch structure and physical and chemical properties of Tartary buckwheat are systematically analyzed. The results show that, first, explosion‐puffing dehulling treatment (EPT) destroys many of the starch granules, increases the average granular size by 261.7%, and decreases the ∆H by 66.5%; steam dehulling treatment (ST) and dry heat dehulling treatment (DHT) have no significant destructive effect on starch granules. Second, EPT increases the brightness and whiteness and decreases the Hausner ratio and Carr index of Tartary buckwheat flour, which gives Tartary buckwheat flour better fluidity and sensory quality. Third, EPT results in lower packed bulk density and smaller solubility changes with varying temperatures (50–90 °C), indicating that EPT is more applicable to the production of buckwheat tea. Fourth, ST achieves lower adhesiveness, higher hardness, and higher springiness, indicating that ST is more suitable for the production of buckwheat gel products. Fifth, DHT maximizes the retention of resistant starch (RS). ST maximizes rutin retention in buckwheat rice. These results can be used as a reference for selecting different dehulling methods for different buckwheat products.
Highlighting a profession that cares
Authors: Mullineaux Liz , Loeb Josh
Published: September 2024

As Liz Mullineaux becomes BVA president for 2024/25, Josh Loeb chats to her about her career so far, aspirations for her presidential year and her views on the Competition and Markets Authority review.
David Talbot
Authors: Anderson Ken
Published: September 2024

So much more than ‘just a vet’, he established an enviable reputation among his farmers and was greatly appreciated by his small animal clientele. Every client was treated with respect and understanding.
Anti‐coccidial efficacy of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide in indigenous chickens of Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Muluneh Bekalu , Taye Mengistie , Dessie Tadelle , Wondim Dessie Salilew , Yilkal Semahegn , Aregay Fikirtemariam , Habtamu Almaz , Shitu Aschalew , Yohans Halo , Wassie Teketay , Wu Xin
Published: September 2024

Background

A variety of bioactive compounds isolated from various botanical sources have been found to have therapeutic and immunotherapeutic effects on chicken coccidiosis.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the anti‐coccidial potential of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide (EP) in indigenous chickens in Northwest Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods

A total of 78 male indigenous chickens were used for this study. The study had two treatment groups: (1) the EP non‐supplemented group (those fed on diets without EP and Eimeria oocyst inoculated) and (2) the EP group (those receiving diets supplemented with 400 mg EP/kg diet and Eimeria oocyst inoculated). Each treatment group had five replications. Following fourteen days of EP supplementation, 1.5 × 104 oocysts of mixed Eimeria species were inoculated into individual birds.

Results

EP‐supplemented chicken showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) oocyst counts compared to non‐supplemented ones on 9 and 11 days post‐challenge. In addition, chickens in the EP‐supplemented group showed less severe lesion scores, with an average score of 1.33. Chickens that received EP showed a maximum of 27.27% protection against lesions. In contrast, the non‐supplemented chickens had a lower percentage of protection (19.83%). The maximum anti‐coccidial index value (146.98) was obtained from EP‐supplemented chickens. Chickens in the EP‐supplemented group exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) weight gain.

Conclusion

Overall, the inclusion of EP in chickens' diets shows promise as a potential anti‐coccidial strategy. However, additional research is required to explore the mechanisms by which EP in chickens’ diet could involve in increasing the protection ability of chickens against coccidiosis.
Treatment of domestic wastewater and extracellular polymeric substance accumulation in siphon‐type composite vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Qiu Lin , Wu Hao , Nie Fahui , Liu Yong , Cao Wenping
Published: September 2024

In this study, the siphon‐type composite vertical flow constructed wetland (Sc‐VSsFCW) was constructed with anthracite and shale ceramsite chosen as the substrate bed materials. During the 90‐day experiment, typical pollutant removal effects of wastewater and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) accumulation were investigated. Meanwhile, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the phase composition and surface morphology to analyze adsorptive property. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of siphon effluent on clogging and depolymerization by measuring the EPS components' evolution within the system. The findings reveal that both the anthracite and shale ceramsite systems exhibit impressive removal efficiencies for total phosphorus (TP), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−‐N). However, as the experiment progressed, TP removal rates in both systems gradually declined because of the saturation of adsorption sites on the substrate surfaces. Although the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels remained relatively stable throughout the experiment, pH exhibited distinct patterns, suggesting that the anthracite system relies primarily on chemical adsorption, whereas the shale ceramsite system predominantly utilizes physical adsorption. After an initial period of fluctuation, the permeability coefficient and porosity of the system gradually stabilized, and the protein and polysaccharide contents in both systems exhibited a downward trend. The study underscores that anthracite and shale ceramsite have good effectiveness in pollutant removal as substrate materials. Overall, the hydraulic conditions of the double repeated oxygen coupling siphon in the Sc‐VSsFCW system contribute to enhanced re‐oxygenation capacity and permeability coefficient during operation. The changes in EPS content indicate that the siphon effluent exerts a certain depolymerization effect on the EPS within the system, thereby mitigating the risk of biological clogging to a certain extent.

Practitioner Points

The system can still maintain good pollutant treatment effect in long‐term operation.

The re‐oxygenation method of the system can achieve efficient and long‐term re‐oxygenation effect.

The siphon effluent has a certain improvement effect on the permeability coefficient and porosity, but it cannot effectively inhibit the occurrence of clogging.

The EPS content did not change significantly during the operation of the system, and there was a risk of biological clogging.
The Epidemiology of Biliary Tract Cancer and Associated Prevalence of MDM2 Amplification: A Targeted Literature Review
Authors: Kratz Jeremy David , Klein Alyssa Barchet , Gray Courtney Beth , Märten Angela , Vilu Hanna-Liisa , Knight Jennifer Francesca , Kumichel Alexandra , Ueno Makoto
Published: September 2024

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that is anatomically classified as gallbladder cancer (GBC), extra- and intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA and iCCA) and ampullary cancer (AC). BTC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited and patients have a poor prognosis, so the identification of new drug targets is of critical importance. BTC is molecularly diverse and harbours different therapeutically actionable biomarkers, including mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), which is currently being investigated as a drug target. The aim of this targeted review was to evaluate and synthesise evidence on the epidemiology of BTC and its subtypes in different geographic regions and on the frequency of MDM2 amplifications in BTC tumours. Epidemiological studies (N = 33) consistently demonstrated high incidence rates in South and Central Asia for BTC overall (up to 9.00/100,000) and for all subtypes, with much lower rates in Europe and the US. Among the different types of BTC, the highest global incidence was observed for CCA, mainly driven by iCCA (1.4/100,000), followed by GBC (1.2/100,000) and AC (0.18–0.93 per 100,000). Studies of MDM2 in BTC (N = 19) demonstrated variable frequency of MDM2 amplification according to subtype, with consistently high MDM2 amplification rates in GBC (up to 17.5%), and lower rates in CCA (up to 4.4%). The results from this literature review highlight the geographic heterogeneity of BTC and the need for standardised clinicopathologic assessment and reporting to allow cross-study comparisons.
Correlates of the Short Form Love Attitudes Scale among Portuguese People
Authors: Neto Félix , Pinto Maria da Conceição
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we analyze the psychometric characteristics of the Love Attitudes Scale: Short Form (LAS-SF), and the relationship between love style and other romantic relationships constructs in a Portuguese population. The LAS-SF measures six love styles: Eros, Ludus, Storge, Pragma, Mania and Agape, which are grounded on Lee’s theory. This tool is one of the most utilized assessments of love in the literature. There were 1153 Portuguese participants (554 women, mean age = 38 years). Confirmatory factor analyses evidenced that the six latent dimensions of the LAS-SF confirmed an acceptable fit to the data. The internal consistency of the Portuguese form of the LAS-SF was evaluated utilizing Cronbach’s Alpha (for subscales 0.71 to 0.78) and McDonald’s Omega (for subscales 0.71 to 0.79). Eros was positively related to satisfaction with love life, satisfaction with sex life, sexual desire, commitment, and negatively associated with romantic loneliness. Ludic orientation was positively correlated with romantic loneliness and negatively correlated with commitment. Storgic orientation was positively related to commitment. Pragma was positively related to romantic loneliness. Mania was positively related to commitment. Agape was positively correlated with satisfaction with love life and commitment, and negatively correlated with romantic loneliness. Notably, commitment mediated the relationship of the agapic love style and romantic loneliness.
Multi‐Decadal Soil Moisture and Crop Yield Variability—A Case Study With the Community Land Model (CLM5)
Authors: Boas Theresa , Bogena Heye , Ryu Dongryeol , Western Andrew , Hendricks Franssen Harrie‐Jan
Published: September 2024

While the impacts of climate change on global food security have been studied extensively, the capability of emerging tools that couple land surface processes and crop growth in reproducing inter‐annual yield variability at regional scale remains to be tested rigorously. In this study, we analyzed the effects of weather variations between years (1999–2019) on regional crop productivity for two agriculturally managed regions with contrasting climate and cropping conditions: the German state of North Rhine‐Westphalia (DE‐NRW) and the Australian state of Victoria (AUS‐VIC), using the latest version of the Community Land Model (CLM5) and the WFDE5 (WATCH Forcing Data methodology applied to ECMWF reanalysis version 5) reanalysis. Overall, the simulation results were able to reproduce the total annual crop yields of certain crops, while also capturing the differences in total yield magnitudes between the domains. However, the simulations showed limitations in correctly capturing inter‐annual differences of crop yield compared to official yield records, which resulted in relatively low correlation coefficients between 0.07 and 0.39 in AUS‐VIC and between 0.11 and 0.42 in DE‐NRW. The mean absolute deviation of simulated winter wheat yields was up to 4.6 times lower compared to state‐wide records from 1999 to 2019. Our results suggest the following limitations of CLM5: (a) limitations in simulating yield responses from plant hydraulic stress; (b) errors in simulating soil moisture contents compared to satellite‐derived data; and (c) errors in the representation of cropland in general, for example, crop parameterizations and human influences.
Human Settlement Pressure Drives Slow‐Moving Landslide Exposure
Authors: Ferrer Joaquin V. , Samprogna Mohor Guilherme , Dewitte Olivier , Pánek Tomáš , Reyes‐Carmona Cristina , Handwerger Alexander L. , Hürlimann Marcel , Köhler Lisa , Teshebaeva Kanayim , Thieken Annegret H. , Tsou Ching‐Ying , Urgilez Vinueza Alexandra , Demurtas Valentino , Zhang Yi , Zhao Chaoying , Marwan Norbert , Kurths Jürgen , Korup Oliver
Published: September 2024

A rapidly growing population across mountain regions is pressuring expansion onto steeper slopes, leading to increased exposure of people and their assets to slow‐moving landslides. These moving hillslopes can inflict damage to buildings and infrastructure, accelerate with urban alterations, and catastrophically fail with climatic and weather extremes. Yet, systematic estimates of slow‐moving landslide exposure and their drivers have been elusive. Here, we present a new global database of 7,764 large (A ≥ 0.1 km2) slow‐moving landslides across nine IPCC regions. Using high‐resolution human settlement footprint data, we identify 563 inhabited landslides. We estimate that 9% of reported slow‐moving landslides are inhabited, in a given basin, and have 12% of their areas occupied by human settlements, on average. We find the density of settlements on unstable slopes decreases in basins more affected by slow‐moving landslides, but varies across regions with greater flood exposure. Across most regions, urbanization can be a relevant driver of slow‐moving landslide exposure, while steepness and flood exposure have regionally varying influences. In East Asia, slow‐moving landslide exposure increases with urbanization, gentler slopes, and less flood exposure. Our findings quantify how disparate knowledge creates uncertainty that undermines an assessment of the drivers of slow‐moving landslide exposure in mountain regions, facing a future of rising risk, such as Central Asia, Northeast Africa, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Humid, Warm and Treed Ecosystems Show Longer Time‐Lag of Vegetation Response to Climate
Authors: Gao Xinran , Zhuo Wen , Gonsamo Alemu
Published: September 2024

Climate‐vegetation interaction assessments often focus on vegetation response to concurrent climatic perturbations, seldom on the time‐lag effect of climate. Here we employ global satellite observations, climate data records and CO2 flux measurements to calculate the time‐lag of vegetation response to climate. We analyze the time‐lags of various climate variables under distinct environmental conditions to gain insight into how the long‐term climatic regimes and tree cover influence the time‐lag effects. Our findings reveal that terrestrial ecosystems characterized by arid and cold climates show more concurrent climate‐vegetation interactions than other ecosystems. Whereas areas with higher tree cover and humid ecosystems with both high mean annual temperature and precipitation show substantial time‐lag response of vegetation to climate by up to 6 months. Since the global climate‐vegetation interaction is dominated by time‐lag effects, incorporating these effects is paramount to improve our understanding of vegetation dynamics under a changing climate.
East–West Difference in the Ionospheric Response During the Recovery Phase of May 2024 Super Geomagnetic Storm Over the East Asian
Authors: Guo Xu , Zhao Biqiang , Yu Tingting , Hao Honglian , Sun Wenjie , Wang Guojun , He Maosheng , Mao Tian , Li Guozhu , Ren Zhipeng
Published: September 2024

In this study, we offer an extensive examination of the F‐region ionospheric disturbances during the May 2024 superstorm, focusing primarily on the middle‐low latitude regions of East Asia. Our analysis is grounded in a wealth of data sources including Total Electron Content (TEC), ionospheric parameters NmF2 and hmF2, Electron Density Profile (EDP) retrieved from Radio Occultation (RO) data, and ∑[O]/[N2] from the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI), among others, complemented by model simulations. The observed negative ionospheric storm effect, characterized by a significant and long‐lasting reduction in electron density across the entire China, commenced immediately following the sudden storm commencement (SSC) on 10 May and continued through the main and early recovery phase of the storm on 11 May. On 11–12 May, positive ionospheric storm impacts were initially observed in a restricted geographical area from the post‐midnight to sunrise, first manifesting over the eastern regions of China and then shifting to the central regions. Subsequently, a pronounced negative storm effect persisted throughout the later stages of recovery phase. In contrast, the western regions of China experienced a positive storm effect on 12 May followed by a comparatively mild negative storm phase. This persistent extensive zonal gradient in electron density across the East Asian region resembles the scenarios depicted in prior superstorms attributed to the thermospheric circulation patterns. The disparity in the ionospheric response from east to west in this area is probably a common feature during superstorms, potentially resulting from an arch‐shaped structure of elevated ∑[O]/[N2].
Different Types of Surface Chlorophyll Patterns of Oceanic Mesoscale Eddies Identified by AI Framework
Authors: Nian Rui , Yuan Minghan , Zhang Zhengguang , Wu Tong , Ji Yajie , Wang Yanmei , Yang Hua , Fu Zhen , Xu Hengfu , Shi Kexin , He Bo
Published: September 2024

Oceanic mesoscale eddies (with scale 101–102 km) and their submesoscale fine structures (with scale 100–101 km) can effectively induce vertical motions and bring nutrients into the oceanic euphotic layer, which leaves abundant footprints on the ocean surface chlorophyll distributions and have the potential to promote primary productivity of oceanic ecosystem. In return, these surface chlorophyll footprints observed by ocean color satellites can serve as a useful tool to reveal the spatial structures of mesoscale eddies and their submesoscale fine structures. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to develop a series of identification strategies for typical surface chlorophyll patterns around mesoscale eddies, we find that over 20% of mesoscale eddy observations exhibit identifiable typical chlorophyll patterns, which tends to regulate an increase of the surface chlorophyll concentration within the corresponding eddies, especially enhancing by about 30% in nutrient‐restricted subtropical regions compared with the background values. Based on their geometric features, typical chlorophyll patterns are primarily classified as Core, Spiral, Tail, Ring, Loop, and Eye respectively by clustering algorithm. Further spatial‐spectral analysis found that the typical patterns on eddies exhibit a much steeper wave‐number spectral slope about −3, compared to the non‐typical distributions on eddies and the non‐eddy background distribution (about −2.7–−2.2). This implies that the occurrence of different typical chlorophyll patterns may correspond to specific mesoscale and submesoscale dynamic processes.
Different Influence of Two Intraseasonal Oscillations on the Spring Long‐Lived and Medium‐Lived Consecutive Cloudy‐Rainy Events in the Yangtze‐Huaihe River Valley
Authors: Pan Wenqi , Sun Jianqi , Hong Haixu , Ma Jiehua
Published: September 2024

In this study, the mechanisms for the long‐lived and medium‐lived regional consecutive cloudy‐rainy events (RCCREs) in the Yangtze‐Huaihe River valley (YHRV) are investigated by comparing the influences of 10–30‐day and 30–90‐day intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs). The evolution of medium‐lived RCCREs is generally dominated by the 10–30‐day ISO, while the 10–30‐day and 30–90‐day ISOs synergistically contribute to the occurrence of long‐lived RCCREs. Further analysis reveals that, when the East Asian westerly jet (EAWJ) shifts northward to the north of YHRV, a RCCRE in the YHRV occurs in 2 days later. In the medium‐lived RCCREs, the EAWJ retreats southward rapidly; while in the long‐lived RCCREs, the stronger 30–90‐day ISO prevents the southward retreat of EAWJ, which favors the persistence of the RCCREs in the YHRV. The northward shifted EAWJ facilitates the RCCREs by modulating the secondary atmospheric circulation, consequently enhancing the moisture convergence and ascending motion anomalies over the YHRV. The RCCREs‐related precursor wave train originates from northern Europe with at least a 4‐day lead. The wave train propagates southeastward to excite an anomalous high over East Asia, which contributes to the northward shift of EAWJ and subsequently the occurrence of RCCREs. Different from the rapid weakness of the precursor wave train associated with the medium‐lived RCCREs, the precursor wave train associated with the long‐lived RCCREs can be maintained by the 30–90‐day ISO, which consequently leads to a persistence of the northward located EAWJ and long‐lived RCCREs in the YHRV.
Origin of the break in the cosmic-ray electron plus positron spectrum at ∼1 TeV
Authors: Thoudam Satyendra
Published: September 2024

Recent measurements of the cosmic-ray electron plus positron spectrum in several experiments have confirmed the presence of a break at ∼1 TeV. The origin of the break is still not clearly understood. In this work, we explored different possibilities for the origin, which include an electron source spectrum with a broken power law, a power law with an exponential or super-exponential cutoff, and the absence of potential nearby cosmic-ray sources. Based on the observed electron plus positron data from the DAMPE and the H.E.S.S experiments, and considering supernova remnants as the main sources of cosmic rays in the Galaxy, we find statistical evidence in favor of the scenario with a broken power-law source spectrum, with the best-fit source parameters obtained as Γ = 2.39 for the source spectral index, E0 ≈ 1.6 TeV for the break energy, and f = 1.59 × 1048 ergs for the amount of supernova kinetic energy injected into cosmic-ray electrons. This power-law break in the spectrum has been predicted for electrons confined inside supernova remnants after acceleration via diffusive shock acceleration process, and also indicated by the multi-wavelength study of supernova remnants. All of this evidence shows that the observed spectral break provides a strong indication of a direct link between cosmic-ray electrons and their sources. Our findings further show that electrons must undergo spectral changes while escaping the source region in order to reconcile the difference between the spectral index of electrons observed inside supernova remnants and that obtained from Galactic cosmic-ray propagation studies.
A Virgo Environmental Survey Tracing Ionised Gas Emission (VESTIGE)
Authors: Morgan C. R. , Balogh M. L. , Boselli A. , Fossati M. , Lawlor-Forsyth C. , Sazonova E. , Amram P. , Boquien M. , Braine J. , Cortese L. , Côté P. , Cuillandre J. C. , Ferrarese L. , Gwyn S. , Hensler G. , Junais  , Roediger J.
Published: September 2024

We examine the prevalence of truncated star-forming discs in the Virgo cluster down to M* ≃ 107 M⊙. This work makes use of deep, high-resolution imaging in the Hα+[N II] narrow-band from the Virgo Environmental Survey Tracing Ionised Gas Emission (VESTIGE) and optical imaging from the Next Generation Virgo Survey (NGVS). To aid in the understanding of the effects of the cluster environment on star formation in Virgo galaxies, we take a physically motivated approach to define the edge of the star-forming disc via a drop-off in the radial specific star formation rate profile. A comparison with the expected sizes of normal galactic discs provides a measure of how truncated star-forming discs are in the cluster. We find that truncated star-forming discs are nearly ubiquitous across all regions of the Virgo cluster, including beyond the virial radius (0.974 Mpc). The majority of truncated discs at large cluster-centric radii are of galaxies likely on their first infall. As the intra-cluster medium density is low in this region, it is difficult to explain this population with solely ram-pressure stripping. A plausible explanation is that these galaxies are undergoing starvation of their gas supply before ram-pressure stripping becomes the dominant quenching mechanism. A simple model of starvation shows that this mechanism can produce moderate disc truncations within 1−2 Gyr. This model is consistent with ‘slow-then-rapid’ or ‘delayed-then-rapid’ quenching, whereby the early starvation mode drives disc truncations without significant change to the integrated star formation rate, and the later ram-pressure stripping mode rapidly quenches the galaxy. The origin of starvation may be in the group structures that exist around the main Virgo cluster, which indicates the importance of understanding pre-processing of galaxies beyond the cluster virial radius.
Activity of main-belt comet 324P/La Sagra
Authors: Mastropietro M. , Kim Y. , Hsieh H. H. , Agarwal J.
Published: September 2024

Aims. We study the activity evolution of the main-belt comet 324P/La Sagra over time and the properties of its emitted dust.

Methods. We performed aperture photometry on images taken by a wide range of telescopes at optical and thermal infrared wavelengths between 2010 and 2021. We derived the combined scattering cross section of the nucleus and dust (when present) as a function of time, and we derived the thermal emission properties.

Results. Fitting an IAU H-G phase function to the data obtained when 324P was likely inactive, we derived an absolute nucleus magnitude HR = (18.4 ± 0.5) mag using G = 0.15 ± 0.12. The activity of 324P/La Sagra during the 2015 perihelion passage has significantly decreased compared to the previous perihelion passage in 2010, and it decreased even further during the 2021 perihelion passage. This decrease in activity may be attributed to mantling or to the depletion of volatile substances. The A f ρ profile analysis of the coma of the main-belt comet suggests a near-perihelion transition from a lower-activity pre-perihelion to a higher-activity post-perihelion steady state. We calculate a dust geometric albedo in the range of (2–15)%, which prevents us from constraining the spectral type of 324P/La Sagra, but we found an indication of dust superheating at 4.5 μm.
Evidence for gravitational self-lensing of the central supermassive black hole binary in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1566
Authors: Kollatschny W. , Chelouche D.
Published: September 2024

Context. It is generally accepted that all massive galaxies host supermassive black holes (BHs) in their center and that mergers of two galaxies lead to the formation of BH binaries. The most interesting among them comprise the mergers in their final state, that is to say with parsec (3.2 light years) or sub-parsec orbital separations. It is possible to detect these systems with binary self-lensing.

Aims. Here we report the potential detection of a central supermassive BH binary in the active galaxy (AGN) NGC 1566 based on a microlensing outburst. The light curve of the outburst – based on observations with the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae – lasted from the beginning of 2017 until the beginning of 2020. The steep symmetric light curve as well as its shape look very different with respect to normal random variations in AGN.

Results. However, the observations could be easily reproduced with a best-fit standard microlensing light curve. Based on the light curve, we derived a characteristic timescale of 155 days. During the outburst, the continuum as well as the broad line intensities varied; however, the narrow emission lines did not. This is an indication that the lensing object orbits the AGN nucleus between the broad line region (BLR) and the narrow line region (NLR), that is, at a distance on the order of 250 light days. The light curve can be reproduced by a lens with a BH mass of 5 × 105 M⊙. This implies a mass ratio to the central AGN on the order of 1–10.
Optimal ordering strategy for deteriorating items with maximum lifetime using trade credit financing under imprecise environments
Authors: Mondal Bappa , Kar Chaitali , Dutta Debashis , Das Pritha
Published: September 2024

In many business scenarios, a retailer is permitted specific credit period to pay back for the products bought earlier. This facility enables retailers to continue their business operations even when they are unable to raise funds or secure a business loan. To boost the market’s demand, promotional effort is a very effective business strategy to the retailer for maximizing the profit. On the other hand, a sudden and significant rise in customer demand for an inventory leads to shortages. Moreover, inventory relevant unit cost coefficients become imprecise due to insufficient data, human error etc. Nowadays, neutrosophic set quantifies the impreciseness more realistically. Considering these facts, an imprecise EOQ model for deteriorating items with maximum lifetime is formulated under trade credit facility. In addition, this article allows shortages, which are linearly time-dependent partially backlogged. Here, the unit cost coefficients are expressed as single-valued trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers. Furthermore, particular models are derived under different environments - intuitionistic, fuzzy, and crisp. Step-by-step solution procedures are suggested for all models to obtain optimal solutions. Models are numerically illustrated with real-life data, and some sensitivity analyses are performed. Managerial insights demonstrate that depletion time always depends on demand. Again, the present study suggests to reduce demand by halting the promotional activities during the shortage period and choose products with a larger lifetime.
Coordination of a socially responsible two-stage supply chain under random yield and demand
Authors: Zhao Xia , Dou Jianping
Published: September 2024

This study integrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) and channel coordination in a supply chain (SC) under random yield and random demand. In the SC, a supplier with random yield determines wholesale price and production input, and a producer with CSR decides order quantity and CSR investment facing CSR-related random demand. For centralized SCs with and without CSR, we prove the unimodality of the expected profits of the SCs for generic random yield and demand, and show the uniqueness of optimal ratio of order quantity to production input quantity. We disclose that the optimal expected profit of the SC with CSR is larger than that of the SC without CSR, and the profit difference increases with CSR effort and expected yield. We also find that the optimal CSR investment increases with the expected yield. Subsequently, the Nash equilibrium solutions of decentralized SCs under wholesale price and revenue-sharing contracts are analyzed. Next, we present a revenue and CSR sharing contract to realize channel coordination and win-win of SC members and related stakeholders. Lastly, we verify theoretical statements of centralized and decentralized SCs versus three numerical examples, and present managerial insights for the effect of yield uncertainty and CSR effort.
Situation der Betreuung von Lungenkarzinompatienten im Hinblick auf Mindestmengenregelung und Personalmangel
Authors: Karampinis Ioannis , Schiller Philipp , Galata Christian , Scheubel Robert , Buhl Roland , Kreuter Michael , Hetzel Martin , Voshaar Thomas , Roessner Eric
Published: September 2024

Einleitung Das Lungenkarzinom ist die maligne Erkrankung mit der weltweit höchsten Mortalität. Durch die 2025 in Kraft tretende Mindestmengenregelung für die chirurgische Behandlung des Lungenkarzinoms ist in Deutschland eine relevante Personalverschiebung zu erwarten. Ziel dieser Umfrage war es, vor den zu erwartenden Veränderungen die aktuellen Strukturen sowie die Personalsituation in den pneumologischen und thoraxchirurgischen Abteilungen zu erheben.

Methodik Über den Verband der Pneumologischen Kliniken und die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie (DGT) wurde eine Online-Umfrage an leitende Ärzte der Pneumologie und der Thoraxchirurgie in Deutschland verschickt. Die Ergebnisse wurden nach Zertifizierungsstatus analysiert.

Ergebnisse Die Rücklaufquote betrug 29,3% (Pneumologie) bzw. 31,9% (Thoraxchirurgie). 67% der befragten Abteilungen waren eigenständig. Zur personellen Abdeckung der Bereitschafsdienste bestehen häufig Kooperationen mit anderen internistischen oder chirurgischen Disziplinen. Der Anteil von nicht besetzten Stellen lag bei 35% (Pneumologie) bzw. 57% (Thoraxchirurgie).

Diskussion Nach Umsetzung der Mindestmengenregelung wird sich die Behandlung des Lungenkarzinoms mutmaßlich auf deutlich weniger Kliniken mit höherer Fallzahl konzentrieren. Bei bereits jetzt deutlich angespannter Personalsituation bleibt abzuwarten, inwieweit es diesen Einrichtungen gelingen wird, Personal für eine adäquate und zeitnahe Behandlung zu rekrutieren.
Machine Learning for the Prediction of Surgical Morbidity in Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Futterman Itamar D. , Sher Olivia , Saroff Chaskin , Cohen Alexa , Doulaveris Georgios , Dar Pe'er , Griffin Myah M. , Limaye Meghana , Owens Thomas , Brustman Lois , Rosenberg Henri , Jessel Rebecca , Chudnoff Scott , Haberman Shoshana
Published: September 2024

Objective We sought to create a machine learning (ML) model to identify variables that would aid in the prediction of surgical morbidity in cases of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Study Design A multicenter analysis including all cases of PAS identified by pathology specimen confirmation, across five tertiary care perinatal centers in New York City from 2013 to 2022. We developed models to predict operative morbidity using 213 variables including demographics, obstetrical information, and limited prenatal imaging findings detailing placental location. Our primary outcome was prediction of a surgical morbidity composite defined as including any of the following: blood loss (>1,500 mL), transfusion, intensive care unit admission, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation/intubation, and organ injury. A nested, stratified, cross-validation approach was used to tune model hyperparameters and estimate generalizability. Gradient boosted tree classifier models incorporated preprocessing steps of standard scaling for numerical variables and one-hot encoding for categorical variables. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), and F1 score. Variable importance ranking was also determined.

Results Among 401 PAS cases, 326 (81%) underwent hysterectomy. Of the 401 cases of PAS, 309 (77%) had at least one event defined as surgical morbidity. Our predictive model had an AUC of 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.69, 0.89), PPV 0.79, NPV 0.76, and F1 score of 0.88. The variables most predictive of surgical morbidity were completion of a hysterectomy, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), absence of a second trimester ultrasound, socioeconomic status zip code, BMI at delivery, number of prenatal visits, and delivery time of day.

Conclusion By identifying social and obstetrical characteristics that increase patients' risk, ML models are useful in predicting PAS-related surgical morbidity. Utilizing ML could serve as a foundation for risk and complexity stratification in cases of PAS to optimize surgical planning.

Key Points
Frequent Unrecognized Vertebral Fractures Associated with Increased Body Fat Mass in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Prasiw Kanlaya , Khongkhatithum Chaiyos , Fuangfa Praman , Kositwattanarerk Arpakorn , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Poomthavorn Preamrudee
Published: September 2024

Objective Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have an increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFs). Ethnic variations may partly contribute to the fracture risk. This study aimed to demonstrate the VFs and body fat mass in Asian patients with DMD.

Methods Demographic data and DMD-related parameters of the enrolled patients were collected. Lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs were performed for VF assessment. The Genant classification was applied for VF severity grading (mild, moderate, and severe). Body composition analysis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed. Serum calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were determined.

Results There were 25 children and adolescents with DMD enrolled. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 12.9 (9.6–19.3) years. Nine patients (36%) had VFs with a total of 31 sites of VFs (mild, N = 10; moderate, N = 3; and severe, N = 18). These VFs had never been recognized prior to this study. Comparing with the non-VF group, the VF group received a significantly greater cumulative prednisolone equivalent dose (1,258 [948–1,664] vs. 291 [17–823] mg/kg, p = 0.003). Body fat mass, represented by fat mass index and body fat percentage Z-scores, was greater in the VF group (2.46 [2.21–2.51] vs. 1.63 [0.36–2.07], p = 0.011 and 4.4 [3.1–5.5] vs. 1.8 [0.6–3.5], p = 0.008, respectively). No differences in serum calciotropic hormones and vitamin D status were demonstrated between patients with and without VFs.

Conclusions VFs were frequent in patients with DMD. Patients with VFs had greater cumulative glucocorticoid dose and body fat mass than those without VFs.
3d-Metal-Catalyzed Single-Electron-Transfer-Induced Conversion of Carboxylic Acids and Their Equivalents
Authors: Bhadra Sukalyan , Shinde Rupali Dasharath , Patel Upendra Kumar Brijmohan
Published: September 2024

This account describes the latest developments on 3d-metal-catalyzed single-electron-transfer (SET)-induced strategies that use carboxylic acids and their synthetic equivalents as substrates. In general, 3d-metal-promoted SET-mediated transformations of free carboxylic acids proceed readily via the formation of carboxylate radicals, whilst those of carboxylic acid equivalents, bearing an N-donor substituent, proceed via the formation of α-carbo radicals. The advantages of these strategies combine the low-cost of carboxylic acid starting materials and 3d metal catalysts with the possibility of realizing structurally diverse ranges of compounds in an atom- and step-economic manner. Developments primarily achieved by our group and a few by other researchers on this topic are discussed in this account.

1 Introduction

2 Mechanistic Considerations of 3d-Metal-Catalyzed SET-Mediated Transformations

3 Developments Based on SET-Mediated Transformations of Carboxylic Acids

4 Developments Based on SET-Mediated Transformations of Carboxylic Acid Equivalents

5 Conclusion and Outlook
A Rapid, Greener, and Sustainable Synthesis of N-Acylhydrazones of Isoniazid in a Deep-Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Singh Parvesh , Gcabashe Nontobeko , Kumar Gobind , Seboletswe Pule , Manhas Neha
Published: September 2024

This study introduces an efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable method for synthesizing N-acylhydrazone analogues by engaging isoniazid in a condensation reaction with variously substituted benzaldehydes. The deep-eutectic solvent (ZnCl2/urea) employed in this study acted not only as a solvent but also as a catalyst to facilitate the synthesis of the target compounds within two to six minutes without the requirement of any lengthy purification techniques. The synthetic protocol is operationally simple and offers other remarkable advantages such as a short reaction time, good to excellent yields, a scalable protocol, and a recyclable and reusable catalyst. Additionally, green metrics calculations suggest the present method to be environmentally benign. Finally, the frontier molecular orbitals and the global reactivity parameters of the synthesized compounds were predicted by using density functional theory calculations.