bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widening the net: Use of social media data in personal injury and disability evaluations
Authors: Drago Lisa M. , Giuliano Anthony J.
Published: February 2024

A central tenet of forensic mental health assessment is the use of multiple sources of data. Traditionally, these sources have included clinical interviews with and observations of the examinee, written records review, psychological test data, and interviews with collateral sources. Data from social media and social networking sites (SNS) is now widely used in civil litigation. However, existing professional practice standards and guidelines do not specifically address the use of SNS data. This leaves forensic mental health evaluators with little guidance as to why, when and how to incorporate SNS data into their evaluations. We review the extant literature on the use of SNS and other social media data in personal injury and disability cases, including legal, ethical, and practical considerations, with the goal of providing forensic mental health practitioners with a framework for making decisions about when and how to incorporate these data into their evaluations and opinions. We advocate caution in conducting independent searches of social media and the Internet, and in making inferences about internal states based on SNS postings. To illustrate these points, we include a case study.
Alkaline Earth Metal Aluminate Support for Selective Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: Wei Zenghao , Movick William J. , Obata Keisuke , Yu Yuhang , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: February 2024

The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) provides a direct route to transform methane into higher value products. The alkali metal tungstate catalysts have demonstrated high selectivity towards C2 products, ethane (C2H6) and ethylene (C2H4). However, the severe sintering of the SiO2 support limits the reaction rate requiring active site densification to compete with unselective gas phase combustion reaction especially at high pressure operations. This work studies alkaline earth metal oxides as supports for K2WO4 catalysts to maintain comparatively high surface area under OCM conditions. Among Mg, Ca, and Sr aluminates, the K2WO4/MgAl2O4 catalyst exhibited the highest C2 yields. To achieve high C2 product selectivity, a relatively large loading of K2WO4 (20 wt %) was required likely to cover the unselective surface sites of MgAl2O4 support. The catalyst further showed high levels of stability when utilized at high pressures (0.9 MPa) for over 60 h, without any change in product selectivity. The Mn/K2WO4/MgAl2O4 showed multifold higher CH4 conversion rate, compared with the SiO2 counterpart. The findings showcase the potential of the MgAl2O4 support as a viable candidate for alkali metal tungstate catalysts for OCM, which introduces high density of active components in given volume in the reactor, which induces high contribution of the catalyst relative to the pure gas phase oxidation.
Ultrathin 2D Porphyrin‐Based Zr‐MOF Nanosheets as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Styrene Epoxidation and Benzylic C‐H Oxidation
Authors: Wang Haosen , Ren Yanwei , Feng Xiao , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: February 2024

Selective oxidation of hydrocarbons using molecular oxygen as sole oxidant under mild conditions remains a challenging task. In this context, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used in various oxidation reactions due to their porosity, high surface area and designability. However, the slow diffusion of substrates/products in micropores of three‐dimensional (3D) bulk MOFs hinders the efficient catalytic performance of such materials. Herein an ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) porphyrin‐based Zr‐MOF nanosheet (Zr‐TCPP) is synthesized through modulator‐control strategy. Subsequently, various metal ions are anchored into the porphyrin ring by post synthesis modification to afford a series of 2D Zr‐TCPP(M) (M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn). Various structural characterization techniques indicate Zr‐TCPP(M) is nanoflower structure with ultrathin nanoplate petals which provides fully exposed accessible active sites. Among them, Zr‐TCPP(Fe) shows excellent catalytic performance in styrene epoxidation reactions and benzylic C−H oxidation reactions using O2 as sole oxidant under ambient temperature and pressure. The remarkable activity arises from high density of exposed porphyrin‐Fe active sites, low diffusion barriers for substrates and products, as well as a similar homogeneous reaction space. Furthermore, Zr‐TCPP(Fe) nanosheet is easily recycled by centrifugation and reused at least five times without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Dehydrogenative Oxidation of Alcohols by Reusable Iridium Catalysts with a Cooperative Polymer Ligand
Authors: Maeda Hiroki , Kuno Taiki , Jeong Jaeyoung , Morisaki Yasuhiro , Fujita Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2024

A series of iridium‐polymer complexes containing bipyridonate moieties were synthesized. The high catalytic performance of the iridium‐polymer complex for the dehydrogenative oxidation of alcohols was demonstrated. Notably, the bipyridonate moiety in the polymer structure acts as a chemically non‐innocent “functional ligand”, realizing the enhancement of dehydrogenation process. While numerous metal‐polymer catalysts have been reported so far, to our knowledge, introducing a “functional ligand” into a polymer chain that can operate cooperatively with transition metals by changing their structures during the catalytic processes is rare. The iridium‐polymer complex could be easily separated from the product and recovered by precipitation upon the addition of methanol after the catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the recovered catalyst could be reused without loss of catalytic efficiency at least ten times.
Development of Supercapacitors with 3D Porous Structures
Authors: Zhou Ruitao , Lam Kwok‐Ho
Published: February 2024

The pursuit of supercapacitors with simultaneous high power and energy densities has led to extensive research and successful outcomes through the integration of three‐dimensional (3D) electrodes, encompassing both 3D active materials and 3D porous current collectors. This mini review provides a summary of recent developments in supercapacitors featuring 3D structures. The incorporation of both 3D active materials and 3D current collectors proves effective in enhancing the mass loading of active materials without compromising their specific capacitance. The presence of pores in 3D porous current collectors contributes to additional double‐layer capacitance by offering a large surface area. Moreover, 3D porous transition metal current collectors can provide both double‐layer and faradic capacitances through the in‐situ surface oxidation mechanism. Beyond materials and geometries, this review also discusses synthesis strategies for electrodes, offering insights into the process‐structure‐property relationship crucial for supercapacitors. By combining 3D active materials with 3D current collectors, the energy density of supercapacitors could be substantially improved.
A personalized electronic textile for ultrasensitive pressure sensing enabled by biocompatible MXene/PEDOT:PSS composite
Authors: Li Yahua , Cao Wentao , Liu Zhi , Zhang Yue , Chen Ziyan , Zheng Xianhong
Published: February 2024

Flexible, breathable, and highly sensitive pressure sensors have increasingly become a focal point of interest due to their pivotal role in healthcare monitoring, advanced electronic skin applications, and disease diagnosis. However, traditional methods, involving elastomer film‐based substrates or encapsulation techniques, often fall short due to mechanical mismatches, discomfort, lack of breathability, and limitations in sensing abilities. Consequently, there is a pressing need, yet it remains a significant challenge to create pressure sensors that are not only highly breathable, flexible, and comfortable but also sensitive, durable, and biocompatible. Herein, we present a biocompatible and breathable fabric‐based pressure sensor, using nonwoven fabrics as both the sensing electrode (coated with MXene/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate [PEDOT:PSS]) and the interdigitated electrode (printed with MXene pattern) via a scalable spray‐coating and screen‐coating technique. The resultant device exhibits commendable air permeability, biocompatibility, and pressure sensing performance, including a remarkable sensitivity (754.5 kPa−1), rapid response/recovery time (180/110 ms), and robust cycling stability. Furthermore, the integration of PEDOT:PSS plays a crucial role in protecting the MXene nanosheets from oxidation, significantly enhancing the device's long‐term durability. These outstanding features make this sensor highly suitable for applications in full‐range human activities detection and disease diagnosis. Our study underscores the promising future of flexible pressure sensors in the realm of intelligent wearable electronics, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Near‐IR Capturing N‐Methylbenzene Sulfonamide‐Phenothiazine Incorporating Strong Electron Acceptor Push‐Pull Systems: Photochemical Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics
Authors: Kumar Gupta Pankaj , Das Somnath , Misra Rajneesh , D'Souza Francis
Published: February 2024

Unraveling the intriguing aspects of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) phenomenon of multi‐modular donor‐acceptor‐based push–pull systems are of paramount importance considering their promising applications, particularly in solar energy harvesting and light‐emitting devices. Herein, a series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical donor‐acceptor chromophores 1–6, are designed and synthesized by the Corey‐Fuchs reaction via Evano's condition followed by [2+2] cycloaddition retroelectrocyclic ring‐opening reaction with strong electron acceptors TCNE and TCNQ in good yields (~60–85 %). The photophysical, electrochemical, and computational studies are investigated to explore the effect of incorporation of strong electron acceptors 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobuta‐1,3‐diene (TCBD) and dicyanoquinodimethane (DCNQ) with phenothiazine (PTZ) donor. An additional low‐lying broad absorption band extended towards the near‐infrared (NIR) region suggests charge polarization after the introduction of the electron acceptors in both symmetrical and asymmetrical systems, leading to such strong ICT bands. The electrochemical properties reveal that reduction potentials of 3 and 6 are lower than those of 2 and 5, suggesting DCNQ imparts more on the electronic properties and hence largely contributes to the stabilization of LUMO energy levels than TCBD, in line with theoretical observations. Relative positions of the frontier orbitals on geometry‐optimized structures further support accessing donor‐acceptor sites responsible for the ICT transitions. Eventually, ultrafast carrier dynamics of the photoinduced species are investigated by femtosecond transient absorption studies to identify their spectral characteristics and target analysis further provides information about different excited states photophysical events including ICT and their associated time profiles. The key findings obtained here related to excited state dynamical processes of these newly synthesized systems are believed to be significant in advancing their prospect of utilization in solar energy conversion and related photonic applications.
Interobserver agreement and risk of malignancy using the International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for reporting breast FNA biopsy in a liquid‐based exclusive cohort
Authors: Folarin Olawunmi , Kim David , Gokozan Hamza N. , Heymann Jonas J. , Scarpa Carniello Jose V. , Rosado Lucelina , Siddiqui Momin T. , Patel Ami
Published: February 2024

Background

Per the College of American Pathologist’s National Breast Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) Practice Survey, ∼40% of laboratories use liquid‐based cytology (LBC) for breast FNAB. The reproducibility of the International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System (YS) for reporting breast FNAB on LBC was explored.

Design

Breast FNAB specimens submitted as LBC only (all ThinPrep) between January 2017 and January 2021 were retrieved. Cases without histopathologic follow‐up were excluded. Clinical and radiologic information was collected. One cytologist and six cytopathologists rendered diagnoses per YS. All reviewers were blinded to the original diagnosis and histopathologic follow‐up. The risk of malignancy was calculated. Concordance rates were calculated by a weighted Cohen Kappa score (κ).

Results

Review of 110 cases demonstrated substantial to near‐perfect agreement between each reviewer (κ = 0.73–0.91) and follow‐up histopathology (κ = 0.66–0.85). The agreement was lowest in the inadequate (κ = 0.05) and atypical (κ = 0.04) categories. The lack of concordance in the atypical category was common in cases with low cellularity or incomplete structural features. The risk of malignancy for inadequate, benign, atypical, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant categories were 12.5% (2/16), 3% (2/65), 67%, (8/12) 100% (1/1), and 100% (16/16).

Conclusion

Interobserver agreement is excellent using the five YS categories in LBC. Lack of cellularity and incomplete architectural features were barriers to perfect agreement. Established pitfalls in the interpretation of LBC were cause for atypical diagnoses. Continuous training and education are recommended to avoid misdiagnosis because of the nonconventional cytomorphologic features of LBC and to improve inadequate and atypical rates within YS.
A real‐time patient‐specific treatment strategy for enhanced external counterpulsation
Authors: Li Bao , Liu Youjun , Li Guangfei , Zhang Zhe , Feng Yue , Mao Boyan
Published: February 2024

Diastolic/systolic blood pressure ratio (D/S) ≥ 1.2 is the gold standard of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) treatment, but it does not show a clear clinical correspondence with the configuration of the EECP mode. As such, a single target results in different treatment effects in different individuals. The local haemodynamic effect (wall shear stress, WSS) of EECP on vascular endothelial cells is conducive to promote the growth of collateral circulation vessels and restore the blood supply distal to the stenosis lesion. Considering the haemodynamic effects of WSS on human arteries, this study developed a real‐time patient‐specific treatment strategy of EECP for patients with cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases. Based on patient‐specific haemodynamic data from 113 individuals, an optimization algorithm was developed to achieve the individualization of a 0D lumped‐parameter model of the human circulatory system, thereby simulating the patient‐specific global haemodynamic effects. 0D/3D coupled cardio‐cerebrovascular models of two subjects were established to simulate the local WSS. We then established statistical models to evaluate clinically unmeasurable WSS based on measurable global haemodynamic indicators. With the aim of attaining appropriate area‐ and time‐averaged WSS (ATAWSS, 4–7 Pa), as evaluated by global haemodynamic indicators, a closed‐loop feedback tuning method was developed to provide patient‐specific EECP treatment strategies. Results showed that for clinical data collected from 113 individuals, the individualized 0D model can accurately simulate patient‐specific global haemodynamic effects (average error <5%). Based on two subjects, the statistical models can be used to evaluate local ATAWSS (error <6%) for coronary arteries and for cerebral arteries. An EECP mode planned by the patient‐specific treatment strategy can promote an appropriate ATAWSS within a 16 s calculation time. The real‐time patient‐specific treatment strategy of EECP is expected to improve the long‐term outcome for each patient and have potential clinical significance.
The Importance of Spin‐Polarized Charge Reorganization in the Catalytic Activity of D‐Glucose Oxidase
Authors: Preeyanka Naupada , Zhu Qirong , Das Tapan Kumar , Naaman Ron
Published: February 2024

The reaction of D‐glucose oxidase (GOx) with D‐ and L‐glucose was investigated using confocal fluorescence microscopy and Hall voltage measurements, after the enzyme was adsorbed as a monolayer. By adsorbing the enzyme on a ferromagnetic substrate, we verified that the reaction is spin dependent. This conclusion was supported by monitoring the reaction when the enzyme is adsorbed on a Hall device that does not contain any magnetic elements. The spin dependence is consistent with the chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect; it can be explained by the improved fidelity of the electron transfer process through the chiral enzyme due to the coupling of the linear momentum of the electrons and their spin. Since the reaction studied often serve as a model system for enzymatic activity, the results may suggest the general importance of the spin‐dependent electron transfer in bio‐chemical processes.
Thio‐Induced Organophosphate Breakdown Promoted by Methimazole: an Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Campos Renan B. , Capato Lucas A. , Soares Patrícia M. , Tantillo Dean J. , Orth Elisa S.
Published: February 2024

Investigating the reactivity of small nucleophilic scaffolds is a strategic approach for the design of new catalysts aiming at effective detoxification processes of organophosphorus compounds. The drug methimazole (MMZ) is an interesting candidate featuring two non‐equivalent nucleophilic centers. Herein, phosphoryl transfer reactions mediated by MMZ were assessed by means of spectrophotometric kinetic studies, mass spectrometry (MS) analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the multi‐electrophilic compound O,O‐diethyl 2,4‐dinitrophenyl phosphate (DEDNPP). MMZ anion acts primarily as an S‐nucleophile, exhibiting a nucleophilic activity comparable to that of certain oximes featuring alpha‐effect. Selective nucleophilic aromatic substitution was observed, consistent with the DFT prediction of a low energy barrier. Overall, the results bring important advances regarding the mechanistic understanding of nucleophilic dephosphorylation reactions, which comprises a strategic tool for neutralizing toxic organophosphates, hence promoting chemical security.
Enzymatic Formation of an Aminovinyl Cysteine Residue in Ribosomal Peptide Natural Products
Authors: Cheng Botao , Xue Yanqing , Duan Yuting , Liu Wen
Published: February 2024

The carboxyl‐terminal (C‐terminal) S‐[(Z)‐2‐aminovinyl]‐cysteine (AviCys) analogs have been identified in four families of ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides (RiPPs): lanthipeptides, linaridins, thioamitides, and lipolanthines. Within identified biosynthetic pathways, a highly reactive enethiol intermediate, formed through an oxidative decarboxylation catalyzed by a LanD‐like flavoprotein, can undergo two types of cyclization: a Michael addition with a dehydroamino acid or a coupling reaction initiated by a radical species. The collaborative actions of LanD‐like proteins with diverse enzymes involved in dehydration, dethiolation or cyclization lead to the construction of structurally distinct peptide natural products with analogous C‐terminal macrocyclic moieties. This concept summarizes existing knowledge regarding biosynthetic pathways of AviCys analogs to emphasize the diversity of biosynthetic mechanisms that paves the way for future genome mining explorations into diverse peptide natural products.
Self‐organization of plasma edge turbulence in interaction with recycling neutrals
Authors: Quadri V. , Tamain P. , Marandet Y. , Bufferand H. , Rivals N. , Ciraolo G. , Falchetto G. , Düll R. , Yang H.
Published: February 2024

Experimental results from several tokamaks suggest a strong impact of divertor density regimes on turbulent transport in the edge plasma. Reciprocally, the change in transverse transport and SOL width affects the access to density regimes, making it a fundamental topic for heat exhaust issue. Such phenomenology is highly nonlinear and can only be approached quantitatively using numerical simulations treating turbulence and neutrals recycling physics self‐consistently. In this study, the SOLEDGE3X edge multi‐fluid code is used to investigate the mutual interaction between edge plasma turbulence and neutrals recycling. A fluid neutrals model based on the assumption of a charge‐exchange‐dominated plasma‐neutral interaction has been implemented. Two simulations in circular geometry are compared: one without neutrals, where the particle flux is driven by a constant in flux from the core region, and the other one with neutrals recycling included in which the particle input to the system is self‐consistently injected by a gas puff from the midplane. The presence of the neutrals triggers three types of perturbations on the plasma: a local and non‐axisymmetric one driven by the gas puff, a global perturbation affecting both profiles and turbulence properties in the whole domain, and a local one in the vicinity of the limiter where recycling occurs. The largest effect of the inclusion of self‐consistent neutrals recycling is a large‐scale reorganization of the plasma profiles and turbulence properties due to the dissociation of particle and energy fluxes. These effects are expected to be more important at higher densities regimes or in diverted configuration.
Development of a new assay for quantification of parasite load of intracellular Leishmania sp. in macrophages using flow cytometry
Authors: Silva Adriana C. , Almeida Palloma P. , Fietto Juliana L. R. , Oliveira Leandro L. , Marques‐da‐Silva Eduardo A.
Published: February 2024

Finding novel methodologies that enhance the precision, agility, and standardization of drug discovery is crucial for studying leishmaniasis. The slide count is the technique most used to assess the leishmanicidal effect of a given drug in vitro. Despite being consolidated in the scientific environment, it presents several difficulties in its execution, assessment, and results. In addition to being laborious, this technique takes time, both for the preparation of the material for analysis and for the counting itself. Our research group suggests a fresh approach to address this requirement, which involves utilizing nuclear labeling with propidium iodide and flow cytometry to determine the quantity of Leishmania sp. parasites present in macrophages in vitro. Our results show that the fluorescence of infected samples increases as the infection rate increases. Using Pearson's Correlation analysis, it was possible to establish a correlation coefficient (Pearson r = 0.9473) that was strongly positive, linear, and directly proportional to the fluorescence and infection rate variables. Thus, it is possible to infer a mathematical equation through linear regression to estimate the number of parasites in each sample using the Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU) values. This new methodology opens space for the possibility of using this methodological resource in the in vitro quantification of Leishmania in macrophages.
Habitat selection and refuge‐use by a color polymorphic salamander reveal behavioral niche differences
Authors: Straub Cory S. , Cuomo Rosella G. , Jimenez Gabriel
Published: February 2024

Color polymorphic species provide an excellent opportunity to investigate the ecology and evolution of intraspecific niche differences. The red‐backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus, is a fully terrestrial lungless salamander with two common color forms, striped and unstriped. Previous research suggests the morphs may be differentially adapted to surface and subsurface microhabitats, with the unstriped morph being more fossorial. This hypothesis predicts that the unstriped morph should be more sensitive to the risks of surface activity (e.g., thermal stress, dehydration, predation), and therefore be more selective than striped morphs when choosing soil surface microhabitats. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally manipulated leaf litter mass in small forest patches (~0.45 m2). Leaf litter addition reduced soil temperatures, buffered against changes in air temperature, and likely provided physical protection from predators. Over 3 years, we found that unstriped adults responded positively to leaf litter addition, but striped adults did not. In addition, unstriped morphs spent significantly more time in protective refuges (opaque, moistened tubes) than striped morphs in laboratory assays. Taken together, the field and laboratory results support the hypothesis that the unstriped morph is more sensitive to the risks of surface activity, and therefore is more likely to be fossorial. This difference in microhabitat use, combined with spatiotemporal variation in leaf litter accumulation on the forest floor, may play an important role in the maintenance of the polymorphism.
Bison and bighorns: Assessing the potential impacts of reintroducing a large herbivore to a mountainous landscape
Authors: Whyte Peter J. , Henderson Darcy C. , Heuer Karsten , Ford Adam T.
Published: February 2024

The reintroduction of wildlife can have significant ecological impacts by altering the flow of energy in food webs. Recently, plains bison were reintroduced to part of Banff National Park after a 150‐year absence. The large herbivore's reintroduction was expected to have far‐reaching effects on the ecosystem due to its significant energy requirements and interactions with habitat and other sympatric species. This study explores the impacts of bison reintroduction on the movement and resource use of another large‐bodied grazer, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Between 2018 and 2021, we collected data from GPS collars fit on 39 bighorn sheep and 11 bison. We analyzed home range patterns, resource selection, and interactions to investigate the potential for interspecific competition, facilitation, and resource complementarity. At the population level, bison and bighorn sheep exhibited low levels of spatial overlap and there was strong evidence of resource separation in all seasons. Interactions between species did not appear to affect sheep movement rates; however, we did see differences in forage selection patterns for sheep with overlapping home ranges with bison. Collectively, results did not support the potential for competition or facilitation between bison and bighorn sheep and instead provided the strongest evidence of complementarity.
Editors' highlight picks from 2023 in ESC heart failure
Authors: Bäck Magnus , von Haehling Stephan , Papp Zoltán , Piepoli Massimo F.
Published: February 2024

Heart failure is a devastating syndrome affecting an increasingly high number of patients worldwide. Its aetiology and pathogenesis are complex with the involvement of factors ranging from the genetic material through valvular dysfunctions to numerous organs beyond the entire cardiovascular system. Based on continuous efforts of the heart failure scientific community we have witnessed major advances in many related disciplines during the last year. For example, epidemiological aspects—paving the road for improved risk prevention—have been thoroughly analysed for various geographical regions. Additionally, evidence‐based approaches now allow the introduction of novel guideline recommended medical therapies (i.e. sodium‐glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, and iron supplementation) while basic and translational research aim to explore additional molecular targets for future heart failure diagnostics and medications. All above aspects are addressed in this article, where a selection of articles published in the ESC Heart Failure journal in 2023 are highlighted. The editors are confident that the scientific contributions of ESC Heart Failure effectively served a highly relevant area of cardiovascular research last year.
Modeling Transformation Pathways of European Final Energy Consumption in the Transport and Buildings Sector Using Country Clustering
Authors: Engwerth Veronika , Kigle Stephan , Ruprecht David , Mohr Stephan , Guminski Andrej
Published: February 2024

To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the European transport and buildings sector, it is imperative to transform their final energy consumption (FEC). This process of transformation varies across countries, for example, demonstrated by the discrepancy in new registration shares of electric passenger cars between Norway (64%) and Poland (<1%) in 2021. To account for these disparities in the modeling of the transformation, a scenario with Clusterwise Pathways alongside a Common Pathway scenario is developed. The country clusters are formed for each sector using an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm. The models TraM (transport), PriHM (private households), and TerM (tertiary sector) are employed to simulate the FEC for the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, and the UK from 2019 to 2050 per energy carrier, application, country, and year. Regional constraints, such as depleted district heating potentials in Scandinavia, impose limitations on creating the Common Pathway. Also, the success of transformation is influenced by structural differences like the ratio of new registrations to existing vehicles in each country. The findings underscore the necessity of employing cluster‐specific pathways to adequately account for regional characteristics and constraints when modeling the transformation of FEC in the European transport and buildings sectors.
Adsorption and partial catalytic oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur using facilely prepared materials derived from sludge of groundwater treatment
Authors: Hien Lam Pham Thanh , Cam Thanh Son , Phuc Pham Hong , Thuy Nguyen Thi , Thuy Vo Thi Thanh , Thanh Dang Van , Huy Nguyen Nhat
Published: February 2024

Realizing the use of biogas as fuel or a gas engine, it is needed to upgrade to natural gas standards when it comes to pure biomethane, meaning impurities must be removed to a certain low concentration. Among these tasks, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal steadfastly gets the most attention. In the present work, partial catalytic oxidation was used to convert H2S to less harmful forms. Adsorbents/catalysts applied to this process were prepared from the sludge of a groundwater treatment plant using a simple combination of drying and calcination methods. As a relevant result, the as‐prepared sample (dried at 105°C for 24 h) exhibited high activity, with 90 ± 2% H2S conversion after 120 min of reaction time, while the sample calcined at about 500°C for 5 h (TP‐500) showed the highest H2S conversion (96 ± 2%); the lowest 28 ± 1% belonged to the case of TP‐700. The main compositions of the TP‐500 sample were crystalline calcite and amorphous iron oxides. The average size of calcite crystallites was ~45 nm, with a specific surface area of ~76 m2/g. Moreover, the presence of oxygen in the catalytic process and the “self‐outflow process” of sulfur desorption were the vital keys that allowed the partial H2S oxidation to take place continuously. After a reaction time of 2 h, the adsorption capacity of the best sample was 460.8 mg/g. Thus, it is obvious that inexpensive catalysts derived from sludge precursors can be effectively used for H2S removal from mixtures with air, supporting the treatment of raw biogas in the coming time.
The influence of blade curvature radius on the internal unsteady characteristics of a centrifugal pump
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Liu Shuai , Cao Zhenhu
Published: February 2024

To study the influence of the blade curvature radius on the flow‐induced vibration and noise of the centrifugal pump, the internal sound field of the IS 80‐65‐160 centrifugal pump was numerically calculated by adjusting the blade wrap angles to change the blade curvature radius. The RNG (Reynolds Time Average Simulation) turbulence model was selected for the numerical calculation of the centrifugal pump. The numerical simulation of the whole flow channel of the centrifugal pump was carried out using Ansys Fluent software, and the external characteristic curve of the centrifugal pump was obtained. The influence of different blade wrap angles on the internal pressure, velocity and Turbulent Kinetic Energy of the centrifugal pump was obtained. On the basis of the sound–structure coupling equation, the unsteady sound field of the centrifugal pump was calculated, and the time domain and frequency domain characteristics of the pressure pulsation at each monitoring point were obtained. The calculation results showed that the dynamic and static interference between the impeller and the volute tongue mainly caused the vibration of the centrifugal pump. By appropriately increasing the blade wrap angles, the pressure pulsation in the volute fluid domain could be effectively reduced. The vibration and noise test bench of the centrifugal pump was set up to verify the test. The experimental results showed that at the double‐blade frequency, the variation trend of the experimental value and the simulated value of the outflow flow‐induced noise of the centrifugal pump were consistent, which verified the accuracy of the sound field simulation calculation. When the blade wrap angle , it could effectively reduce the internal sound pressure level and the flow‐induced vibration and noise of the centrifugal pump. By adopting measures such as grid encryption at the position of the tongue, nonstationary calculation and comparison of different turbulence models, the accuracy of the calculation results of the internal flow field and sound field of the centrifugal pump is effectively improved, and the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results are ensured. The above research results had certain reference significance and application value for improving the working efficiency of centrifugal pumps and reducing flow‐induced vibration and noise.
A Novel Technological Approach to Recover Aquatic Research Equipment from Depth
Authors: Smith Kurtis A , Bzonek Paul A , Brownscombe Jacob W
Published: February 2024

Researchers are increasingly using biologging equipment (e.g., telemetry receivers, temperature loggers) to characterize the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. This equipment is commonly deployed at a wide range of water depths and greatly expands our capacity to remotely monitor aquatic ecosystems; however, equipment retrieval can be a major challenge. Here, we describe a technological solution to this challenge that uses a combination of live imaging sonar and a remotely operated vehicle to efficiently locate and recover equipment across a wide range of conditions (e.g., turbid water, range of water depths). We provide details on our specific equipment setup (total cost < Can$15,000) used for the recovery of acoustic fish tracking receivers moored to the benthos of Stoney Lake, Ontario, Canada. There are some limitations to this approach, which are discussed. With technological advances and increases in affordability of commercially available products, this approach may be widely applicable to recover biologgers from depth.
Machine learning in neurological disorders: A multivariate LSTM and AdaBoost approach to Alzheimer's disease time series analysis
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Shahrestani Seyed , Elkhodr Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder that impairs cognitive functions, behavior, and memory. Early detection is crucial as it can slow down the progression of AD. However, early diagnosis and monitoring of AD's advancement pose significant challenges due to the necessity for complex cognitive assessments and medical tests.

Methods

This study introduces a data acquisition technique and a preprocessing pipeline, combined with multivariate long short‐term memory (M‐LSTM) and AdaBoost models. These models utilize biomarkers from cognitive assessments and neuroimaging scans to detect the progression of AD in patients, using The AD Prediction of Longitudinal Evolution challenge cohort from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database.

Results

The methodology proposed in this study significantly improved performance metrics. The testing accuracy reached 80% with the AdaBoost model, while the M‐LSTM model achieved an accuracy of 82%. This represents a 20% increase in accuracy compared to a recent similar study.

Discussion

The findings indicate that the multivariate model, specifically the M‐LSTM, is more effective in identifying the progression of AD compared to the AdaBoost model and methodologies used in recent research.
Integrating emerging science to improve estimates of risk to wildlife from chemical exposure: What are the challenges?
Authors: van den Brink Nico W. , Elliott John E. , Power Beth , Kilgour Clare , Johnson Mark S.
Published: February 2024

Many jurisdictions require ecological risk assessments for terrestrial wildlife (i.e., terrestrial vertebrates) to assess potential adverse effects from exposure to anthropogenic chemicals. This occurs, for example, at contaminated sites and when new pesticides are proposed, and it occurs for chemicals that are in production and/or proposed for wide-scale use. However, guidance to evaluate such risks has not changed markedly in decades, despite the availability of new scientific tools to do so. In 2019, the Wildlife Toxicology World Interest Group of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) initiated a virtual workshop that included a special session coincident with the annual SETAC North America meeting and which focused on the prospect of improving risk assessments for wildlife and improving their use in implementing chemical regulations. Work groups continued the work and investigated the utility of integrating emerging science and novel methods for improving problem formulation (WG1), exposure (WG2), toxicology (WG3), and risk characterization (WG4). Here we provide a summary of that workshop and the follow-up work, the regulations that drive risk assessment, and the key focus areas identified to advance the ability to predict risks of chemicals to wildlife. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:645–657. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in Asian nations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shrestha Abhigan B. , Siam Imran S. , Tasnim Jarin , Dahal Abhinav , Roy Poulami , Neupane Sushil , Adhikari Ashok , Khanal Barsha , Ghimirie Rupesh , Shrestha Dikshya , Bhattarai Suju , Shrestha Sajina , Mainali Nischal , Sedhai Yub Raj , Singh Uday
Published: February 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health concern around the world including Asia. TB burden is high in Asian countries and significant population harbor latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI).

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI in Asian countries.

Method

We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant articles published between January 1, 2005, and January 1, 2023 investigating the overall prevalence of latent TB among people of Asia. Subgroup analysis was done for Asian subregions during the study period of 2011 to 2016 and 2017 to 2023, for tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), respectively, as well as for QuantiFERON‐TB (QFT) and TSPOT TB tests. Der Simonian and Laird's random‐effects model was used to pool the prevalence of LTBI found using TST and IGRA.

Result

A total of 15 studies were included after a systematic search from standard electronic databases. The analysis showed that the prevalence of latent TB in Asia was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19%–23%) and 36% (95% CI: 12%–59%) according to IGRAs and TSTs (cut off 10 mm) results, respectively. Based on IGRA, the prevalence of latent TB was 20% (95% CI: 13%–25%) in 2011 to 2016 and 21% (95% CI: 18%–24%) in 2017 to 2023. Using QFT, the prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 17%–22%) and using TSPOT, the prevalence was 26% (95% CI: 21%–31%). According to the United Nations division of Asia, the prevalence was higher for the Southern region and least for the Western region using TST and higher in the South‐Eastern region and least in the Western region using the IGRA test.

Conclusion

Almost a quarter of the Asian population has LTBI. Its diagnosis often poses a diagnostic challenge due to the unavailability of standard test in certain areas. Given this prevalence, a mass screening program is suggested with the available standard test and public awareness along with anti‐TB regimen should be considered for individuals who test positive. However, for it to be implemented effectively, we need to take the affordability, availability, and cost‐effectiveness of such interventions into account.
Renal pseudoaneurysm after calculous pyelonephritis
Authors: Koyama Yuri , Yumioka Tetsuya , Ohno Hirofumi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Renal pseudoaneurysms reportedly occur after partial nephrectomy, renal trauma, or percutaneous procedures. Renal pseudoaneurysms can also occur after renal inflammation; however, such cases are rare and seldom reported.

Case presentation

A 53‐year‐old man presented to our emergency room with a 3‐day history of fever and right back pain. A blood sample revealed severe inflammation and computed tomography showed an 8 mm diameter stone in the right middle ureter and hydronephrosis. The patient was diagnosed with calculous pyelonephritis and underwent emergency ureteral stenting and antibiotic therapy. On day 8 of hospitalization, hematuria and right back pain developed, and on day 9 bladder tamponade and anemia developed. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed a ruptured pseudoaneurysm, and the patient underwent successful angioembolization. The patient was discharged on day 23.

Conclusion

We report a case of a renal pseudoaneurysm possibly caused by calculous pyelonephritis.
Deep hybrid model for Mpox disease diagnosis from skin lesion images
Authors: Khan Saif Ur Rehman , Asif Sohaib , Bilal Omair , Ali Sajid
Published: February 2024

This research presents DNLR‐NET, a novel model designed for automated and accurate diagnosis of MPox disease. The model's performance is constructed and validated using a carefully collected MPox dataset from online repositories. DNLR‐NET begins by extracting deep features from the DenseNet201 pre‐trained model, which exhibited superior performance compared to other models during the comparison. The deep features obtained from each dense layer are then used to train six classifiers, among which logistic regression showcases the best performance with the extracted deep, dense feature. A comparative study with earlier advanced CNN models classifying the same dataset demonstrates that DNLR‐NET achieves an impressive accuracy of 97.55%, outperforming the base DenseNet201 model, which only attains 95.91% accuracy. This accuracy emphasizes the efficacy of combining deep features with logistic regression. A Grid Search algorithm is employed for optimal hyperparameter extraction, creating multiple unified deep feature sets and achieving the highest classification accuracy. The fusion of deep features with logistic regression yields superior results compared to ensemble techniques such as random forest and support vector machines and also reduces training time complexity. DNLR‐NET surpasses existing models, ML classifiers, and pre‐trained models, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential for clinical implementation in diagnosing MPox. The promising outcomes of advantage deep learning algorithms, particularly DenseNet201 transfer learning, highlight the significance of adopting transfer learning methodologies for CNN‐based MPox diagnosis in clinical settings. Researchers and clinicians are strongly encouraged to explore and implement these techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of MPox diagnosis.
Efficient spine segmentation network based on multi‐scale feature extraction and multi‐dimensional spatial attention
Authors: Xu Guohao , Wang Chuantao , Li Zhuoyuan , Zhai Jiliang , Wang Saishuo
Published: February 2024

In spine imaging, efficient automatic segmentation is crucial for clinical decision‐making, yet current models increase accuracy at the expense of elevated parameter counts and computational complexity, complicating integration with contemporary medical devices. Addressing identified challenges, this research introduces LE‐NeXt, a spine segmentation framework utilizing multi‐dimensional spatial attention and multi‐scale feature extraction, optimizing the architecture via convolution and MLP. It integrates lightweight convolutions and attention mechanisms within an encoder‐decoder model, enhancing stage‐specific feature extraction while ensuring efficiency. Experimental analyses on VerSe and SpineWeb datasets demonstrate that LE‐NeXt outperforms the lightweight U‐NeXt, enhancing IoU accuracy from 87.7 to 89.8 on VerSe, and exceeds the performance of established networks such as U‐Net and its variants. Significantly, on SpineWeb, LE‐NeXt not only surpasses Trans U‐Net in accuracy but also achieves a considerable reduction in both parameter count and computational complexity. These results emphasize LE‐NeXt's effectiveness in improving segmentation precision efficiently, optimally balancing computational efficiency and accuracy.
Supercell precipitation contribution to the United States hydroclimate
Authors: Zeeb Aaron W. , Ashley Walker S. , Haberlie Alex M. , Gensini Vittorio A. , Michaelis Allison C.
Published: February 2024

This research seeks to understand simulated supercell precipitation characteristics across the conterminous United States (CONUS) using high‐resolution, convection‐permitting, dynamically downscaled simulations for three 15‐year epochs. Epochs include a historical end‐of‐20th‐century period (1990–2005) and two end‐of‐21st‐century (2085–2100) scenarios for intermediate and pessimistic greenhouse gas concentration trajectories. Simulated updraft helicity, which measures the corkscrew flow within a storm's updraft, is used as a proxy for supercells. An algorithm tracks and catalogues updraft helicity swaths that, when buffered, are used to acquire simulated precipitation from supercells. The historical epoch provides a baseline climatology of supercell precipitation for a contemporary climate, which is then compared against the two future epochs to assess how supercell precipitation may change during the 21st century. Despite their relatively small size, supercells provide critical precipitation to the Wheat and Corn Belts, large expanses of CONUS pasture and rangeland, regional aquifers and several large river basins. Many areas in the central CONUS receive upwards of 3%–6% of their annual and 5%–8% of their warm‐season precipitation from these storms. Results suggest that precipitation contribution from supercells will decrease in the future across most of the High Plains and Central and Northern Great Plains with robust increases likely across the south‐central and Southeast regions. Supercell precipitation rates are expected to increase for large portions of the CONUS by the end‐of‐the‐21st‐century, suggesting a growing threat for flash floods from these storms as they become more efficient precipitation producers. This research provides an initial perspective on the magnitude of supercell precipitation and potential changes to this important hydrologic input to assist water‐sensitive industries, private and public insurance markets, agriculture entities, as well as inform plans to mitigate and build resilience to rapid environmental and societal change.