bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon and Nitrogen‐Co‐Doped Se/NiSe2/CoSe2 Nanocomposite as Superior Performance Electrode Material in Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Mostafa Reham Ehab , Mahmoud S. S. , Tantawy N. S. , Mohamed Saad G.
Published: March 2024

Metal selenides are essential electrode materials for promising electrochemical energy storage with comparable or improved electrochemical performance than metal oxides. Herein, Se/NiSe2/CoSe2 (S/NS/CS) is fabricated using a solvothermal approach with the assistance of polyethyleneimine, followed by annealing at different temperatures (300, 400, 500, and 600 °C) for one hour under an argon atmosphere. After annealing, all electrodes’ physical and electrochemical properties were examined, which determined that the best electrode is NiCo2O4/NiO (NCO/NO) formed at 500 °C. Additional hydrothermal method uses NCO/NO with SeO2 as a selenium source to prepare S/NS/CS nanocomposite, with a specific surface architecture that enables easy ion movement and robust conductivity, giving it exceptional electrochemical energy storage properties. It exhibited a remarkable capacitance of 468 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. For practical applications, the hybrid S/NS/CS//AC device was designed using S/NS/CS as a positive electrode and commercial activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode. The asymmetric device demonstrated an excellent capacitance of 142 F g−1 (189 C g−1) and a superb specific energy of 44 Wh kg−1 at a specific power of 840 W kg−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, providing 80 % capacity retention and 100 % coulombic efficiency after 5000 cycles.
A detailed study of the current‐reuse VCO's operation and a simple circuit technique to generate intrinsic‐balanced outputs
Authors: Jafari Bahram , Sheikhaei Samad
Published: March 2024

In the first part of this paper, we closely examine well‐known methods for balancing the output power level of the pseudo‐differential current‐reuse voltage‐controlled oscillator. We scrutinize their effectiveness in terms of canceling output mismatches, insensitivity to process, voltage, and temperature variations, and their capability of not degrading phase noise performance. Through analyses and simulations, it is shown that contrary to common belief, some techniques are not as effective as previously thought and should be employed only under specific circumstances. The best conventional approach is proven to be the use of a common‐mode shunting capacitor at the inductor's center tap node to create a virtual ground. In the second part, it is demonstrated that the current‐reuse voltage‐controlled oscillator can intrinsically produce balanced outputs without using any additional techniques or extra passive or active components. Using single‐ended tank capacitors instead of differential ones, the common‐mode voltage of the outputs is shunted to the real ground. This technique reintroduces a reference voltage to the tank circuit, forcing the oscillator to achieve equilibrium between positive and negative swings. The proposed current‐reuse oscillator is designed and post‐layout simulated in a 65‐nm CMOS process, covering a frequency range of 4.84–6.38 GHz with an average power consumption of 0.65 mW. It produces balanced outputs with an amplitude error of less than ±0.2% and achieves a phase noise of −126.7 dBc/Hz and FoMT of 201.8 dB at a 3‐MHz offset frequency.
A multi‐objective optimization approach for modeling and analyzing the impact of drive parameters in SiC power converters
Authors: Liu Xinbo , Liu Bo , He Shuiyuan , Ma Ruiqi , Diao Lijun
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces an equivalent model including the parasitic parameters analysis of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs in order to enhance their performance for high‐power density applications. The model is used to establish a mechanism that evaluates the effect of drive parameters on switching losses and electrical stress of power devices, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of drive parameters. The paper finds the Pareto solution of the multi‐objective optimization model through iterative calculation of design variables, using this mechanism. The methodology is validated through experimental results from an SiC power prototype, showing an efficiency of 98.9% and safe electrical stress levels under 1500 V/100 kW operating conditions.
Positive‐to‐negative tunable delay circuit designed with NGD RC network
Authors: Junwen Shi , Junyan Cui , Silochi Hakim Epea , Wieser Robert , Galan Raul Sanchez , Murad Nour Mohammad , Ravelo Blaise
Published: March 2024

Despite the performed progressive research work, the interpretation of the negative group delay (NGD) function remains not familiar to non‐specialist design and fabrication circuit engineers. The functionality misunderstanding limits the NGD circuit applications compared to other classical electronic functions. The present paper deals with the design of a tunable circuit by operating with positive and negative delay behaviors. The topology of the tunable circuit by using a low‐pass (LP) type NGD circuit is described. The design formulas for calculating the circuit resistor and capacitor parameters from the desired delay are expressed. The design feasibility of the tunable circuit composed of LP‐NGD cell and RC‐circuit is validated with a proof‐of‐concept (PoC) implemented on a test board. Two different signals with pulse and arbitrary waveforms having tens‐milliseconds duration were considered during the validation tests. As expected by tuning a varistor from 0.4 kΩ to 1 kΩ, the negative delay behavior varying from about −0.4 ms was verified thanks to the time‐advanced effect due to the LP‐NGD property. Then, the output signal delay was observed to become positive when the varistor was tuned from 1 kΩ to 3 kΩ.
Strong philopatry in an estuarine‐dependent fish
Authors: Sarakinis Koster G. , Reis‐Santos Patrick , Donnellan Stephen C. , Ye Qifeng , Earl Jason , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: March 2024

Understanding fish movement is critical in determining the spatial scales in which to appropriately manage wild populations. Genetic markers provide a natural tagging approach to assess the degree of gene flow and population connectivity across a species distribution. We investigated the genetic structure of black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri across its entire distribution range in Australia, as well as regional scale gene flow across south‐eastern Australia by undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the populations in estuaries across the region. We applied genome‐wide sampling of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing. Genetic structure and potential gene flow was assessed using principal component analyses and admixture analyses (STRUCTURE). Using 33,493 SNPs, we detected broad scale genetic structuring, with limited gene flow among regional clusters (i.e. Western Australia, South Australia and western Victoria; and eastern Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales). This is likely the result of unsuitable habitats, strong ocean currents (e.g. the Leeuwin Current and the East Australian Current), large water bodies (e.g. Bass Strait) and known biogeographical provinces across the continent. Local‐scale genetic structuring was also identified across the south‐eastern Australian estuaries sampled, reflecting that the coexistence of both migratory and resident individuals within populations (i.e. partial migration), and the movement of fish into coastal waters, still results in strong philopatry across the region. Instances of movement among estuaries at this spatial scale were primarily found between adjacent estuaries and were likely attributed to lone migrants utilising inshore coastal currents for movement beyond nearby habitats. Targeting SNP markers in A. butcheri at this continental scale highlighted how neither spatial proximity of estuaries nor black bream's ability to move into coastal waters reflects increased gene flow. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of location‐specific management.
Roegneria yenchiana: A new species in the Triticeae (Poaceae) from the Hengduan Mountain region
Authors: Sha Li‐Na , Liang Xiao , Zhang Xin‐Yi , Gao Shan , Zhang Yue , Zhou Yong‐Hong , Fan Xing
Published: March 2024

Roegneria yenchianasp. nov. (Triticeae) is a new species collected from Shangri‐la of Yunnan Province in China based on morphological, cytological, and molecular data. It is morphologically characterized by one spikelet per node, rectangular glums, awns flanked by two short mucros in lemmas, distinguished from other species ofRoegneria. The genomic in situ hybridization results indicate thatR. yenchianais an allotetraploid, and its genomic constitution isStY. Phylogenetic analyses based on multiple loci suggested thatR. yenchianais closely related toPseudoroegneriaandRoegneria,and thePseudoroegneriaserved as the maternal donors during its polyploid speciation.
Spatial extent drives patterns of relative climate change sensitivity for freshwater fishes of the United States
Authors: Silknetter Samuel C. , Benson Abigail L. , Smith Jennifer A. , Mims Meryl C.
Published: March 2024

Assessing the sensitivity of freshwater species to climate change is an essential component of prioritizing conservation efforts for threatened freshwater ecosystems and organisms. Sensitivity to climate change can be systematically evaluated for multiple species using geographic attributes such as range size and climate niche breadth, and using species traits associated with climate change sensitivity. These systematic evaluations produce relative rankings of species sensitivity to aid conservation prioritization and to identify relatively sensitive species that may otherwise be understudied or overlooked. Due in part to biogeographic constraints, species assemblages change across regions and spatial extents; yet, the degree to which spatial factors influence relative rankings of species sensitivity is unclear. The spatial extent of multispecies analyses may alter relative rankings of species climate sensitivity; alternatively, relative climate sensitivity may be conserved among spatial scales, resulting in consistent identification of sensitive species among regions and spatial extents. We investigated how spatial extent influences our understanding of relative climate sensitivity for 137 native freshwater fishes of the United States that were representative of taxonomic, trait, and geographic diversity. Using publicly available occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, we calculated a systematic, geographically derived index of climate change sensitivity for study species at national and regional extents, including within four major hydrologic subregions of the United States. We examined the effects of spatial extent on the relative ranking of climate sensitivity among species, and we explored relationships among climate sensitivity, species traits, and conservation status at regional and national extents. We found that climate sensitivity rankings of species were influenced by spatial extent in some specific instances, but that relative rankings were largely conserved across spatial scales. However, correlations among geographically derived climate sensitivity rankings and species traits associated with climate sensitivity were variable across scales and regions, suggesting that links between geographic rarity and species traits may be scale‐dependent in some cases. Finally, we found few associations between climate sensitivity and current conservation status among species. Systematic approaches to quantifying climate sensitivity may offer an opportunity to identify sensitive but overlooked species for pre‐listing actions such as monitoring or conservation agreements.
Incomplete lipid extraction as a possible cause for underestimation of lipid oxidation in emulsions
Authors: Münch Katharina , ten Klooster Sten , van Kouwen Isabelle , Berton‐Carabin Claire , Schroën Karin
Published: March 2024

Lipid oxidation deteriorates the sensory and nutritional quality of food emulsions containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Classically, different extraction solvents are used as a first step to measure lipid oxidation in emulsions. However, it is unclear how the applied extraction method influences the measured lipid oxidation values. In this work, we systematically examined the performance of common solvent mixtures such as chloroform, methanol, and hexane (or isooctane)–isopropanol on lipid extraction from emulsions stabilized with different emulsifiers (Tween 20 (T20), whey proteins, and pea proteins) and oxidation levels, and how this, in turn, affected the measured hydroperoxide concentrations. Chloroform–methanol was the most effective solvent (lipid yield >93 wt.%). When using hexane–isopropanol, extraction yields were consistently high for T20‐ and pea protein‐based emulsions (>60 wt.%), but in whey protein‐based emulsions, values as low as 26 wt.% were measured. In case of incomplete extraction, hydroperoxide concentrations measured by colorimetric methods need to be corrected for this effect. When using 1H NMR to assess lipid oxidation, the actual amount of extracted lipids is intrinsically taken into account. This highlights not only the importance of the extraction method in determining lipid oxidation in emulsions but also that of the actual analysis method.

Practical application: This study highlights that the lipid extraction yield can vary depending not only on the emulsion composition (e.g., type of emulsifier) but also on the oxidative state of the emulsion and the extraction solvent used. If this is overlooked, errors can be made in the hydroperoxide determination. Although these effects can be corrected for, this is not standard procedure, which implies that awareness on this matter should be increased. It is also important to point out that depending on the solvent used, the different lipid classes (including various lipid oxidation products) may be extracted at different levels. Chloroform–methanol should be preferred for extraction of all lipid and lipid oxidation‐derived molecules, including aldehydes.
Six decades of ecohydrological research connecting landscapes and riverscapes in the Girnock Burn, Scotland: Atlantic salmon population and habitat dynamics in a changing world
Authors: Soulsby C. , Malcolm I. A. , Tetzlaff D.
Published: March 2024

Long‐term data are crucial for understanding ecological responses to climate and land use change; they are also vital evidence for informing management. As a migratory fish, Atlantic salmon are sentinels of both global and local environmental change. This paper reviews the main insights from six decades of research in an upland Scottish stream (Girnock Burn) inhabited by a spring Atlantic salmon population dominated by multi‐sea‐winter fish. Research began in the 1960s providing a census of returning adults, juvenile emigrants and in‐stream production of Atlantic salmon. Early research pioneered new monitoring techniques providing new insights into salmon ecology and population dynamics. These studies underlined the need for interdisciplinary approaches for understanding salmon interactions with physical, chemical and biological components of in‐stream habitats at different life‐stages. This highlighted variations in catchment‐scale hydroclimate, hydrology, geomorphology and hydrochemistry as essential to understanding freshwater habitats in the wider landscape context. Evolution of research has resulted in a remarkable catalogue of novel findings underlining the value of long‐term data that increases with time as modelling tools advance to leverage more insights from “big data”. Data are available on fish numbers, sizes and ages across multiple life stages, extending over many decades and covering a wide range of stock levels. Combined with an unusually detailed characterization of the environment, these data have enabled a unique process‐based understanding of the controls and bottlenecks on salmon population dynamics across the entire lifecycle and the consequences of declining marine survival and ova deposition. Such powerful datasets, methodological enhancements and the resulting process understanding have informed and supported the development of fish population assessment tools which have been applied to aid management of threatened salmon stocks at large‐catchment, regional and national scales. Many pioneering monitoring and modelling approaches developed have been applied internationally. This history shows the importance of integrating discovery science with monitoring for informing policy development and assessing efficacy of management options. It also demonstrates the need to continue to resource long‐term sites, which act as a focus for inter‐disciplinary research and innovation, and where the overall value of the research greatly exceeds the costs of individual component parts.
Antenatal care inequalities in South Korea: An analysis of health insurance claims data (2013–2022) in a high‐resource, high‐use country
Authors: Kim Saerom , Kim Chanki , Kim Jin‐Hwan
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore inequalities in antenatal care (ANC) in South Korea. Based on the guidelines of the WHO, we categorized less than eight visits to an obstetrical facility as insufficient ANC. We examined ANC inequalities associated with age, disability, nationality, income, and geographic accessibility.

Methods

We extracted delivery event claimed from 2013 to 2022 from the National Health Insurance Service database. By tracing back 270 days from the delivery date, we counted the number of antenatal visits for each childbirth and calculated the proportion of women with insufficient ANC and assessed both absolute and relative inequalities for each population group. The logistic regression analysis for both underuse and overuse of ANC were conducted.

Results

Out of 3 416 517 childbirths, 104 109 women (3.0%) had fewer than eight ANC visits. Although the average number of ANC visits reached 18.7 in 2022, significant inequalities persisted across different population groups. The insufficient ANC rate was 28.1% for teenage women, 6.4% for disabled women, 10.7% for non‐Korean women, and 15.2% for dependents of medical aid households. Women with low income and those living in obstetric care underserved areas also exhibited higher ANC insufficiency. From 2021 to 2022, sufficiency in ANC decreased for teenage, disabled, and non‐Korean women, highlighting the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Antenatal care inequalities are evident in South Korea's well‐resourced health system. There is a need for further investigation into these disparities and the qualitative aspects of maternity care services.
Does Fintech merger and acquisition change a firm's financial statement?
Authors: Wang Yongdong
Published: March 2024

Through a comprehensive analysis of United States public firms, we explore the implications of mergers and acquisitions within the Financial Technology (Fintech) sector on a company's value and capital structure. The financial statements of financial institutions engaged in Fintech mergers and acquisitions differ significantly from those of other nonfinancial institutions involved in various high‐technology acquisitions. Our results indicate that when a financial company acquires a Fintech firm, it enhances the acquirer's overall firm value and cash holdings. Furthermore, these mergers and acquisitions within the high‐technology sector exert distinct influences on a company's leverage and cash flow.
Successful endoscopic removal of high‐power magnetic balls embedded in the duodenal wall
Authors: Kennedy Juliana M. , Kumta Nikhil A. , Lai Joanne
Published: March 2024

The dangers of magnet ingestion are well known. When multiple magnets are ingested, interventional removal is often necessary to prevent and/or treat complications. Despite reports of both endoscopic and surgical techniques in the literature, there is a lack of clear guidance on the best method for removal of high‐power magnets when they are embedded within the intestinal wall (increasing concern for fistulation, perforation, and bowel wall necrosis). This case demonstrates the successful endoscopic removal of magnetic balls incidentally identified on X‐ray and found to be embedded in the duodenal wall in a critically ill 2‐year‐old patient. Endoscopic removal can be considered in similar situations, if all resources (interventional endoscopy and pediatric surgery) are available to proceed safely.
Transdermal Administration of Nanobody Molecules using Hydrogel‐Forming Microarray Patch Technology: A Unique Delivery Approach
Authors: Hutton Aaron R. J. , Kirkby Melissa , Van Bogaert Tom , Casteels Peter , Nonne Christelle , De Brabandere Veronique , de Vyver Ortwin Van , Vora Lalit K. , Tekko Ismaiel A. , McCarthy Helen O. , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: March 2024

Nanobody molecules, derived from heavy‐chain only antibodies in camelids, represent the next generation of biotherapeutics. In addition to low immunogenicity, high stability, and potency, their single‐domain format facilitates the construction of multivalent molecules for therapeutic applications. Although predominantly administered using a hypodermic syringe and needle, alternative delivery methods are under investigation. That said, the transdermal route has yet to be explored. Therefore, microarray patch (MAP) technology, offering a potentially high dose, pain‐free transdermal system, is employed in this study. Trivalent Nanobody molecules, with and without half‐life extension (VHH and VHH[HLE]), are formulated into hydrogel‐forming MAPs, with pharmacokinetic parameters assessed in Sprague–Dawley rats. VHH MAPs exhibited a sustained release profile, with a serum concentration of 19 ± 9 ng mL−1 24 h post‐administration. In contrast, a subcutaneous (SC) injection showed faster clearance, with a serum concentration of 1.1 ± 0.4 ng mL−1 at 24 h. For VHH(HLE), both SC and MAP cohorts achieved a maximum serum concentration (Tmax) at 24 h. The MAP cohort displayed a notable increase in VHH(HLE) serum levels between 6–24 h, dropping after MAP removal. This study has exemplified MAPs potential for delivering advanced biologics, indicating the transdermal route's promise for pain‐free, patient‐friendly administration of Nanobody molecules.
Enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized obese pediatric patients
Authors: Yim Juwon , Jahan Afrin , Braykov Nikolay , Murphy Nina D. , Woods Gary M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant used for pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in pediatrics. Enoxaparin pharmacokinetics can be altered in the setting of obesity. Optimal enoxaparin dosing for thromboprophylaxis in children with obesity remains unclear.

Procedure

A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients who weighed ≥60 kg with BMI ≥ 95th percentile, received enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis, and had at least one appropriately drawn anti‐factor Xa (anti‐Xa) from 2013 to 2022. Anti‐Xa levels were reviewed for patients initially treated with enoxaparin 30 mg every 12 h. The average daily enoxaparin dose required to achieve an anti‐Xa of 0.2–0.4 unit/mL, which was stratified by BMI percentile and weight, was calculated.

Results

Of 116 patients (median age 15.8 years) included for analysis, 106 patients were initially treated with enoxaparin 30 mg every 12 h. Anti‐Xa levels were <0.2 unit/mL in 53% of patients with BMI > 99th percentile and 54% of patients >100 kg. Ninety‐one patients had at least one anti‐Xa 0.2–0.4 unit/mL with an average daily enoxaparin dosing of 66 mg. When stratified by severity of obesity, higher doses were required to attain an anti‐Xa 0.2–0.4 unit/mL in patients with BMI > 99th percentile compared with those with 95th–99th percentile (67.8 ± 15.7 vs. 62 ± 5.6 mg/day, p = .01). Patients > 100 kg required significantly higher dose than those ≤100 kg (69.1 ± 15.5 vs 61.2 ± 7.3 mg/day, p = .002).

Conclusions

Increased initial dosing and/or anti‐Xa level monitoring should be considered in adolescents with severe obesity receiving enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis.
Spectral averaging with outlier rejection algorithms to increase identifications in top‐down proteomics
Authors: Carr Austin V. , Bollis Nicholas E. , Pavek John G. , Shortreed Michael R. , Smith Lloyd M.
Published: March 2024

The identification of proteoforms by top‐down proteomics requires both high quality fragmentation spectra and the neutral mass of the proteoform from which the fragments derive. Intact proteoform spectra can be highly complex and may include multiple overlapping proteoforms, as well as many isotopic peaks and charge states. The resulting lower signal‐to‐noise ratios for intact proteins complicates downstream analyses such as deconvolution. Averaging multiple scans is a common way to improve signal‐to‐noise, but mass spectrometry data contains artifacts unique to it that can degrade the quality of an averaged spectra. To overcome these limitations and increase signal‐to‐noise, we have implemented outlier rejection algorithms to remove outlier measurements efficiently and robustly in a set of MS1 scans prior to averaging. We have implemented averaging with rejection algorithms in the open‐source, freely available, proteomics search engine MetaMorpheus. Herein, we report the application of the averaging with rejection algorithms to direct injection and online liquid chromatography mass spectrometry data. Averaging with rejection algorithms demonstrated a 45% increase in the number of proteoforms detected in Jurkat T cell lysate. We show that the increase is due to improved spectral quality, particularly in regions surrounding isotopic envelopes.
One Step Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by a Microwave Process: Optimization of Microwave Parameters with an Experimental Design
Authors: Girardet Thomas , Kessler Morgane , Migot Sylvie , Aranda Lionel , Diliberto Sébastien , Suire Stéphane , Ferté Tom , Hupont Sébastien , Cleymand Franck , Fleutot Solenne
Published: March 2024

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are nanoparticles used in a lot of applications such as batteries, and biomedical, … To obtain these nanoparticles, several techniques exist such as coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, sol–gel process but they have some advantages (synthesis in a water media, high crystallinity, high monodispersity) and disadvantages (using an organic solvent, large distribution of size, poor crystallinity). The goal of this work is to synthesize SPIONs for biomedical applications (for example as a contrast agent for the MRI): SPIONs should be stable in an aqueous media, monodisperse, and have good crystallinity and magnetic properties. To achieve this result, a microwave process is carried out. However, any study describes the microwave parameter on the synthesis of the nanoparticles. This work offers to determine the best conditions of the microwave to obtain ideal SPIONs for MRI. For this, an experimental design is carried out to determine these parameters thanks to different techniques of characterization (Transmission Electronic Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, magnetic characterizations). With the different results of these characterizations, the best conditions of the microwave are determined, and a simulation of all experiments is realized with a surface response.
Risk assessment of war wrecks – a comprehensive approach investigating four wrecks containing munitions in the German Bight/North Sea
Authors: Bergmann Sven , Brenner Matthias , Strehse Jennifer Susanne , Bünning Tobias Hartwig , Maser Edmund , Grassel Philipp , Heuskin David , Brandt David , Berger Marco , van der Wulp Simon , Skellhorn Mathew , Hill Polly , Van Haelst Sven , De Rijcke Maarten , Wichert Uwe
Published: March 2024

Shipwrecks and dumped munition continue to be a major hazard, both in the North Sea but also on a global scale. Research within the EU Interreg project North Sea Wrecks (NSW), in cooperation with the German Aerospace Centre, Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures (DLR), is generating new insights into the status of wrecks, the potential leakage of pollutants from remaining munitions loads and the effects of contamination on exposed marine organisms in the North Sea environment. Further, historical documents are generated from archives to describe ship's history and sinking scenario. These historical findings were compared to models and images of the visual inspections of the wrecks. Further, samples of water, sediment and organisms are being analysed for traces of explosives. Combining the results of these different fields of research allows for a better understanding of the environmental risks deriving from these wrecks. This process is shown below by focusing on the wreck of the German light cruiser SMS MAINZ, which sank in 1914. Data were compared to three additional wrecks situated also within the southern German Bight. Available data about the wrecks were preliminary assessed using a wreck risk model. Finally, wrecks were ranked according to their potential environmental risk.
The impact of aerosols and model grid spacing on a supercell storm from Swabian MOSES 2021
Authors: Barthlott Christian , Czajka Beata , Kunz Michael , Saathoff Harald , Zhang Hengheng , Böhmländer Alexander , Gasch Philipp , Handwerker Jan , Kohler Martin , Wilhelm Jannik , Wieser Andreas , Hoose Corinna
Published: March 2024

The supercell storm that occurred in southwestern Germany on June 23, 2021, had an exceptionally long lifetime of 7.5 hr, travelled a distance of nearly 190 km, and produced large amounts of hail. During that summer, the Swabian MOSES field campaign was held in that area, and several hydro‐meteorological measurements are available, as the storm passed directly over the main observation site. We present hindcasts of this event with the Icosahedral Non‐hydrostatic model using two horizontal grid spacings (i.e., 2 km, 1 km) with a single‐moment and an advanced double‐moment microphysics scheme. Numerical results show that all 2 km model realizations do not simulate convective precipitation at the correct location and time. For the 1 km grid spacing, changes in aerosol concentration resulted in large changes in convective precipitation. Only the 1 km run assuming a low cloud condensation nuclei (CCNs) concentration is able to realistically capture the storm, whereas no supercell is simulated in the more polluted scenarios. Observed aerosol particle concentrations indicate that CCNs values were the lowest of the month, which suggests that the low aerosol concentration is a reasonable assumption. The thermodynamic structure of the pre‐convective environment, as well as other observations, showed the best agreement to this model run as well, indicating that the good representation of the supercell was obtained for the right reason. The automatic tracking of individual clouds revealed that more convective cells with longer lifetimes are simulated at finer resolution. We also find a negative aerosol–precipitation effect that is not only due to a reduced collision–coalescence process, but also to weaker cold‐rain processes. These findings demonstrate the benefits of using an aerosol‐aware double‐moment microphysics scheme for convective‐scale predictability and that the use of different CCNs concentrations can determine whether a supercell is successfully simulated or not.
Investigating the influence mechanism of goal‐framing theory on urban residents' green travel behavior
Authors: Zhang Chunqin , Yu Zhangbiao , Huang Yi , Wang Mengmeng , Martin Skitmore , Xiao Guangnian , Lu Xi
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore the influence mechanism of goal‐framing theory on green travel behavior (GTB), thereby supporting the promotion of sustainable transportation modes to mitigate environmental degradation and resource waste, in alignment with the “dual carbon” targets. Based on the GTB data of 334 Chinese residents, we use goal‐framing theory to analyze residents' subjective environmental concerns and the external media's driving mechanism on their choice of green travel through a structural equation modeling (SEM). At the same time, the mediating effect of goal frames is tested through mediation testing. The results show that: 1. indirectly encouraged by media persuasion influencing their normative and hedonic goals; 2. encouraged by normative and hedonic goals partially mediating the relationship between environmental concerns and GTB; and 3. surprisingly, not very affected by influencing their gain goals. The implications of this research provide actionable insights for interventions, messaging strategies, transportation industry practices, environmental policy development, and theoretical advancements. For future research, it is essential to delve into regional variations and to more thoroughly account for the influence of external factors on GTB.
Energy poverty and public health vulnerability: A multi‐country analysis
Authors: Fan Ye , Döring Tim , Li Shouhao , Zhang Xin , Fang Ming , Yu Yongda
Published: March 2024

Member countries of the United Nations have pledged to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 7). However, energy poverty continues to be a significant challenge for billions of people. Empirical research established a connection between energy poverty and traditional public health indicators such as overall mortality rate, but relatively little is known about its holistic impact on public health and in particular on health vulnerability. This research establishes a holistic measure of public health using panel data from 143 countries between 2000 and 2016 to analyze the impact of energy poverty on health vulnerability. Using Ordinary Least‐Squares (OLS), fixed effects, system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), and quantile regression approaches, our results show that reducing energy poverty mitigates health vulnerability. Energy poverty amplifies the susceptibility to negative health outcomes (sensitivity) and diminishes a population's capacity to respond to public health crises (resilience). The analysis also reveals a heterogeneous impact of energy poverty on health vulnerability associated with the socio‐economic development level of the region, with the largest increase being in more developed and high‐income regions.
Malta's low carbon transition towards sustainability
Authors: Pinczynski Marcin , Kasperowicz Rafał , Azzopardi Brian , Bilan Yuriy , Štreimikienė Dalia
Published: March 2024

The transition to low‐carbon energy and energy independence of a country play an important role in the sustainable development of its energy sector. Another important issue of sustainable energy development is the cost competitiveness in the generation process; with new renewable energy technologies, a sustainable energy transition to carbon‐neutral society is possible. In this article, we present a view of sustainable energy transformation based on a case study of Malta. We have created a simulation of a Maltese electricity system with projected growth and dominance of photovoltaic energy in the electricity market. The study results suggest that a system with a high penetration of photovoltaics has significant advantage over a conventional system using fossil fuels. In particular, in the simulated Maltese system, the total annual cost of energy was reduced threefold, the CO2 emissions were reduced by 40%, and the energy independence of Malta increased by 60%. In the end, the article gives a recommendation for further research into the Maltese energy system.
Effective and Scalable General Method for the Preparation of Enantiomeric (α‐Aminoalkyl)dimethylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Rassukana Yuliya V. , Aleksandrova Anastasiia M. , Bezgubenko Ludmyla V. , Onys'ko Petro P.
Published: March 2024

The Ti(OPr‐i)4‐mediated three–component condensation of enantiomeric Ellman's amides, dimethylphosphine oxide, and aliphatic, aromatic or heteroaromatic aldehydes proceeds in high yields and diastereoselectivities enabling the rapid, scalable and general asymmetric synthesis of (α‐amino)dimethylphosphine oxide derived compounds bearing alkyl, cycloalkyl or hetaryl group at the chiral carbon atom. Asymmetric synthesis of α‐amino‐α‐polyfluoroalkyl dimethylphosphine oxides was accomplished through diastereoselective addition of dimethylphosphine oxide to enantiomeric Ellman's aldimines, RFCH=NS(O)tert‐Bu (RF=CF3, CHF2, PhCF2).
Modeling Hexaazacylcododeca Metal Complexes as a Radical Trapping Antioxidant: Prospects as a Potential Drug
Authors: Khargharia Sangeeta , Kar Rahul
Published: March 2024

Free radicals produced due to the disturbance in homeostasis bring about oxidative stress causing various diseases. This oxidative stress can be prevented by using antioxidants. In this article, a hexaazacylcododeca copper complex is reported as a radical‐trapping antioxidant (RTA). A detailed mechanistic study suggests that the designed complex is capable of trapping six radicals. The study confirms Path 6 as the most probable pathway, which is the radical addition to the ethene moiety of the complex. Moreover, it has a lower N−H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) than the recently reported bis(thiosemicarbazone) copper complex suggesting it could be a better antioxidant. In addition, the effect of different metals (Co, Fe, Pt, Ca, Ba, Sr, Au, Ag, Ni, and Zn) in their antiradical activity has been studied which suggests that among the studied metal complexes the Cu metal complex is the best metal complex for radical trapping. Further, the drug‐likeness is tested with the Lipinski filter along with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties. Lastly, docking analysis tested against proteins responsible for ferroptosis shows that the modeled RTA can inhibit such diseases. Thus, it can be proposed that the designed RTA is a potential drug candidate.
A study of form factors in relativistic mixed-flux AdS3
Authors: Torrielli Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We study the two-particle form-factors for the relativistic limit of the integrable S-matrix of the mixed-flux AdS3 × S3 × T4 string theory. The S-matrix theory was formally constructed in two distinct ways by two different teams. We focus on the massive theory built up by Frolov, Polvara and Sfondrini, and derive expressions for the minimal solutions to the axioms, in both integral and manifestly meromorphic form, and then proceed to apply the off-shell Bethe ansatz method of Babujian et al. We obtain the integral formulas for the two-particle complete form-factors and check the axioms at this particle number.
Identifying and Understanding Historical Scientific Instruments: The Case of the Physics Cabinet of the University of Bologna
Authors: Rigotti Laura , Bertozzi Eugenio
Published: March 2024

This paper reconstructs the process of identification and understanding of an ensemble of historic physics instruments carried out between 2021 and 2022 at the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Augusto Righi” of the University of Bologna. The ensemble of 244 instruments is part of the Collection of Physics of the University and corresponds to the main core of the nineteenth-century Cabinet of Physics of the University of Bologna. After a brief recollection of the complex history of the cabinet the paper brings into light the different aspects involved in the identification and understanding of a scientific instrument. The various challenges concern the use of the resources available, the role of the experts, the study in situ and the use of original archive sources. In addition, a contextualization of the present study in the current literature on material culture studies and history of scientific instruments will bring to light the importance of the analysis of historical and trade catalogues, both for retracing the trajectories of a specific artefact and for the study of its relationships with users, donors, collectors, previous owners, and other objects.
Assessment and validation of glottic motion using cone-beam CT and real-time cine MRI
Authors: Chun Seok-Joo , Son Jaeman , Kang Seonghee , Choi Chang Heon , Kim Jung-in , Kim Young-Il , Lee Joo Ho , Kim Jin Ho , Wu Hong-Gyun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the margin for the planning target volume (PTV) using the Van Herk formula. We then validated the proposed margin by real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

An analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data from early glottic cancer patients was performed to evaluate organ motion. Deformed clinical target volumes (CTV) after rigid registration were acquired using the Velocity program (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA). Systematic (Σ) and random errors (σ) were evaluated. The margin for the PTV was defined as 2.5 Σ + 0.7 σ according to the Van Herk formula. To validate this margin, we accrued healthy volunteers. Sagittal real-time cine MRI was conducted using the ViewRay system (ViewRay Inc., Oakwood Village, OH, USA). Within the obtained sagittal images, the vocal cord was delineated. The movement of the vocal cord was summed up and considered as the internal target volume (ITV). We then assessed the degree of overlap between the ITV and the PTV (vocal cord plus margins) by calculating the volume overlap ratio, represented as (ITV∩PTV)/ITV.

Results

CBCTs of 17 early glottic patients were analyzed. Σ and σ were 0.55 and 0.57 for left–right (LR), 0.70 and 0.60 for anterior–posterior (AP), and 1.84 and 1.04 for superior–inferior (SI), respectively. The calculated margin was 1.8 mm (LR), 2.2 mm (AP), and 5.3 mm (SI). Four healthy volunteers participated for validation. A margin of 3 mm (AP) and 5 mm (SI) was applied to the vocal cord as the PTV. The average volume overlap ratio between ITV and PTV was 0.92 (range 0.85–0.99) without swallowing and 0.77 (range 0.70–0.88) with swallowing.

Conclusion

By evaluating organ motion by using CBCT, the margin was 1.8 (LR), 2.2 (AP), and 5.3 mm (SI). The margin acquired using CBCT fitted well in real-time cine MRI. Given that swallowing during radiotherapy can result in a substantial displacement, it is crucial to consider strategies aimed at minimizing swallowing and related motion.
Evaluation of effects of curcumin on acute esophagitis in the corrosive esophagitis model in rats
Authors: Gurlek Ismail K. , Muderrisoglu Ahmet , Er Zafer C. , Arici Akgul , Kupeli Mustafa
Published: March 2024

Ingestion of a corrosive substance may cause corrosive esophagitis. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective effects. In this study, the effects of curcumin on the acute phase of corrosive esophagitis were investigated. Twenty-seven Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups; sham (group I), control (group II), and experiment groups (group III, 100 mg/kg curcumin; group IV, 200 mg/kg curcumin). Forty percent sodium hydroxide solution was used to erode the esophagi of rats in groups other than the sham group. Curcumin was applied to animals in the experiment groups 10 min after the corrosion. After 24 h, animals were sacrificed, and esophagus samples were collected. According to the histopathological examination, the muscularis mucosa damage was regressed from 100% in group II to 71.4% in group III and 50% in group IV. Mild level of damage and collagen deposition in the tunica muscularis regressed from 66.7% of the animals in the control group to 42.9% in group III and to none in group IV. Further, an increase in submucosal collagen was present in all samples from groups II and III, while 83.3% of samples had an increase in submucosal collagen in group IV. There was a significant difference in the histopathological total score between the control group and group IV (p=0.02). The results showed that the administration of curcumin in a dose-dependent manner can relieve the acute phase of corrosive esophagitis.
Fermented and unfermented brown macroalgae as partial salt replacers in sodium-reduced dough and bread
Authors: Tyl Catrin , Koga Shiori , Krook Johanna Liberg , Andersen Martine , Tomasco Paula Varela , Skaret Josefine , Rieder Anne
Published: March 2024

Bread can be a major contributor to sodium intake, but sodium chloride reduction poses difficulties since it influences the functional properties of dough and flavor of bread. This study evaluated dough and bread properties in reduced-sodium systems containing fermented or unfermented macroalgae Saccharina latissima or Alaria esculenta. Recipes contained equal amounts of sodium (4 mg Na+/g flour), where sodium chloride contributed 3 or 3.5 mg Na+/g flour and 8.9–33.3 mg macroalgae/g flour contributed the remaining 0.5 or 1 mg Na+/g flour. A full-salt and three salt-reduced controls (6, 4, 3.5, and 3 mg Na+/g flour) were used for comparison. Empirical dough rheology, stickiness, ratios of polymeric to monomeric proteins, and bread characteristics (specific volume, crumb structure, and firmness) were measured. A trained sensory panel conducted a descriptive sensory analysis. Macroalgae addition increased water absorption and decreased dough development time, dough stability, the polymeric to monomeric protein ratio, and specific volume in a dose-dependent manner. Macroalgae addition increased the perception of saltiness, but also algae flavor and odor. Bread with fermented S. latissima received lower scores for certain undesirable sensory attributes than other bread with algae.
GC Content Across Insect Genomes: Phylogenetic Patterns, Causes and Consequences
Authors: Kyriacou Riccardo G. , Mulhair Peter O. , Holland Peter W. H.
Published: March 2024

The proportions of A:T and G:C nucleotide pairs are often unequal and can vary greatly between animal species and along chromosomes. The causes and consequences of this variation are incompletely understood. The recent release of high-quality genome sequences from the Darwin Tree of Life and other large-scale genome projects provides an opportunity for GC heterogeneity to be compared across a large number of insect species. Here we analyse GC content along chromosomes, and within protein-coding genes and codons, of 150 insect species from four holometabolous orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera. We find that protein-coding sequences have higher GC content than the genome average, and that Lepidoptera generally have higher GC content than the other three insect orders examined. GC content is higher in small chromosomes in most Lepidoptera species, but this pattern is less consistent in other orders. GC content also increases towards subtelomeric regions within protein-coding genes in Diptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Two species of Diptera, Bombylius major and B. discolor, have very atypical genomes with ubiquitous increase in AT content, especially at third codon positions. Despite dramatic AT-biased codon usage, we find no evidence that this has driven divergent protein evolution. We argue that the GC landscape of Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera genomes is influenced by GC-biased gene conversion, strongest in Lepidoptera, with some outlier taxa affected drastically by counteracting processes.