bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An effective urobilin clearance strategy based on paramagnetic beads facilitates microscale proteomic analysis of urine
Authors: Zhen Kemiao , Hou Wenhao , Bai Lu , Wang Mingchao , Yue Zhan , Xu Zanxin , Xiong Deyun , Gao Li , Ying Wantao
Published: May 2024

We demonstrated that the combination of SP3 with precipitation achieved highly efficient urobilin removal, and enhanced the robustness of urine proteome analysis.
Etched stainless steel wire modified with conjugated microporous polymers-F6 for jacket-free stir bar sorptive extraction of benzoylureas in juice sample
Authors: Liu Zichun , Hu Zhuang , Hu Wei , Ji Tao , Chen Zilin
Published: May 2024

The schematic diagram of the stir bar preparation and SBSE experiments.
A sensitive sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensing platform based on Ti3C2Tx/MoS2/MWCNT@rGONR composites for simultaneous detection of kanamycin and chloramphenicol in food samples
Authors: Yao Xin , Yang Liyu , Yang Siyi , Shen Jinhui , Huo Danqun , Fa Huanbao , Hou Changjun , Yang Mei
Published: May 2024

A Ti3C2Tx/MoS2/MWCNT@rGONR nanocomposite was prepared for the construction of a sensitive electrochemical detection platform for the simultaneous detection of kanamycin (Kana) and chloramphenicol (Cap) with good specificity.
Zn2+-storage mechanism in V6O13 with nanosheets for high-capacity and long-life aqueous zinc-metal batteries
Authors: Chen Lineng , Zhang Wenwei , Zhang Jianyong , An Qinyou
Published: May 2024

Advanced in situ characterization methods were used to investigate the mechanism of action of V6O13 nanosheets as cathode materials for aqueous zinc metal batteries with excellent electrochemical properties.
Application of a modern theoretical approach to the study of the interaction of KR-12 peptides derived from human cathelicidins with Cu(ii) ions
Authors: Brzeski Jakub , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Makowska Joanna
Published: May 2024

Modern theoretical analysis (GFN2-xTB/ALPB) was used to determine the complexing properties towards Cu(ii) ions of the antimicrobial peptide called KR-12 and the most probable ways of coordinating Cu(ii) ions with this peptide were proposed.
The impact of nTiO2 and GO (graphene oxide), and their combinations, on freshwater Chlorella sp.: a comparative study in lake water and BG-11 media
Authors: Rex M Camil , Debroy Abhrajit , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: May 2024

Media effects and combined toxicity of nTiO2 and GO on Chlorella sp.
The neuroprotective effects of SFGDI on sirtuin 3-related oxidative stress by regulating the Sirt3/SOD/ROS pathway and energy metabolism in BV2 cells
Authors: Lu Zhiqiang , Shen Siqi , Lin Songyi
Published: May 2024

Sea cucumber derived peptide SFGDI demonstrates neuroprotective properties through modulation of the Sirt3/SOD/ROS pathway and enhancement of energy metabolism in BV2-cells.
Bile-salt templated green fluorescent copper nanoclusters: detection of 4-nitrophenol in nanomolar range
Authors: Shivangi  , Kaur Mandeep , Sohal Neeraj , Phull Mallika , Maity Banibrata
Published: May 2024

Owing to severe environmental contamination, the detection of hazardous nitro-aromatic chemicals has emerged as a potential research subject in the contemporary context.
Innovative strategies for the quantitative modeling of blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability: harnessing the power of machine learning-based q-RASAR approach
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Banerjee Arkaprava , Roy Kunal
Published: May 2024

A machine learning (ML)-based q-RASAR PLS regression model has been developed for blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability using a large dataset comprising 1012 diverse chemicals.
Gold(i)-catalysed cyclisation of (E)-ketene-N,O-acetals: a synthetic route toward spiro-oxazole-γ-lactones
Authors: Kanikarapu Suresh , Prasad Rangu , Sethi Manoj , Sahoo Akhila K.
Published: May 2024

Access to spiro-α-iodo-γ-lactones via multidirectional consecutive double 5-exo-dig cyclization.
C9-Aryl-substituted berberine derivatives with tunable AIE properties for cell imaging application
Authors: Meng Qi , Tan Ye , Sang E E , Teng Qiaoqiao , Chen Pei , Wang Yuxiang
Published: May 2024

C9-position-aryl-substituted berberine derivatives with tunable aggregation-induced emission properties were obtained by tuning intramolecular charge transfer.
Designing CoS2-Mo2C and CoS2-W2C hybrids for high-performance supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Aftab Sikandar , Abbas Zeesham , Hussain Iftikhar , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Karuppasamy K. , Kim Hyun-Seok , Jung Jongwan , Vikraman Dhanasekaran
Published: May 2024

A hydrothermal reaction was employed to design CoS2-based metal carbide hybrids. The assembled device offered 423 F g−1 capacitance and 150 W h kg−1 energy density along with a notable HER performance under acidic and KOH media for CoS2-W2C.
RbPbPS4: a promising IR nonlinear optical material achieved by lone-pair-cation-substitution-induced structure transformation
Authors: Wang A-Yang , Zhou Sheng-Hua , Ran Mao-Yin , Li Bingxuan , Wu Xin-Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: May 2024

A novel excellent IR-NLO material RbPbPS4with superior comprehensive performances is provided, representing the first quaternary Pb-based chalcogenide breaks through the incompatibility between a largeEgand a strongdeff.
Merging 2,3-butanedione and N-hydroxysuccinimide as visible-light-enabled hydrogen atom transfer catalysts for CC double bond cleavage of 2-cyanoaryl acrylamides toward the synthesis of 4-amino-2-quinolones
Authors: Huang Jun , Zhu Fengting , Wen Jinlian , Xu Jiali , Yuan Jing-Mei , Chen Wenqiang
Published: May 2024

The CC double bond cleavage of 2-cyanoaryl acrylamides through merging 2,3-butanedione and N-hydroxysuccinimide as visible-light-enabled hydrogen atom transfer catalysts is effectively established.
Modular construction of sulfinimidate esters: expanding chemical space and enabling late-stage diversification
Authors: Li Ruyi , Wu Huaqin , Liu Hang , Bai Junjie , Zhang Zao , Zhu Muyang , Lian Pengcheng , Wan Xiaobing
Published: May 2024

We have successfully developed a versatile approach for synthesizing sulfinimidate esters, by making use of thiols, amines, and alcohols.
Review of recent progress in the development of electrolytes for Cd/Pb-based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells: performance and stability
Authors: Kasaye Bayisa Batu , Shura Megersa Wodajo , Dibaba Solomon Tiruneh
Published: May 2024

QDSSCs owing the ability to generate multiple electron–hole pairs per photon, high stability under light and moisture exposure, and flexibility in size and composition tuning.
Mechanical design principles in frustrated thin elastic sheets
Authors: Arieli Michal , Moshe Michael , Sharon Eran
Published: May 2024

A geometric theory for manipulating energy landscapes and mechanical properties of thin elastic sheets.
A strategy to build high-performance thick electrodes for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced compressive modulus and regulated tortuosity in the phase-inversion process
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Xiao Yaohong , Chen Lei , Hu Shan
Published: May 2024

By tuning the composition of the non-solvent bath used in the non-solvent induced phase inversion process for fabricating thick and low-tortuosity battery electrodes, optimal electrochemical performances and compressive modulus were achieved.
Exploring the compositional space of a metal–organic framework with ionic liquids to develop porous ionic conductors for enhanced signal and selectivity in VOC capacitive sensors
Authors: Gonçalves Bruna F. , Fernández Eduardo , Valverde Ainara , Gaboardi Mattia , Salazar Hugo , Petrenko Viktor , Porro José María , Cavalcanti Leide P. , Urtiaga Karmele , Esperança José M. S. S. , Correia Daniela M. , Fernandez-Alonso Felix , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu , Fernández de Luis Roberto
Published: May 2024

Incorporation of ionic liquids into ZIF-8 pores to obtain solid-ionic conductors that work as active layers in printed gas capacitive sensors to detect water and non-methane volatile organic vapours.
Recent research progress on polyoxometalate-based electrocatalysts in energy generation
Authors: Li Kai , Liu Tao , Ying Jun , Tian Aixiang , Wang Xiuli
Published: May 2024

Review of POM-based electrocatalysts in the fields of HER, OER, and CO2RR.
Rethinking the existence of hexagonal sodium zirconate CO2 sorbent
Authors: Chang Ribooga , Menon Ashok S. , Svensson Grape Erik , Broqvist Peter , Inge A. Ken , Cheung Ocean
Published: May 2024

Using a combination of characterisation techniques including 3D electron diffraction (3D ED) and powder X-ray diffraction, we reveal that the long-believed hexagonal Na2ZrO3, is, in fact, Na2ZrO3 with three different types of structural disorder.
Tuning solvent co-ordination in Cs2SnI6 perovskite solution via the co-solvent dilution strategy for energy-efficient broadband photodetector arrays
Authors: Khan Saqib Nawaz , Liang Huili , Wang Yan , Du Xiaolong , Mei Zengxia
Published: May 2024

Utilizing the co-solvent dilution strategy in direct solution coating to achieve a phase-pure Cs2SnI6 lead-free perovskite, for the fabrication of energy-efficient broadband photodetectors.
Hydrogen-mediated acid-base transformation of Ni supported Mo5N6 for hydrogenative rearrangement of furfural derivatives
Authors: Li Xiang , Ran Chong , Liu Yi , Fan Guorong , Wang Peng , He Lu , Yang Yuling , Zou Xiuxiu , Zhang Ji , Chen Shangxing , Wang Zongde , Deng Qiang
Published: May 2024

The hydrogenative rearrangement of bioderived furfural derivatives to various cyclopentanone derivatives is vital for synthesizing fine chemicals but challenging owing to the complex cascade reaction network.
PPDA hybrid: a flexible and biocompatible platform for supercapacitor and strain sensing applications
Authors: Luo Zhongwen , Ye Wenchao , Long Feng , Liang Wenlang , Leng Yongxiang
Published: May 2024

The PPDA hybrid demonstrates exceptional properties such as flexibility, enhanced electrical conductivity, and stable electrochemical performance, making it a promising material for flexible supercapacitors and strain sensing applications.
Cyclodextrin as a water-soluble host of azobenzene-based pH probe enables long-term monitoring
Authors: Lv Wen , Wang Chao , Ji Lu , Deng Tianhe , Yang Shu , Zhu Tao , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2024

As water-soluble host, γ-cyclodextrin facilitates azobenzene-based pH probe dispersing separately in aqueous solution, avoiding molecular aggregation to improve water solubility while with minimal negative effect on responsive performance.
A donor–acceptor coupling unit modulates the spin coupling effect of a stable diradical
Authors: Lang Yurou , Hei Yuxuan , Yu Tanrong , Yang Yutao , Chen Ming , Zhang Junrui , Zhao Fu-Gang , Zheng Yonghao , Liu Xunshan
Published: May 2024

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a highly conjugated stable diradical molecule composed of a donor–acceptor coupling unit.
The Effect of Visual Articulatory Cues on the Identification of Mandarin Tones by Children With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Li Shanpeng , Wang Yinuo , Yu Qianxi , Feng Yan , Tang Ping
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

This study explored the facilitatory effect of visual articulatory cues on the identification of Mandarin lexical tones by children with cochlear implants (CIs) in both quiet and noisy environments. It also explored whether early implantation is associated with better use of visual cues in tonal identification.

Method:

Participants included 106 children with CIs and 100 normal-hearing (NH) controls. A tonal identification task was employed using a two-alternative forced-choice picture-pointing paradigm. Participants' tonal identification accuracies were compared between audio-only (AO) and audiovisual (AV) modalities. Correlations between implantation ages and visual benefits (accuracy differences between AO and AV modalities) were also examined.

Results:

Children with CIs demonstrated an improved identification accuracy from AO to AV modalities in the noisy environment. Additionally, earlier implantation was significantly correlated with a greater visual benefit in noise.

Conclusions:

These findings indicated that children with CIs benefited from visual cues on tonal identification in noise, and early implantation enhanced the visual benefit. These results thus have practical implications on tonal perception interventions for Mandarin-speaking children with CIs.
Sentence Production and Sentence Repetition in Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults: Linguistic Sensitivity to Finiteness Marking
Authors: Girolamo Teresa , Ghali Samantha , Larson Caroline
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Despite the clinical utility of sentence production and sentence repetition to identify language impairment in autism, little is known about the extent to which these tasks are sensitive to potential language variation. One promising method is strategic scoring, which has good clinical utility for identifying language impairment in nonautistic school-age children across variants of English. This report applies strategic scoring to analyze sentence repetition and sentence production in autistic adolescents and adults.

Method:

Thirty-one diverse autistic adolescents and adults with language impairment (ALI;
n
= 15) and without language impairment (ASD;
n
= 16) completed the Formulated Sentences and Recalling Sentences subtests of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fifth Edition. Descriptive analyses and regression evaluated effects of scoring condition, group, and scoring condition by group on outcomes, as well as group differences in finiteness marking across utterances and morphosyntactic structures.

Results:

Strategic and unmodified item-level scores were essentially constant on both subtests and significantly lower in the ALI than the ASD group. Only group predicted item-level scores. Group differences were limited to: percent grammatical utterances on Formulated Sentences and percent production of overt structures combined on Sentence Repetition (ALI < ASD).

Discussion:

Findings support the feasibility of strategic scoring for sentence production and sentence repetition to identify language impairment and indicate that potential language variation in finiteness marking did not confound outcomes in this sample. To better understand the clinical utility of strategic scoring, replication with a larger sample varying in age and comparisons with dialect-sensitive measures are needed.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25822336
Advanced Interventional Procedures for Knee Osteoarthritis: What Is the Current Evidence?
Authors: Dalili Danoob , Holzwanger Daniel J. , Fleming Jacob W. , Igbinoba Zenas , Dalili Daniel E. , Beall Douglas P. , Isaac Amanda , Yoon Edward S.
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the highest among all joints and likely to increase over the coming decades. Advances in the repertoire of diagnostic capabilities of imaging and an expansion in the availability and range of image-guided interventions has led to development of more advanced interventional procedures targeting pain related to OA pain while improving the function of patients presenting with this debilitating condition. We review the spectrum of established advanced interventional procedures for knee OA, describe the techniques used to perform these procedures safely, and discuss the clinical evidence supporting each of them.
Conventional Radiography Assessment of the Pediatric Knee: Pearls and Pitfalls
Authors: Simoni Paolo , Boitsios Grammatina , Saliba Thomas , Cesaro Edoardo , Aparisi Gómez Maria Pilar
Published: May 2024

Knee pain is one of the most common indications for radiography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents. According to international guidelines, knee radiographs should be obtained when there is the suspicion of an effusion, limited motion, pain to palpation, inability to bear weight, mechanical symptoms (such as “locking”), and persistent knee pain after therapy. When indicated, radiographs can provide crucial information for the clinical decision-making process. Because of the developmental changes occurring in the knee during growth, the assessment of knee radiographs can be challenging in children and adolescents. Radiologists unfamiliar with the appearance of the knee on radiographs during skeletal maturation risk overcalling or overlooking bone lesions. Image acquisition techniques and parameters should be adapted to children. This article describes the most common challenges in distinguishing pathology from the normal appearance of knee radiographs in the pediatric population, offering some pearls and pitfalls that can be useful in clinical practice.
Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Overview and Practical Step-by-step Guide
Authors: Doorschodt Tom C. , Smithuis Frank F. , Helmerhorst Gijs T.T. , Maas Mario
Published: May 2024

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a frequently encountered injury among athletes, often requiring surgical intervention to restore knee stability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ACL reconstruction is common, especially in the evaluation of clinical complications leading to knee instability, decreased range of motion, or pain. This article provides a detailed overview of normal and abnormal postoperative findings including a practical step-by-step guide for MRI assessment. MRI findings must be correlated with surgical technique, time interval from surgery to imaging, and clinical examination.
Effect of the global electroneutrality condition on electromigration Taylor–Aris dispersion in a microcapillary with finite Debye layer thickness
Authors: Chatterjee A. , Nayak A. K.
Published: May 2024

In this work, the electromigration dispersion (EMD) due to the charged electrolytes in microchannels is considered without using the thin electrical double layer assumption. The electrokinetic flow and transport of ions are actuated within a rectangular micro-/nanochannel having a negative surface charge density under the influence of an external electric field. Due to the local variation of the conductivity and the nonvalidity of the electroneutrality condition, the local electric field varies as a function of the solute concentration, wall surface charge density, valency, and Debye layer length. The resulting electrokinetic flow due to the external electric field drives the fluid along with the charged species, where the Taylor–Aris dispersion separates the solutes into their different constituents. The local concentration dependence of the electric field leads to the formation of concentration profiles that are slightly asymmetric with respect to the standard Gaussian distribution. Including a finite Debye layer thickness has an effect on the advection of the species as well as the diffusion of the species. It is found that in cases where Debye layers are thicker, the species advects faster within the microchannel. This might give valuable insights into the nature of the EMD. Our model aims to predict the evolution of ionic concentration at all positions within the channel. A study of the higher-order statistics in skewness and kurtosis has also been conducted to obtain a better understanding of the idealized model consisting of a buffer solution.
Ultra-flat bands at large twist angles in group-V twisted bilayer materials
Authors: Que Zhi-Xiong , Li Shu-Zong , Huang Bo , Yang Zhi-Xiong , Zhang Wei-Bing
Published: May 2024

Flat bands in 2D twisted materials are key to the realization of correlation-related exotic phenomena. However, a flat band often was achieved in the large system with a very small twist angle, which enormously increases the computational and experimental complexity. In this work, we proposed group-V twisted bilayer materials, including P, As, and Sb in the β phase with large twist angles. The band structure of twisted bilayer materials up to 2524 atoms has been investigated by a deep learning method DeepH, which significantly reduces the computational time. Our results show that the bandgap and the flat bandwidth of twisted bilayer β-P, β-As, and β-Sb reduce gradually with the decreasing of twist angle, and the ultra-flat band with bandwidth approaching 0 eV is achieved. Interestingly, we found that a twist angle of 9.43° is sufficient to achieve the band flatness for β-As comparable to that of twist bilayer graphene at the magic angle of 1.08°. Moreover, we also find that the bandgap reduces with decreasing interlayer distance while the flat band is still preserved, which suggests interlayer distance as an effective routine to tune the bandgap of flat band systems. Our research provides a feasible platform for exploring physical phenomena related to flat bands in twisted layered 2D materials.
Mesomorphology of clathrate hydrates from molecular ordering
Authors: Bassani Carlos L. , Engel Michael , Sum Amadeu K.
Published: May 2024

Clathrate hydrates are crystals formed by guest molecules that stabilize cages of hydrogen-bonded water molecules. Whereas thermodynamic equilibrium is well described via the van der Waals and Platteeuw approach, the increasing concerns with global warming and energy transition require extending the knowledge to non-equilibrium conditions in multiphase, sheared systems, in a multiscale framework. Potential macro-applications concern the storage of carbon dioxide in the form of clathrates, and the reduction of hydrate inhibition additives currently required in hydrocarbon production. We evidence porous mesomorphologies as key to bridging the molecular scales to macro-applications of low solubility guests. We discuss the coupling of molecular ordering with the mesoscales, including (i) the emergence of porous patterns as a combined factor from the walk over the free energy landscape and 3D competitive nucleation and growth and (ii) the role of molecular attachment rates in crystallization–diffusion models that allow predicting the timescale of pore sealing. This is a perspective study that discusses the use of discrete models (molecular dynamics) to build continuum models (phase field models, crystallization laws, and transport phenomena) to predict multiscale manifestations at a feasible computational cost. Several advances in correlated fields (ice, polymers, alloys, and nanoparticles) are discussed in the scenario of clathrate hydrates, as well as the challenges and necessary developments to push the field forward.
Optimal input reverberation and homeostatic self-organization toward the edge of synchronization
Authors: Rhamidda Sue L. , Girardi-Schappo Mauricio , Kinouchi Osame
Published: May 2024

Transient or partial synchronization can be used to do computations, although a fully synchronized network is sometimes related to the onset of epileptic seizures. Here, we propose a homeostatic mechanism that is capable of maintaining a neuronal network at the edge of a synchronization transition, thereby avoiding the harmful consequences of a fully synchronized network. We model neurons by maps since they are dynamically richer than integrate-and-fire models and more computationally efficient than conductance-based approaches. We first describe the synchronization phase transition of a dense network of neurons with different tonic spiking frequencies coupled by gap junctions. We show that at the transition critical point, inputs optimally reverberate through the network activity through transient synchronization. Then, we introduce a local homeostatic dynamic in the synaptic coupling and show that it produces a robust self-organization toward the edge of this phase transition. We discuss the potential biological consequences of this self-organization process, such as its relation to the Brain Criticality hypothesis, its input processing capacity, and how its malfunction could lead to pathological synchronization and the onset of seizure-like activity.
Molecular heat transport across a time-periodic temperature gradient
Authors: Chen Renai , Gibson Tammie , Craven Galen T.
Published: May 2024

The time-periodic modulation of a temperature gradient can alter the heat transport properties of a physical system. Oscillating thermal gradients give rise to behaviors such as modified thermal conductivity and controllable time-delayed energy storage that are not present in a system with static temperatures. Here, we examine how the heat transport properties of a molecular lattice model are affected by an oscillating temperature gradient. We use analytical analysis and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the vibrational heat flow in a molecular lattice system consisting of a chain of particles connected to two heat baths at different temperatures, where the temperature difference between baths is oscillating in time. We derive expressions for heat currents in this system using a stochastic energetics framework and a nonequilibrium Green’s function approach that is modified to treat the nonstationary average energy fluxes. We find that emergent energy storage, energy release, and thermal conductance mechanisms induced by the temperature oscillations can be controlled by varying the frequency, waveform, and amplitude of the oscillating gradient. The developed theoretical approach provides a general framework to describe how vibrational heat transmission through a molecular lattice is affected by temperature gradient oscillations.
Spatiotemporal diffusion metamaterials: Theories and applications
Authors: Liu Jinrong , Xu Liujun , Huang Jiping
Published: May 2024

Diffusion metamaterials with artificial spatial structures have significant potential in controlling energy and mass transfer. Those static structures may lead to functionality and tunability constraints, impeding the application scope of diffusion metamaterials. Dynamic structures, adding the temporal dimension, have recently provided a new possibility for electric charge and heat diffusion regulation. This perspective introduces the fundamental theories and practical constructions of spatiotemporal diffusion metamaterials for achieving nonreciprocal, topological, or tunable properties. Compared with traditional static design, spatiotemporal modulation is promising to manipulate diffusion processes dynamically, with applications of real-time thermal coding and programming. Existing spatiotemporal diffusion explorations are primarily at macroscopic systems, and we may envision extending these results to microscale and other physical domains like thermal radiation and mass diffusion shortly.
Unraveling the dynamic slowdown in supercooled water: The role of dynamic disorder in jump motions
Authors: Saito Shinji
Published: May 2024

When a liquid is rapidly cooled below its melting point without inducing crystallization, its dynamics slow down significantly without noticeable structural changes. Elucidating the origin of this slowdown has been a long-standing challenge. Here, we report a theoretical investigation into the mechanism of the dynamic slowdown in supercooled water, a ubiquitous yet extraordinary substance characterized by various anomalous properties arising from local density fluctuations. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we found that the jump dynamics, which are elementary structural change processes, deviate from Poisson statistics with decreasing temperature. This deviation is attributed to slow variables competing with the jump motions, i.e., dynamic disorder. The present analysis of the dynamic disorder showed that the primary slow variable is the displacement of the fourth nearest oxygen atom of a jumping molecule, which occurs in an environment created by the fluctuations of molecules outside the first hydration shell. As the temperature decreases, the jump dynamics become slow and intermittent. These intermittent dynamics are attributed to the prolonged trapping of jumping molecules within extended and stable low-density domains. As the temperature continues to decrease, the number of slow variables increases due to the increased cooperative motions. Consequently, the jump dynamics proceed in a higher-dimensional space consisting of multiple slow variables, becoming slower and more intermittent. It is then conceivable that with further decreasing temperature, the slowing and intermittency of the jump dynamics intensify, eventually culminating in a glass transition.
Optimization and sensitivity analysis of heat transfer for Powell–Eyring fluid between rotating rolls with temperature-dependent viscosity: A mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Ali Fateh , Hou Yanren , Feng Xinlong , Odeyemi J. K. , Zahid M , Hussain Shahid
Published: May 2024

This study explores the flow of a non-Newtonian fluid between two rolls that are counter-rotating at the same speed and of equal size. The fluid's viscosity depends on temperature, and we investigate its theoretical impact on the thickness of the sheet and other engineering parameters relevant to the process. We derive non-dimensional mass and momentum balance equations using suitable transformation and the lubrication approximation theory. The expressions for velocity distribution, pressure gradient, flow rate, temperature profile, and pressure fields have been obtained by utilizing the perturbation method. After obtaining these expressions, we compute engineering quantities such as the roll separation force, streamline, Nusselt number, and the power input required to drive both cylinders based on the system's kinematical and geometrical parameters. We also obtain numerical solutions using the finite difference method and built-in (BVP method) in Maple. Further, we use response surface methodology and analysis of variance to determine what the mathematical models mean and whether they are good enough for sensitivity and optimization analysis of the heat transmission and roll separation force. Using statistical tools such as the R2, we determine that our Nusselt number and roll separation force provide the best solution for the considered model. Additionally, it has been observed that as the Weissenberg number increases, velocity tends to rise; conversely, velocity decreases with a higher velocity ratio. Also, the temperature profile is notably influenced by the Brickman number and increases with the increase in the Brickman number. It has also been noted that as the values of velocities ratio increase, the separation points shift toward the nip region, while concurrently, the coating thickness decreases. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that compression between analytical and numerical solutions for the considered problem of fluid flow, which suggests that the results presented here are reasonable. Finally, we compare our work with published studies to validate our findings. Hence, these factors help in an efficient fluid coating process and improve the substrate life.
Plant diversity on the edge: floristics, phytogeography, fire responses, and plant conservation of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in the context of OCBIL theory
Authors: Hopper Stephen D. , Harvey J. M. , Hopkins A. J. M. , Moore L. A. , Smith G. T.
Published: May 2024

Context There have been few long-term studies of the flora, phenology, and ecology of specific reserves in the species-rich flora of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Aims This project, extending over five decades, aimed to develop an authoritative flora list and acquire data on phenology, threatened species, endemism, old and young landscapes, phytogeography, old lineages, and fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods The study used botanical collection on repeat surveys, herbarium studies, granite outcrop surveys and comparative phytogeographic analyses from maps on the Western Australian Herbarium’s Florabase. Key results Floristic survey recovered 853 taxa, 26% of those known in the Albany local government area. Possibly as many as 950–1000 taxa will be found in the future. The herbarium collections are the second largest of any conservation reserve in the Albany area. Flowering was most evident in spring and least in autumn. Three declared rare species and 20 conservation priority species were identified, as were short-range endemics, old clades, and natural hybrids. Conclusions The flora is dominated by species predominantly from wetter forest regions. Consequently, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is correctly placed within the Bibbulmun Botanical Province. Several hypotheses of OCBIL theory (which addresses old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes) were supported, with increased local endemism, ancient clades, and reduced rates of natural hybridisation identified for the granite inselberg OCBIL Maardjitup Gurlin/Mt Gardner. Implications Long term studies are invaluable for plant inventory. Continuing the minimal use of prescribed burning is advocated from plant data, in support of approaches to help conserve threatened animals.
Early sexual experiences of adolescent men who have sex with men
Authors: Wang Chen , Fairley Christopher K. , Wigan Rebecca , Garland Suzanne M. , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Chen Marcus Y. , Chow Eric P. F.
Published: May 2024

Background There are limited studies examining the early experiences of adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM), and the magnitude of changes in sexual practice among adolescent MSM is unclear. Therefore, we compared the sexual practice and trajectory among adolescent men who are MSM aged 16–20 years in two cohorts, 5 years apart in Melbourne, Australia. Methods A total of 200 self-identified same-sex attracted men aged 16–20 years were recruited in each of HYPER1 (2010–2012) and HYPER2 (2017–2018) using similar methodology. Men completed a questionnaire about their sexual practices. Men were also asked to report the age of first sex with different sexual activities with men and women. Results Compared to HYPER1, the median age at first sex with men was slightly increased in HYPER2: receiving oral sex (17.2 years in HYPER2 vs 16.5 years in HYPER1), performing oral sex (17.3 years vs 16.4 years), receptive anal sex (18 years vs 17.0 years) and insertive anal sex (18 years vs 17.3 years). Similar patterns were also observed in sexual practice with women: performing oral sex (17.0 years in HYPER2 vs 16.8 years in HYPER1), receiving oral sex (17.0 years vs 16.3 years) and vaginal sex (17.0 years vs 16.7 years). Conclusions In general, there was a small delay in first-sex activity among adolescent MSM between two cohorts 5 years apart. Most adolescent MSM started their sexual practices before the age of 18 years and have engaged in activities that are at risk of HIV and STI. Health education and promotion, including regular sexual health check-ups, are important for HIV and STI prevention and intervention in this population.
Alpine meadow degradation decreases soil P availability by altering phoD-harbouring bacterial diversity
Authors: Zou Yanuo , Wang Xiangtao , Wang Jie , Zhang Lu , Liao Lirong , Liu Guobin , Song Zilin , Zhang Chao
Published: May 2024

Context Soil degradation is usually accompanied by significant changes in phosphorus (P) availability, which complicates soil management. However, the effect of ecosystem degradation on soil P availability remains poorly understood, especially in the alpine ecosystem, which is one of the most understudied and vulnerable terrestrial habitats of the planet. Aims Assess the effect of meadow degradation on soil P availability in the alpine ecosystem. Methods Changes in soil P-related properties, phoD-harbouring bacterial communities, and alkaline phosphatase levels were investigated in four alpine meadows along a degradation gradient (non-degraded, lightly degraded, moderately degraded, and severely degraded) on the Tibetan Plateau. Key results We found meadow degradation reduced alkaline phosphatase activity by 6.3–11.22% and soil P availability by 27.1–42.4% compared to the respective values in the non-degraded meadows, but this negative impact was only observed in moderately and severely degraded meadows. Meadow degradation caused a P limitation on the phoD-harbouring community and a decline in the abundance of phoD genes and diversity of phoD-harbouring bacterial communities, with an increase in oligotrophic groups (e.g. Actinobacteria) and a reduction in copiotrophic groups (e.g. Proteobacteria). The degradation-induced reduction in soil C supply and plant biomass decreased soil P availability by lowering the activity of alkaline phosphatases, which are closely associated with phoD-harbouring bacterial structure and diversity. Alloactinosynnema and Actinomadura were identified as the key taxa contributing to alkaline phosphatases activity. Conclusions Alpine meadow degradation decreases soil P availability by altering phoD-harbouring bacterial diversity. Implications Our results revealed the mechanisms of decreased P availability during alpine meadow degradation, which can guide the restoration of degraded meadow ecosystems.
Subthalamic nucleus–language network connectivity predicts dopaminergic modulation of speech function in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cai Weidong , Young Christina B. , Yuan Rui , Lee Byeongwook , Ryman Sephira , Kim Jeehyun , Yang Laurice , Levine Taylor F. , Henderson Victor W. , Poston Kathleen L. , Menon Vinod
Published: May 2024

Speech impediments are a prominent yet understudied symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). While the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an established clinical target for treating motor symptoms, these interventions can lead to further worsening of speech. The interplay between dopaminergic medication, STN circuitry, and their downstream effects on speech in PD is not yet fully understood. Here, we investigate the effect of dopaminergic medication on STN circuitry and probe its association with speech and cognitive functions in PD patients. We found that changes in intrinsic functional connectivity of the STN were associated with alterations in speech functions in PD. Interestingly, this relationship was characterized by altered functional connectivity of the dorsolateral and ventromedial subdivisions of the STN with the language network. Crucially, medication-induced changes in functional connectivity between the STN’s dorsolateral subdivision and key regions in the language network, including the left inferior frontal cortex and the left superior temporal gyrus, correlated with alterations on a standardized neuropsychological test requiring oral responses. This relation was not observed in the written version of the same test. Furthermore, changes in functional connectivity between STN and language regions predicted the medication’s downstream effects on speech-related cognitive performance. These findings reveal a previously unidentified brain mechanism through which dopaminergic medication influences speech function in PD. Our study sheds light into the subcortical-cortical circuit mechanisms underlying impaired speech control in PD. The insights gained here could inform treatment strategies aimed at mitigating speech deficits in PD and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.
The dominance and growth of shallow groundwater resources in continuous permafrost environments
Authors: Koch Joshua C. , Connolly Craig T. , Baughman Carson , Repasch Marisa , Best Heather , Hunt Andrew
Published: May 2024

Water is a limited resource in Arctic watersheds with continuous permafrost because freezing conditions in winter and the impermeability of permafrost limit storage and connectivity between surface water and deep groundwater. However, groundwater can still be an important source of surface water in such settings, feeding springs and large aufeis fields that are abundant in cold regions and generating runoff when precipitation is rare. Whether groundwater is sourced from suprapermafrost taliks or deeper regional aquifers will impact water availability as the Arctic continues to warm and thaw. Previous research is ambiguous about the role of deep groundwater, leading to uncertainty regarding Arctic water availability and changing water resources. We analyzed chemistry and residence times of spring, stream, and river waters in the continuous permafrost zone of Alaska, spanning the mountains to the coastal plain. Water chemistry and age tracers show that surface waters are predominately sourced from recent precipitation and have short (<50 y) subsurface residence times. Remote sensing indicates trends in the areal extent of aufeis over the last 37 y, and correlations between aufeis extent and previous year summer temperature. Together, these data indicate that surface waters in continuous permafrost regions may be impacted by short flow paths and shallow suprapermafrost aquifers that are highly sensitive to climatic and hydrologic change over annual timescales. Despite the lack of connection to regional aquifers, continued warming and permafrost thaw may promote deepening of the shallow subsurface aquifers and creation of shallow taliks, providing some resilience to Arctic freshwater ecosystems.
Hydrogen bonding heterogeneity correlates with protein folding transition state passage time as revealed by data sonification
Authors: Scaletti Carla , Russell Premila P. Samuel , Hebel Kurt J. , Rickard Meredith M. , Boob Mayank , Danksagmüller Franz , Taylor Stephen A. , Pogorelov Taras V. , Gruebele Martin
Published: May 2024

Protein–protein and protein–water hydrogen bonding interactions play essential roles in the way a protein passes through the transition state during folding or unfolding, but the large number of these interactions in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations makes them difficult to analyze. Here, we introduce a state space representation and associated “rarity” measure to identify and quantify transition state passage (transit) events. Applying this representation to a long MD simulation trajectory that captured multiple folding and unfolding events of the GTT WW domain, a small protein often used as a model for the folding process, we identified three transition categories: Highway (faster), Meander (slower), and Ambiguous (intermediate). We developed data sonification and visualization tools to analyze hydrogen bond dynamics before, during, and after these transition events. By means of these tools, we were able to identify characteristic hydrogen bonding patterns associated with “Highway” versus “Meander” versus “Ambiguous” transitions and to design algorithms that can identify these same folding pathways and critical protein–water interactions directly from the data. Highly cooperative hydrogen bonding can either slow down or speed up transit. Furthermore, an analysis of protein–water hydrogen bond dynamics at the surface of WW domain shows an increase in hydrogen bond lifetime from folded to unfolded conformations with Ambiguous transitions as an outlier. In summary, hydrogen bond dynamics provide a direct window into the heterogeneity of transits, which can vary widely in duration (by a factor of 10) due to a complex energy landscape.
Membrane models as a means of propulsion in general relativity: super-luminal warp-drive that satisfies the weak energy condition
Authors: Huey Greg
Published: May 2024

Presented are toy-models for sub-luminal and super-luminal warp-drives in 3+1 dimensions. The models are constructed in a chimeric manner—as different bulk space-times separated by thin membranes. The membranes contain perfect-fluid-like stress-energy tensors. The Israel junction conditions relate this stress-energy to a jump in extrinsic curvature across the brane, which in turn manifests as apparent acceleration in the bulk space-times. The acceleration on either side of the brane may be set individually by choice of model parameters. The Weak Energy Condition (WEC) is shown to be satisfied everywhere in both models. Although the branes in these toy models are not compact, it is demonstrated that super-luminal warp-drive is possible that satisfies the WEC. Additionally, the nature of these models provides framework for speculation on a mechanism for transition from sub-luminal to super-luminal warp. It is shown that the difference in extrinsic curvature across a thin membrane can yield a positive contribution to the Landau–Raychaudhuri equation, thus providing a means to evade some super-luminal warp-drive no-go theorems. Neither quantum effects nor stability of the models is considered.
Lorentz contraction of electric field lines for a point charge in uniform motion
Authors: Žugec Petar , Horvatić Davor , Smolić Ivica
Published: May 2024

We examine a logical foundation of depicting a Lorentz contraction of a Coulomb field (an electric field of a point charge in uniform motion) by means of the ‘Lorentz contracted’ field lines. Two existing arguments for a contraction of field lines sound appealing and lead to very simple calculations yielding the correct results. However, one of them is a victim to subtle logical weaknesses, as it relies on ascribing a degree of physical reality to the electric field lines. The other one correctly proves what it sets out to prove. But it does not provide a proof, or even a suggestion, of an additional result that can be obtained by a new poof that we present here. Though our idea is very simple, the calculations used to prove it—based on a little known, half a century old result by Tsien—are somewhat more involved than those from past arguments.
A novel Newton method for inverse elastic scattering problems
Authors: Chang Yan , Guo Yukun , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Deyue
Published: May 2024

This work is concerned with an inverse elastic scattering problem of identifying the unknown rigid obstacle embedded in an open space filled with a homogeneous and isotropic elastic medium. A Newton-type iteration method relying on the boundary condition is designed to identify the boundary curve of the obstacle. Based on the Helmholtz decomposition and the Fourier–Bessel expansion, we explicitly derive the approximate scattered field and its derivative on each iterative curve. Rigorous mathematical justifications for the proposed method are provided. Numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Anti-perovskites for photovoltaics: materials development and challenges
Authors: Kalita Dhiman , Sahu Puspanjali , Manju Unnikrishnan
Published: May 2024

For the next-generation solar cells with excellent device efficiency and stability, designing advanced light absorber materials with exceptional optoelectronic properties is extremely crucial. Perovskites have attracted great attention due to their high-power conversion efficiency, and low fabrication cost. Eventhough perovskites achieved the highest efficiency of 25.7% within a decade, lead (Pb) toxicity is one of the main issues that needs to be addressed. Also, they are susceptible to degradation under ambient conditions. On the other hand, anti-perovskites, which are electronically inverted perovskites, possess structural flexibility, environmentally benign chemical composition, appropriate band gap and hence, have the capability to replace perovskites as the absorber layer for next-generation solar cells. Thus, a thorough assessment is urgently required to spark widespread concern in this family of compounds. Based on the current research progress, the potential of anti-perovskites in solar cell research is compiled in this study. The structural variety, optoelectronic characteristics, and uncharted territory of these compounds are covered in great detail. Finally, we have discussed the future research directions for the development of anti-perovskite materials for the next generation efficient and stable solar cells.
A single crystal study of Kagome metals U2Mn3Ge and U2Fe3Ge
Authors: Lin Wanyue , Wu Yuchen , Broyles Christopher , Kong Tai , Ran Sheng
Published: May 2024

Single crystals of U2Mn3Ge and U2Fe3Ge with a Kagome lattice structure were synthesized using a high-temperature self-flux crystal growth method. The physical properties of these crystals were characterized through measurements of resistivity, magnetism, and specific heat. U2Fe3Ge exhibits ferromagnetic ground state and anomalous Hall effect, and U2Mn3Ge demonstrates a complex magnetic structure. Both compounds exhibit large Sommerfeld coefficient, indicating coexistence of heavy Fermion behaviour with magnetism. Our results suggest that this U2TM3Ge (TM = Mn, Fe, Co) family is a promising platform to investigate the interplay of magnetism, Kondo physics and the Kagome lattice.