bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical development of the survivorship of zoo rhinoceroses—A comparative historical analysis
Authors: Wittwer Anita , Roller Marco , Müller Dennis W. H. , Bertelsen Mads F. , Lackey Laurie Bingaman , Steck Beatrice , Biddle Rebecca , Versteege Lars , Clauss Marcus
Published: June 2023

Zoo animal husbandry is a skill that should be developing constantly. In theory, this should lead to an improvement of zoo animal survivorship over time. Additionally, it has been suggested that species that are at a comparatively higher risk of extinction in their natural habitats (in situ) might also be more difficult to keep under zoo conditions (ex situ). Here, we assessed these questions for three zoo‐managed rhinoceros species with different extinction risk status allocated by the IUCN: the “critically endangered” black rhino (Diceros bicornis), the “vulnerable” greater one‐horned (GOH) rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), and the “near threatened” white rhino (Ceratotherium simum). Comparing zoo animals ≥1 year of age, the black rhino had the lowest and the white rhino the highest survivorship, in congruence with their extinction risk status. Historically, the survivorship of both black and white rhino in zoos improved significantly over time, whereas that of GOH rhino stagnated. Juvenile mortality was generally low and decreased even further in black and white rhinos over time. Together with the development of population pyramids, this shows increasing competence of the global zoo community to sustain all three species. Compared to the continuously expanding zoo population of GOH and white rhinos, the zoo‐managed black rhino population has stagnated in numbers in recent years. Zoos do not only contribute to conservation by propagating ex situ populations, but also by increasing species‐specific husbandry skills. We recommend detailed research to understand specific factors responsible for the stagnation but also the general improvement of survivorship of zoo‐managed rhinos.
Preoperative education on realistic expectations improves the satisfaction of patients with central sensitization after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Nam Hee Seung , Yoo Hyun Jin , Ho Jade Pei Yuik , Kim Yong Beom , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an additional module on realistic expectations following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would lead to a higher proportion of satisfied patients compared to existing preoperative education.

Methods

This was a single‐center, randomized‐controlled trial. A total of 172 patients who were scheduled for TKA between September 2020 and October 2021 were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either only standard preoperative education, or an additional module on realistic expectations following TKA. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were Short Form‐36, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, crepitus score, and range of motion. Subgroup analysis was performed based on central sensitization inventory (CSI) score stratification. Assessment was performed at the 3‐month, 6‐month, and > 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

At more than 1 year, 65/78 (83.3%) patients in the intervention group and 52/80 (65.0%) patients in the control group were satisfied (P = 0.03). The mean satisfaction score was measured as 4.2 ± 0.9 in the intervention and 3.9 ± 0.9 in the control at > 1 year (P = 0.01). There were significant differences in Short Form‐36 physical and mental component summary scores and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and stiffness scores at 6 months (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, P = 0.04, P = 0.04). The frequency of satisfaction and mean satisfaction score in the top 25 percentile CSI group were 15/16 (93.8%) and 4.6 ± 0.6 in those who received intervention and 12/19 (63.2%) and 3.8 ± 0.8 in those who did not (P = 0.01, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Thorough preoperative education on realistic expectations following TKA showed effects on WOMAC pain and satisfaction at > 1 year after surgery. It was more prominent in the group with a higher CSI score at > 1‐year follow‐up.

Level of evidence

Level I.
Towards understanding the robust strengthening of ENSO and more frequent extreme El Niño events in CMIP6 global warming simulations
Authors: Heede Ulla K. , Fedorov Alexey V.
Published: June 2023

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has profound impacts on weather patterns across the globe, yet there is no consensus on its response to global warming. Several modelling studies find a stronger ENSO in global warming scenarios, while other studies suggest ENSO weakening. Using a broad range of models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) and four types of warming experiments, here we show that the majority of the models predict a stronger ENSO by century-end in Shared Social Pathway (SSP) experiments, and in idealized 1pctCO2 and abrupt 4xCO2 experiments. Several models, however, do predict no change or ENSO weakening, especially in the idealized experiments. Critically, the strongest forcing (abrupt-4xCO2) does not induce the strongest ENSO response, while differences between the models are much greater than those between warming scenarios. For the long-term response (over 1000 years) the models disagree even on the sign of change. Furthermore, changes in ENSO sea surface temperature (SST) variability are only modestly correlated with the tropical Pacific mean state change. The highest correlation for ENSO SST amplitude is found with the mean zonal SST gradient in the SSP5-8.5 experiment (R = − 0.58). In contrast, changes in ENSO rainfall variability correlate well with changes in the mean state, as well as with changes in ENSO SST variability. When evaluating the Bjerknes Stability Index for a subset of models, we find that it is not a reliable predictor of ENSO strengthening, as this index tends to predict greater stability with warming. We argue that the enhanced ENSO stability is offset by increases in atmospheric noise or/and potential nonlinear effects. However, a robust inter-model mechanism that can explain a stronger ENSO simulated with global warming is still lacking. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering ENSO changes based on a single model or warming scenario.
Brain MRI correlations with disease burden and biomarkers in Fabry disease
Authors: Zhao Yawen , Zhu Ying , Li Fan , Sun Yunchuang , Ma Wei , Wu Yuan , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun , Huang Yining
Published: June 2023

Objective

To quantitatively evaluate cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its correlation with disease burden and markers in Fabry disease, a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disease.

Methods

We collected brain MRI data from seventy-one Chinese patients with Fabry disease. CSVD was evaluated using an age-related white matter change rating scale, Fazekas scale, enlarged perivascular spaces grading scale, lacunar infarction scale, Microbleed Anatomical Rating Scale, global cortical atrophy scale, and small-vessel disease score. Factors associated with MRI lesions, including sex, clinical subtype, disease severity, disease burden, genotype, and biomarkers, were also analyzed.

Results

Of 71 patients, 16 (22.5%) experienced ischemic stroke. The incidences of lacunar infarctions, white matter hyperintensities, and cerebral microbleeds were 55%, 62%, and 33%, respectively. The abnormal MRI group had later disease onset, longer disease duration, and a higher Mainz Severity Score Index (p < 0.05) than the normal MRI group. Patients with more severe clinical phenotypes also had higher CVSD-related scores. Sex and GLA mutational type were not closely associated with brain MRI lesions. Of the disease markers, the Mainz Severity Score Index and plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3) were closely correlated with the majority of the MRI scores, whereas α-galactosidase A activity was not.

Conclusion

Brain MRI revealed progressive lacunar infarctions, white matter hyperintensities, and decreased brain volume in patients with Fabry disease. Brain MRI lesions were closely related to onset-age; disease duration, severity, burden; and plasma Lyso-Gb3. However, they were not associated with sex, α-galactosidase A activity, or GLA mutation type.
A fast Monte Carlo scheme for additive processes and option pricing
Authors: Azzone Michele , Baviera Roberto
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we present a very fast Monte Carlo scheme for additive processes: the computational time is of the same order of magnitude of standard algorithms for simulating Brownian motions. We analyze in detail numerical error sources and propose a technique that reduces the two major sources of error. We also compare our results with a benchmark method: the jump simulation with Gaussian approximation. We show an application to additive normal tempered stable processes, a class of additive processes that calibrates “exactly” the implied volatility surface. Numerical results are relevant. This fast algorithm is also an accurate tool for pricing path-dependent discretely-monitoring options with errors of one basis point or below.
Analysing the distribution of strictly protected areas toward the EU2030 target
Authors: Cazzolla Gatti Roberto , Zannini Piero , Piovesan Gianluca , Alessi Nicola , Basset Alberto , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Di Musciano Michele , Field Richard , Halley John M. , Hoffmann Samuel , Iaria Jacopo , Kallimanis Athanasios , Lövei Gabor L. , Morera Albert , Provenzale Antonello , Rocchini Duccio , Vetaas Ole R. , Chiarucci Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Protecting global biodiversity is one of the most urgent tasks for the coming decades. Area-based conservation is a pillar for preserving ecosystems and species. Strictly protected areas specifically preserve biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The “EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030” targets strict protection for 10% of land area. Here we performed the first analysis of strictly protected areas (as IUCN type Ia, Ib, and II) across Europe, by investigating their area coverage at the level of biogeographical regions, countries and elevation gradients. We show that, with few exceptions, the amount of strictly protected area is very limited and the spatial distribution of such protected areas is biased towards higher elevation sites, as in the case of other protected areas. Then, we suggest that potential areas should be identified to expand strictly protected areas with low economic and social costs including, for instance, areas with high biodiversity value, low population, and low productive land use. Finally, we propose that a coordinated effort and a strategic plan to achieve continental-scale conservation are fundamental, and at least half of this land under strict conservation (i.e. 5%) should be under the protection categories Ia and Ib.
Metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths: molecular diversity and identification levels achieved by using different characterisation tools
Authors: Wangchuk Phurpa , Yeshi Karma , Loukas Alex
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Helminths are parasitic worms that infect millions of people worldwide and secrete a variety of excretory-secretory products (ESPs), including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Despite this, there is currently no comprehensive review article on cataloging small molecules from helminths, particularly focusing on the different classes of metabolites (polar and lipid molecules) identified from the ESP and somatic tissue extracts of helminths that were studied in isolation from their hosts.

Objective

This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the metabolomics and lipidomics studies of parasitic helminths using all available analytical platforms.

Method

To achieve this objective, we conducted a meta-analysis of the identification and characterization tools, metabolomics approaches, metabolomics standard initiative (MSI) levels, software, and databases commonly applied in helminth metabolomics studies published until November 2021.

Result

This review analyzed 29 studies reporting the metabolomic assessment of ESPs and somatic tissue extracts of 17 helminth species grown under ex vivo/in vitro culture conditions. Of these 29 studies, 19 achieved the highest level of metabolite identification (MSI level-1), while the remaining studies reported MSI level-2 identification. Only 155 small molecule metabolites, including polar and lipids, were identified using MSI level-1 characterization protocols from various helminth species. Despite the significant advances made possible by the ‘omics’ technology, standardized software and helminth-specific metabolomics databases remain significant challenges in this field. Overall, this review highlights the potential for future studies to better understand the diverse range of small molecules that helminths produce and leverage their unique metabolomic features to develop novel treatment options.
Residual Stress Distributions in Dissimilar Titanium Alloy Diffusion Bonds Produced From Powder Using Field-Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST-DB)
Authors: Levano Blanch Oliver , Pope Jacob , Violatos Ioannis , Rahimi Salaheddin , Jackson Martin
Published: June 2023

The conventional approach when engineering components manufactured from titanium is to design the thermomechanical processing to develop an optimal microstructure in a single alloy. However, this conventional approach can lead to unnecessary over-engineering of components, particularly when only a specific subcomponent region is under demanding service stresses and environments. One approach being developed to join multiple alloys in a single component and enhance engineering performance and efficiency is FAST-DB—whereby multiple alloys in powder form are diffusion bonded (DB) using field-assisted sintering technology (FAST). But the joining of multiple alloys using conventional welding and joining techniques can generate high residual stress in the bond region that can affect the mechanical performance of the components. In this study, the residual stress distribution across dissimilar titanium alloy diffusion bonds, processed from powder using FAST, were measured using X-Ray diffraction and the Contour method. The measurements show low residual stress in the bulk material processed with FAST as well as in the diffusion bond region. In addition, FAST-DB preforms subsequently hot forged into different near-net shapes were also analyzed to understand how the residual stress in the bond region is affected by a subsequent processing. Overall, no sharp transitions in residual stress was observed between the dissimilar alloys. This study reinforces confidence in the solid-state FAST process for manufacturing next generation components from multiple titanium alloy powders.
Robot Gaze During Autonomous Navigation and Its Effect on Social Presence
Authors: He Kerry , Chan Wesley P. , Cosgun Akansel , Joy Albin , Croft Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2023

As robots have become increasingly common in human-rich environments, it is critical that they are able to exhibit social cues to be perceived as a cooperative and socially-conformant team member. We investigate the effect of robot gaze cues on people’s subjective perceptions of a mobile robot as a socially present entity in three common hallway navigation scenarios. The tested robot gaze behaviors were path-oriented (looking at its own future path), or human-oriented (looking at the nearest person), with fixed-gaze as the control. We conduct a real-world study with 36 participants who walked through the hallway, and an online study with 233 participants who were shown simulated videos of the same scenarios. Our results suggest that the preferred gaze behavior is scenario-dependent. Human-oriented gaze behaviors which acknowledge the presence of the human are generally preferred when the robot and human cross paths. However, this benefit is diminished in scenarios that involve less implicit interaction between the robot and the human.
Investigation of Some Food Industrial vegetable Oil-Based Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Molnár-Kiss Anna Viktória , Nagy Roland
Published: June 2023

Nowadays the surfactants are used in many areas of everyday life and industry, thanks to their diverse and favourable properties. They have been used as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming or dispersing agents, from the food industry, through the cosmetics industry, to the heavy industry. Among surfactants, nonionic surfactants form one of the most diverse groups. Since the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the non-ionic surfactant are formed due to the different polarities of the molecular parts, countless raw materials become suitable for the production of such surfactants, depending on their polarity and reactivity. In the world of surfactants, in addition to application efficiency, environmental friendliness also plays an important role. In order for a surfactant to be environmental friendly, it is necessary to strive for the best solution the conditions of production and application. In this study it was set ourselves the goal of investigating nonionic surfactants, which based on their properties, may be suitable for industrial application, while also contributing to sustainable development.
Development of Scalp Diagnosis Algorithm Using Surface-Sensing Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Kim Hansoo
Published: June 2023

The development of the information technology has made tremendous advance in image processing and computer vision fields, and digital image processing technology is showing rapid progress in various applications. And, in the case of scalp-related diseases such as dandruff and erythema, early detection and management helps to prevent various diseases such as hair loss, chronic scalp inflammation, and skin cancer, so it is important to determine the condition of the scalp and take action as soon as possible. In this paper, a novel algorithm is proposed that can quickly and easily determine and select one’s scalp condition using the latest deep learning technology. The proposed algorithm is more accurate than existing studies, and it is possible to discriminate the condition of the scalp without any additional information of the scalp nor metadata such as replies answered by the users which inevitably results in inconsistency and instability. As a result of implementing and validating the proposed algorithm, it shows an accuracy as the maximum of 98.78%, and the average accuracy increased by up to 6.62% compared to the existing research based on the traditional method.
Fractional divergence-measure fields, Leibniz rule and Gauss–Green formula
Authors: Comi Giovanni E. , Stefani Giorgio
Published: June 2023

Given $$\alpha \in (0,1]$$

α
∈
(
0
,
1
]

and $$p\in [1,+\infty ]$$

p
∈
[
1
,
+
∞
]

, we define the space $${\mathcal {D}}{\mathcal {M}}^{\alpha ,p}({\mathbb {R}}^n)$$

D

M

α
,
p

(

R

n

)

of $$L^p$$

L
p

vector fields whose $$\alpha $$
α
-divergence is a finite Radon measure, extending the theory of divergence-measure vector fields to the distributional fractional setting. Our main results concern the absolute continuity properties of the $$\alpha $$
α
-divergence-measure with respect to the Hausdorff measure and fractional analogues of the Leibniz rule and the Gauss–Green formula. The sharpness of our results is discussed via some explicit examples.
Radiographic and perioperative outcomes following anterior thoracic vertebral body tethering and posterior lumbar spine tethering: a pilot series
Authors: Siu Jeremy W. , Wu Hao-Hua , Saggi Satvir , Allahabadi Sachin , Katyal Toshali , Diab Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Background and context

 In patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) of main thoracic and lumbar spine regions, combined anterior thoracic vertebral body tethering and posterior lumbar spine tethering (ATVBT/PLST) is a novel non-fusion treatment option for growth modulation and conservation of motion.

Methods

 Fourteen patients with AIS who underwent ATVBT/PLST with at least 2-year follow-up were included. Primary outcomes included quality of life as assessed by SRS-22 instruments, radiographic analysis, and revision operations. We secondarily reported perioperative metrics and post-operative opiate morphine equivalents (OME). Clinical success was defined as patients who achieved skeletal maturity with ≤ 30° curve magnitude of both their main thoracic and thoracolumbar/lumbar curves and who did not undergo posterior spine instrumentation and fusion (PSIF).

Results

Patients had a mean age of 11.6 years (range 10–14 years), majority were girls (92%), and mean follow-up was 3.0 years (range 2–4.8 years). All patients were skeletally immature with a Risser ≤ 2. Included curves were Lenke 1C, 3C, or 6C. Mean preoperative curve magnitudes were 53° ± 8° (range 45°–65°) main thoracic and 49° ± 9° (range 40°–62°) thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. At most recent follow-up, patients had a mean main thoracic curve of 29° ± 8° (range 15°–40°) and a mean thoracolumbar/lumbar curve of 20° ± 15° (range 4°–35°). 50% required a revision operation. Cable breakage occurred in 43%, which did not always require revision. One patient progressed to thoracic fusion, but no patient underwent lumbar fusion. Patients had a mean SRS-22 outcome score of 4.2 ± 0.4.

Conclusions

ATVBT/PLST is a potential alternative to spine fusion for select immature patients with AIS at a minimum 2-year follow-up. ATVBT/PLST potentially offers motion conservation at the cost of a higher revision rate. Further study and reporting of results are necessary to refine indications and techniques, which in turn will improve outcomes of this procedure.

Level of evidence

Level IV—Case series without comparative group.
Re-understanding of data storytelling tools from a narrative perspective
Authors: Ren Pengkun , Wang Yi , Zhao Fan
Published: June 2023

With a large number of data stories expressed in diverse genres of narrative visualization, storytelling is currently growing in popularity in the field of visualization. In this paper, we investigate the data storytelling literature over the last 10 years and suggest a brand-new classification scheme for authoring tools from narrative perspectives. Our classification scheme comprehensively and meticulously summarizes the collected papers. By arranging papers in each category by publication date, we identify the popular topics, and present the current status and future directions of the development of data storytelling authoring tools. There are two contributions in our paper. First, we propose a novel taxonomy that includes two main categories and four sub-categories to classify narrative perspectives in data storytelling authoring tools. Second, we discuss and highlight research challenges and promising potential future research opportunities. We hope that this survey will promote the discussion of data storytelling tools and provide a reference for researchers who wish to delve more deeply into the research areas covered in this field.
The Effects of a Small Geomagnetic Storm on Earth's Thermosphere and Ionosphere: ICON Observations of the 25 January 2021 Disturbance
Authors: McGinness Emma C. , Immel Thomas J. , Harding Brian J. , Wu Yen‐Jung , Triplett Colin C.
Published: June 2023

Isolated geomagnetic storms during solar minimum offer the opportunity to observe the effects of solar wind on Earth's atmosphere without interference from other background changes in the ionosphere‐thermosphere system. Here, we observe the effects of a minor storm on the ionosphere at middle and low latitudes, where disturbances in thermospheric winds and composition can produce storm‐time changes in ionospheric densities. Using data from the NASA Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON), we investigate the competing effects of composition changes and neutral wind disturbances in modifying the ionosphere during the 25 January 2021 storm. Large enhancements in plasma densities are seen across the dayside late on 25 January, associated with large changes in meridional winds and significant high‐latitude electric current enhancements as measured by the auroral electrojet index. At the same time, we find evidence of rapid transport of heated air from the southern auroral zone to the equator in the East‐Asian sector with the appearance of deeply reduced O/N2 in the morning sector and storm‐time northward winds prior to its appearance. We observe significant, rapid erosion of the high plasma densities in the sector where thermospheric disturbance appears over 5 hr of observation. The noon‐time plasma density enhancements are short‐lived and we observe no westward perturbation in the low‐middle latitude, dayside zonal winds over a 5‐day period including the storm. Thus, we attribute the ionospheric changes to prompt penetration and meridional wind forcing, while ruling out the presence of a storm‐time disturbance dynamo and its related ionospheric effects.
The Relationship Between Wind, Waves, Bathymetry, and Microseisms in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Farrell Jamie , Koper Keith D. , Sohn Robert A.
Published: June 2023

We conducted a multidisciplinary geophysical experiment to study the relationship between wind, waves, bathymetry, and microseisms in Yellowstone Lake—a small, isolated body of water in which wind‐driven gravity waves excite low‐amplitude seismic energy at periods ∼1.0 s with a regular daily pattern. During 25 June–4 August 2018, we deployed 40 short‐period seismometers, four meteorological stations, and two wave gauges in and around Yellowstone Lake. These instruments were complemented by seven permanent seismometers on the lake perimeter, and a contemporaneous deployment of 10 lake bottom seismometers (LBS) on the floor of the north‐central portion of the lake. The daily wind cycle, with southwesterly winds rising from ∼0 m/s in the early morning to maxima of 10–15 m/s in the late afternoon, generated lake waves with significant heights of ∼0.3–0.4 m and dominant periods of 1.5–2.5 s, which in turn generated microseisms with dominant periods of ∼0.8–1.2 s, in excellent agreement with the double‐frequency generation mechanism. Microseism energy was strongest on the lake floor stations, followed by the island stations and those along the northeastern coast of the lake, suggesting that these sites are closest to the source region where interference between incident and shoreline‐reflected waves is responsible for microseism generation. Smaller amplitude single‐frequency microseism energy was observed primarily along the northeastern lake shoreline. Both types of microseism energy are sensitive to shoreline morphology and lake wave dynamics, such that long‐term monitoring of lake microseisms may further our understanding of how these processes change over time.
Land‐Locked Convection as a Barrier to MJO Propagation Across the Maritime Continent
Authors: Savarin A. , Chen S. S.
Published: June 2023

Large‐scale convection associated with the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) initiates over the Indian Ocean and propagates eastward across the Maritime Continent (MC). Over the MC, MJO events are generally weakened due to complex interactions between the large‐scale MJO and the MC landmass. The MC barrier effect is responsible for the dissipation of 40%–50% of observed MJO events and is often exaggerated in weather and climate models. We examine how MJO propagation over the MC is affected by two aspects of the MC—its land‐sea contrast and its terrain. To isolate the effects of mountains and land‐sea contrast on MJO propagation, we conduct three high‐resolution coupled atmosphere‐ocean model experiments: (a) control simulation (CTRL) of the 2011 November–December MJO event, (b) flattened terrain without MC mountains (FLAT), and (c) no‐land simulation (WATER) in which the MC islands are replaced with 50 m deep ocean. CTRL captures the general properties of the diurnal cycle of precipitation and MJO propagation across the MC. The WATER simulation produces a more intense and smoother‐propagating MJO compared with that of CTRL. In contrast, the convergence of sea breezes in the FLAT simulation produces much more organized convection and precipitation far inland than in CTRL, which results in a stronger barrier effect to MJO propagation. The land‐sea contrast induced land‐locked convection weakens the MJO's convective organization. The land‐locked convective systems over land in FLAT are more intense, grow larger, and last longer, which is more detrimental to MJO propagation over the MC, than the mountains that are present in CTRL.
Diagnostics of the Ionospheric Conductivity Based on Spacecraft Observations of the Magnetospheric ULF Waves
Authors: Smotrova E. E. , Mager P. N. , Mikhailova O. S. , Klimushkin D. Yu.
Published: June 2023

In 27 October 2012 an Alfvén wave of the Pc4 range was observed with Van Allen Probe A. The parallel Poynting flux of the wave was directed toward the Northern ionosphere. Assuming that this may be caused by the asymmetry of the ionospheric conductivity between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, its effect on the standing structure of the Alfvén wave was investigated. For this purpose, the analytical model with straight magnetic field lines was used. As a result, the method for estimation of the Northern and Southern ionospheric conductivity was developed. It allows to reconstruct the parallel structure of Alfvén waves under various conditions of the ionospheric conductivity. With the method developed, the ionospheric conductivity for the 27 October 2012 event was evaluated and compared with ionosphere model IRI‐2016 results.
The Rock Abundance of Crater Populations as a Probe of Mare Protolith Properties
Authors: Chertok Marley A. , Lucey Paul G. , Costello Emily S. , Ireland Schelin M.
Published: June 2023

The volcanic parent rock (“protolith”) composing the lunar maria is likely to have developed diverse mechanical properties upon emplacement. The abundance of rocks ejected by impacts may be sensitive to protolith properties. We investigate the relationship between the possible diversity of mare protoliths and the abundance of rocks excavated and emplaced by impacts employing cumulative size‐frequency distributions (SFDs) of rocky craters in the maria. The SFDs of 15 mare units were calculated through varying degrees of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner‐derived rock abundance within crater ejecta blankets. By inspecting the frequency of high rock abundance craters, we find that the age of a surface does not control an impactor's ability to excavate rocks. Through analysis of SFDs, we find that differences in SFD behavior may act as probes for the mechanical strength of the protolith and the thickness of buried lava flows. Generally, regions with SFDs that have shallower slopes with increasing rockiness may be associated with thick, competent flow types, and regions with SFDs that have unchanging slopes with increasing rockiness may be associated with stacked, thin flows that are possibly more friable. The greater frequency of high rock abundance craters and the converging behavior of SFDs at two units within Mare Humorum and Oceanus Procellarum suggest that the surfaces are underlain by thick, competent lava flows. Finally, SFD slope analysis suggests that secondary impact craters are relatively ineffective at excavating rocks and the SFDs of rocky craters may reflect primary cratering populations.
Expanding chiral metamaterials for retrieving fingerprints via vibrational circular dichroism
Authors: Xu Cheng , Ren Zhihao , Zhou Hong , Zhou Jingkai , Ho Chong Pei , Wang Nan , Lee Chengkuo
Published: June 2023

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy has been widely demonstrated for detecting chiral molecules. However, the determination of chiral mixtures with various concentrations and enantiomeric ratios can be a challenging task. To solve this problem, we report an enhanced vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) sensing platform based on plasmonic chiral metamaterials, which presents a 6-magnitude signal enhancement with a selectivity of chiral molecules. Guided by coupled-mode theory, we leverage both in-plane and out-of-plane symmetry-breaking structures for chiral metamaterial design enabled by a two-step lithography process, which increases the near-field coupling strengths and varies the ratio between absorption and radiation loss, resulting in improved chiral light-matter interaction and enhanced molecular VCD signals. Besides, we demonstrate the thin-film sensing process of BSA and β-lactoglobulin proteins, which contain secondary structures α-helix and β-sheet and achieve a limit of detection down to zeptomole level. Furthermore, we also, for the first time, explore the potential of enhanced VCD spectroscopy by demonstrating a selective sensing process of chiral mixtures, where the mixing ratio can be successfully differentiated with our proposed chiral metamaterials. Our findings improve the sensing signal of molecules and expand the extractable information, paving the way toward label-free, compact, small-volume chiral molecule detection for stereochemical and clinical diagnosis applications.
Efficient X-ray luminescence imaging with ultrastable and eco-friendly copper(I)-iodide cluster microcubes
Authors: Wang Yanze , Zhao Wenjing , Guo Yuanyuan , Hu Wenbo , Peng Chenxi , Li Lei , Wei Yuan , Wu Zhongbin , Xu Weidong , Li Xiyan , Suh Yung Doug , Liu Xiaowang , Huang Wei
Published: June 2023

The advancement of contemporary X-ray imaging heavily depends on discovering scintillators that possess high sensitivity, robust stability, low toxicity, and a uniform size distribution. Despite significant progress in this field, the discovery of a material that satisfies all of these criteria remains a challenge. In this study, we report the synthesis of monodisperse copper(I)-iodide cluster microcubes as a new class of X-ray scintillators. The as-prepared microcubes exhibit remarkable sensitivity to X-rays and exceptional stability under moisture and X-ray exposure. The uniform size distribution and high scintillation performance of the copper(I)-iodide cluster microcubes make them suitable for the fabrication of large-area, flexible scintillating films for X-ray imaging applications in both static and dynamic settings.
Efficient deactivation of aerosolized pathogens using a dielectric barrier discharge based cold-plasma detergent in environment device for good indoor air quality
Authors: Jangra Ramavtar , Ahlawat Kiran , Dixit Ambesh , Prakash Ram
Published: June 2023

Air pollution is one of the top 5 risks causing chronic diseases according to WHO and airborne transmitted pathogens infection is a huge challenge in the current era. Long living pathogens and small size aerosols are not effectively dealt with by the available indoor air purifiers. In this work, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) based portable cold-plasma detergent in environment device is reported and its disinfection efficiency has been analyzed in the indoor environment of sizes up to 3 × 2.4 × 2.4 m3. The deactivation efficiency of total microbial counts (TMCs) and total fungal counts (TFCs) is found to be more than 99% in 90 min of continuous operation of the device at the optimized parameters. The complete inactivation of MS2 phage and Escherichia coli bacteria with more than 5 log reduction (99.999%) has also been achieved in 30 min and 90 min of operation of the device in an enclosed environment. The device is able to produce negative ions predominantly dominated by natural plasma detergent along with positive ions in the environment similar to mother nature. The device comprises a coaxial DBD geometry plasma source with a specially designed wire mesh electrode of mild steel with a thickness of 1 mm. The need for feed gas, pellets and/or differential pressure has been eliminated from the DBD discharge source for efficient air purification. The existence of negative ions for more than 25 s on average is the key advantage, which can also deactivate long living pathogens and small size aerosols.
Characterization of olfactomedin 4+ cells in prostate and urethral-tube epithelium during murine postnatal development and in adult mice
Authors: Li Hongzhen , Chaitankar Vijender , Cui Lena , Chen Weiping , Chin Kyung , Zhu Jianqiong , Liu Wenli , Rodgers Griffin P.
Published: June 2023

Olfactomedin4 (Olfm4) is expressed in normal mouse prostate. However, Olfm4+ cells in the murine prostate have not been well characterized. In this study, we generated an Olfm4eGFP reporter mouse line with C57BL/6 mice and investigated the distribution of Olfm4/eGFP-expressing cells during postnatal development from P1, P7, P14, P20, P42, P56 to adult male mouse prostate and urethral tube. We observed Olfm4/eGFP expression in urogenital and prostatic epithelial cells during early postnatal development, which persisted into adulthood in urethral-tube and anterior-prostate (AP) epithelium. We found Olfm4+ cells are E-cadherin+/CD44+/Foxa1+ and some of subpopulation are Ck8+/Ck5+/Sca-1-/Ck4-/Syn- in the adult mouse AP epithelium. Functional studies of single-cell preparations of Olfm4/eGFP-expressing cells isolated from adult Olfm4eGFP mouse prostate demonstrated that Olfm4+ cells can grow and form colonies, spheres, or organoids in culture. Bioinformatic analysis of Olfm4+ cells using single-cell RNA sequencing meta data in adult mouse urethra (GSE145865) identified upregulation of genes related to cell and tissue migration and development, as well as upregulation of xenobiotic metabolism signaling pathways. In conclusion, Olfm4eGFP mouse is a novel model to further study Olfm4’s biological functions and Olfm4+ cells may contribute importantly to cellular processes supporting development and homeostasis of the epithelium in murine prostate and urethral tube.
Rapidly, sensitive quantitative assessment of thiopental via forced stability indicating validated RP-HPLC method and its in-use stability activities
Authors: Al-Hakkani Mostafa F. , Ahmed Nourhan , Hassan Mohammad H. A.
Published: June 2023

Thiopental sodium (Tho) is an intravenous anesthetic. The current study aimed to find a rapid RP-HPLC method of Tho analysis with high linearity, repeatability, sensitivity, selectivity, and inexpensive. In our developed method, there is no need to use special chemical reagents, a high percentage of organic solvent, a high flow rate, or a further guard column. The chromatographic system consists of an ODS column (150 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm). The mobile phase was prepared by mixing KH2PO4solution: methanol (40:60) with a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min at a detection wavelength of 230 nm, at room temperature using an injection volume of 10 μL. The method manifested a satisfied linearity regression R2(0.9997) with a good repeatability precision range (0.16–0.47%) with LOD and LOQ; 14.4 μg/mL and 43.6 μg/mL respectively. Additionally, the method proved its efficiency via system suitability achievement in robustness and ruggedness, according to the validation guidelines. The shorter analysis time makes the method very valuable in quality control to quantify the commercial Tho in pharmaceutical preparations. This improved HPLC method has been successfully applied for Tho analysis for Thiopental UP Pharma 500 mg vials and Thiopental Eipico 1.0 g vials in our routine finished and stability studies testing laboratories. Additionally, the detection limit of Tho has been tested in our quality control lab to detect the smallest amount of traces that may be present after the cleaning process of the production machines for cephalosporins preparations. The method has shown positive results for Tho in low-level raw materials and pharmaceutical formulations.
A predictive signal model for dynamic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Curtis Aaron D. , Mertens Alexander J. , Cheng Hai-Ling Margaret
Published: June 2023

Robust dynamic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been a long-standing endeavor—as real-time imaging can provide information on the temporal signatures of disease we currently cannot assess—with the past decade seeing remarkable advances in acceleration using compressed sensing (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI). However, substantial limitations to real-time imaging remain and reconstruction quality is not always guaranteed. To improve reconstruction fidelity in dynamic cardiac MRI, we propose a novel predictive signal model that uses a priori statistics to adaptively predict temporal cardiac dynamics. By using a small training set obtained from the same patient, the new signal model can achieve robust dynamic cardiac MRI in the presence of irregular cardiac rhythm. Evaluation on simulated irregular cardiac dynamics and prospectively undersampled clinical cardiac MRI data demonstrate improved reconstruction quality for two reconstruction frameworks: Kalman filter and CS. The predictive model also works with different undersampling patterns (cartesian, radial, spiral) and can serve as a versatile foundation for robust dynamic cardiac MRI.
High-field EPR of copper(ii)–nitroxide compound exhibiting three-step phase transition: structural insights from the field-induced sample orientation
Authors: Tumanov Sergey V. , Ponomaryov Alexey N. , Maryunina Kseniya Yu. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Ovcharenko Victor I. , Zvyagin Sergei A. , Fedin Matvey V. , Veber Sergey L.
Published: June 2023

Partial alignment of a polycrystalline paramagnetic sample in a high magnetic field enables the acquisition of important structural information inaccessible otherwise.
An extended model for chirality selection in single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Turaeva Nigora , Kim Yoosuk , Kuljanishvili Irma
Published: June 2023

In this work the role of catalysts in SWCNT chirality selection is considered via optimization of chemisorption strength between the carbon species and the catalyst surface needed to achieve stable nucleation and fast growth rates.
Progress on the luminescence mechanism and application of carbon quantum dots based on biomass synthesis
Authors: Wang Lei , Weng Shujia , Su Shuai , Wang Weiwei
Published: June 2023

This work systematically summarises recent advances in the optical properties, luminescence mechanisms, synthetic methods, regulatory tools and related research of biomass CQDs, and discusses the challenges and prospects of this exciting and promising field of application.
Reactions of nickel boranyl compounds with pnictogen–carbon triple bonds
Authors: Austen Brady J. H. , Clapson Marissa L. , Drover Marcus W.
Published: June 2023

The catalytic conversion of unsaturated small molecules such as nitriles into reduced products is of interest for the production of fine chemicals.
Enhancing the FRET by tuning the bandgap of acceptor ternary ZnCdS quantum dots
Authors: Mubeen Muhammad , Ain Noor ul , Khalid Muhammad Adnan , Mukhtar Maria , Naz Bushra , Siddique Zumaira , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Iqbal Azhar
Published: June 2023

In this article, we report the band gap tuning of ternary ZnCdS quantum dots (QDs) by varying the concentration of the capping ligand, mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) that enhances the FRET in artificial sunscreen/QDs dyad.
Psidium guajava leaf extract mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its application in antibacterial coatings
Authors: Islam Md. Johurul , Khatun Nazia , Bhuiyan Riyadh Hossen , Sultana Shahnaz , Ali Shaikh Md. Aftab , Amin Bitu Md. Nur , Chowdhury Fariha , Islam Suravi
Published: June 2023

In this study, Psidium guajava (P. guajava) leaf extract-assisted silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and their antibacterial activities were investigated.
Transmitter selection for secrecy against colluding eavesdroppers with backhaul uncertainty
Authors: Wafai Burhan , Dubey Ankit , Kundu Chinmoy
Published: June 2023

Due to the exponential growth of interconnected devices and reduced cell coverage, beyond fifth‐generation networks will be dense. Thus, instead of wired backhaul, wireless backhaul will be cost‐effective and flexible. For security in multi‐transmitter systems, sub‐optimal and optimal transmitter selection schemes exist. However, including backhaul activity knowledge available (BKA) and backhaul activity knowledge unavailable (BKU) cases and transmitter selection schemes, there is no generalized secrecy analysis method. Moreover, evaluation of the ergodic secrecy rate (ESR) of the optimal selection schemes is impossible using existing solution approaches. To address these, two sub‐optimal and optimal transmitter selection schemes are proposed for a small‐cell multi‐transmitter system in BKU or BKA cases in the presence of multiple colluding eavesdroppers. The distribution of the ratio of the destination channel SNR and eavesdropping channel SNR is derived, thereby providing different secrecy performance metrics uniformly irrespective of selection schemes and BKU or BKA cases. Simplified asymptotic expressions are provided to elucidate the influence of the system parameters and of the backhaul reliability. It is observed that the secrecy performance improves when the knowledge of backhaul link activity is utilized, and the improvement is most noticeable when the backhaul is highly unreliable. It is also observed that while the secrecy performance degrades with an increasing number of eavesdroppers, neither the asymptotic saturation value of the secrecy outage probability nor the rate of improvement of the ESR with signal‐to‐noise‐ratio depends on the number of eavesdroppers.
Evolution of grounding failure‐insulation failure of 10 kV cable joints: Prerequisites of an explosion in enclosed cable trench
Authors: Zhao Yifeng , Liu Gang , Guo Yaodong , Huang Chenglong , He Zhaoming , Hu Ran
Published: June 2023

An explosion accident in an enclosed cable trench caused by the discharge of 10 kV three‐phase cable joints is discussed. Combined with the disassembly analysis, the fault recording data analysis, and the validation of experiment, the evolution of the cable joint fault is deduced and discussed. The results show that the trigger of the cable joint fault is the creepage discharge at the cross‐linked polyethylene–silicon rubber insulation interface. This results in the partial breakdown and the grounding failure of three‐phase cable joints. Under the long‐term floating potential and current thermal effect, the insulations are gradually ablated and decomposed into a large amount of combustible gas. Finally, the accumulated combustible gas is ignited by the arc caused by a three‐phase short circuit at the moment of the reclosing operation. The analytical method and conclusions proposed in this paper can provide suggestions and guidance to prevent analogous distribution network cable joint fault accidents.
Observation of an upward lightning flash with 21 upward positive leaders initiated from different wind turbines in wind farm
Authors: Cai Li , Ke Yifeng , Fan Wenchao , Yan Ruisheng , Zhou Mi , Wang Jianguo , Fan Yadong
Published: June 2023

As the wind turbine height increases, the probability of multiple upward leaders flashes within the wind farm increases. In this study, an upward lightning flash containing 21 upward positive leaders (UPLs) initiated from different wind turbines in Zhangbei Wind Farm was analysed. The average speed of the UPLs was 1.2 × 105 m/s, which mostly decreased to zero before reaching the cloud height. Only four UPLs developed to cloud height, with prolonged periods of bright light on three of them and with a minimum duration of 126 ms. A total of nine return strokes occurred on the other two dissipated leader channels, and the numbers of strokes on the two channels was six and three, respectively. The average interstroke interval for the return strokes was 10.5 ms. Most of these nine return strokes had peak currents smaller than 10 kA. The high‐speed video frames confirmed that competition does exist between the UPLs, and the range of shielding effects increases as the height of the ULs increases. The effect of fan rotation on the initiation of upward leaders and the shielding effect between the wind turbines and upward leaders are discussed.