bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct alterations in probabilistic reversal learning across at-risk mental state, first episode psychosis and persistent schizophrenia
Authors: Griffin J. D. , Diederen K. M. J. , Haarsma J. , Jarratt Barnham I. C. , Cook B. R. H. , Fernandez-Egea E. , Williamson S. , van Sprang E. D. , Gaillard R. , Vinckier F. , Goodyer I. M. ,   NSPN Consortium, Bullmore Edward , Dolan Raymond , Goodyer Ian , Fonagy Peter , Jones Peter , Chamberlain Samuel , Moutoussis Michael , Hauser Tobias , Neufeld Sharon , Romero-Garcia Rafael , Clair Michelle St , Vértes Petra , Whitaker Kirstie , Inkster Becky , Prabhu Gita , Ooi Cinly , Toseeb Umar , Widmer Barry , Bhatti Junaid , Villis Laura , Alrumaithi Ayesha , Birt Sarah , Bowler Aislinn , Cleridou Kalia , Dadabhoy Hina , Davies Emma , Firkins Ashlyn , Granville Sian , Harding Elizabeth , Hopkins Alexandra , Isaacs Daniel , King Janchai , Kokorikou Danae , Maurice Christina , McIntosh Cleo , Memarzia Jessica , Mills Harriet , O’Donnell Ciara , Pantaleone Sara , Scott Jenny , Kiddle Beatrice , Polek Ela , Fearon Pasco , Suckling John , van Harmelen Anne-Laura , Kievit Rogier , Bethlehem Richard , Murray G. K. , Fletcher P. C.
Published: July 2024

We used a probabilistic reversal learning task to examine prediction error-driven belief updating in three clinical groups with psychosis or psychosis-like symptoms. Study 1 compared people with at-risk mental state and first episode psychosis (FEP) to matched controls. Study 2 compared people diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) to matched controls. The design replicated our previous work showing ketamine-related perturbations in how meta-level confidence maintained behavioural policy. We applied the same computational modelling analysis here, in order to compare the pharmacological model to three groups at different stages of psychosis. Accuracy was reduced in FEP, reflecting increased tendencies to shift strategy following probabilistic errors. The TRS group also showed a greater tendency to shift choice strategies though accuracy levels were not significantly reduced. Applying the previously-used computational modelling approach, we observed that only the TRS group showed altered confidence-based modulation of responding, previously observed under ketamine administration. Overall, our behavioural findings demonstrated resemblance between clinical groups (FEP and TRS) and ketamine in terms of a reduction in stabilisation of responding in a noisy environment. The computational analysis suggested that TRS, but not FEP, replicates ketamine effects but we consider the computational findings preliminary given limitations in performance of the model.
Comprehensive proteomic analysis of the differential expression of 62 proteins following intracortical microelectrode implantation
Authors: Song Sydney S. , Druschel Lindsey N. , Kasthuri Niveda M. , Wang Jaime J. , Conard Jacob H. , Chan E. Ricky , Acharya Abhinav P. , Capadona Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2024

Intracortical microelectrodes (IMEs) are devices designed to be implanted into the cerebral cortex for various neuroscience and neuro-engineering applications. A critical feature of IMEs is their ability to detect neural activity from individual neurons. Currently, IMEs are limited by chronic failure, largely considered to be caused by the prolonged neuroinflammatory response to the implanted devices. Over the past few years, the characterization of the neuroinflammatory response has grown in sophistication, with the most recent advances focusing on mRNA expression following IME implantation. While gene expression studies increase our broad understanding of the relationship between IMEs and cortical tissue, advanced proteomic techniques have not been reported. Proteomic evaluation is necessary to describe the diverse changes in protein expression specific to neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, or tissue and cellular viability, which could lead to the further development of targeted intervention strategies designed to improve IME functionality. In this study, we have characterized the expression of 62 proteins within 180 μm of the IME implant site at 4-, 8-, and 16-weeks post-implantation. We identified potential targets for immunotherapies, as well as key pathways that contribute to neuronal dieback around the IME implant.
Segmented fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) on a commercial laser scanning microscope
Authors: Longo Elisa , Scalisi Silvia , Lanzanò Luca
Published: July 2024

Performing accurate Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) measurements in cells can be challenging due to cellular motion or other intracellular processes. In this respect, it has recently been shown that analysis of FCS data in short temporal segments (segmented FCS) can be very useful to increase the accuracy of FCS measurements inside cells. Here, we demonstrate that segmented FCS can be performed on a commercial laser scanning microscope (LSM), even in the absence of the dedicated FCS module. We show how data can be acquired on a Leica SP8 confocal microscope and then exported and processed with a custom software in MATLAB. The software performs segmentation of the data to extract an average ACF and measure the diffusion coefficient in specific subcellular regions. First of all, we measure the diffusion of fluorophores of different size in solution, to show that good-quality ACFs can be obtained in a commercial LSM. Next, we validate the method by measuring the diffusion coefficient of GFP in the nucleus of HeLa cells, exploiting variations of the intensity to distinguish between nucleoplasm and nucleolus. As expected, the measured diffusion coefficient of GFP is slower in the nucleolus relative to nucleoplasm. Finally, we apply the method to HeLa cells expressing a PARP1 chromobody to measure the diffusion coefficient of PARP1 in different subcellular regions. We find that PARP1 diffusion is slower in the nucleolus compared to the nucleoplasm.
Variations in the use of oxytocin for augmentation of labour in Sweden: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Johnson Karin , Johansson Kari , Elvander Charlotte , Saltvedt Sissel , Edqvist Malin
Published: July 2024

National Swedish data shows substantial variation in the use of oxytocin for augmentation of spontaneous labour between obstetric units. This study aimed to investigate if variations in the use of oxytocin augmentation are associated with maternal and infant characteristics or clinical factors. We used a cohort design including women allocated to Robson group 1 (nulliparous women, gestational week ≥ 37 + 0, with singleton births in cephalic presentation and spontaneous onset of labour) and 3 (parous women, gestational week ≥ 37 + 0, with singleton births in cephalic presentation, spontaneous onset of labour, and no previous caesarean birth). Crude and adjusted logistic regression models with marginal standardisation were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for oxytocin use by obstetric unit. An interaction analysis was performed to investigate the potential modifying effect of epidural. The use of oxytocin varied between 47 and 73% in Robson group 1, and 10% and 33% in Robson group 3. Compared to the remainder of Sweden, the risk of oxytocin augmentation ranged from 13% lower (RD − 13.0, 95% CI − 15.5 to − 10.6) to 14% higher (RD 14.0, 95% CI 12.3–15.8) in Robson group 1, and from 6% lower (RD − 5.6, 95% CI − 6.8 to − 4.5) to 18% higher (RD 17.9, 95% CI 16.5–19.4) in Robson group 3. The most notable differences in risk estimates were observed among women in Robson group 3 with epidural. In conclusion, variations in oxytocin use remained despite adjusting for risk factors. This indicates unjustified differences in use of oxytocin in clinical practice.
Prognostic patterns in invasion lymph nodes of lung adenocarcinoma reveal distinct tumor microenvironments
Authors: Lao Shen , Chen Zisheng , Wang Wei , Zheng Yongmei , Xiong Shan , He Ping , Yi Huan , Li Jianfu , Li Feng , Li Shuting , He Miao , Liu Xiaoyan , Qi Chuang , He Jianxing , Liang Wenhua
Published: July 2024

Tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are usually the first station of tumor metastasis in lung cancer. TDLNs+ have distinct pathomorphologic and tumor microenvironment (TME)-compositional patterns, which still need to be thoroughly investigated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we enrolled 312 LUAD patients with TDLNs+ from our institution between 2015 and 2019. 3DHISTECH was used to scan all of the TDLNs+. Based on morphologic features, TDLNs+ patterns were classified as polarized-type or scattered-type, and TME-compositional patterns were classified as colloid-type, necrosis-type, specific-type, and common-type. Multivariate analysis revealed an increased risk of early recurrence associated with scattered-type (HR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.06–5.28), colloid-type (HR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03–3.67), and necrosis-type (HR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.13–4.89). NanoString transcriptional analysis revealed an immunosuppression and vascular invasion hallmark in scattered and necrosis patterns and an immunoactivated hallmark in polarized and common patterns. According to imaging mass cytometry (IMC), the scattered and necrosis patterns revealed that germinal centers (GC) were compromised, GCB cell and T cell proliferation were deficient, tumor cells had the potential for proliferation, and the immune attack may be weaker. In this study, we present evidence that LUAD patients have distinct patterns and immune hallmarks of TDLNs+ related to their prognosis.
A MYCN-driven de-differentiation profile identifies a subgroup of aggressive retinoblastoma
Authors: Ryl Tatsiana , Afanasyeva Elena , Hartmann Till , Schwermer Melanie , Schneider Markus , Schröder Christopher , Wagemanns Maren , Bister Arthur , Kanber Deniz , Steenpass Laura , Schramm Kathrin , Jones Barbara , Jones David T. W. , Biewald Eva , Astrahantseff Kathy , Hanenberg Helmut , Rahmann Sven , Lohmann Dietmar R. , Schramm Alexander , Ketteler Petra
Published: July 2024

Retinoblastoma are childhood eye tumors arising from retinal precursor cells. Two distinct retinoblastoma subtypes with different clinical behavior have been described based on gene expression and methylation profiling. Using consensus clustering of DNA methylation analysis from 61 retinoblastomas, we identify a MYCN-driven cluster of subtype 2 retinoblastomas characterized by DNA hypomethylation and high expression of genes involved in protein synthesis. Subtype 2 retinoblastomas outside the MYCN-driven cluster are characterized by high expression of genes from mesodermal development, including NKX2-5. Knockdown of MYCN expression in retinoblastoma cell models causes growth arrest and reactivates a subtype 1-specific photoreceptor signature. These molecular changes suggest that removing the driving force of MYCN oncogenic activity rescues molecular circuitry driving subtype 1 biology. The MYCN-RB gene signature generated from the cell models better identifies MYCN-driven retinoblastoma than MYCN amplification and can identify cases that may benefit from MYCN-targeted therapy. MYCN drives tumor progression in a molecularly defined retinoblastoma subgroup, and inhibiting MYCN activity could restore a more differentiated and less aggressive tumor biology.
High-resolution yeast actin structures indicate the molecular mechanism of actin filament stiffening by cations
Authors: Xu Xiao-Ping , Cao Wenxiang , Swift Mark F. , Pandit Nandan G. , Huehn Andrew E. , Sindelar Charles V. , De La Cruz Enrique M. , Hanein Dorit , Volkmann Niels
Published: July 2024

Actin filament assembly and the regulation of its mechanical properties are fundamental processes essential for eukaryotic cell function. Residue E167 in vertebrate actins forms an inter-subunit salt bridge with residue K61 of the adjacent subunit. Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments are more flexible than vertebrate filaments and have an alanine at this position (A167). Substitution of this alanine for a glutamic acid (A167E) confers Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments with salt-dependent stiffness similar to vertebrate actins. We developed an optimized cryogenic electron microscopy workflow refining sample preparation and vitrification to obtain near-atomic resolution structures of wild-type and A167E mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments. The difference between these structures allowed us to pinpoint the potential binding site of a filament-associated cation that controls the stiffness of the filaments in vertebrate and A167E Saccharomyces cerevisiae actins. Through an analysis of previously published high-resolution reconstructions of vertebrate actin filaments, along with a newly determined high-resolution vertebrate actin structure in the absence of potassium, we identified a unique peak near residue 167 consistent with the binding of a magnesium ion. Our findings show how magnesium can contribute to filament stiffening by directly bridging actin subunits and allosterically affecting the orientation of the DNase-I binding loop of actin, which plays a regulatory role in modulating actin filament stiffness and interactions with regulatory proteins.
A novel pH-sensitive method for the quantification of Ca2+ ions by complexometric titration with Na3HEDTA
Authors: Bhochiya Rahul , Mondal Pradip Kumar , Balkrishna Shah Jaimin
Published: July 2024

A simple and accurate complexometric titration protocol has been developed by using Na3HEDTA as a titrant. Two new indicator systems for complexometric titration are discussed.
Nickel oxide nanoparticles modified with dimethylglyoxime grafted on a cellulose surface as an efficient adsorbent for thin film microextraction of tramadol in biological fluids followed by its determination using HPLC
Authors: Ayazi Zahra , Hobbivand Sahar , Pashayi Sarnaghi Samira
Published: July 2024

In the current study, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) modified with dimethylglyoxime (DMG) were deposited onto the cellulose surface (Ni(DMG)2-NiO-Cell) and used as an efficient adsorbent for thin film microextraction (TFME) of tramadol (TRA).
A smart roof that transforms raindrops into agricultural spraying
Authors: Shen Tao , Gao Can , Deng Xile , Liu Shijie , Liu Zhuoxing , Peng Jia , Ma Jie , Bai Lianyang , Jiang Lei , Dong Zhichao
Published: July 2024

A facile rapid spraying method allows the fabrication of large-scale superhydrophobic meshes. A smart roof was developed that utilizes the fragmented droplets after impacting the superhydrophobic meshes for agricultural spraying.
Water and ions in electrified silica nano-pores: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Tavakol Mahdi , Voïtchovsky Kislon
Published: July 2024

The molecular organisation and dielectric properties of aqueous solutions in hydrophilic nanopores can be tuned with external electric fields.
Bioprocessing 4.0: a pragmatic review and future perspectives
Authors: Isoko Kesler , Cordiner Joan L. , Kis Zoltan , Moghadam Peyman Z.
Published: July 2024

In the dynamic landscape of industrial evolution, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) presents opportunities to revolutionise manufacturing processes and products.
Analysis of the liver–gut axis including metabolomics and intestinal flora to determine the protective effects of kiwifruit seed oil on CCl4-induced acute liver injury
Authors: Hao Xuting , Guo Wenjing , Li Fangfang , Cui Lili , Kang Wenyi
Published: July 2024

The hepatoprotective effects of kiwifruit seed oil (KSO) were evaluated on acute liver injury (ALI) induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in vivo.
Protective effect of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol against DSS-induced colitis via modulating gut microbiota and maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier integrity
Authors: Li Wusun , Tang Xiaoyan , Liu Hui , Liu Ke , Tian Zhiqing , Zhao Yujie
Published: July 2024

A schematic diagram illustrates how OPO protects against DSS-induced colitis by modulating gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, and subsequently downregulating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway.
In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation of Pleurotus eryngii proteins extracted using different methods: insights for the utilization of edible mushroom-based proteins as novel nutritional and functional components
Authors: Li Xinyi , Tao Qi , Hu Qiuhui , Ma Ning , Ma Gaoxing
Published: July 2024

Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) protein is considered a high-quality protein because it is rich in essential amino acids and displays multiple significant functional characterizations that vary with its fabrication processes.
Enhanced activity of highly ordered pristine and black anodic TiO2nanotubes for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Nasirpouri Farzad , Jafari-Foruzin Leila , Farmani Amir-Ali , Hosseinpour Elham , Yadipour Hassan
Published: July 2024

This study reports on the effects of tube ordering and electrolytic surface reduction of TiO2nanotubes on supercapacitor performance and reveals the feasibility of TiO2nanotubes as efficient nanoporous electrodes for supercapacitors.
Unveiling the complex phonon nature and phonon cascades in 1L to 5L WSe2 using multiwavelength excitation Raman scattering
Authors: Blaga Claire , Labordet Álvarez Ángel , Balgarkashi Akshay , Banerjee Mitali , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna , Dimitrievska Mirjana
Published: July 2024

We unveil the complex phonon dynamics of WSe2 by using multiwavelength excitation Raman spectroscopy and report phonon-cascades for all WSe2 flake thicknesses, indicating strong phonon–electron interactions during early carrier relaxation processes.
Synthesis and characterization of copper(ii) complexes: their catalytic behavior towards alcohol oxidation using NaOCl as the oxidant
Authors: Roy Suparna , Barma Arpita , Muhuri Debasmita , Ghosh Pritam , Roy Partha
Published: July 2024

Two mononuclear square planar Cu(ii) complexes with N,O-donor ligands have been synthesized and used efficiently as catalysts in the alcohol oxidation with NaOCl as the oxidant.
Recent advances in PEDOT/PProDOT-derived nano biosensors: engineering nano assemblies for fostering advanced detection platforms for biomolecule detection
Authors: Aerathupalathu Janardhanan Jayakrishnan , Yu Hsiao-hua
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in the development of PEDOT/PProDOT-based nano-biosensors highlighting novel monomer design, engineering of their polymeric nanostructures with tunable properties facilitates the fabrication of next-generation smart nano-biosensors.
Effective cerebral tuberculosis treatment via nose-to-brain transport of anti-TB drugs using mucoadhesive nano-aggregates
Authors: Jadhav Krishna , Jhilta Agrim , Singh Raghuraj , Ray Eupa , Kumar Vimal , Yadav Awadh Bihari , Singh Amit Kumar , Verma Rahul Kumar
Published: July 2024

Enhanced treatment for CNS-TB: Intranasal chitosan nano-aggregates with Anti-TB drugs overcome the blood–brain barrier and reduce mycobacterial load.
FericipXT-coated PEGylated rutile TiO2 nanoparticles in drug delivery: in vitro assessment of imatinib release
Authors: Bhullar Shilpy , Goyal Navdeep , Gupta Shikha
Published: July 2024

Imatinib-loaded magnetically responsive PEGylated core : shell nanoparticles were synthesized using iron supplement. Sustained in vitro drug release was observed under acidic pH following Fickian diffusion and the Case II Relaxation mechanism.
An innovative chalcogenide transfer agent for improved aqueous quantum dot synthesis
Authors: Petit Guillaume , Malherbe Cedric , Bianchi Pauline , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M.
Published: July 2024

Development of an innovative chalcogenide transfer vehicle for improving large scale aqueous quantum dot synthesis.
Understanding the preparative chemistry of atomically dispersed nickel catalysts for achieving high-efficiency H2O2 electrosynthesis
Authors: Lim June Sung , Woo Jinwoo , Bae Geunsu , Yoo Suhwan , Kim Jinjong , Kim Jae Hyung , Lee Jong Hoon , Sa Young Jin , Jang Ji-Wook , Hwang Yun Jeong , Choi Chang Hyuck , Joo Sang Hoon
Published: July 2024

This work presents the design of high-performing, atomically dispersed Ni-based catalysts (Ni ADCs) for H2O2 production through understanding the formation chemistry of Ni-based active sites.
Phospha-bicyclohexene-germylenes exhibiting unexpected reactivity
Authors: Würdemann Marie Sophie , Kühn Steffen , Bötel Tobias , Schmidtmann Marc , Müller Thomas
Published: July 2024

Featuring mostly nucleophilic but also electrophilic properties, phosphorus-bridged bicyclic germylenes require steric shielding to be protected from decomposition. The two nucleophilic sites, Ge and P, show competing reactivity.
Harnessing a bis-electrophilic boronic acid lynchpin for azaborolo thiazolidine (ABT) grafting in cyclic peptides
Authors: Das Basab Kanti , Chowdhury Arnab , Chatterjee Saurav , Tripathi Nitesh Mani , Pati Bibekananda , Dutta Soumit , Bandyopadhyay Anupam
Published: July 2024

The report discloses the strategic deployment of lynchpins in crosslinking peptides and installing borono-heterocycles in peptide frameworks, which can be leveraged for multitasking prospects in biochemical applications.
Pyrolysis-free ZIF-67-graphene oxide composite films for improving the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction in a neutral medium
Authors: Saju Devishree , Berchmans Sheela , Ganesh V.
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical green synthesis of high surface area ZIF-67/GO composites to enable oxygen reduction without the need for pyrolysis in a neutral medium.
Unveiling barocaloric potential in organometallic-sandwich compounds [Cp2M][PF6] (M: Fe3+, Co3+)
Authors: García-Ben Javier , Delgado-Ferreiro Ignacio , Dixey Richard J. C. , Castro-García Socorro , López-Beceiro Jorge , Artiaga Ramon , Sánchez-Andújar Manuel , Phillips Anthony E. , Bermúdez-García Juan Manuel , Señarís-Rodríguez María Antonia
Published: July 2024

Organometallic-sandwich salts are well-known materials that undergo order–disorder phase transitions, leading to a high-temperature phase characterized by the total or partial disorder of ionic species.
A bismuth-atom electrocatalyst for a stable and economical aqueous Zn–CO2 battery
Authors: Alam Mahboob , Xu Jia , Hansen Evan J. , Nurlaela Ela , Tao Li , Uhl Alexander R. , Liu Jian
Published: July 2024

A single Bi-metal atom electrocatalyst was employed in an H-type cell to produce liquid high hydrocarbon products. The customized Zn–CO2 device with Bi-SAs/NC exhibited an elevated power density of 3.8 mW cm−2.
Injectable conductive hydrogel electrodes for minimally invasive neural interfaces
Authors: Kusen Ines , Lee Aaron , Cuttaz Estelle A. , Bailey Zachary K. , Killilea Joshua , Aslie Shirine Merlo-Nikpay , Goding Josef A. , Green Rylie A.
Published: July 2024

An injectable PEDOT:PSS/acetic acid-based hydrogel was formulated with mechanical and electrochemical properties being independently tuneable. The material was characterised in vitro and ex vivo, with prospective applications in neural interfacing.
Wearable and implantable biosensors: mechanisms and applications in closed-loop therapeutic systems
Authors: Zheng Zeyuan , Zhu Runjin , Peng Ian , Xu Zitong , Jiang Yuanwen
Published: July 2024

Biosensors integrated into closed-loop systems provide patient-specific adaptive therapies. These advanced devices have significant potential for managing chronic conditions by continuously adjusting therapeutic regimens based on physiological data.
Sprayable oxidized polyvinyl alcohol with improved degradability and sufficient mechanical property for fruit preservation
Authors: Lu Yi , Liu Guoming , Zhang Kaixin , Wang Ziyi , Xiao Peijie , Liu Changhua , Deng Longying , Li Fenglu , Pan Gaoxing , He Shuxian , Gao Jiefeng , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2024

Oxidized PVA (OPVA-1.0) obtained by one-pot method is completely degraded in soil, which is further sprayed, dipped, or brushed conformally onto different perishable fruits to delay the ripening by 5–14 days as ideal packaging materials.
A comprehensive investigation into thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 composites
Authors: Masoumi Saeed , Zhussupbekov Kuanysh , Prochukhan Nadezda , Morris Michael A. , Pakdel Amir
Published: July 2024

Methodologies for enhancing the conversion efficiency of organic/inorganic thermoelectric composites, enabling future applications in self-powered wearable electronic devices.
A highly sensitive and flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on an ionic hydrogel dielectric layer with a lateral-bending microstructure
Authors: Qiao Haidi , Liu Xia , Zhang Xingyu , Zhang Jiayue , Yin Mingjie , Yang Qingsheng
Published: July 2024

The lateral-bending microstructure was inspired by the deformation response of grass under pressure, which exhibits localized deformation under slight compressive loads.
Harnessing lanthanides for blue-to-UVB upconversion and its dye-sensitization
Authors: Yu Dechao , Li Benchun , Zhang Arend , Pol Jasper , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin , Zhou Difei
Published: July 2024

An upconverter upconverts blue light into UVB photons, which can be used in dermatology to cure certain skin diseases. This concept mitigates the effects of UVB toxicity on healthy skin regions that may occur when direct UVB is administered.
Molten salt synthesized LaTa7O19:Er3+/Yb3+ with superior upconversion luminescence using KCl flux
Authors: Yan Xianglan , Cao Yongze , Wang Xuekai , Zhang Jinsu , Xu Sai , Li Guojian , Chen Baojiu
Published: July 2024

Er3+/Yb3+ is distributed in TaO6–LaO8 layer, separated by two TaO7 layers. The sample is plate shaped. The green UCL integral intensity of LTO:Er3+/Yb3+ reached 89% of β-NaYF4:Er3+/Yb3+.
Contributions of Speaking, Listening, and Semantic Depth to Word Learning in Typical 3- and 4-Year-Olds
Authors: Richtsmeier Peter T. , Gladfelter Allison , Moore Michelle W.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

This study examined learning via perception, learning via production, and semantic depth as contributors to word learning in preschool-aged children. There is broad evidence that semantic depth is an important contributor to word learning, especially when semantic cues are repeated and spaced out over time. Perceptual learning and production learning each support word learning sometimes, but not in all cases. The purpose of this study was to examine all three learning mechanisms within a single experimental paradigm.

Method:

Thirty-six typically developing preschool children completed the experiment. They were familiarized with 16 novel words that were contextualized as alien names. These aliens came in four sets, each set comprising one base alien and three modified aliens marked by suffixes. Children completed four familiarizations: two in which they simply listened to the alien names (perceptual learning) and two where they repeated the alien names (production learning). Those conditions were crossed with a semantic depth manipulation (aliens with and without verbal semantic cues). Following each familiarization, referent identification and confrontation naming tasks were completed to assess learning.

Results:

Children were able to identify more alien referents following familiarizations with semantic depth. There were no significant effects of either perceptual learning or production learning.

Conclusions:

This study confirms and expands on the benefits of semantic depth, but the results are unclear about the relative importance of perception and production to word learning. Nevertheless, the study suggests benefits to simultaneously studying multiple factors related to word learning.
An offset‐enhanced active rectifier with delay compensated active diodes for wirelessly powered biomedical implants
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Javad , Dehollain Catherine , Schmid Alexandre
Published: July 2024

This letter presents the design of a 13.56 MHz offset‐enhanced full‐wave active rectifier, tailored for wirelessly powered biomedical implants. The design incorporates digitally assisted, delay‐compensated active diodes and symmetrical bulk biasing in the rectifier core to enhance conduction time, thus improving the voltage conversion ratio (VCR) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). A delay improvement is achieved both in no‐load and high‐load conditions through an additional comparison path with an offset voltage that is higher than zero. The proposed rectifier is implemented and fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS technology with an area of 0.024 . The rectifier, tested and measured with inductive links, offers a maximum VCR of 96.4% and a maximum PCE of 89%.
Multi‐stage image inpainting using improved partial convolutions
Authors: Li Cheng , Xu Dan , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2024

In recent years, deep learning models have dramatically influenced image inpainting. However, many existing studies still suffer from over‐smoothed or blurred textures when missing regions are large or contain rich visual details. To restore textures at a fine‐grained level, a multi‐stage inpainting approach is proposed, which applies a series of partial inpainting modules as well as a progressive inpainting module to inpaint missing areas from their boundaries to the centre successively. Some improvements are made on the partial convolutions to reduce artifacts like blurriness, which require a convolution kernel to contain known pixels more than a certain proportion. Towards photorealistic inpainting results, the intermediate outputs from each stage are used to compute the loss. Finally, to facilitate the training process, a multi‐step training is designed that progressively adds inpainting modules to optimize the model. Experiments show that this method outperforms the current excellent techniques on the publicly available datasets: CelebA, Places2 and Paris StreetView.
Developing a cooperative approach under normal and contingency conditions for generation expansion planning of microgrids
Authors: Shahbazian Saeed , Kharrati Saeed , Rastgou Abdollah
Published: July 2024

The issue of generation expansion planning in microgrids has become a challenging issue in electricity industry for two reasons: load growth and uncertainties in renewables' generation. Therefore, this issue is considered here. Here, the modelling of generation expansion planning problem has been developed in a network of microgrids in a decentralized manner, considering normal and contingency conditions. On the other hand, in order to further develop the study considered, decentralized generation expansion planning model of microgrids by considering contingency conditions has been addressed in a cooperative approach to minimize total costs. In developed model, investment decisions are made at the higher level and operational constraints has been considered at lower one. Also, case studies are defined in three different scenarios: islanding operation of microgrids as first scenario and peer‐to‐peer trading of microgrids in non‐cooperative and cooperative approaches as second and third scenarios, respectively. The results of simulations have shown that by facilitating the transactions between microgrids, their total costs are reduced. The costs of the whole set of microgrids in the non‐cooperative scenario are reduced by 9.4% compared to the islanding scenario; and the costs are reduced by 7.5% in the cooperative scenario compared to the non‐cooperative scenario.
The importance of principal component analysis for environmental biodiagnostics of Donbass
Authors: Nespirnyi Vitalii , Safonov Andrei
Published: July 2024

The ecological situation in the Central Donbas remains tense today and requires timely diagnosis of the state of ecosystems. Major causes of the tense environmental situation in Donbass are high level of industrialization (mining, metallurgical, mining and chemical industries), urbanization, agricultural technologies, landscape transformation and warfare from 2014 to the present. With all the variety of biological and chemical methods in obtaining large numerical information, the importance of mathematical approaches is of particular significance. Using the example of principal component analysis, a method for visualizing data in assessing transformed ecotopes of Donbass has been tested. An attempt has been made to reconstruct some missing data from the list of numerical characteristics. The values of probability and reliability of the data have been established. This allows to have more accurate information in monitoring and assessing the environment in the region. Principal component analysis complements the available cartographic materials, highlights the most significant processes considering general degradation of the state of Donbass ecosystems (by indicator plants Bryum argenteum Hedw., Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid, Amblystegium subtile (Hedw.) Schimp., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Cichorium intybus L., Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. et al.). The cause and effect relationships in the peculiarities of landscape transformation are grouped in order to further restore the integrity and functionality of the historical and geographical environment.
Complex of indicators as basis for assessment of significance of different territories ofuzbekistan for conservation of faunistic diversity of mammals
Authors: Mitropolskaya Yuliya , Kashkarov Roman
Published: July 2024

The article proposes a set of 8 indicators allowing to compare faunal diversity, the degree of its conservation, economic importance and endemism. Through the system of indicators it is possible to assess the importance of different regions of the country for fauna conservation, to develop measures for its protection and sustainable use. The assessment of the importance of different territories of Uzbekistan for the conservation of faunal diversity of mammals is demonstrated on the example of two administrative regions of the country. It is recommended to analyse the current state of the fauna and trends in its changes using a set of indicators on a regular basis and in parallel with fauna monitoring.
Prospects for energy supply in villages of Yakutia using wind energy resources and environmental limitations
Authors: Nefedova Liudmila , Rafikova Yulia , Soloviev Dmitry
Published: July 2024

The problems of energy supply in isolated villages of theRepublic of Sakha (Yakutia) are considered. Mapping of the resourcepotential of wind energy in the Republic of Sakha was performed. Based onthe performance modeling data of the Komai Haltec KWT300 wind turbine,the territory was zoned according to the level of wind potential. The analysisof the possibilities of energy substitution by the use of wind energy in thenorthern region of Yakutia in zones of decentralized energy supply wascarried out. Using GIS tools, a multifactorial analysis of the territory basedon the level of accessibility of power lines, transport routes and the presenceof environmental restrictions, especially nesting and bird habitats (ImportantBird Area in Republic of Sakha) was fulfilled.
Lowest-order nonstandard finite element methods for time-fractional biharmonic problem
Authors: Nataraj Neela , Raymond J.P. , Mahata Shantiram
Published: July 2024

In this work, we consider an initial-boundary value problem for a time-fractional biharmonic
equation in a bounded polygonal domain with a Lipschitz continuous boundary in
R2 with clamped boundary conditions. After stating the well-posedness, we focus on some
regularity results of the solution with respect to the regularity of the problem data. The
spatially semidiscrete scheme covers several popular lowest-order piecewise-quadratic finite
element schemes, namely, Morley, discontinuous Galerkin, and C0 interior penalty methods,
and includes both smooth and nonsmooth initial data. Optimal order error bounds
with respect to the regularity assumptions on the data are proved for both homogeneous
and nonhomogeneous problems. The numerical experiments validate the theoretical convergence
rate results.
Comparison of geomagnetic storm and non-storm periods mid-latitude Pc1 pulsations characteristics
Authors: Kwak Jaeyoung , Hwang Junga , Park Jaehueng , Kim Jiwoo , Kim Hyangpyo
Published: July 2024

Pc1 pulsations are infrequently observed at mid-latitude ground stations. Previous studies have shown that these pulsations near the ground are commonly observed during dawn and geomagnetic storms, particularly in the storm recovery phase. However, few studies have directly compared the characteristics of Pc1 pulsations during storm and non-storm times using long-term ground-based data. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of storm-related and non-storm-related Pc1 pulsations detected at a mid-latitude ground station located at Bohyun mountain in Korea (BOH, L~1.34). Our findings reveal notable distinctions between the two groups. Pc1 pulsations during the non-storm period exhibit a sharper peak in the local time distribution of the occurrence, relatively well indicating daytime wave power attenuation during propagation. Additionally, during the non-storm period, Pc1 pulsations show relatively lower frequencies (0.6~1 Hz) with predominantly linear polarization. In contrast, storm-related Pc1 pulsations exhibit higher and broader frequencies (up to 3 Hz) with more frequent left-handed polarization. These results suggest that storm-related Pc1 pulsations might originate from a more diverse range of spatial sources.
Soziokulturelle und berufliche Integration von migrierten Ärzt*innen
in der ambulanten Versorgung in Deutschland – Ergebnisse einer Interviewstudie
in Baden-Württemberg und Hessen
Authors: Gresser Angelina , Joos Stefanie , Sturm Heidrun
Published: July 2024

Einleitung In den letzten Jahren sieht sich Deutschland mit der zunehmenden
Schwierigkeit, Praxen nachzubesetzen, konfrontiert. Im hausärztlichen Bereich
ist diese Entwicklung ganz besonders zu beobachten. Gleichzeitig steigen die
Zahlen von im Ausland ausgebildeten und migrierten Ärzt*innen an, die jedoch
bisher vornehmlich im stationären Setting und weniger im ambulanten bzw.
hausärztlichen Bereich tätig werden. Die vorliegende Studie hatte zum Ziel,
Erfahrungen, Unterstützungsbedarfe und mögliche Lösungsansätze aus der
Perspektive migrierter Ärzt*innen im ambulanten Bereich mit Fokus auf die
hausärztliche Versorgung zu explorieren.Methode In dieser qualitativen Studie
wurden leitfadengestützte Interviews mit migrierten (nicht in Deutschland
aufgewachsenen und ausgebildeten), im ambulanten Setting in Deutschland tätigen
Ärzt*innen geführt. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse
mit Bildung deduktiver und induktiver Kategorien.Ergebnisse Es wurden 13
ambulant tätige Ärzt*innen interviewt (davon 9 hausärztlich tätig). Innerhalb
der deduktiven Hauptkategorien Aufbruch, Des/-orientierung und Adaptation wurden
vier Unterkategorien als übergreifende Problemfelder abgeleitet: Administrative
Aufgaben, Verständigung, sowie berufliche und soziale Adaptation / Integration
in Deutschland. Als Lösungsansätze wurden die Hauptthemen strukturierende
Maßnahmen (z. B. leicht zugänglicher Leitfaden, bezahlte Vorbereitungszeit),
individuelle Vorbereitungskurse für den ambulanten Bereich und persönliche
Unterstützung wie Mentoring und Vernetzung von (migrierten) ambulanten
Ärzt*innen in Weiterbildung exploriert.Schlussfolgerungen Ein Teil der von den
ambulant tätigen Ärzt*innen genannten Problembereiche überlappt mit bekannten
Herausforderungen aus dem stationären Setting. Spezifisch angepasste
Vorbereitungskurse und die Förderung der Vernetzung der Ärzt*innen untereinander
erscheinen als sinnvolle ergänzende und gut umsetzbare Maßnahmen, um die
Rekrutierung und Integration von Ärzt*innen aus dem Ausland für den ambulanten
Sektor zu optimieren.
Deskeletonizing the Sigmoid Sinus Is Noncompulsory in Skull Base Surgery: 3D Modeling of the Translabyrinthine Approach
Authors: Samlal Djenghiz P. S. , Voormolen Eduard H. J. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M.
Published: July 2024

Objectives Sigmoid sinus (SS) compression and injury is associated with postoperative SS occlusion and corresponding morbidity. Leaving the SS skeletonized with a thin boney protection during surgery might be favorable. This study quantifies the effect of the SS position on the operative exposure in the translabyrinthine approach and assesses the feasibility of retracting a skeletonized SS.

Methods Twelve translabyrinthine approaches were performed on cadaveric heads with varying SS retraction: skeletonized stationary (TL-S), skeletonized posterior retraction (TL-R), and deskeletonized collapsing of the sinus (TL-C). High-definition three-dimensional reconstruction of the resection cavity was obtained. The primary outcome, “surgical freedom” (mm2), was the area at the level of the craniotomy from which the internal acoustic porus could be reached in an unobstructed straight line. Secondary outcomes include the “exposure angle,” “angle of attack,” and presigmoid depth.

Results During TL-R, surgical freedom increased by a mean of 41% (range: 9–92%, standard deviation [SD]: 28) when compared to no retraction (TL-S). Collapsing the SS in TL-C provided a mean increase of 52% (range: 19–95%, SD: 22) compared to TL-S. In most cases, the exposure is the greatest when the SS is collapsed. In 40% of the specimens, the provided exposure while retracting (TL-R) instead of collapsing (TL-S) the sinus is equal or greater than 50% of other specimens in which the sinus is collapsed.

Conclusion In cases with favorable anatomy, a translabyrinthine resection in which the skeletonized SS is retracted provides comparably sufficient exposure for adequate and safe tumor resection.
Assessment of Sleep Stages in Unconscious Patients with Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Singh Priya , Venkatesan Latha , Agrawal Deepak , Tirwa Milan , Agrawal Rati
Published: July 2024

Background The existence of a sleep cycle in deeply unconscious patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unknown. Evaluating the sleep patterns of these patients may provide insights into their consciousness and help predict functional recovery.

Aims and Objectives This prospective observational study aimed to assess the usefulness of monitoring the sleep cycle in the prognostication of unconscious TBI patients.

Materials and Methods A purposive sampling technique was employed to include 39 patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤ 8). The average GCS score at admission was (5.76 ± 1.65). Sleep was monitored using an actigraphy smartwatch for 4 consecutive days, (3.15 ± 2.49) days postbrain injury. Sleep cycle monitoring tool and unconscious patient outcome monitoring tool were employed. An outcome assessment was done based on the GCS score.

Results Severe TBI patients exhibit intact sleep cycle (i.e., deep sleep, light sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep) despite being deeply unconscious, even in the acute stage. Total sleep duration was found to be significantly higher at a mean of 19.97 hours as compared to the mean of 8 hours as per the smartwatch reference value for normal individuals. Patients with improved sleep cycles had a higher likelihood of GCS improvement (p < 0.05).

Conclusion This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that the sleep cycle is a reliable prognostic factor for the recovery of consciousness in the acute phase of severe TBI among unconscious patients, with improvement in the sleep cycle mirroring neurological improvement.
Ultrahigh reflectivity photonic crystal membranes with optimal geometry
Authors: Zhou F. , Bao Y. , Gorman J. J. , Lawall J. R.
Published: July 2024

Photonic crystal (PhC) structures with subwavelength periods are widely used for diffractive optics, including high reflectivity membranes with nanoscale thickness. Here, we report on a design procedure for 2D PhC silicon nitride membrane mirrors providing optimal crystal geometry using simulation results obtained with rigorous coupled-wave analysis. The Downhill Simplex algorithm, a robust numerical approach to finding local extrema of a function of multiple variables, is used to optimize the period and hole radius of PhCs with both hexagonal and square lattices, as the membrane thickness is varied. Following these design principles, nanofabricated PhC membranes made from silicon nitride have been used as input couplers for an optical cavity, resulting in a maximum cavity finesse of 33 000, corresponding to a reflectivity of 0.999 82. The role played by the spot size of the cavity mode on the PhC was investigated, demonstrating the existence of an optimal spot size that agrees well with predictions. We find that, compared to the square lattice, the hexagonal lattice exhibits a spectrally wider reflective range, less sensitivity to fabrication tolerances, and higher reflectivity for membranes thinner than 200 nm, which may be advantageous in cavity optomechanical experiments. Finally, we find that all of the cavities that we have constructed exhibit well-resolved polarization mode splitting, which we expect is due primarily to a small amount of anisotropic stress in the silicon nitride and PhC asymmetry arising during fabrication.
Research on three-dimensional wake model of horizontal axis wind turbine based on Weibull function
Authors: Li Ye , Luo Zhumei , Dai Linsheng , Ren Xia , Liang Han , Zhang Xiaoxu
Published: July 2024

In wind turbine wake models, Gaussian models depend on multidimensional integration to ascertain the distribution of wake velocity deficits. These integrations, which often involve complex boundary conditions, significantly enhance the complexity of mathematical computations. Due to the difficulty of obtaining analytical solutions, numerical integration methods such as Monte Carlo or other numerical integration techniques are commonly employed. This study presents a three-dimensional wake model (3DJW) for horizontal axis wind turbines, utilizing the Weibull function to simplify wake deficit characterization instead of traditional Gaussian distribution methods. The 3DJW model considers wind shear effects and mass conservation laws to enhance predictions of vertical wake velocities. By integrating incoming wind conditions and turbine parameters, the model efficiently computes downstream wake velocities, improving computational efficiency. To enhance predictions in the ultra-far wake region, an improved three-dimensional Weibull wake model is proposed using the exponential fitting method. Validation through wind tunnel experiments and wind farm data demonstrates the model's accuracy in predicting wake deficits at the hub height, with relative errors in horizontal and vertical profiles mostly within 5% and 3%, respectively. The proposed model enables accurate and rapid calculation of wake velocities at any spatial location downstream, facilitating enhanced energy utilization and reduced costs.
Low-carbon economic dispatch strategy for microgrids considering stepwise carbon trading and generalized energy storage
Authors: Wang Yong , Song Zhuoran , Tong Yongji , Dou Wenlei , Lu Sichen , Jiang Tao
Published: July 2024

Integrating carbon trading mechanisms with generalized energy storage (GES) fully embodies the principles of green and coordinated development, serving as a crucial means to achieve low-carbon construction of microgrids. This research presents a strategy for optimizing energy allocation within microgrids to minimize carbon emissions and enhance microgrid systems' economic-environmental benefits. The strategy takes into account the use of tiered carbon trading and GES. Based on a typical microgrid system architecture, an economic dispatch model for microgrids is developed, which integrates renewable energy sources such as wind and solar storage, gas turbines, energy storage systems, and flexible resources on the demand side. The model aims to minimize carbon emissions while optimizing the allocation of resources. Subsequently, the model facilitates microgrid carbon emission control by considering the transferable, convertible, and reducible properties of GES. Furthermore, implementing a tiered carbon trading mechanism decreases carbon emissions. Finally, using a real microgrid example from a specific region in China, the results indicate that the proposed method significantly enhances the system's low-carbon level. Notably, compared to scenarios that do not consider GES, the proposed method substantially reduces total costs by 6.62% and decreases carbon emissions by 22.2%. The findings indicate that the suggested dispatch model can substantially decrease carbon emissions while simultaneously improving the economic efficiency of the microgrid system.