bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous medium approach to approximate the high concentrated aqueous electrolyte with different types of electrochemical structure
Authors: Maffre Marion , Wang Xuanze , Deng Jie , Deebansok Siraprapha , Zhu Yachao , Favier Frédéric , Bélanger Daniel , Fontaine Olivier
Published: September 2023

Superconcentrated aqueous electrolytes have recently emerged as a new class of electrolytes, called water-in-salt electrolytes. They are distinguished, in both weight and volume, by a quantity of salt greater than water. Currently, these electrolytes are attracting major interest, particularly for application in aqueous rechargeable batteries. These electrolytes have only a small amount of free water due to an ultrahigh salt concentration. Consequently, the electrochemical stability window of water is wider than the predicted thermodynamic value of 1.23 V. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been shown to be shifted to more negative and positive potentials, respectively. The decrease in free water population is recognized as being involved in the increase in the electrochemical stability window of water. Here, we study the quantitative contribution of the decrease in the free water molecule concentration to the permittivity of the solution and of the activity of water to the OER and HER overpotentials when the salt concentration increases. We compare our model with that of Kornyshev and get three types of electrolyte structures: diluted, gradient of water contents, and aggregation. The theoretical calculation of the redox potentials of the OER and HER is compared with the experimentally determined electrochemical properties of aqueous LiTFSI electrolytes.
Emergence of chaotic cluster synchronization in heterogeneous networks
Authors: Corder Rodrigo M. , Bian Zheng , Pereira Tiago , Montalbán Antonio
Published: September 2023

Many real-world complex systems rely on cluster synchronization to function properly. A cluster of nodes exhibits synchronous behavior, while others behave erratically. Predicting the emergence of these clusters and understanding the mechanism behind their structure and variation in response to a parameter change is a daunting task in networks that lack symmetry. We unravel the mechanism for the emergence of cluster synchronization in heterogeneous random networks. We develop heterogeneous mean-field approximation together with a self-consistent theory to determine the onset and stability of the cluster. Our analysis shows that cluster synchronization occurs in a wide variety of heterogeneous networks, node dynamics, and coupling functions. The results could lead to a new understanding of the dynamical behavior of networks ranging from neural to social.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals light-induced chlorenchyma cells involved in promoting shoot regeneration in tomato callus
Authors: Song Xiehai , Guo Pengru , Xia Keke , Wang Meiling , Liu Yongqi , Chen Lichuan , Zhang Jinhui , Xu Mengyuan , Liu Naixu , Yue Zhiliang , Xu Xun , Gu Ying , Li Gang , Liu Min , Fang Liang , Deng Xing Wang , Li Bosheng
Published: September 2023

Callus is a reprogrammed cell mass involved in plant regeneration and gene transformation in crop engineering. Pluripotent callus cells develop into fertile shoots through shoot regeneration. The molecular basis of the shoot regeneration process in crop callus remains largely elusive. This study pioneers the exploration of the spatial transcriptome of tomato callus during shoot regeneration. The findings reveal the presence of highly heterogeneous cell populations within the callus, including epidermis, vascular tissue, shoot primordia, inner callus, and outgrowth shoots. By characterizing the spatially resolved molecular features of shoot primordia and surrounding cells, specific factors essential for shoot primordia formation are identified. Notably, chlorenchyma cells, enriched in photosynthesis-related processes, play a crucial role in promoting shoot primordia formation and subsequent shoot regeneration. Light is shown to promote shoot regeneration by inducing chlorenchyma cell development and coordinating sugar signaling. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of shoot regeneration in tomato callus and demonstrate the immense potential of spatial transcriptomics in plant biology.
Experimental and simulation investigation for imprinting and buckling of V-groove/wrinkles hierarchical array
Authors: Zhang Nianqiang , Ji Jin , Wang Jilai , Shi Zhenyu , Zhang Chengpeng
Published: September 2023

Abstract

With the in-depth development and continuous innovation of micro and nano manufacturing technology, flexible strain sensors are more and more widely used in various fields, including soft robots, smart clothing and so on, and high-performance sensors are more in demand. An efficient tactic for enhancing the performance of flexible strain sensors is to design and create hierarchical structures, and its efficient and controllable manufacturing is a key problem. The controllable manufacturing of V-groove/wrinkles hierarchical structure is realized by nano-imprint and prestretch-release process, which provides an effective method for large-area controllable preparation of hierarchical structure, and provides a foundation for the construction of high-performance flexible strain sensor. Single-factor experiments were carried out on the slope of the primary structure, pre-strain and substrate thickness, and response surface analysis was carried out by Box–Behnken experiments. The results of the structure’s formation are significantly influenced by the slope and substrate thickness, and the optimal process parameters are obtained by response surface analysis. Then the impact of each process parameter was investigated using a process simulation model. Finally, the forming conditions of hierarchical structure are analyzed. This study can provide guidance for the efficient and controllable manufacturing of micro/nano hierarchical structures.
Random lasing from kombucha bacterial cellulose—ZnO bionanocomposite foam
Authors: Mai Hanh Hong , Dao Quang Khai , Nguyen Minh Nguyet , Pham Hong Minh
Published: September 2023

Random lasers (RLs) with biological and natural origins have attracted a great deal of attention in biosensing and bio-imaging. In this work, we described a high-performance RL based on kombucha bacterial cellulose and ZnO bionanocomposite foam. The foam was constructed by coating a high-scattering ZnO material on the 3D scaffold cellulose fibers of a KBC. This provides a high level of scattering, which enables light to be better confined within the structures, thus facilitating resonance feedback for random lasing emission. By implementing organic dye molecules into the bionanocomposite foam, we successfully achieved a random lasing emission with a low threshold of 110 μJ mm−2. Due to the RL’s high flexibility and high elasticity, it is able to shift the lasing emission wavelengths to the longer range induced by the folding effect. Compared to other RLs based on natural materials, our RL showed a lower lasing threshold. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of the nanocomposite materials together with the simple, two-step, and low-cost RL fabrication process highlight the promising future of using the proposed RLs in many optical, biological, and medical applications.
How pulse energy affects ignition efficiency of DBD plasma-assisted combustion
Authors: Patel Ravi , Peelen Rik , van Oijen Jeroen , Dam Nico , Nijdam Sander
Published: September 2023

This work aims to find how coupled energy per pulse influences the ability of a pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to ignite fuel-lean methane–air flow. For that, experiments are performed on a custom-built DBD flow reactor with a variable dielectric thickness and the discharge is operated by bursts of 10 ns duration pulses at 3 kHz repetition rate. With an increase in dielectric thickness, we observe that the coupled energy per pulse decreases even though applied voltage conditions are similar and so more pulses are required to ignite the lean mixture. Interestingly, we observe a significant increase in the minimum ignition energy (MIE) with an increase in the thickness beyond 3 mm. Moreover, the ignition kernel growth rate is much slower in the thicker dielectric cases even though total energy coupling per burst is similar. This phenomenon is investigated further by evaluating plasma parameters using electrical and optical diagnostics. Effective dielectric capacitance, discharge current, and voltage drop across the gas gap are derived from an equivalent circuit analysis, whereas plasma gas temperature and effective reduced electric field (

E

/

N

) are estimated from optical emission spectroscopy. From these analyses, we conclude that a thicker dielectric limits the discharge current and so the plasma filament temperature. For more than 3 mm thick dielectric cases, the filament heating per pulse is too low to achieve strong enough plasma pulse-to-pulse coupling which eventually leads to higher MIE and slower ignition kernel growth rate or the inability to ignite at all.
Improved ALIF and its application to rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Wu Zhantao , Cao Qingquan , Yuan Yi , Cheng Junsheng , Li Baoqing
Published: September 2023

Adaptive Local Iterative Filtering (ALIF) is a commonly used signal processing method. However, when applied to rolling bearing fault diagnosis, ALIF has been found to have problems such as abnormal interruption, serious mode aliasing, and inconvenient parameter setting. To address these issues, this study proposed an improved Adaptive Local Iterative Filtering (IALIF) method. Based on another assumption, IALIF not only effectively guarantees the stability of the decomposition and the reliability of the results by adaptively dividing the distance and de-oscillation by extreme envelope form, but also provides more convenient parameter setting and effectively suppresses the problem of modal aliasing. In addition, IALIF adds a stop criterion, which greatly improves the efficiency of the algorithm. Finally, the analysis results of simulation signals and experimental signals show that IALIF has good decomposition performance and is practical for rolling bearing fault diagnosis.
Electrochemically pre-lithiated SiO2@C nanocomposite anodes for improved performance in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ozen Selin , Eroglu Omer , Karatepe Nilgun
Published: September 2023

Silica (SiO2)-based materials are a promising alternative anode material due to their high specific capacity, abundance, safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the significant volume expansion and the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with electrolytes cause active lithium loss and result in poor Coulombic efficiency of SiO2-based materials, which hinder their commercial applications. Therefore, pre-lithiation, a method of embedding extra lithium ions in the electrodes prior to cycling, is an effective approach to replenish the largely irreversible lithium loss during cycling and overcomes these challenges. In this study, carbon-coated silica (SiO2@C) nano composite was synthesized via a sol–gel method and the beneficial impacts of using pre-lithiated SiO2@C electrodes in coin cells were investigated. It is shown that the carbon coating onto the surface of the SiO2 particles and the pre-lithiation method led to a distinct improvement in the overall capacity and Coulombic efficiency of the cells due to the pre-formed SEI and the presence of a lithium reservoir within the anode. Furthermore, the anodes exhibited excellent cycling stability and good rate capability up to 2 A g−1.
Individualized monitoring of heat illness risk: novel adaptive physiological strain index to assess exercise-heat strain from athletes to fully encapsulated workers
Authors: Buller Mark J , Atkinson Emma , Driver Kyla , Tharion William J , Ely Brett R , Cheuvront Samuel N , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: September 2023

Objective. Exercise-heat strain estimation approaches often involve combinations of body core temperature (Tcore), skin temperature (Tsk) and heart rate (HR). A successful existing measure is the ‘Physiological Strain Index’ (PSI), which combines HR and Tcore values to estimate strain. However, depending on variables such as aerobic fitness and clothing, the equation’s ‘maximal/critical’ Tcore must be changed to accurately represent the strain, in part because high Tsk (small Tcore−Tsk) can increase cardiovascular strain and thereby negatively affect performance. Here, an ‘adaptive PSI’ (aPSI) is presented where the original PSI Tcorecritical value is ‘adapted’ dynamically by the delta between Tcore and Tsk. Approach. PSI and aPSI were computed for athletes (ELITE, N = 11 male and 8 female, 8 km time-trial) and soldiers in fully encapsulating personal protective equipment (PPE, N = 8 male, 2 km approach-march). While these were dissimilar events, it was anticipated given that the clothing and work rates would elicit similar very-high exercise-heat strain values. Main results. Mean end HR values were similar (∼180 beats min−1) with higher Tcore = 40.1 ± 0.4 °C for ELITE versus PPE 38.4 ± 0.6 °C (P < 0.05). PSI end values were different between groups (P < 0.01) and appeared ‘too-high’ for ELITE (11.4 ± 0.8) and ‘too-low’ for PPE (7.6 ± 2.0). However, aPSI values were not different (9.9 ± 1.4 versus 9.0 ± 2.5 versus; p > 0.05) indicating a ‘very high’ level of exercise-heat strain for both conditions. Significance. A simple adaptation of the PSI equation, which accounts for differences in Tcore-to-Tsk gradients, provides a physiological approach to dynamically adapt PSI to provide a more accurate index of exercise-heat strain under very different working conditions.
Nonlinear response and fluctuating torque characteristics of the pneumatic muscle actuators at crankshaft application
Authors: Kapti Akin Oguz
Published: September 2023

The present study aims to investigate the availability of pneumatic muscle actuators (
PMAs) for producing continuous rotational motion by simulating a crankshaft drive system actuated by artificial muscles. It examines the nonlinear behavior and fluctuating torque characteristic of the PMAs in the crankshaft drive system over the experimentally determined tensile forces. It also looks at the effects of the joint structure, the contraction rate, the timing of the pressurization, the use of a mechanical stopper, and the number of PMAs. It identifies and examines five design versions, including the variations of these parameters. It investigates the range of these parameters for an ideal configuration of the PMA-based crankshaft drive system. The results showed that 44.9 N·m average crankshaft torque fluctuating between 18 and 81.4 N·m is achievable using DMSP-20-300 PMAs at 600 kPa air pressure. Regarding continuous rotational motion, the crankshaft application differs from the PMA-based studies in the literature. The proposed approach fills a gap in the spectrum of activation technologies since it converts linear stroke into continuous and fluctuated rotational output through intermittent oscillating pulling motion generated by a single pneumatic artificial muscle.
A low speed piezoelectric actuator with high displacement smoothness and its multi-objective optimized method
Authors: Cheng Jianfei , Chen Weishan , Ma Xuefeng , Deng Jie , Xun Mingxin , Liu Yingxiang
Published: September 2023

Piezoelectric actuators are widely utilized in the precision industry field, but the existing piezoelectric actuators are difficult to achieve high displacement smoothness at low speed, which limits the practical application of the piezoelectric actuators. This work proposes a piezoelectric actuator that can achieve high displacement smoothness through a multi-leg coordinated actuation principle. A multi-objective optimized method based on adaptive mutation genetic algorithm is utilized to design the driving leg by comprehensively considering five design variables. The design goal of the maximum displacement of the driving foot and the minimum size of the driving leg are achieved. A prototype is fabricated and the characteristics are tested. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimized method. High displacement smoothness at low speed is also achieved. The output displacements of the proposed actuator at different driving voltages and frequencies show no regression and intermittent motion. The linearity R
2 could reach 0.9978, and the low output speed of the actuator could reach 22.69 µrad s−1 at voltage of 100 Vp–p and frequency of 1 Hz.
Numerical Calculation of Direct Current Breakdown Voltage for Complex Short Air Gaps under Varying Altitudes
Authors: Han Zeyang , Su Yu , Yao Xiuyuan , Ding Yujian , Zhong Chongshan
Published: September 2023

With the increasing construction of ultra-high voltage direct current transmission in high-altitude environments, it becomes crucial to explore the impact of altitude on the short-gap discharge characteristics. To this end, this study proposes a finite element simulation and calculation method for the direct current (DC) breakdown voltage of actual complex short-gap structure under varying altitudes based on the Townsend criterion and the streamer criterion. The method is verified by combining the discharge experiments in Beijing, Qinghai, and Tibet. The results demonstrate that this method can effectively calculate the DC breakdown voltage of gaps between damping capacitors with a relative error range of -3.64% to 0.2%. The research results provide new insights for insulation evaluation of short-gap structures under varying altitudes.
Emission color tuning and dual-mode luminescence thermometry design in Dy3+/Eu3+ co-doped SrMoO4 phosphors
Authors: Chauhan Vaibhav , Dixit Prashant , Pandey Prashant Kumar , Chaturvedi Satyam , Pandey Praveen C
Published: September 2023

The challenge of building a highly reliable contactless temperature probe with high sensitivity, good temperature-induced color discriminability, and economical synthesis has prompted the research community to work in the field of rare-earth-based luminescence thermometry. Moreover, the fast-growing market for optoelectronic devices has increased the demand for tunable color-emitting phosphors. In this study, Dy3+/Eu3+ co-doped SrMoO4 phosphors were developed as tunable color-emitting source and dual-mode luminescence thermometer. A facile and cost-effective auto-combustion method was used to synthesize the phosphors. Our work demonstrates a viable scheme for tailoring the emission of single-phase phosphors by precisely controlling the dopant concentrations and by modulating excitation wavelength. The overall emission is tuned from greenish-yellow to white and greenish-yellow to reddish-orange. A detailed energy transfer process from the host to the Ln3+ ions and between the Ln3+ ions is discussed. Further, anti-thermal quenching in the emission of Dy3+ ion is observed when excited with 297 nm. The dual-mode luminescence thermometry has been studied by analyzing the fluorescence intensity ratio of Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions upon excitation at 297 nm. The maximum relative sensitivity value for 4% Eu3+ co-doped SrMoO4:4%Dy3+ phosphor is 1.46% K−1 at 300 K. Furthermore, the configurational coordinate diagram is presented to elucidate the nature of temperature-dependent emission. Therefore, our research opens up new avenues for the development of color-tunable luminescent materials for various optoelectronic and temperature-sensing applications.
Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from Robinia hispida L. leaves for selective detection of Hg (II)
Authors: Başoğlu Aysel
Published: September 2023

In this study, Robinia hispida L leaves (RH) was used as a precursor for the first time to synthesize fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with stable blue fluorescence by a single-step hydrothermal synthesis method. Notably, the innovative approach eliminates the necessity for toxic chemicals or hazardous substances, marking a significant advancement in the field. The synthesized CDs demonstrate CDs demonstrates the predominance of spherical shapes with an average size of 11.63 ± 1.92 nm. The CDs not only exhibit an enhanced fluorescent efficiency with a relatively high quantum yield of up to 6.8%, but they also possess the potential for direct utilization in the selective determination of Hg(II) through fluorescence quenching, even without any functionalization. Under the optimized conditions at a pH of 7.0, a robust linear correlation was found to exist between the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Hg (II) within the range of 5–17.5 μM, exhibiting a detection limit (3σ) of 1.5 μM. Additionally, this methodology was effectively employed to successfully detect Hg (II) ions in various aqueous samples, including tap water, spring water, drinking water, and a certified reference material (CRM-SA-C Sandy Soil C). The spike recoveries of 97.6%–101.6% with less than 2.7% variability were performed on all samples.
Reconstruction of multi-animal PET acquisitions with anisotropically variant PSF
Authors: Arias-Valcayo F , Galve P , Herraiz Joaquín L , Vaquero J J , Desco M , Udías J M
Published: September 2023

Among other factors such as random, attenuation and scatter corrections, uniform spatial resolution is key to performing accurate quantitative studies in Positron emission tomography (PET). Particularly in preclinical PET studies involving simultaneous acquisition of multiple animals, the degradation of image resolution due to the depth of interaction (DOI) effect far from the center of the Field of View (FOV) becomes a significant concern. In this work, we incorporated a spatially-variant resolution model into a real time iterative reconstruction code to obtain accurate images of multi-animal acquisition. We estimated the spatially variant point spread function (SV-PSF) across the FOV using measurements and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The SV-PSF obtained was implemented in a GPU-based Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction code, which includes scatter, attenuation and random corrections. The method was evaluated with acquisitions from two preclinical PET/CT scanners of the SEDECAL Argus family: a Derenzo phantom placed 2 cm off center in the 4R-SuperArgus, and a multi-animal study with 4 mice in the 6R-SuperArgus. The SV-PSF reconstructions showed uniform spatial resolution without significant increase in reconstruction time, with superior image quality compared to the uniform PSF model.
Multiprocess 3D printing of sodium-ion batteries via vat photopolymerization and direct ink writing
Authors: Martinez Ana C , Schiaffino Eva M , Aranzola Ana P , Fernandez Christian A , Seol Myeong-Lok , Sherrard Cameroun G , Jones Jennifer , Huddleston William H , Dornbusch Donald A , Sreenivasan Sreeprasad T , Cortes Pedro , MacDonald Eric , Maurel Alexis
Published: September 2023

In this work, the ability to print shape-conformable batteries with multi-process additive manufacturing is reported. Vat photopolymerization (VPP) 3D printing process is employed to manufacture gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), while direct ink writing process is used to prepare positive electrodes. The sodium-ion chemistry has proven to be an adequate substitute to lithium-ion due to the availability of resources and their potential lower production cost and enhanced safety. Three-dimensional printing technologies have the potential to revolutionize the production of shape-conformable batteries with intricate geometries that have been demonstrated to increase the specific surface area of the electrode and ion diffusion, thus leading to improved power performances. This study shows the preparation of composite UV-photocurable resins with different polymer matrix-to-liquid electrolyte ratios, designed to act as GPEs once printed via VPP. The impact of the liquid electrolyte ratio within the GPEs is thoroughly examined through a variety of electrochemical techniques. The exposure time printing parameter is optimized to ensure adequate print accuracy of the GPE. Using the optimized resin composition as material feedstock, shape-conformable 3D printed GPE exhibiting an ionic conductivity of 3.3 × 10−3 S·cm−1 at room temperature and a stability window up to 4.8 V vs. Na0/Na+ is obtained. In parallel, a composite ink loaded with Na0.44MnO2 and conductive additives is developed to 3D print via direct ink writing positive electrodes. After demonstrating the functionality of the independent 3D printed components in SIBs, the last part of this work is focused on combining the 3D printed Na0.44MnO2 electrode and the 3D printed GPE into the same battery cell to pave the way towards the manufacturing of a complete 3D printed battery thanks to different additive manufacturing processes.
Sample degradation and beam-induced damage in (synchrotron-based) electronic structure experiments
Authors: Vollmer Antje , Schlesinger Raphael , Frisch Johannes
Published: September 2023

Synchrotron radiation-based methods, in particular photoemission spectroscopy, are very powerful tools for studying the electronic, chemical, and structural properties of materials and combinations of materials. Numerous experimental studies have been performed in the last decades using synchrotron radiation in physics, chemistry, material science, biology, medicine, and more. However, the advantage of high photon flux from synchrotron storage rings, which is beneficial or even crucial for many experiments, may impose new problems when sensitive samples are investigated, such as organic systems. They are prone to chemical changes when exposed to high photon fluxes. Here, we demonstrate how to identify beam-induced sample degradation and provide the best practice rules for reliable investigations and control experiments.
Emerging scientific and industrial applications of digital holography: an overview
Authors: Kumar Raj , Dwivedi Gaurav
Published: September 2023

Holography is a technique to record and reconstruct three dimensional (3D) information without mandating lenses. Digital holography (DH) provides direct access to the complex amplitude of the reconstructed wavefront. This feature differentiates DH from other imaging techniques and enables it to provide quantitative information of the object under investigation. Advancements in technologies of digital image sensors, coherent sources, and computation algorithms and hardware, has paved the way of digital holographic systems for industrial applications. This work presents an overview of the scientific and industrial applications where DH can play an important role. Few of the applications of digital holographic systems in the industrial and scientific areas including microscopy, non-destructive testing, displays, environment, cloud and ocean studies are discussed.
A Ku-band LNA with 39.2 dB gain, 1.4 dB NF and shunt inductor-based matching network
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Ravichandran Sujatha
Published: September 2023

A low-noise amplifier (LNA) with minimum noise figure, improved gain, operating at Ku-band, and designed using 0.13 μm bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor(BiCMOS) technology is described in this article. BJT along with a matching network comprising of a shunt inductor is used for optimizing noise/impedance matching in the proposed common emitter (CE) LNA with inductive emitter degeneration. Thereby, achieving ultra-low NF and gain performance along with inbuilt ESD protection circuitry. Also, the detailed mathematical analysis of design steps, impact of impedance matching network on gain and NF performance of conventional and proposed CE LNA with inductive emitter degeneration are elaborated. This proposed LNA has demonstrated a maximum gain of 39.2 dB, almost static NF of 1.4 dB to 1.64 dB across a frequency bandwidth of 2 GHz from 15.2 GHz to 17.2 GHz. It has also demonstrated a figure-of-merit (FoM) of 18.42, IP
1dB
of −29.7 dBm at 16 GHz, a power intake of 24.2 mW, and layout space of 0.468 mm2.
Effect of cobalt and magnesium doping on the performance of Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8O3 cathode for solid oxide fuel cell applications
Authors: Subhashini P V C K , Rajesh K V D
Published: September 2023

The chemical composition of the cathode material influences the performance of the low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In the present work, two different cathode materials (Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.2Fe0.8O3 and Ba0.5Sr0.5Mg0.2Fe0.8O3) were prepared to assess the role of Mg in the place of Co on the performance of the SOFC. Symmetric cells were fabricated by using Gadolinium doped Cerium (GDC) electrolyte. From the X-ray diffraction analysis, the lattice parameter was measured as increased from 3.954 Å to 3.975 Å for the cathode with the presence of Mg compared with Co. On the other hand, Mg decreased the electric conductivity (35 ± 1.6 S cm−1) compared with Co doping (56 ± 2.4 S cm−1). Higher porosity (4.8%) was observed in the cathode material with Mg which resulted in more triple phase boundaries and promoted higher gas diffusion. Lower polarization resistance (RP) values (7.95 and 1.07 Ω-cm2) were recorded at 600 °C and 700 °C respectively for the fuel cells fabricated with cathode having Mg compared with Co.
Common garden experiments reveal acquisitive strategies for responding to drought in seedlings of forest tree species: a commentary on ‘Clinal variations in seedling traits and responses to water availability correspond to seed-source environmental gradients in a foundational dryland tree species’
Authors: Solé-Medina Aida , Ramírez-Valiente José Alberto
Published: September 2023

This article comments on:

Georgia L. Vasey, Alexandra K. Urza, Jeanne C. Chambers, Elizabeth G. Pringle and Peter J. Weisberg. Clinal variations in seedling traits and responses to water availability correspond to seed-source environmental gradients in a foundational dryland tree species, Annals of Botany, Volume 132, Issue 2, 25 July 2023, Pages 203–216, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcad041
Remaking Thucydides
Authors: Morley Neville
Published: September 2023

All attempts at realizing Thucydides’ promise of ‘a possession for all time’ involve some degree of remaking: the translation of the text, at the least, but more commonly also processes of selection, decontextualization, simplification, and framing, as well as the development of an image of the author that legitimizes present-orientated readings. This is particularly obvious in the case of interpretations that present Thucydides as a conventional academic authority, where, however, the processes of remaking are largely suppressed or denied in the interests of claiming Thucydides’ authority―this is what he really meant―to support modern ideas. This paper explores the greater latitude available to those engaging with his work in fictional and dramatic contexts―the authors Anne Carson and Virginia Woolf, and theatrical stagings of the Melian Dialogue (even as an immersive interactive experience)―to suggest that these may in fact be a truer reflection of some aspects of the Thucydidean project.
SARS-CoV-2 sublingual vaccine with RBD antigen and poly(I:C) adjuvant: Preclinical study in cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuro , Tanji Masanori , Mitsunaga Fusako , Nakamura Shin
Published: September 2023

Mucosal vaccine for sublingual route was prepared with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) antigen and poly(I:C) adjuvant components. The efficacy of this sublingual vaccine was examined using Cynomolgus macaques. Nine of the macaque monkeys were divided into three groups of three animals: control [just 400 µg poly(I:C) per head], low dose [30 µg RBD and 400 µg poly(I:C) per head], and high dose [150 µg RBD and 400 µg poly(I:C) per head], respectively. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mild reducing agent losing mucin barrier, was used to enhance vaccine delivery to mucosal immune cells. RBD-specific IgA antibody secreted in pituita was detected in two of three monkeys of the high dose group and one of three animals of the low dose group. RBD-specific IgG and/or IgA antibodies in plasma were also detected in these monkeys. These indicated that the sublingual vaccine stimulated mucosal immune response to produce antigen-specific secretory IgA antibodies in pituita and/or saliva. This sublingual vaccine also affected systemic immune response to produce IgG (IgA) in plasma. Little RBD-specific IgE was detected in plasma, suggesting no allergic antigenicity of this sublingual vaccine. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 sublingual vaccine consisting of poly(I:C) adjuvant showed reasonable efficacy in a non-human primate model.
Autosomal dominant in cis D4Z4 repeat array duplication alleles in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy
Authors: Lemmers Richard J L F , Butterfield Russell , van der Vliet Patrick J , de Bleecker Jan L , van der Pol Ludo , Dunn Diane M , Erasmus Corrie E , D'Hooghe Marc , Verhoeven Kristof , Balog Judit , Bigot Anne , van Engelen Baziel , Statland Jeffrey , Bugiardini Enrico , van der Stoep Nienke , Evangelista Teresinha , Marini-Bettolo Chiara , van den Bergh Peter , Tawil Rabi , Voermans Nicol C , Vissing John , Weiss Robert B , van der Maarel Silvère M
Published: September 2023

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) has a unique genetic aetiology resulting in partial chromatin relaxation of the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat array on 4qter. This D4Z4 chromatin relaxation facilitates inappropriate expression of the transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle. DUX4 is encoded by a retrogene that is embedded within the distal region of the D4Z4 repeat array. In the European population, the D4Z4 repeat array is usually organized in a single array that ranges between 8 and 100 units. D4Z4 chromatin relaxation and DUX4 derepression in FSHD is most often caused by repeat array contraction to 1–10 units (FSHD1) or by a digenic mechanism requiring pathogenic variants in a D4Z4 chromatin repressor like SMCHD1, combined with a repeat array between 8 and 20 units (FSHD2).

With a prevalence of 1.5% in the European population, in cis duplications of the D4Z4 repeat array, where two adjacent D4Z4 arrays are interrupted by a spacer sequence, are relatively common but their relationship to FSHD is not well understood. In cis duplication alleles were shown to be pathogenic in FSHD2 patients; however, there is inconsistent evidence for the necessity of an SMCHD1 mutation for disease development.

To explore the pathogenic nature of these alleles we compared in cis duplication alleles in FSHD patients with or without pathogenic SMCHD1 variant. For both groups we showed duplication-allele-specific DUX4 expression. We studied these alleles in detail using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis-based Southern blotting and molecular combing, emphasizing the challenges in the characterization of these rearrangements. Nanopore sequencing was instrumental to study the composition and methylation of the duplicated D4Z4 repeat arrays and to identify the breakpoints and the spacer sequence between the arrays. By comparing the composition of the D4Z4 repeat array of in cis duplication alleles in both groups, we found that specific combinations of proximal and distal repeat array sizes determine their pathogenicity. Supported by our algorithm to predict pathogenicity, diagnostic laboratories should now be furnished to accurately interpret these in cis D4Z4 repeat array duplications, alleles that can easily be missed in routine settings.
Renewable energy in Benin: current situation and future prospects
Authors: Akpahou Romain , Mensah Lena D , Quansah David A
Published: September 2023

To provide clean energy at a lower cost to their citizens, all nations of the world are striving to increase their energy production in an environmentally friendly way. Benin has also joined this dynamic by considerably increasing its green energy production efforts in recent years. The country has a huge undeveloped renewable-energy (RE) potential that can contribute considerably to its national energy production capacity. This paper summarizes the current RE situation in Benin and examines its future prospects. The current energy situation of the country is discussed, followed by an examination of its electricity demand-and-supply situation. The country has been found to depend heavily on natural gas and petroleum products from neighbouring countries and has ~41% of national electricity access. However, the government is taking considerable steps to implement RE projects in the country. The study analyzes government targets in the energy sector with existing policies and institutional frameworks. Recommendations are made for the benefit of the government, the private sector and other actors in order to developing the RE potential of Benin.
The role of distractors in rapid serial visual presentation reveals the mechanism of attentional blink by EEG-based univariate and multivariate analyses
Authors: Meng Zong , Chen Qi , Zhou Liqin , Xu Liang , Chen Antao
Published: September 2023

Attentional blink pertains to the performance of participants with a severe decline in identifying the second target presented after the first target reported correctly within 200–500 ms in a rapid serial visual presentation. The current study was conducted to investigate the neural mechanism of the effect of the distractor (D1) that immediately follows first target to attentional blink by altering whether D1 was substituted with a blank with electroencephalography recording. The results showed that D1 interfered with the attentional enhancement and working memory encoding in both single-target rapid serial visual presentation task and dual-target rapid serial visual presentation task, which were mainly manifested in delayed and attenuated P3a and diminished P3b of first target. Single-trial analysis indicated that first target and second target will compete with each other for working memory encoding resources in short lag, but not in the long lag. In addition, D1 interfered with the working memory encoding of second target under short lag rather than long lag in the dual-target rapid serial visual presentation task. These results suggested that attentional blink can be attributed to the limited working memory encoding resource, whereas the amount of available resources is subject to modulation by attention. The D1 hinders the attention enhancement of first target, thereby exacerbating attentional blink.
Decision aids to assist patients and professionals in choosing the right treatment for kidney failure
Authors: Bekker Hilary L , Winterbottom Anna E , Gavaruzzi Teresa , Finderup Jeanette , Mooney Andrew
Published: September 2023

Background

Kidney services vary in the way they involve people with kidney failure (PwKF) in treatment decisions as management needs change. We discuss how decision-science applications support proactively PwKF to make informed decisions between treatment options with kidney professionals.

Methods

A conceptual review of findings about decision making and use of decision aids in kidney services, synthesized with reference to: the Making Informed Decisions—Individually and Together (MIND-IT) multiple stakeholder decision makers framework; and the Medical Research Council—Complex Intervention Development and Evaluation research framework.

Results

This schema represents the different types of decision aids that support PwKF and professional reasoning as they manage kidney disease individually and together; adjustments at micro, meso and macro levels supports integration in practice.

Conclusion

Innovating services to meet clinical guidelines on enhancing shared decision making processes means enabling all stakeholders to use decision aids to meet their goals within kidney pathways at individual, service and organizational levels.
CBPDdb: a curated database of compounds derived from Coumarin–Benzothiazole–Pyrazole
Authors: Rampogu Shailima , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Khan Merajuddin , Khan Mujeeb , Oh Tae Hwan , Shaik Baji
Published: September 2023

The present article describes the building of a small-molecule web server, CBPDdb, employing R-shiny. For the generation of the web server, three compounds were chosen, namely coumarin, benzothiazole and pyrazole, and their derivatives were curated from the literature. The two-dimensional (2D) structures were drawn using ChemDraw, and the .sdf file was created employing Discovery Studio Visualizer v2017. These compounds were read on the R-shiny app using ChemmineR, and the dataframe consisting of a total of 1146 compounds was generated and manipulated employing the dplyr package. The web server is provided with JSME 2D sketcher. The descriptors of the compounds are obtained using propOB with a filter. The users can download the filtered data in the .csv and .sdf formats, and the entire dataset of a compound can be downloaded in .sdf format. This web server facilitates the researchers to screen plausible inhibitors for different diseases. Additionally, the method used in building the web server can be adapted for developing other small-molecule databases (web servers) in RStudio.

Database URL: https://srampogu.shinyapps.io/CBPDdb_Revised/
Au Nom de la Patrie: Southern Identities and Patriotic Mobilisation in First World War France
Authors: Purseigle Pierre
Published: September 2023

At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, many French commentators doubted that France had the strength to withstand the trials of war. Yet the national mobilisation for war was an indisputable success that surprised military planners and political leaders alike. Despite inauspicious beginnings and the unprecedented material and human costs of war, France held out, and the Republican nation-state emerged victorious and to a large extent reinforced by the war. However, the subsequent failure to mobilise successfully in 1939–40 begs the question of the nature and transformation of French patriotism in the First World War. Interestingly, in a field characterised by its vibrant, sophisticated and highly contentious debates, French historians appear to have skirted around the problem of patriotic mobilisation. This article reconsiders this question by investigating social mobilisation in the country’s southern periphery, focusing on the town of Béziers. It underlines the need to locate patriotism by considering its valence in the particular social and geographic contexts that determined the war experience at the front or at home. It also suggests the necessity to re-politicise the idea of national sentiment while maintaining the necessary distinction between patriotism and nationalism. Finally, it argues that the analysis of wartime mobilisation in France must be part of a larger reflection on the mobilisation of space and place in the era of the Great War.
A synthesis of US Atlantic salmon habitat requirements and implications for future suitability under a changing climate
Authors: Henderson M E , Mills K E , Alexander M A , Barajas M , Collins M J , Dzaugis M , Kircheis D , Sheehan T F
Published: September 2023

The Gulf of Maine hosts the southernmost remaining population of North American Atlantic salmon. Despite extensive hatchery supplementation since the late 1800s, and more recent riverine habitat restoration efforts and fishing restrictions, US-origin Atlantic salmon populations continue to decline and have remained at low abundance over recent decades. Climate change has been identified as a critical threat to the future of US Atlantic salmon. In this study, we synthesized available information on how habitats used by Atlantic salmon across all their life stages will be affected by climate change as well as the suitability of future conditions for salmon’s persistence in the region. Maintaining sufficient cool water refugia during increasing summer temperatures in riverine habitats is required for sustaining salmon in the future. Changes in groundwater quantity and temperature, which will depend on future precipitation and temperature, will be critical factors for river temperatures, as will land use and land cover. While Atlantic salmon’s freshwater life stages are heavily documented, the marine phase is relatively less studied. Climate models predict basin-scale changes over the next century, but impacts to salmon are difficult to predict. Furthermore, disparate drivers and differential rates of change between freshwater and marine habitats could present an obstacle to the transition between phases in the future. We have a general understanding of migration patterns and prey preferences but lack a clear picture of how salmon respond to habitat and ecosystem-level changes associated with climate change progression. More research to understand freshwater habitat changes and salmon’s marine spatiotemporal distribution responses will enhance capacities to evaluate future risks and predict impacts of climate change to US-origin Atlantic salmon.
Unmet Needs in the Post–Direct-Acting Antiviral Era: Hepatocarcinogenesis After Hepatitis C Virus Eradication
Authors: Przybyszewski Eric M , Chung Raymond T
Published: September 2023

Infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Direct-acting antiviral therapy has transformed care for patients with HCV and reduces the risk of HCC. Despite HCV cure, a residual HCC risk remains in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, with multiple mechanisms underlying subsequent hepatocarcinogenesis. Transcriptomic and proteomic signatures demonstrate the capacity for HCC risk stratification, and chemoprevention strategies are emerging. For now, pending more precise stratification, HCC surveillance of patients with cured HCV and advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis should continue.
Policy and Strategy for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination at the National Level: Experience in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Rong-Nan , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hui-Min Wu Grace , Yang Wen-Wen , Pwu Raoh-Fang , Liu Chia-Ling , Cheng Kuo-Pen , Chen Shih-Chung , Chen Chien-Jen
Published: September 2023

The estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 3.1% in Taiwan. Studies have shown iatrogenic behavior was the major transmission route. It is highest in specific populations including patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), human immunodeficiency virus infection, who inject drug (PWID), and under opioid substitution treatment. Approximately 405,160 patients were seropositive for HCV RNA and in need of treatment.

Taiwan government claims to reach WHO’s 2030 goal of HCV elimination by 2025 and works hard to resolve several barriers of HCV elimination including political commitment, sustainable financing, minimize reimbursement restrictions, instituted monitoring, and perform micro-elimination of specific populations. The last stage of HCV elimination is to accelerate the universal HCV screening program of populations aged 45-79 years and resolve the unawareness issue of HCV infection. Hopefully, we can achieve the targets of HCV elimination set by WHO and reach the goal earlier in 2025.
Strategies for Removal of Barriers to Hepatitis C Elimination in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Umutesi Justine , Yu Ming-Lung , Lesi Olufunmilayo , Ward John W , Serumondo Janvier
Published: September 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health threat, with serious consequences including liver cirrhosis and cancer. Despite efforts to combat HCV, an estimated 1.5 million new infections occur each year and HCV was the sixth leading cause of death in 2017. Nevertheless, political leaders are increasingly interested in the fight against HCV, and the achievements of countries such as Rwanda, Egypt, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, Georgia, and Ukraine have given hope that the elimination plan to reduce new infections to 90% and mortality to 65% by 2030 is possible. It is true that some African countries can attest to the difficulty of operationalizing the HCV program with expensive testing platforms and HCV drugs that few could afford in the past, let alone the logistics involved, given that active case detection is an asset for HCV elimination. The inability to add direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to the national essential drug list and negotiate DAA cost subsidies remains a major challenge in Africa. The lessons learned from implementing and scaling up the human immunodeficiency virus program can provide a strong framework to deliver comprehensive HCV services. We present the strategies used by some African countries to move toward HCV elimination, describe the challenges they have faced, and suggest realistic solutions.