bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of landslide morphology on erosion rate variability across western Himalayan catchments: Role of westerlies and summer monsoon interaction in the landscape characterization
Authors: Kashyap Abhishek , Behera Mukunda Dev
Published: December 2023

The tectonically active western Himalayan landscape evolved as a consequence of the interaction of major fluvial systems with long‐term erosional processes. To understand how landslide‐driven erosion impacts the geomorphic evolution of the terrain, we correlated the denudation rates and estimated exhumation ages with their conditioning factors, such as topographic matrices and precipitation intensity. We studied the occurrences of landslides as a function of the primary erosional drivers over precipitation variabilities, such as western disturbance (WD) and Indian summer monsoon (ISM), across the major river catchments in the western Himalayas. Our observation indicated that the phase of the differential precipitation pattern has a substantial impact on the variations in fluvial erosion rates over geological timescales, triggered by landslides. However, erosion patterns are more explicitly linked to tectonically driven topographic growth across the western Himalayan region. The result suggests that the WD precipitation pattern has a significant impact on landslide‐driven erosion across the Chenab, Beas and Sutlej catchments, which extend from the Tethyan to the higher Himalayas and can frequently contribute to increased denudation rates. The interaction of seismicity, litho‐tectonics (MCT–MBT), steep channel gradient (~ > 250) and high steepness (>252 m0.9) may be frequently contributing to an increase in rates of erosion (~ > 2 mm/y) throughout the catchments influenced by the WD, whereas the Yamuna, Ganga and Kali catchments, which are highly impacted by the ISM precipitation pattern and have comparable lower denudation rates (~ < 1.5–2 mm/y) and exhumation ages, are mostly triggered by elevated precipitation intensity (> ~ 2000 mm/y) associated with higher relief change (~3000–5000 m) over the lesser to southern Himalayan front.
Racial differences in the effect of APOE‐ε4 genotypes on trail making test B in Alzheimer's disease: A longitudinal study
Authors: Xu Chun , Acevedo Priscila , Lu Yongke , Su Brenda Bin , Ozuna Kaysie , Padilla Victoria , Karithara Annu , Mao ChunXiang , Navia R. Osvaldo , Piamjariyakul Ubolrat , Wang Kesheng ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The trail making test part B (TMT‐B) evaluates executive functions, memory, and sensorimotor functions. No previous study was found to examine the longitudinal effect of APOE‐ε4 genotypes on the TMT‐B scores in Alzheimer's disease (AD) across racial groups.

Methods

This study used the data from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI): 382 participants with AD, 503 with cognitive normal (CN), 1293 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at baseline and follow‐up of four years. The multivariable linear mixed model was used to investigate the effect of APOE‐ε4 genotypes on changes in TMT‐B scores.

Results

Compared with Whites, African Americans (AA) and Hispanics had higher TMT‐B scores (poor cognitive function). Furthermore, Whites subjects with 1 or 2 APOE‐ε4 alleles had significantly higher TMT‐B scores compared with individuals without APOE‐ε4 allele at baseline and four follow‐up visits; however, no differences in TMT‐B were found between APOE‐ε4 alleles in the Hispanic and AA groups. No APOE‐ε4 by visit interactions was found for 3 racial groups. Stratified by AD diagnosis, the APOE‐ε4 allele was associated with TMT‐B scores only in the MCI group, while there were significant interactions for visit by education, APOE‐ε4 allele, and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in the MCI group. In addition, TMT‐B was significantly correlated with the MMSE, AD Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale 13 (ADAS13), tTau, pTau, Aβ42, and hippocampus.

Conclusions

APOE‐ɛ4 allele is associated with TMT‐B scores in Whites subjects, but not in the Hispanic and AA groups. APOE‐ε4 showed interaction with visit in the MCI group.
Hippocampal parvalbumin and perineuronal nets: Possible involvement in anxiety‐like behavior in rats
Authors: Fan Zhixin , Gong Xiayu , Xu Hanfang , Qu Yue , Li Bozhi , Li Lanxin , Yan Yuqi , Wu Lili , Yan Can
Published: December 2023

The excitatory‐inhibitory imbalance has been considered an important mechanism underlying stress‐related psychiatric disorders. In the present study, rats were exposed to 6 days of inescapable foot shock (IFS) to induce stress. The open field test and elevated plus maze test showed that IFS‐exposed rats exhibited increased anxiety‐like behavior. Immunofluorescence showed that IFS rats had a decreased density of GAD67‐immunoreactive interneurons in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region, while no significant change in the density of CaMKIIα‐immunoreactive glutamatergic neurons was seen. We investigated the expression of different interneuron subtype markers, including parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SST), and calretinin (CR), and noted a marked decline in the density of PV‐immunoreactive interneurons in the dorsal CA1 region of IFS rats. The perineuronal net (PNN) is a specialized extracellular matrix structure primarily around PV interneurons. We used Wisteria floribunda agglutinin lectin to label the PNNs and observed that IFS rats had an increased proportion of PNN‐coated PV‐positive interneurons in CA1. The number of PSD95‐positive excitatory synaptic puncta on the soma of PNN‐free PV‐positive interneurons was significantly higher than that of PNN‐coated PV‐positive interneurons. Our findings suggest that the effect of IFS on the hippocampal GABAergic interneurons could be cell‐type‐specific. Loss of PV phenotype in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 region may contribute to anxiety in rats. The dysregulated PV‐PNN relationship in CA1 after traumatic stress exposure might represent one of the neurobiological correlates of the observed anxiety‐like behavior.
Heterogeneity and dynamics in network models
Authors: D'Innocenzo Enzo , Lucas André , Opschoor Anne , Zhang Xingmin
Published: December 2023

We propose an empirical spatial modeling framework that allows for both heterogeneity and dynamics in economic network connections. We establish the model's stationarity and ergodicity properties and show that the model's implied filter is invertible. While highly flexible, the model is straightforward to estimate by maximum likelihood. We apply the model to three datasets for Eurozone sovereign credit risk over the period Dec‐2009 to Dec‐2022. Accounting for both heterogeneity and time‐variation turns out to be empirically important both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample. The new model uncovers intuitive patterns that would go unnoticed in either homogeneous and/or static spatial financial network models.
How delocalized are the polyacenes?
Authors: Mrovec Martin , Gill Peter M. W.
Published: December 2023

In an attempt to quantify electron delocalization in polyacenes with up to 50 carbon atoms, we have performed self‐consistent field calculations in which the electrons are constrained to occupy highly localized molecular orbitals (HILOs) centered on a maximum of two, six or ten adjacent carbon atoms. We have also performed similar calculations on simple polyacene analogs consisting only of hydrogen atoms and exhibiting electron delocalization in the framework. We find that the energetic cost of localizing the electrons in the polyacenes is roughly 60, 5 or 0.1 kJ/mol per ring atom for the two‐, six‐ and ten‐atom HILOs, respectively, and the use of these localized models overestimates the predicted hydrogenation energies of the acenes by roughly 50%, 4% and 0.1%, respectively. We conclude that the chemistry of polyacenes can be modeled well using highly localized descriptions of the electrons.
Extraction of enzymes produced by endophytic fungi isolated from mangroves
Authors: Paliga Letícia Raquel , Bonatto Charline , Camargo Aline Frumi , Cadamuro Rafael Dorighello , da Silveira Bastos Isabela Maria Agustini , de Freitas Ana Claudia Oliveira , da Silva Rosa Marilene , Silva Izabella Thaís , Robl Diogo , Stoco Patrícia Hermes , Sandjo Louis Pergaud , Steindel Mário , Fongaro Gislaine , Treichel Helen
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

This work aimed to study different methodologies for extracting enzymes produced by the endophytic fungi isolated from mangrove Neofusicoccum parvum, Penicillium glabra series and Bjerkandera sp. grown on organic rice. The enzymatic activities of amylase, cellulase, laccase, lipase, peroxidase, protease and keratinase were evaluated for future applications in biotechnology and enzymology. The evaluation of the extraction was carried out using the design of experiments methodology, where variations were made in pH (4–8), temperature (20–36 °C) and agitation (150–200 rpm), in times of 1, 6 and 12 h.

RESULTS

Among the enzymes analyzed, promising activities were found for amylase, cellulase, lipase, protease, peroxidase and especially keratinase, presenting activities of up to 7049.47 U g−1 in the fermentation carried out with the fungus Neofusicoccum parvum, 3538.52 U g−1 with the fungus Penicillium glabra series and 5068.20 U g−1 with the fungus Bjerkandera sp. This indicates that the fungi are promising for the production of multienzyme cocktails.

CONCLUSION

It should be emphasized that the microorganisms and extraction conditions evaluated resulted in a series of promising results, that is, in the case of aiming to obtain different enzymes by other extraction conditions, after fermentation of various microorganisms on rice, several options of situations are presented and validated in this work, which allows the choice of the same, depending on the future application potential of these biocatalysts. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Investigation of layered glazes coloured with carbon‐based pigments using micro spatially‐offset Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bouvier Caroline , Elliott Stephen R.
Published: December 2023

Non‐invasive and non‐destructive Raman spectroscopic techniques have been used to detect the stratigraphic variation of tints in semi‐translucent films, comprising stacked layers with varying low concentrations of carbon‐black pigment dispersed in a painting varnish imitating historical artist materials, as in the ‘Sfumato’ technique often associated with Leonardo da Vinci's works of art. Understanding the structures behind this effect could help to conserve such paintings. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy is one of the analytical techniques usually applied to painting materials that has proved suitable for tackling the challenging detection and characterization of carbon‐based pigments in organic‐rich paintings. Model transparent samples have been fabricated following a selected recipe from historical sources and analysed using Raman‐scattering‐based experimental techniques, including micro‐spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (micro‐SORS). Single glaze layers spanning a range of concentrations, and multilayer systems mimicking the resulting stratigraphy of the Sfumato glaze technique, have been studied. Raman‐spectroscopy performance to detect the pigment was assessed on the single layers; the spectral behaviour was characterized according to the concentration of pigment. The micro‐SORS technique was tested on the multilayer systems and appears to be able to distinguish between different stratigraphic samples, varying in concentration of the same carbon‐based pigment, and the order of layers. This proof‐of‐concept observation is promising. It calls for further studies to be undertaken to obtain comprehensive results about an increased number of model painting materials, especially for carbon‐based materials mixed with other pigments.
Tracheal A‐frame deformity and suprastomal collapse after pediatric tracheostomy
Authors: Suresh Rishi , Dabbous Helene , Alahari Swapnika , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F. , Chorney Stephen R.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To determine the incidence of A‐frame deformity and suprastomal collapse after pediatric tracheostomy.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

All patients (<18 years) that had a tracheostomy placed at a tertiary institution between 2015 and 2020 were included. Children without a surveillance bronchoscopy at least 6 months after tracheostomy were excluded. Operative reports identified tracheal A‐frame deformity or suprastomal collapse.

Results

A total of 175 children met inclusion with 18% (N = 32) developing A‐frame deformity within a mean of 35.8 months (SD: 19.4) after tracheostomy. For 18 children (18/32, 56%), A‐frame developed within a mean of 11.3 months (SD: 15.7) after decannulation. There were 96 children developing suprastomal collapse (55%) by a mean of 17.7 months (SD: 14.2) after tracheostomy. All suprastomal collapse was identified prior to decannulation. Older age at tracheostomy was associated with a lower likelihood of collapse (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99, p = .03). The estimated 5‐year incidence of A‐frame deformity after tracheostomy was 32.8% (95% CI: 23.0–45.3) and the 3‐year incidence after decannulation was 36.1% (95% CI: 24.0–51.8). Highly complex children had an earlier time to A‐frame development (p = .04). At 5 years after tracheostomy, the estimated rate of suprastomal collapse was 73.7% (95% CI: 63.8–82.8).

Conclusions

Tracheal A‐frame deformity is estimated to occur in 36% of children within 3 years after tracheostomy decannulation. Suprastomal collapse, which approaches 74% at 5 years after tracheostomy, is more common when tracheostomy is placed at a younger age. Surgeons caring for tracheostomy‐dependent children should recognize acquired airway obstruction and appropriately monitor these outcomes.

Level of evidence

3.
On the structural stability for a model of mixture of porous solids
Authors: de Castro Motta Julia , Zampoli Vittorio , Chiriţă Stan , Ciarletta Michele
Published: December 2023

The present paper is dedicated to the structural stability of the linear model of a mixture of two porous solids. It is shown that the variation of the characteristic coefficients that describe the coupling of the various mechanical effects involved in the model in concern does not destroy its structure. This means that any small variation of these coefficients leads to small variations in the corresponding solutions of the associated initial boundary value problems. For this purpose, more mathematical estimates are presented describing precisely the continuous dependence of the solutions with respect to all external given data of the initial boundary value problem, as well as with respect to appropriate measures of the set of coupling parameters. This allows the conclusion that the model of the mixture of porous materials is consistent. In particular, it is believed that the estimates obtained in terms of structural stability are particularly meaningful with regard to the materials used in building contexts and the related decay phenomena.
On the mean‐square solution to the Legendre differential equation with random input data
Authors: Jornet Marc
Published: December 2023

In this short note, we investigate a linear stochastic differential equation from mathematical physics, driven by parametric uncertainty. Given the Legendre differential equation with random inputs, the goal is to give a proof of a conjecture posed in a recent paper, concerning the power‐series solution in a Lebesgue sense. By using the finiteness of the moment‐generating function of the equation's coefficient, mean‐square convergence is derived.
Specific and rapid guanidinium CEST imaging using double saturation power and QUASS analysis in a rodent model of global ischemia
Authors: Zhou Iris Y. , Ji Yang , Zhao Yu , Viswanathan Malvika , Sun Phillip Zhe , Zu Zhongliang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Guanidinium CEST is sensitive to metabolic changes and pH variation in ischemia, and it can offer advantages over conventional pH‐sensitive amide proton transfer (APT) imaging by providing hyperintense contrast in stroke lesions. However, quantifying guanidinium CEST is challenging due to multiple overlapping components and a close frequency offset from water. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of a new rapid and model‐free CEST quantification method using double saturation power, termed DSP‐CEST, for isolating the guanidinium CEST effect from confounding factors in ischemia. To further reduce acquisition time, the DSP‐CEST was combined with a quasi‐steady state (QUASS) CEST technique to process non‐steady‐state CEST signals.

Methods

The specificity and accuracy of the DSP‐CEST method in quantifying the guanidinium CEST effect were assessed by comparing simulated CEST signals with/without the contribution from confounding factors. The feasibility of this method for quantifying guanidinium CEST was evaluated in a rat model of global ischemia induced by cardiac arrest and compared to a conventional multiple‐pool Lorentzian fit method.

Results

The DSP‐CEST method was successful in removing all confounding components and quantifying the guanidinium CEST signal increase in ischemia. This suggests that the DSP‐CEST has the potential to provide hyperintense contrast in stroke lesions. Additionally, the DSP‐CEST was shown to be a rapid method that does not require the acquisition of the entire or a portion of the CEST Z‐spectrum that is required in conventional model‐based fitting approaches.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of DSP‐CEST as a valuable tool for rapid and specific detection of viable tissues.
Registered nurses' perceptions and experience of working in aged care: A qualitative approach
Authors: Sun Yong‐Jhu , Wang Shou‐Yu , Tsai Yvette , Wei Wenxi , Chang Hui‐Chen
Published: December 2023

Aim

To understand and report on the perceptions and experiences of registered nurses in the aged care sector.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were utilised as the primary data collection method. Fifteen registered nurses were interviewed. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using conventional content analysis. Participants were quoted verbatim to ensure authenticity.

Results

The results indicated a demand for increased administrative and staffing support in the aged care workplace. Poor morale and unethical practices contributed to negative perceptions and attitudes among nurses towards aged care. Managing and communicating with older people was reported as challenging, which impacts nursing staff recruitment and retention. Future work is needed to ensure that outstanding clinical role models and leadership support nursing staff recruitment and retention. Incorporating aged care content into the nursing curriculum and providing professional development opportunities to aged care professionals would be the foundation towards solutions, as the study primarily explored nurses' perspectives.
Kinetic evidence for multiple aggregation pathways in antibody light chain variable domains
Authors: Wong Sherry , West Madeline E. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: December 2023

Aggregation of antibody light chain proteins is associated with the progressive disease light chain amyloidosis. Patient‐derived amyloid fibrils are formed from light chain variable domain residues in non‐native conformations, highlighting a requirement that light chains unfold from their native structures in order to aggregate. However, mechanistic studies of amyloid formation have primarily focused on the self‐assembly of natively unstructured peptides, and the role of native state unfolding is less well understood. Using a well‐studied light chain variable domain protein known as WIL, which readily aggregates in vitro under conditions where the native state predominates, we asked how the protein concentration and addition of pre‐formed fibril “seeds” alter the kinetics of aggregation. Monitoring aggregation with thioflavin T fluorescence revealed a distinctly non‐linear dependence on concentration, with a maximum aggregation rate observed at 8 μM protein. This behavior is consistent with formation of alternate aggregate structures in the early phases of amyloid formation. Addition of N‐ or C‐terminal peptide tags, which did not greatly affect the folding or stability of the protein, altered the concentration dependence of aggregation. Aggregation rates increased in the presence of pre‐formed seeds, but this effect did not eliminate the delay before aggregation and became saturated when the proportion of seeds added was greater than 1 in 1600. The complexity of aggregation observed in vitro highlights how multiple species may contribute to amyloid pathology in patients.
A hydrogen isoscape for tracing the migration of herbivorous lepidopterans across the Afro‐Palearctic range
Authors: Ghouri Sana , Reich Megan S. , Lopez‐Mañas Roger , Talavera Gerard , Bowen Gabriel J. , Vila Roger , Talla Valery N. K. , Collins Steve C. , Martins Dino J. , Bataille Clement P.
Published: December 2023

Rationale

Many insect species undertake multigenerational migrations in the Afro‐tropical and Palearctic ranges, and understanding their migratory connectivity remains challenging due to their small size, short life span and large population sizes. Hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) can be used to reconstruct the movement of dispersing or migrating insects, but applying δ2H for provenance requires a robust isotope baseline map (i.e. isoscape) for the Afro‐Palearctic.

Methods

We analyzed the δ2H in the wings (δ2Hwing) of 142 resident butterflies from 56 sites across the Afro‐Palearctic. The δ2Hwing values were compared to the predicted local growing‐season precipitation δ2H values (δ2HGSP) using a linear regression model to develop an insect wing δ2H isoscape. We used multivariate linear mixed models and high‐resolution and time‐specific remote sensing climate and environmental data to explore the controls of the residual δ2Hwing variability.

Results

A strong linear relationship was found between δ2Hwing and δ2HGSP values (r2 = 0.53). The resulting isoscape showed strong patterns across the Palearctic but limited variation and high uncertainty for the Afro‐tropics. Positive residuals of this relationship were correlated with dry conditions for the month preceding sampling whereas negative residuals were correlated with more wet days for the month preceding sampling. High intra‐site δ2Hwing variance was associated with lower relative humidity for the month preceding sampling and higher elevation.

Conclusion

The δ2Hwing isoscape is applicable for tracing herbivorous lepidopteran insects that migrate across the Afro‐Palearctic range but has limited geolocation potential in the Afro‐tropics. The spatial analysis of uncertainty using high‐resolution climatic data demonstrated that many African regions with highly variable evaporation rates and relative humidity have δ2Hwing values that are less related to δ2HGSP values. Increasing geolocation precision will require new modeling approaches using more time‐specific environmental data and/or independent geolocation tools.
Data‐driven bipartite leader‐following consensus control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems under hybrid attacks
Authors: Duan Shitao , Chen Guangdeng , Ren Hongru , Li Hongyi , Lu Renquan
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a data‐driven bipartite leader‐following consensus strategy for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) under external disturbances and hybrid attacks, which are composed of denial‐of‐service attacks and false data injection attacks. This data‐driven algorithm incorporates no system dynamics and only utilizes the input and output data generated by the controlled plant. First, the nonlinear MAS with external disturbances can be transformed into an equivalent linear data model by applying a revised dynamic linearization method. Second, a hybrid‐attack compensation mechanism is proposed to alleviate the adverse impact of data dropout caused by hybrid attacks. Then, based on the compensation mechanism, an extended state observer is designed that can mitigate the negative influence induced by external disturbances and improve the control performance even though the MAS is threatened by hybrid attacks. The systems under hybrid attacks and external disturbances can still remain stable with the proposed data‐driven strategy. Finally, simulation examples demonstrate the validity of the data‐driven strategy, and the bipartite consensus error can be reduced to a small range.
An Ultrathin Composite Polymer Electrolyte Dual‐Reinforced by a Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM‐1) and Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) Porous Membrane
Authors: Liang Qian , Liu Xuezhi , Tang Junyan , Yan Xiao , He Lei , Chen En , Wu Sihan , Liu Junjie , Tang Mi , Chen Zhiquan , Wang Zhengbang
Published: December 2023

The performances of solid‐state polymer electrolytes are urgently required to be further improved for high energy density lithium metal batteries. Herein, a highly reinforced ultrathin composite polymer electrolyte (PLPP) is successfully fabricated in a large scale by densely filling the well‐dispersed mixture of polyethylene oxide (PEO), Li‐salt (LiTFSI) and a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) into porous poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) matrix. Based on the macro‐plus‐micro synergistic enhancement of the PTFE with excellent mechanical properties and the soluble PIM‐1 with suitable functional groups, the PLPP electrolyte exhibits excellent properties including mechanical stress, thermal stability, lithium‐ion transference number, voltage window and ionic conductivity, which are all superior to the typical PEO/LiTFSI electrolytes. As a result, the Li/PLPP/Li symmetric cell can stably cycle for > 2000 h, and the LiFePO4/PLPP/Li full cell exhibits excellent rate performance (>10 C) and high cycling stability with an initial capacity of 158.8 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of 78.8% after 300 cycles. In addition, the excellent mechanical properties as well as the wide voltage window reasonably result in the stable operation of full cells with either high‐loading cathode up to 28.1 mg cm−2 or high voltage cathode with high energy density.
Rational Design of the Alkali Metal Sn‐Based Mixed Halides with Large Birefringence and Wide Transparent Range
Authors: Wang Junbo , Zhu Mengmeng , Chu Yaoqing , Tian Jindan , Liu Lili , Zhang Bingbing , Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: December 2023

Birefringent materials are widely used in various advanced optical systems, owing to their vital role in creating and controlling polarized light. Currently, Sn2+‐based compounds containing stereochemically active lone‐pair (SCALP) cations are extensively investigated and considered as one class of promising birefringent materials. To solve the problem of relatively narrow bandgap of Sn2+‐based compounds, alkali metals and multiple halogens are introduced to widen the bandgap during the research. Based on this strategy, four new Sn2+‐based halides, A2Sn2F5Cl and ASnFCl2 (A = Rb and Cs), with large birefringence, short ultraviolet (UV) cutoff edge, and wide transparent range are successfully found. The birefringences of A2Sn2F5Cl (A = Rb and Cs) are 0.31 and 0.28 at 532 nm, respectively, which are among the largest in Sn‐based halide family. Remarkably, A2Sn2F5Cl possess relatively shorter UV cutoff edge (<300 nm) and broad infrared (IR) transparent range (up to 16.6 µm), so they can become promising candidates as birefringent materials applied in both UV and IR regions. In addition, a comprehensive analysis on crystal structures and structure–property relationship of metal Sn2+‐based halides is performed to fully understand this family. Therefore, this work provides insights into designing birefringent materials with balanced optical properties.
2D BA2PbI4 Regulating PbI2 Crystallization to Induce Perovskite Growth for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Shao Cong , He Jiandong , Niu Guosheng , Dong Yuan , Yang Kaiyi , Cao Xiaofei , Wang Jizheng , Yang Haixia
Published: December 2023

Using seeds to control the crystallization of perovskite film is an effective strategy for achieving high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Owing to their excellent environmental stability brought by their long alkyl chain, n‐butylammonium (BA) cations are widely used for fabricating efficient and stable PSCs. However, BA‐based 2D perovskite is seldom been investigated as a seed. Here, BA2PbI4 is employed to regulate the crystallization of PbI2, acting as nucleation centers. As a result, porous PbI2 film with high crystallinity is obtained, which allows the realization of perovskite film with preferential crystal orientations of (001) and large grain size of over 2 µm. The corresponding PSC achieves a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.30% and exhibits satisfactory stability, retaining 91.70% of the initial PCE after 300 h of thermal aging at 85°C.
Strongly‐Interacted NiSe2/NiFe2O4 Architectures Built Through Selective Atomic Migration as Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Shao Zhiyu , Zhu Qian , Wang Xiyang , Wang Jian , Wu Xiaofeng , Yao Xiangdong , Wu Yimin A. , Huang Keke , Feng Shouhua
Published: December 2023

The interactions between the catalyst and support are widely used in many important catalytic reactions but the construction of strong interaction with definite microenvironments to understand the structure‐activity relationship is still challenging. Here, strongly‐interacted composites are prepared via selective exsolution of active NiSe2 from the host matrix of NiFe2O4 (S‐NiSe2/NiFe2O4) taking advantage of the differences of migration energy, in which the NiSe2 possessed both high dispersion and small size. The characteristics of spatially resolved scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) coupled with analytical Mössbauer spectra for the surface and bulk electronic structures unveiled that this strongly interacted composite triggered more charge transfers from the NiSe2 to the host of NiFe2O4 while stabilizing the inherent atomic coordination of NiFe2O4. The obtained S‐NiSe2/NiFe2O4 exhibits overpotentials of 290 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This strategy is general and can be extended to other supported catalysts, providing a powerful tool for modulating the catalytic performance of strongly‐interacted composites.
Characterization of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Through Anisotropic Exciton Behaviors
Authors: Chen Shu‐Hsien , Chang Sih‐Wei , Chen Hsuen‐Li
Published: December 2023

This study reports the first attempt to characterize the quality, defects, and strain of as‐grown monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC)‐based 2D materials through exciton anisotropy. A standard ellipsometric parameter (Ψ) to observe anisotropic exciton behavior in monolayer 2D materials is used. According to the strong exciton effect from phonon–electron coupling processes, the change in the exciton in the Van Hove singularity is sensitive to lattice distortions such as defects and strain. In comparison with Raman spectroscopy, the variations in exciton anisotropy in Ψ are more sensitive for detecting slight changes in the quality and strain of monolayer TMDC films. Moreover, the optical power requirement for TMDC characterization through exciton anisotropy in Ψ is ≈10−5 mW cm−2, which is significantly less than that of Raman spectroscopy (≈106 mW cm−2). The standard deviation of the signals varies with strain (defects) in Raman spectra and exciton anisotropies in Ψ are 0.700 (0.795) and 0.033 (0.073), indicating that exciton anisotropy is more sensitive to slight changes in the quality of monolayer TMDC films.
Simply Prepared, Wood‐Based Solar Evaporators for Highly Effective Oily Wastewater Purification
Authors: Zhang Xichun , Teng Chao , Dong Yucheng , Gao Xintao , Zhou Guoxu , Wang Rongfang , Wang Hui , Wang Xuyun , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: December 2023

Oily wastewater has been causing serious water environment pollution and greatly affecting the safety of drinking water. Compared with superwettable oil‐water separation membrane technology, solar‐driven evaporators based on specific wettability can effectively remove not only oil but also ions, dyes, and other substances from wastewater. We report a longitudinally cut, porous, and wood‐based evaporator that exhibits superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic properties. By collaborating hydrophilic and oleophobic wettability, high porosity and the structural anisotropy of wood, the solar evaporators effectively remove different oils from oily emulsions. Separation efficiency of surfactant‐containing crude oil‐in‐water, peanut oil‐in‐water, silicone oil‐in‐water, diesel oil‐in‐water, and n‐dodecane‐in‐water emulsions can reach up to 99.57%, 99.1%, 99.86%, 99.75%, and 99.28%, respectively. The rate of evaporation increased by 1.83 times to 1.63 kg m−2 h−1 compared with the radially‐cut wood‐based evaporator. Meanwhile, it is also capable of purifying heavy metal ions, dyes, and acid‐base solution. This easily prepared and accessible solar evaporator provides a viable idea for obtaining pure water from oily wastewater treatment.
The Effect of Alloying Elements on Formation and Evolution Mechanism of Manganese‐Containing Inclusions in Medium/High‐Manganese Steels
Authors: Liu Wenping , Chu Jianhua , Liu Xiang , Lin Lu , Chang Lizhong
Published: December 2023

The present work assesses the effect of alloying element of Mn, Al, C, and Si on formation and evolution behaviour of manganese‐containing inclusions in medium/high‐manganese steel. The results indicate that the manganese‐containing inclusions after Al addition were gradually transformed from MnO‐MnS into MnS, MnS‐Al2O3 and MnS‐Al2O3‐AlN‐TiN with large size of about 10 μm. Besides, as the Mn content increases, the main manganese‐containing inclusions are polyhedral MnS‐Al2O3 and MnS‐AlN with sharp edge, and the proportion of AlN and TiN in complex inclusions increases. Additionally, the increase of Mn content significantly reduces liquid phase temperature and extension of the solid‐liquid two phase zone, promoting the divorced eutectic transformation of type II to type III of MnS, lead to the polyhedral MnS preferentially precipitation at early stage of solidification process. Furthermore, it also observed that the main manganese‐containing inclusions were irregular MnS and MnS‐AlN with edge and larger sizes of 10–50μm in the case of manganese steel grades with high C or Si content, which is attributed to divorced eutectic transformation and increase of activity of S and Mn. Moreover, the C element possesses most obvious promoting effect on the precipitation of MnS, followed by Si and Mn elements.
Penguins found to take thousands of naps a day
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: December 2023

Georgina Mills discusses research into chinstrap penguins that discovers they use a series of microsleeps through the day.
Finding a true passion ignited a stellar career in orthopaedics
Authors: Moores Andy
Published: December 2023

From a self‐professed ‘mediocre academic performance’ at veterinary school, Andy Moores' career journey proved to be anything but and he has recently opened his own specialist referral practice.
Molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in cheese samples: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yanmaz Berna , Ozgen Ediz Kagan
Published: December 2023

Background

Cheese is a popular dairy product consumed worldwide, and it has been implicated as a source of Coxiella burnetii infections.

Objectives

The present study aimed to describe the molecular prevalence and source analysis of C. burnetii in cheese samples.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using the Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies reporting the molecular prevalence of C. burnetii in cheese samples. The pooled prevalence of C. burnetii in cheese samples was estimated using a random‐effects model.

Results

A meta‐analysis was conducted using the mean and standard deviation values obtained from 13 original studies. The overall molecular prevalence of C. burnetii in cheese was estimated to be 25.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.1%–39.7%). The I2 value of 96.3% (CI95% 94.9–97.3) suggested high heterogeneity, with a τ2 of 0.642 (CI95% −0.141 to 0.881), and an χ2 statistic of 323.77 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, our meta‐analysis provides a thorough assessment of the molecular prevalence and source analysis of C. burnetii in cheese samples.
Comparative study of MHD boundary layer flow of hybrid nanofluid in a channel
Authors: Amin Ammara , Munir Shahzad , Farooq Umer
Published: December 2023

The interest of this study is to comprehensively explore the boundary layer flow of hybrid nanofluid within two infinite horizontal plates under the impact of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), viscous and magnetic dissipation. The fluid is colloidal mixture of water and a very dilute suspension of Copper Oxide and Silver The flow is generated as a result of uniformly stretching of lower plate in direction. Nonlinear governing equations are modified into ordinary differential equations by nondimensional transformation. MATLAB based bvp4c and Mathematica based NDSolve are employed to compute the solutions of the reduced equations. A numerical and graphical comparison is done between bvp4c and NDSolve to verify the findings. The influence of significant parameters like magnetic field, Reynolds number, Prandtl number, Eckert number and heat absorption/generation are computed graphically. Additionally, numerical information about the heat mass flux is also tabulated to achieve complete picture of heat related data and evaluate its impact on flow dynamics. The outcomes of the present analysis can be used in various engineering processes where nanoparticles enhance thermal conductivity and conservation of energy.
Formality of differential graded algebras and complex Lagrangian submanifolds
Authors: Mladenov Borislav
Published: December 2023

Let "Equation missing" be a compact Kähler Lagrangian in a holomorphic symplectic variety $$\textrm{X}/\textbf{C}$$

X
/
C

. We use deformation quantisation to show that the endomorphism differential graded algebra $$\textrm{RHom}\big (i_*\textrm{K}_\textrm{L}^{1/2},i_*\textrm{K}_\textrm{L}^{1/2}\big )$$

RHom

(

i

∗

K
L

1
/
2

,

i

∗

K
L

1
/
2

)

is formal. We prove a generalisation to pairs of Lagrangians, along with auxiliary results on the behaviour of formality in families of $${\text {A}}_{\infty }$$

A
∞

-modules.
Postexpositionsprophylaxe nach Biss einer Breitflügelfledermaus mit Nachweis des Europäischen Fledermaus-Lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1)
Authors: Fasse Jannik , Trawinski Henning , Hardt Michael , Lübbert Christoph
Published: December 2023

Deutschland gilt infolge intensiver Impf- und Überwachungsbemühen seit 2008 als frei von terrestrischer Tollwut. Reservoire der Lyssaviren EBLV‑1 und EBLV‑2 persistieren jedoch weiter in Fledermauskolonien und stellen somit ein potenzielles Infektionsrisiko dar. Wir berichten von einer Patientin, die einen Fledermausbiss im städtischen Umfeld erlitt. Bei der euthanasierten Fledermaus konnte das Europäische Fledermaus-Lyssavirus 1 (EBLV-1) nachgewiesen werden. Wir führten eine aktive und passive Postexpositionsprophylaxe (PEP) durch. Dieses Fallbeispiel illustriert die anhaltende Tollwutinfektionsgefahr durch enge Fledermauskontakte in Deutschland und soll erstbehandelnde Ärzte dafür sensibilisieren, entsprechende Expositionsereignisse ernst zu nehmen und eine regelrechte PEP einschließlich Applikation von Tollwutimmunglobulin durchzuführen.
Effects of preheating on laser beam–welded NSSC 2120 lean duplex steel
Authors: Landowski Michał , Simon Soma Csaba , Breznay Csaba , Fydrych Dariusz , Varbai Balázs
Published: December 2023

Duplex stainless steels show sustainable alternative for the conventional austenitic grades, with higher strength, higher resistance against stress corrosion cracking, and lower purchase cost. Thus, duplex stainless steel gains more attention in construction, oil and gas, and chemical industries. Among duplex stainless steels, low nickel and low molybdenum alloyed lean duplex stainless steel are a cost-effective substitution of austenitic grades. However, keeping the balanced ferrite/austenite phase ratio in the weld metal can be challenging, mostly for autogenous and low heat input welding processes. In our research, a newly developed NSSC 2120 lean duplex stainless steel grade was welded autogenously by fiber laser welding process. Different welding parameters and preheating temperatures were used during the experiments. The welds were evaluated by microscopic and metallographic techniques, and also by electrochemical corrosion measurements. The welding parameters and the preheating temperature greatly influenced the weld shape and the austenite content in the weld metal. It was found that the focus point distance from the sheet surface had significant effect on the weld geometry. Changing the focus point distance to + 2 mm, the penetration depth increased from 4.96 to 5.53 mm, and increased the austenite content by 2.6%. Due to the preheating the welds became wider and shallower, e.g., from 4.96 to 4.08 mm penetration depth, while the cross-section are increased from 5.10 to 6.12 mm2 at the same sample. The preheating resulted in more intergranular austenite formation, which meant maximum 4% increase in the weld metal. The increasing austenite content resulted in increasing pitting corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl electrolyte, the highest increase was 90 mV.
Effect of hard and soft re-coater blade on porosity and processability of thin walls and overhangs in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Reijonen Joni , Revuelta Alejandro , Metsä-Kortelainen Sini , Salminen Antti
Published: December 2023

Spreading powder into thin layers is a fundamental step in the laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) additive manufacturing process. This step is called re-coating and it is typically performed using either a hard, soft or brush-type re-coater blade or a rotating roller, depending on the machine brand and model. With such variety in powder spreading approaches, the question arises whether the used re-coater type has a significant effect on the quality of parts produced? In this study, an industrial contact image sensor integrated to the re-coater of a PBF-LB system was used for powder bed quality monitoring. Powder bed images at 21 µm/pixel resolution, 184 mm scanning width and 95 mm/s re-coating speed were acquired. With this, the effect of using either soft (rubber) or hard (steel) re-coater blade on the processability of challenging features such as thin walls and steep overhangs was studied. In addition, porosity and dimensional accuracy of parts produced using either the soft or hard blade was analyzed with X-ray computed tomography. It is shown that when building bulk material without any complex features, both the hard and soft re-coating blade results in extremely low porosity ≤ 0.001% without any issues in the processability. However, when thin walls and overhangs are produced, differences in processability, porosity and dimensional accuracy are observed as a function of re-coater blade and part orientation. This is an important factor in understanding all the significant sources contributing to the variability on quality of parts produced using different PBF-LB machines.
Efficacy and safety of use of ultrasound enhancing agent in patients hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Bioh Gabriel , Botrous Christina , Senior Roxy
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The efficacy and safety of ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) was unknown in the COVID-19 hospitalized patients. We set out to establish the utility of UEA and its safety profile.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of prospectively assessed hospitalized patients referred for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for suspected cardiac pathology due to COVID-19. The indications and subsequent ability to answer the indications for all TTE were reviewed, as well as impact on diagnosis and management. UEA safety was considered through 48 h mortality.

Results

From a total of 364 patients (mean age 64.8yrs, 64% males) hospitalized with COVID-19 with TTE requested, an indication could be identified in 363, and 61 required administration of UEA. Standard TTE was able to answer the original indication in 275 (75.8%) patients. This was increased to 322 (88.7%) patients, a relative increase of 17.1%, with the use of UEA (p < 0.001). There was subsequent change in diagnosis in 22 out of 61 (36%) patients receiving UEA and change in management in 13 out of 61 (21.3%). There was no significant increase in 48 h (p = 0.14) mortality with UEA use. The patient population of TTE with UEA versus TTE without UEA differed in having a higher incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, right ventricular dilatation, and self-defined white ethnicity.

Conclusion

The use of UEA in COVID-19 hospitalized patients, including those who were critically ill, provided incremental information when compared to TTE without UEA resulting in both changes in diagnosis and management plan and appears to be safe.
The Dutch disease revisited: consistency of theory and evidence
Authors: Reisinezhad Arsham
Published: December 2023

The Dutch disease literature reveals several gaps between empirical evidence and theoretical predictions. To bridge such gaps, I develop a model that accounts for uneven spillovers of technological progress from the resource sector to other domestic sectors. I then employ a dynamic panel approach to align the theory with the data. I find that the real exchange rate appreciation resulting from a resource boom (i.e., the spending channel) is more pronounced in resource-poor countries than in resource-rich countries. Additionally, the resource movement channel exhibits differences between resource-rich and resource-poor countries. In resource-rich countries, a resource boom reduces the growth rate in the manufacturing sector more than in the service sector, leading to a decrease in relative sectoral output and a slowdown in economic growth. On the other hand, in resource-poor countries, a resource boom accelerates the growth of the manufacturing sector and decelerates the growth of the service sector, resulting in an increase in relative sectoral output and economic growth.
On a field tensor for gravity and electromagnetism
Authors: Normann M.
Published: December 2023

We show that a three rank Lanczos type tensor field is an appropriate choice to describe relativistic electromagnetic and gravitational effects. More precisely, we identify the irreducible field-decompositions of this tensor as gravitational and electromagnetic fields. A set of divergence equations are proposed as field equations for the unified field.
Temperature-Dependent Reflectance of Copper with Different Surface Conditions Measured at 1064 nm
Authors: Mattern Manuel , Kukreja Lalit Mohan , Ostendorf Andreas
Published: December 2023

In order to fully understand and to eventually overcome the instabilities in laser welding of copper using 1064 nm wavelength lasers, it is important to get a deeper understanding about the interaction of the incident beam with the copper surface during the process. One of the main parameters determining this behavior is the temperature-dependent absorptance. However, the existing datasets only show little consistency between the different sources, do often not include the important absorptance step at melt temperature, or they are only calculated. This article thus presents an experimental approach to measure the reflectance of electro tough-pitch copper (Cu-ETP) from room temperature until beyond the melting point with an integrating sphere setup. The setup was developed with particular attention to measurement accuracy up to high temperatures. The reflectance using a 1064 nm laser under an incident angle of 12° has been measured for four different sample groups, which are untreated rolled copper, mechanically polished copper, oxide reduced copper and resolidified copper. The measurement results reveal significant differences in the temperature-dependent reflectance between the sample types and, for some types, also between the samples of the same type. This study investigates the origins of the most significant features in the reflectance curves and their potential impact on processing copper using NIR lasers.