bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifouling graphene oxide membranes for oil-water separation via hydrophobic chain engineering
Authors: Yang Chao , Long Mengying , Ding Cuiting , Zhang Runnan , Zhang Shiyu , Yuan Jinqiu , Zhi Keda , Yin Zhuoyu , Zheng Yu , Liu Yawei , Wu Hong , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: November 2022

Engineering surface chemistry to precisely control interfacial interactions is crucial for fabricating superior antifouling coatings and separation membranes. Here, we present a hydrophobic chain engineering strategy to regulate membrane surface at a molecular scale. Hydrophilic phytic acid and hydrophobic perfluorocarboxylic acids are sequentially assembled on a graphene oxide membrane to form an amphiphilic surface. The surface energy is reduced by the introduction of the perfluoroalkyl chains while the surface hydration can be tuned by changing the hydrophobic chain length, thus synergistically optimizing both fouling-resistance and fouling-release properties. It is found that the surface hydration capacity changes nonlinearly as the perfluoroalkyl chain length increases from C4 to C10, reaching the highest at C6 as a result of the more uniform water orientation as demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations. The as-prepared membrane exhibits superior antifouling efficacy (flux decline ratio <10%, flux recovery ratio ~100%) even at high permeance (~620 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) for oil-water separation.
CSF tau microtubule-binding region identifies pathological changes in primary tauopathies
Authors: Horie Kanta , Barthélemy Nicolas R. , Spina Salvatore , VandeVrede Lawren , He Yingxin , Paterson Ross W. , Wright Brenton A. , Day Gregory S. , Davis Albert A. , Karch Celeste M. , Seeley William W. , Perrin Richard J. , Koppisetti Rama K. , Shaikh Faris , Lago Argentina Lario , Heuer Hilary W. , Ghoshal Nupur , Gabelle Audrey , Miller Bruce L. , Boxer Adam L. , Bateman Randall J. , Sato Chihiro
Published: November 2022

Despite recent advances in fluid biomarker research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), there are no fluid biomarkers or imaging tracers with utility for diagnosis and/or theragnosis available for other tauopathies. Using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we show that 4 repeat (4R) isoform-specific tau species from microtubule-binding region (MTBR-tau275and MTBR-tau282) increase in the brains of corticobasal degeneration (CBD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-MAPTand AD but decrease inversely in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of CBD, FTLD-MAPTand AD compared to control and other FTLD-tau (for example, Pick’s disease). CSF MTBR-tau measures are reproducible in repeated lumbar punctures and can be used to distinguish CBD from control (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) = 0.889) and other FTLD-tau, such as PSP (AUC = 0.886). CSF MTBR-tau275and MTBR-tau282may represent the first affirmative biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of primary tauopathies and facilitate clinical trial designs.
Endocannabinoid levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of multiple sclerosis patients treated with dimethyl fumarate
Authors: Sánchez-Sanz Alicia , Posada-Ayala María , Sabín-Muñoz Julia , Fernández-Miranda Ismael , Aladro-Benito Yolanda , Álvarez-Lafuente Roberto , Royuela Ana , García-Hernández Ruth , la Fuente Ofir Rodríguez-De , Romero Julián , García-Merino Antonio , Sánchez-López Antonio José
Published: November 2022

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signalling network with immunomodulatory properties, is a potential therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an approved drug for MS whose mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated; the possibility exists that its therapeutic effects could imply the ECS. With the aim of studying if DMF can modulate the ECS, the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 21 healthy donors (HD) and 32 MS patients at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of DMF treatment. MS patients presented lower levels of 2-AG and PEA compared to HD. 2-AG increased at 24 months, reaching HD levels. AEA and PEA remained stable at 12 and 24 months. OEA increased at 12 months and returned to initial levels at 24 months. Patients who achieved no evidence of disease activity (NEDA3) presented the same modulation over time as EDA3 patients. PEA was modulated differentially between females and males. Our results show that the ECS is dysregulated in MS patients. The increase in 2-AG and OEA during DMF treatment suggests a possible role of DMF in ECS modulation.
Vibration analysis of a high-pressure multistage centrifugal pump
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Jingting , Yang Xinzhen , Li Hongmin , Chen Songying , Lv Wei , Xu Wenchao , Zheng Jianping , Wang Dianyuan
Published: November 2022

High-pressure multistage centrifugal pumps have been widely used in modern industry and required low vibration and noise. In this study, modal analysis of the rotor system of a seven-stage centrifugal pump was carried out numerically by introducing fluid force to ensure that the centrifugal pump would not resonate. A vibration test bench was established to investigate the characteristics with flow rates of 0.8Qd, 1.0Qd, and 1.2Qd, and the vibration data of ten measuring points were collected. The period of the vibration at the bearing was found to be around 20 ms and the period was related to the shaft frequency (SF) and the blade passing frequency (BPF). The vibration of the pump casing was mainly determined by the SF, two times the SF, and two times the BPF. Mechanical motion is the main factor causing pump vibration, and fluid unstable motion is also an important cause.
In-hive learning of specific mimic odours as a tool to enhance honey bee foraging and pollination activities in pear and apple crops
Authors: Farina Walter M. , Arenas Andrés , Díaz Paula C. , Susic Martin Cinthia , Corriale María J.
Published: November 2022

The areas devoted to agriculture that depend on pollinators have been sharply increased in the last decades with a concomitant growing global demand for pollination services. This forces to consider new strategies in pollinators’ management to improve their efficiency. To promote a precision pollination towards a specific crop, we developed two simple synthetic odorant mixtures that honey bees generalized with their respective natural floral scents of the crop. We chose two commercial crops for fruit production that often coexist in agricultural settings, the apple (Malus domesticus) and the pear trees (Pyrus communis). Feeding colonies with sucrose solution scented with the apple mimic (AM) or the pear mimic (PM) odour enabled the establishment of olfactory memories that can bias bees towards the flowers of these trees. Encompassing different experimental approaches, our results support the offering of scented food to improve foraging and pollination activities of honey bees. The circulation of AM-scented sucrose solution inside the hive promoted higher colony activity, probably associated with greater activity of nectar foragers. The offering of PM-scented sucrose solution did not increase colony activity but led to greater pollen collection, which is consistent with pear flowers offering mainly pollen as resources for the bees. Results obtained from apple and pear crops suggest that the offering of AM- and PM-scented sucrose solution increased fruit yields. This preliminary study highlights the role of in-hive olfactory learning to bias foraging preferences within pome fruit crops.
Preparation of high-quality YAG:Ce3+ ceramic phosphor by high-frequency induction heated press sintering methods
Authors: Kwon Seok Bin , Yoo Jung Hyeon , Choi Seung Hee , Na MinYoung , Kim Bo Young , Lee Seon Young , Jeong Ho-Jung , Kim Wan Ho , Park Seoung Hyok , Yoon Ho Shin , Kang Bong Kyun , Song Young Hyun , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the characteristics of a ceramic phosphor (CP) for the converter of a high-power laser diode-based automobile headlamp synthesized by high-frequency induction heated press (HFP) sintering. The CP prepared by an HFP method exhibits remarkable optical properties that are comparable to spark plasma sintering. The effects of post-treatment process for controlling residual pores, as well as sintering temperature, sintering pressure and heating rate for optimization of the HFP sintering method, were studied. The HFP sintering process can be widely used in ceramics and lighting fields because it is designed relatively low cost compared to other techniques and exhibits excellent productivity.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (Cb2r) mediates cannabinol (CBN) induced developmental defects in zebrafish
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Ahmed Kazi Tanveer , Ali Declan William
Published: November 2022

Of the three primary cannabinoids in cannabis: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN), very little is known about the actions of CBN, the primary oxidative metabolite of THC. Our goal was to determine if CBN exposure during gastrulation alters embryonic development, and if so, does it act via the canonical cannabinoid receptors. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to CBN during gastrulation and exhibited dose-dependent malformations, increased mortality, decreased locomotion and a reduction in motor neuron branching. Moreover, larva showed a significant reduction in the response to sound stimuli. CBN exposure altered the development of hair cells associated with otic vesicles and the lateral line. Pharmacological block of Cb2rs with AM 630 or JTE 907 prevented many of the CBN-induced developmental defects, while block of Cb1rs with AM 251 or CP 945598 had little or no effect. Altogether we show that embryonic exposure to CBN results in alterations in embryonic growth, neuronal and hair cell development, physiology and behavior via Cb2r-mediated mechanisms.
Improving urban flood resilience via GDELT GKG analyses in China's Sponge Cities
Authors: Lu Xiaohui , Chan Faith Ka Shun , Li Nan , Chen Chuke , Chen Wei-Qiang , Chan Hing Kai
Published: November 2022

Urban floods are the most severe disaster in most Chinese cities due to rapid urbanisation and climate challenges. Recently, media data analytics has become prominent in enhancing urban flood resilience. In this study, news media data from the GKG of the GDELT project was innovatively used to examine the pattern of news media responses towards urban flooding in China's Sponge City Programme (SCP) pilot cities. We find that public sentiments toward urban flood events have been more positive in SCP pilot cities from 2015 to 2021. News media responses towards urban floods exhibit strong seasonality, which is significantly connected with rainfall patterns. Most of the media articles were posted during the urban flood event. Finally, we suggest the opportunities and challenges in applying GKG data analytics and new technologies for urban flood resilience. The results can provide beneficial references to urban flood management strategies in China's Sponge Cities for associated policymakers and stakeholders.
Chronic prenatal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure adversely impacts placental function and development in a rhesus macaque model
Authors: Roberts Victoria H. J. , Schabel Matthias C. , Boniface Emily R. , D’Mello Rahul J. , Morgan Terry K. , Terrobias Juanito Jose D. , Graham Jason A. , Borgelt Laura M. , Grant Kathleen A. , Sullivan Elinor L. , Lo Jamie O.
Published: November 2022

Cannabis use in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, which are likely mediated by the placenta. However, the underlying mechanisms and specific vasoactive effects of cannabis on the placenta are unknown. Our objective was to determine the impact of chronic prenatal delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, main psychoactive component of cannabis) exposure on placental function and development in a rhesus macaque model using advanced imaging. Animals were divided into two groups, control (CON, n = 5) and THC-exposed (THC, n = 5). THC-exposed animals received a THC edible daily pre-conception and throughout pregnancy. Animals underwent serial ultrasound and MRI at gestational days 85 (G85), G110, G135 and G155 (full term is ~ G168). Animals underwent cesarean delivery and placental collection at G155 for histologic and RNA-Seq analysis. THC-exposed pregnancies had significantly decreased amniotic fluid volume (p < 0.001), placental perfusion (p < 0.05), and fetal oxygen availability (p < 0.05), all indicators of placental insufficiency. Placental histological analysis demonstrated evidence of ischemic injury with microinfarctions present in THC-exposed animals only. Bulk RNA-seq demonstrated that THC alters the placental transcriptome and pathway analysis suggests dysregulated vasculature development and angiogenesis pathways. The longer-term consequences of these adverse placental findings are unknown, but they suggest that use of THC during pregnancy may deleteriously impact offspring development.
Performances of four Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Belete Woldesemayat , Zealiyas Kidist , Gutema Gadissa , Gebremicael Gebremedhin , Adane Sisay , Tadele Sisay , Tayachew Adamu , Araya Shambel , Desta Kassu
Published: November 2022

Since Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was reported, many commercial Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) have been developed all over the world, and it has been the standard method. Even though several assays were rapidly developed and applied to laboratory diagnostic testing, the performance of these assays was not evaluated in different contexts. Thus, this study aimed to assess the performance of Abbott SARS-CoV-2, Daan Gene, BGI and Sansure Biotech assays by using Composite Reference Standard (CRS). The study was conducted at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from December 1 to 30/2020. Of the 164 nasopharyngeal samples were extracted by using a QIAamp RNA mini kit and Abbott DNA sample preparation system. Out of 164 samples, 59.1% were positive and 40.9% were negative by CRS. Sansure Biotech positivity was significantly low compared to CRS (p < 0.05). The overall agreement of the four assays compared to CRS was 96.3–100%. The performance of the four assays had almost comparable diagnostic performance, except for a low positive rate of Sansure Biotech assay. Hence, Sansure Biotech assay [Research Use Only (RUO)] needs further verification on its use in Ethiopia. Finally an additional study should be considered for evaluating assays with respective manufacturer claims.
Green synthesis and characterization of UKMRC-8 rice husk-derived mesoporous silica nanoparticle for agricultural application
Authors: Dorairaj Deivaseeno , Govender Nisha , Zakaria Sarani , Wickneswari Ratnam
Published: November 2022

Agriculture plays a crucial role in safeguarding food security, more so as the world population increases gradually. A productive agricultural system is supported by seed, soil, fertiliser and good management practices. Food productivity directly correlates to the generation of solid wastes and utilization of agrochemicals, both of which negatively impact the environment. The rice and paddy industry significantly adds to the growing menace of waste management. In low and middle-income countries, rice husk (RH) is an underutilized agro-waste discarded in landfills or burned in-situ. RH holds enormous potential in the development of value-added nanomaterials for agricultural applications. In this study, a simple and inexpensive sol–gel method is described to extract mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) from UKMRC8 RH using the bottom-up approach. RHs treated with hydrochloric acid were calcinated to obtain rice husk ash (RHA) with high silica purity (> 98% wt), as determined by the X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). Calcination at 650 °C for four hours in a box furnace yielded RHA that was devoid of metal impurities and organic matter. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed a broad peak at 2θ≈20–22 °C and was free from any other sharp peaks, indicating the amorphous property of the RHA. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed clusters of spherically shaped uniform aggregates of silica nanoparticles (NPs) while transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated an average particle size of < 20 nm. Besides Energy Dispersive X-Ray which validated the chemical constituent of the silica NPs, the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra showed peaks at 796.4 cm−1and 1052 cm−1corresponding to O–Si–O symmetric stretching vibration and O–Si–O asymmetric stretching, respectively. The Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) analysis indicated an average pore size = 8.5 nm while the specific surface area and the pore volume were 300.2015 m2/g and 0.659078 cm3/g, respectively. In conclusion, agrowaste-derived MSN was synthesized using a simple and economical sol–gel method without the addition of surfactant reagents for controlled formation at the structural level. Owing to the MSNs’ excellent physical properties, the method established herein, could be used singly (without any modifications) for the functionalization of a myriad of agrochemicals.
Safety and efficacy of two ilioiliac tension band plates osteosynthesis of fragility fractures of the pelvis
Authors: Kułakowski Michał , Reichert Paweł , Elster Karol , Ślęczka Paweł , Oleksy Łukasz , Królikowska Aleksandra
Published: November 2022

The study retrospectively determined the efficacy and safety of fixation of the pelvis (FFP) fragility fractures type IV using two tension band ilioiliac locking compression plates. Forty-one patients with FFP were treated in 2017–2020. 16 patients with FFP type IV, unable to walk weight-bearing, were treated by fixation using two tension band ilioiliac locking compression plates without fixing the anterior ring. Preoperatively and one year postoperatively, the functional outcome and performance were assessed using Pelvic Discomfort Index (PDI) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Pre- and postoperative hemoglobin level was evaluated. Operation time and intra-and postoperative complications were documented. One year postoperatively, an X-ray was taken. The arithmetic mean (x) and standard deviations (±) of quantitative variables were calculated. T-test for dependent samples was used for pre-and postoperative results comparison. The PDI improved (p < 0.001) from x = 81.42 ± 4.04 to x = 36.19 ± 15.58. Preoperatively none of the patients was able to perform the TUG test. Postoperatively, the result exceeded x = 13.13 ± 3.99 s. The operation lasted x = 42.80 ± 8.90 min. Hemoglobin decreased (p < 0.001) from 11.63 ± 1.11 to 9.07 ± 1.21 g/dL. No complications nor fixation loosening were noted. The study support fixation using two tension band ilioiliac locking compression plates as an efficient and safe treatment of the FFP type IV.
Macrophage polarity and wound age determination
Authors: Kuninaka Yumi , Ishida Yuko , Ishigami Akiko , Nosaka Mizuho , Matsuki Jumpei , Yasuda Haruki , Kofuna Ayumi , Kimura Akihiko , Furukawa Fukumi , Kondo Toshikazu
Published: November 2022

We investigated the dynamics of the gene expression of M1 and M2 macrophage markers during skin wound healing in mice. Expression of M1-macrophage markers, such as Il12a, Tnf, Il6, Il1b, and Nos2 was upregulated after wounding and peaked at 1 or 3 days after injury, and that of M2-macrophage markers such as Mrc1, Cd163, Ccl17, Arg, and Tgfb1, peaked at 6 days after injury. Consistent with these findings, using triple-color immunofluorescence analysis revealed that F4/80+CD80+ M1 macrophages were more abundant than F4/80+CD206+ M2 macrophages on day 3 in mouse wound specimens, and that M2 macrophages were prominently detected in day 6 wounds. For application in forensic practice, we examined macrophage polarization using human wound specimens. The average ratios of CD68+iNOS+ M1 macrophages to CD68+CD163+ M2 macrophages (M1/M2 ratios) were greater than 2.5 for the wounds aged 2–5 days. Out of 11 wounds aged 1–5 days, five samples had the M1/M2 ratios of > 3.0. These observations propose that the M1/M2 ratios of 3.0 would indicate a wound age of 1–5 days as the forensic opinion. This study showed that M1 and M2 macrophages in human skin wound might be a promising marker for wound age determination.
Protecting nonlocal quantum correlations in correlated squeezed generalized amplitude damping channel
Authors: Wang Shuo , Han Xin-Hong , Li Wei-Chen , Qian Tian , Fan Xuan , Xiao Ya , Gu Yong-Jian
Published: November 2022

Nonlocal quantum correlations, such as quantum entanglement, quantum steering, and Bell nonlocality, are crucial resources for quantum information tasks. How to protect these quantum resources from decoherence is one of the most urgent problems to be solved. Here, we investigate the evolution of these correlations in the correlated squeezed generalized amplitude damping (SGAD) channel and propose a scheme to protect them with weak measurement (WM) and quantum measurement reversal (QMR). Compared with the results of the uncorrelated SGAD channel, we find that when $$n=1$$

n
=
1

, correlation and squeezing effects can prolong the survival time of quantum entanglement, Bell nonlocality, and quantum steering by about 152 times, 207 times, and 10 times, respectively. In addition, local WM and QMR can effectively recover the disappeared nonlocal quantum correlations either in uncorrelated or completely correlated SGAD channels. Moreover, we find that these initial nonlocal quantum correlations could be drastically amplified under the correlated channel. And the steering direction can be flexibly manipulated either by changing the channel parameters or the strength of WM and QMR. These results not only make a step forward in suppressing decoherence and enhancing quantum correlation in noise channels, but also help to develop relevant practical applications.
Homogenization of the vertically stacked medium frequency magnetic metamaterials with multi-turn resonators
Authors: Steckiewicz Adam
Published: November 2022

The paper presents a homogenization method of the magnetic metamaterials, made of perpendicularly oriented resonators consisting of multi-turn planar coils. A resulting composite, in the form of parallel stripes with metamaterial cells, exhibits extraordinary properties in the medium frequency magnetic field, such as zero permeability. To identify an effective permeability of this metamaterial, two models were presented, i.e., a three-dimensional numerical model with current sheet approximation as well as Lorentz oscillator model, where individual coefficients are based on the lumped circuit parameters and directly related with a geometry of the unit cell. The accuracy of the second approach is improved by taking into account mutual inductances in a metamaterial grid. Then, a comparison is made with numerical model results to show adequacy of the adopted analytical attempt, and properties of this type of metamaterial are discussed. It is shown that discussed metamaterial structure can achieve negative permeability as well as its values, at identical resonant frequency, are dependent on number of turns of the planar coil.
Motion error analysis of a shield machine tool-changing robot based on a screw-vector method
Authors: Qian Wenxue , Song Shuai , Liu Kexin , Zeng Xianhai , Yin Xiaowei , Xie Liyang
Published: November 2022

Industrial robots are widely used in various industrial fields, such as handling and welding, due to their good repeat positioning accuracy. The motion error determines the absolute accuracy. For robot design, dimensional parameter errors and drive parameter errors, a mathematical model of a kinematic exponential product with error screws was proposed. The influence of different rod lengths and transmission errors on the accuracy of the end motion was analysed. A composite analysis method based on screw theory and vector method is proposed for the spatial deflection error of robot rotating joints with clearance. By using screw theory, a mathematical error model of the axial movement and spatial deflection of the joint gap was established. A mathematical model of joint space radial movement was established by using the three-dimensional vector method. Through numerical simulation, the position distribution law of the random error of the robot terminal in the workspace and the distribution of the plane projection density were obtained. By solving the attitude matrix, the distribution of each Euler angle error was obtained. A simulation test was carried out to verify the model's correctness. The calculation showed that the method is simple and correct, and the obtained error distribution characteristics are of great significance to improving robotic kinematic calibration accuracy and optimising the spatial position error distribution.
Protective water curtains as wave attenuators for blast-resistant tunnels
Authors: Mohammadi Payam Keshavarz Mirza , Khalilpour Seyed Hamed , Parsa Hasan , Sareh Pooya
Published: November 2022

Tunnels, as highly cost-demanding infrastructures which facilitate the transportation of people and goods, have been a target of terrorist attacks within the past few decades. The significance of the destructive impact of explosives on these structures has resulted in research on the development of blast-resistant design approaches. In this paper, water curtains are proposed as a blast-resistant system due to the established performance of water against explosives in free fields in previous studies as well as its capability to mitigate the potential incoming fire after an explosion. A parametric study was conducted for this purpose, considering the effects of curtain thickness, the distance of the curtain from the tunnel opening, and the amount of TNT charge. Accordingly, fifty-two finite element (FE) models were created in the FE package ABAQUS to investigate the performance of a water wall in a typical tunnel through the Eulerian approach to simulation. The water curtains had four different thicknesses and were located at three different distances from the reference point. TNT explosive charges were placed at the tunnel opening with four different masses. The thicker walls nearer to the tunnel opening were found to be more effective. However, the peak pressure reduction in all charges was in a desirable range of 53 to 80%. The parametric study also illustrated that the peak pressures were more sensitive to wall thickness rather than TNT charges mass and the wall distance from the explosives. We anticipate this preliminary study to be a starting point for the further development of the concept of water curtains for blast mitigation.
Numerical investigation on the role of check dams with bottom outlets in debris flow mobility by 2D SPH
Authors: Shi Hao , Huang Yu , Feng Dianlei
Published: November 2022

Check dams with bottom outlets are widely used in debris flow gullies to minimize the damage caused by debris flows. However, the bottom size is often based on empirical criteria due to the lack of knowledge of the interaction between the debris flow and the check dam with the bottom outlet. In this study, the interaction between a viscous debris flow and check dams with bottom outlets is investigated via flume tests using 2D smoothed particle hydrodynamics. The normalized height of the bottom outlet is varied from 0 to 1, and slope angles from 15 to 35° are considered. Based on the numerical results, the jump height decays with the increasing normalized height of the bottom outlet and this trend can be approximated by a power law function. When the normalized height of the bottom outlet is less than 0.15, the performance is similar to that of a closed check dam. The flow regulation and sediment trapping functions of the check dam may fail when the normalized height of the bottom outlet is greater than 0.6. These results show that the energy breaking, flow regulation, and sediment trapping functions of check dams with bottom outlets operate well when the normalized height of the bottom outlet is in the range 0.15–0.6. Even if model limitations require further efforts to validate the findings of this study, they provide a basis for the rational design of check dams with bottom outlets.
Growth of broiler chickens, and physical features of the digestive system, and leg bones after aluminosilicates used
Authors: Biesek Jakub , Banaszak Mirosław , Kądziołka Kamil , Wlaźlak Sebastian , Adamski Marek
Published: November 2022

The assessment of aluminosilicates’ impact on the production of chickens, the physical features of the intestines, and leg bones was done. 500 Ross 308 chickens were used and divided into 5 groups. The control group was I. Groups II, III, IV, and V were fed with halloysite and zeolite (1:3 ratio) at 0,5% (1–35 days; starter, grower 1 and 2) and 1% (36–42 days; finisher) levels. Aluminosilicates were also used for the peat litter: II—500 g of halloysite/m2; III—250 g of halloysite/m2 and 250 g of zeolite/m2; IV—500 g of zeolite/m2; V—130 g halloysite/m2, 370 g zeolite/m2. During 42 days, growth and feed indicators were recorded. 10 birds from each group were selected for slaughter. The digestive tract, femur, and tibia bones were sampled, and physical features were analyzed (weight, length, and strength). A lower feed conversion ratio on days 23–35 was found in the groups with the aluminosilicates addition. In group V a lower weight of the gizzard was found than in group I. A liver weight was higher in group V than in group III. A higher strength of the femurs was demonstrated in group IV. The tibia bones were characterized by higher strength than the femurs of broiler chickens. The aluminosilicates to feed and litter had no adverse effect.
Influence of the environment on the characteristics of asthma
Authors: Romero-Mesones Christian , Ojanguren Iñigo , Espejo David , Granados G. , González-Barcala Francisco-Javier , Cruz María-Jesús , Muñoz Xavier
Published: November 2022

Few studies have compared the prevalence of asthma in urban and rural settings or explored the issue of whether these two manifestations of the disease may represent different phenotypes. The aim of this study was: (a) to establish whether the prevalence of asthma differs between rural and urban settings, and b) to identify differences in the clinical presentation of asthma in these two environments. Descriptive epidemiological study involving individuals aged 18 or over from a rural (n = 516) and an urban population (n = 522). In the first phase, individuals were contacted by letter in order to organize the administration of a first validated questionnaire (Q1) designed to establish the possible prevalence of bronchial asthma. In the second phase, patients who had presented association patterns in the set of variables related to asthma in Q1 completed a second validated questionnaire (Q2), designed to identify the characteristics of asthma. According to Q1, the prevalence of asthma was 15% (n = 78) and 11% (n = 59) in rural and urban populations respectively. Sixty-five individuals with asthma from the rural population and all 59 individuals from the urban population were contacted and administered the Q2. Thirty-seven per cent of the individuals surveyed had previously been diagnosed with bronchial asthma (35% in the rural population and 40% in the urban setting). In the urban asthmatic population there was a predominance of women, a greater personal history of allergic rhinitis and a family history of allergic rhinitis and/or eczema. Asthma was diagnosed in adulthood in 74.8% of the patients, with no significant differences between the two populations. Regarding symptoms, cough (morning, daytime and night) and expectoration were more frequent in the urban population. The prevalence of asthma does not differ between urban and rural settings. The differences in exposure that characterize each environment may lead to different manifestations of the disease and may also affect its severity.
Improved neurologically favorable survival after OHCA is associated with increased pre-hospital advanced airway management at the prefecture level in Japan
Authors: Onoe Atsunori , Kajino Kentaro , Daya Mohamud R. , Nakamura Fumiko , Nakajima Mari , Kishimoto Masanobu , Sakuramoto Kazuhito , Muroya Takashi , Ikegawa Hitoshi , Hock Ong Marcus Eng , Kuwagata Yasuyuki
Published: November 2022

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has high incidence and mortality. The survival benefit of pre-hospital advanced airway management (AAM) for OHCA remains controversial. In Japan, pre-hospital AAM are performed for OHCA by emergency medical services (EMS), however the relationship between resuscitation outcomes and AAM at the prefecture level has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to describe the association between AAM and neurologically favorable survival (cerebral performance category (CPC) ≦2) at prefecture level. This was a retrospective, population-based study of adult OHCA patients (≧ 18) from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017 in Japan. We excluded patients with EMS witnessed arrests. We also only included patients that had care provided by an ELST with the ability to provided AAM and excluded cases that involved prehospital care delivered by a physician. We categorized OHCA into four quartiles (four group: G1–G4) based on frequency of pre-hospital AAM approach rate by prefecture, which is the smallest geographical classification unit, and evaluated the relationship between frequency of pre-hospital AAM approach rates and CPC ≦ 2 for each quartile. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess effectiveness of AAM on neurologically favorable survival. Among 493,577 OHCA cases, 403,707 matched our inclusion criteria. The number of CPC ≦ 2 survivors increased from G1 to G4 (p for trend < 0.001). In the adjusted multivariable regression, higher frequency of pre-hospital AAM approach was associated with CPC ≦ 2 (p < 0.001). High prefecture frequency of pre-hospital AAM approach was associated with neurologically favorable survival (CPC ≦ 2) in OHCA.
Tropical cyclone-induced coastal acidification in Galveston Bay, Texas
Authors: Hicks Tacey L. , Shamberger Kathryn E. F. , Fitzsimmons Jessica N. , Jensen Christine C. , DiMarco Steven F.
Published: November 2022

Intense rainfall from tropical cyclones has the potential to induce coastal acidification, which will become more common and severe as climate change continues. We collected carbonate chemistry samples from Galveston Bay, Texas before and after Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and 2018. Here, we show ecosystem level acidification and calcium carbonate undersaturation in Galveston Bay following the storm. This acidification event, driven by extreme rainfall from Harvey, persisted for over 3 weeks because of prolonged flood mitigation reservoir releases that continued for over a month after the storm. In addition, the large volume of stormwater led to high oyster mortality rates in Galveston Bay and acidification may have impeded recovery of these vital reefs. It is also likely that undersaturation has occurred outside of our study, unrecorded, following other high-rainfall storms. The projected increase in tropical cyclone rainfall under climate change may thus represent a significant threat to coastal calcifying ecosystems.
Sharp turning maneuvers with avian-inspired wing and tail morphing
Authors: Ajanic Enrico , Feroskhan Mir , Wüest Valentin , Floreano Dario
Published: November 2022

Flight in dense environments, such as forests and cities requires drones to perform sharp turns. Although fixed-wing drones are aerodynamically and energetically more efficient than multicopters, they require a comparatively larger area to turn and thus are not suitable for fast flight in confined spaces. To improve the turning performance of winged drones, here we propose to adopt an avian-inspired strategy of wing folding and pitching combined with a folding and deflecting tail. We experiment in wind tunnel and flight tests how such morphing capabilities increase the roll rate and decrease the turn radius - two measures used for assessing turn performance. Our results indicate that asymmetric wing pitching outperforms asymmetric folding when rolling during cruise flight. Furthermore, the ability to symmetrically morph the wing and tail increases the lift force, which notably decreases the turn radius. These findings pave the way for a new generation of drones that use bird-like morphing strategies combined with a conventional propeller-driven thrust to enable aerodynamic efficient and agile flight in open and confined spaces.
Plasmonic 3-D wrinkled polymeric shrink film-based SERS substrates for pesticide detection on real-world surfaces
Authors: Bhardwaj Keshav , Jaiswal Amit
Published: November 2022

Here, we present a SERS substrate for trace analysis that was fabricated using a 3-D wrinkled polymeric heat-shrink film coated with Au bead@Ag nanorods (silver nanorods).
A naphthalimide-tyrosine-based dicationic amphiphile for intracellular ‘turn-on’ simultaneous detection of ATP and CTP
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Kumar Sugandha , Walia Amandeep , Marok Satwinder Singh , Vanita Vanita , Singh Prabhpreet
Published: November 2022

Novel 1,8-naphthalimide-based dicationic amphiphiles for ‘turn-on’ simultaneous concentration-based detection of triphosphates (ATP and CTP) in buffered solution and MCF-7 cells.
Piezoelectricity-enhanced photoelectrochemistry synthesis of H2O2 on an Au nanoparticles modified p-type Sb-doped ZnO nanotubes array
Authors: Cheng Jun , Chen Chenpu , Chen Mingjian , Xie Qingji
Published: November 2022

A novel Au nanoparticles/p-type Sb-doped ZnO nanotubes array/indium tin oxide photocathode was prepared and used for the first-time piezoelectricity-enhanced photoelectrochemical synthesis of H2O2via oxygen reduction reaction with good performance.
Pillared MOFs: structure and ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: Gong Yi , Chen Fei , Beamish-Cook Jethro , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Derbyshire Max , Rowe Oliver , Redshaw Carl
Published: November 2022

Pillared 2- and 3D MOFs have been isolated from reactions of 5-aminoisophthalic acid, 4,4′-bipyridyls and metal (Zn, Co, Mn, Cd) nitrate salts. Their ability to act as catalysts for the ROP of ε-caprolactone and δ-valerolactone has been investigated.
Efficient lignin conversion over Ni/(Fe/Zn/Co/Mo/Cu)–WO3/Al2O3for selectively yielding alkyl phenols
Authors: Lu Xinyu , Gu Xiaoli
Published: November 2022

Different combinations of bimetallic active sites produced different streams of phenolic products due to their different catalytic selectivity.
Mechanism of ammonia synthesis on Fe3Mo3N
Authors: Higham Michael D. , Zeinalipour-Yazdi Constantinos D. , Hargreaves Justin S. J. , Catlow C. Richard A.
Published: November 2022

The novel Eley–Rideal–Mars–van-Krevelen mechanism for ammonia synthesis on Fe3Mo3N relies on the presence of surface lattice N vacancies and proceeds through the intermediate.
Bifidobacterium bifidum FJSWX19M5 alleviated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced chronic colitis by mitigating gut barrier injury and increasing regulatory T cells
Authors: Qu Dingwu , Yu Leilei , Tian Fengwei , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Gu Zhennan , Zhai Qixiao
Published: November 2022

Probiotics have been evaluated as alternative approaches for preventing the relapse of Crohn's disease (CD).
High photothermal conversion efficiency for semiconducting polymer/fullerene nanoparticles and its correlation with photoluminescence quenching
Authors: Grodniski D. C. , Benatto L. , Gonçalves J. P. , de Oliveira C. C. , Pacheco K. R. M. , Adad L. B. , Coturi V. M. , Roman L. S. , Koehler M.
Published: November 2022

The fullerene concentration in semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) decreases the photoluminescent (PL) and increases the photothermal (PT) effects due to enhanced non-radioative recombination of charge transfer (CT) excitons.
Porosity evolution and oxide formation in bulk nanoporous copper dealloyed from a copper–manganese alloy studied by in situ resistometry
Authors: Hengge Elisabeth , Ihrenberger Jakob , Steyskal Eva-Maria , Buzolin Ricardo , Luckabauer Martin , Sommitsch Christof , Würschum Roland
Published: November 2022

In situ resistometry is used to study the synthesis of nanoporous copper and its electrochemical behaviour which contributes significantly to the fundamental understanding of pore evolution and the concomitant formation of functional oxides.
Spectrally stable thermal emitters enabled by material-based high-impedance surfaces
Authors: Navajas David , Pérez-Escudero José M. , Liberal Iñigo
Published: November 2022

Radiative thermal engineering with subwavelength metallic bodies is a key element for heat and energy management applications, communication and sensing.
Interfacial electron transfer in heterojunction nanofibers for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Fu Lei , Zhou Jun , Deng Qinyuan , Yang Jiaming , Li Qinghao , Zhu Zihe , Wu Kai
Published: November 2022

A fibrous SCFR–RuO2 heterostructure catalyst is fabricated by an in situ growth method, and a strong triangular relationship is proposed to be a potential OER descriptor.
Isomeric effect of naphthyl spacers on structures and properties of isostructural porous crystalline frameworks
Authors: Suzuki Yuto , Yamaguchi Mao , Oketani Ryusei , Hisaki Ichiro
Published: November 2022

We constructed three types of isostructural,dia-topological HOFs from dibenzo[g,p]chrysene (DBC) derivatives, and revealed that they exhibited different dynamic behaviours toward guest removal due to the isomeric effect of the naphthyl spacers.
Gadolinium molybdate decorated graphitic carbon nitride composite: highly visualized detection of nitrofurazone in water samples
Authors: Keyan Arjunan Karthi , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Vasu Dhanabal , Yu Chung-Lun , Vinothini Sivaramakrhishnan , Chiu Te-Wei
Published: November 2022

Synthesis of g-C3N4, Gd2MoO6, and g-C3N4/Gd2MoO6 composites and applied for NFZ sensor.
Enhanced and specific epoxidation activity of P450 BM3 mutants for the production of high value terpene derivatives
Authors: Correddu Danilo , Helmy Aly Sabrina , Di Nardo Giovanna , Catucci Gianluca , Prandi Cristina , Blangetti Marco , Bellomo Chiara , Bonometti Elisabetta , Viscardi Guido , Gilardi Gianfranco
Published: November 2022

Laboratory evolved P450 BM3 A2 has an increased activity on the oxidation of high value terpenes. The oxidation of linalool into linalool oxide by P450 BM3 is shown for the first time.
Theoretical calculation of spectroscopy properties of selenium bromide cation
Authors: Wan Ming-jie , Wang Guo-sen , Huang Xing-yong , Huang Duo-hui , Wei Kang-lin
Published: November 2022

The PECs of the Λ–S state for singlet (a), triplet and quintet (b) states of SeBr+.
Sodium trithiocarbonate cathode for high-performance sodium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Sul Hyunki , Bhargav Amruth , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: November 2022

A sodium trithiocarbonate cathode enables the formation of a protective layer in situ on both the cathode and anode, which greatly enhances the cell rate performance and cycle life of Na–S batteries.
A band-to-band transition visible-light-responsive anatase titania photocatalyst by N,F-codoping for water splitting and CO2 reduction
Authors: Lian Juhong , Shibata Kengo , Xiao Yejun , Du Shiwen , Tanaka Toshiya , Qi Yu , Ishitani Osamu , Maeda Kazuhiko , Feng Zhaochi , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: November 2022

A band-to-band transition visible-light-responsive N,F-codoped anatase TiO2 photocatalyst with low Ti3+ defects is prepared for water oxidation/reduction, CO2 reduction and Z-scheme overall water splitting under visible-light irradiation.
Paclitaxel-loaded cubosome lipid nanocarriers stabilised with pH and hydrogen peroxide-responsive steric stabilisers as drug delivery vehicles
Authors: Cai Xudong , Fan Bo , Thang San H. , Drummond Calum J. , Tran Nhiem , Zhai Jiali
Published: November 2022

Responsive nanoparticle delivery systems hold great potential for next-generation chemotherapeutic treatment with reduced off-target side effects.
Interfacial band alignment and photoelectrochemical properties of all-sputtered BiVO4/FeNiOx and BiVO4/FeMnOx p–n heterojunctions
Authors: Correa Andressa S. , Rabelo Lucas G. , Rosa Washington S. , Khan Niqab , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Khan Sherdil , Gonçalves Renato V.
Published: November 2022

This work introduces FeMnOx as a novel effective cocatalyst for PEC water oxidation and provides simple tools for comprehending how interfacial effects influence the PEC performance of all-sputtered BiVO4/FeNiOx and BiVO4/FeMnOx p–n heterojunctions.
Static random‐access memory with embedded arithmetic logic units for in‐memory computing and ternary content addressable memory operation
Authors: Lin Zhiting , Fan Xing , Yu Shuiyue , Peng Chunyu , Zhao Qiang , Wu Xiulong
Published: November 2022

In‐memory computing (IMC) is a novel computing architecture that presents considerable potential in solving the data transmission and energy consumption problems faced by the von Neumann architecture. The compound Boolean logic operation (CBLO) is a crucial component of most advanced computing platforms. This study presents a static random‐access memory array structure comprising configurable embedded arithmetic logic units (ALUs), which can realize four types of CBLOs within a single cycle. The proposed structure can also form the ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) for ternary searching by configuring signal lines and sense amplifiers. The authors performed 5000 trials of the Monte Carlo simulation for four types of CBLOs. The results of all four types were observed to be accurate, and the delay of the TCAM was observed to be as low as 141 ps, which improves the parallelism of IMC, reduces power consumption, and significantly reduces calculation delay.
Large scale low‐cost green hydrogen production using thermal energy storage and polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis systems
Authors: Bachmann Oliver
Published: November 2022

With increased dominance of renewable energy in developed countries, there is increased frequency of excess electricity and grid inflexibility. Without sufficient energy storage, renewable assets become stranded. With aims for net‐zero carbon emissions, countries are looking to green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels. A combined system of affordable large scale energy storage and electrolysis is proposed to address these issues. An original approach, using low‐cost wholesale grid electricity and thermal energy storage for proton exchange membrane electrolysis, has been modelled. An electricity price control mechanism is used for the operation of an electric thermal energy storage system. A 1600 MW grid connection provides power for resistance heating to charge 45 GWh capacity thermal energy storage, which powers a 20 MW rated steam turbine. This then powers a 17.5 MW electrolyser, and compression system during high‐cost electricity periods. Grid power charges the storage and powers electrolysis during low‐cost periods. Model simulation data allows the calculation of combined system lifecycle costs and levelized cost of hydrogen, which lead to profitability analyses. Results of system simulations give hydrogen costs lower than those of current and projected green hydrogen production methods. Simulation provides evidence that an initial investment of 64.4 million US dollars, could yield 1.14$/kg of hydrogen, 5.2 tonnes/day of hydrogen, and a 230% return on investment capital, through use of excess renewable energy.