bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAARPL: End‐to‐end Reliability‐Aware Adaptive RPL routing protocol for Internet of things
Authors: Shahbakhsh Parisa , Ghafouri Sayyed Hamid , Bardsiri Amid Khatibi
Published: February 2023

The RPL protocol has been accepted by the Internet Engineering Task Force as the only routing standard for the Internet of things (IoT). Although RPL has been significantly used in IoT routing, it still has extensive challenges. One of the most basic challenges is related to the reliability of routing. The severe limitations of resources, wireless communication, and variable topology, along with other limitations of IoT, have caused reliability in these networks to be a challenging topic. However, in RPL, no measures are provided to support the reliability of routing. To improve this issue, in this article, RPL was improved based on reliability requirements, and a new protocol was proposed called the Reliability‐Aware Adaptive RPL routing protocol (RAARPL). RAARPL selects the parents based on the evaluation of various criteria related to reliability and forms the network topology. In addition, the conditions of the paths were also considered in the decision‐making so that the reliability depends on the paths and parents. In order to maintain stability, RAARPL had controlled the parent selection and children assignment in a way that will prevent errors as much as possible. The simulation results by Cooja and compared with CLRPL and RPL protocols in various scenarios indicated the high efficiency of RAARPL in improving the reliability of data exchange and successful delivery ratio, reducing the instability of topology and the network throughput.
Middle Jurassic multi‐scale transgressive–regressive cycles: An example from the Lusitanian Basin
Authors: Magalhães Antonio J. C. , Terra Gerson J. S. , Guadagnin Felipe , Fragoso Daniel G. C. , Menegazzo Mirian C. , Pimentel Nuno L. A. , Kumaira Sissa , Fauth Gerson , Santos Alessandra , Watkins David K. , Bruno Mauro D. R. , Ceolin Daiane , Baecker‐Fauth Simone , Gabaglia Guilherme P. R. , Teixeira Washington L. E. , Lima‐Filho Francisco P.
Published: January 2023

Multi‐scale transgressive–regressive cycles from the mid‐Jurassic were recognised in the Central Lusitanian Basin, Portugal. These cycles allow the depositional evolution of the basin to be better understood and aid in the construction of stratigraphic sequences composed of three hierarchies. The stacking pattern of high‐frequency transgressive–regressive sequences forms larger clusters that define medium‐frequency transgressive–regressive sequences. Likewise, the stacking pattern of medium‐frequency transgressive–regressive sequences generates two Bathonian–early Callovian low‐frequency transgressive–regressive sequences. Integration of several methods supported the interpretation of facies associations representing clastic deposition in offshore to shoreface environments and carbonate sediments in outer to inner ramp settings. New data from calcareous nannofossils and dinoflagellate assemblages constrained the interval's Bathonian–early Callovian age, thus unveiling the Middle–Upper Jurassic disconformity and filling the Middle Jurassic stratigraphic record gap in the Central Lusitanian Basin. This study may be helpful for similar successions in Tethyan domains and comparable depositional settings elsewhere.
Divergent trajectories of positive affect following maladaptive and non‐maladaptive exercise among individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders
Authors: Lampe Elizabeth W. , Gorrell Sasha , Smith Kathryn , Payne‐Reichert Adam M. , Juarascio Adrienne S. , Manasse Stephanie M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often engage in maladaptive exercise (e.g., feeling driven, or to “compensate” for eating) which maintains eating pathology. Maladaptive exercise has been theorized to help individuals with EDs regulate emotions by enhancing positive affect (PA) and reducing negative affect (NA) associated with binge episodes and poor body image. However, no research has considered the presence of non‐maladaptive exercise or evaluated this theory in binge‐spectrum EDs.

Methods

This study evaluated affective trajectories pre‐ and post‐exercise and examined exercise type (maladaptive or non‐maladaptive) as a moderator. We recruited adults with binge‐spectrum EDs (N = 107; n = 84 endorsed exercise) to complete a 7‐ to 14‐day ecological momentary assessment protocol assessing NA (anxiety, guilt, and sadness), PA (excitement and cheerfulness), and exercise.

Results

There was a significant quadratic trajectory of PA pre‐exercise, suggesting that the upward trajectory of PA leveled out as it moved closer to an exercise episode. Exercise type significantly moderated the cubic trajectory of PA post‐exercise, such that the upward trajectory of PA accelerated in the hours following non‐maladaptive exercise episodes while the downward trajectory of PA accelerated in the hours following maladaptive exercise episodes. No trajectories of NA demonstrated significant effects.

Conclusions

Pre‐exercise trajectories of PA may reflect positive expectancies around exercise. Post‐exercise trajectories of PA suggest that non‐maladaptive exercise promotes increased PA. Future research should evaluate when, and for whom, exercise serves to regulate affect and examine other momentary risk factors of exercise in EDs.

Public Significance

Individuals with EDs often engage in maladaptive exercise (e.g., feeling driven, or to “compensate” for eating). Maladaptive exercise has been theorized to help individuals with EDs regulate emotions. This study evaluated affective trajectories pre‐ and post‐exercise and examined whether exercise type (maladaptive or non‐maladaptive) changed these trajectories. Pre‐exercise trajectories of PA may reflect positive expectancies around exercise. Post‐exercise trajectories of PA suggest that non‐maladaptive exercise promotes increased PA.
Offspring plumage coloration as a condition‐dependent signal in the blue tit
Authors: García‐Campa Jorge , Müller Wendt , Morales Judith
Published: February 2023

In many species, offspring display conspicuous coloration already early in life, even though they might be very vulnerable to predation at this stage. However, most attention has been drawn to the conspicuous plumage displayed by adult individuals in a sexual context, while other signaling functions have been explored much less. Here, we investigated whether the yellow breast plumage of blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) nestlings shows patterns of condition dependence and hence signals individual quality, as has been described for adult birds. During three consecutive breeding seasons, we, therefore, explored the association between nestling body mass and three color components of the yellow breast plumage (i.e., UV chroma, carotenoid chroma, and total brightness), considering both within and among nest effects. Variation in carotenoid chroma was not related to body mass. However, UV chroma and total brightness varied with body mass on an among‐nest level, suggesting that they might signal aspects of genetic quality or parental rearing capacity. Interestingly, we also found a within‐nest effect of body mass on total brightness, suggesting that this is a good candidate for a condition‐dependent signal within the family. Thus, other family members could rely on brightness to adjust their behavioral strategies, such as feeding behavior in parents. Our study thus reveals that certain color components of the yellow breast plumage might signal different aspects of offspring quality, and they might have a correlated signaling value across life‐history stages.
Spatial patterns of riparian vegetation community composition and diversity along human‐ affected East African highland streams
Authors: Alemu Tibebu , Pertoldi Cino , Hundera Kitessa , Ambelu Argaw
Published: January 2023

Riparian vegetation, which plays important roles in conservation of regional biodiversity and provision of many environmental services, has been severely degraded in East Africa by human activities. To ameliorate this degradation, more knowledge of the vegetation and factors affecting it is required. Thus, effect of land use on the plant community composition, species richness and diversity patterns were investigated along 18 streams in the Gilgle Gibe River catchment, in south‐western Ethiopia, using 100 m2 plots established along transects on both sides of the streams at 35 sampling locations beside land designated as agricultural, forested, mixed vegetation or eucalyptus plantation. The communities in the plots were surveyed and classified by Two‐Way Indicator Species Analysis. In total, 107 vascular plant species belonging to 49 families were recorded. Species richness and diversity were lowest along streams beside agricultural land, which had narrow riparian buffers, and highest along forested streams, which had wider riparian buffers. The communities in the sampling plots were assigned to seven groups. Species richness was positively correlated buffer width (r = 0.74, p < 0.01). The results highlight the human influence on riparian vegetation and the importance of sustainable management that is compatible with its conservation and restoration. However, to address the severity and complexity of forest fragmentation, conservation strategies must embrace a multi‐site, contextual approach.
In situ Hydrothermal Oxidation of Ternary FeCoNi Alloy Electrode for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Yang Lixia , Li Chao , Wu Yuqiu , Lv Xiao , Wang Hairen , Qu Jun'e
Published: January 2023

Exploring noble metal‐free catalyst materials for high efficient electrochemical water splitting to produce hydrogen is strongly desired for renewable energy development. In this article, a novel bifunctional catalytic electrode of insitu‐grown type for alkaline water splitting based on FeCoNi alloy substrate has been successfully prepared via a facile one‐step hydrothermal oxidation route in an alkaline hydrogen peroxide medium. It shows that the matrix alloy with the atom ratio 4:3:3 of Fe:Co:Ni can obtain the best catalytic performance when hydrothermally treated at 180°C for 18 h in the solution containing 1.8 M hydrogen peroxide and 3.6 M sodium hydroxide. The as‐prepared Fe0.4Co0.3Ni0.3‐1.8 electrode exhibits small overpotentials of only 184 and 175 mV at electrolysis current density of 10 mA cm−2 for alkaline OER and HER processes, respectively. The overall water splitting at electrolysis current density of 10 mA cm−2 can be stably delivered at a low cell voltage of 1.62 V. These characteristics including the large specific surface area, the high surface nickel content, the abundant catalyst species, the balanced distribution between bivalent and trivalent metal ions, and the strong binding of in‐situ naturally growed catalytic layer to matrix are responsible for the prominent catalytic performance of the Fe0.4Co0.3Ni0.3‐1.8 electrode, which can act as a possible replacement for expensive noble metal‐based materials.
Manipulating the Macroscopic and Microscopic Morphology of Large‐Area Gravure‐Printed ZnO Films for High‐Performance Flexible Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhenguo , Guo Jingbo , Pan Yaqin , Fang Jin , Gong Chao , Mo Lixin , Luo Qun , Lin Jian , Ma Changqi
Published: January 2023

Gravure printing is a promising large‐scale fabrication method for flexible organic solar cells (FOSCs) because it is compatible with two‐dimension patternable roll‐to‐roll fabrication. However, the unsuitable rheological property of ZnO nanoinks resulted in unevenness and looseness of the gravure‐printed ZnO interfacial layer. Here we propose a strategy to manipulate the macroscopic and microscopic of the gravure‐printed ZnO films through using mixed solvent and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) additive. The regulation of drying speed effectively manipulates the droplets fusion and leveling process and eliminates the printing ribbing structure in the macroscopic morphology. The additive of PVP effectively regulates the rheological property and improves the microscopic compactness of the films. Following this method, large‐area ZnO:PVP films (28 × 9 cm2) with excellent uniformity, compactness, conductivity, and bending durability were fabricated. The power conversion efficiencies of FOSCs with gravure‐printed AgNWs and ZnO:PVP films reached 14.34% and 17.07% for the 1 cm2 PM6:Y6 and PM6:L8‐BO flexible devices. The efficiency of 17.07% is the highest value to date for the 1 cm2 FOSCs. The use of mixed solvent and PVP addition also significantly enlarged the printing window of ZnO ink, ensuring high‐quality printed thin films with thicknesses varying from 30 to 100 nm.
IQ trajectories in autistic children through preadolescence
Authors: Solomon Marjorie , Cho An‐Chuen (Billy) , Iosif Ana‐Maria , Heath Brianna , Srivastav Apurv , Wu Nordahl Christine , Ferrer Emilio , Amaral David
Published: January 2023

Background

We extended our study of trajectories of intellectual development of autistic individuals in early (mean age 3 years; T1), and middle childhood (mean age 5 years, 7 months; T2) into later middle childhood/preadolescence (mean age 11 years, 6 months; T3) in the longitudinal Autism Phenome Project cohort. Participants included 373 autistic children (115 females).

Methods

Multivariate latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct IQ trajectory subgroups. Baseline and developmental course group differences and predictors of trajectory membership were assessed using linear mixed effects models for repeated measures with pairwise testing, multinomial logistic regression models, and sensitivity analyses.

Results

We isolated three IQ trajectory groups between T1 and T3 for autistic youth that were similar to those found in our prior work. These included a group with persistent intellectual disability (ID; 45%), a group with substantial increases in IQ (CHG; 39%), and a group with persistently average or above IQs (P‐High; 16%). By T3, the groups did not differ in ADOS‐2 calibrated severity scores (CSS), and there were no group differences between Vineland (VABS) communication scores in CHG and P‐High. T1‐T3 externalizing behaviors declined significantly for CHG, however, there were no significant T3 group differences between internalizing or externalizing symptoms. T1 correlates for CHG and P‐High versus ID group membership included higher VABS communication and lower ADOS‐2 CSS. A T1 to T2 increase in VABS communication scores and a decline in externalizing predicted CHG versus ID group membership, while T1 to T2 improvement in VABS communication and reduction in ADOS‐2 CSS predicted P‐High versus ID group membership.

Conclusions

Autistic youth exhibit consistent IQ developmental trajectories from early childhood through preadolescence. Factors associated with trajectory group membership may provide clues about prognosis, and the need for treatments that improve adaptive communication and externalizing symptoms.
Analytical model for junctionless accumulation‐mode cylindrical surrounding gate (JAM‐CSG) MOSFET as a biosensor
Authors: Gupta Sumedha , Pandey Neeta , Gupta R. S.
Published: January 2023

This article proposes analytical modeling for Junctionless Accumulation‐Mode Cylindrical Surrounding Gate (JAM‐ CSG) MOSFET‐based biosensor used for label free electrical detection of the biomolecules (enzymes, cells, DNA, etc.). Modeling has been performed using the Poisson's equation and considering parabolic potential profile. A nanogap cavity is being created for providing a binding site for the biomolecules. Influence of both the neutral and charged biomolecules immobilized in the nanogap cavity has been studied. The change in the threshold voltage is being utilized as a measure for detecting the existence of the biomolecules inside the cavity region. The sensitivity parameter has also been found considering different cavity heights. ATLAS device simulator has been utilized for conducting the simulations. Furthermore, the analytical model outcomes are validated with the simulated ones. Results acquired verify the considered device to be able to work as a highly sensitive biosensor.
Physiochemical insight into the solution behavior of cationic gemini surfactant in water and ethanol–water systems
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Patel Panchami , Ray Debes , Thareja Prachi , Kuperkar Ketan , Aswal Vinod Kumar , Bahadur Pratap
Published: January 2023

Surfactants in water and both alcohol‐water mixed solutions are used extensively in a host of industrial applications. This work presents the solution behavior and micellar transition of a cationic gemini surfactant (GS): N,N′‐dihexadecyl‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐N,N′‐ethanediyl‐diammonium dibromide (16‐2‐16) in water and mixed water‐ethanol media. Phase behavior for 16‐2‐16 in the ethanol–water system was investigated at ambient temperature. The rheological data obtained for these systems at varying alcohol concentrations showed that the system viscosity (η) decreased with as the ethanol concentration increased. Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to probe the structural details of the cationic micelles as a function of ethanol concentration and temperature. The scattering data inferred a structural transition from unilamellar vesicles (ULV) through rod‐like micelles to ellipsoidal micelles occurs that is dependent on the solvent composition and temperature indicating the behavior of ethanol molecules as a cosolvent in the process of micelle breaking. The plausible physicochemical interactions in the 16‐2‐16‐ethanol mixed system were further investigated using a computational simulation study employing density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP (Gauss View 5.0.9) utilizing a 3‐21G basis set.
Optimal allocation of agricultural water resources in Yanghe watershed considering blue water to green water ratio
Authors: Weng Chuansong , Zeng Yiheng , Liu Defu , Zhang Jialei , He Li
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Yanghe Watershed has low annual rainfall, uneven spatial and temporal distribution, extreme shortage of water resources in some areas. The contradiction between supply and demand of water for agricultural production is prominent and the expected production value cannot be achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the supply and demand of agricultural water resources and the impact of green water on agricultural crops in Yanghe Watershed.

RESULTS

This article proposes a new crop economic model for increasing the green‐water footprint to blue‐water footprint ratio (GWF:BWF) in accordance with the regional characteristics, alleviating agricultural water shortage in irrigation areas, optimizing water resource allocation, and achieving sustainable agricultural development. The proposition is based on a study of five crops in eight districts and counties in the Yanghe River watershed. By combining the economic model F with a crop water production function, we achieved 89.3%, 88.9%, 97.1%, 81.5%, and 87.0% of the optimal water demands of the five crops, respectively, and effectively improved the underground irrigation of crops and the water resource utilization efficiency.

CONCLUSION

The GWF:BWF threshold interval was subsequently selected based on the temporal changes in the BWF and GWF in the study area. This enabled significant reduction of the planting area of blue‐water crops and increase in the proportion of green‐water crops, while also improving the agricultural economy of the Yanghe Watershed. The proposed model promises to afford enhanced management of agricultural irrigation areas that experience rainfall shortage. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A two‐step spatially explicit optimization approach of integrating ecosystem services (ES) into land use planning (LUP) to generate the optimally sustainable schemes
Authors: Li Xin , Xu Haibin , Ma Xiaodong , Huang Ying
Published: February 2023

Xuzhou, as an industrial centre and typical resource‐based city in China, is facing serious pressure on development transformation. The embedding of ecosystem services (ES) into land use planning (LUP) is of great significance to realize the coupling of ecology and society. This paper proposed a two‐step spatially explicit optimization approach of integrating ES into LUP, with consideration of macro‐requirements, spatial heterogeneity, and the spatially explicit basis. The first step was to construct a linear optimization model to obtain the land quantity structure corresponding to the maximized ES value. The second step was to spatially allocate land use structure to maximize the suitability of spatial units providing ES. The results showed that the land use structure corresponding to the maximization ES value of Xuzhou was obtained to satisfy the welfare of habitant and to create the ecological competitiveness. The optimal spatial layout of Xuzhou with maximum spatial suitability of providing ES was acquired through spatial optimization of this approach. ES was matched to the units with the high spatial suitability, and the spatial potential of ES was released. The conflicts among supporting services, provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services were well managed with the equipment of multi‐objective trade‐off technology. The proposed ES embedding approach has good performance in the optimal allocation of land resources for ES maximization and in managing trade‐offs during multi‐objectives programming. Therefore, it is expected to be widely used for ES‐oriented LUP formulation.
Creation and Control of Vortex‐Beam Arrays in Atomic Vapor
Authors: Yuan Jinpeng , Zhang Hengfei , Wu Chaohua , Chen Gang , Wang Lirong , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: January 2023

Optical vortices, which are beams with spiral‐shaped wavefronts and screw phase dislocations, have potential for supporting high‐capacity optical communications. In this study, the generation of 1D and 2D vortex‐beam arrays is theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated by introducing novel forked‐photonic lattices in a three‐level 85Rb atomic medium. Such forked‐photonic lattices are established through the interference of Gaussian and vortex coupling beams. The input Gaussian probe beam that travels through this lattice experiences phase superposition and is diffracted into vortex‐beam arrays. Moreover, the relative efficiency of the high‐order diffractions can be enhanced by tuning the two‐photon detuning and power of the coupling beams. The enriched diffractive arrays of a vortex probe beam propagating in such forked‐photonic lattices are also presented. The experimental results agree well with those of the numerical simulations. This work suggests that atomic systems are a fertile platform for creating and controlling vortex‐beam arrays, and that they can shed light on ongoing exploration in the fields of optical manipulation and quantum information processing.
"We keep adding new problems" – an Interview with John Hartwig
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: January 2023

John Hartwig is co‐discoverer of the Buchwald‐Hartwig amination – a widely used palladium‐catalyzed coupling reaction for the formation of C‐N bonds. For his research, he received the Emanuel Merck Lectureship last year. A discussion about creativity, useful reactions and pricey metals.
Gründer: Medikamente aus Naturstoffen
Authors: Rittner Alexander
Published: January 2023

Ein Start‐up aus Potsdam‐Golm will auf Basis von Naturstoffen neue Moleküle für die Medikamentenentwicklung erschaffen – und Entwicklungszyklen verkürzen. Dazu nutzt es eine neue Technik.
Inorganic/organic phosphorus‐based flame retardants synergistic flame retardant rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Wu Jiazi , Zhang Xin , Qin Zhaolu , Zhang Wenchao , Yang Rongjie
Published: January 2023

The flame‐retardant rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites are fabricated by ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with pentaerythritol phosphate (PEPA), phenoxycycloposphazene (PCP), and aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP), respectively, which are labeled as RPUF‐1, RPUF‐2, and RPUF‐3. The influence of flame retardants on the apparent density and compressive strength of RPUF is studied. The results reveal that flame retardants not only improve the apparent density, but also improve the compressive strength of RPUF composites. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) results reveal that these inorganic/organic phosphorus‐based flame retardants improve the LOI significantly, especially for RPUF‐2 and RPUF‐3 systems. The cone calorimeter test results suggest that the peak of heat release of RPUF‐1, RPUF‐2, and RPUF‐3 systems decrease by 38%, 41%, and 52% likened to that of pure RPUF. And APP and ADP system performs best in declining the heat release. And APP and PEPA systems perform best in decreasing the smoke release. The flame retardancy mechanism of RPUF composites is analyzed in details.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Nightmare disorder index in adolescents
Authors: Zhuang Yun‐Yue , Wang Lei‐Lei , Song Tian‐He , Dietch Jessica R. , Wang Ting‐Ting , Qi Meng , Liu Jin‐Meng , Zhou Shuang‐Jiang , Chen Jing‐Xu
Published: January 2023

The Nightmare Disorder Index Questionnaire (NDI) was developed to measure the impact of nightmares. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of NDI among Chinese adolescents. This study investigated the validity and internal consistency of the Nightmare Disorder Index Chinese (NDI‐CV) among 6014 Chinese adolescents who completed the NDI‐CV, Nightmare Distress Questionnaire‐Chinese Version (NDQ‐CV), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Chinese Adolescent Daytime Sleepiness Scale (CADSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 Questionnaire (GAD‐7), and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). In addition, we investigated the test‐retest reliability of the NDI‐CV among 423 adolescents who completed a retest of the NDI‐CV after a 2‐week interval. Finally, NDI‐CV demonstrated good psychometric properties in a sample of Chinese adolescents (Cronbach′s α coefficient of 0.876), and the 95% confidence interval for the 2‐week retest correlation coefficient was 0.675–0.977 (p < 0.001).
Sn‐Ag Synergistic Effect Enhances High‐Rate Electrocatalytic CO2‐to‐Formate Conversion on Porous Poly(Ionic Liquid) Support
Authors: Duan Xiu‐Qiang , Duan Guo‐Yi , Wang Yao‐Feng , Li Xiao‐Qiang , Wang Rui , Zhang Rui , Xu Bao‐Hua
Published: January 2023

The electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to formate is a promising route for highly efficient conversion and utilization of CO2 gas, due to the low production cost and the ease of storage of formate. In this work, porous poly(ionic liquid) (PPIL)‐based tin‐silver (Sn‐Ag) bimetallic hybrids (PPILm‐SnxAg10‐x) are prepared for high‐performance formate electrolytic generation. Under optimal conditions, an excellent formate Faradaic efficiency of 95.5% with a high partial current density of 214.9 mA cm−2 is obtained at −1.03 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode). Meanwhile, the high selectivity of formate (>≈83%) is maintained in a wide potential range (>630 mV). Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the presence of Ag‐species is vital for the formation, maintenance, and high dispersion of tetravalent Sn(IV)‐species, which accounts for the active sites for CO2‐to‐formate conversion. Further, the introduction of Ag‐species significantly enhances the activity by increasing the electron density near the Fermi energy level.
Interfacially Engineered Nanoporous Cu/MnOx Hybrids for Highly Efficient Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis via Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Cui Yuhuan , Dong Anqi , Zhou Yitong , Qu Yanbin , Zhao Ming , Wang Zhili , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NH3) not only offers a promising strategy for green NH3 synthesis, but also addresses the environmental issues and balances the perturbed nitrogen cycle. However, current electrocatalytic nitrate reduction processes are still inefficient due to the lack of effective electrocatalysts. Here 3D nanoporous Cu/MnOx hybrids are reported as efficient and durable electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction reaction, achieving the NH3 yield rates of 5.53 and 29.3 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 with 98.2% and 86.2% Faradic efficiency in 0.1 m Na2SO4 solution with 10 and 100 mm KNO3, respectively, which are higher than those obtained for most of the reported catalysts under similar conditions. Both the experimental results and density functional theory calculations reveal that the interface effect between Cu/MnOx interface could reduce the free energy of rate determining step and suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction, leading to the enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity. This work provides an approach to design advanced materials for NH3 production via electrochemical nitrate reduction.
Constructing Co@TiO2 Nanoarray Heterostructure with Schottky Contact for Selective Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Fan Xiaoya , Zhao Donglin , Deng Zhiqin , Zhang Longcheng , Li Jun , Li Zerong , Sun Shengjun , Luo Yongsong , Zheng Dongdong , Wang Yan , Ying Binwu , Zhang Jing , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Lin Yuxiao , Tang Chengwu , Sun Xuping , Zheng Yinyuan
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction reaction (NO3−RR) is a potential sustainable route for large‐scale ambient ammonia (NH3) synthesis and regulating the nitrogen cycle. However, as this reaction involves multi‐electron transfer steps, it urgently needs efficient electrocatalysts on promoting NH3 selectivity. Herein, a rational design of Co nanoparticles anchored on TiO2 nanobelt array on titanium plate (Co@TiO2/TP) is presented as a high‐efficiency electrocatalyst for NO3−RR. Density theory calculations demonstrate that the constructed Schottky heterostructures coupling metallic Co with semiconductor TiO2 develop a built‐in electric field, which can accelerate the rate determining step and facilitate NO3− adsorption, ensuring the selective conversion to NH3. Expectantly, the Co@TiO2/TP electrocatalyst attains an excellent Faradaic efficiency of 96.7% and a high NH3 yield of 800.0 µmol h−1 cm−2 under neutral solution. More importantly, Co@TiO2/TP heterostructure catalyst also presents a remarkable stability in 50‐h electrolysis test.
Ultrasound evaluation of the stomach and pylorus in the neonate and baby
Authors: Piotto Lino , Gent Roger
Published: January 2023

Advances in ultrasound technology and development of higher frequency transducers have enabled ultrasound to have a greater role in the evaluation of stomach pathology in children.1 Since Teele and Smith first described the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in five infants in 1977, ultrasound has been the examination of choice for diagnosis of HPS and in most institutions has completely replaced fluoroscopy for this purpose.2 The obvious advantage of using ultrasound is the avoidance of ionising radiation. Another advantage of ultrasound is its ability to provide valuable information about the stomach wall and surrounding structures. It is important to recognise the many sonographic appearances of the normal stomach so that they are not interpreted as some sort of pathology. The principal aim of this article is to describe the normal and pathologic appearances of the neonatal stomach and potential interpretation pitfalls. Sonographic technique as performed in our institution is also briefly described.
Corpus callosum–fastigium and tectal lengths in late‐onset small fetuses
Authors: Lip‐Sosa D. L. , Pérez‐Cruz M. , Ahumada‐Droguett P. , Ribas‐Prats T. , Puertollano M. , García‐Gómez M. A. , Mazarico E. , Eixarch E. , Escera C. , Gómez‐Roig M. D.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate measurements on neurosonography of midbrain morphology, including corpus callosum–fastigium length and tectal length, in late‐onset small fetuses subclassified as small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) or growth‐restricted (FGR).

Methods

This was a case–control study of consecutive singleton pregnancies delivered at term at a single center between January 2019 and July 2021, including those with late‐onset smallness (estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10th centile) and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age controls matched by age at neurosonography. Small fetuses were further subdivided into SGA (EFW between 3rd and 9th centile and normal fetoplacental Doppler) and FGR (EFW < 3rd centile or EFW < 10th centile with abnormal cerebroplacental ratio and/or uterine artery Doppler). Transvaginal neurosonography was performed at a mean ± SD gestational age of 33 ± 1 weeks in all fetuses to evaluate corpus callosum–fastigium length and tectal length in the midsagittal plane. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

A total of 70 fetuses with late‐onset smallness (29 with SGA and 41 with FGR) and 70 controls were included. Compared with controls, small fetuses showed significantly shorter corpus callosum–fastigium length (median (interquartile range), 44.7 (43.3–46.8) mm vs 43.7 (42.4–45.5) mm, P < 0.001) and tectal length (mean ± SD, 10.5 ± 0.9 vs 9.6 ± 1.0 mm, P < 0.001). These changes were more prominent in FGR fetuses, with a linear trend across groups according to severity of smallness. Corpus callosum–fastigium length and tectal length measurements showed excellent intra‐ and interobserver reliability.

Conclusions

Small fetuses exhibited shorter corpus callosum–fastigium length and tectal length compared with controls, and these differences were more pronounced in fetuses with more severe smallness. These findings illustrate the potential value of midbrain measurements assessed on neurosonography as biomarkers for brain development in a high‐risk population. However, further studies correlating these parameters with postnatal functional tests and follow‐up are needed. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Detection of nidoviruses in samples collected from captive snakes in Europe between 2016 and 2021
Authors: Leineweber Christoph , Marschang Rachel E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Nidoviruses are increasingly detected in various snake species worldwide, but much remains to be learned about their distribution and the factors influencing their epidemiology.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated the results of routine nidovirus testing, by PCR, of 5210 swab samples from pet snakes from various European countries that were submitted to a commercial veterinary laboratory in Germany between 2016 and 2021.

Results

The overall detection rate was 19.96%. However, the detection rate varied significantly depending on the snake species (p < 0.0001), with the highest rate in Indian pythons (Python molurus) (42.24%). Rates also varied depending on the season of sample collection (p < 0.0001), with the highest rate in winter (24.46%), and the country of sample origin (p < 0.0001), with the highest rate in Austria (36.69%). The detection rate also decreased significantly (p = 0.0003) over the 6‐year observation period, from 26.43% to 17.64%.

Limitation

No information on clinical signs was available for most of the sampled snakes.

Conclusion

The present study supplies new information on the distribution of python nidoviruses (subgenus Roypretovirus) in pet snakes in Europe and indicates a dynamic situation with possible changes in prevalence over time.
New insights into the centrosome‐associated spliceosome components as regulators of ciliogenesis and tissue identity
Authors: Busselez Johan , Uzbekov Rustem E. , Franco Brunella , Pancione Massimo
Published: January 2023

Biomolecular condensates are membrane‐less assemblies of proteins and nucleic acids. Centrosomes are biomolecular condensates that play a crucial role in nuclear division, cytoskeletal remodeling, and cilia formation in animal cells. Spatial omics technology is providing new insights into the dynamic exchange of spliceosome components between the nucleus and the centrosome/cilium. Intriguingly, centrosomes are emerging as cytoplasmic sites for information storage, enriched with RNA molecules and RNA‐processing proteins. Furthermore, growing evidence supports the view that nuclear spliceosome components assembled at the centrosome function as potential coordinators of splicing subprograms, pluripotency, and cell differentiation. In this article, we first discuss the current understanding of the centrosome/cilium complex, which controls both stem cell differentiation and pluripotency. We next explore the molecular mechanisms that govern splicing factor assembly and disassembly around the centrosome and examine how RNA processing pathways contribute to ciliogenesis. Finally, we discuss numerous unresolved compelling questions regarding the centrosome‐associated spliceosome components and transcript variants within the cytoplasm as sources of RNA‐based secondary messages in the regulation of cell identity and cell fate determination.

This article is categorized under:

RNA‐Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Processing > RNA Processing
Erratum zu: Personalentwicklung in Schulen als Führungsaufgabe
Authors: Thiel Felicitas , Schewe Claudia Manuela , Muslic Barbara , Lankes Eva-Maria , Maritzen Norbert , Riecke-Baulecke Thomas
Published: January 2023

Einige Korrekturen wurden im Zuge der Produktion des Buchs übersehen. Neben einigen kleineren Korrekturen wurde die Darstellung des Herausgebenden- und Autor*innenverzeichnisses vereinheitlicht und eine zentrale Widmung hinzugefügt.
Almost all extremal black holes in AdS are singular
Authors: Horowitz Gary T. , Kolanowski Maciej , Santos Jorge E.
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We investigate the geometry near the horizon of a generic, four-dimensional extremal black hole. When the cosmological constant is negative, we show that (in almost all cases) tidal forces diverge as one crosses the horizon, and this singularity is stronger for larger black holes. In particular, this applies to generic nonspherical black holes, such as those satisfying inhomogeneous boundary conditions. Nevertheless, all scalar curvature invariants remain finite. Moreover, we show that nonextremal black holes have tidal forces that diverge in the extremal limit. Holographically, this singularity is reflected in anomalous scaling of the specific heat with temperature. Similar (albeit weaker) effects are present when the cosmological constant is positive, but not when it vanishes.
Non-relativistic string monodromies
Authors: Fontanella Andrea , García Juan Miguel Nieto , Sax Olof Ohlsson
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Spectral curve methods proved to be powerful techniques in the context of relativistic integrable string theories, since they allow us to derive the semiclassical spectrum from the minimal knowledge of a Lax pair and a classical string solution. In this paper we initiate the study of the spectral curve for non-relativistic strings in AdS5 × S5. First, we show that for string solutions whose Lax connection is independent of σ, the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix do not have any spectral parameter dependence. We remark that this particular behaviour also appears for relativistic strings in flat space. Second, for some simple non-relativistic string solutions where the path ordered exponential of the Lax connection can be computed, we show that the monodromy matrix is either diagonalisable with quasi-momenta independent of the spectral parameter, or non-diagonalisable. For the latter case, we propose a notion of generalised quasi-momenta, based on maximal abelian subalgebras, which retain a dependence on the spectral parameter.
Comparison of orthodontic treatment need and malocclusion prevalence according to KIG, ICON, and mIOTN in German 8- to 9-year-old children of the Sixth German Oral Health Study (DMS 6)
Authors: Kirschneck Christian , Kuhr Kathrin , Ohm Cristiana , Frenzel Baudisch Nicolas , Jordan Andreas Rainer
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to compare the malocclusion indices KIG (Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen, Orthodontic Indication Groups), ICON (Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need), and mIOTN (modified Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) regarding differences in malocclusion prevalence and their assessment of orthodontic treatment need in German 8‑ to 9‑year-old children of the Sixth German Oral Health Study (Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudie, DMS 6).

Methods

The necessary data for the calculation of the KIG, mIOTN, and ICON were collected by a dentist as part of a clinical orthodontic examination during the field phase of the DMS 6 and by a subsequent digital orthodontic model–analytical evaluation of intraoral scans of the dental arches and the occlusal situation in habitual occlusion.

Results

Prevalence, severity, and treatment need of tooth and jaw misalignments differed in part considerably depending on the index used for assessment. On the other hand, there were several outcomes which yielded quite similar results for the different indices used, such as orthodontic treatment need, which ranged from 40.4% (KIG) over 41.6% (ICON) to 44.2% (mIOTN). Interestingly, orthodontic treatment need for the individual subject could differ considerably, when assessed using different indices.

Conclusions

In general, the results show that the mIOTN is much more conservative in assessing malocclusion prevalences often being smaller than those derived by KIG or ICON. In contrast, KIG and ICON often yield similar prevalences with certain distinct differences due to discrepancies in the respective definitions and also clearly differentiate between treatment possibility and arbitrarily determined treatment need.
Nichtinanspruchnahme medizinischer Leistungen in der COVID-19-Pandemie bei Personen mit chronischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Schäfer Ines , Haack Alena , Neumann Marie , Koch-Gromus Uwe , Scherer Martin , Petersen Elina
Published: February 2023

Einleitung

Die COVID-19-Pandemie wirkt sich auch auf die medizinische Versorgung anderer Erkrankungen aus. Differenziert zwischen patient:innen- und anbieter:innenseitigen Gründen wurde untersucht, inwieweit Personen mit chronischen Erkrankungen vom Aussetzen medizinischer Versorgungsleistungen betroffen sind.

Methoden

Es wurde eine Querschnittstudie auf Datenbasis der Kohortenstudie Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) durchgeführt. Die Studienpopulation bestand aus allen HCHS-Teilnehmer:innen (Stichprobe der Bevölkerung Hamburgs, 45–74 Jahre) zwischen April 2020 und November 2021. Über das „COVID-19-Modul“ der HCHS wurde die Inanspruchnahme von Versorgungsleistungen erhoben. Als Grunderkrankungen wurden u. a. Herz-Kreislauf‑, Nieren- und Lungenerkrankungen, Krebs und Diabetes mellitus betrachtet. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv und multivariat in logistischen Regressionen ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Von 2047 Teilnehmer:innen hatten 47,9 % mindestens eine Vorerkrankung. 21,4 % der Personen mit Vorerkrankungen hatten mindestens eine Versorgungsleistung ausgesetzt oder eine Terminabsage erhalten. 15,4 % gaben an, von sich aus auf einen Arztbesuch verzichtet zu haben. Fachärztliche Leistungen (Anteil 43,8 %) entfielen häufiger als hausärztliche (16,6 %). Nach Adjustierung für Alter, Geschlecht und Bildung erwiesen sich Lungen- (OR 1,80; p < 0,008) und Krebserkrankungen (OR 2,33; p < 0,001) als unabhängige Risikofaktoren für ärztliche Terminabsagen. 42,2 % der patient:innenseitigen Absagen erfolgten aus Angst vor einer Ansteckung mit SARS-CoV‑2.

Diskussion

Gesundheitspolitik und Medien stehen vor der Herausforderung, mit Ängsten in der Bevölkerung vor einer Infektion so umzugehen, dass notwendige Versorgungsleistungen dadurch nicht vermieden werden.
Acceptance and use of virtual reality games: an extension of HMSAM
Authors: Kari Tuomas , Kosa Mehmet
Published: January 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is considered as one of the technological megatrends of 2020s, and today, VR systems are used in various settings, digital gaming being among the most popular ones. However, there has been a dearth of understanding regarding the central factors behind VR gaming acceptance and use. The present study therefore aimed to explain the factors that drive the use and acceptance of VR games. We extended the hedonic-motivation system acceptance model with utilitarian and inconvenience factors to capture the pertinent features of VR systems more holistically. We proposed a theoretical model and analyzed it through covariance-based structural equation modeling using an online survey sample of 473 VR gamers. Our findings help explain the role of different antecedents behind VR gaming acceptance and demonstrate that VR gaming is driven more by the hedonic gaming aspects than by the utilitarian health and well-being aspects of VR games, enjoyment being the strongest driver behind VR gaming intention and immersion. Moreover, findings also suggested that use intentions and immersion levels are not significantly diminished by physical discomfort and VR sickness. The findings, which potentially extend to other VR systems as well, also pose important implications for the providers of VR games. As the main contribution, based on our empirical findings, we provide a greater theoretical understanding on VR gaming acceptance and use.
Rank-adaptive dynamical low-rank integrators for first-order and second-order matrix differential equations
Authors: Hochbruck Marlis , Neher Markus , Schrammer Stefan
Published: January 2023

Dynamical low-rank integrators for matrix differential equations recently attracted a lot of attention and have proven to be very efficient in various applications. In this paper, we propose a novel strategy for choosing the rank of the projector-splitting integrator of Lubich and Oseledets adaptively. It is based on a combination of error estimators for the local time-discretization error and for the low-rank error with the aim to balance both. This ensures that the convergence of the underlying time integrator is preserved. The adaptive algorithm works for projector-splitting integrator methods for first-order matrix differential equations and also for dynamical low-rank integrators for second-order equations, which use the projector-splitting integrator method in its substeps. Numerical experiments illustrate the performance of the new integrators.
Do Co-Ethnic Neighbourhoods Affect the Labour Market Outcomes of Immigrants? Longitudinal Evidence from Australia
Authors: Nguyen Toan , Bernard Aude , Lee Rennie , Wilson Tom , Argent Neil
Published: January 2023

Unlike the situation in other immigrant-receiving countries, the impact of co-ethnic neighbourhoods on immigrants’ life outcomes has been understudied in Australia. In addition, because of reliance on cross-sectional and sample survey data, existing Australian studies have not taken advantage of recent methodological progress that addresses selection bias. In that context, this paper estimates the impact of the size of co-ethnic neighbourhoods on labour force participation, employment, hours worked and income of immigrants using microdata from the 2006–16 Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset that spans three censuses. Drawing on this unique dataset, the paper applies a series of OLS regression models that address issues of individual and location sorting by applying individual-fixed effects, controlling for residential mobility, duration of residence and using an exogenous measure of co-ethnic neighbourhood size. We find a small significant negative effect on labour participation and wage, particularly for the non-tertiary educated and immigrants with low English proficiency. However, when we control for residential mobility, residence in co-ethnic neighbourhoods is no longer statistically significant, which highlights the importance of stringent methodological choices that control for settlement trajectories, while revealing that movement toward smaller co-ethnic neighbourhoods is associated with increased labour force participation. Our findings suggest that efforts by the Australian government to settle immigrants in regional areas with a limited migrant population should not affect the labour market outcomes of immigrants given that ethnic enclaves do not facilitate labour market integration in Australia.