bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study of effect of hyper-resistivity on linear stability of ballooning mode
Authors: Liu Tai-Qi , Chen Shao-Yong , Mou Mao-Lin , Tang Chang-Jian ,   College of Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China,   Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Physics and Technology of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Published: May 2023

The coupling of ballooning mode and peeling mode forms the so-called peeling-ballooning mode, which is widely used in the physical explanation of the edge localized mode (ELM). The nonlinear platform simulation based on the non-ideal peeling-ballooning mode model successfully explained the ELM experimental results. Therefore, exploring the influences of various non-ideal effects on the ballooning mode in the edge transport barrier is very important in controlling the ELM in the future fusion reactors. Among the reports on non-ideal effects, there are few reports involving the effect of hyper-resistivity caused by anomalous electron viscosity on ballooning mode. It has been found that the hyper-resistivity has a destabilizing effect on the ballooning mode, but the associated physical mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically explore the influence of hyper-resistivity on the ballooning mode theoretically by introducing hyper-resistivity into the ballooning mode model. The linear growth rate of ideal and non-ideal ballooning mode are solved by the shooting method for the derived eigenvalue equation of non-ideal ballooning mode containing hyper-resistivity, finite resistivity and diamagnetic drift effects, and the dependence of ballooning mode on hyper-resistivity is also explored under different conditions. The results show that the hyper-resistivity may destabilize the ballooning mode, and the physical mechanism is that the current diffusion effect caused by the hyper-resistivity weakens the stabilizing effect of the magnetic field line bending on the ballooning mode. When both the resistivity and hyper-resistivity are considered, they are in a competitive relationship. When the ratio of hyper-resistivity to resistivity is relatively high, hyper-resistivity plays a dominant role, and the destabilizing effect of resistivity will be shielded by hyper-resistivity, and vice versa. The destabilization effect of hyper-resistivity on ballooning modes is enhanced with the increase of the toroidal mode number. The hyper-resistivity will destabilize the original stable modes once the toroidal mode number exceeds a certain threshold. Further studies show that the threshold is inversely proportional to the ratio of hyper-resistivity to resistivity. The research results have important reference value for the control of edge localized modes in low-collisionality edge plasma in future fusion reactors.
Numerical simulation method of nonlinear contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging
Authors: Cheng Shuang-Yi , Yu Jun-Jin , Fu Ya-Peng , Ta De-An , Xu Kai-Liang ,   Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China,   State Key Laboratory of Integrated Chips and Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China,   Yiwu Research Institute, Fudan University, Yiwu 322000, China
Published: May 2023

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS) based on the acoustic nonlinearity of ultrasonic microbubble has received great attention in recent years. Compared with conventional linear ultrasound imaging, nonlinear CEUS can further improve the imaging resolution while overcoming the challenge of clutter filtering. Simulation, acting as an effective tool for research on new mechanisms and technologies of ultrasound imaging, has been a long-term focus of computational acoustics. In the community of biomedical ultrasound, common sound field simulation tools are mainly based on finite element method (FEM), analytical method, k-space pseudospectral method and finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD), which are relatively mature solutions for simulating the nonlinear characteristics of tissue. However, it is still not trivial to simulate nonlinear CEUS by using the prevailing methods, as the nonlinearity of microbubble is often not considered.

In this paper, we propose a simulation method of nonlinear CEUS imaging that successfully combines the microbubble nonlinearity and classic k-space pseudospectral method. Specifically, forced oscillation response of the microbubble is computed based on the modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation and such a nonlinear response is further dealt as an additional source for analyzing the nonlinear component propagation and CEUS imaging. To investigate the performance of the proposed method, B-mode images of single microbubble and clustered microbubbles are simulated based on plane wave imaging. The plane wave based CEUS imaging can thus be carried out with different compounding angles and different contrast pulse sequencing (CPS) strategies (pulse inversion, amplitude modulation, pulse inversion & amplitude modulation, and probe element alternation). Different soft-tissue and mechanical parameters of the microbubble can be adjusted by using the proposed nonlinear simulation strategy, thus providing efficient solution for CEUS simulation. Such a method can evaluate the performances of different CPS strategies, and further contribute to the CEUS development.
Inhibition of Type I PRMTs Reforms Muscle Stem Cell Identity Enhancing their Therapeutic Capacity
Authors: Dominici Claudia , Villarreal Oscar D. , Dort Junio , Heckel Emilie , Wang Yu Chang , Ragoussis Ioannis , Joyal Jean-Sebastien , Dumont Nicolas A. , Richard Stéphane
Published: May 2023

In skeletal muscle, muscle stem cells (MuSC) are the main cells responsible for regeneration upon injury. In diseased skeletal muscle, it would be therapeutically advantageous to replace defective MuSCs, or rejuvenate them with drugs to enhance their self-renewal and ensure long-term regenerative potential. One limitation of the replacement approach has been the inability to efficiently expand MuSCs ex vivo, while maintaining their stemness and engraftment abilities. Herein, we show that inhibition of type I protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) with MS023 increases the proliferative capacity of ex vivo cultured MuSCs. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of ex vivo cultured MuSCs revealed the emergence of subpopulations in MS023-treated cells which are defined by elevated Pax7 expression and markers of MuSC quiescence, both features of enhanced self-renewal. Furthermore, the scRNAseq identified MS023-specific subpopulations to be metabolically altered with upregulated glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Transplantation of MuSCs treated with MS023 had a better ability to repopulate the MuSC niche and contributed efficiently to muscle regeneration following injury. Interestingly, the preclinical mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy had increased grip strength with MS023 treatment. Our findings show that inhibition of type I PRMTs increased the proliferation capabilities of MuSCs with altered cellular metabolism, while maintaining their stem-like properties such as self-renewal and engraftment potential.
Beware ‘persuasive communication devices’ when writing and reading scientific articles
Authors: Corneille Olivier , Havemann Jo , Henderson Emma L , IJzerman Hans , Hussey Ian , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Jussim Lee , Holmes Nicholas P , Pilacinski Artur , Beffara Brice , Carroll Harriet , Outa Nicholas Otieno , Lush Peter , Lotter Leon D
Published: May 2023

Authors rely on a range of devices and techniques to attract and maintain the interest of readers, and to convince them of the merits of the author’s point of view. However, when writing a scientific article, authors must use these ‘persuasive communication devices’ carefully. In particular, they must be explicit about the limitations of their work, avoid obfuscation, and resist the temptation to oversell their results. Here we discuss a list of persuasive communication devices and we encourage authors, as well as reviewers and editors, to think carefully about their use.
Phubbing Phenomenon and its Determinants among Medical College Students in Greater Noida: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Purwar Neeti , Chauhan Ambren , Pawaiya Amit S , Tyagi Neha , Mahajan Harsh , Srivastava Shalini
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Smartphones and computers provide access to the Internet, which makes us highly reliant on them and leads to phubbing. Phubbing is described as the behaviour of ignoring others by looking at your mobile phone during a conversation with another individual and escaping from interpersonal communication. Almost all medical students have smartphones, so it is imperative to study this behaviour among them. Aim: To assess phubbing and its determinants among medical students of the School of Medical Sciences and Research, Gautam Buddha Nagar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2021 to September 2021 among medical students of the School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, India. A total of 422 MBBS students, who were present during data collection were included. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, consisting of the socio-demographic profile, phubber’s characteristics, phubbing scale, smartphone addiction scale, and self-control scale. The data were analysed using frequency, percentage, and unadjusted odds ratio. Results: A total of 422 MBBS students data was analysed. Mean age, 21.28±1.27 years. The prevalence of phubbing was 42.7 percent in present study. Among them, 151 (83.9%) were college phubbers. On the phubbing scale, the majority of the participants, 306 (72.5%) reported that their phone was always within their reach. There was a significant association found between smartphone addiction (OR:3.880; 95%CI:2.290-6.574) and lack of self-control (OR:1.992; 95%CI:1.250-3.172) with phubbing. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of phubbing behaviour. The results presented that phubbing is determined by a lack of self-control and smartphone addiction. Findings highlight the need to regulate smartphone and social media usage during college time and at home.
Thrombosis of Extrasplanchnic and Splanchnic Venous System in Acute Pancreatitis- A Case with Rare Combination of Vascular Complication
Authors: Khaladkar Sanjay M , Parripati Sai Sabari Vinay Kumar , Goyal Shreeya , Dilip Darshana , Dhaiya Ajay
Published: May 2023

Vascular complications in acute pancreatitis are common and seen in 25% of cases. While it is common to have venous thrombosis in the Superior Mesenteric Vein (SMV), portal vein, and splenic vein, thrombosis of extra-splanchnic vessels such as Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and left renal vein due to acute pancreatitis is a rare entity, with more adverse outcomes. A 48-year-old male presented with severe epigastric pain, vomiting, and constipation for seven days. Outside Ultrasonography (USG) report was suggestive of acute pancreatitis. His serum amylase, serum lipase, and D-dimer levels were raised. Computed Tomography (CT) of abdomen and pelvis revealed acute necrotising pancreatitis with peripancreatic fluid collection and thrombosis of splenic vein, left renal vein, and IVC. Thrombosis in pancreatitis can occur due to pancreatic proteolytic enzymes which can cause intimal injury. An enlarged pancreas, walled-off necrosis, and pancreatic pseudocyst can compress veins, resulting in venous stasis. Pancreatitis has a systemic hypercoagulable or prothrombotic state. The patient was given symptomatic treatment along with an injection (inj.) of clexaine and monocef. He showed improvement in 10 days and was symptomatically well on follow-up. Early detection of these findings and targeted treatment for the same is crucial to prevent morbidity and mortality of such patients.
Laparoscopic Abdomino-perineal Resection Followed by Early Postoperative Acute Small Bowel Obstruction- A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Vinoth M , Joshi Abhijit
Published: May 2023

Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) is the long established therapeutic surgical procedure for cancers of the lower rectum. With the advent of minimal access surgery, APR too has come under its ambit. The large pelvic peritoneal defect and raw area left behind, after dissection are unique to APRs. This report describes the case of a 75-year-old male patient diagnosed with low rectal cancer, who underwent a laparoscopic APR and developed an early post-operative adhesive acute small bowel obstruction. Having failed a trial of conservative management, the same was successfully managed by a re-look laparoscopy. The risk of postoperative adhesions decreases significantly with laparoscopy. APR (whether open or laparoscopic), is a unique operation that causes the formation of a large pelvic raw area, which is very prone to attracting small bowel adhesion/s. The advent of various anti-adhesion barriers (liquid and films) has helped in decreasing the incidence of adhesions. However, in spite of the availability of a wide array of options, there is no consensus among surgeons as to the most optimum agent. Ideally, a tension free closure of the pelvic peritoneal defect formed during APR should be attempted. Failing this, covering of the wide pelvic raw area by a dual mesh or an anti-adhesion barrier agent (fluid or film) or omentopexy have been reported as adhesion preventing manoeuvres. Interceed® promises to be a useful long term adhesion preventing barrier option.
Ecological Survey on Species of Poaceae Family Present in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus Awka, Anambra State
Authors: Adachukwu Onyili C. , Kenneth Ekwealor U. , Chukwu Okereke N. , Adaugo Nwakuche O. , Chisom Iroka F.
Published: May 2023

An ecological survey was done on the species of poaceae family present in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka campus. Data was collected from eight different zones of the campus which was randomly divided for adequate coverage and proper representation. Species dominance, percentage cover of species, abundance and diversity of poaceae species were recorded. The result of the study showed that a total of 24 poaceae species were identified in the study area; Eleusine indica had the highest species abundance across the eight zones, with a total frequency of 36 and a total average cover of 28.59, while Sporobulus pyramidalis is the second most abundant with a frequency of 35 and Pennisetum polystachion is the third most abundant with a frequency of 25. The result went further to show the various distributions of the poaceae species across the different zones. Eleusine indica had a relative abundance of 19.4%, followed by Sporobulus pyramidalis (16%) and Pennisetum polystachion (13.5%). More so, Andropogon gayanus had a relative abundance of (8.1%) while Andropogon tectorum, Brachiaria falcifera, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Digistaria horizontalis as well as Eragrostis tenella, Eragrostis tremela, Panicum maximum and Pennisetum violaccum all had the lowest relative abundance of 0.5 % each. The result of Shannon Wiener index for species of poaceae family in the study area was 2.59 and this showed that there is high diversity of species of poaceae family in the study area which invariably indicates a great potential for utilization in conservation and ecological purposes.
Impact of Lamda-Cyhalothrin on the Biochemical Parameters of Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Annastesia Ogbonna Obiageli , Ogochukwu Nwamba Helen , Uchenna Anukwu John
Published: May 2023

Background: Widespread applications of pesticides such as Lambda cyhalothrin to boost crops production have frequently led to contamination of the fresh water ecosystem in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: In this study, Clarias gariepinus were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Lambda-cyhalothrin pesticide. The 96 h LC50 of lambda cyhalothrin to the fish was estimated at 3.98mgl-1. Mortality of 100% and 10% were observed in fish exposed to 12.00 mg l-1 and 1.25 mg l-1 of Lambda cyhalothrin respectively as compared to no mortality recorded in the control group. Varying degrees of abnormal behaviours like air gulping, hyperactivity, erratic movement, skin discoloration and jerky movements were observed during the 96 hrs exposure period of the fish to Lambda compared to the control. Exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of Lambda cyhalothrin at 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mgl-1 and for 15 days at 5 days intervals that is 5, 10 and 15days led to changes in the biochemical parameters.

Results: In the Biochemical parameters analysed, there was significant (P<0.5) increase in the mean values of Albumin, Aspartate Amino Transfarase (AST), Alanine Amino Transaferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Creatinine compares to the control group. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the values of water quality assays in control and treated group.

Conclusion: The biomarkers measured could be useful tools for monitoring effects of other pesticides on aquatic organisms. However, further studies could be done to investigate their mode of action to strike a balance between protection of aquatic biota and discharges of these pesticides and their metabolites to aquatic environments.
Development of a Web-Based Kasem Language Learning System
Authors: Franklin Owagu Ugochukwu , Salifu Abdul-Mumin Selanwiah , Agbedemnab Peter Awonnatemi
Published: May 2023

The concept of language involves using words in an organized and traditional way, be it through speaking, writing, or gesturing, as a means of human communication. The inability to communicate efficiently in a specific language is known as language barrier. Such limitation can result in difficulties performing everyday tasks and create challenges on a global levels, such as when businesses move to other nations or on a local level, like when a family or student moves to a region where English is not the primary language. The effects of linguistic barriers can negatively impact the quality of life for everyone involved, regardless of the context. In this paper, the researchers have designed and implemented a web-based Kasem language learning system (KLLS). The technology provides audio output, with corresponding text in the Kasem language to the end user, allowing them to study and become fluent in it. High-level Python web framework, Django, was used to develop and implement the system. Finally, a series of tests were conducted by different levels of users. Each end user reported a high level of satisfaction with the system after navigating through and receiving a clear audio output.
Making Vermicompost from Kitchen Waste with Vermicomposting Technology
Authors: Kumar Abhimanyu , Ali Arman , Verma Yash , Robin  , Patel Asharani , Deb Paramita , Maurya Deepak
Published: May 2023

Rapid urbanization, industrialization, technological development, and population growth have created serious problems with rising solid waste generation, and managing such enormous amounts of waste is becoming increasingly difficult. Each year, more than one billion tonnes of solid trash are produced, and they end up unscientifically in the environment, creating costs for society, the economy, and the ecosystem. The proper management of this massive volume of garbage presents significant difficulties for humanity. Researchers from all over the world are looking for fresh, cutting-edge, and environmentally sustainable waste management technology. Biological approaches are more suited for waste treatment since they can be economical and recycle different waste components into useful end products. One such efficient biological waste management technique is vermicomposting, which uses bacteria to help earthworms break down garbage. Vermicomposting is a naturally occurring bio-oxidative decomposition process that takes place in mesophilic environments and is further facilitated by the biochemical activity of microorganisms.
Unique Community of Gut Bacterial Microbiome as Indicator for HIV Infection and Progression
Authors: Ako Simon Eyongabane , Nkenfou Celine Nguefeu , Assob Jules Ngudia , Pokam Thumamo Benjamin , Tongo Marcel , Eteneneng Enoh Jude , Mbanya Mbanya Gladice , Akum Eric Achidi
Published: May 2023

The human digestive tract harbors complex microbial communities within its epithelial cell lining. Disruption in enteric immunity will promote gut dysbiosis, which can successively induce chronic inflammation within the mucous membrane and periphery. Interpretation of the specific gut microbiome changes observed during HIV infection is warranted in populations most affected.This was a case-control and comparative study design carried out between June 2018 to September 2019. A total of 40 volunteer adult participants were recruited (15 HIV-negative and 25 HIV-positive) at the Buea Regional Hospital. Blood analysis was done for CD4+ T cell count and HIV viral load. Fecal samples from all participants were analyzed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the next-generation Illumina® MiSeq™ sequencer.

Biomarker Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) score from LEfSe analysis indicated that the specific gut microbiome, Lachnoclostridium sp32343-sp32393-sp32423 communities could serve as an indicator for HIV infection. Findings also showed that Bacteroides vulgatus (seq 11 & seq 42), Megamonas funiformis (seq 63), unclassified members of Prevotallaceae family sp14289 (seq 51), sp13942 (seq 4), and Prevotella copri-sp13942 (seq 5) could be used as gut microbiome biomarkers for increased HIV viral load and decreased CD4+ T cell count. Meanwhile gut microbiome biomarkers for decreased HIV viral load and increased CD4+ T cell count were identified as Succinivibrionaceae sp56244 (seq 47),  Eubacterium rectale (seq 8), Megamonas funiformis (seq 1 and seq 14), Prevotella copri (seq 29, seq 34, and seq 12) and unclassified Prevotellaceae sp13927 (seq 17), sp13942 (seq 5). Specific gut microbiome communities of Lachnoclostridium sp32343-sp32393-sp32423 could be used as an indicator of HIV presence. Some gut bacteria microbiome can be utilized in the management of HIV disease progression.
The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Employee Performance through Innovative Work Behavior as a Mediating Variable
Authors: Futri Suci Yunita , Jimad Habibullah , Hayati Keumala
Published: May 2023

This study aims to analyze and determine the effect of transformational leadership on employee performance through innovative work behavior as a mediating variable. This research was conducted at the Ministry of Agriculture such as the BPP (Agricultural Training Center), BPTP (Agricultural Technology Assessment Center) and the Agricultural Quarantine Center for Lampung Province. The sample used was 155 respondents consisting of 58 BPP employees, 52 BPTP employees, and 45 employees of the Agricultural Quarantine Center for Lampung Province.

This study uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique, through the AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structure) program. The results of this study include; transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, transformational leadership has a significant positive effect on innovative work behavior, innovative work behavior has a significant positive effect on employee performance, and transformational leadership has a significant positive effect on employee performance through mediation innovative work behavior of employees at Lampung Agricultural Training Center, Lampung Agricultural Technology Assessment Center, and Lampung Province Agricultural Quarantine Center.
Summary of Research on Seismic Vulnerability of Tunnel Structures
Authors: Lin Xu
Published: May 2023

Long and large tunnel structures are one of the main structures of lifeline projects, and their seismic damage should be given great attention. In order to understand the seismic performance of tunnels and other underground structures, this paper introduces the origin and development of seismic theory of underground structures, the seismic input methods of long and large structures, and the definition of seismic vulnerability, and summarizes the key factors of vulnerability research, including site conditions, earthquake types, structural uncertainties, seismic strength indexes, and damage indexes. Finally, based on the shortcomings of vulnerability studies, the future development of tunnel vulnerability is presented.
Types and Frequency of Dysfunction of Sensory Integration in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Filipova Silvana , Jovchevski Vasilka Galevska , Milankov Vesela
Published: May 2023

Aims: To determine the frequency and the types of dysfunctions in sensory integration in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Study Design:  Quantitative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Centre for rehabilitation of pathology of verbal communication – Skopje, between January and December 2022.

Methodology: We surveyed 40 patients (32 boys, 8 girls; age range 3 – 7 years) with ASD. The research method used was qualitative description. Content analysis and documentation analysis were used as research tools. Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire was used as an instrument.

Results: Out of 40 patients, 33 patients displayed definite differences at least in one of the Sensory Profile sections. The most frequent differences in Sensory Processing section were observed in Vestibular and Multi-Sensory Processing (39,4% in each of both sections, out of the total number of children with total score in definite differences range). In Modulation score pattern, definite differences were most frequent in Modulation of Sensory Input affecting Emotional Responses (48,5% of the total number of children in the definite differences range). In Behavior and Emotional Responses score pattern, the most frequent were the definite differences in Behavioral Outcomes of Sensory Processing (45,5% of children with total score in definite differences range). Referring to the Factors section, most of the participants had definite differences in Emotionally Reactive and Fine Motor/Perceptual factors (39,4% in each of both sections) Regarding the Quadrants section, 54,5% out of the total number of children with total score in definite differences range had definite differences in Sensory Avoiding.

Conclusion: Sensory abnormalities in children with ASD may be the key to understand many of their challenging behaviors, and thus it is a relevant aspect to be taken into account in their management. A formal evaluation of sensory integration processes should be performed in these children.
Symmetric Electronic Structures of Active Sites to Boost Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis by MN4+4 Sites Directly from Initial Covalent Organic Polymers
Authors: Mi Chunxia , Yu Haifeng , Han Linkai , Zhang Lirong , Zhai Lingling , Li Xueli , Liu Yujia , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: May 2023

Transition metal‐nitrogen‐carbon (M‐N‐C) catalysts with CoN4 centers have attracted great attention as a potential alternative to precious metal catalysts for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis. However, the asymmetric charge environment of the active site of MN4 obtained by conventional pyrolysis strategy makes the unbalanced adsorption of oxygen molecules, which restricts the activities of both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a series of well‐defined quasi‐phthalocyanine conjugated 2D covalent organic polymer (COPBTC‐M) is developed with MN4+4 active sites through a pyrolysis‐free strategy. Compared to CoN4 site, the additional subcentral N4 atoms in MN4+4 site in COPBTC‐Co catalyst balance the charge environment and form a symmetric charge distribution, which changes the antibonding orbital of the active metal and regulate the oxygen species adsorption, thus improving the activity of the bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis. In Silico screening demonstrates that cobalt has the best ORR and OER activity for COPBTC‐M with MN4+4 sites, which can be attributed to the fewer anti‐bonding orbital below the Fermi level, which weakens the oxygen species adsorption. Both theoretical and experimental results verify that the COPBTC‐Co possesses unique CoN4+4 active sites and the harmonious coordinating environment can lead to superior bifunctional oxygen catalytic activity with a high bifunctional oxygen catalytic activity (ΔE [Ej10 – E1/2] = 0.76 V), which is comparable with the benchmark Pt/C‐IrO2 pairs. Accordingly, the as‐assembled Zn–air battery exhibits a maximum power density of 157.7 mW cm −2 with stable operation for >100 cycles under an electric density of 10 mA cm −2. This study provides a characteristic understanding of the intrinsic active species toward MNx centers and could inspire new avenues for designation of advanced bifunctional electrocatalysts that catalyze ORR and OER processes simultaneously.
Chaotic Time Series Prediction of Multi‐Dimensional Nonlinear System Based on Bidirectional LSTM Model
Authors: Wang Luyao , Dai Liming
Published: May 2023

The current work proposes a hybrid data‐driven model—Convolutional bidirectional long–short term memory (CNN‐BLSTM) for predicting chaotic behavior of three‐coupled Duffing oscillator nonlinear system, in which the CNN is for efficiently extracting the more robust and informative representations of chaotic sequences while the BLSTM is for holding the long‐term dependencies combining the past and future contexts. Different from traditional analytical and numerical approaches, the proposed prediction model features the benefit of focusing on the measured data solely without extensive professional domain knowledge. Additionally, three more recurrent neural network (RNN) models, including simple RNNs, stack LSTMs, and BLSTM, are built and comparisons of generalization performances to the CNN‐BLSTM are conducted. From the findings so far, the CNN‐BLSTM is able to learn the pattern of chaotic time sequence data with less training time and apply the acquired knowledge to the unseen dataset with lower errors. Moreover, the current work decently demonstrates that the proposed model outperforms other three models in terms of stability at different noise levels from two evaluation criteria. The CNN‐BLSTM provides useful guidance for the consideration of predicting multi‐dimensional nonlinear chaotic behavior.
Metal confined in metal‐organic framework‐based mixed matrix membranes for efficient butadiene recognition separation
Authors: Cen Xixi , Sun Yuxiu , Yu Caijiao , Qiao Zhihua , Zhong Chongli
Published: May 2023

The efficient separation of butadiene (1,3‐C4H6) from C4 hydrocarbons is a critical step in petrochemical processes. However, the traditional cryogenic distillation suffers from energy‐intensity and serious environmental stress, necessitating the development of alternative technologies for efficient 1,3‐C4H6 separation. Herein, a 1,3‐C4H6 recognition mixed matrix membrane is reported via incorporating metal copper encapsulated a metal‐organic framework (CuBTC@Cu) into elastic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The resulting CuBTC@Cu/PDMS membrane can efficient separate 1,3‐C4H6 from various C4 hydrocarbons including 1,3‐C4H6/n‐C4H8, 1,3‐C4H6/iso‐C4H8, 1,3‐C4H6/n‐C4H10 and 1,3‐C4H6/iso‐C4H10, yielding superior selectivity of 5.11, 6.35, 4.78, and 10.30, respectively, with 1,3‐C4H6 permeability of 53240 Barrer. Notably, the appropriate π‐complexation interaction between butadiene molecules and CuBTC@Cu as well as suitable transmission channel size enable the membrane only permeable to 1,3‐C4H6 and block the permeation of other C4 hydrocarbons, showing a unique 1,3‐C4H6 recognition behavior in membrane separation. The concept of affinity‐relying separation combining molecular sieving would open a new direction for designing gas membranes for efficient light hydrocarbon separations.
The correlation between thermally induced precipitate‐to‐coacervate transition and glass transition in a polyelectrolyte‐bolaamphiphile complex
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Shi Zhihui , Yu Feng , Teng Chao , Zhang Chen , Chen Zhong‐Ren
Published: May 2023

The precipitate and the coacervate are two aggregated states in the polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). The precipitate‐to‐coacervate transition and glass transition in PECs have been widely reported in the past. In many cases, the two phenomena are studied independently, although both of them are apparently affected by water and small ions. Here, utilizing a PEC system consisting of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and a cationic bolaamphiphile (DBON), we explore the states of PECs as a function of salt, temperature, and the molecular weight of PAAs. By a combination of microscopic observation, time‐resolved fluorescence measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry, we identify salt/temperature driven precipitate‐to‐coacervate transitions of the complexes. The thermally induced morphology transformation from the precipitate to coacervate occurs around the glass transition temperature, indicating a strong correlation between the two processes. As the molecular weight of the PAA increases, the thermal transition temperature becomes higher. This finding offers new insights on the mechanistic interactions that dictate the aggregated states of PECs. Based on the photothermal effect of DBON, we also develop a UV light‐induced strategy to mediate the precipitate‐to‐coacervate transition, providing a fantastic platform to create functional PEC materials.
Disentangling Surface Energy and Surface/Interface Stress Effects in Spin Crossover Nanomaterials
Authors: Fahs Alaa , Mi Shiteng , Nicolazzi William , Molnár Gábor , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: May 2023

Understanding phase transformation processes at the nanoscale is an important step for the integration of phase change materials into functional nanodevices. Here, a numerical method to assess surface energy and surface stress contributions to finite size effects in spin crossover nanomaterials is proposed. Starting from their formal definitions, molecular dynamic simulations combined with continuum mechanics and thermodynamic considerations on model thin films are performed. The surface energy values extracted from the simulations are 71 and 79 mJ m−2 for the high spin (HS) and low spin (LS) states, respectively. In the limit of a weak lattice parameter misfit, the calculated isotropic stresses of a HS/LS interface are 94 and 45 mJ m−2 for the LS and HS states, respectively. From these results, a ≈10 K downshift of the spin transition temperature is predicted with the size reduction. Whereas surface energy favors systematically the HS state, it is not the case for the interface stress. Indeed, it is demonstrated that the anisotropy of mechanical stresses can lead to the stabilization of the LS state. These results confirm the possible control of the phase stability in these smart nanomaterials through interface engineering.
Drought is threatening plant growth and soil nutrients of grassland ecosystems: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Cheng , Siri Muji , Li Hui , Ren Cheng , Huang Jing , Feng Changliang , Liu Kesi
Published: May 2023

As a widespread direct effect of global warming, drought is currently wreaking havoc on terrestrial ecosystems' structure and function, however, the synthesized analysis is lacked to explore the general rules between drought changes and main functional factors of grassland ecosystems. In this work, meta‐analysis was used to examine the impacts of drought on grassland ecosystems in recent decades. According to the results, drought greatly reduced aboveground biomass (AGB), aboveground net primary production (ANPP), height, belowground biomass (BGB), belowground net primary production (BNPP), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil respiration (SR), and increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−‐N), and the ratio of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen (MBC/MBN). The drought‐related environmental factor mean annual temperature (MAT) was negatively correlated with AGB, height, ANPP, BNPP, MBC, and MBN, however, mean annual precipitation (MAP) had positive effect on these variables. These findings indicate that drought is threatening the biotic environment of grassland ecosystem, and the positive steps should be taken to address the negative effects of drought on grassland ecosystems due to climate change.
Disentangling abiotic and biotic controls of age‐0 Pacific herring population stability across the San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Pak Nina , Colombano Denise D. , Greiner Thomas , Hobbs James A. , Carlson Stephanie M. , Ruhi Albert
Published: May 2023

Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) is an ecologically and commercially valuable forage fish in the North Pacific Ocean. However, knowledge gaps exist around the abiotic and biotic drivers behind its variable population dynamics—as well as on the ability of the species to show spatially structured trends that stabilize population portfolios in the face of environmental change. Here we examined how historical hydroclimatic variability in the San Francisco Estuary (California) has driven age‐0 Pacific herring population dynamics over 35 years. First, we used wavelet analyses to examine spatiotemporal variation and synchrony in the environment, focusing on two key variables: salinity and temperature. Next, we fitted multivariate autoregressive state‐space models to environmental and abundance time series to test for spatial structure and to parse out abiotic (salinity and temperature) from biotic influences (spawning and density dependence). Finally, we examined the stabilizing effects of spatially asynchronous population fluctuations (i.e., portfolio effects) across the estuary. Our results showed that temperature, but not salinity, fluctuated synchronously across regions on seasonal and decadal timescales. The top‐ranked model showed strong evidence of regional population structure and regional variation in population responses to the environment. As expected, age‐0 herring were generally associated with cooler, saltier conditions in spring. Density dependence was strong in all regions, suggesting that local factors influencing rearing conditions limited juvenile population growth across the estuary. Additionally, age‐0 abundance fluctuations were on average 15% more stable across the estuary than in individual regions, demonstrating that portfolio effects arising from population asynchrony have helped to stabilize recruitment across the estuary over the past four decades. We contend that ecosystem‐based fishery management strategies to restore eelgrass and tidal marsh rearing habitats could increase the carrying capacity of the estuary, further stabilizing the herring population and reducing the risk of fishery closures.
The role of bioimpedance analysis in overweight and obese patients with acute heart failure: a pilot study
Authors: Venegas‐Rodríguez Ana , Pello Ana María , López‐Castillo Marta , Taibo Urquía Mikel , Balaguer‐Germán Jorge , Munté Alicia , González‐Martín Guillermo , Carriazo‐Julio Sol María , Martínez‐Milla Juan , Kallmeyer Andrea , González Lorenzo Óscar , Gaebelt Slocker Hans Paul , Tuñón José , González‐Parra Emilio , Aceña Álvaro
Published: May 2023

Aims

Residual congestion at the time of hospital discharge is an important readmission risk factor, and its detection with physical examination and usual diagnostic techniques have strong limitations in overweight and obese patients. New tools like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could help to determine when euvolaemia is reached. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of BIA in management of heart failure (HF) in overweight and obese patients.

Methods and results

Our study is a single‐centre, single‐blind, randomized controlled trial that included 48 overweight and obese patients admitted for acute HF. The study population was randomized into two arms: BIA‐guided group and standard care. Serum electrolytes, kidney function, and natriuretic peptides were followed up during their hospital stay and at 90 days after discharge. The primary endpoint was development of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) defined as an increase in serum creatinine by >0.5 mg/dL during hospitalization, and the main secondary endpoint was the reduction of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels during hospitalization and within 90 days after discharge. The BIA‐guided group showed a remarkable lower incidence of severe AKI, although no significant differences were found (41.4% vs. 16.7%; P = 0.057). The proportion of patients who achieved levels of NT‐proBNP < 1000 pg/mL at 90 days was significantly higher in the BIA‐guided group than in the standard group (58.8% vs. 25%; P = 0.049). No differences were observed in the incidence of adverse outcomes at 90 days.

Conclusions

Among overweight and obese patients with HF, BIA reduces NT‐proBNP levels at 90 days compared with standard care. In addition, there is a trend towards lower incidence of AKI in the BIA‐guided group. Although more studies are required, BIA could be a useful tool in decompensated HF management in overweight and obese patients.
Engineered nickel bioaccumulation in Escherichia coli by NikABCDE transporter and metallothionein overexpression
Authors: Diep Patrick , Leo Shen Heping , Wiesner Julian A. , Mykytczuk Nadia , Papangelakis Vladimiros , Yakunin Alexander F. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: May 2023

Mine wastewater often contains dissolved metals at concentrations too low to be economically extracted by existing technologies, yet too high for environmental discharge. The most common treatment is chemical precipitation of the dissolved metals using limestone and subsequent disposal of the sludge in tailing impoundments. While it is a cost‐effective solution to meet regulatory standards, it represents a lost opportunity. In this study, we engineered Escherichia coli to overexpress its native NikABCDE transporter and a heterologous metallothionein to capture nickel at concentrations in local effluent streams. We found the engineered strain had a 7‐fold improvement in the bioaccumulation performance for nickel compared to controls, but also observed a drastic decrease in cell viability due to metabolic burden or inducer (IPTG) toxicity. Growth kinetic analysis revealed the IPTG concentrations used based on past studies lead to growth inhibition, thus delineating future avenues for optimization of the engineered strain and its growth conditions to perform in more complex environments.
Seismic design parameters (R, Cd, and Ω0) for uncoupled composite plate shear walls−concrete filled (C‐PSW/CF)
Authors: Broberg Morgan , Agrawal Shubham , Varma Amit , Klemencic Ron
Published: May 2023

Composite Plate Shear Walls−Concrete Filled (C‐PSW/CF) are an innovative seismic force resisting system recently adapted for building applications. The walls consist of parallel steel faceplates connected with tie bars and filled with concrete. This paper summarizes the results of a recent FEMA P695 study completed to verify seismic design parameters for uncoupled C‐PSW/CFs with rectangular flange plate boundary elements. Seven archetype structures were: (i) designed, (ii) modeled using a benchmarked fiber‐based finite element analysis approach, (iii) subjected to nonlinear pushover analysis, (iv) and to incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis to failure for 22‐sets of scaled ground motions, and (v) the results were statistically analyzed to assess performance. These structures ranged from three (3) to twenty‐two (22) stories and included both planar and C‐shaped configurations. As part of this design process, recommendations for stiffness approximations for linear analysis of C‐PSW/CFs were developed. Additionally, these nonlinear incremental dynamic analysis results were post‐processed to determine the rotation and strain demands at the base of these structures at the design basis, maximum considered, and failure level earthquakes. These results showed that the rotation and strain demand at failure level earthquakes were comparable regardless of the ground motion. Ultimately, this FEMA P695 approach verified the R factor of 6.5, Cd factor of 5.5, and Ω0 of 2.5 for C‐PSW/CFs with boundary elements.
Cooling glaciers in a warming climate since the Little Ice Age at Qaanaaq, northwest Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)
Authors: Carrivick Jonathan L. , Smith Mark W. , Sutherland Jenna L. , Grimes Michael
Published: May 2023

The centennial response of land‐terminating glaciers in Greenland to climate change is largely unknown. Yet, such information is important to understand ongoing changes and for projecting the future evolution of Arctic subpolar glaciers, meltwater runoff, and sediment fluxes. This paper analyses the topography, geomorphology, and sedimentology of prominent moraine ridges and the proglacial areas of ice cap outlet glaciers on the Qaanaaq peninsula (Piulip Nunaa). We determine geometric changes of glaciers since the neoglacial maximum; the Little Ice Age (LIA), and we compare glacier behaviour during the LIA with that of the present day. There has been very little change in the rate of volume loss of each outlet glacier since the LIA compared with the rate between 2000 and 2019. However, the percentage of each glacier that is likely composed of cold‐based ice has increased since the LIA, typically by 20%. The LIA moraines comprise subrounded, striated, and faceted clasts that evidence subglacial transport, and outwash plains, flutes, kames, and eskers that evidence subglacial motion and meltwater within temperate ice. Contrastingly, contemporary ice margins and their convex ice surfaces comprise pronounced primary foliation, ephemeral supraglacial drainage, sediment drapes from thrust plane fractures, and an absence of open crevasses and moulins. These calculations and observations together lead us to interpret that these outlet glaciers have transitioned towards an increasingly cold‐based thermal regime despite a warming regional climate. Thermal regime transitions control glacier dynamics and therefore should be incorporated into glacier evolution models, especially where polythermal glaciers prevail and where climate is changing rapidly.
An optimal trust and secure model using deep metric learning for fog‐based VANET
Authors: Tripathi Kuldeep Narayan , Sharma Subhash Chander
Published: May 2023

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is a technique that enhances road safety via communication between two different vehicles. Trust establishment in VANET in between the vehicles is the most significant factor that provides secure reliability and integrity. Reliability and trust assist the vehicles in gathering credible data from neighboring vehicles. On the other hand, incomplete and inaccurate data gathered by the vehicles contain interrupting effect on VANET. Therefore, this article proposes a modified deep metric learning‐based chaotic Henry gas solubility optimization (MDML‐CHGSO) approach to provide a trust‐based security design. The proposed trust model is based on plausibility as well as experience in securing vehicle networks. The proposed model verifies the received data's genuineness from the approved vehicle using various processes namely, authentication, lifetime verification, experience evaluation, plausibility determination, and accurate measurement. The adoption of the modified DML‐based CHGSO approach extracts the location of the event message accurately when the location of the message is located closer to the fog nodes. In addition to this, average latency, throughput and packet delivery ratio, are the metrics evaluated for rating the performance.