bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Will, Foreknowledge, and Creation: Further Explorations of Kant’s Molinism
Authors: Ertl Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

While Kant’s position concerning human freedom and divine foreknowledge is perhaps the least Molinist element of his multifaceted take on free will, Kant’s Molinism (minimally defined) is undeniable when it comes to the threat ensuing from the idea of creation. In line with incompatibilism and with careful qualifications in place, he ultimately suggests regarding free agents as uncreated. Given the limitations of our rational insight, this assumption is indispensable for granting that finite free agents can acquire their intelligible characters by themselves. Nonetheless, Kant concedes that creation may, as a matter of fact, be compatible with what for Molina is the pre-volitionality of the counterfactuals of freedom.
Insights Into Lightning K‐Leader Initiation and Development From Three Dimensional Broadband Interferometric Observations
Authors: Jensen Daniel P. , Shao Xuan‐Min , Sonnenfeld Richard G.
Published: November 2023

We report detailed observations of K‐leaders and the activity between them with the three‐dimensional Broadband Interferometric Mapping and Polarization system (BIMAP‐3D) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. It is found that K‐leaders have a general propagation trend of initial acceleration and then gradual deceleration, and the corresponding very high frequency (VHF) radiation power is exponentially correlated with the leader speed. Based on the 3D development and simultaneous electric field change measurement, some simple K‐leaders can be modeled with time‐evolving point charges at the propagating leader tip and at the stationary origin. We found that the charge magnitude increases during the initial acceleration stage and stays relatively constant for the rest of the development. K‐leaders are observed to interact with other branches; the branches affect the leader's propagation speed, and may affect the charge transfer. After the occurrence of a K‐leader, VHF emissions are quenched for several milliseconds. VHF sources then reappear in an impulsive and scattered manner as “twinkling,” and these sources are found not uniquely on the so‐called needles, but also on the main channel. These twinkling sources start near the apparent positive leader tip, and extend back toward the direction of the flash origin at about 105 m/s, while the apparent positive tip continues to extend forward at about 104 m/s. The twinkling extending toward the direction of flash origin appears to initiate the following K‐leader, although it may be interrupted by a K‐leader along a different branch, or simply die out without more K‐leader activity.
Utilizing river and wastewater as a SARS-CoV-2 surveillance tool in settings with limited formal sewage systems
Authors: Barnes Kayla G. , Levy Joshua I. , Gauld Jillian , Rigby Jonathan , Kanjerwa Oscar , Uzzell Christopher B. , Chilupsya Chisomo , Anscombe Catherine , Tomkins-Tinch Christopher , Mbeti Omar , Cairns Edward , Thole Herbert , McSweeney Shannon , Chibwana Marah G. , Ashton Philip M. , Jere Khuzwayo C. , Meschke John Scott , Diggle Peter , Cornick Jennifer , Chilima Benjamin , Jambo Kondwani , Andersen Kristian G. , Kawalazira Gift , Paterson Steve , Nyirenda Tonney S. , Feasey Nicholas
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted health systems globally and robust surveillance has been critical for pandemic control, however not all countries can currently sustain community pathogen surveillance programs. Wastewater surveillance has proven valuable in high-income settings, but less is known about the utility of water surveillance of pathogens in low-income countries. Here we show how wastewater surveillance of SAR-CoV-2 can be used to identify temporal changes and help determine circulating variants quickly. In Malawi, a country with limited community-based COVID-19 testing capacity, we explore the utility of rivers and wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. From May 2020–May 2022, we collect water from up to 112 river or defunct wastewater treatment plant sites, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 8.3% of samples. Peak SARS-CoV-2 detection in water samples predate peaks in clinical cases. Sequencing of water samples identified the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, with Delta and Omicron detected well in advance of detection in patients. Our work highlights how wastewater can be used to detect emerging waves, identify variants of concern, and provide an early warning system in settings with no formal sewage systems.
iU-ExM: nanoscopy of organelles and tissues with iterative ultrastructure expansion microscopy
Authors: Louvel Vincent , Haase Romuald , Mercey Olivier , Laporte Marine H. , Eloy Thibaut , Baudrier Étienne , Fortun Denis , Soldati-Favre Dominique , Hamel Virginie , Guichard Paul
Published: November 2023

Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a highly effective technique for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy that enables imaging of biological samples beyond the diffraction limit with conventional fluorescence microscopes. Despite the development of several enhanced protocols, ExM has not yet demonstrated the ability to achieve the precision of nanoscopy techniques such as Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM). Here, to address this limitation, we have developed an iterative ultrastructure expansion microscopy (iU-ExM) approach that achieves SMLM-level resolution. With iU-ExM, it is now possible to visualize the molecular architecture of gold-standard samples, such as the eight-fold symmetry of nuclear pores or the molecular organization of the conoid in Apicomplexa. With its wide-ranging applications, from isolated organelles to cells and tissue, iU-ExM opens new super-resolution avenues for scientists studying biological structures and functions.
A dynamic partitioning mechanism polarizes membrane protein distribution
Authors: Banerjee Tatsat , Matsuoka Satomi , Biswas Debojyoti , Miao Yuchuan , Pal Dhiman Sankar , Kamimura Yoichiro , Ueda Masahiro , Devreotes Peter N. , Iglesias Pablo A.
Published: November 2023

The plasma membrane is widely regarded as the hub of the numerous signal transduction activities. Yet, the fundamental biophysical mechanisms that spatiotemporally compartmentalize different classes of membrane proteins remain unclear. Using multimodal live-cell imaging, here we first show that several lipid-anchored membrane proteins are consistently depleted from the membrane regions where the Ras/PI3K/Akt/F-actin network is activated. The dynamic polarization of these proteins does not depend upon the F-actin-based cytoskeletal structures, recurring shuttling between membrane and cytosol, or directed vesicular trafficking. Photoconversion microscopy and single-molecule measurements demonstrate that these lipid-anchored molecules have substantially dissimilar diffusion profiles in different regions of the membrane which enable their selective segregation. When these diffusion coefficients are incorporated into an excitable network-based stochastic reaction-diffusion model, simulations reveal that the altered affinity mediated selective partitioning is sufficient to drive familiar propagating wave patterns. Furthermore, normally uniform integral and lipid-anchored membrane proteins partition successfully when membrane domain-specific peptides are optogenetically recruited to them. We propose “dynamic partitioning” as a new mechanism that can account for large-scale compartmentalization of a wide array of lipid-anchored and integral membrane proteins during various physiological processes where membrane polarizes.
High-performance van der Waals antiferroelectric CuCrP2S6-based memristors
Authors: Ma Yinchang , Yan Yuan , Luo Linqu , Pazos Sebastian , Zhang Chenhui , Lv Xiang , Chen Maolin , Liu Chen , Wang Yizhou , Chen Aitian , Li Yan , Zheng Dongxing , Lin Rongyu , Algaidi Hanin , Sun Minglei , Liu Jefferson Zhe , Tu Shaobo , Alshareef Husam N. , Gong Cheng , Lanza Mario , Xue Fei , Zhang Xixiang
Published: November 2023

Layered thio- and seleno-phosphate ferroelectrics, such as CuInP2S6, are promising building blocks for next-generation nonvolatile memory devices. However, because of the low Curie point, the CuInP2S6-based memory devices suffer from poor thermal stability (<42 °C). Here, exploiting the electric field-driven phase transition in the rarely studied antiferroelectric CuCrP2S6 crystals, we develop a nonvolatile memristor showing a sizable resistive-switching ratio of ~ 1000, high switching endurance up to 20,000 cycles, low cycle-to-cycle variation, and robust thermal stability up to 120 °C. The resistive switching is attributed to the ferroelectric polarization-modulated thermal emission accompanied by the Fowler–Nordheim tunneling across the interfaces. First-principles calculations reveal that the good device performances are associated with the exceptionally strong ferroelectric polarization in CuCrP2S6 crystal. Furthermore, the typical biological synaptic learning rules, such as long-term potentiation/depression and spike amplitude/spike time-dependent plasticity, are also demonstrated. The results highlight the great application potential of van der Waals antiferroelectrics in high-performance synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing.
True prevalence of long-COVID in a nationwide, population cohort study
Authors: Hastie Claire E. , Lowe David J. , McAuley Andrew , Mills Nicholas L. , Winter Andrew J. , Black Corri , Scott Janet T. , O’Donnell Catherine A. , Blane David N. , Browne Susan , Ibbotson Tracy R. , Pell Jill P.
Published: November 2023

Long-COVID prevalence estimates vary widely and should take account of symptoms that would have occurred anyway. Here we determine the prevalence of symptoms attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking account of background rates and confounding, in a nationwide population cohort study of 198,096 Scottish adults. 98,666 (49.8%) had symptomatic laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and 99,430 (50.2%) were age-, sex-, and socioeconomically-matched and never-infected. While 41,775 (64.5%) reported at least one symptom 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection, this was also true of 34,600 (50.8%) of those never-infected. The crude prevalence of one or more symptom attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection was 13.8% (13.2%,14.3%), 12.8% (11.9%,13.6%), and 16.3% (14.4%,18.2%) at 6, 12, and 18 months respectively. Following adjustment for potential confounders, these figures were 6.6% (6.3%, 6.9%), 6.5% (6.0%, 6.9%) and 10.4% (9.1%, 11.6%) respectively. Long-COVID is characterised by a wide range of symptoms that, apart from altered taste and smell, are non-specific. Care should be taken in attributing symptoms to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Fully implanted battery-free high power platform for chronic spinal and muscular functional electrical stimulation
Authors: Burton Alex , Wang Zhong , Song Dan , Tran Sam , Hanna Jessica , Ahmad Dhrubo , Bakall Jakob , Clausen David , Anderson Jerry , Peralta Roberto , Sandepudi Kirtana , Benedetto Alex , Yang Ethan , Basrai Diya , Miller Lee E. , Tresch Matthew C. , Gutruf Philipp
Published: November 2023

Electrical stimulation of the neuromuscular system holds promise for both scientific and therapeutic biomedical applications. Supplying and maintaining the power necessary to drive stimulation chronically is a fundamental challenge in these applications, especially when high voltages or currents are required. Wireless systems, in which energy is supplied through near field power transfer, could eliminate complications caused by battery packs or external connections, but currently do not provide the harvested power and voltages required for applications such as muscle stimulation. Here, we introduce a passive resonator optimized power transfer design that overcomes these limitations, enabling voltage compliances of ± 20 V and power over 300 mW at device volumes of 0.2 cm2, thereby improving power transfer 500% over previous systems. We show that this improved performance enables multichannel, biphasic, current-controlled operation at clinically relevant voltage and current ranges with digital control and telemetry in freely behaving animals. Preliminary chronic results indicate that implanted devices remain operational over 6 weeks in both intact and spinal cord injured rats and are capable of producing fine control of spinal and muscle stimulation.
Thermoelectric coupling effect in BNT-BZT-xGaN pyroelectric ceramics for low-grade temperature-driven energy harvesting
Authors: Shen Meng , Liu Kun , Zhang Guanghui , Li Qifan , Zhang Guangzu , Zhang Qingfeng , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Shenglin , Chen Yong , Yao Kui
Published: November 2023

Pyroelectric energy harvesting has received increasing attention due to its ability to convert low-grade waste heat into electricity. However, the low output energy density driven by low-grade temperature limits its practical applications. Here, we show a high-performance hybrid BNT-BZT-xGaN thermal energy harvesting system with environmentally friendly lead-free BNT-BZT pyroelectric matrix and high thermal conductivity GaN as dopant. The theoretical analysis of BNT-BZT and BNT-BZT-xGaN with x = 0.1 wt% suggests that the introduction of GaN facilitates the resonance vibration between Ga and Ti, O atoms, which not only contributes to the enhancement of the lattice heat conduction, but also improves the vibration of TiO6 octahedra, resulting in simultaneous improvement of thermal conductivity and pyroelectric coefficient. Therefore, a thermoelectric coupling enhanced energy harvesting density of 80 μJ cm−3 has been achieved in BNT-BZT-xGaN ceramics with x = 0.1 wt% driven by a temperature variation of 2 oC, at the optical load resistance of 600 MΩ.
The SPOC proteins DIDO3 and PHF3 co-regulate gene expression and neuronal differentiation
Authors: Benedum Johannes , Franke Vedran , Appel Lisa-Marie , Walch Lena , Bruno Melania , Schneeweiss Rebecca , Gruber Juliane , Oberndorfer Helena , Frank Emma , Strobl Xué , Polyansky Anton , Zagrovic Bojan , Akalin Altuna , Slade Dea
Published: November 2023

Transcription is regulated by a multitude of activators and repressors, which bind to the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) machinery and modulate its progression. Death-inducer obliterator 3 (DIDO3) and PHD finger protein 3 (PHF3) are paralogue proteins that regulate transcription elongation by docking onto phosphorylated serine-2 in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Pol II through their SPOC domains. Here, we show that DIDO3 and PHF3 form a complex that bridges the Pol II elongation machinery with chromatin and RNA processing factors and tethers Pol II in a phase-separated microenvironment. Their SPOC domains and C-terminal intrinsically disordered regions are critical for transcription regulation. PHF3 and DIDO exert cooperative and antagonistic effects on the expression of neuronal genes and are both essential for neuronal differentiation. In the absence of PHF3, DIDO3 is upregulated as a compensatory mechanism. In addition to shared gene targets, DIDO specifically regulates genes required for lipid metabolism. Collectively, our work reveals multiple layers of gene expression regulation by the DIDO3 and PHF3 paralogues, which have specific, co-regulatory and redundant functions in transcription.
Mapping and modeling human colorectal carcinoma interactions with the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Li Ning , Zhu Qin , Tian Yuhua , Ahn Kyung Jin , Wang Xin , Cramer Zvi , Jou Justine , Folkert Ian W. , Yu Pengfei , Adams-Tzivelekidis Stephanie , Sehgal Priyanka , Mahmoud Najia N. , Aarons Cary B. , Roses Robert E. , Thomas-Tikhonenko Andrei , Furth Emma E. , Stanger Ben Z. , Rustgi Anil , Haldar Malay , Katona Bryson W. , Tan Kai , Lengner Christopher J.
Published: November 2023

The initiation and progression of cancer are intricately linked to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the function of specific cancer-TME interactions poses a major challenge due in part to the complexity of the in vivo microenvironment. Here we predict cancer-TME interactions from single cell transcriptomic maps of both human colorectal cancers (CRCs) and mouse CRC models, ask how these interactions are altered in human tumor organoid (tumoroid) cultures, and functionally recapitulate human myeloid-carcinoma interactions in vitro. Tumoroid cultures suppress gene expression programs involved in inflammation and immune cell migration, providing a reductive platform for re-establishing carcinoma-immune cell interactions in vitro. Introduction of human monocyte-derived macrophages into tumoroid cultures instructs macrophages to acquire immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic gene expression programs similar to those observed in vivo. This includes hallmark induction of SPP1, encoding Osteopontin, an extracellular CD44 ligand with established oncogenic effects. Taken together, these findings offer a framework for understanding CRC-TME interactions and provide a reductionist tool for modeling specific aspects of these interactions.
Electrical detection and modulation of magnetism in a Dy-based ferroelectric single-molecule magnet
Authors: Wang Yu-Xia , Su Dan , Ma Yinina , Sun Young , Cheng Peng
Published: November 2023

Electrical control of magnetism in single-molecule magnets with peculiar quantum magnetic behaviours has promise for applications in molecular electronics and quantum computing. Nevertheless, such kind of magnetoelectric effects have not been achieved in such materials. Herein, we report the successful realization of significant magnetoelectric effects by introducing ferroelectricity into a dysprosium-based single-molecule magnet through spatial cooperation between flexible organic ligands and halide ions. The stair-shaped magnetization hysteresis loop, alternating current susceptibility, and magnetic relaxation can be directly modulated by applying a moderate electric field. Conversely, the electric polarization can be modulated by applying a small magnetic field. In addition, a resonant magnetodielectric effect is clearly observed, which enables detection of quantum tunnelling of magnetization by a simple electrical measurement. The integration of ferroelectricity into single-molecule magnets not only broadens the family of single-molecule magnets but also makes electrical detection and modulation of the quantum tunnelling of magnetization a reality.
Fast upper-level jet stream winds get faster under climate change
Authors: Shaw Tiffany A. , Miyawaki Osamu
Published: November 2023

Earth’s upper-level jet streams influence the speed and direction of travel of weather systems and commercial aircraft, and are linked to severe weather occurrence. Climate change is projected to accelerate the average upper-level jet stream winds. However, little is known about how fast (>99th percentile) upper-level jet stream winds will change. Here we show that fast upper-level jet stream winds get faster under climate change using daily data from climate model projections across a hierarchy of physical complexity. Fast winds also increase ~2.5 times more than the average wind response. We show that the multiplicative increase underlying the fast-get-faster response follows from the nonlinear Clausius–Clapeyron relation (moist-get-moister response). The signal is projected to emerge in both hemispheres by 2050 when considering scenario uncertainty. The results can be used to explain projected changes in commercial flight times, record-breaking winds, clear-air turbulence and a potential increase in severe weather occurrence under climate change.
Both people living in the COVID-19 epicenter and those who have recently left are at a higher risk of loneliness
Authors: Xu Yan-Min , Wang Ming-Fang , Zhong Bao-Liang
Published: November 2023

There is little empirical data on the heightened risk of loneliness among individuals residing in the COVID-19 epicenter or those who have recently left. This study compared the risk of loneliness in individuals residing in Wuhan, the COVID-19 epicenter in China, and those who had recently left during the initial outbreak period to those living in non-epicenter regions. During the COVID-19 outbreak in China in 2020, three samples were obtained using snowball sampling. The samples included 2882 epicenter residents, 1028 left residents, and 2963 non-epicenter residents. Loneliness was assessed using the six-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, with a score of two or more indicating the presence of loneliness. 53.5% and 55.2% of epicenter and recently left residents, respectively, experienced loneliness, which was significantly higher than the 43.9% observed in non-epicenter residents. After adjusting for covariates, the risk of loneliness remained statistically significant for both epicenter and left residents (OR = 1.35, P < 0.001 and OR = 1.20, P = 0.017, respectively), when compared to non-epicenter residents. Individuals residing in the COVID-19 epicenter, as well as those who have recently left, are at a heightened risk of loneliness during the outbreak. These individuals need psychosocial support to mitigate their risk of loneliness and promote their psychological wellbeing.
Electrochemical properties of a novel EDLC derived from plasticized biopolymer based electrolytes with valuable energy density close to NiMH batteries
Authors: Aziz Shujahadeen B. , Brza Mohamad A. , Abdulwahid Rebar T. , Hassan Jamal , Tahir Hawzhin B. , Al-Saeedi Sameerah I. , Abdullah Ranjdar M. , Hadi Jihad M.
Published: November 2023

This study introduces a novel system of solid electrolytes for electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) utilizing biopolymer electrolytes with high energy density comparable to NiMH batteries. To prepare the electrolytes, a proton-conducting plasticized chitosan: poly(2-oxazoline) (POZ) with good film-forming properties was fabricated using a solution casting technique, and ammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate (NH4CF3SO3) salt was employed as a proton provider. Various glycerol concentrations were incorporated into the chitosan:POZ: NH4CF3SO3 system to enhance the ionic conductivity and fully transparent films were obtained. The impedance technique was utilized to determine the conductivity and measure the diffusion coefficient, mobility, and number density of ions. The electrochemical measurements, including linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), validated the high performance of the system. The EDLC was examined using galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) equipment, and the results revealed an energy density of 43 Wh/kg, specific capacitance of 300 F/g, and power density of 1800 W/kg over 500 cycles. These findings suggest that it is plausible to develop EDLCs that resemble batteries, making them a more desirable energy storage option for the industry.
Weight loss from diagnosis of Crohn’s disease to one year post-diagnosis results in earlier surgery
Authors: Kim Minjee , Cho Minsung , Hong Sungjun , Song Joo Hye , Kim Eun Ran , Hong Sung Noh , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young-Ho , Kim Ji Eun
Published: November 2023

Malnutrition might play a key role in the prognosis of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). The aim of this study was to explore the impact of weight loss from diagnosis of CD to one-year post-diagnosis on disease prognosis in terms of surgery. Patients who were diagnosed with CD at Samsung Medical Center between 1995 to 2020 were included in this study. The study defined the “group with weight loss” as patients with weight loss in one year after diagnosis and the “group without body weight loss” as patients without weight loss in one year after diagnosis. Their data such as demographics, laboratory findings, and medical interventions were collected retrospectively. The primary outcome was confirmation of the difference in the incidence of surgery associated with CD between the group with weight loss and the group without body weight loss. We further analyzed factors associated with surgery outcomes. A total of 165 patients were analyzed in this study. Forty-one patients (24.8%) had body weight loss whereas 124 patients (75.2%) had no body weight loss. Body change at one year showed no significant association with direct surgical incidence. However, the patients with weight loss tended to undergo surgery earlier than patients without body weight loss. Among factors associated with outcomes of Crohn’s surgery, the albumin was the only significant factor. Patients with weight loss had no statistically significant increase in the risk of surgery than patients without weight loss, although they tended to undergo surgery earlier than patients without body weight loss. A prospective study is needed to determine serial body weight changes during follow-up for patients with CD.
Zero-shot interpretable phenotyping of postpartum hemorrhage using large language models
Authors: Alsentzer Emily , Rasmussen Matthew J. , Fontoura Romy , Cull Alexis L. , Beaulieu-Jones Brett , Gray Kathryn J. , Bates David W. , Kovacheva Vesela P.
Published: November 2023

Many areas of medicine would benefit from deeper, more accurate phenotyping, but there are limited approaches for phenotyping using clinical notes without substantial annotated data. Large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated immense potential to adapt to novel tasks with no additional training by specifying task-specific instructions. Here we report the performance of a publicly available LLM, Flan-T5, in phenotyping patients with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) using discharge notes from electronic health records (n = 271,081). The language model achieves strong performance in extracting 24 granular concepts associated with PPH. Identifying these granular concepts accurately allows the development of interpretable, complex phenotypes and subtypes. The Flan-T5 model achieves high fidelity in phenotyping PPH (positive predictive value of 0.95), identifying 47% more patients with this complication compared to the current standard of using claims codes. This LLM pipeline can be used reliably for subtyping PPH and outperforms a claims-based approach on the three most common PPH subtypes associated with uterine atony, abnormal placentation, and obstetric trauma. The advantage of this approach to subtyping is its interpretability, as each concept contributing to the subtype determination can be evaluated. Moreover, as definitions may change over time due to new guidelines, using granular concepts to create complex phenotypes enables prompt and efficient updating of the algorithm. Using this language modelling approach enables rapid phenotyping without the need for any manually annotated training data across multiple clinical use cases.
Agave sisalana: towards distributed manufacturing of absorbent media for menstrual pads in semi-arid regions
Authors: Molina Anton , Kothari Anesta , Odundo Alex , Prakash Manu
Published: November 2023

Agaves are robust, drought tolerant plants that have been cultivated for their high-strength fibers for centuries and they hold promise as a crop in the face of increasing water scarcity associated with a warming planet. Meanwhile, millions of women lack access to sanitary products to safely manage their menstruation particularly in low- and middle-income countries characterized by a dry climate. To address this issue, we show a processing route that transforms the leaves of the succulent Agave sisalana into a highly absorbent and retentive (23 g/g) material. The process involves delignification combined with mechanical fluffing to increase affinity for water and porosity, respectively. This process leads to a material with an absorption capacity exceeding those found in commercially available products such as menstrual pads. Finally, the carbon footprint and water usage associated with this process are comparable to those with common alternatives with the added benefit that it can be carried out at small scales while remaining environmentally sustainable. Our work represents a step towards distributed manufacturing of essential health and hygiene products based on a local bioeconomy.
Strategies to enhance figures of merit in ICP-ToF-MS
Authors: Lockwood T. E. , Gonzalez de Vega R. , Du Z. , Schlatt L. , Xu X. , Clases D.
Published: November 2023

Two strategies can improve figures of merit in ICP-ToF-MS: the use of a Bradbury–Nielson gate to improve duty cycles and, the post-analysis accumulation of isotopic signals from polyisotopic elements.
A survey of stapling methods to increase affinity, activity, and stability of ghrelin analogues
Authors: Esteban Juan J. , Mason Julia R. , Kaminski Jakob , Ramachandran Rithwik , Luyt Leonard G.
Published: November 2023

In this paper we present a survey of stapling methods for the peptide ghrelin, resulting in the discovery of ghrelin analogues with improved affinity, stability and efficacy.
Nano-modified screen-printed electrode-based electrochemical immunosensors for oral cancer biomarker detection in undiluted human serum and saliva samples
Authors: Gulati Payal , Singh Avinash Kumar , Yadav Amit K. , Pasbola Kiran , Pandey Prerna , Sharma Rinu , Thakar Alok , Solanki Pratima R.
Published: November 2023

The schematic illustration of step wise fabrication of in-house-made screen-printed electrodes for simultaneous detection of multiple cancer biomarkers.
Facile green synthesis of wasted hop-based zinc oxide nanozymes as peroxidase-like catalysts for colorimetric analysis
Authors: Liu Pei , Liang Mengdi , Liu Zhengwei , Long Haiyu , Cheng Han , Su Jiahe , Tan Zhongbiao , He Xuewen , Sun Min , Li Xiangqian , He Shuai
Published: November 2023

A facile method producing zinc oxide nanozymes (ZnO NZs) using wasted hop extract (WHE) was demonstrated for the first time.
Ligand pre-inserted α-diimine palladium catalysts and mechanism studies in olefin polymerization
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Gang , Li Chao , Tan Chen , Chen Min
Published: November 2023

In this work, ligand pre-inserted α-diimine palladium complexes were synthesized to catalyze the ethylene polymerization and copolymerization with polar monomers.
High-Tg PLA copolymers via base-catalyzed transesterification of PLA with 2,5,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-one
Authors: Zhou Tong , Guo Yu-Ting , Yang Chun , Meng Xian-Bin , Du Fu-Sheng , Li Zi-Chen
Published: November 2023

Ring-opening copolymerization of a new bicyclic lactone, 2,5,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-one (TOB), with lactide (LA) provided a series of degradable copolyesters with tunable high glass transition temperatures ranging from 50 to 100 °C.
Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks for water absorption and their applications
Authors: Cheng Lu , Dang Yu , Wang Yu , Chen Kai-Jie
Published: November 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising water adsorbents with a controllable absorption humidity range, superior water capacity, and tailorable regeneration conditions.
Low-temperature vapor reduction of graphene oxide electrodes for vertical organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Qiao Kun , Ma Qing , Wang Junjia , Wang Binghao
Published: November 2023

Vertical organic field-effect transistors based on a low-temperature-prepared reduced graphene oxide electrode.
The Alaska permanent fund dividend increases residential payments for water services
Authors: Johnson Barbara , Molina Allen , Herrmann Mark , Aggarwal Srijan
Published: November 2023

Alaska has the lowest rate of access to in-home water services in the United States.
Memory and Traumatic Brain Injury: Assessment and Management Practices of Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Mitchell Jade T. , Covington Natalie V. , Morrow Emily , de Riesthal Michael , Duff Melissa C.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Memory impairments are among the most commonly reported deficits and among the most frequent rehabilitation targets for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Memory and learning are also critical for rehabilitation success and broader long-term outcomes. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a central role in memory management for individuals with TBI across the continuum of care. Yet, little is known about the current practice patterns of SLPs for post-TBI memory disorders. This study aims to examine the clinical management of memory disorders in adults with TBI by SLPs and identify opportunities to improve post-TBI memory outcomes.

Method:

SLPs from across the continuum of care were recruited to complete an online survey. The survey assessed key practice areas specific to memory and memory disorders post-TBI, including education and training, knowledge and confidence, and assessment and treatment patterns.

Results:

Surveys from 155 SLPs were analyzed. Results revealed that TBI-specific training remains low in the field. Respondents varied in their practice patterns in assessing and treating memory disorders. Most SLPs do not appear to have access to appropriate standardized assessments to measure unique forms of memory. Respondents also reported a range of barriers and opportunities to advance memory outcomes following TBI and provided suggestions of areas in which they would like to see more basic and clinical research.

Conclusions:

These findings establish a baseline of the current practices for clinical management of memory impairment in adults with TBI by SLPs. Improved opportunities for clinician training, the development of a single tool to assess multiple forms of memory, better access to existing memory assessments, and implementation of evidence-based interventions promise to lead to improved memory outcomes for individuals with TBI.
Classification of the perceptual impression of source-level blending between violins in a joint performance
Authors: Thilakan Jithin , BT Balamurali , Chen Jer-Ming , Kob Malte
Published: November 2023

Quantifying auditory perception of blending between sound sources is a relevant topic in music perception, but remains poorly explored due to its complex and multidimensional nature. Previous studies were able to explain the source-level blending in musically constrained sound samples, but comprehensive modelling of blending perception that involves musically realistic samples was beyond their scope. Combining the methods of Music Information Retrieval (MIR) and Machine Learning (ML), this investigation attempts to classify sound samples from real musical scenarios having different musical excerpts according to their overall source-level blending impression.

Monophonically rendered samples of 2 violins in unison, extracted from in-situ close-mic recordings of ensemble performance, were perceptually evaluated and labeled into blended and non-blended classes by a group of expert listeners. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) were extracted, and a classification model was developed using linear and non-linear feature transformation techniques adapted from the dimensionality reduction strategies such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and t-Stochastic Neighbourhood Embedding (t-SNE), paired with Euclidean distance measure as a metric to evaluate the similarity of transformed feature clusters. Results showed that LDA transformed raw MFCCs trained and validated using a separate train-test data set and Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV) resulted in an accuracy of 87.5%, and 87.1% respectively in correctly classifying the samples into blended and non-blended classes. In this regard, the proposed classification model which incorporates “ecological” score-independent sound samples without requiring access to individual source recordings advances the holistic modeling of blending.
Perfusion techniques for an 800 g premature neonate undergoing Arterial Switch Procedure for Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Owens Richard , Loftin Madeline , Rosten Kellen , Fisher Douglas , Denison Blake , Gottlieb Erin , Fraser Charles
Published: November 2023

Early cardiac surgery in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease has been performed since the middle to late years of the twentieth century. To date, there are very few reports of successful congenital heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in premature babies less than 1000 g with serious congenital heart disease. Limited information is available in the literature describing perfusion techniques for this extremely fragile patient population. Miniaturization of the CPB circuit contributes to multiple factors that affect this population significantly. These factors include the reduction of patient-to-circuit ratios, volume of distribution of pharmacological agents, management of pressure gradients within the CPB system, and increased tactile control by the attending perfusionist. Careful management of the physiological environment of the patient is of utmost importance and can mitigate risks during CPB, including volume shifts into the interstitial space, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalance, and intracranial hemorrhage. We report perfusion techniques successfully utilized during the surgical repair of transposition of the great arteries for an 800 g, 28-week-old neonate. CPB techniques for the smallest and youngest patients may be executed safely when proper physical, chemical, and perfusion process adjustments are made and managed meticulously.
Effect of ladle lining system refractories on the cleanliness of heavy-rail steel U75V
Authors: Guo Zhijie , Sun Yanhui , Wang Hongyu , Zhuo Chao , Wu Huajie
Published: November 2023

To understand the effect of refractories in the ladle lining system on the evolution of inclusions in the secondary refining process, refractory samples were taken from different locations in the ladle system (Slag lining bricks, Sidewall bricks, Refractory mortar, and Bottom bricks). Laboratory experiments were carried out using heavy-rail steel slab samples (Si-Mn-killed steel) and different refractory bricks. The four kinds of refractory bricks can be roughly divided into 3 categories: (1) MgO-Al2O3-C system (MAC, high MgO>55%); (2) Al2O3-MgO-C system (AMC, low MgO<13%); (3) Al2O3-SiO2 system (AS). The results show that after the reaction between molten steel and refractory materials, both AMC (slag lining bricks and sidewall bricks) and MAC (bottom bricks) will dissolve their component Al2O3, increasing [%Al] content in molten steel, forming MgO-Al2O3 type inclusions, and the dissolution of its component MgO depends on the content of MgO. When MgO>55%, MgO will dissolve. When MgO<13%, due to the low activity of MgO, MgO will not dissolve. MgO inclusions were found in the steel when the MgO content in the refractory was higher than 55%. MgO inclusions may originate from the refractory itself. The reduction of TiO2 in the AS (refractory mortar) by [%Al] and [%Si] in the steel increases the [%Ti] content of the steel, forming Ti-containing inclusions.
Organtransplantation – Welche spenderspezifischen
HLA-Antikörper sind akzeptabel?
Authors: Ziemann Malte
Published: November 2023

HLA-Merkmale, gegen die Patienten auf der Transplantationswarteliste immunisiert
sind, können als nicht-akzeptable HLA-Antigendifferenzen (NAHA)
definiert werden. Bei breit immunisierten Patienten kann es schwierig sein, alle
HLA-Antikörper als NAHA zu berücksichtigen, da dies die Zahl
kompatibler Spender minimiert. Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht,
welche Kriterien bei der Auswahl der Antikörper für die
Definition von NAHA hilfreich sein können.
Update of the Imine-Anion-Mediated Smiles Rearrangement: Application to Migration of Electron-Neutral/Rich Aromatic Groups
Authors: Mori Keiji , Jinno Shunki , Kawasaki-Takasuka Tomoko
Published: November 2023

We have revisited the imine-anion-mediated Smiles rearrangement for the synthesis of ortho-hydroxyphenyl arylketimines. Detailed examinations revealed that migration of various aromatic groups, previously considered to be unsuited to SNAr-type reactions, such as electron-rich or sterically hindered aromatic groups, can be accomplished by introducing bulky 9-anthryllithium as a nucleophile. Among the aromatic groups examined, naphthyl groups (1- and 2-naphthyl groups) exhibited an excellent performance, and their migration ability was well illustrated by the reaction with less bulky nucleophiles.
Pragma-dialectical perspective to intercultural discussion as communicative activity
Authors: Liu Donghong
Published: November 2023

The core idea of Pragma-dialectical Theory is critical discussion which means resolving disagreement via argumentative dialogues. The Pragmatic-dialectic Model describing critical discussion has not only reasonableness and validness in logic, but also rhetorical effectiveness and pragmatic properties in intra-cultural context. However, the model cannot appropriately describe intercultural discussion since the discussants try to negotiate both in meaning and in divergence. People from different cultures do not necessarily behave pragmatically in the same way. In order to better describe the process of intercultural discussion, an exploratory approach was taken to first propose modifications of the model and then to confirm the modified model in a case study. The modifications include two aspects: first, its rhetorical and pragmatic properties can be expanded by taking Burke’s “Identification” and by replacing “speech acts” with more comprehensive “pragmatic acts”; second, theargumentation stagecan be explored further with “motivation” and “mediation” added to the model. The case study reveals that the discussants with the motivation to seek common substances could take proper pragmatic acts to negotiate on certain substances, and that the mediation by the third party and by the discussants exerted influence both on the motivation and on the pragmatic acts. The modified model is expected to broaden the application scope of Pragma-dialectical theory to intercultural communication, and to better explain many kinds of intercultural discussions.
Employing graphene nanocomposites as nitric oxide sensors
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: November 2023

Graphene composites offer high sensitivities, low detection limits, and fast responses for real-time biochemical monitoring.
Probing van der Waals magnetic surface and interface via circularly polarized X-rays
Authors: Zhang Wen , Fu Qiang , Li Jiahui , Lian Beilei , Xia Yuze , Zhou Liguo , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Wong Ping Kwan Johnny
Published: November 2023

Advances in research of magnetic two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) materials have opened up new opportunities in miniaturization of spintronic devices at the atomically thin limit. One major research thrust, which is the subject of this review, is that the magnetism of 2D vdW materials and their derived hetero-interface may be significantly affected by the local atomic geometry and environment. As a result, there is a pressing need for powerful advanced technique to characterize magnetic vdW surface and interface. Circularly polarized X-rays from synchrotron radiation light sources are key to this endeavor, as they can probe the microscopic magnetism of a specific element, for their atomic sensitivity, element-specificity, core-level excitation as well as capability of separation for the spin and orbit moments. We review a series of representative experimental achievements, exploiting circularly polarized X-rays, in (1) 2D vdW magnet, (2) magnetic metal/vdW interface, (3) molecule/vdW interface as well as (4) vdW/2D interface. On the basis of the review, advantages of probing magnetic vdW surface and interface by circularly polarized X-rays are presented, and challenges and opportunities are also discussed.
Development of hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation x-ray up to 30 keV
Authors: Yasuno Satoshi , Seo Okkyun , Takagi Yasumasa , Nishihara Tappei
Published: November 2023

Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) is a powerful tool for investigating the chemical and electronic states of bulk and buried interfaces non-destructively due to its large probing depth. To obtain a much larger probing depth and measure deeper regions than conventional HAXPES, we have developed a high-energy HAXPES (HE-HAXPES) system excited by photon energies up to 30 keV. This system is achieved by combining an applied bias voltage on the sample with a conventional hemispherical electron energy analyzer. By utilizing this system, we successfully observed a Si 1s peak from the bulk-Si substrate underneath the 110-nm-thick SiO2 film at a photon energy of 30 keV. Moreover, the system found that the asymmetrical spectral shape of the Si substrate signal originated from the electronic state, which is upward band bending formed at the interface between the SiO2 film and Si substrate. The HE-HAXPES system, excited by photon energy up to 30 keV, could be a very useful tool to yield genuine insights into the chemical and electronic states in deeply buried regions.
Research on control strategy of flywheel energy storage system based on active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Liu Yujia , Meng Keqilao , Zhang Jiangong , Gao Junfeng , Liang Kaibiao
Published: November 2023

The flywheel energy storage system (FESS) has been attracting the attention of national and international academicians gradually with its benefits such as high energy power density, high conversion productivity, and inexpensive pollution. For the mutual limitation problem of reaction speed and overshoot of the conventional PI controller, it is hard to satisfy the demand of high efficiency control. In this study, the Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (ADRC) is adopted to substitute the classical PI controller in the flywheel energy storage control system. The control system of an external loop of speed and an internal loop of current is adopted at the motor side. The standard ADRC is adopted by increasing the new nonlinear control function. The control system adopted the control strategy of the DC bus voltage external loop and the current internal loop on the grid side, as well as the second-order Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (LADRC), to enhance the control ability of the DC bus voltage. In the charge/discharge control of the FESS, both the velocity external loop and current internal loop control strategies are utilized to simplify the system structure. The performance shows that the improved control system could effectively enhance the charging and discharging speed of the FESS and effectively suppress the DC bus voltage rise caused by flywheel state switching so that the system has better robustness.
A regularized lattice Boltzmann model with filter for multiphase flow with diffusion-dominated mass transfer considering two-film theory
Authors: Mo Hanyang , Yong Yumei , Chen Wenqiang , Dai Jialin , Yang Chao
Published: November 2023

Complex flow, considering the interfacial mass transfer with the two-film theory, is always encountered in critical industrial processes. The phase-field lattice Boltzmann method (PFLBM) coupling with the revised Fick's law mass transfer convection–diffusion equation (CDE) is a practical approach to predict the bulk concentration distribution in two-phase flows. However, solutions of concentration have oscillations and even diverge near the sharp gradient when the relaxation time of governing equations is close to 0.5 (i.e., diffusion-dominated). In this paper, an integrated PFLBM model considering two-phase flow and interfacial mass transfer with a new filtering algorithm and collision operator was built to extend the wider range of the existing model for the two-film CDE with an extremely low diffusion coefficient. First, the two-film mass transfer model from our team was furthermore developed with the second-order formation to meet the high precision of concentration on two-phase interfaces. Then, directional filtering algorithms and regularized-finite-difference (rLBM-FD) collision operator were introduced to improve the numerical stability and limit the numerical diffusion. Four common collision operators were implemented and thoroughly tested in two cases to verify the robustness and accuracy of our new model. In conclusion, the combination of the rLBM-FD with standard non-linear filter reaches the highest robustness, mass-conservativeness, and limitation on numerical diffusion. The directional non-linear filter has the lowest computational cost of any microscopic variable filter and can increase the robustness by two times. Macro-variable filtering is not appropriate for treating the two-film equilibrium because the mass loss and robustness are unacceptable.