bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of electron-positron pairs on the maximum possible luminosity of the accretion columns in ULXs
Authors: Suleimanov Valery F. , Mushtukov Alexander , Ognev Igor , Doroshenko Victor A. , Werner Klaus
Published: February 2023

One of the models explaining the high luminosity of pulsing ultra-luminous X-ray sources (pULXs) was suggested by Mushtukov et al. (2015). They showed that the accretion columns on the surfaces of highly magnetized neutron stars can be very luminous due to opacity reduction in the high magnetic field. However, a strong magnetic field leads also to amplification of the electron-positron pairs creation. Therefore, increasing of the electron and positron number densities compensates the cross-section reduction, and the electron scattering opacity does not decrease with the magnetic field magnification. As a result, the maximum possible luminosity of the accretion column does not increase with the magnetic field. It ranges between 1040 − 1041 erg s−1 depending only slightly on the magnetic field strength.
Astrophysical entomology: dissecting the black widow population through multi-band light curve modelling
Authors: Mata Sánchez Daniel , Kennedy Mark R. , Clark Colin J. , Breton Rene P. , Dhillon Vikhram S.
Published: February 2023

The population of black widows, binary systems containing a millisecond pulsar and a very low-mass companion star exposed to the high-energy pulsar wind, has grown exponentially in the past few years. The number of black widow candidates is now over 30 systems, but only 14 have been confirmed so far. Their relevance in analysing the extremes of the neutron stars properties led to multiwavelength dedicated studies that revealed a rich phenomenology. In this work, we provide a glimpse into the black widow class through modelling of high-cadence multi-band light curves of 6 systems, accounting for almost half of the confirmed population. A better understanding of the black widow population, which hosts some of the most massive and fastest spinning neutron stars, will ultimately benefit future modelling of compact object mergers.
PULXs as Accreting Magnetars: Observational Manifestations
Authors: Brice Nabil , Zane Silvia , Taverna Roberto , Turolla Roberto , Wu Kinwah
Published: February 2023

Pulsating Ultra Luminous X-ray sources (PULXs) are thought to be X-ray bright, accreting, magnetized neutron stars, and could be the first and only evidence for the existence of magnetars in binary systems. Their apparent soft (< 20 keV) X-ray luminosity can exceed the Eddington luminosity for a neutron star (NS) by a few orders of magnitude. Although several scenarios have been proposed to explain the different components observed in the X-ray spectra and the characteristics of the X-ray lightcurve of these system, detailed quantitative calculations are still missing. In particular, the observed soft X-ray lightcurves are almost sinuosidal and show an increase in the pulsed fraction (from 8% up to even 30%) with increasing energy. Here, we present how emission originating from an optically thick envelope, expected to be formed during super-Eddington accretion, can result in pulsed fractions similar to observations.
Multi-messenger science with Athena and Future Multi-messenger Observatories
Authors: Piro Luigi
Published: February 2023

Scientific synergies between Athena and some of the key multi-messenger facilities that should be operative concurrently with Athena are presented. These facilities include LIGO A+, Advanced Virgo+ and future detectors for ground-based observation of gravitational waves (GW), LISA for space-based observations of GW, IceCube and KM3NeT for neutrino observations, CTA for very high energy observations. Multimessenger synergy science themes discussed here include pressing issues in the field of Astrophysics, Cosmology and Fundamental physics such as: the central engine and jet physics in compact binary mergers, accretion processes and jet physics in SMBBHs and in compact stellar binaries, the equation of state in neutron stars, cosmic accelerators and the origin of cosmic rays, the origin of intermediate and high-Z elements in the Universe, the Cosmic distance scale and tests of General Relativity and Standard Model. Observational strategies for implementing the identified science topics are also discussed.
Recoil Velocity of Binary Neutron Star Merger Remnants
Authors: Kulkarni Sumeet , Padamata Surendra , Gupta Anuradha
Published: February 2023

The LIGO-Virgo gravitational wave detectors have confidently observed 4 events involving neutron stars: two binary neutron star (BNS) mergers (GW170817 and GW190425), and two neutron star-black hole mergers (GW200105 and GW200115). However, our theoretical understanding of the remnant properties of such systems is incomplete due to the complexities related to the modeling of matter effects and the very high computational cost of corresponding numerical relativity simulations. An important such property is the recoil velocity, which is imparted onto the remnant due to the anisotropic emission of gravitational radiation and the dynamical ejection of matter in the kilonova. In this work, we combine gravitational radiation as well as dynamical ejecta distributions, computed by the Computational Relativity numerical simulations, to get accurate estimates for BNS remnant recoil velocities. We find that recoils due to ejection of matter dominate those caused by gravitational wave emission. Knowledge of BNS remnant recoil velocities is important in determining if the remnant is retained by its environment for future hierarchical mergers which, in turn, can form binaries with black holes in the so-called lower mass gap of ∼ 3 – 5M⊙.
The search for Continuous Gravitational Waves: the journey to discovery
Authors: Leaci Paola
Published: February 2023

Continuous gravitational Waves (CWs) are a very promising, not yet detected, and interesting class of persistent and semi-periodic signals. They are emitted mainly by rapidly rotating asymmetric neutron stars, with frequencies that are well covered by the [10-3 000] Hz range of the advanced LIGO-Virgo detectors. Due to the expected small degree of asymmetry of a neutron star, the search for this kind of signals is extremely challenging, and can be very computationally expensive when the source parameters are not known or not well constrained. CW detection from a spinning neutron star will allow us to characterize its structure and properties, making this source an unparalleled laboratory for studying several key issues in fundamental physics and relativistic astrophysics, in conditions that cannot be reproduced on Earth. The most recent methodologies used in CW searches will be discussed, and the latest results from the third advanced LIGO-Virgo observational run will be presented. A summary of future prospects to feasibly detect such feeble signals as the detector performance improves, and ever-more-sensitive and robust data-analysis algorithms are implemented, will be also outlined.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights: forging a jurisdictional frontier in post-colonial human rights
Authors: Sanchez Maria A.
Published: February 2023

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR) was finally established in 2004 after decades of negotiations. Despite forty years of resistance from governments who were reluctant to sacrifice sovereignty to a supranational body, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its Protocol grant the ACtHPR far-reaching authority relative to other regional human rights courts. How did the ACtHPR end up with an expansive jurisdiction that is unprecedented among regional courts? This analysis proposes that legal experts’ ability to capture control over vital stages in the drafting of the African Charter and Protocol, thus limiting the influence of political advisors, yielded an institutional design that facilitated the ACtHPR's unique mandate. Furthermore, colonial legacies in newly-independent states pushed the founders of the African human rights system to envision an innovative, post-colonial human rights framework that integrated a wide-reaching spectrum of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Structured tracking of alcohol reinforcement (STAR) for basic and translational alcohol research
Authors: Brown Alex R. , Branthwaite Hannah E. , Farahbakhsh Zahra Z. , Mukerjee Snigdha , Melugin Patrick R. , Song Keaton , Noamany Habiba , Siciliano Cody A.
Published: February 2023

There is inherent tension between methodologies developed to address basic research questions in model species and those intended for preclinical to clinical translation: basic investigations require flexibility of experimental design as hypotheses are rapidly tested and revised, whereas preclinical models emphasize standardized protocols and specific outcome measures. This dichotomy is particularly relevant in alcohol research, which spans a diverse range of basic sciences in addition to intensive efforts towards understanding the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD). To advance these goals there is a great need for approaches that facilitate synergy across basic and translational areas of nonhuman alcohol research. In male and female mice, we establish a modular alcohol reinforcement paradigm: Structured Tracking of Alcohol Reinforcement (STAR). STAR provides a robust platform for quantitative assessment of AUD-relevant behavioral domains within a flexible framework that allows direct crosstalk between translational and mechanistically oriented studies. To achieve cross-study integration, despite disparate task parameters, a straightforward multivariate phenotyping analysis is used to classify subjects based on propensity for heightened alcohol consumption and insensitivity to punishment. Combining STAR with extant preclinical alcohol models, we delineate longitudinal phenotype dynamics and reveal putative neuro-biomarkers of heightened alcohol use vulnerability via neurochemical profiling of cortical and brainstem tissues. Together, STAR allows quantification of time-resolved biobehavioral processes essential for basic research questions simultaneous with longitudinal phenotyping of clinically relevant outcomes, thereby providing a framework to facilitate cohesion and translation in alcohol research.
Interstrand crosslinking of homologous repair template DNA enhances gene editing in human cells
Authors: Ghasemi Hannah I. , Bacal Julien , Yoon Amanda C. , Tavasoli Katherine U. , Cruz Carmen , Vu Jonathan T. , Gardner Brooke M. , Richardson Chris D.
Published: February 2023

We describe a strategy to boost the efficiency of gene editing via homology-directed repair (HDR) by covalently modifying the template DNA with interstrand crosslinks. Crosslinked templates (xHDRTs) increase Cas9-mediated editing efficiencies by up to fivefold in K562, HEK293T, U2OS, iPS and primary T cells. Increased editing from xHDRTs is driven by events on the template molecule and requires ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase and components of the Fanconi anemia pathway.
An alternate hybrid PWM for uniform thermal sharing in single phase voltage-source inverter
Authors: Kiranmai K. S. P. , Damodaran R. V. , Hushki M. , Shareef H.
Published: February 2023

The most prevalent reason for IGBT failure in voltage-source inverter (VSI) is thermal stress, which is influenced by the topology and modulation technique adopted. Hence, it is crucial to understand the impact of common sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) strategies on the thermal behavior of VSI and develop improved PWM techniques. This paper presents an alternate hybrid PWM (AHPWM) switching sequence for a single-phase VSI to decrease its thermal stress and prolong its lifetime. To evaluate the number of cycles to failure of VSI, power loss and thermal analysis were conducted for VSI with AHPWM and compared with conventional PWMs. The thermal cycles experienced by IGBTs with different modulation techniques were experimentally validated using a laboratory prototype of VSI. These findings suggest that by employing AHPWM, the likelihood of VSI failure is reduced by at least one-and-a-half times, resulting in lower VSI maintenance costs.
Days alive and out of hospital at 30 days and outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Oh Ah Ran , Lee Seung-Hwa , Park Jungchan , Min Jeong-Jin , Lee Jong-Hwan , Yoo Seung Yeon , Kwon Ji-Hye , Choi Dan-Cheong , Kim Wooksung , Cho Hyun Sung
Published: February 2023

Days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) is a simple estimator based on the number of days not in hospital within a defined period. In cases of mortality within the period, DAOH is regarded as zero. It has not been validated solely in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). This study aimed to demonstrate a correlation between DAOH and outcome of OPCAB. We identified 2211 OPCAB performed from January 2010 to August 2016. We calculated DAOH at 30 and 60 days. We generated a receiver-operating curve and compared outcomes. The median duration of hospital stay after OPCAB was 6 days. The median DAOH values at 30 and 60 days were 24 and 54 days. The estimated thresholds for 3-year mortality for DAOH at 30 and 60 days were 20 and 50 days. Three-year mortality was higher for short DAOH (1.2% vs. 5.7% and 1.1% vs. 5.6% DAOH at 30 and 60 days). After adjustment, the short DAOH 30 group showed significantly higher mortality during 3-year follow-up (hazard ratio 3.07; 95% confidence interval 1.45–6.52; p = 0.004). DAOH at 30 days after OPCAB showed a correlation with 3-year outcomes. DAOH 30 might be a reliable long-term outcome measure that can be obtained within 30 days after surgery.
Investigation on CMB monopole and dipole using blackbody radiation inversion
Authors: Dhal Somita , Paul R. K.
Published: February 2023

The COBE/FIRAS dataset is used to calculate the Cosmic Microwave Background temperature and the uncertainty using the Blackbody Radiation Inversion (BRI) method. In this research work, the procedure is somewhat comparable to the mixing of weighted blackbodies in the case of the dipole. The temperature and its spreading for the monopole and dipole, respectively, are 2.741 ± 0.018 K and 2.748 ± 0.270 K. This dipole spreading exceeds the spreading predicted by taking relative motion into account (i.e., 3.3 × 10−3 K). The comparison of the probability distributions for the monopole spectrum, dipole spectrum, and their resultant is also displayed. It is shown that the distribution is symmetrically orientated. We estimated the µ and y-distortions by interpreting the spreading as the distortion and found that they are of the order of 10−4 and 10−5, respectively, for the monopole spectrum and 10−2 for the dipole spectrum. The paper also highlights the effectiveness of the BRI method and hints at future applications in the thermal nature of the early universe.
Pet dog facial expression recognition based on convolutional neural network and improved whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Mao Yan , Liu Yaqian
Published: February 2023

Pet dogs are our good friends. Realizing the dog’s emotions through the dog's facial expressions is beneficial to the harmonious coexistence between human beings and pet dogs. This paper describes a study on dog facial expression recognition using convolutional neural network (CNN), which is a representative algorithm model of deep learning. Parameter settings have a profound impact on the performance of a CNN model, improper parameter setting will make the model exposes several shortcomings, such as slow learning speed, easy to fall into local optimal solution, etc. In response to these shortcomings and improve the accuracy of recognition, a novel CNN model based on the improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) called IWOA–CNN is applied to complete this recognition task. Unlike human face recognition, a dedicated face detector in Dlib toolkit is utilized to recognize the facial region, and the captured facial images are augmented to build an expression dataset. The random dropout layer and L2 regularization are introduced into the network to reduce the number of transmission parameters of network and avoid over fitting. The IWOA optimizes the keep probability of the dropout layer, the parameter λ of L2 regularization and the dynamic learning rate of gradient descent optimizer. Carry out a comparative experiment of IWOA–CNN, Support Vector Machine, LeNet-5 and other classifiers for facial expression recognition, its results demonstrate that the IWOA–CNN has better recognition effect in facial expression recognition and also explain the efficiency of the swarm intelligence algorithm in dealing with model parameter optimization.
A survey of barriers and facilitators to ultrasound use in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Ginsburg Amy Sarah , Liddy Zylee , Khazaneh Parsa T. , May Susanne , Pervaiz Farhan
Published: February 2023

Point-of-care ultrasound has the potential to help inform assessment, diagnosis, and management of illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). To better understand current ultrasound use, barriers and facilitators to use, and perceptions and practices in LMIC, we conducted an anonymous online global survey targeting healthcare providers training and using ultrasound in LMIC. A total of 241 respondents representing 62 countries participated and most were physicians working in publicly-funded urban tertiary hospitals in LMIC. Most had received ultrasound training (78%), reported expertise (65%) and confidence (90%) in ultrasound use, and had access to ultrasound (88%), utilizing ultrasound most commonly for procedures and for evaluations of lungs, heart, and trauma. Access to an ultrasound machine was reported as both the top barrier (17%) and top facilitator (53%); other common barriers included access to education and training, cost, and competition for use and other common facilitators included access to a probe, gel, and electricity, and acceptance by healthcare providers, administrators, and patients. Most (80%) noted ultrasound access was important and 96% agreed that ultrasound improves quality of care and patient outcomes. Improving access to low-cost ultrasound equipment is critical to increasing ultrasound use among those who are trained.
Immature platelet fraction predicts early marrow recovery after severe chemotherapy associated neutropenia
Authors: Salvador Christina , Meryk Andreas , Hetzer Benjamin , Bargehr Caroline , Kropshofer Gabriele , Meister Bernhard , Anliker Markus , Crazzolara Roman
Published: February 2023

Febrile neutropenia secondary to chemotherapy is one of the most critical complications in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to determine if an increase in the percentage of immature platelet fraction (IPF%) might predict early neutrophil recovery following cytostatic-dependent aplasia. A retrospective cohort study compared serial complete blood counts and the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) following induction chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma and Non-Ewing sarcoma patients. The measurements were taken on a Sysmex XE-2100 instrument. A total of 287 paired samples from 28 children after the first cycle of chemotherapy were analyzed to test if an increase in the IPF% anticipated the CRP peak and recovery of neutrophil count. The chemotherapy associated nadir of neutrophils, reticulocytes and platelets was reached at 9.7 ± 1.5, 11.0 ± 1.7 and 11.9 ± 0.9 days (mean ± SD) respectively, in Ewing sarcoma patients. Still in severe neutropenia, IPF% was the first parameter that significantly increased and anticipated the CRP peak (11.9 ± 1.6 days, mean ± SD). The IPF% continuously increased (maximum = 6.56% ± 2.8%, mean ± SD) and peaked at 12.2 ± 1.4 days (mean ± SD) after commencement of chemotherapy. Compared to neutrophil recovery (14.6 ± 1.4 days, mean ± SD), the IPF% peak was anticipated by 2.4 days (p = 0.0085). Although variably treated, in non-Ewing sarcoma patients the effect was similar and the IPF% peak anticipated neutrophil recovery by 6.8 ± 4.7 days (p < 0.01). IPF% increased significantly at > 48 h before neutrophil recovery in patients treated with chemotherapy. IPF% is an inexpensive parameter and may be valuable in the management of febrile neutropenia.
Influence of carbon nanotube suspensions on Casson fluid flow over a permeable shrinking membrane: an analytical approach
Authors: Mahesh Rudraiah , Mahabaleshwar Ulavathi Shettar , Sofos Filippos
Published: February 2023

The present work employs the single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) models on axisymmetric Casson fluid flow over a permeable shrinking sheet in the presence of an inclined magnetic field and thermal radiation. By exploiting the similarity variable, the leading nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted into dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The derived equations are solved analytically, and a dual solution is obtained as a result of the shrinking sheet. The dual solutions for the associated model are found to be numerically stable once the stability analysis is conducted, and the upper branch solution is more stable compared to lower branch solutions. The impact of various physical parameters on velocity and temperature distribution is graphically depicted and discussed in detail. The single wall carbon nanotubes have been found to achieve higher temperatures compared to multiwall carbon nanotubes. According to our findings, adding carbon nanotubes volume fractions to convectional fluids can significantly improve thermal conductivity, and this can find applicability in real world applications such as lubricant technology, allowing for efficient heat dissipation in high-temperatures, enhancing the load-carrying capacity and wear resistance of the machinery.
Intraoperative mean arterial pressure and acute kidney injury after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Kim Tae Lim , Kim Namo , Shin Hye Jung , Cho Matthew R. , Park Hae Ri , Kim So Yeon
Published: February 2023

Intraoperative hemodynamics can affect postoperative kidney function. We aimed to investigate the effect of intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) as well as other risk factors on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 750 patients who underwent RALP. The average real variability (ARV)-MAP, standard deviation (SD)-MAP, time-weighted average (TWA)-MAP, area under threshold (AUT)-65 mmHg, and area above threshold (AAT)-120 mmHg were calculated using MAPs collected within a 10-s interval. Eighteen (2.4%) patients developed postoperative AKI. There were some univariable associations between TWA-MAP, AUT-65 mmHg, and AKI occurrence; however, multivariable analysis found no association. Alternatively, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥ III and the low intraoperative urine output were independently associated with AKI occurrence. Moreover, none of the five MAP parameters could predict postoperative AKI, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for ARV-MAP, SD-MAP, TWA-MAP, AUT-65 mmHg, and AAT-120 mmHg being 0.561 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.424–0.697), 0.561 (95% CI, 0.417–0.704), 0.584 (95% CI, 0.458–0.709), 0.590 (95% CI, 0.462–0.718), and 0.626 (95% CI, 0.499–0.753), respectively. Therefore, intraoperative MAP changes may not be a determining factor for AKI after RALP.
Highly localized, efficient, and rapid photothermal therapy using gold nanobipyramids for liver cancer cells triggered by femtosecond laser
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhou Wei , Wang Tianjun , Miao Sen , Lan Sheng , Wei Zhongchao , Meng Zhao , Dai Qiaofeng , Fan Haihua
Published: February 2023

In this study, the photothermal effect and up-conversion florescence imaging effect of gold nanobipyramids in liver cancer cells are investigated theoretically and experimentally to explore the photothermal ablation tumor therapy with higher photothermal conversion efficiency, shorter laser action time, smaller action range and lower laser power. The small-size gold nanobipyramids with good biocompatibility and infrared absorption peak located in the first biological window are synthesized. Femtosecond laser is focused on the nanobipyramids clusters in cells and the cells die after being irradiated for 20 s at a power as low as 3 mW. In contrast, the control cells die after irradiation with 30 mW laser for 3 min. The theoretical simulation results show that: under femtosecond laser irradiation, the local thermal effect of gold nanoclusters is produced in the range of hundreds of square nanometers and the temperature rises by 516 °C in 106 picoseconds. This therapy reduces the treatment time to seconds level, and the treatment range to square micrometer level, the power to milliwatt level. In this treatment, cells die by apoptosis rather than necrosis, which reduces inflammation. This result opens up a new way to develop photothermal ablation therapy with less side effects and more minimally invasive.
A model to predict the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on ultrasound images
Authors: Lu Wenjuan , Chen Wenqin , Zhou Yasu , Yuan Ya , Shu Hua , Deng Hongyan , Ye Xinhua
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper was to assess the value of ultrasonography in the prognosis of diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by developing a new prognostic model. One hundred and eleven DLBCL patients with complete clinical information and ultrasound findings were enrolled in our study. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the accuracy of the international prognostic index (IPI) and new model in DLBCL risk stratification. The results suggested that hilum loss and ineffective treatment were independent risk variables for both PFS and OS in DLBCL patients. Additionally, the new model that added hilum loss and ineffective treatment to IPI had a better AUC for PFS and OS than IPI alone (AUC: 0.90, 0.88, and 0.82 vs. 0.71, 0.74, and 0.68 for 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS, respectively; AUC: 0.92, 0.85 and 0.86 vs. 0.71, 0.75 and 0.76, for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS, respectively). The model based on ultrasound images could better suggest PFS and OS of DLBCL, allowing for better risk stratification.
Quantum dots assembled from an aziridinium based hybrid perovskite displaying tunable luminescence
Authors: Semenikhin Oleksandr A. , Kucheriv Olesia I. , Sacarescu Liviu , Shova Sergiu , Gural'skiy Il'ya A.
Published: February 2023

A 3D aziridinium based hybrid perovskite was efficiently used for the elaboration of luminescent quantum dots.
Silver cluster-assembled materials for label-free DNA detection
Authors: Das Saikat , Sekine Taishu , Mabuchi Haruna , Hossain Sakiat , Das Subhabrata , Aoki Shun , Takahashi Shuntaro , Negishi Yuichi
Published: February 2023

Ag14 and Ag12 chalcogenolate cluster cores were successfully reticulated with acetylenic bispyridine linkers into extended frameworks for label-free DNA detection.
Comparative study of the hydrogen bonding interactions between ester-functionalized/non-functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquids and DMSO
Authors: Jiang Yuxin , Xu Xianzhen , Wang Mingzhu , Zhou Yu , Wang Zonghua
Published: February 2023

The hydrogen bonding interactions between the ester-functionalized/non-functionalized and DMSO was were studied by spectroscopic methods and quantum chemical calculations.
A highly active, thermally robust iron(iii)/potassium(i) heterodinuclear catalyst for bio-derived epoxide/anhydride ring-opening copolymerizations
Authors: Diment Wilfred T. , Rosetto Gloria , Ezaz-Nikpay Noura , Kerr Ryan W. F. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: February 2023

A novel heterodinuclear Fe(iii)/K(i) catalyst is reported for the ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides and anhydrides, achieving turnover frequencies of up to 4800 h−1. It also shows activity for a broad range of bio-derived monomers.
Continuous flow synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles via consecutive β-azidation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and CuAAC reactions
Authors: Brufani Giulia , Valentini Federica , Rossini Gabriele , Carpisassi Luigi , Lanari Daniela , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: February 2023

We herein report a multi-step flow protocol for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles starting from α,β-unsaturated carbonyls.
In situ CO2 capture and transformation into cyclic carbonates using flue gas
Authors: Ma Haiying , Liu Shujuan , Wang Hongli , Li Guomin , Zhao Kang , Cui Xinjiang , Shi Feng
Published: February 2023

CO2 in flue gas is captured and simultaneously in situ transformed into cyclic carbonates using the PP1,4Br/ZnCl2. A scale-up experiment displays outstanding catalytic ability, leaving concentrations of CO2 as low as 600 ppm in the residual gas.
The air-gap PAD: a roll-to-roll-compatible fabrication method for paper microfluidics
Authors: Roller Rachel M. , Rea Angela , Lieberman Marya
Published: February 2023

The air-gap design enables large-scale roll-to-roll manufacturing of paper microfluidic devices.
Efficient route to synthesizing a biocompatible delivery system undergoing morphological changes upon solvent variation
Authors: Mandal Piyali , Mukherjee Madhumita , Shunmugam Raja
Published: February 2023

Self-assembled thiobarbiturate-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized and tested for their encapsulation and release capabilities.
The state-of-the-art in the electroreduction of NOx for the production of ammonia in aqueous and nonaqueous media at ambient conditions: a review
Authors: Fan Yuxian , Xue Xiang , Zhu Lingyue , Qin Yuwei , Yuan Dandan , Gu Di , Wang Baohui
Published: February 2023

Mechanism studies in aqueous/nonaqueous solution are summarized. Electrode engineering on NOxRR-to-NH3 in aqueous solution is generalized. Electrolyte modifications strategies are analyzed towards operation conditions and electrolyte choosen.
Preferential destruction of NH2-bearing complex interstellar molecules via gas-phase proton-transfer reactions
Authors: Garrod Robin T. , Herbst Eric
Published: February 2023

Destruction of large, interstellar organic molecules with high proton affinities is amplified due to proton transfer from NH4+. Chemical kinetic models indicate a strong destructive effect on NH2-bearing species, including methylamine and glycine.
Nanoscale probing of local dielectric changes at the interface between solids and aqueous saline solutions
Authors: Trewby William , Voïtchovsky Kislon
Published: February 2023

A multifrequency approach based on high-resolution atomic force microscopy in liquid is developed to map the dielectric properties of solid–electrolyte interfaces with nanoscale resolution.
Correction: Electrical characteristics and photodetection mechanism of TiO2/AlGaN/GaN heterostructure-based ultraviolet detectors with a Schottky junction
Authors: Zhan Teng , Sun Jianwen , Feng Tao , Zhang Yulong , Zhou Binru , Zhang Banghong , Wang Junxi , Sarro Pasqualina M. , Zhang Guoqi , Liu Zewen , Yi Xiaoyan , Li Jinmin
Published: February 2023

Correction for ‘Electrical characteristics and photodetection mechanism of TiO2/AlGaN/GaN heterostructure-based ultraviolet detectors with a Schottky junction’ by Teng Zhan et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023, 11, 1704–1713, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TC04491A.
A Scoping Review of Auditory Dysfunction After Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Riccardi Jessica Salley
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this scoping review was to gain an understanding of the evidence available on auditory dysfunction after childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) and identify limitations, clinical implications, and future directions for speech-language pathology and audiology practice and research.

Method:

This scoping review of the literature followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

Results:

A total of eight articles met inclusion for this scoping review. All studies were observational studies (
n
= 4 with controls,
n
= 4 without controls). Age at injury, injury severity, time postinjury, and age at time of study varied across the included studies. Three major topics related to childhood TBI were addressed among the included studies: (a) prevalence of auditory dysfunction (
n
= 5), (b) functional outcomes and biological markers related to auditory processing (
n
= 2), and (c) clinical presentation of auditory dysfunction (
n
= 2).

Conclusions:

This review highlights the particular lack of experimental evidence related to risk and protective factors and assessment and management strategies related to auditory dysfunction after childhood TBI. There is a major need for more research and research of higher rigor to be conducted with individuals who experienced a childhood TBI to support audiologists' and speech-language pathologists' evidence-based decision making to improve long-term functional outcomes for children with TBI.
Differential Impacts of Sentence Length on Speech Rate in Two Groups of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Darling-White Meghan , Jaeger Alexandra
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sentence length on speech rate and its characteristics, articulation rate, and pauses in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Method:

Nine children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and seven children diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS) repeated sentences varying in length from two to seven words. Children were between the ages of 8 and 17 years. Dependent variables included speech rate, articulation rate, and proportion of time spent pausing.

Results:

For children with CP, there was a significant effect of sentence length for speech rate and articulation rate but not for the proportion of time spent pausing. In general, the longest sentences were produced with a faster speech and articulation rate than the shortest sentences. For children with DS, there was a significant effect of sentence length for the proportion of time spent pausing but not for speech rate or articulation rate. In general, children with DS spent significantly more time pausing in the longest sentences, particularly seven-word sentences, than in any other sentence length.

Conclusions:

Primary findings include the following: (a) Articulation rate and pause time are differentially impacted by sentence length, and (b) children with CP and children with DS respond differently to increases in cognitive-linguistic load.
Role of foliar biostimulants (of plant origin) on grapevine adaptation to climate change
Authors: Bavaresco Luigi , Canavera Ginevra , Parisi Maria Giulia , Lucini Luigi
Published: February 2023

Heat waves and drought stress are typical aspects of current climate change, significantly affecting the grapevine physiology in many world growing areas. Biostimulants can play an important role in reducing the negative effects of climate change; that’s why this experiment was set up in order to test two new foliar biostimulants (protein hydrolysates of plant origin). The field experiment was carried out in 2017 and 2018 in Oltrepo pavese area (Lombardia region, northwest Italy, 270 m asl), on a six-year-old vineyard of V. vinifera L. cv. Merlot clone 181 grafted on Gravesac, Guyot trellis, 4,000 vines/ha and not irrigated. Two new protein hydrolysates of plant origin were sprayed twice, just after fruit set and 15 days later, by using 2.5 L/ha. Leaf proteomics and metabolomics were studied in 2017, while productive and qualitative data were recorded in both years at harvest (September 1st, 2017 and August 28th 2018). The most significant findings were: (a) the treatments slowed down the grape ripening, by stimulating vegetative activity and reducing sugar accumulation; (b) less heat and drought stress symptoms were observed in the canopies of treated vines, as compared to the control ones.
Effect of two water deficit regimes on phenolic composition of 15 recovered grapevine varieties in Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain): A comparison with national and international varieties
Authors: Parra A. Sergio Serrano , Cebrián-Tarancón Cristina , Gascueña Jesús Martínez , Vozmediano Juan Luis Chacón , Zapata M. Dolores Carmona , Alonso Gonzalo L.
Published: February 2023

As a consequence of the climate change effects, the chemical composition of wine grapes is being altered, particularly the phenolic components. For this reason, the drought effect on the phenolic composition of an extensive group of white and red varieties grown under a semi-arid continental Mediterranean climate (La Mancha, Spain) was studied in the 2021 vintage. The study was based on the comparison of the phenolic compounds of minority varieties, using other widely cultivated varieties as a reference. The results obtained indicated that there are currently little-known varieties that can equal or even improve to other reference varieties in terms of phenolic composition. Such varieties may be a good alternative for maintaining wine quality in present and future climate change scenarios.
Effect of irrigation management on the relationship between stomatal conductance and stem water potential on cv. Cabernet Sauvignon
Authors: Sebastian Vargas , Nicolas Osorio , Alvaro González , Samuel Ortega-Farías
Published: February 2023

Water relations in vineyards have been largely studied; giving insides regarding the way grapevine interacts with its environment according to water availability, providing us terminologies like Isohydric and Anisohydric, which have been applied to categorize cultivars and rootstocks. Recently, the use of this terminology has been subjected to discussion regarding its use as a category to describe and separate grapevine cultivars instead of using it as a continuous, where grapevines can behave more iso or anysohidric depending on the environment where they are grown. In this study, using a deficit irrigation (RDI) trial in a commercial vineyard located in Maule Valley in Central Chile, the relationship between Midday Stem Water Potential (ψx), Stomatal Conductance (gs), Soil Water Content (WC), and Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) on cv. Cabernet Sauvignon was studied, a grape variety that has been classified as isohydric. The trial was carried out for 3 years from 2018 to 2020 in which four RDI treatments were employed to replenish different portions of evapotranspiration (ET) from pea-size until harvest. These irrigation treatments were conceived as 100% ET, 70% ET, 50-100% ET (50% ET before veraison and 100% ET afterwards) and 35-100% ET (35% ET before veraison and 100% ET afterwards). Findings in this study show how the relationship between ψx and gs is treatment dependent; in treatments where no water deficit was imposed a weaker relationship between the variables was observed, showing a large variation between gs at similar ψx, being gs more dependent on VPD compared to the treatments with a larger deficit on its irrigation. As the deficit irrigation increased, grapevines started to shift to a smaller variation on its gs over large variations on its ψx. This result shows that irrigation management and deficit irrigation strategies impact the way plants react to water availability and leads to different behavior on its gs/ψx relationship.
Manejos Agroecológicos y sus impactos sobre la composición química de suelo, rendimiento y calidad de la cv. Malbec Vitis vinífera L.
Authors: Beatriz Pugliese María , Daniela Pacheco , Silvina Infante , Monetta Pablo
Published: February 2023

Estudios locales sobre sustentabilidad del cultivo de vid en la provincia de San Juan, Argentina, han demostrado que el manejo tradicional del cultivo presenta un alto grado de insustentabilidad. Esto se debe a un inadecuado manejo de suelo, pérdida de biodiversidad y una dependencia del 100 % de insumos externos. Bajo este escenario, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el manejo tradicional de suelo que realizan los productores locales, en comparación con manejos agroecológicos y su impacto sobre la composición química de suelo, rendimiento y calidad de la cv Malbec Vitis vinífera L. Los tratamientos fueron, Control: manejo tradicional (fertilizante sintético N 46, 100 kg ha-1), Compost (subproductos agroindustriales, CE 8980, pH 7.1, N 1.61, P 1.08, K 0.34, MO 27.8, 32000 kg ha-1), Guano de gallina (CE 9080, pH 7.3, N 2.00, P 1.5, K 0.29, MO 30.5, 32000 kg ha-1). Los tratamientos se llevaron a cabo durante tres temporadas 2019, 2020 y 2021. En el control se eliminaron las malezas con glifosato 36 %, (eliminación del 100% de la vegetación), mientras que en los tratamientos compost y guano, se mantuvo la vegetación espontánea con desbrozadora cada 20 días. Todos los tratamientos tuvieron efecto sobre la composición química del suelo, siendo el compost quien obtuvo los mayores valores, logrando incrementos del 40% N, 50% P, 19% K y 14% MO comparados con el control. Adicionalmente, el compost mantuvo el rendimiento y calidad de racimos. Sumado a los beneficios mencionados, el tratamiento a base de compost permite disminuir el uso de agroquímicos, la contaminación y la degradación del suelo e incrementar la biodiversidad mediante el mantenimiento de la vegetación espontánea.
Strategies and methods for conserving and exploring the intra-varietal genetic diversity of ancient grapevine varieties
Authors: Gonçalves Elsa , Martins Antero
Published: February 2023

The antiquity and diversity of traditional grapevine varieties guarantee a strong historical and natural character and add high economic value to viticulture and wine. A high level of intra-varietal diversity of quantitative traits was naturally created and accumulated over centuries. Nowadays, this diversity allows one to carry out selection within a variety and adapt it to the most diverse environmental, agricultural, and market contexts. However, an unusually intense process of genetic erosion of intra-varietal diversity broke out in the 1980s and threatens to destroy within a few decades the diversity created over centuries and millennia. Therefore, the definition of strategies and methods for conserving and exploring intra-varietal genetic variability is crucial for the sustainability of viticulture rich in history and traditions. Those strategies are presented in this work.
Effect of different viticultural techniques on the qualitative and quantitative characters of cv. Xinomavro under vineyard conditions in Naoussa
Authors: Stavrakaki Maritina , Doudoumi Thomi , Daskalakis Ioannis , Bouza Despoina , Biniari Katerina
Published: February 2023

In order to counteract the various effects of climate change on the physiology of the grapevine and on the quality of the grapes leading to the wine produced, many different approaches have been proposed. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different cultivation techniques on the quantitative and qualitative characters of the grapes of cv Xinomavro, during the cultivation season 2019-2020. The experimental vineyard is located in Giannakochori, Naoussa (Greece), where the vines are trained in bilaterally cordon-trained (bilateral Royat) and plant density of 4000 vines/ha. The following viticultural techniques were evaluated on two different sub-plots of the vineyard: (i) the effect of two training systems (Lyre-shaped training system – bilateral Royat) on the southern side of the rows (vineyard orientation W-E), (ii) the effect of two planting densities (4000 and 10000 vines/ha). In all samples, the sugar content of the must was calculated using a refractometer, the active acidity (pH) using a pH meter and the total acidity using a sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH). Mechanical analysis of the grapes of all the samples under study was performed. The weight of thirty (30) berries, the weight of the grape and the length and width of the berries and the grapes of each sample were measured. The use of a spectrophotometer quantified the content of grape's skin in total anthocyanins, total phenolics, condensed tannins, total ortho-diphenols, total flavonoids, total flavanols, total flavonols and flavones and their antioxidant capacity with the use of FRAP and DPPH methods. The use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified the most important anthocyanins and acids found in grapes. The measurements in the grape seeds were made on the same compounds as the skins, except for total and individual anthocyanins. Differences in sugars and active acidity of the must as well as in phenolic compounds were observed during the various treatments. The training systems also exhibited differences: the grapes originating from the Lyre-shaped training system showed higher concentration of total soluble solids and tannins, while those originating from the bilateral Royat recorded higher pH. The right side of the vines, which was more exposed to higher temperatures (due to southern wind), recorded higher concentrations in most phenolic compounds. Planting density recorded differences in almost all measurements and especially in total and individual anthocyanins. Moreover, the results showed increased concentration in skin tannins, in total soluble solids, pH, and higher concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids, thus making the wine coming from these grapes ideal for maturing and ageing.
Desarrollo de materiales genéticos de vid de mesa para el Desierto de Sonora
Authors: Martínez Gerardo
Published: February 2023

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar características de bayas y racimos de plantas de vid producto de cruzamientos entre cultivares apirénicos y con semilla. En 2010 y 2011 se realizaron cruzas entre variedades con semilla Italia, Cardinal y Red Globe con variedades apirénicas Flame Seedless, Melisa, Superior y ”Orebalma”. Las semillas obtenidas de las cruzas se sembraron en macetas. Dos años después 721 plantas fueron trasplantadas a campo donde se dejaron crecer libremente. En el año 2021 se encontró que 18 plantas produjeron racimo por lo que se procedió a realizar evaluaciones de presencia de semilla, compacidad, tamaño de bayas, contenido de sólidos solubles, color y corrimiento. El 16 % de los materiales evaluados fueron apirénicos, el color se las bayas en su mayoría fue verde, siguiéndole las de color negro y después las rojas y ámbar. El 38% de los materiales tuvieron racimos compactos, Los materiales sin semilla produjeron bayas que no dan el tamaño comercial por lo que requerirán aplicación de hormonas para aumentar tamaño. Una cruza produjo bayas con diámetro mayor al que normalmente se requiere el mercado. El contenido de solidos solubles indicó que hay cultivares tempranos pero otros son tardíos para esta región. El corrimiento de racimo se presentó en una cruza con semilla y en otra sin semilla.
Strategy to minimize phenotyping in the selection of new table grape varieties
Authors: Vargas Alba María , Fernández-Pastor Marta , Castro Francisco Javier , Martínez María Alba , Gómez-Cifuentes Ana , Espinosa-Roldán Francisco , Cabello Félix , Muñoz-Organero Gregorio , de Andrés María Teresa
Published: February 2023

Morphological evaluation of large progenies is a problem in plant breeding programs, because of the need for skilled labor capable of characterizing various descriptors in a large number of individuals ripening simultaneously. In addition, the maintenance of progenies in the field for evaluation involves an unsustainable consumption of resources that could be reduced. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) offers the possibility of accelerating the process with the consequent saving of resources. The aim of this work is to propose a methodology that minimizes the phenotyping work for thousands of individuals of these breeding programs. The methodology consists of analyzing the complete progeny with a limited number of markers (27 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat)) and a reduced description of morphological characters on a so-called training collection (27 individuals) obtained with Mstrat software. With this strategy, it was possible to estimate traits such as berry skin color or seedlessness in a progeny of more than 2000 individuals with a probability of 90%, and to discard 50% of individuals without muscat linked alleles.