bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillaceae serine proteases and Streptomyces epsilon-poly-l-lysine synergistically inactivate Caliciviridae by inhibiting RNA genome release
Authors: Yamamoto Soh , Ogasawara Noriko , Sudo-Yokoyama Yuka , Sato Sachiko , Takata Nozomu , Yokota Nana , Nakano Tomomi , Hayashi Kyoko , Takasawa Akira , Endo Mayumi , Hinatsu Masako , Yoshida Keitaro , Sato Toyotaka , Takahashi Satoshi , Takano Kenichi , Kojima Takashi , Hiraki Jun , Yokota Shin-ich
Published: July 2024

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is an enteric infectious pathogen belonging to the Caliciviridae family that causes occasional epidemics. Circulating alcohol-tolerant viral particles that are readily transmitted via food-borne routes significantly contribute to the global burden of HuNoV-induced gastroenteritis. Moreover, contact with enzymes secreted by other microorganisms in the environment can impact the infectivity of viruses. Hence, understanding the circulation dynamics of Caliciviridae is critical to mitigating epidemics. Accordingly, in this study, we screened whether environmentally abundant secretase components, particularly proteases, affect Caliciviridae infectivity. Results showed that combining Bacillaceae serine proteases with epsilon-poly-l-lysine (EPL) produced by Streptomyces—a natural antimicrobial—elicited anti-Caliciviridae properties, including against the epidemic HuNoV GII.4_Sydney_2012 strain. In vitro and in vivo biochemical and virological analyses revealed that EPL has two unique synergistic viral inactivation functions. First, it maintains an optimal pH to promote viral surface conformational changes to the protease-sensitive structure. Subsequently, it inhibits viral RNA genome release via partial protease digestion at the P2 and S domains in the VP1 capsid. This study provides new insights regarding the high-dimensional environmental interactions between bacteria and Caliciviridae, while promoting the development of protease-based anti-viral disinfectants.
Mechanistic understanding of asphaltene precipitation and oil recovery enhancement using SiO2 and CaCO3 nano-inhibitors
Authors: Shadervan Ali , Jafari Arezou , Teimouri Alireza , Gharibshahi Reza , Dehaghani Amir Hossein Saeedi
Published: July 2024

Asphaltene precipitation in oil reservoirs, well equipment, and pipelines reduces production, causing pore blockage, wettability changes, and decreased efficiency. Asphaltenes, with their unique chemical structure, self-assemble via acid–base interactions and hydrogen bonding. Nano-inhibitors prevent asphaltene aggregation at the nanoscale under reservoir conditions. This study investigates the effect of two surface-modified nanoparticles, silica, and calcium carbonate, as asphaltene inhibitors and oil production agents. The impacts of these nano-inhibitors on asphaltene content, onset point, wettability, surface tension, and oil recovery factor were determined to understand their mechanism on asphaltene precipitation and oil production. Results demonstrate that these nano-inhibitors can significantly postpone the onset point of asphaltene precipitation, with varying performance. Calcium carbonate nano-inhibitor exhibits better efficiency at low concentrations, suspending asphaltene molecules in crude oil. In contrast, silica nano-inhibitor performs better at high concentrations. Wettability alteration and IFT reduction tests reveal that each nano-inhibitor performs optimally at specific concentrations. Silica nano-inhibitors exhibit better colloidal stability and improve oil recovery more than calcium carbonate nano-inhibitors, with maximum oil recovery factors of 33% at 0.1 wt.% for silica and 25% at 0.01 wt.% for calcium carbonate nano-inhibitors.
In a rat model of bypass DuraGraft ameliorates endothelial dysfunction of arterial grafts
Authors: Lian Shuo , Loganathan Sivakkanan , Mayer Tobias , Kraft Patricia , Sayour Alex Ali , Georgevici Adrian-Iustin , Veres Gábor , Karck Matthias , Szabó Gábor , Korkmaz-Icöz Sevil
Published: July 2024

Coronary artery bypass surgery can result in endothelial dysfunction due to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that DuraGraft helps maintain endothelial integrity of saphenous vein grafts during ischemic conditions. In this study, we investigated the potential of DuraGraft to mitigate endothelial dysfunction in arterial grafts after IR injury using an aortic transplantation model. Lewis rats (n = 7–9/group) were divided in three groups. Aortic arches from the control group were prepared and rings were immediately placed in organ baths, while the aortic arches of IR and IR + DuraGraft rats were preserved in saline or DuraGraft, respectively, for 1 h before being transplanted heterotopically. After 1 h after reperfusion, the grafts were explanted, rings were prepared, and mounted in organ baths. Our results demonstrated that the maximum endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine was significantly impaired in the IR group compared to the control group, but DuraGraft improved it (control: 89 ± 2%; IR: 24 ± 1%; IR + DuraGraft: 48 ± 1%, p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased intercellular adhesion molecule-1, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression, while endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 immunoreactivity was increased in the IR + DuraGraft grafts compared to the IR-group. DuraGraft mitigates endothelial dysfunction following IR injury in a rat bypass model. Its protective effect may be attributed, at least in part, to its ability to reduce the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
Neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio is a potential marker of intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Deng Linfan , Wang Ting , Duan Yan , Liu Bin , Jiang Jun , Liu Dong , Li Gang
Published: July 2024

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance in Kawasaki disease (KD) was associated with coronary artery lesions. Neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is an index of mortality in several inflammatory diseases. This study focused on the association of NPAR with IVIG- resistance in KD. Clinical and laboratory data of 438 children with KD before IVIG treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Notably, high NPAR was associated with older age, high WBC, NP, ALT, total bilirubin and CRP, as well as with high the incidence of IVIG-resistance, and with low hemoglobin (Hb), PLT, ALB and sodium levels. NPAR (OR: 2.366, 95% CI: 1.46–3.897, p = 0.001) and Hb (OR: 0.967, 95% CI: 0.944–0.989, p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for IVIG-resistance. NPAR showed linear relation with IVIG-resistance (p for nonlinear = 0.711) and the nonlinear correlation was found between IVIG-resistance and Hb (p for nonlinear = 0.002). The predictive performance of NPAR was superior to Beijing model (z = 2.193, p = 0.028), and not inferior to Chongqing model (z = 0.983, p = 0.326) and the combination of NPAR and Hb (z = 1.912, p = 0.056). These findings revealed that NPAR is a reliable predictor of IVIG-resistance.
Association between admission pan-immune-inflammation value and short-term mortality in septic patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Hong-Bo , Xu Yu-Hong , He Ying , Lin Xiao-Hua , Suo Zhijun , Shu Huaqing , Zhang Haigang
Published: July 2024

Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) has recently received more attention as a novel indicator of inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the association between PIV and prognosis in septic patients. Data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. The primary and secondary outcomes were 28-day and 90-day mortality. The association between PIV and outcomes was assessed by Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression analysis, restricted cubic spline curves and subgroup analysis. A total of 11,331 septic patients were included. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that septic patients with higher PIV had lower 28-day survival rate. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, log2-PIV was positively associated with the risk of 28-day mortality [HR (95% CI) 1.06 (1.03, 1.09), P < 0.001]. The relationship between log2-PIV and 28-day mortality was non-linear with a predicted inflection point at 8. To the right of the inflection point, high log2-PIV was associated with an increased 28-day mortality risk [HR (95% CI) 1.13 (1.09, 1.18), P < 0.001]. However, to the left of this point, this association was non-significant [HR (95% CI) 1.01 (0.94, 1.08), P = 0.791]. Similar results were found for 90-day mortality. Our study showed a non-linear relationship between PIV and 28-day and 90-day mortality risk in septic patients.
Treatment outcomes in cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis
Authors: Boonhaijaroen Thanut , Choopong Pitipol , Tungsattayathitthan Usanee , Tesavibul Nattaporn , Sanphan Wilawan , Boonsopon Sutasinee
Published: July 2024

This retrospective cohort study investigated patients with cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis (CMV AU) and compared treatment outcomes between regional and systemic antiviral therapies. Treatment modalities included topical (2% ganciclovir [GCV] eye drops or 0.2% GCV eye gel) and systemic (intravenous GCV or oral valganciclovir) groups. The comparison parameters included response rates, time to response, recurrence rates, time to recurrence, and complications. Forty-four patients (54.5% male) with a mean age of 56 ± 9.87 years were enrolled, with 31 eyes in the topical group and 13 eyes in the systemic group. The median response time was significantly slower in the topical group (63 days [IQR 28–112]) compared to the systemic group (28 days [IQR 24–59]) (p = 0.04). Treatment response rates were 87.1% (27/31) in the topical group and 100% (13/13) in the systemic group (p = 0.30), while recurrence rates were 37% (10/27) and 69.2% (9/13) (p = 0.056), with a median time to recurrence of 483 days [IQR 145–1388] and 392 days [IQR 203.5–1907.5] (p = 0.20), respectively. In conclusion, both topical and systemic GCV treatments demonstrated favorable outcomes for CMV AU. Systemic GCV showed rapid control of intraocular inflammation.
A scalable synergy-first backbone decomposition of higher-order structures in complex systems
Authors: Varley Thomas F.
Published: July 2024

In the last decade, there has been an explosion of interest in the field of multivariate information theory and the study of emergent, higher-order interactions. These “synergistic” dependencies reflect information that is in the “whole” but not any of the “parts.” Arguably the most successful framework for exploring synergies is the partial information decomposition (PID). Despite its considerable power, the PID has a number of limitations that restrict its general applicability. Subsequently, other heuristic measures, such as the O-information, have been introduced, although these measures typically only provide a summary statistic of redundancy/synergy dominance, rather than direct insight into the synergy itself. To address this issue, we present an alternative decomposition that is synergy-first, scales much more gracefully than the PID, and has a straightforward interpretation. We define synergy as that information encoded in the joint state of a set of elements that would be lost following the minimally invasive perturbation on any single element. By generalizing this idea to sets of elements, we construct a totally ordered “backbone” of partial synergy atoms that sweeps the system’s scale. This approach applies to the entropy, the Kullback-Leibler divergence, and by extension, to the total correlation and the single-target mutual information (thus recovering a “backbone” PID). Finally, we show that this approach can be used to decompose higher-order interactions beyond information theory by showing how synergistic combinations of edges in a graph support global integration via communicability. We conclude by discussing how this perspective on synergistic structure can deepen our understanding of part-whole relationships in complex systems.
A versatile sensor capable of ratiometric fluorescence detection of trace water and turn-on detection of Cu2+ modulating the binding interaction of a Cu(ii) complex with BSA and DNA complemented by docking studies
Authors: S Vishnu , Nag Anish , Das Avijit Kumar
Published: July 2024

A ratiometric fluorescent H2O sensor PBA has been developed for selective turn-on fluorescence detection of Cu2+ with the application of the PBA-Cu2+ complex for the binding study with protein and ct-DNA.
Colorimetric differentiation of arsenite and arsenate anions using a bithiophene sensor with two binding sites: DFT studies and application in food and water samples
Authors: K Nagaraj , Shetty A. Nityananda , Trivedi Darshak R.
Published: July 2024

Chemosensor N7R1 with two acidic binding sites was synthesized, and the ability of the sensor to differentiate arsenite and arsenate in the organo-aqueous medium was evaluated using colorimetric sensing methods.
A phenothiazine-based ratiometric fluorescence probe for the detection of hydroxylamine in real water and living cells
Authors: Du Man , Jiang Haohua , Song Meimei , Zhang Yue , Lv Haijun , Zhao Shuchun , Du Hongxia , Dong Zhipeng
Published: July 2024

A phenothiazine-based ratiometric fluorescence probe was developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of hydroxylamine (HA).
The influence of exogenous amines on the electrochemical CO2 reduction activity of a cobalt–pyridyldiimine catalyst
Authors: Verma Piyush Kumar , McCrory Charles C. L.
Published: July 2024

Adding aliphatic amines to a CO2-saturated electrolyte solution to form carbamates in situ results in a significant enhancement in the electrocatalytic CO2-reduction activity of a cobalt pyridyldiimine catalyst.
Pathway to a molecular calcium methyl
Authors: Pearce Kyle G. , Neale Samuel E. , McMullin Claire L. , Mahon Mary F. , Hill Michael S.
Published: July 2024

The hydrocarbon-soluble β-diketiminato calcium zincate and molecular calcium methyl dimer are accessible from reacting ZnMe2 and [(BDI)CaH]2. The calcium methyl corrects a notable omission from the homologous series of alkylcalcium derivatives.
Modeling the thermochemistry of nitrogen-containing compounds via group additivity
Authors: Pappijn Cato A. R. , Van de Vijver Ruben , Reyniers Marie-Françoise , Sabbe Maarten K. , Marin Guy B. , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: July 2024

New group additivity values are determined based on a newly generated ab initio dataset of 300 species that enable the approximation of the thermodynamic properties of a wide range of nitrogen-containing components.
Metal nanowire-based transparent electrode for flexible and stretchable optoelectronic devices
Authors: Ding Yu , Xiong Sixing , Sun Lulu , Wang Yiying , Zhou Yinhua , Li Yaowen , Peng Jun , Fukuda Kenjiro , Someya Takao , Liu Ruiyuan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: July 2024

This review provides the state-of-the-art solution-processed metal nanowire-based flexible transparent electrodes and their applications in optoelectronic devices.
A catalytic collaboration: pairing transition metals and Lewis acids for applications in organic synthesis
Authors: Dilinaer A. Dina , J. Jobin Gabriel , Drover Marcus W.
Published: July 2024

The use of metal catalysts along with Lewis acids to accelerate an organic transformation has proven indispensable for access to structural motifs having applications across medicinal, polymer, materials chemistry, and more.
Polydentate chalcogen bonding: anion trapping with a water-stable host compound carrying Se–CF3 functions
Authors: Beckmann J. Louis , Tiessen Natalia , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Hoge Berthold , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: July 2024

Bi- and tetradentate host systems with σ-holes at their CC–SeCF3 functions bind halide ions, the tetradentate system forms a unique square planar coordination via four cooperatively acting chalcogen bonding interactions.
Combining component screening, machine learning and molecular engineering for the design of high-performance inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Boxue , Zeng Huaibiao , Yin Haomiao , Zheng Daming , Wan Zhongquan , Jia Chunyang , Stuyver Thijs , Luo Junsheng , Pauporté Thierry
Published: July 2024

To develop efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells, we describe an innovative strategy that combines component screening, machine learning and molecular engineering.
Association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and cognitive performance in older adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Guan Zerong , Weng Xueqiong , Zhang Ligang , Feng Peiran
Published: July 2024

Human exposure to PAHs originates from a wide range of sources. Our study found negative trends between mixed PAHs exposure and IRT, DRT, and DSST scores, suggesting that exposure to multiple PAHs is a risk factor for cognition in older adults.
The electrochemical modulation of single molecule fluorescence
Authors: Yang Ying , Ma Yuanqing , Gooding J. Justin
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate how to effectively modulate the fluorescence intensity of organic dye-labelled cell samples on an indium tin oxide surface using electrochemistry with redox-active mediators present in an oxygen scavenger buffer.
Integrated scanning electrochemical cell microscopy platform with local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a preamplifier
Authors: Wang Ancheng , Jin Rong , Jiang Dechen
Published: July 2024

An integrated SECCM with LEIS is established by combining the preamplifier based EIS measurement with scanning electrochemical cell microscopy.
High methionine intake alters gut microbiota and lipid profile and leads to liver steatosis in mice
Authors: Zhou Lingxi , Yan Zhen , Yang Songfan , Lu Gexue , Nie Yawen , Ren Yilin , Xue Yuzheng , Shi Jin-Song , Xu Zheng-Hong , Geng Yan
Published: July 2024

A high-methionine diet led to increased LPS-TLR4 signaling and reduced the content of anti-inflammatory bioactive lipids, which damaged the gut barrier and allowed the translocation of bacterial products to the liver and induced hepatic steatosis.
Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of furfural over copper nitride with enhanced hydrogen spillover performance
Authors: Wen Huiming , Li Tianchun , Fan Ziyi , Jing Yu , Zhang Wenjun , Chen Zupeng
Published: July 2024

The excellent hydrogen spillover capability of Cu3N allows efficient electrocatalysis of furfural to furfuryl alcohol.
Exploiting MoSi2N4, WSi2N4 and WGe2N4 monolayers for efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting across a broad pH range
Authors: Yang Xuhui , Xue Hang , Luo Luteng
Published: July 2024

Developing efficient and environmental photocatalysts for water dissociation is crucial for sustainable energy solutions. The present work shows excellent photocatalytic potential of MoSi2N4, WSi2N4 and WGe2N4, using density functional theory.
Anomalies in the Dirac bands in the proximity of correlated electrons
Authors: Datta Sawani , Ali Khadiza , Verma Rahul , Singh Bahadur , Dash Saroj P. , Thamizhavel A. , Maiti Kalobaran
Published: July 2024

Dirac fermions, particles with zero rest mass, are believed to play a key role in the exotic science and the advancement of quantum technology. Their proximity to correlated electrons leads to kink (waterfall) in the Dirac bands.
Computational methods for investigating organic radical species
Authors: Renningholtz Tim , Lim Ethan R. X. , James Michael J. , Trujillo Cristina
Published: July 2024

Computational analysis of organic radical species presents significant challenges. This study compares the efficacy of various DFT and wavefunction methods in predicting radical stabilisation energies, bond dissociation energies, and redox potentials.
Recent advances in palladium-catalyzed sulfonylation via SO2 insertion
Authors: Zhang Yu-Jiao , Li Meng-Ling , Hu Hai-Xia , Teng Fan
Published: July 2024

This review aims to systematically consolidate the recent advances in palladium-catalyzed sulfonylation via SO2 insertion, elucidate the underlying reaction mechanism, and highlight some unsolved challenges in this segment.
Metal-free oxidative coupling of aryl acetylene with elemental sulphur and amines: facile access to α-ketothioamides
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Chatterjee Rana , Dhayalan Vasudevan , Dandela Rambabu
Published: July 2024

An efficient and novel method has been developed to access α-ketothioamides from the oxidative coupling reaction of alkynes with elemental sulphur and amines using molecular iodine and DMSO medium.
Exploiting chemoselectivity for discrete oligomer synthesis through sequential IrAAC and CuAAC reactions
Authors: Song Ningning , Zhang Lvhao , Ding Shengtao
Published: July 2024

By leveraging the orthogonality between CuAAC and IrAAC we have introduced the synthesis of sequence-defined oligomers without requiring protection–deprotection manipulations.
A photo-SAR study of photoswitchable azobenzene tubulin-inhibiting antimitotics identifying a general method for near-quantitative photocontrol
Authors: Reynders Martin , Garścia Małgorzata , Müller-Deku Adrian , Wranik Maximilian , Krauskopf Kristina , de la Osa de la Rosa Luis , Schaffer Konstantin , Jötten Anna , Rode Alexander , Stierle Valentin , Kraus Yvonne , Baumgartner Benedikt , Ali Ahmed , Bubeneck Andrei , Seal Trina , Steinmetz Michel O. , Paulitschke Philipp , Thorn-Seshold Oliver
Published: July 2024

We develop reagents to optically control microtubule dynamics, with (1) lensless microscopy to track their bioactivity; (2) photo-SAR to find GFP-compatible reagents; & (3) fluorophore antennas to drive single-photon isomerisation even ≥600 nm.
A day in the life of a scientific illustrator at Vivid Biology
Authors: Stocker Claudia
Published: July 2024

Claudia has been working in Science Illustration since she graduated from Cambridge in 2012. She is Director of Vivid Biology, a UK design studio that specialises in creating illustration and graphic design for biomedical research. She set up Vivid Biology in 2015 when moving to Bristol from London.
A 3D view on the local gravitational instability of cold gas discs in star-forming galaxies at 0 ≲ z ≲ 5
Authors: Bacchini C. , Nipoti C. , Iorio G. , Roman-Oliveira F. , Rizzo F. , Mancera Piña P. E. , Marasco A. , Zanella A. , Lelli F.
Published: July 2024

Local gravitational instability (LGI) is considered crucial for regulating star formation and gas turbulence in galaxy discs, especially at high redshift. Instability criteria usually assume infinitesimally thin discs or rely on approximations to include the stabilising effect of the gas disc thickness. We test a new 3D instability criterion for rotating gas discs that are vertically stratified in an external potential. This criterion reads Q3D < 1, where Q3D is the 3D analogue of the Toomre parameter Q. The advantage of Q3D is that it allows us to study LGI in and above the galaxy midplane in a rigorous and self-consistent way. We apply the criterion to a sample of 44 star-forming galaxies at 0 ≲ z ≲ 5 hosting rotating discs of cold gas. The sample is representative of galaxies on the main sequence at z ≈ 0 and includes massive star-forming and starburst galaxies at 1 ≲ z ≲ 5. For each galaxy, we first apply the Toomre criterion for infinitesimally thin discs, finding ten unstable systems. We then obtain maps of Q3D from a 3D model of the gas disc derived in the combined potential of dark matter, stars and the gas itself. According to the 3D criterion, two galaxies with Q < 1 show no evidence of instability and the unstable regions that are 20% smaller than those where Q < 1. No unstable disc is found at 0 ≲ z ≲ 1, while ≈60% of the systems at 2 ≲ z ≲ 5 are locally unstable. In these latter, a relatively small fraction of the total gas (≈30%) is potentially affected by the instability. Our results disfavour LGI as the main regulator of star formation and turbulence in moderately star-forming galaxies in the present-day Universe. LGI likely becomes important at high redshift, but the input by other mechanisms seems required in a significant portion of the disc. We also estimate the expected mass of clumps in the unstable regions, offering testable predictions for observations.
MICONIC: JWST/MIRI MRS observations of the nuclear and circumnuclear regions of Mrk 231
Authors: Alonso Herrero A. , Hermosa Muñoz L. , Labiano A. , Guillard P. , Buiten V. A. , Dicken D. , van der Werf P. , Álvarez-Márquez J. , Böker T. , Colina L. , Eckart A. , García-Marín M. , Jones O. C. , Pantoni L. , Pérez-González P. G. , Rouan D. , Ward M. J. , Baes M. , Östlin G. , Royer P. , Wright G. S. , Güdel M. , Henning Th. , Lagage P.-O. , van Dishoeck E. F.
Published: July 2024

We present JWST/MIRI MRS spatially resolved ∼5 − 28 μm observations of the central ∼4 − 8 kpc of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy and broad absorption line quasar Mrk 231. These are part of the Mid-Infrared Characterization of Nearby Iconic galaxy Centers (MICONIC) program of the MIRI European Consortium guaranteed time observations. No high excitation lines (i.e., [Mg V] at 5.61 μm or [Ne V] at 14.32 μm) typically associated with the presence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) are detected in the nuclear region of Mrk 231. This is likely due to the intrinsically X-ray weak nature of its quasar. Some intermediate ionization potential lines, for instance, [Ar III] at 8.99 μm and [S IV] at 10.51 μm, are not detected either, even though they are clearly observed in a star-forming region ∼920 pc south-east of the AGN. Thus, the strong nuclear mid-infrared (mid-IR) continuum is also in part hampering the detection of faint lines in the nuclear region. The nuclear [Ne III]/[Ne II] line ratio is consistent with values observed in star-forming galaxies. Moreover, we resolve for the first time the nuclear starburst in the mid-IR low-excitation line emission (size of ∼400 pc, FWHM). Several pieces of evidence also indicate that it is partly obscured even at these wavelengths. At the AGN position, the ionized and warm molecular gas emission lines have modest widths (W80 ∼ 300 km s−1). There are, however, weak blueshifted wings reaching velocities v02 ≃ − 400 km s−1 in [Ne II]. The nuclear starburst is at the center of a large (∼8 kpc), massive rotating disk with widely-spread, low velocity outflows. Given the high star formation rate of Mrk 231, we speculate that part of the nuclear outflows and the large-scale non-circular motions observed in the mid-IR are driven by its powerful nuclear starburst.
Acoustic emissions during creep under triaxial compression
Authors: Bock Belinda , Vogt Stefan , Cudmani Roberto
Published: July 2024

Granular materials exhibit time- and rate-dependent behaviour resulting from micromechanical processes at the scale of individual particles. Elastic energy is released during these processes and can be detected as acoustic emissions (AE). Using multistage creep tests under isotropic and anisotropic pressure on medium dense samples of dry silica sand, the relationship between the number of AE events NAE and the axial creep strain Ɛa was determined. In addition, the dependence on the mean pressure p and the deviator stress q was investigated. The experimental results show that the development of AE and axial strain during creep are qualitatively comparable. Within the creep phases both the change in Ɛa and NAE can be described by a logarithmic trend with time. The time-dependent development of both measured quantities exhibit a dependence on q. Moreover, the evolution of NAE with time also shows a pronounced increase with increasing p. A time-dependent power law can be assumed to represent the rates of NAE and the rates of Ɛa with time during creep. The exponent m of the power law is similar for all experiments performed. The initial rates of NAE and Ɛa increase with increasing p as well as increasing q/p-ratio. Finally, a linear correlation between log Ɛa and logNAE was found depending on two state parameters a and b, with a seems to be independent on the stress state.
Shear wave velocity and its anisotropy of biocemented glass sand
Authors: Shi Jinquan , Li Haoyu , Xiao Yang , Hu Jian , Liu Hanlong
Published: July 2024

The paper presents a series of experimental studies on the anisotropic small strain stiffness of a biocemented glass sand. Multidirectional shear wave velocities were measured on the isotropic consolidated samples in a triaxial cell. The biotreatment method, shear wave velocity, and its anisotropy of the biocemented sand were reported. It is found that the shear wave velocity increases with the increase of cementation level and the stiffness anisotropy firstly increases then decreases with the increase of cementation level. The paper aims to provide a new way to simulate the undisturbed state of sandy soils in laboratory with the microbially induced calcite precipitation technique.
Physical and mechanical characteristics of pyroclastic soil for the construction of embankments
Authors: d’Onofrio Anna , Ventini Roberta , Santucci de Magistris Filippo
Published: July 2024

In the framework of wider research activity on the physical and mechanical behaviour of volcanic soils, this paper reports the results of some laboratory tests on this type of geomaterial. The background of this research is the need for a construction company to possibly use pyroclastic material excavated along a tunnel profile to build railway embankments included in the design of a new High-Speed Train Line near the city of Naples, Italy. However, according to the standards of the National Italian Railways Company, pyroclastic soils cannot be employed as construction materials unless they are supported by a specific testing program demonstrating their good performance. The pyroclastic soil, which is widespread in the project area, is the product of Mt. Vesuvius volcanic activity. It is a coarse-graded soil that includes a significant percentage of non-plastic fines. They should be placed under compact conditions. The experimental campaign was aimed at identifying some physical characteristics that can synthesize the homogeneity of the pyroclastic deposit in terms of shearing resistance. The preliminary results obtained in terms of grading curves, modified Proctor compaction curves, and stress-strain curves from conventional drained triaxial tests are presented and discussed in this paper. The latter were executed on fully saturated specimens after compacting the soil at the optimum water content and on the dry and wet sides of the Proctor curve. The overall initial outcomes of the experimental campaign indicated that this material has acceptable characteristics and is suitable for the construction of railway embankments.
Calibration and limitations of a fixed-partly fixed resonant column apparatus
Authors: Rieman Luke , Buckley Róisín , Wheeler Simon
Published: July 2024

The small-strain shear modulus of soils and rocks is an important input parameter in geotechnical analyses. Its estimation using the resonant column apparatus relies on accurate knowledge of the rotational inertia of the apparatus’s active end. Due to the complex geometry of the active end, its inertia is typically found from a calibration exercise. In this study a range of aluminium calibration bars and steel masses were used to compare two different calibration exercises presented in the literature. The resulting values of active end inertia are shown to be highly method-dependent. The method of compensating for the drive connection stiffness by finding the apparatus resonant frequency is found to introduce errors at low stiffness. The combined use of calibration bars and masses reduces scatter but yields poor results for stiff bars. An alternative approach to mitigate both of these problems is suggested. Active end inertia is found to be constant using this alternative approach. While effects of base inertia and reaction mass inertia are found to be small for this apparatus, compliance of the drive system is shown to significantly reduce resonant frequencies at high stiffnesses which increases the apparent active end inertia. This reduction in resonant frequency is modelled and used to derive frequency correction factors, which reduce errors in shear modulus to within acceptable limits when using the constant value of active end inertia. This demonstrates the potential for increasing the limit of sample stiffness where sufficient calibration data are available.
Air permeability measurements in low porosity clayey rocks
Authors: Pineda Jubert , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Romero Enrique , Sheng Daichao , Gens Antonio
Published: July 2024

The paper describes the development of a high-pressure isotropic cell for studying the environmental degradation of low porosity clayey rocks. Air permeability measurements are used in this device as a tool to evaluate rock degradation in unsaturated rock specimens caused by mechanical, hydraulic and chemical paths. A modified equation, based on the air pressure decay method proposed by Yoshimi and Osterberg (1963), is presented. The proposed method is applied to an Australian clayey shale. Estimated values of air permeability are compared against those calculated using the original method which, in the case of low porosity rocks, seems to provide unrealistic values when the air pressure in the vessel decays beyond 50%.
The short DMTA dissipation test
Authors: Imre Emőke , Marchetti Diego , Juhász Miklós , Bates Lachlan , Fityus Stephen , Singh Vijay P.
Published: July 2024

The CPT is used either in a continuous advance mode or in a rheological testing mode. Both periods are present in the short local side friction and in the short cone resistance dissipation tests made in the technical breaks of continuous penetration of the old CPT S832 equipment. The pause is a few second long. A statistical study previously made revealed that the local side resistance increased in sand and decreased in NC plastic soils with time in the first seconds after the stop of the steady penetration, the decrease was sometimes larger than 50%. The rate of stress variation was depending on the permeability and thus on the soil type. In this research, a similar, new test is considered. Before taking the standardAreadingin a DMT, a short dissipation can be measured in a generally 15 s long time period, with the Medusa DAS, being able to sample anA-readingin every 20 millisecond. A series of them made at the Araquari test sites are statistically analysed here. The results are similar to the ones related to the short local side friction dissipation tests which is explained by the different residual stress state in sands and in NC clays, and by the different permeability of sands and NC clays.
Laboratory evaluation of sampling quality of a new A+ sampler for natural fine soils
Authors: Fanelli Sonia , Reiffsteck Philippe , Pilnière Franck , Jadé Fabrice , Mauxion Jérôme , Rebour Jérôme
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comparison of sampling disturbance measured by consolidation tests between two high quality samplers and stationary piston samplers. University G. Eiffel and Cerema have used their université Laval sampler and a new sampler on a soft organic clayey soil experimental site. This paper present first the new sampler designed to sample almost undisturbed soil specimens. The objectives of this sampler are to collect natural fine soils such as clay or silt, normally to medium overconsolidated for depths up to 10 m. This sampler is designed to preserve the saturation state of the specimen. An inner diameter of 150mm core barrel allow to keep the sampler relatively compact, even with the size of a ball valve used to close the sampler. Tests on Pont de Cran clayey site are presented and laboratory tests results on specimen sampled using both samplers show the quality of the specimen and the efficiency of the samplers using void ratio criteria.
The sensitivity of Prazeres clay – some results on reconstituted samples
Authors: Lopes Laranjo Mafalda , Matos Fernandes Manuel
Published: July 2024

Soil’s structure is defined as the issue responsible for the differences observed in the mechanical response of natural soil samples compared to the intrinsic behaviour of reconstituted samples. The parameter that incorporates the differences in microstructure of intact and reconstituted clays is designated by stress sensitivity. The influence of microstructure and fabric on the behaviour of soils has been evaluated by comparing strength and compressibility characteristics of intact and reconstituted samples of the same material. Included on a broad characterization study of Lisbon Miocene Prazeres clay held at Porto University, some oedometer and triaxial tests were undertaken on intact and reconstituted samples. In this paper, the process of preparing reconstituted samples and consolidating them in a large oedometer to the in-situ stress is thoroughly described. The results of oedometer and triaxial tests on reconstituted samples are presented and compared with results for intact samples from the same site. A proposal for parameterisation of the intrinsic characteristics of this clay is established on the basis of test results. Concerning compressibility, oedometer test results show good adjustment to the isotropic compression line (ICL). Triaxial test results for intact samples in the light of critical states soil mechanics are similar to those obtained in s’-t space for the reconstituted samples. The intrinsic parameters show good agreement with those described in the literature for soils of the same nature.
Assessing the mechanical properties of a cemented sand focusing on experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Corte Marina Bellaver , Festugato Lucas , Consoli Nilo Cesar , Ibraim Erdin , Diambra Andrea
Published: July 2024

The incorporation of cement to improve soil properties and attract the re-use of locally available materials has become a part of current geotechnical engineering projects. Its applicability varies from construction of pavement base layers, slope protection for earth dams, to support layer for shallow foundations. Unconfined behaviour might be used to evaluate the basic mechanical properties and efficiency of the cemented soils. The proposed relationship between porosity () and volumetric cement content (Civ), presented as porosity cement index (/Civ), was shown to play an important role in the initial shear stiffness (G0), tensile (qt) and compressive (qu) strength of cemented materials. This research aims to assess these parameters through experimental investigation and modelling predictions. Bender elements testing were carried out to assess the maximum initial shear stiffness (G0) prior to specimens testing, and assessing G0 evolution during cement hydration, focusing on the anisotropic/isotropic behaviour established during specimen moulding. Results show a good correlation between experimental and numerical data. It was also observed that cementation isotropises G0 during curing.
Direct shear characteristics of cement stabilized clay subjected to previous shear
Authors: Kitazume Masaki , Kasama Kiyonobu , Ueda Tomorou
Published: July 2024

The cement stabilization techniques have been applied to various types of infrastructure and become one of the essential techniques. A lot of researches have been conducted on the physical and mechanical properties of the cement stabilized soils, many of which are the studies on the stabilized soil after the hydration. However, the number of researches is limited on the physical and mechanical behavior of cement stabilized soil during the hydration stage and subjected to shear deformation during the hydration stage. In this study, a series of direct shear tests was conducted on the shear behavior of cement stabilized soil to investigate the influence of the magnitude and timing of the shearing on the shear behavior. The researche revealed that the shear strength of the stabilized soil is recovered to the peak strength when it is subjected to the shear deformation prior to the peak strength and the shear strength increases by the cement hydration. On the other hand, when the soil is subjected to the large deformation exceeding to the peak strength, the shear strength loss is not recovered in the following shearing stage. The strength gain due to the cement hydration is also influenced by the initial shearing, where the strength of soil subjected to the large shearing remains small for the curing stage. In this manuscript, the test results are introduced to discuss the influence of the initial shearing as well as the testing procedure.
Effects of vegetation on the hydro-mechanical properties of the vadose zone
Authors: Anselmucci Floriana , Cheng Hongyang , Fan Xinyan , Zeng Yijian , Magnanimo Vanessa
Published: July 2024

The hydro-mechanical properties of the vadose zone are strongly influenced by seasonal cycles. The hydraulic behavior of this zone is determined by the coupling of biotic and abiotic factors. The biotic factors are controlled by the physiology and anatomy of the vegetation growing in the area, while the abiotic factors depend on the local soil characteristics, such as water content, void ratio, and matrix structure. In this laboratory-scale investigation, we assess the influence of active biomass, water content, and suction on the particle and pore structure rearrangement. We use x-ray computed tomography and 3D digital image correlation to quantify plant roots at different stages of growth, soil deformation, and water content fluctuations. Our results show that the bulk porosity of vegetated soil is strongly affected by the induced water cycles. The global micro-structure rearrangement due to the double effects of plant water uptake and induced drying-wetting cycles translates into a final bulk porosity increase.
Synthesis and structural, morphological, and chimico-optical properties of Sr2FeO4 Ruddlesden-Popper oxide
Authors: Foudi Samira , Guessoum Khadoudj , Ramdani Sonia , Hamici Melia , Saint-Gregoire Pierre
Published: July 2024

The citrate sol-gel process was used to produce Sr2FeO4 strontium ferrite powder. The method involves metallic nitrates, citric acid and distilled water as a solvent, followed by calcination. The Ruddlesden-Popper structure of the resulting compound was identified by XRD analysis. The different molecular structures and vibration bands were studied by FTIR. The morphology of the powder was analysed using SEM. Samples appear of good crystalline quality and with interesting nanostructure. We studied optical properties and determined the band gap energy to lie about 2.8 eV, Sr2FeO4 can thus absorb photons having a wavelength less than 444 nm, approximately, making this compound potentially interesting for applications.
Wissenstransferstrategien, Forschungserfahrungen und -bedarfe in
medizinischen Rehabilitationseinrichtungen
Authors: Wimmesberger Nicole , Fichtner Urs , Farin Erik
Published: July 2024

Hintergrund  Um Forschungsergebnisse effektiv in der Gesundheitsversorgung
anzuwenden, müssen sie verständlich und leicht zugänglich für alle Beteiligten
präsentiert werden. Die REHA-KNOWS Studie in Südwestdeutschland untersucht
bestehende Wissenstransferstrategien in medizinischen Rehabilitationszentren,
identifiziert Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten und erkundet die Forschungserfahrungen
sowie -bedarfe der Praxisvertreter:innen in diesem Bereich, um zur Schließung
der Wissens-Praxis-Lücke beizutragen.

Material und Methoden  Für die Querschnittsbefragung wurde ein
standardisierter Online-Fragebogen an Repräsentant:innen von
Rehabilitationseinrichtungen in Baden-Württemberg und im Saarland verschickt.
Der Fragebogen beinhaltet Fragen zu Teilnehmer:innen, Einrichtungen, aktuellen
und vergangenen Forschungsaktivitäten, Forschungsbedarfen und
Wissenstransferstrategien. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv analysiert und
inhaltsanalytisch aufbereitet.

Ergebnisse  Innerbetriebliche (76,1%) und externe (76,1%) Fort- und
Weiterbildungen sowie wissenschaftliche Fachzeitschriften (72,7%) sind die am
häufigsten genutzten Wissenstransferstrategien. Die überwiegende Mehrzahl der
Befragten (63,3%) sieht konkretes Verbesserungspotential bei der Integration
wissenschaftlicher Ergebnisse in ihren Arbeitsalltag. 55,7% der Befragten hat an
mindestens einem Forschungsprojekt teilgenommen, während sich fast ein Viertel
(22,7%) noch nie an einem Forschungsprojekt beteiligt hatte. Besonderen
Forschungsbedarf sehen die Teilnehmenden in den Themen „Assessmentinstrumente“
(59,1%), „Einflussfaktoren, die das Reha-Ergebnis beeinflussen“ (56,8%) und
„Evaluation von Therapieformen und -programmen“ (54,6%).

Schlussfolgerungen Viele Vertreter:innen aus Rehabilitationseinrichtungen
sind an Forschungsprojekten beteiligt, sehen einen Forschungsbedarf zu
Assessmentinstrumenten und nutzen interne sowie externe Fort- &
Weiterbildungen als Wissenstransferstrategie. Die Ergebnisse können als
Grundlage für eine zukünftige, zielgerichtetere rehabilitationswissenschaftliche
Forschung und Praxis dienen.
XMS-CASPT2//XMS-CASPT2 and XMS-CASPT2//CASSCF at comparison: The impact of dynamic correlation in the excited state optimization of nitronaphthalene
Authors: Giussani Angelo , Segarra-Martí Javier
Published: July 2024

Here, analytical extended multi-state complete active space second-order perturbation method (XMS-CASPT2) gradients are used to rationalize the decreasing triplet quantum yield trend in 2-nitronaphthalene, 1-nitronaphthalene, and 2-methyl-1-nitronaphthalene, a series of nitro-substituted aromatic compounds. Comparison with the XMS-CASPT2//CASSCF (where CASSCF stands for complete active space self-consistent field method) results highlights the importance of dynamic correlation in geometry optimization and challenges the validity of an XMS-CASPT2//CASSCF approach: XMS-CASPT2 S1 minima leads to planar structures, while CASSCF optimizations trigger a pyramidalization of the nitro group. The XMS-CASPT2 results correlate the reported decreasing triplet quantum yield trend in these species to a decrease in S1 to T2 population transfer and an increase in S1–S0 decay, while no such correlation is observed when using XMS-CASPT2//CASSCF data.
Electro-optic effect in thin film strontium barium niobate (SBN) grown by RF magnetron sputtering on SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Christensen Adam , Reynaud Marc , Posadas Agham B. , Zhan Xun , Warner Jamie H. , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: July 2024

Ferroelectric strontium barium niobate (SrxBa1−xNb2O6 or SBN) is a material with high electro-optic (EO) response. It is currently of interest in low voltage silicon-integrated photonics (SiPh). We have grown strongly textured SBN films with x = 0.65 by radio frequency sputtering on (100)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates where grains with mixed (310) and (001) out-of-plane orientation form. For these mixed orientation films, we observed a maximum effective EO coefficient of 230 pm/V using a transmission EO measurement geometry that is responsive only to the in-plane polarization component coming from the (310)-oriented grains. We also demonstrate that by growing SBN on TiO2-terminated SrTiO3 substrates, we can obtain predominantly (001)-oriented SBN films with out-of-plane polarization. Transmission EO measurements on such (001)-oriented films show a reduced effective Pockels coefficient of 88 pm/V, which is consistent with the overall ferroelectric polarization becoming out-of-plane. This work shows that controlling substrate termination is effective in controlling the grain orientation of SBN films grown on top and that one can readily integrate SBN films on SrTiO3-buffered Si for use in SiPh.