bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does maturation vessel influence wine quality? A critical literature review
Authors: White Will , Catarino Sofia
Published: September 2023

Wine maturation consists of wine being stored in vessels after alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation and before bottling. This is a key period during the wine’s evolution, with changes in the physicochemical and sensory characteristics, especially in the colour, aroma, flavour and mouthfeel. Traditionally, oak barrels have been the main vessel choice for the maturation period. However, due to new technology and increasing consumer interest, winemakers are now using different vessels which vary in material, shape and size to mature their wines. Despite this gain in popularity, there are key questions remaining regarding how exactly variations in maturation vessel physical parameters affect wine quality during maturation. This review summarises how variations to maturation vessel material, size, and shape influence wine quality, specifically regarding oxygen permeation, thermal conductivity, and the release of exogenous compounds. Overall, the vessel material and size have a significant influence over the oxygen transfer rate of the vessel, and the associated changes to colour, aroma and mouthfeel, which occur with oxygen ingress. Maturation vessels may be conceptually viewed on a scale of ‘inertness’, with more inert vessels, such as stainless-steel tanks, generally having higher thermal conductivity, lower oxygen transfer rate and less release of exogenous compounds, with the opposite being true for the more active vessels such as oak barrels. Finally, this review points out gaps in the literature such as how maturation vessel parameters influence lees-wine interaction. This review aims to lay out paths for future research needed to shed light on how maturation vessel choice affects wine quality.
Hemofiltration as an Adjunct to Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Total Oxygenator Volume Control
Authors: Holt David W. , Landis Gregory H. , Dumond David A. , Hardin Scott B. , Bartosik Jerry , Miller Max
Published: September 2023

A comprehensive literature review of hemofiltration (HFT) and subsequent application to cardiopulmonary bypass is discussed. Any existing hypervolemic situation is an indication for HFT. No contraindications for HFT are known when used in conjunction with bypass. A detailed methodology as well as practical guidelines are presented. Specific details associated with HFT have been addressed including choice of diafilter, ultrafiltrate composition, hemoconcentration, hemolysis and other blood damage, acid-base effects, heparin clearance, loss of proteins and amino acids, acidemia, and rebound hyperkalemia.
Comparison Study of Connector and Tubing Blow-Off Line Pressures
Authors: Leaf Jerry D. , Dyson Charles , Emerson Robert
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to compare the blow-off pressure of a selection of connectors, tubing and tubing attachment techniques currently available for construction of extracorporeal circuits.

Each connector and tubing combination was filled with H2O and sealed at both ends. Hydrostatic pressure was increased, through a leur side port, until a pressure drop indicated connection failure. Line pressure, P.S.I., was measured with a hydrostatic gauge through a second luer side port.

Blow-off line pressures were inversely proportional to connector and tubing diameter, and directly proportional to tubing wall thickness. Bentley, Cobe, Gics and Shiley connectors were ranked in accordance with blow-off line pressures generated on Bentley, Harvey and Tygon tubing.
Erfahrungen aus der Therapie mit Klemmbausteinen
Authors: Denecke Cord Eike , Möller Jasmin , Baptist Alexander , Blotz Michael
Published: September 2023

Vielen Patienten mit psychischen Erkrankungen fällt es schwer, aktiv zu werden. Ihnen fehlt oft der Antrieb, eigene Interessen zu entwickeln. Der spielerische Einsatz von Klemmbausteinen kann dabei helfen, ihre Aktivität zu fördern.
Pflegerische Interventionen bei Dissoziationen
Authors: Schulz Antonella
Published: September 2023

Wenn sich Patienten in dissoziativen Zuständen befinden, dann hilft eine zuvor aufgebaute vertrauensvolle Beziehung zu den Pflegenden, um ihnen Sicherheit und Schutz zu vermitteln. Hier erfahren Sie, welche pflegerischen Interventionen den Betroffenen zusätzlich unterstützen, wie sich Dissoziationen äußern und wodurch sie verursacht werden können.
Exploring Immune Modulatory Effects of Cyclotide-Enriched Viola tricolor Preparations
Authors: Retzl Bernhard , Zimmermann-Klemd Amy Marisa , Gründemann Carsten , Gruber Christian W. , Winker Moritz , Nicolay Sven
Published: September 2023

Viola tricolor is a medicinal plant with documented application as an anti-inflammatory herb. The standard of care for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is
immunosuppressive therapeutics or biologics, which often have undesired effects. We explored V. tricolor herbal preparations that are rich in an emerging class of phytochemicals with
drug-like properties, so-called cyclotides. As an alternative to existing inflammatory bowel disease medications, cyclotides have immunomodulatory properties, and their intrinsic stability
allows for application in the gastrointestinal tract, for instance, via oral administration. We optimized the isolation procedure to improve the yield of cyclotides and compared the cellular
effects of violet-derived organic solvent-extracts, aqueous preparations, and an isolated cyclotide from this plant on primary human T lymphocytes and macrophages, i.e., cells that are
crucial for the initiation and progression of inflammatory bowel disease. The hot water herbal decoctions have a stronger immunosuppressive activity towards proliferation,
interferon-γ, and interleukin-21 secretion of primary human T cells than a DCM/MeOH cyclotide-enriched extract, and the isolated cyclotide kalata S appears as one of the active
components responsible for the observed effects. This effect was increased by a longer boiling duration. In contrast, the DCM/MeOH cyclotide-enriched extract was more effective in reducing
the levels of cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-12, interleukin-23, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C – X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, secreted by human monocyte-derived macrophages.
Defined cyclotide preparations of V. tricolor have promising pharmacological effects in modulating immune cell responses at the cytokine levels. This is important towards
understanding the role of cyclotide-containing herbal drug preparations for future applications in immune disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Repeat bidirectional double-balloon enteroscopy 1 year later may be proper in Peutz-Jeghers patients with difficult-to-reach polyps
Authors: Funayama Yohei , Oguro Kunihiko , Sakamoto Hirotsugu , Yano Tomonori , Owada Jun , Kobayashi Takuma , Ono Yusuke , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: September 2023

Background and study aims Small-bowel polyps in patients with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) are sometimes difficult to reach using double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). However, they can induce intussusception, especially when ≧15 mm. This study aimed to review the outcomes of patients with such polyps.

Patients and methods All patients with PJS with small-bowel polyps that bidirectional DBE failed to reach and were ≧5 mm as shown by DBE enterography at our institution from May 2006 to April 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The endpoint was the earliest occurrence of symptomatic intussusception induced by the polyp, endoscopic removal by repeat DBE or intraoperative endoscopy, or the last medical record describing the patient’s condition.

Results This study included 27 polyps in 13 patients. All patients had extraluminal adhesions. None developed symptomatic intussusception, eight patients underwent endoscopic removal at repeat DBE without surgery, two patients underwent removal with intraoperative endoscopy, two patients were observed without polyp removal, and one patient had a polyp removed at repeat DBE and three unreachable polyps remained. Repeat DBE without surgery was able to remove 14 polyps (52%). Polyps ≧15 mm included 11 lesions in eight patients and were observed for a median of 14 months without symptomatic intussusception.

Conclusions The difficult-to-reach polyps may have a low risk of immediate symptomatic intussusception, possibly due to limited bowel mobility by extraluminal adhesions, and the likelihood of reaching them at repeat DBE was substantial. Hence, repeat DBE 1 year later may be proper in such patients with PJS.
Additional information obtained from mucosal biopsies is limited after pan-enteric capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn’s disease
Authors: Thomsen Sofia Hjerrild , Zinolabedinbik Pantea , Brodersen Jacob Broder , Knudsen Torben , Kjeldsen Jens , Jensen Michael Dam
Published: September 2023

Background and study aims Pan-enteric capsule endoscopy (CE) is
an emerging alternative to ileo-colonoscopy for diagnosing Crohn’s disease (CD). However, CE
does not offer the opportunity to take biopsies to support the diagnosis. This study examined
the additional information obtained with mucosal biopsies and the feasibility of CE as a
single diagnostic procedure.

Patients and methods This retrospective study was based on a
prospective, blind multicenter trial in which patients with suspected CD were examined with
ileo-colonoscopy plus segmental biopsies and CE. Histopathological findings were compared to
the result of CE.

Results A total of 107 patients with a complete CE were included
in the analysis. CE was consistent with CD in 44 patients (41.1%) and ulcerative colitis in 10
patients (9.3%). Histopathology confirmed the result of CE in 39.3% of patients and added new
diagnostic information in 6.5% of patients. A CE consistent with CD was histologically
confirmed in 20.5% of patients. Biopsies most often showed non-specific inflammation (61.4%).
Only one patient with a normal CE had a specific histological diagnosis (microscopic colitis).
Biopsies altered the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis to CD in two patients, and in two
patients with a normal CE, biopsies showed CD or ulcerative colitis. In one patient with
lymphoma in the terminal ileum and cecum, CE was misinterpreted as CD.

Conclusions In patients with suspected CD and an evident result
of CE, the additional information obtained from biopsies is limited, and CE as a single
diagnostic procedure might be feasible in selected patients. Biopsies are warranted, however,
in patients with an atypical endoscopic appearance or suspected malignancy.
Assembling Nitroamino and Amino Groups on a Pyrazolyl-1,3,4-Oxadiazole Framework for the Construction of High-Performance and Insensitive Energetic Materials
Authors: Tang Yongxing , Zeng Zhiwei , Zhao Zichang , Yin Zhaoyang , Tang Mingjie , Liu Yuji , Huang Wei
Published: September 2023

The introduction of nitroamino groups onto a nitrogen-rich heterocyclic skeleton is an efficient method for constructing high-performance energetic compounds. In this work, the nitroamino-functionalized compound 4-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N,N′-dinitro-1H-pyrazole-3,5-diamine was synthesized in yields of up to 83%. In addition, its energetic salts were also prepared. All these compounds were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and, in two cases, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, the difference in the reactivities of the three amino groups on the pyrazolyloxadiazole system was analyzed by an average local ionization energy analysis. The hydrazinium salt of the diamine exhibits promising detonation properties and good molecular stability, suggesting it has good application potential. Compared with previous works, this strategy gives an improved isolated yield and provides a promising method for the construction of nitroamino-functionalized 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives.
Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Bhattacharyya Soumya , Chatterjee Chandrima , Saha Subhranil , Naskar Satyajit , Bhattacharya Pulakendu , Alam Sk Monsur , Sengupta Sumana , Ahamed Sabir , Shaikh Abdur R. , Koley Munmun , Ghosh Priyanka , Mukherjee Shyamal K.
Published: September 2023

Introduction This study aimed at examining the feasibility issues of comparing individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) with identical-looking placebos for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods Forty eligible patients participated in this double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled feasibility trial in the outpatient clinics of a homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India. Either IHMs or identical-looking placebos were administered, along with mutually agreed-upon concomitant care guidelines. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was the primary outcome measure, along with derived Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores from KOOS. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were the secondary outcomes. All were measured at baseline and after 2 months. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were estimated using an intention-to-treat approach. p-Values less than 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered statistically significant.

Results Enrolment/screening and trial retention rates were 43% and 85% respectively. Recruitment was difficult owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Group differences were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos in all the KOOS sub-scales: symptoms (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.002), activities of daily living (p < 0.001), sports or recreation (p = 0.016), and quality of life (p = 0.002). Derived WOMAC scores from KOOS favored IHMs against placebos: stiffness (p < 0.001) and pain (p < 0.001). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score (p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores (p < 0.001) also yielded significant results, favoring IHMs over placebos. All the effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. Sulphur was the most frequently prescribed homeopathic medication. Neither group reported any harm or serious adverse events.

Conclusion Although recruitment was sub-optimal due to prevailing COVID-19 conditions during the trial, the action of IHMs was found to be superior to that of placebos in the treatment of knee OA. Larger and more definitive studies, with independent replications, are warranted in order to substantiate the findings.

Trial registration: CTRI/2021/02/031453.
A Perspective on How Fibrinaloid Microclots and Platelet Pathology May be Applied in Clinical Investigations
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Kell Douglas B.
Published: September 2023

Microscopy imaging has enabled us to establish the presence of fibrin(ogen) amyloid (fibrinaloid) microclots in a range of chronic, inflammatory diseases. Microclots may also be induced by a variety of purified substances, often at very low concentrations. These molecules include bacterial inflammagens, serum amyloid A, and the S1 spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Here, we explore which of the properties of these microclots might be used to contribute to differential clinical diagnoses and prognoses of the various diseases with which they may be associated. Such properties include distributions in their size and number before and after the addition of exogenous thrombin, their spectral properties, the diameter of the fibers of which they are made, their resistance to proteolysis by various proteases, their cross-seeding ability, and the concentration dependence of their ability to bind small molecules including fluorogenic amyloid stains. Measuring these microclot parameters, together with microscopy imaging itself, along with methodologies like proteomics and imaging flow cytometry, as well as more conventional assays such as those for cytokines, might open up the possibility of a much finer use of these microclot properties in generative methods for a future where personalized medicine will be standard procedures in all clotting pathology disease diagnoses.
Autogenous Vein Graft as a Conduit for Nerve Regeneration - An Experimental Study
Authors: Kumar Dr. Amarendra
Published: September 2023

This study is based on earlier experimental work of similar nature carried out by David T. Wchin in 1982 and experimented to find out if autogenous vein graft can act as a successful conduit for nerve regeneration. Twenty adult healthy guinea pigs were divided into different groups. Operative, histopathological and electrophysiological studies stretching over to 10 months period were then carried out. Results of experiments conducted are tabulated and presented and compared with previously conducted studies.
Reuse of Microsuture Material
Authors: Gahankari Dr. Dilipkumar , Godghate Dr. Madhavi , Lalwani Dr. Nimmi
Published: September 2023

Described here is simple technique of reusing micropoint needles and left over broken pieces of 8-0 and 10-0 monofilament nylon.

These sutures so prepared are then available for use in experimental laboratory microsurgery work resulting in substantial saving on costs.
Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Lower Limb Defects
Authors: Tiwari Dr. V.K. , Goel Dr. Arun , Srivastava Dr. J.L.
Published: September 2023

Large defects, soft tissue or composite, in foot ankle and lower 1/3rd of leg, are difficult to treat. With advent of fasciocutaneous flaps, inferiorly based fasciocutaneous flaps have gained popolarily in such repairs. It is not always possible to raise such flaps and alternative has to be then considered.

In competent and experienced hands free flaps are dependable, and offer a single stage repair. 26 free Latissimus Dorsi mycontaneous flaps are raised in present series, and used for variety of reconstructions in lower limbs.
The effects of foreign product demand-labor transfer nexus on human capital investment in China
Authors: Hu Hui , Zhu Yuqi , Lee Chien-Chiang , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: September 2023

Using about 73,000 individuals’ data in China, this research, for the first time, analyzes the impact of labor transfer (LT) caused by foreign product demand (FPD) on human capital investment. Two-stage least squares estimation with the instrumental variable is applied and produced three findings. First, the FPD-LT model illustrates that with FPD increasing, more labor transfers from the agricultural sector to the non-agricultural sector. Second, working in the non-agricultural sector requires higher-level skills than in the agricultural sector. LT from agricultural sector to non-agricultural sector motivates people to invest more in human capital and promotes gender equality in human capital investment. Third, labor transferring from the agricultural sector to the non-agricultural sector enhances individuals’ income, leading to the increase of children’s human capital investments. The better-educated people make greater investment in their children’s human capital, exacerbating intergenerational inequality.
Enhanced pseudocapacitance of Ti3C2Tx MXene by UV photochemical doping
Authors: Huang Haifu , Yan Liqing , Liang Yongfang , Li Cong , Li Jianghai , Liang Xianqing , Xu Shuaikai , Zhou Wenzheng , Guo Jin
Published: September 2023

This work presents an ultraviolet-assisted photochemical doping strategy for realizing the modification of Ti3C2Tx MXene. In this strategy, nitrogen atoms are easily doped into Ti3C2Tx MXene, and harmful fluorine-containing terminal groups are effectively removed from the Ti3C2Tx MXene under UV light irradiation. The results further show that the nitrogen doping level is ∼2.99 at. %, and the interlayer spacing of Ti3C2Tx MXene increases from 1.271 to 1.363 nm after the nitrogen doping. The nitrogen-doped Ti3C2Tx MXene exhibits a higher specific capacitance of 491 F g−1 (1176 F cm−3) at 2 mV s−1 than raw Ti3C2Tx MXene (292 F g−1) when used as a supercapacitor electrode material. Moreover, a nitrogen-doped Ti3C2Tx quasi-solid-state supercapacitor device can yield an energy density of 14.9 Wh kg−1 at 750 W kg−1. Therefore, this work affords a simple and highly versatile route for fabricating high-performance MXene materials for supercapacitors.
High-precision measurement of refractive index in explosive-driven air blast waves for density and pressure determination
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Shouxian , Tao Shixing , Deng Xiangyang , Ye Yan , Meng Jianhua , Liu Zhenqing
Published: September 2023

Air refractive index alteration is an important research technique used to examine blast density and pressure. However, precise time-course measurements of refractive index changes at a fixed point caused by air blast waves are challenging due to the necessity for high precision and noise immunity. This study proposes a dual-probe, dual-frequency fiber-optic displacement interferometer that achieves nanometer-level accuracy and can tolerate light intensity fluctuations and transmission-fiber interference. The specially designed sensor enables the measurement of refractive index at a fixed point resulting from explosive-driven air blast waves, further allowing for obtaining the pressure and density information.
Thermal conductivity and Raman-active vibration properties of TiS3 nanoribbon investigated by temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Mengen , Xue Xinyi , Cao Xueqin , Lei Zhen , Wu Ruowei , Huang Yuanyuan , Xu Xinlong
Published: September 2023

We have investigated the thermal conductivity and vibration properties of TiS3 nanoribbon via micro-Raman spectroscopy. Based on the Raman spectra, the calculated temperature coefficients of the four Ag1 modes of the TiS3 nanoribbon sample are −0.0140, −0.0136, −0.0179, and −0.0172 cm−1 K−1, respectively, which are higher than that of traditional nanomaterials graphene and MoS2. The Raman frequency shift of TiS3 provides a powerful non-contact method to determine its local temperature rise, which is caused by the anharmonic coupling of phonons. From temperature coefficient and power coefficient values, the in-plane thermal conductivity of the TiS3 supported by SiO2/Si substrate has been calculated to be 187.2 ± 28.9 W/mK with weak anisotropy due to the substrate and size effects. This work paves a way to understand the heat conduction characteristics of transition metal trisulfide.
Emergence of a hidden topological insulator phase in hybrid halide perovskites
Authors: Bera Arpan , Maiti Abhishek , Pal Amlan J.
Published: September 2023

We report the emergence of a hidden topological insulator phase in hybrid halide perovskites under the influence of a high tunneling electric field generated by bringing a scanning tunneling microscope tip to the close proximity of the sample. As witnessed from scanning tunneling spectroscopy, the low-temperature orthorhombic phase of the compounds in its equilibrium behaves like a normal insulator with a bulk bandgap when the material was probed with a tip placed far away. As the set-current vis-à-vis the tunneling electric field was increased with an approach of the tip, a Stark-effect-induced shift of the bands toward the Fermi level (EF) was observed with a closure of the transport gap. At a (high) critical set-current, the material turned into a 3D topological insulator with gapless surface states and a Dirac point below the EF. The separation of the Dirac point (ED) from the Fermi level (|ED–EF|) could interestingly be tuned through halide modification in the metal halide perovskites, that is, the spin–orbit coupling parameter in the compound.
Chimera resonance in networks of chaotic maps
Authors: Rybalova Elena , Nechaev Vasilii , Schöll Eckehard , Strelkova Galina
Published: September 2023

We explore numerically the impact of additive Gaussian noise on the spatiotemporal dynamics of ring networks of nonlocally coupled chaotic maps. The local dynamics of network nodes is described by the logistic map, the Ricker map, and the Henon map. 2D distributions of the probability of observing chimera states are constructed in terms of the coupling strength and the noise intensity and for several choices of the local dynamics parameters. It is shown that the coupling strength range can be the widest at a certain optimum noise level at which chimera states are observed with a high probability for a large number of different realizations of randomly distributed initial conditions and noise sources. This phenomenon demonstrates a constructive role of noise in analogy with the effects of stochastic and coherence resonance and may be referred to as chimera resonance.
Designing a large area field emitter for uniform electron emission
Authors: Rudra Rashbihari , Biswas Debabrata
Published: September 2023

Obtaining uniform emission from a large area field emitter (LAFE) is a challenge that has proved difficult to overcome, both theoretically and experimentally. We use an approximate analytical formula for the apex field enhancement factor (AFEF) of individual emitters to design a LAFE with uniform electron emission, either by optimizing the location of identical emitters or by optimizing the height of individual emitters placed at fixed locations. The optimized parameters (the location or height) are then fed into COMSOL to check for uniformity in the AFEF, a quantity that determines the emitted current. The AFEFs obtained from COMSOL are found to be nearly identical, thereby validating the semi-analytical design technique. For larger LAFEs containing thousands of emitters, the semi-analytical method can be used for designing the LAFE and estimating the current in the optimized configuration.
Momentum work and the energetic foundations of physics. III. The unification of mechanics and electrodynamics
Authors: Kalies Grit , Do Duong D.
Published: September 2023

Albert Einstein proposed a unification of mechanics and electrodynamics by his special theory of relativity, which describes point-like particles moving through empty space. We show in this paper that mechanics and electrodynamics can be unified in Euclidean space if we relax the idea of point-like particles by describing fermions and bosons as spatially extended wave objects. Based on the process theory of gases presented in Paper II [Kalies et al., AIP Adv. 13(5), 055317 (2023)] of this series, we consider a confined photon gas and show that the momentum work of photons leads to an analogous description of matter and light and to the insight that electromagnetic energy is momentum energy. We present the unified energy equations, which do justice to the wave nature of matter, and it is the momentum work that links physical theories. Without momentum energy, which is larger in real terms than the kinetic energy of mechanics, the theoretical edifice of modern physics, at the fundamental level, is incomplete.
Two-dimensional type-II MSi2N4/InS (M = Mo, W) heterostructures for photocatalysis
Authors: Shi Li , Xu Wangping , Qiu Xia , Xiao Xiaoliang , Wei Haoran , Duan Yuanhao , Wang Rui , Fan Jing , Wu Xiaozhi
Published: September 2023

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) ternary monolayer MSi2N4 (M = Mo, W) was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. However, monolayer MSi2N4 (M = Mo, W) has an indirect bandgap, which seriously hinders its application in optoelectronic devices. Herein, we propose two MSi2N4/InS (M = Mo, W) van der Waals heterojunctions (vdWHs) possessing type-II band alignments by first-principles. Our results indicate that these vdWHs achieve an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition and exhibit fascinating optical absorption spectra in the range of visible light. Moreover, the light absorption efficiencies of both vdWHs are significantly strengthened, and the intrinsic electric field of vdWHs can effectively promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In particular, the most significant electron mobility of MSi2N4/InS (M = Mo, W) vdWHs is up to 6.6 × 103 cm2 V−1 s−1, demonstrating their considerable potential for optoelectronic device applications. Notably, MSi2N4/InS (M = Mo, W) vdWHs can facilitate water splitting due to their suitable band edges. Therefore, our findings demonstrate two 2D MSi2N4/InS (M = Mo, W) type-II vdWHs with fascinating potentials for photocatalysis.
Analysis of the flow phenomenon of fluid undergoing a sudden contraction to an annular gap
Authors: Song Xiaoteng , Ma Juanjuan , Li Yongye , Sun Xihuan , Zhao Yiming
Published: September 2023

The paper presents the visualization results of the sudden contraction flow field with an annular gap downstream of the contraction cross section. The contraction ratio directly influences the flow phenomena. No stationary vortices were observed upstream of the contraction cross section, and flow separation divided the flow field within the annular gap into a recirculation zone, a shear layer, and a mainstream zone. Vena-contracta point and reattachment point occurred within the flow field of the annular gap. The production of Reynolds stress varied with the contraction ratio, and the momentum exchange mainly occurred in the recirculation zone and the shear layer, while the flow state in the mainstream zone tended to become isotropic. Rapid changes in turbulent kinetic energy primarily occurred in the shear layer, and the production term of turbulent kinetic energy contributed the most. Applying computational fluid dynamics and experimental results, this study has formulated an expression for the contraction coefficient of the proposed model. The axial positions of the vena-contracta point and reattachment point have a strong correlation with the contraction ratio, which can be represented by an exponential function.
Insight into the particle-laden turbulent flow statistics in sharply bent channels
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Lakkaraju Rajaram , Atta Arnab
Published: September 2023

In canonical wall-bounded flows, point particle-laden turbulence exhibits a substantial interaction between scales with a variety of regimes, and the dynamics of the point particle-laden fluid are primarily identified by the Reynolds number. Such interactions are even more augmented in curved channels with variable curvature, and fixed Reynolds numbers demonstrate distinct flow behavior, as shown by Brethouwer [J. Fluid Mech. 931, A21 (2022)]. In this work, we demonstrate the characteristics of wall-bounded point particle-laden turbulent flows in sharply bent channels by evaluating the time-averaged velocity profiles at the straight section, at the bend, and in the inclined sections. The mean (time-averaged) normalized velocity profiles retain their well-known logarithmic features, with the von Kármán and additive constants taking different values depending on the acute inclination of the bend. Near-wall fluctuations at the bend are found to be intensified due to the bend that leads to increased turbulent activity. On examining the friction Reynolds number along the bent channel walls in the streamwise direction, a modulated behavior with an abrupt change at the bend is observed. Budgets of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) are delineated for various inclinations of the bend at different sections of the channel and are compared with the unladen sharply bent turbulent channel flows, which illustrate that TKE is modulated at the bend and there is an overall attenuation of TKE on loading the channel with point particles.
Control of band polarity in two-dimensional VX2 (X = S, Se, and Te)
Authors: Wang Xuening , Chen Ju , Chen Hongli , An Yipeng , Gong Shi-Jing
Published: September 2023

Bipolar magnetic semiconductor (BMS) has special electronic structures; i.e., its conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) are completely spin-polarized in opposite directions. In this work, the band structures of 2H-VX2 (X = S, Se, and Te) are examined through first-principles calculations, and the results show that both 2H-VS2 and 2H-VSe2 are BMSs, while 2H-VTe2 is a unipolar magnetic semiconductor (UMS); i.e., its CBM and VBM show the same spin direction. Most interestingly, we find that electronic orbitals near the Fermi level of 2H-VX2 are occupied by dz2 and dxy orbitals, which can be effectively modulated by the biaxial strain. With appropriate strain modulations, 2H-VX2 can be BMS, UMS, or half-metal (HM). Our investigation reveals strain effects on the band structure of 2H-VX2, which greatly enhances their significance in spintronics.
Use of interpretive machine learning and a crop model to investigate the impact of environment and management on soybean yield gap
Authors: Nehbandani Alireza , Filippi Patrick , Alizadeh-Dehkordi Parisa , Dadrasi Amir , Soltani Afshin
Published: September 2023

Context Management and environmental conditions are the main factors influencing yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Despite an increase in average soybean yield in recent years in Iran, a considerable gap remains between actual yield and potential yield. Aims The objective of this study was to identify critical climate and management factors affecting soybean yield in Iran’s major soybean production area. Methods A combination of machine learning approaches (using gradient boosted decision trees, XGBoost) and the SSM-iCrop2 simulation model was used. Critical management factors affecting soybean yield were determined through interpretive machine learning using information collected from 268 soybean fields over a 5-year period. Potential yield and water-limited potential yield at six weather stations were estimated for 30 years via the SSM-iCrop2 simulation model. Water limitation was determined by considering the ratio of water-limited yield potential to potential yield, and heat stress status was quantified as the number of days with maximum temperature >36°C during the soybean growing season. Key results The XGBoost models adequately described the observed changes in soybean yield. Root-mean-square error and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient values of the calibrated model were 262 kg ha−1 and 0.96, respectively, which indicated that the predictor variables could describe most of the variation in soybean yield for the studied dataset. Conclusions We identified 15 climatic and management variables that affect soybean yield. A large part of the studied area is under high water stress and low heat stress. Implications Optimal planting date and improved irrigation management are the main options for reducing the yield gap in the study area.
Implications of altered fire regimes for birds of dry sclerophyll forest under climate change
Authors: Franklin Michael J. M. , Major Richard E. , Bradstock Ross A.
Published: September 2023

Climate change is driving increases in forest fire activity around the world. Consequently, recent and future research into the implications for affected biota, and its translation into policy and management, is of vital importance for the conservation of forest biodiversity. The dry sclerophyll forests of south-eastern Australia are affected by changing fire regimes, including having recently been extensively burnt. In this review, we synthesise contemporary research into the responses of dry sclerophyll forest birds to fire regimes, with a focus on contrasts in levels of time since fire, fire severity, fire frequency, and their interactions. We identify and discuss high-priority knowledge gaps and management issues in this domain. Recent studies have gained insights into the complexity of the effects of fire on birds by, for example, showing how avian fire responses are influenced by climate variability. In dry sclerophyll forests, most species that responded to time since fire were less likely to occur where it was short. There were mixed positive and negative responses to increasing fire severity and/or frequency among species in these forest bird assemblages. Given that quantification of the risk of extinction of rare and uncommon birds under increased fire activity is challenging, options for investigating their fire response are proposed. Availability of habitat for birds that flourish where fire is recent, severe and/or regular is unlikely to decline given current trends. We present a management approach that conceptualises large blocks of biologically connected forest with longer fire ages, but otherwise differing fire histories, as biodiversity reservoirs.
Changes in parrot diversity after human arrival to the Caribbean
Authors: Oswald Jessica A. , Smith Brian Tilston , Allen Julie M. , Guralnick Robert P. , Steadman David W. , LeFebvre Michelle J.
Published: September 2023

Humans did not arrive on most of the world’s islands until relatively recently, making islands favorable places for disentangling the timing and magnitude of natural and anthropogenic impacts on species diversity and distributions. Here, we focus onAmazonaparrots in the Caribbean, which have close relationships with humans (e.g., as pets as well as sources of meat and colorful feathers). Caribbean parrots also have substantial fossil and archaeological records that span the Holocene. We leverage this exemplary record to showcase how combining ancient and modern DNA, along with radiometric dating, can shed light on diversification and extinction dynamics and answer long-standing questions about the magnitude of human impacts in the region. Our results reveal a striking loss of parrot diversity, much of which took place during human occupation of the islands. The most widespread species, the Cuban Parrot, exhibits interisland divergences throughout the Pleistocene. Within this radiation, we identified an extinct, genetically distinct lineage that survived on the Turks and Caicos until Indigenous human settlement of the islands. We also found that the narrowly distributed Hispaniolan Parrot had a natural range that once included The Bahamas; it thus became “endemic” to Hispaniola during the late Holocene. The Hispaniolan Parrot also likely was introduced by Indigenous people to Grand Turk and Montserrat, two islands where it is now also extirpated. Our research demonstrates that genetic information spanning paleontological, archaeological, and modern contexts is essential to understand the role of humans in altering the diversity and distribution of biota.
The rise of New Guinea and the fall of Neogene global temperatures
Authors: Martin Peter E. , Macdonald Francis A. , McQuarrie Nadine , Flowers Rebecca M. , Maffre Pierre J. Y.
Published: September 2023

The ~2,000-km-long Central Range of New Guinea is a hotspot of modern carbon sequestration due to the chemical weathering of igneous rocks with steep topography in the warm wet tropics. These high mountains formed in a collision between the Australian plate and ophiolite-bearing volcanic arc terranes, but poor resolution of the uplift and exhumation history has precluded assessments of the impact on global climate change. Here, we develop a palinspastic reconstruction of the Central Range orogen with existing surface geological constraints and seismic data to generate time–temperature paths and estimate volumes of eroded material. New (U-Th)/He thermochronology data reveal rapid uplift and regional denudation between 10 and 6 Mya. Erosion fluxes from the palinspastic reconstruction, calibrated for time with the thermochronological data, were used as input to a coupled global climate and weathering model. This model estimates 0.6 to 1.2 °C of cooling associated with the Late Miocene rise of New Guinea due to increased silicate weathering alone, and this CO
2
sink continues to the present. Our data and modeling experiments support the hypothesis that tropical arc-continent collision and the rise of New Guinea contributed to Neogene cooling due to increased silicate weathering.
Optimizing oxygen vacancies through grain boundary engineering to enhance electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Authors: Zhong Xiu , Yuan Enxian , Yang Fu , Liu Yang , Lu Hao , Yang Jun , Gao Fei , Zhou Yu , Pan Jianming , Zhu Jiawei , Yu Chao , Zhu Chengzhang , Yuan Aihua , Ang Edison Huixiang
Published: September 2023

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction is a challenging process that requires achieving high ammonia yield rate and reasonable faradaic efficiency. To address this issue, this study developed a catalyst by in situ anchoring interfacial intergrown ultrafine MoO
2
nanograins on N-doped carbon fibers. By optimizing the thermal treatment conditions, an abundant number of grain boundaries were generated between MoO
2
nanograins, which led to an increased fraction of oxygen vacancies. This, in turn, improved the transfer of electrons, resulting in the creation of highly active reactive sites and efficient nitrogen trapping. The resulting optimal catalyst, MoO
2
/C
700
, outperformed commercial MoO
2
and state-of-the-art N
2
reduction catalysts, with NH
3
yield and Faradic efficiency of 173.7 μg h
−1
mg
−1
cat
and 27.6%, respectively, under − 0.7 V vs. RHE in 1 M KOH electrolyte. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization and density functional theory calculation validated the electronic structure effect and advantage of N
2
adsorption over oxygen vacancy, revealing the dominant interplay of N
2
and oxygen vacancy and generating electronic transfer between nitrogen and Mo(IV). The study also unveiled the origin of improved activity by correlating with the interfacial effect, demonstrating the big potential for practical N
2
reduction applications as the obtained optimal catalyst exhibited appreciable catalytic stability during 60 h of continuous electrolysis. This work demonstrates the feasibility of enhancing electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction by engineering grain boundaries to promote oxygen vacancies, offering a promising avenue for efficient and sustainable ammonia production.
Dysfunction of CD169
+
macrophages and blockage of erythrocyte maturation as a mechanism of anemia in
Plasmodium yoelii
infection
Authors: Tumas Keyla C. , Xu Fangzheng , Wu Jian , Hernandez Maricarmen , Pattaradilokrat Sittiporn , Xia Lu , Peng Yu-chih , Lavali Angela Musu , He Xiao , Singh Brajesh K. , Zhang Cui , Percopo Caroline , Qi Chen-Feng , Huang Suming , Long Carole A. , Su Xin-zhuan
Published: September 2023

Plasmodium
parasites cause malaria with disease outcomes ranging from mild illness to deadly complications such as severe malarial anemia (SMA), pulmonary edema, acute renal failure, and cerebral malaria. In young children, SMA often requires blood transfusion and is a major cause of hospitalization. Malaria parasite infection leads to the destruction of infected and noninfected erythrocytes as well as dyserythropoiesis; however, the mechanism of dyserythropoiesis accompanied by splenomegaly is not completely understood. Using
Plasmodium yoelii yoelii
17XNL as a model, we show that both a defect in erythroblastic island (EBI) macrophages in supporting red blood cell (RBC) maturation and the destruction of reticulocytes/RBCs by the parasites contribute to SMA and splenomegaly. After malaria parasite infection, the destruction of both infected and noninfected RBCs stimulates extramedullary erythropoiesis in mice. The continuous decline of RBCs stimulates active erythropoiesis and drives the expansion of EBIs in the spleen, contributing to splenomegaly. Phagocytosis of malaria parasites by macrophages in the bone marrow and spleen may alter their functional properties and abilities to support erythropoiesis, including reduced expression of the adherence molecule CD169 and inability to support erythroblast differentiation, particularly RBC maturation in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, macrophage dysfunction is a key mechanism contributing to SMA. Mitigating and/or alleviating the inhibition of RBC maturation may provide a treatment strategy for SMA.
A naïve inquiry into translation between Aboriginal languages in
pre-Invasion Australia
Authors: Pym Anthony
Published: September 2023

Was there translation between Australian
Aboriginal languages prior to the European Invasion dated from 1788?
The evidence from archeological research and the accounts of early
European settlers would suggest that there were no specialized
translators as such between Aboriginal languages, no specific
communicative solution that could be called translation in the
post-Renaissance Western sense of the term, and no evidence of a
dominant lingua franca that might have acted as an alternative
communication solution. Instead, we find ample reference to polyglot
speakers, to multilingual meeting places for trade, ceremony and
dispute resolution, to multilingual narratives, and the use of local sign
languages, smoke signals, bush tracks and message sticks, all of
which could help in the performance of communication across language
borders. Taken together, these practices suggest interlingual
communication flows based not on conveying a message clearly or
quickly, but on multilayered interlingual practices based on respect
for the territorial embeddedness of languages and the active,
informed interpretation of data. Unlike Western calls for ever more
translations across ever more languages, Indigenous practices might
enhance sustainability by teaching us to respect linguistic
diversity, translate less, and think more.
Maryse Condé and the Alternative Nobel Prize of 2018
Authors: Lindqvist Yvonne
Published: September 2023

Inspired by the methodological framework of

histoire croisée
, this
paper examines the bibliomigrancy of the French Caribbean author
Maryse Condé. To this end, four major causal series of events
leading up to her nomination and selection for the 2018 Alternative
Nobel Prize in Literature are analyzed. The first causal series of
events consists of the translation bibliomigrancy of French
Caribbean fiction to Sweden over the past 40 years. The second
causal series of events briefly covers the authorship of Maryse
Condé and her reception in Sweden. The third causal series follows
the effects and repercussions of the cancellation of the Nobel Prize
in Literature in 2018, as well as the particular consequences
related to the reorganization of the Royal Swedish Academy. The
fourth causal series of events entails the foundation of the “New
Academy” and the Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature. Closing
remarks discuss Maryse Condé’s chances of being awarded the regular
Nobel Prize in Literature.
The tidalectics of translation
Authors: Saint-Loubert Laëtitia
Published: September 2023

This chapter aims to contribute to debates on
non-market-centric, more equitable, sustainable routes of
transnational literary circulation, particularly for those
literatures originally produced, translated, disseminated and
distributed in fragilized ecosystems. To this end, it proposes an
epistemological move away from traditional core-periphery, Global
North-Global South paradigms. Rather than adopting a market-oriented
approach, it aims to rethink Translation Studies from the
perspective of the complex, varied and fragile ecosystems of the
Caribbean. In relation to flows from and beyond the Caribbean, it
will concentrate on Kamau Brathwaite’s ‘tidalectics’ (or ‘tidal
dialectic[s]’) to envisage more sustainable flows of transnational
literary circulation and rethink acts and processes of translation
within their ‘natural’, vulnerable contexts of emergence (Brathwaite, 1983).
Combining translation policy and imagology
Authors: Gentile Paola
Published: September 2023

This chapter establishes a connection between the fields of translation policy and imagology to scrutinize the strategies employed by governmental organizations in their support of literary translations. It aims to investigate the role of these strategies in facilitating cultural transfers and shaping evolving perceptions of a country internationally. An overview of the policy by the Dutch
Foundation for Literature in transnational events will be followed
by an examination of promotional strategies employed by the Italian
publisher Iperborea. The similarities between the advertising
material employed by the DFL and the images used by Iperborea to
promote Dutch literature in Italy will be illustrated by means of
paratexts1 and a series of interviews with relevant stakeholders.