bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid‐State Catalytic Hydrogen Sponge Effects in BaInO2.5 Epitaxial Films
Authors: Kim Dongha , Jeon Yuri , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith Louise , Lee Shinbuhm
Published: May 2023

Gas sponges capable of absorbing, storing, and releasing ions in a reversible manner are in high demand for advanced electronics, energy devices, and sensors. Here, it is shown that brownmillerite BaInO2.5 epitaxial films exhibit the capability to act as solid‐state catalytic hydrogen sponges at a remarkably low temperature (≈100 °C). Compared to sintered pellets with random crystallographic orientations and many defects, BaInO2.5 epitaxial films give three orders of magnitude higher conductivity of hydrogen ions, which can be linked to the presence of well‐ordered 1D channels and lack of grain boundaries and other defects. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that hydrogen ions can be stored near InO4 tetrahedral layers of brownmillerite without destroying the parent framework. The high performance and reproducibility of the BaInO2.5 epitaxial films coupled with ultralow power consumption make them ideal candidates for neuromorphic devices and beyond.
Acid‐Triggered Aggregation of Carbon Dots Shifted Their Emission to Give Unexpected Deep‐Red Lasing
Authors: Tang Ling , Ai Lin , Song Ziqi , Sui Laizhi , Yu Jingkun , Yang Xin , Song Haoqiang , Zhang Baowei , Hu Yongsheng , Zhang Yongqiang , Tian Yuxi , Lu Siyu
Published: May 2023

It is challenging to realize ultra‐pH‐responsive fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), especially reversibly adjustable multichromatic emission covering a broad wavelength range including deep‐red lasing. This study reports a one‐step solvothermal treatment of pyrogallol to obtain brilliant CDs with a substantial bathochromic shift (from blue to dark red emission) induced by pH changes. The CDs show an excellent reversible pH response: simple acid treatment instantaneously shifts their initial green emission by 140 nm to a deep‐red emission with high‐color‐purity and enhances brightness, subsequent alkali addition returned the green emission, suggesting smooth and reversible regulation of fluorescence. Detailed components analyses, morphology tracking, and photodynamic studies demonstrate the discrete, reversible shift of emission derived from structural transformations, which include protonation of the CDs and their subsequent assembly and partial aggregation triggered by hydrogen bonding. The abundant H‐bonds crosslink the network of CDs, ultimately raising the quantum yield from 11.3% to 16.0%. Furthermore, the aggregated CDs crystallized into sheet‐like structures that acted as a resonant cavity for lasing show excellent gain ability and lead to strong deep‐red lasing. This study draws together pH regulation, the effects of CD's assembly, and their lasing emission to demonstrate significant potential for the development of versatile CDs.
Generic Air‐Gen Effect in Nanoporous Materials for Sustainable Energy Harvesting from Air Humidity
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Gao Hongyan , Sun Lu , Yao Jun
Published: May 2023

Air humidity is a vast, sustainable reservoir of energy that, unlike solar and wind, is continuously available. However, previously described technologies for harvesting energy from air humidity are either not continuous or require unique material synthesis or processing, which has stymied scalability and broad deployment. Here, a generic effect for continuous energy harvesting from air humidity is reported, which can be applied to a broad range of inorganic, organic, and biological materials. The common feature of these materials is that they are engineered with appropriate nanopores to allow air water to pass through and undergo dynamic adsorption–desorption exchange at the porous interface, resulting in surface charging. The top exposed interface experiences this dynamic interaction more than the bottom sealed interface in a thin‐film device structure, yielding a spontaneous and sustained charging gradient for continuous electric output. Analyses of material properties and electric outputs lead to a “leaky capacitor” model that can describe how electricity is harvested and predict current behaviors consistent with experiments. Predictions from the model guide the fabrication of devices made from heterogeneous junctions of different materials to further expand the device category. The work opens a wide door for the broad exploration of sustainable electricity from air.
Ion Tunnel Matrix Initiated Oriented Attachment for Highly Utilized Zn Anodes
Authors: Deng Dan , Fu Kai , Yu Ruohan , Zhu Jiao , Cai Hongwei , Zhang Xiangchen , Wu Jinsong , Luo Wen , Mai Liqiang
Published: May 2023

Metallic zinc is an ideal anode for aqueous energy storage; however, Zn anodes suffer from nonhomogeneous deposition, low reversibility, and dendrite formation; these lead to an overprovision of zinc metal in full cells. Herein, oriented‐attachment‐regulated Zn stacking initiated through a trapping‐then‐planting process with a high zinc utilization rate (ZUR) is reported. Due to the isometric topology features of cubic‐type Prussian blue analog (PBA), the initial Zn plating occurs at specific sites with equal spacing of ≈5 Å in the direction perpendicular to the substrate; the trace amount of zinc ions trapped in tunnel matrix provides nuclei for the oriented attachment of Zn (002) deposits. As a result, the PBA‐decorated substrate delivers high reversibility of dendrite‐free zinc plating/stripping for more than 6600 cycles (1320 h) and achieves an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.5% at 5 mA cm−2 with 100% ZUR. Moreover, the anode‐limited full cell with a low negative–positive electrode ratio (N/P) of 1.2 can be operated stably for 360 cycles, displaying an energy density of 214 Wh kg−1; this greatly exceeds commercial aqueous batteries. This work provides a proof of concept design of metal anodes with a high utilization ratio and a practical method for developing high‐energy‐density batteries.
A Continuous‐Flow Method for the Transformation from Amides to Nitriles Catalyzed by CeO2 in Acetonitrile
Authors: Kobayashi Kwihwan , Masuda Koichiro , Feng Fei , Rashed Md. Nurnobi , Sato Kazuhiko , Koumura Nagatoshi , Kobayashi Shū
Published: May 2023

A CeO2‐catalyzed method for the transformation from amides to nitriles was developed using acetonitrile as the solvent and dehydrating reagent. The transformation proceeded via a formal “water transfer” reaction between the amides and acetonitrile. We propose that the presence of oxygen defect sites in CeO2 is important in the mechanism of this transformation. Various nitriles could be continuously synthesized from amides in 75–96% yields via flow operation using a catalyst column packed with CeO2.
Recent Progress in Fluorinated Dielectric‐Based Organic Field‐Effect Transistors and Applications
Authors: Li Huchao , Geng Dechao , Lei Yong , Jiao Fei , Li Liqiang , Ji Deyang , Hu Wenping
Published: May 2023

Fluorinated dielectric‐based organic field effect transistors (OFETs) have garnered lots of attention due to some visible superiorities of the incorporation of fluorine functional groups into dielectrics, such as the hydrophobicity, chemical inertness, and low polarizability of the C─F bond for effectively impeding the charge‐trapping process and improving carrier mobility. With the efforts of material design and device optimization, high‐performance multifunctional devices using fluorinated dielectrics have been rapidly developed with the mobility exceeding 8 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the operating voltage lower than −4 V, which provides a promising opportunity for applications in memory devices, wearable electronics, and flexible sensors. On this basis, this review summarizes the recent development of fluorinated dielectric‐based OFETs and OFETs‐based organic optoelectronic devices. In addition, a brief perspective of fluorinated dielectric‐based OFETs and their future challenges is also presented.
Hydrogel‐Based Intranasal Delivery Systems for The Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Fan Baoshi , Jia Haiqian , Yu Hui , Xu Yaoke , Li Rui , Qiu Jikuan , Wang Jiayue , Wan Xizi , Liu Junxiu
Published: May 2023

Allergic rhinitis, as the most common type of rhinitis, has become a global health problem. At present, oral/intranasal administration of H1‐antihistamines and corticosteroids is considered to be the main therapeutic method for allergic rhinitis. However, the local bioavailability of the drug is low due to the systemic effect of drugs and nasal mucociliary clearance. More recently, a hydrogel‐based intranasal delivery system (HIDS) is proposed and gradually developed as an emerging strategy for allergic rhinitis treatment by extending the residence time of drugs in a controlled manner. This review aims to highlight the advances in HIDS for allergic rhinitis treatment. The designs and therapeutic effect of the existing HIDS in the nasal microenvironment are described in detail. This review also provides a perspective on the future opportunities and developments of HIDS. Despite its nascent status, the future clinical and translational applications of HIDS can have a transformative impact on improving the treatment of chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity.
Analysis of Si Back‐Contact for Chalcogenide Perovskite Solar Cells Based on BaZrS3 Using SCAPS‐1D
Authors: Barman Biswajit , Ingole Sarang
Published: May 2023

Barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3), a chalcogenide perovskite, is attracting a lot of attention for thin‐film photovoltaic (PV) application. Unlike the lead halide perovskites, it is stable and does not contain toxic elements. Herein, PV devices incorporating barium zirconium sulfide (BZS) are investigated numerically as a photoabsorber with a back‐contact layer of both crystalline and amorphous p+ type silicon, using a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator software‐1D. The titanium (Ti) alloyed BZS, which has an electron‐energy bandgap close to optimum for a single junction PV device, is also investigated. A systematic study is carried out by varying the thickness, doping density, and defect density in the BZS layer. Among the two phases of Si, the amorphous one results in higher photoconversion efficiency (PCE) due to a favorable energy band alignment with BZS. The corresponding best PCEs predicted from the study are 19.7% for BZS films and 30% for Ba(Zr0.95Ti0.05)S3 films with the amorphous Si as back‐contact.
Modulation of Contact Resistance of Dual‐Gated MoS2 FETs Using Fermi‐Level Pinning‐Free Antimony Semi‐Metal Contacts
Authors: Ngo Tien Dat , Huynh Tuyen , Jung Hanggyo , Ali Fida , Jeon Jongwook , Choi Min Sup , Yoo Won Jong
Published: May 2023

Achieving low contact resistance (RC) is one of the major challenges in producing 2D FETs for future CMOS technology applications. In this work, the electrical characteristics for semimetal (Sb) and normal metal (Ti) contacted MoS2 devices are systematically analyzed as a function of top and bottom gate‐voltages (VTG and VBG). The semimetal contacts not only significantly reduce RC but also induce a strong dependence of RC on VTG, in sharp contrast to Ti contacts that only modulate RC by varying VBG. The anomalous behavior is attributed to the strongly modulated pseudo‐junction resistance (Rjun) by VTG, resulting from weak Fermi level pinning (FLP) of Sb contacts. In contrast, the resistances under both metallic contacts remain unchanged by VTG as metal screens the electric field from the applied VTG. Technology computer aided design simulations further confirm the contribution of VTG to Rjun, which improves overall RC of Sb‐contacted MoS2 devices. Consequently, the Sb contact has a distinctive merit in dual‐gated (DG) device structure, as it greatly reduces RC and enables effective gate control by both VBG and VTG. The results offer new insight into the development of DG 2D FETs with enhanced contact properties realized by using semimetals.
Beyond pollen:ovule ratios: Evolutionary consequences of pollinator dependence and pollination efficiency for pollen and ovule production in angiosperms
Authors: Harder Lawrence D. , Johnson Steven D.
Published: May 2023

Premise

The relative per‐flower production of ovules and pollen varies broadly with angiosperm mating systems, with outcrossing types commonly producing more pollen grains per ovule than selfing types. The evolutionary causes of this variation are contentious, especially the relevance of pollination risk. Resolution of this debate may have been hampered by its focus on pollen:ovule (P:O) ratios rather than on the evolution of pollen and ovule numbers per se.

Methods

Using published mean ovule and pollen counts, we analyzed associations with the proportion of removed pollen that reaches stigmas (pollen‐transfer efficiency) and differences between pollinator‐dependent and autogamous forms within and among species. Analyses involved Bayesian methods that simultaneously considered variation in pollen and ovule numbers and accounted for phylogenetic relatedness. We also assessed the utility of P:O ratios as mating‐system proxies and their association with female outcrossing rates.

Results

Median pollen number declined consistently with pollen‐transfer efficiency among species, whereas median ovule number did not. Similarly, in both intraspecific and interspecific analyses, pollinator‐dependent plants produced more pollen than autogamous plants, whereas ovule production did not differ statistically. Distributions of P:O ratios overlapped extensively for self‐incompatible and self‐compatible species and for different mating‐system classes, and P:O ratios correlated weakly with outcrossing rate.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that pollinator dependence and pollination efficiency commonly influence the evolution of pollen number per flower but have more limited effects on ovule number. P:O ratios provide ambiguous, possibly misleading, information about mating systems, especially when compared among clades.
Gas chromatographic separation of the fatty acid methyl esters prepared from dairy products, partially hydrogenated oils, and refined vegetable oils applying a negative temperature gradient
Authors: Delmonte Pierluigi
Published: May 2023

To date no single gas chromatographic method can simultaneously measure all fatty acids (FA), including trans‐FA (TFA), that are contained in dairy products, partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), and refined vegetable oils. Using 100% poly(biscyanopropyl siloxane) capillary columns, ruminant and dairy fats are preferentially analyzed by applying temperature programs that separate short chain FA, but not trans‐18:3 from 20:1. Refined vegetable oils and PHO are preferentially analyzed by applying isothermal elutions that provide quantification of all 18 carbon TFA including trans‐18:3 FA, but not of all short chain FA. In this short communication, we propose a temperature program method capable of simultaneously measuring short chain FA and all 18 carbon TFA including trans‐18:3 by applying a negative temperature gradient after the elution of trans‐18:1. A simplified version of the method is also described for equipment not able to perform negative temperature gradients.
Synthesis and characterizations of polystyrene materials with low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss at high frequency
Authors: Zhang Sai , Zhang Yulin , Wang Zhi Yuan , Qiao Wenqiang
Published: May 2023

In this article, a facile and efficient approach to the modification of polystyrene (PS) materials with low dielectric properties at high frequency is reported. A series of N‐acetoxy amide (AA)‐containing polystyrenes (PSAAs) synthesized by free‐radical polymerization can be transformed into NCO‐containing polymers (rPSAAs) via Lossen rearrangement reaction of the AA group. The modified PS materials were then obtained by reacting the rPSAAs with hydroxyl‐terminated poly(phenylene oxide) (PPOD), polybutadiene, and amino‐terminated polysiloxane, respectively. The thermal stability, mechanical, and dielectric properties of PPOD‐modified PS materials were improved with increase of PPOD content. The PPOD (20 wt%)‐modified PS had a dielectric constant of 2.22 and dissipation factor of 1.65 × 10−3 at 10 GHz. This work provides an easy and effective method to prepare high performance modified PS materials by introducing poly(phenylene oxide), which could meet the requirement of new‐generation communication technology.
A μ‐H∞ control strategy for decreasing torque fluctuation of electro‐hydraulic integrated braking system in mode switching
Authors: Zhang Ruijun , Zhao Wanzhong , Wang Chunyan , Xu Can , Wu Gang
Published: May 2023

Due to the difference of time‐domain response between hydraulic braking and regenerative braking, as well as changes of equivalent parameters and operating parameters during braking mode switching, it is liable to cause torque fluctuation, which affects braking safety and vehicle ride comfort. First, the uncertainties of vehicle load and frictional coefficient model are investigated. Second, the hybrid system theory is applied to provide state transfer condition for mode switching strategy. Finally, the control strategy that utilizes regenerative braking torque to compensate for difference of the required braking torque is designed, and a new μ‐H∞ control algorithm through D‐K iteration is presented to improve the robust performance. The proposed μ‐H∞ control strategy is examined under various braking situations, and the results indicate that (1) the μ‐H∞ controller have the advantage of robustness performance, the amplitude of regenerative braking is decreased by 6.14%, and the steady‐state error of hydraulic braking is decreased by 5.26% over the H∞, and (2) under the braking mode switching, the designed compensation control strategy has the performance of fast and accurate tracking of the desired torque, and the steady‐state error does not exceed 3.5%.
Mitigating Wildland Interface Fires for Water Utilities
Authors: Gutierrez Robert , Lagunas Esaud
Published: May 2023

Key Takeaways

Facing an increase in the size and complexity of wildland interface fires, water utilities must pay more attention to protecting vital infrastructures during potentially catastrophic wildfires.

Water utilities can mitigate the impacts of wildfires by using a three‐pronged approach that includes collaborating with fire agencies, protecting infrastructure, and supporting air assets like firefighting helicopters.

Gaining situational awareness at the onset of a wildfire helps minimize its impacts.
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy complicated by coagulopathy: A case report
Authors: Kumari Swati , Lamichhane Ramesh , Karki Pawan , Adhikari Pritha
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

We present the case of a rare obstetric emergency, which is usually fatal. Our case highlights suspicion of AFLP in patients presenting with jaundice in the third trimester with good maternal and fetal outcomes after a timely intervention.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare, obstetric emergency characterized by maternal liver dysfunction that can lead to maternal and fetal complications. We report a case of 28‐year‐old primigravida 39 weeks gestation diagnosed with AFLP complicated by coagulopathy with good maternal and fetal outcomes after a timely intervention.
Hospital‐at‐home care for immunodeficient patients with COVID‐19: Approach to persistent COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Miyamoto Yuki , Matsumura Yasufumi , Sumiyoshi Shougen , Morikami Yoshiki , Nagao Miki
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Patients with COVID‐19 who have undergone B‐cell depletion therapy could have prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; therefore, even in the hospital‐at‐home setting, primary care physicians should carefully consider the treatment regimen and the timing of ending isolations in such cases, and should not hesitate to consult with infectious disease specialists if necessary.

We presented the first reported case of hospital‐at‐home care for a patient with persistent COVID‐19 who had undergone B‐cell depletion therapy. He received hospital‐at‐home care, including two courses of remdesivir; however, he ultimately failed to recover and was transferred to the hospital.
Pelvic gunshot wound presenting as bladder clot concealing a left external iliac injury
Authors: Mukendi Alain Mwamba , Mathye Charles Eustachia
Published: May 2023

Key clinical message

This is the first reported case of a pelvic gunshot wound with a bladder injury masking a coinciding left external iliac artery injury. A high index of suspicion for an acute and traumatic ilio‐vesical fistula should be raised in the presence of the following triad: bright red hematuria, bladder distension from clot retention, hemodynamic instability after bladder decompression “Mukendi's triad.”

Iliac artery injury from gunshot wounds is very rare and a lethal injury associated with high mortality rate. Concurrent ballistic external iliac artery and bladder injuries resulting in an acute ilio‐vesical shunt or fistula and discovered at the time of presentation are extremely rare.

In this report, we present an unprecedented case of multiple pelvic gunshot wounds presented with a distended injured bladder full of clots concealing a left external iliac injury by tamponade effect.
Enantiomeric discrimination by chiral electromagnetic resonance enhancement
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Simon Alexander , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: May 2023

Circularly polarized light interacts preferentially with the biomolecules to generate spectral fingerprints reflecting their primary and secondary structure in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The spectral features can be transferred to the visible and near‐infrared regions by coupling the biomolecules with plasmonic assemblies made of noble metals. Nanoscale gold tetrahelices were used to detect the presence of chiral objects that are 40 times smaller in size by using plane‐polarized light of 550 nm wavelength. The emergence of chiral hotspots in the gaps between 80 nm long tetrahelices differentiate between weakly scattering S‐ vs R‐molecules with optical constants similar to that of organic solvents. Simulations map the spatial distribution of the scattered field to reveal enantiomeric discrimination with selectivity up to 0.54.
The effects of voluntary running exercise on the astrocytes of the medial prefrontal cortex in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Liu Mei , Zhu Lin , Guo Yi‐jing , Zhang Shan‐shan , Jiang Lin , Zhang Yi , Chao Feng‐lei , Tang Yong
Published: May 2023

Pathological changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and astrocytes are closely associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Voluntary running has been found to effectively delay AD. However, the effects of voluntary running on mPFC astrocytes in AD are unclear. A total of 40 10‐month‐old male amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice and 40 wild‐type (WT) mice were randomly divided into control and running groups, and the running groups underwent voluntary running for 3 months. Mouse cognition was assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and Y maze tests. The effects of voluntary running on mPFC astrocytes were investigated using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and stereology. APP/PS1 mice performed significantly worse than WT mice in the NOR, MWM, and Y maze tests, and voluntary running improved the performance of APP/PS1 mice in these tests. The total number of mPFC astrocytes was increased, cell bodies were enlarged, and protrusion number and length were increased in AD mice compared with WT mice, but there was no difference in component 3 (C3) levels in the mPFC (total mPFC level); however, C3 and S100B levels in astrocytes were increased in AD mice. Voluntary running reduced the total number of astrocytes and S100B levels in astrocytes and increased the density of PSD95+ puncta in direct contact with astrocyte protrusions in the APP/PS1 mouse mPFC. Three months of voluntary running inhibited astrocyte hyperplasia and S100B expression in astrocytes, increased the density of synapses in contact with astrocytes, and improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice.
Genomic prediction for drought tolerance using multienvironment data in a common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) breeding program
Authors: Morais Odilon Peixoto , Müller Bárbara S. F. , Valdisser Paula Arielle Mendes Ribeiro , Brondani Claudio , Vianello Rosana Pereira
Published: May 2023

This work evaluated the efficiency of different genomic prediction (GP) methods in a diverse Mesoamerican panel of 339 common bean accessions, genotyped with 3398 SNP markers. Field experiments were carried out for three consecutive years, with adequate water supply (non‐stress—NS) and water restriction imposition (water‐stress—WS), analyzing seed weight (SW) and grain yield (GY). Two methods to predict the accuracies (rĝg) were adopted (GBLUP and Bayes) and also considered the environmental variation (GBLUP‐based reaction norm model). Similar accuracies were observed for both methods. For GY, the highest rĝg were detected under NS (rĝg = 0.49) in 2016 (rĝg = 0.49) and in the joint analysis for the WS condition (rĝg = 0.33), both for models using local landraces. For SW under NS, the rĝg was higher for the elite lines (rĝg = 0.72), whereas for WS, the rĝg dropped considerably, ranging from 0.45 to 0.61 for the joint analysis, considering the landraces and all samples, respectively. For GY and SW, under NS, the rĝg using both models increased with increasing number of SNPs, until reaching a plateau of 800 and 300 SNPs, respectively. Increasing the training population (TP) size resulted in greater accuracy. Taking in account the Genotype × Environment, the multienvironment model performed better especially for more complex traits (GY/NS: rĝg = 0.32). The GP approach has great potential to help commercial bean breeding programs improving the performance of target quantitative traits.
The effect of sea‐level rise on estuary filling in scaled landscape experiments
Authors: Weisscher Steven A. H. , Adema Pelle H. , Rossius Jan‐Eike , Kleinhans Maarten G.
Published: May 2023

Abstact

When sea‐level rise slowed down in the middle Holocene, fluvial and coastal sediments filled the newly created accommodation, whilst others remained largely unfilled because of limited sediment supply. In view of current and future rapid sea‐level rise, the question arises how estuarine systems will adapt and whether the land‐level rise may keep up. Besides geological data and conceptual models of large‐scale and long‐term estuary filling, little is known about the filling process during sea‐level rise on the decadal‐to‐centennial time scale that is relevant for society. This study focusses on how sea‐level rise affects the morphological and hydrodynamic development of filling estuaries. To this end, scaled laboratory experiments were conducted in a tilting flume facility that creates bidirectional tidal currents and develops entire estuaries. A net importing estuary with sand, mud and vegetation was formed that was subjected to linear sea‐level rise. Findings show less of the imported sand was deposited landward following sea‐level rise than in an experiment without sea‐level rise. The bay‐head delta and the flood‐tidal delta retained nearly enough sediment to keep up with sea‐level rise, whilst the tidal embayment in between drowned except for the highest vegetated bars. Sea‐level rise also reduced vegetation survival and sprouting potential, as prolonged inundation increased mortality, negating the potential eco‐engineering effect. This resulted in lower vegetation coverage with sea‐level rise than under constant sea level. These findings suggest that sea‐level rise may cause natural systems to drown even if nearly sufficient sediment is available to fill the newly created accommodation, particularly in areas further away from the fluvial and marine sediment sources. Finally, depending on the sea‐level rise rate, the flood‐tidal delta may show back‐stepping like fluvial deltas, but in the reverse direction towards the sea.
Phylogenetic and functional trait‐based community assembly within Pacific Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae): Evidence for clustering at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Johnson Melissa A.
Published: May 2023

Tropical rainforest communities are often characterized by a small number of species‐rich genera that contribute disproportionately to the alpha diversity in these habitats. In the Pacific Basin, there are nearly 200 species of Cyrtandra, most of which are white‐flowered woody shrubs that are single‐island endemics. Within these island communities, multiple Cyrtandra species are commonly observed to occur sympatrically in wet forest understories, forming swarms of what appear to be ecologically similar taxa. The aim of this study was to determine whether species of these plants are randomly assembled with respect to phylogenetic relatedness and traits that are ecologically relevant. I examined assembly patterns across three Pacific archipelagoes using a combination of 10 functional traits and a well‐resolved phylogeny comprising 34 species of Cyrtandra. Coexisting species were found to be more closely related and more phenotypically similar than would be expected by chance. This pattern was observed at both regional (island) and local (site) spatial scales. The retention of phylogenetic signal in floral traits and the strong influence of these traits on the observed degree of phylogenetic clustering may indicate that generalist insect pollinators act as a biotic filter on oceanic islands, driving selection for similar floral morphology among closely related species of Pacific Cyrtandra. Phylogenetic signal was also detected in leaf size, which contributed to niche clustering at both spatial scales. Coupled with a propensity for long‐distance dispersal, and the restricted distribution of Cyrtandra to rainforest understories, this finding suggests that environmental filtering along this trait axis may be more important than dispersal limitation in determining species assemblages. This study supports the theory that plant species are not randomly assembled, and instead, that niche‐based processes structure biodiversity at regional and local spatial scales in diverse congeneric species assemblages.
Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in children with mild malformation of cortical development and oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy
Authors: Liu Xianyu , Zhu Ying , Liu Qingzhu , Zhang Shuang , Wu Pengxia , Sun Yu , Zhang Jie , Wang Ruofan , Ji Taoyun , Wang Shuang , Liu Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuwu , Cai Lixin , Wu Ye
Published: May 2023

Objective

Mild malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy (MOGHE) is a new and rare histopathological entity of cortical developmental malformations. The clinical characteristics of MOGHE remain challenging.

Methods

Children with histologically confirmed MOGHE were retrospectively studied. The clinical findings, electroclinical and imaging features, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, and previously published studies were reviewed up to June 2022.

Results

Thirty‐seven children were included in our cohort. Clinical characteristics included early onset in infancy (94.6% before 3 years), multiple seizure types, and moderate or severe delay. Epileptic spasm is the most common seizure type and initial manifestation. The lesions were mainly multilobar (59.5% multiple lobes and 8.1% hemispheres), and predominance in the frontal lobe was observed. The interictal EEG pattern was circumscribed or widespread. The prominent MRI characteristics were cortical thickening, cortical/subcortical hyperintense T2/FLAIR signal, and blurring at the GM and WM transition. Among the 21 children followed up for more than 1 year after surgery, 76.2% were seizure‐free. Preoperative interictal circumscribed discharges and larger resections were significantly associated with a good postoperative outcome. The clinical features of 113 patients in the reviewed studies were similar to those we reported, but the lesions were mainly unilobar (73.5%) and Engel I was achieved in only 54.2% after surgery.

Significance

Distinct clinical characteristics in MOGHE, especially age at onset, epileptic spasm, and age‐related MRI characteristics, can help in early diagnosis. Preoperative interictal discharge and surgical strategy may be predictors of postoperative outcomes.
Distance‐dependent distribution thresholding in probabilistic tractography
Authors: Chang Ya‐Ning , Halai Ajay D. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: May 2023

Tractography is widely used in human studies of connectivity with respect to every brain region, function, and is explored developmentally, in adulthood, ageing, and in disease. However, the core issue of how to systematically threshold, taking into account the inherent differences in connectivity values for different track lengths, and to do this in a comparable way across studies has not been solved. By utilising 54 healthy individuals' diffusion‐weighted image data taken from HCP, this study adopted Monte Carlo derived distance‐dependent distributions (DDDs) to generate distance‐dependent thresholds with various levels of alpha for connections of varying lengths. As a test case, we applied the DDD approach to generate a language connectome. The resulting connectome showed both short‐ and long‐distance structural connectivity in the close and distant regions as expected for the dorsal and ventral language pathways, consistent with the literature. The finding demonstrates that the DDD approach is feasible to generate data‐driven DDDs for common thresholding and can be used for both individual and group thresholding. Critically, it offers a standard method that can be applied to various probabilistic tracking datasets.
Regulatory B cells producing IL‐10 are increased in human tumor draining lymph nodes
Authors: Piersiala Krzysztof , Hjalmarsson Eric , da Silva Pedro Farrajota Neves , Lagebro Vilma , Kolev Aeneas , Starkhammar Magnus , Elliot Alexandra , Marklund Linda , Munck‐Wikland Eva , Margolin Gregori , Georén Susanna Kumlien , Cardell Lars‐Olaf
Published: May 2023

The contribution of different immune cell subsets, especially T cells, in anti‐tumor immune response is well established. In contrast to T cells, the anti‐tumor contribution of B cells has been scarcely investigated. B‐cells are often overlooked, even though they are important players in a fully integrated immune response and constitute a substantial fraction of tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) known also as Sentinel Nodes. In this project, samples including TDLNs, non‐TDLNs (nTDLNs) and metastatic lymph nodes from 21 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed by flow cytometry. TDLNs were characterized by a significantly higher proportion of B cells compared with nTDLNs (P = .0127). TDLNs‐associated B cells contained high percentages of naïve B cells, in contrary to nTDLNs which contained significantly higher percentages of memory B cells. Patients having metastases in TDLNs showed a significantly higher presence of immunosuppressive B regulatory cells compared with metastasis‐free patients (P = .0008). Elevated levels of regulatory B cells in TDLNs were associated with the advancement of the disease. B cells in TDLNs were characterized by significantly higher expression of an immunosuppressive cytokine—IL‐10 compared with nTDLNs (P = .0077). Our data indicate that B cells in human TDLNs differ from B cells in nTDLNs and exhibit more naïve and immunosuppressive phenotypes. We identified a high accumulation of regulatory B cells within TDLNs which may be a potential obstacle in achieving response to novel cancer immunotherapies (ICIs) in head and neck cancer.
Guide to advances in the control of gastrointestinal roundworms in sheep
Authors: Crilly JP
Published: May 2023

Background: In the UK, diseases caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are the most expensive endemic diseases, being a major cause of morbidity, mortality and lost production in sheep flocks. Control is complicated by the increasing prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in the GIN population and changes in epidemiology, partially driven by climate change. Therefore, there is great emphasis among sheep farmers and veterinarians to find methods to successfully control GINs and prevent associated diseases.

Aim of the article: This article outlines the different strategies that can be implemented on farm to try and sustainably control parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.
Thunderstorm and hailstorm environments in Mexico
Authors: León‐Cruz José Francisco , Caetano Ernesto , Cortés‐Ramos Jorge , Dominguez Christian , Méndez‐Pérez Juan Matias
Published: May 2023

Thunderstorm and hailstorm environments from 1981 to 2018 are analysed using the proximity soundings approach based on the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) reanalysis dataset. Given the nature of the severe weather dataset, four proximity soundings 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 local time were retrieved per day with hail activity or thunderstorms. After quality control, a total of 30,760 vertical profiles were used and grouped seasonally and spatially to consider the local variation of the convective environments. Diverse instability, kinematic, and composite parameters were calculated to characterize the environments for these two convective hazards. The results indicate differences mainly modulated by orographic features, continentality, regional climate, and general synoptic characteristics. Higher instability environments of thunderstorms and hailstorms are observed in the subregions near moisture sources such as oceans, principally during summer and autumn when tropical activity occurs. High wind shear environments are concentrated during winter and spring, mainly in central and northern regions of the country, associated with the passage of frontal systems. The covariates are reasonably accurate at predicting severe weather, but their prediction skill decreases during the warm season when severe weather is more common in Mexico. Increased knowledge of severe weather and associated convective hazards will improve weather forecasting and may be helpful in disaster risk reduction due to meteorological hazards in Mexico.
Negative externality on service level across priority classes: Evidence from a radiology workflow platform
Authors: Lagzi Saman , Quiroga Bernardo F. , Romero Gonzalo , Howard Nicholas , Chan Timothy C. Y.
Published: May 2023

We study the potential negative impact of imbalanced compensation schemes on firm performance. We analyze data from a radiology workflow platform that connects off‐site radiologists with hospitals. These radiologists select tasks from a common pool, while service level is defined by priority‐specific turnaround time targets. However, imbalances between pay and workload of different tasks could result in higher priority tasks with low pay‐to‐workload ratio receiving poorer service. We investigate this hypothesis, showing turnaround time is decreasing in pay‐to‐workload for lower priority tasks, whereas it is increasing in workload for high‐priority tasks. Crucially, we find evidence of an externality effect: Having many economically attractive tasks with low priority can lead to longer turnaround times for higher priority tasks, increasing their likelihood of delay, thus partially defeating the purpose of the priority classes.
Observation of Unidirectional Bulk Modes and Robust Edge Modes in Triangular Photonic Crystals
Authors: Gao Zi‐Xuan , Liao Jing‐Zun , Shi Fu‐Long , Shen Ke , Ma Fei , Chen Min , Chen Xiao‐Dong , Dong Jian‐Wen
Published: May 2023

The valley contrasting physics in photonic systems gives rise to many interesting phenomena such as photonic valley Hall effect and robust valley transport. However, most reported valley photonic crystals are demonstrated in the honeycomb lattice. Here, unidirectional bulk modes and robust edge modes are numerically and experimentally shown in triangular photonic crystals. By switching the phase vortex of an input chiral source, dynamic unidirectional propagation of bulk modes at different valleys is observed. Unidirectional edge modes are also demonstrated on the domain wall between two distinct triangular photonic crystals. In addition, robust edge modes around sharp corners are experimentally confirmed. This work paves the way for the realization of dynamic unidirectional photonic transport and robust valley transport in photonic crystals.
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in Multiple System Atrophy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Srp Martin , Bartosova Tereza , Klempir Jiri , Lagnerova Rebeka , Gal Ota , Listvanova Tereza , Jech Robert , Ruzicka Evzen , Hoskovcova Martina
Published: May 2023

Background

The effects of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) has not yet been investigated in MSA patients.

Objective

The primary objective was to test the effects of EMST on expiratory muscle strength and voluntary peak cough flow (vPCF) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). The secondary objective was to assess the suitability of the pulmonary dysfunction index as a tool for identifying MSA patients with expiratory muscle weakness and reduced voluntary peak cough flow.

Methods

This was an open label, non‐controlled study, with an 8‐week intensive home‐based EMST protocol. The outcome measures included: maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and vPCF. The sensitivity and specificity of the index of pulmonary dysfunction in the respiratory diagnostic process were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Fifteen MSA patients were enrolled in the study. Twelve MSA patients completed the training period. After the training period, MEP significantly increased (P = 0.006). Differences in vPCF were not significant (P = 0.845). ROC analysis indicated that the overall respiratory diagnostic accuracy of the index of pulmonary dysfunction had an outstanding capability to detect patients at risk of less effective coughing and an acceptable capability of detecting patients with decreased expiratory muscle strength.

Conclusions

These findings indicate non‐significant differences in vPCF after 8 weeks of EMST. The index of pulmonary dysfunction appears to be a promising prognostic screening tool for identifying altered cough efficacy in MSA patients. Test cut‐offs may be used to select an appropriate respiratory physiotherapy technique.
Loan forgiveness, lottery bonus key in Pennsylvania bills
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2023

With an eye toward building the child and adolescent mental health workforce, a Pennsylvania lawmaker has introduced two bills that would address the state's mental health workforce shortage. While one bill focuses on the recruitment side, the other addresses retention by offering a lottery with the chance for providers to win a $5,000 bonus.
Echo pulses for background suppression by optimal control
Authors: Cortes Sanchez Hector Javier , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn
Published: May 2023

Materials used to construct magic‐angle‐spinning NMR probes can contain NMR active nuclei that produce a significant amount of background signal. Because these materials are located outside the sample coil, the use of spatially selective pulses to remove the background is a popular approach for background suppression. However, previously suggested spatially selective pulses suffer from limited excitation bandwidths, which may make them unsuitable for the acquisition of nuclei with a large chemical shift range. Here, a pulse (OC‐BACK) is presented, which has been developed by optimal control, which has a flat profile of ~120 kHz with respect to off‐resonance effects and extended pass and suppression bands with respect to the nominal nutation frequency. The presented solution is large enough to be effective for background suppression schemes in 19F magic‐angle‐spinning NMR at medium and low magnetic fields.
A robust t1 noise suppression method in NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Wei Siyuan , Ding Yiming , Song Kan , Liu Zao
Published: May 2023

Artefacts in high‐resolution multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, known as t1 noise, can significantly downgrade the spectral quality and remain a significant noise source, limiting the sensitivity of most two‐dimensional NMR experiments. In addition to highly sensitive hardware and experimental designs, data post‐processing is a relatively simple and cost‐effective method for suppressing t1 noise. In this study, histograms and quantiles were used to obtain a robust estimation of noise level. We constructed a weighted matrix to suppress the t1 noise. The weighted matrix was calculated from the logistic functions, which were adaptively computed from the spectrum. The proposed method is robust and effective in both simulations and actual experiments. Further, it can maintain the quantitative relationship of the spectrogram and is suitable for various complex peak types.
Copolymerization of ω‐Alkenyltrimethylsilane with Ethylene by MgCl2/TiCl4 Catalyst: Effect of Alkenyl Length on Comonomer Incorporation
Authors: Chen Fengtao , Qin Yawei , Dong Jin‐Yong
Published: May 2023

ω‐Alkenyltrimethylsilanes of different alkenyl moieties, i.e., 3‐butenyltrimethylsilane, 5‐hexenyltrimethylsilane, and 7‐octenyltrimethylsilane, are used as model compounds to study the alkenyl length effect in copolymerization of ethylene with steric‐hindered tri‐substituted silane‐functionalized α‐olefins over MgCl2/TiCl4 catalysts. The experimental results reveal that 3‐butenyltrimethylsilane tops the three α‐olefins in incorporation rate into PE while 7‐octenyltrimethylsilane is slightly better than 5‐hexenyltrimethylsilane. The coordination‐insertion events for different ω‐alkenyltrimethylsilanes are investigated by DFT simulation. The results suggest that the three ω‐alkenyltrimethylsilanes encounter similar energy barriers during insertion, with similar repulsive interactions between the bulky trimethylsilane substituent and growing PE chain found in the energy decomposition of transition state configuration. However, complexation abilities at the Ti active site for the three ω‐alkenyltrimethylsilanes follow the order of 3‐butenyltrimethylsilane > 5‐hexenyltrimethylsilane > 7‐octenyltrimethylsilane, in line with their molecular compactness, which are deemed to be where the alkenyl length effect originates in the ω‐alkenyltrimethylsilane/ethylene copolymerization.
Fingering and strain localization in porous media during imbibition processes
Authors: Zaïm Mohammed , Ommi Siddhartha Harsha , Collin Frédéric , Kotronis Panagiotis , Sciarra Giulio
Published: May 2023

Fingered infiltration of a wetting fluid through a porous network is a widely studied subject in the field of fluid mechanics. However, the effect of this heterogeneous percolation on the response of granular materials, in particular fine‐grained soils, is a poorly investigated and badly understood topic which deserves deep analysis, considering, among others, possible applications in soil remediation and underground energy storage. This paper presents a first application of a new formulation of unsaturated poromechanics based on a phase field approach that allows to characterize on the one hand the occurrence of fingering hydraulic instabilities and on the other one to capture their effects on the irreversible, and possible unstable, deformation of the solid skeleton. The envisaged application concerns the behavior of fine‐grained soils whose dilatant/contractant behavior is more and more attracting the interest of the scientific community both in the fields of experimental research and numerical modeling.