bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and inter-brain synchrony oscillations underlying social adjustment
Authors: Vicente Unai , Ara Alberto , Marco-Pallarés Josep
Published: July 2023

Humans naturally synchronize their behavior with other people. However, although it happens almost automatically, adjusting behavior and conformity to others is a complex phenomenon whose neural mechanisms are still yet to be understood entirely. The present experiment aimed to study the oscillatory synchronization mechanisms underlying automatic dyadic convergence in an EEG hyperscanning experiment. Thirty-six people performed a cooperative decision-making task where dyads had to guess the correct position of a point on a line. A reinforcement learning algorithm was used to model different aspects of the participants’ behavior and their expectations of their peers. Intra- and inter-connectivity among electrode sites were assessed using inter-site phase clustering in three main frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta) using a two-level Bayesian mixed-effects modeling approach. The results showed two oscillatory synchronization dynamics related to attention and executive functions in alpha and reinforcement learning in theta. In addition, inter-brain synchrony was mainly driven by beta oscillations. This study contributes preliminary evidence on the phase-coherence mechanism underlying inter-personal behavioral adjustment.
Extraction of gymnemic acid from Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. leaves and production of dry powder extract using maltodextrin
Authors: Nunta Rojarej , Khemacheewakul Julaluk , Sommanee Sumeth , Mahakuntha Chatchadaporn , Chompoo Mayuree , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak , Kumar Anbarasu , Leksawasdi Noppol
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present study was to maximize the extraction of gymnemic acid (GA) from Phak Chiang Da (PCD) leaves, an indigenous medicinal plant used for diabetic treatment in Northern Thailand. The goal was to overcome the low concentration of GA in the leaves, which limits its applications among a larger population and develop a process to produce GA-enriched PCD extract powder. The solvent extraction method was employed to extract GA from PCD leaves. The effect of ethanol concentration and extraction temperature were investigated to determine the optimum extraction conditions. A process was developed to produce GA-enriched PCD extract powder, and its properties were characterized. In addition, color analysis (L*, a*, and b*) was performed to evaluate the overall appearance of the PCD extract powder. Antioxidant activity assay was conducted to assess the ability of the PCD extract powder to neutralize DPPH free radicals. The results showed that the concentration of 50% (v/v) ethanol at 70 °C for 2 h resulted in a higher GA concentration of 8307 mg/kg from dried PCD leaves. During the drying process, the use of maltodextrin at a concentration of 0.5% (w/v) was found to produce PCD extract powder with the maximum GA concentration. The color analysis revealed that the PCD extract powder had a dark greenish tint mixed with yellow. The antioxidant activity assay showed that 0.1 g of PCD extract powder was able to neutralize 75.8% of DPPH free radicals. The results concluded that PCD extract powder could potentially be used as a source of nutraceuticals or as a functional food ingredient. These findings suggest the potential value of GA-rich PCD extract powder in various applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food industries.
Hellenic karst waters: geogenic and anthropogenic processes affecting their geochemistry and quality
Authors: Li Vigni L. , Daskalopoulou K. , Calabrese S. , Brusca L. , Bellomo S. , Cardellini C. , Kyriakopoulos K. , Brugnone F. , Parello F. , D’Alessandro W.
Published: July 2023

Karst hydrosystems represent one of the largest global drinking water resources, but they are extremely vulnerable to pollution. Climate change, high population density, intensive industrial, and agricultural activities are the principal causes of deterioration, both in terms of quality and quantity, of these resources. Samples from 172 natural karst springs were collected in the whole territory of Greece. To identify any geogenic contamination and/or anthropogenic pollution, analyses of their chemical compositions, in terms of major ions and trace elements, were performed and compared to the EU limits for drinking water. Based on chloride content, the collected karst springs were divided into two groups: low-chloride (< 100 mg L−1) and high-chloride content (> 100 mg L−1). An additional group of springs with calcium-sulfate composition was recognised. Nitrate concentrations were always below the EU limit (50 mg L−1), although some springs presented elevated concentrations. High contents in terms of trace elements, such as B, Sr, As, and Pb, sometimes exceeding the limits, were rarely found. The Greek karst waters can still be considered a good quality resource both for human consumption and for agriculture. The main issues derive from seawater intrusion in the aquifers along the coasts. Moreover, the main anthropogenic pollutant is nitrate, found in higher concentrations mostly in the same coastal areas where human activities are concentrated. Finally, high levels of potentially harmful trace elements (e.g. As, Se) are very limited and of natural origin (geothermal activity, ore deposits, etc.).
Aerobic exercise training and gut microbiome-associated metabolic shifts in women with overweight: a multi-omic study
Authors: Hintikka Jukka E. , Ahtiainen Juha P. , Permi Perttu , Jalkanen Sirpa , Lehtonen Marko , Pekkala Satu
Published: July 2023

Physical activity is essential in weight management, improves overall health, and mitigates obesity-related risk markers. Besides inducing changes in systemic metabolism, habitual exercise may improve gut’s microbial diversity and increase the abundance of beneficial taxa in a correlated fashion. Since there is a lack of integrative omics studies on exercise and overweight populations, we studied the metabolomes and gut microbiota associated with programmed exercise in obese individuals. We measured the serum and fecal metabolites of 17 adult women with overweight during a 6-week endurance exercise program. Further, we integrated the exercise-responsive metabolites with variations in the gut microbiome and cardiorespiratory parameters. We found clear correlation with several serum and fecal metabolites, and metabolic pathways, during the exercise period in comparison to the control period, indicating increased lipid oxidation and oxidative stress. Especially, exercise caused co-occurring increase in levels of serum lyso-phosphatidylcholine moieties and fecal glycerophosphocholine. This signature was associated with several microbial metagenome pathways and the abundance of Akkermansia. The study demonstrates that, in the absence of body composition changes, aerobic exercise can induce metabolic shifts that provide substrates for beneficial gut microbiota in overweight individuals.
Oxidative stress increases in liver of lactating rats after BPF-low-dose exposure: perinatal effects in the offspring
Authors: Linillos-Pradillo Beatriz , Rancan Lisa , Murias Julio García , Schlumpf Margret , Lichtensteiger Walter , Tresguerres J. A. F. , Vara Elena , Paredes Sergio D.
Published: July 2023

Bisphenol F (BPF) is replacing Bisphenol A (BPA) in the manufacture of products due to endocrine-disrupting effects. BPF monomers can also be released into the environment and enter the food chain, resulting in human exposure to low doses. Since bisphenols are primarily metabolized by the liver, this organ is more vulnerable to lower doses of bisphenols than others. Exposure during prenatal development may increase the risk of diseases in adulthood. The aim was to evaluate whether BPF administration could generate oxidative stress in liver of lactating rats, and whether these effects may be also observed in female and male postnatal day 6 (PND6) offspring. Long Evans rats received oral treatment: Control, BPF-low-dose (LBPF) 0.0365 mg/kg b.w./day, and BPF-high-dose (HBPF) 3.65 mg/kg b.w./day. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GR, GPx and GST), glutathione system (GSH, GSSG) and lipid damage markers (MDA, LPO) were measured using colorimetric methods in liver of both lactating dams and in PND6 offspring. Mean values were analyzed using Prism-7. LBPF affected liver defense mechanisms (antioxidant enzymes and glutathione system), increasing ROS levels and producing lipid peroxidation in lactating dams. Similar effects were found in female and male PND6 offspring as a consequence of perinatal exposure.
In vitro efficacy of different PEGylation designs on cathelicidin-like peptide with high antibacterial and antifungal activity
Authors: Sahsuvar Seray , Kocagoz Tanil , Gok Ozgul , Can Ozge
Published: July 2023

Recent reports on antibiotic resistance have highlighted the need to reduce the impact of this global health issue through urgent prevention and control. The World Health Organization currently considers antibiotic resistance as one of the most dangerous threats to global health. Therefore, Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising for the development of novel antibiotic molecules due to their high antimicrobial effects, non-inducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) properties, and broad spectrum. Hence, in this study, we developed novel antimicrobial peptide/polymer conjugates to reduce the adverse effects of TN6 (RLLRLLLRLLR) peptide. We demonstrate how our constructs function in vitro in terms of antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and protease resistance. Our findings show that our molecules are effective against different types of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enteroccus faecium, and Candida albicans, which are known to be pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant. Our constructs generally showed low cytotoxicity relative to the peptide in HaCaT and 3T3 cells. Especially these structures are very successful in terms of hemotoxicity. In the bacteremia model with S. aureus, the naked peptide (TN6) was hemotoxic even at 1 µg/mL, while the hemotoxicity of the conjugates was considerably lower than the peptide. Remarkably in this model, the hemolytic activity of PepC-PEG-pepC conjugate decreased 15-fold from 2.36 to 31.12 µg/mL compared to the bacteria-free 60-min treatment. This is proof that in the case of bacteremia and sepsis, the conjugates specifically direct to bacterial cell membranes rather than red blood cells. In addition, the PepC-PEG-pepC conjugate is resistant to plasma proteases. Moreover, morphological and intracellular damage of the peptide/conjugates to Escherichia coli are demonstrated in SEM and TEM images. These results suggest our molecules can be considered potential next-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic molecule/drug candidates that might be used in clinical cases such as bacteremia and sepsis.
Potential relevance between soybean nitrogen uptake and rhizosphere prokaryotic communities under waterlogging stress
Authors: Lian Tengxiang , Cheng Lang , Liu Qi , Yu Taobing , Cai Zhandong , Nian Hai , Hartmann Martin
Published: July 2023

Waterlogging in soil can limit the availability of nitrogen to plants by promoting denitrification and reducing nitrogen fixation and nitrification. The root-associated microorganisms that determine nitrogen availability at the root-soil interface can be influenced by plant genotype and soil type, which potentially alters the nitrogen uptake capacity of plants in waterlogged soils. In a greenhouse experiment, two soybean genotypes with contrasting capacities to resist waterlogging stress were grown in Udic Argosol and Haplic Alisol soils with and without waterlogging, respectively. Using isotope labeling, high-throughput amplicon sequencing and qPCR, we show that waterlogging negatively affects soybean yield and nitrogen absorption from fertilizer, atmosphere, and soil. These effects were soil-dependent and more pronounced in the waterlogging-sensitive than tolerant genotype. The tolerant genotype harbored more ammonia oxidizers and less nitrous oxide reducers. Anaerobic, nitrogen-fixing, denitrifying and iron-reducing bacteria such as Geobacter/Geomonas, Sphingomonas, Candidatus Koribacter, and Desulfosporosinus were proportionally enriched in association with the tolerant genotype under waterlogging. These changes in the rhizosphere microbiome might ultimately help the plant to improve nitrogen uptake under waterlogged, anoxic conditions. This research contributes to a better understanding of the adaptability of soybean genotypes under waterlogging stress and might help to formulate fertilization strategies that improve nitrogen use efficiency of soybean.
Recent advances in photocatalytic self-cleaning performances of TiO2-based building materials
Authors: Wei Yuanchen , Wu Que , Meng Hong , Zhang Yongqing , Cao Changlu
Published: July 2023

TiO2-based photocatalytic building materials can keep the building surface clean, and have decontamination, antibacterial effects and so on. These materials have great application potential in pollution and carbon reduction in the future.
Silver-functionalized bismuth oxide (AgBi2O3) nanoparticles for the superior electrochemical detection of glucose, NO2− and H2O2
Authors: Ramesh M. , Sankar C. , Umamatheswari S. , Raman R. Ganapathi , Jayavel R. , Choi Dongjin , Ramu A. G.
Published: July 2023

In this study, we successfully synthesized silver-functionalized bismuth oxide (AgBi2O3) nanoparticles (SBO NPs) by a highly efficient hydrothermal method.
Enzyme-inspired catalysts with high activity and selectivity for oxidative polymerization of 2-phenylphenol
Authors: Nakano Akiyuki , Raut Vivek S. , Asao Naoki , Ando Akane , Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Higashimura Hideyuki
Published: July 2023

Enzyme-inspired copper catalysts with moderately bulky substituents can accelerate the oxidative polymerization of 2-phenylphenol and increase the Mn of regioregular poly(2-phenylphenylene oxide) showing ultra-low ε to form a freestanding film.
Review on the preparation and performance improvement methods of bismuth photocatalyst materials
Authors: Chen Lei , Guan Bin , Guo Jiangfeng , Chen Yujun , Ma Zeren , Chen Junyan , Yao Shunyu , Zhu Chenyu , Dang Hongtao , Shu Kaiyou , Guo Zelong , Yi Chao , Shi Kuangyi , Li Yuan , Hu Jingqiu , Huang Zhen
Published: July 2023

The preparation, modification and reaction mechanism of four kinds of bismuth photocatalysts are reviewed, and their application and limitation are discussed.
Dinuclear chromium complexes with [OSSO]-type ligands in the copolymerization of epoxides with CO2and phthalic anhydride
Authors: Niknam Fatemeh , Denk Alina , Buonerba Antonio , Rieger Bernhard , Grassi Alfonso , Capacchione Carmine
Published: July 2023

One pot process solvent free terpolymerization highly block terpolymer.
Ketogenic diet attenuates neuroinflammation and induces conversion of M1 microglia to M2 in an EAE model of multiple sclerosis by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting HDAC3 and P2X7R activation
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Qingpeng , Zhang Ruiyan , Zhang Ning
Published: July 2023

In EAE, KD inhibits demyelination, neuroinflammation and chemokines/chemokine receptors, and promotes M1 to M2 switching in microglia, as demonstrated by the TLR4/NF-κB/HDAC3/P2X7R/NLRP3 pathway and the JAK1/STAT1 pathway.
Comparison of the inedible parts of white and green asparagus based on metabolomics and network pharmacology
Authors: Wei Rui , Qin Xuemei , Li Zhenyu
Published: July 2023

Chemical and biological differences between the inedible parts of white and green asparagus were compared, and the inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells were related to high levels of steroidal saponins and oxylipins in white asparagus.
Polyphenol-rich extract from loquat fruit peel prevents hyperlipidemia and hepato-nephrotoxicity in mice: in vivo study and in silico prediction of possible mechanisms involving identified polyphenols and/or their circulating metabolites
Authors: Mokhtari Imane , Mokhtari Chakib , Moumou Mohammadine , Harnafi Mohamed , Milenkovic Dragan , Amrani Souliman , Hakmaoui Abdelmalek , Harnafi Hicham
Published: July 2023

Hyperlipidemia is the most well-known cause of metabolic complications and tissue toxicity such as liver steatosis, atherosclerosis and obesity.
Exhaustive classification and systematic free-energy profile study of single-stranded DNA inter-overhang migration
Authors: Too Hon Lin , Wang Zhisong
Published: July 2023

Migration of a short single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) between DNA overhangs is a basic molecular process that is widely used in dynamic DNA nanotechnology.
The marriage of porous cages and metal clusters for advanced catalysis
Authors: Li Jun-Yu , Yang Xiao-Dong , Chen Fu-Xue , Sun Jian-Ke
Published: July 2023

This review summaries the latest advances in synthetic strategies and characterization techniques of cage-encapsulated metal clusters. We highlight the advantages that emerge from the synergistic combination of porous cages and metal clusters in catalytic applications.
Lessons learned: how to report XPS data incorrectly about lead-halide perovskites
Authors: Li Chi , Zhang Ni , Gao Peng
Published: July 2023

X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful tool for identifying the interactions of additives or surface treatments with components in lead halide perovskites.
Adsorption of singlet and triplet oxygen on B-doped graphene: adsorption and electronic characteristics
Authors: Sahithi A. , Sumithra K.
Published: July 2023

A density functional study of adsorption of the oxygen molecule in triplet and singlet states, on boron doped graphene.
Association behavior and physico-chemical parameters of a cetylpyridinium bromide and levofloxacin hemihydrate mixture in aqueous and additive media
Authors: Ali Md. Mohosin , Hasan Tajmul , Khan Javed Masood , Kumar Dileep , Ahmad Anis , Rana Shahed , Rahman Mohammad Majibur , Hoque Md. Anamul , Kabir Shariff E.
Published: July 2023

Theκ versus[CPB] plot of the CPB + LFH (1.982 mmol kg−1) mixed system in water atT= 303.15 K.
Flexible, stretchable, and single-molecule-sensitive SERS-active sensor for wearable biosensing applications
Authors: Haque Chowdhury Muhammad Aminul , Tasnim Nishat , Hossain Mainul , Habib Ahsan
Published: July 2023

Our novel wearable sensor offers unprecedented sensitivity (enhancement factor ∼1011) for remote patient monitoring. It holds great potential for advancing personalized medicine and improving patient care.
Morphologies, mechanical and in vitro behaviors of DLP-based 3D printed HA scaffolds with different structural configurations
Authors: Liu Ke , Zhou Qing , Zhang Xueqin , Ma Lili , Xu Baohua , He Rujie
Published: July 2023

In the field of bone engineering, porous ceramic scaffolds are in great demand for repairing bone defects.
First-principles investigation on multi-magnesium sulfide and magnesium sulfide clusters in magnesium-sulfide batteries
Authors: Jiang Xiaoli , Wu Jianbao , Zhang Panyu , Jiang Liyuan , Lu Shuhan , Zhao Xinxin , Yin ZhiXiang
Published: July 2023

During the discharge process, there are two two different paths, Fig. (a), (b) show the number of Mg and S atoms remain unchanged respectively; the final products are all MgS units.
Hierarchical carbon hollow nanospheres coupled with ultra-small molybdenum carbide as sulfiphilic sulfur hosts for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Shi Huifa , Cao Jiakai , Han Sa , Sun Weiyi , Zhu Xiaoyang , Lu Guixia , Lan Hongbo , Yang Huicong , Niu Shuzhang
Published: July 2023

Sulfiphilic hierarchical carbon hollow nanospheres with strongly coupled MoC were purposefully designed and used as a multifunctional sulfur host.
Boosted formic acid electro-oxidation on platinum nanoparticles and “mixed-valence” iron and nickel oxides
Authors: Al-Qodami Bilquis Ali , Sayed Sayed Youssef , Alalawy Hafsa H. , Al-Akraa Islam M. , Allam Nageh K. , Mohammad Ahmad M.
Published: July 2023

A stable, efficient, and earth-abundant FeOx/NiOx/Pt/GC anodic nanocatalyst was developed for direct formic acid fuel cells.
Progress in photocatalytic CO2reduction based on single-atom catalysts
Authors: Hu Wanyu , Yang Haiyue , Wang Chengyu
Published: July 2023

Reduced CO2emissions, conversion, and reuse are critical steps toward carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Black Sea hydrate production value and options for clean energy production
Authors: Kvamme Bjørn , Vasilev Atanas
Published: July 2023

Natural gas hydrates of Bulgaria and Romania in the Black Sea have been subject to studies by several European research projects.
Solvothermal synthesis of organoclay/Cu-MOF composite and its application in film modified GCE for simultaneous electrochemical detection of deoxyepinephrine, acetaminophen and tyrosine
Authors: Mouafo-Tchinda Edwige , Kemmegne-Mbouguen Justin Claude , Nanseu-Njiki Charles Peguy , Langmi Henrietta W. , Kowenje Chrispin , Musyoka Nicholas M. , Mokaya Robert
Published: July 2023

Solvothermal synthesis of organoclay/copper MOF composite for film modified glassy carbon electrodes and their application to the electrochemical sensing of DXEP, AC and TYR.
Alkyne-tethered oligodeoxynucleotides that allow simultaneous detection of multiple DNA/RNA targets using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Watanabe Hikaru , Maehara Daigo , Nishihara Tatsuya , Tanabe Kazuhito
Published: July 2023

Simultaneous detection of multiple DNA/RNA targets was achieved using Raman spectroscopy.
Influence laws of air gap structure manipulation of covalent organic frameworks on dielectric properties and exciton effects for photopolymerization
Authors: Yang Hongjie , Lu Zhen , Yin Xiangyu , Wu Shengjin , Hou Linxi
Published: July 2023

The dielectric constant is acted as a descriptor to help reverse the rational design of COF-based photocatalysis with low exciton binding energy to enhance the photocatalytic activity.
Multiscale investigation of viscoelastic properties of aqueous solutions of sodium alginate and evaluation of their biocompatibility
Authors: Varela-Feijoo Alberto , Djemia Philippe , Narita Tetsuharu , Pignon Frédéric , Baeza-Squiban Armelle , Sirri Valentina , Ponton Alain
Published: July 2023

The viscoelastic and structural properties of aqueous solutions of sodium alginate were deeply investigated leading to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of polyelectrolytes from molecular to macroscopic scale.
Nickel carbonate (Ni2(CO3)3) as an electrocatalyst and photo-electrocatalyst for methanol electro-oxidation
Authors: Udachyan Iranna , Bhanushali Jayesh T. , Patra Shanti G. , Zidki Tomer , Mizrahi Amir , Meyerstein Dan
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical deposition of Ni2(CO3)3 on Pt and Pd electrodes for the methanol oxidation reaction has been reported. The Ni2(CO3)3/Pt and Ni2(CO3)3/Pd electrodes show efficient activity for MOR electrochemically as well as photoelectrochemically.
Conformational distortion of the ionomer backbone for reinforcing the catalyst layer under dynamic operation
Authors: Zheng Chenyang , Xiao Di , Zhang Junfeng , Pei Yabiao , Wang Lianqin , Liu Xin , Yin Yan , Guiver Michael D. , Li Xianguo
Published: July 2023

The conformational distortion of anion exchange ionomers can strengthen the catalyst layer under dynamic conditions resulting in a robust fuel cell performance.
A nonbenzenoid acepleiadylene derivative with small band gap for near-infrared organic phototransistors
Authors: Liu Pengcai , Fu Lin , Tang Xiao-Yu , Xue Rui , Zhang Lijuan , Cao Jiawen , Wang Xiao-Ye
Published: July 2023

A new nonbenzenoid acepleiadylene derivative (APD-DPP) has been synthesized, exhibiting NIR absorption and a higher charge mobility than its pyrene-based isomers. These features have enabled its application in high-performance NIR photodetectors.
Structural insights into pink-eyed dilution protein (Oca2)
Authors: Mesdaghi Shahram , Murphy David L. , Simpkin Adam J. , Rigden Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

Recent innovations in computational structural biology have opened an opportunity to revise our current understanding of the structure and function of clinically important proteins. This study centres on human Oca2 which is located on mature melanosomal membranes. Mutations of Oca2 can result in a form of oculocutanous albinism, which is the most prevalent and visually identifiable form of albinism. Sequence analysis predicts Oca2 to be a member of the SLC13 transporter family, but it has not been classified into any existing SLC families. The modelling of Oca2 with AlphaFold2 and other advanced methods show that, like SLC13 members, it consists of a scaffold and transport domain and displays a pseudo inverted repeat topology that includes re-entrant loops. This finding contradicts the prevailing consensus view of its topology. In addition to the scaffold and transport domains, the presence of a cryptic GOLD domain is revealed that is likely responsible for its trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi prior to localisation at the melanosomes. The GOLD domain harbours some known glycosylation sites. Analysis of the putative ligand binding site of the model shows the presence of highly conserved key asparagine residues that suggest Oca2 may be a Na+/dicarboxylate symporter. Known critical pathogenic mutations map to structural features present in the repeat regions that form the transport domain. Exploiting the AlphaFold2 multimeric modelling protocol in combination with conventional homology modelling allowed the building of plausible homodimers in both inward- and outward-facing conformations, supporting an elevator-type transport mechanism.
A decentralized control strategy for single‐phase cascaded photovoltaic inverters with MPPT ability
Authors: Luo Zhaoxu , Qin Jianheng , Zhou Feng , Wen Yongxing
Published: July 2023

Cascaded inverters can improve efficiency and reduce cost, so it is widely used in photovoltaic (PV) grid connected power generation system. However, aging or partial shielding of PV panels will lead to their different maximum power points (MPP). This paper proposes a decentralized control strategy for grid‐connected cascaded PV inverters without any communication, which is capable of integrating PV inverters of different capacities connected in series into the grid, and enable them to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) independently. Compared with the traditional centralized control method relying on real‐time communication, the proposed scheme has advantages of improved reliability and decreased costs. The overall system stability is analysed, and the stability condition is derived as well. The Hardware‐In‐the‐Loop test results show that all the inverters in the cascaded system have their output frequency and voltage phase synchronized autonomously, and achieve MPPT independently even in the presence of variation of light condition. Thus, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified.
Modeling lens potentials with continuous neural fields in galaxy-scale strong lenses
Authors: Biggio L. , Vernardos G. , Galan A. , Peel A. , Courbin F.
Published: July 2023

Strong gravitational lensing is a unique observational tool for studying the dark and luminous mass distribution both within and between galaxies. Given the presence of substructures, current strong lensing observations demand more complex mass models than smooth analytical profiles, such as power-law ellipsoids. In this work, we introduce a continuous neural field to predict the lensing potential at any position throughout the image plane, allowing for a nearly model-independent description of the lensing mass. We applied our method to simulated Hubble Space Telescope imaging data containing different types of perturbations to a smooth mass distribution: a localized dark subhalo, a population of subhalos, and an external shear perturbation. Assuming knowledge of the source surface brightness, we used the continuous neural field to model either the perturbations alone or the full lensing potential. In both cases, the resulting model was able to fit the imaging data, and we were able to accurately recover the properties of both the smooth potential and the perturbations. Unlike many other deep-learning methods, ours explicitly retains lensing physics (i.e., the lens equation) and introduces high flexibility in the model only where required, namely, in the lens potential. Moreover, the neural network does not require pretraining on large sets of labeled data and predicts the potential from the single observed lensing image. Our model is implemented in the fully differentiable lens modeling code HERCULENS.
Developing a Prospective Incident-Reporting System for Clinical Perfusion Practice in the United States
Authors: Colligan Michael , Paugh Theron , Murtha Sean
Published: July 2023

For nearly 20 years, prominent perfusionists have called for a perfusion-centric prospective incident-reporting system to collect near-miss and patient harm incidents that occur during clinical practice in the United States. In this article, we describe the development of a widely available prospective incident-reporting system for use by perfusionists in the United States. The system was developed in three phases: literature review, system incorporation, and submission for listing as a Patient Safety Organization (PSO). It is anticipated that the knowledge gained from analysis of events contributed to this PSO-protected reporting system will lead to improvements in safety and quality of perfusion services, as well as expanding the understanding of best practices in training, equipment use, system design, and simulation scenarios.
Enhancing electrical performance and stability of nanometer-thin ITO transistors via thermally oxidized alumina passivation layer
Authors: Gao Qingguo , Cao Tianfan , Li Jiabing , Chi Feng , Liu Liming , Liu Ping
Published: July 2023

In this study, we investigated the utilization of alumina (AlOx), formed through the oxidation of thermally evaporated aluminum, as a passivation layer for nanometer-thin indium-tin-oxide (ITO) transistors. The ITO transistors passivated with thermally oxidized AlOx passivation exhibited remarkable electrical properties, with an average field-effect mobility of 241 cm2/Vs, significantly higher than the 40 cm2/Vs observed for devices without the AlOx passivation layer. Moreover, the passivated transistors maintained a high on/off current ratio at 108 level. In addition, the passivated transistors demonstrated improved stability, with a decrease in the threshold voltage (Vth) shift under negative bias stress testing conducted over 3600 seconds. The ITO transistors also displayed better air-ambient stability compared to transistors without the AlOx passivation layer. These results demonstrate the potential application of alumina passivation in nanometer-thin ITO field-effect transistors.
Critical state generators from perturbed flatbands
Authors: Lee S. , Flach S. , Andreanov Alexei
Published: July 2023

One-dimensional all-bands-flat lattices are networks with all bands being flat and highly degenerate. They can always be diagonalized by a finite sequence of local unitary transformations parameterized by a set of angles θi. In a previous work, we demonstrated that quasiperiodic perturbations of a specific one-dimensional all-bands-flat lattice give rise to a critical-to-insulator transition and fractality edges separating critical from localized states. In this study, we generalize these studies and results to the entire manifold of all-bands-flat models and study the effect of the quasiperiodic perturbation on the entire manifold. For weak perturbation, we derive an effective Hamiltonian and we identify the sets of manifold parameters for which the effective model maps to extended or off diagonal Harper models and hosts critical states. For all the other parameter values, the spectrum is localized. Upon increasing the perturbation strength, the extended Harper model evolves into a system with energy dependent critical-to-insulator transitions, which we dub fractality edges. Additionally, the fractality edges are perturbation-independent, i.e., remain constant as the perturbation strength varies. The case where the effective model maps onto the off diagonal Harper model features a tunable critical-to-insulator transition at a finite disorder strength.
A folded triboelectric sensor for performance evaluation of shock absorbers in automobile
Authors: Sun Bo , Chen Xizeng , Wang Huiqiang
Published: July 2023

Recently, pressure sensors for vibration monitoring are widely used in mechanical equipment safety monitoring. Here, we proposed a folded triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on polyether Imide/reduced graphene oxide (PEI/rGO) polymer (PR-TENG) with through-hole structure to harvest mechanical energy and monitor the vibration response of automotive shock absorbers. In this design, the polytetrafluoroethylene film andPEI/rGo (PR) polymer film form the triboelectric pairs. When the mechanical frequency reaches 15 Hz, the output performance of the seven-layer PR-TENG device reaches its maximum at 308 V, 55.2 µA, and 198 nC, respectively. When the external load is 5 MΩ, the output power of seven-layer PR-TENG reaches its maximum value of 3 mW. According to the experimental results, when the space size is 30 mm and the number of working layers is 7, the linearity of vibration amplitude monitoring is the best. In addition, by establishing a fitting curve between multilayer PR-TENG and amplitude, the matching relationship between the test amplitude of TENG and the actual amplitude can be observed. The results indicate that the test results are highly consistent with the actual results, indicating that the multilayer PR-TENG matches the vibration response of the shock absorber. This research will promote the development of automotive vibration sensors.
Numerical study of the influence of blade inlet design parameters on the internal flow characteristics and energy performance of a Francis turbine
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Wu Kaige , Shu Peng , Chen Qiuyu , Gou Qiuqin
Published: July 2023

One of the challenges of hydraulic turbine design is the creation of a conveyor with high hydraulic performance in accordance with the parameters of the hydraulic energy. The blade inlet parameters, such as blade beta angle, lean angle, and ellipse axis ratio, have an effect on the performance and cavitation characteristics of the runner, among the numerous geometric elements that regulate turbine performance. All of these parameters must be optimized to ensure that the runner inlet is matched to the guide vane under design conditions and a wider range of off-design conditions. For hydraulic designers, computational fluid dynamics based performance prediction methods can provide rapid turbine performance predictions and expedite runner development. Finding a collection of accessible parameters, meanwhile, strongly depends on the designer’s previous design work, which is frequently time-consuming. In this article, the internal flow characteristics and energy performance of a Francis turbine with moderate specific-speed, as well as the blade leading edge geometrical parameters that influence them, are investigated in depth. The Francis turbine is designed in accordance with the rated head H (m), rated flow rate Q (m), and rated speed n (rpm) within the constraints of the fixed meridional projection, including the leading-edge and trailing-edge positions. The energy performance, internal flow characteristics, velocity profile, flow angles, pressure distribution, blade loading, and cavitation characteristics are computed, analyzed, and compared. The main findings can serve as a guide for the development of Francis turbines with moderate specific-speed.
Assessing the quality of care for people dying of cancer in hospital: development of the QualDeath framework
Authors: Hudson Peter , Gould Hannah , Marco David , Mclean Megan , Benson Wendy , Coperchini Maria , Le Brian , McLachlan Sue-Anne , Philip Jennifer , Boughey Mark , McKinnon Fiona
Published: July 2023

Objective High-quality end-of-life care involves addressing patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural and spiritual needs. Although the measurement of the quality of care associated with dying and death is an important component of health care, there is a lack of evidence-based, systematic processes to examine the quality of dying and death of patients in hospital settings. Our purpose was to develop a systematic appraisal framework (QualDeath) for reviewing the quality of dying and death for patients with advanced cancer. The objectives were to: (1) explore the evidence regarding existing tools and processes related to appraisal of end-of-life care; (2) examine existing practices related to appraisal of quality of dying and death in hospital settings; and (3) develop QualDeath with consideration of potential acceptability and feasibility factors. Methods A co-design multiple methods approach was used. For objective 1, a rapid literature review was undertaken; for objective 2 we carried out semi-structured interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders in four major teaching hospitals; and for objective 3 we interviewed key stakeholders and held workshops with the project team to reach consensus. Results We developed QualDeath, a framework to assist hospital administrators and clinicians to systematically and retrospectively review the quality of dying and death for patients expected to die from advanced cancer. It offers four levels of potential implementation for hospitals to select from and incorporates medical record review, multidisciplinary meetings, quality of end-of-life care surveys and bereavement interviews with family carers. Conclusions The QualDeath framework provides hospitals with recommendations to formalise processes to evaluate end-of-life care. Although QualDeath was underpinned by several research methods, further research is needed to rigorously explore its impact and test its feasibility.
Synthesis of R- and S-MDMA via nucleophilic ring-opening of homochiral N-tosylaziridines
Authors: Lewis Katie D. , Pullella Glenn A. , Loh Han Chern , Skelton Brian W. , Flematti Gavin R. , Piggott Matthew J.
Published: July 2023

Homochiral (R)- and (S)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were prepared in six steps (each) from the chiral pool precursors d- and l-alanine, respectively. The key step, copper-catalysed regioselective ring-opening of an N-tosylaziridine with an aryl Grignard reagent, proceeded in high yield with complete regioselectivity. Elaboration was achieved with preservation of configurational integrity, affording R- and S-MDMA hydrochlorides with enantiopurities of >99.5%, as determined by enantioselective HPLC with fluorescence detection. Attempts to apply the synthetic methodology to the synthesis of the homochiral enantiomers of the α-phenyl analogue of MDMA (UWA-001) were thwarted by a switch in regioselectivity in the key step.
Effect of arachidonic acid on pre- and post-hatching in vitro bovine embryo development
Authors: González-Brusi L. , Pérez-Gómez A. , Quiroga A. C. , Tamargo C. , Ramos-Ibeas P. , Bermejo-Álvarez P.
Published: July 2023

Context Arachidonic acid (AA) is the precursor of prostaglandins, which may play autocrine roles during early embryo development. Aims To test the developmental effects of addition of AA to pre- and post-hatching culture media on in vitro–produced bovine embryos. Methods Pre-hatching effects of AA were tested by culturing bovine zygotes in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with 100 or 333 μM AA. Post-hatching effects of AA were tested by culturing Day 7 blastocysts in N2B27 supplemented with 5, 10, 20 or 100 μM AA up to Day 12. Key results Pre-hatching development to blastocyst was completely abrogated at 333 μM AA, whereas blastocyst rates and cell numbers were not altered at 100 μM AA. Impaired post-hatching development was observed at 100 μM AA, whereas no effect on survival rates was noted at 5, 10 and 20 μM AA. However, a significant reduction in Day 12 embryo size was observed at 10 and 20 μM AA. Hypoblast migration, epiblast survival and formation of embryonic-disc-like structures were unaffected at 5–10 μM AA. AA exposure downregulated the genes PTGIS, PPARG, LDHA and SCD in Day 12 embryos. Conclusions Pre-hatching embryos are mostly irresponsive to AA, whereas AA was observed to have negative effects during early post-hatching development. Implications AA does not improve in vitro bovine embryo development and is not required up to early post-hatching stages.
Language use, language attitudes, and identity in Aruba
Authors: Kester Ellen-Petra , Buijink Samantha
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the language situation in Aruba, a Caribbean island that is part of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands. The main home language in Aruba is Papiamento, a Spanish/Portuguese lexifier creole, but Dutch was the only official
language for centuries. English and Spanish are also widely used due to immigration, tourism, and the media.

Carroll (2009, 2010, 2015) observes that Papiamento has high vitality, but also signals that speakers think
that the language is under threat due to the increase in the use of English and Spanish. The aim of this study is to examine to
what extent Carroll’s findings may be corroborated by a quantitative survey that accessed the views of a large group of people
(809) from all over the island. The results indicate that Papiamento is the most frequently cited language regardless of
backgrounds. People hold positive attitudes toward Papiamento and Aruban identity. Hence, our findings corroborate Carroll’s
hypothesis that sentiments of language threat are mostly based in perception rather than in actual language use and attitudes.
Orthography, ideology and the codification of Mauritian Creole
Authors: Auckle Tejshree
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the choices made at the levels of Ausbau (‘language by development’, Kloss 1967: 29–30) and Abstand (‘language by distance’, ibid) during the codification phase of Mauritian
Creole. Using the document Lortograf Kreol Morisien (Ministry of Education
and Human Resources 2011) as its focal point, it studies the co-association between Ausbau and Abstand and connects the
choices made to a broader ideological framework which sets out to ‘promot[e] our country’s language’ (Hookoomsing 2011: 9). It explores the implication of adopting a linguistic form which a user can
‘intimately connect with loved ones, community and personal identity’ (Delpit 2006: 95)
while simultaneously providing it with the stature traditionally enjoyed by the lexifier. In the final instance it views the
decreasing Abstand of Mauritian Creole as a form of prestige planning (Haarmann 1986)
carried out with the possible intention of enhancing its public image.
A mental spaces analysis of religious identity discourse
Authors: Mueller Charles M. , Richardson Peter , Pihlaja Stephen
Published: July 2023

Religious identity is often viewed as a relatively stable construct, reflecting an individual’s personal worldview. However, individuals living within modern multi-cultural societies often must engage in extensive reflection to orient themselves to faith traditions in ways that are coherent and personally relevant. Although some work has examined the connection between narratives of religious experience, identity and cognition (cf. Richardson, 2012; Richardson & Nagashima, 2018; Richardson & Mueller, 2019), the relationship between thinking and speaking about this identity is still a developing area of enquiry, with important consequences for how religious faith and practice are understood. This article presents a detailed analysis of an interview with a UK-based Jewish woman based on the mental spaces (Fauconnier, 1994) and conceptual blending (Fauconnier & Turner, 2002) frameworks. The analysis shows how mental spaces and the relationship between elements within those spaces emerge over the course of a discourse event so as to constitute a personal account of religious identity. The concluding section furthermore discusses how within- and across-space contrast links are utilized, along with general processes of compression and decompression, to develop a blend that dynamically expresses the interviewee’s religious identity as an integrated and coherent position lying between competing attractor states.
An experimental study for thermal sensing applications of PP and PN heterojunctions fabricated in the same architecture and under the same conditions
Authors: Gumus Ilknur , Aydogan Sakir
Published: July 2023

In this research, Ni/p-GO@Fe3O4/p-Si (P–P) and Ni/ p-GO@Fe3O4/n-Si (P–N) heterojunctions (HJs) were constructed under the same conditions. Current–voltage (I–V) measurements of devices over a wide temperature range were investigated. Thermionic emission theory was used to evaluate the temperature-dependent I–V characteristics. The ideality factor (n), barrier height (Φ), rectification ratio (RR) and turn-on voltage (V
0), which are the main HJ parameters of the HJs, were determined as a function of temperature and it was seen that all parameters were dependent on temperature. The n, RR, and V
0 values for both devices decreased with increasing temperature, while Φ increased. This was attributed to the inhomogeneity between p-GO@Fe3O4 and Si. The thermal sensitivity (S) and activation energy of both devices were calculated and it was seen that S decreased linearly with increasing current. Furthermore, the highest sensitivity and the lowest activation energy values were determined as 1.35 mV K−1 and 0.79 eV, respectively for P–P HJ. These values were calculated as 0.97 mV K−1 and 0.66 eV for P–N HJ, respectively.
Stabilization despite pervasive strong cross-degeneracies in a nonlinear diffusion model for migration–consumption interaction
Authors: Winkler Michael
Published: July 2023

A no-flux initial-boundary value problem forut=Δ(uϕ(v)),vt=Δv−uv,(⋆)is considered in smoothly bounded subdomains ofRnwithn⩾1and suitably regular initial data, whereφis assumed to reflect algebraic type cross-degeneracies by sharing essential features with0⩽ξ↦ξαfor someα⩾1. Based on the discovery of a gradient structure acting at regularity levels mild enough to be consistent with degeneracy-driven limitations of smoothness information, in this general setting it is shown that with some measurable limit profileu∞and some null setN⋆⊂(0,∞), a corresponding global generalized solution, known to exist according to recent literature, satisfiesρ(u(⋅,t))⇀⋆ρ(u∞)in L∞(Ω) and v(⋅,t)→0in Lp(Ω)for all p⩾1as(0,∞)∖N⋆∋t→∞, whereρ(ξ):=ξ2(ξ+1)2,ξ⩾0. In the particular case when eithern⩽2andα⩾1is arbitrary, orn⩾1andα∈[1,2], additional quantitative information on the deviation of trajectories from the initial data is derived. This is found to imply a lower estimate for the spatial oscillation of the respective first components throughout evolution, and moreover this is seen to entail that each of the uncountably many steady states(u⋆,0)of (⋆) is stable with respect to a suitably chosen norm topology.
Probing the origin of primordial black holes through novel gravitational wave spectrum
Authors: Banerjee Indra Kumar , Dey Ujjal Kumar
Published: July 2023

In this article we investigate the cumulative stochastic gravitational wave spectra as a tool to gain insight on the creation mechanism of primordial black holes. We consider gravitational waves from the production mechanism of primordial black holes and from the gravitational interactions of those primordial black holes among themselves and other astrophysical black holes. We specifically focus on asynchronous bubble nucleation during a first order phase transition as the creation mechanism. We have used two benchmark phase transitions through which the primordial black holes and the primary gravitational wave spectra have been generated. We have considered binary systems and close hyperbolic interactions of primordial black holes with other primordial and astrophysical black holes as the source of the secondary part of the spectra. We have shown that this unique cumulative spectra have features which directly and indirectly depend on the specifics of the production mechanism.