bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of gravity waves using horizontally resolved radial velocity measurements
Authors: Stober G. , Sommer S. , Rapp M. , Latteck R.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The Middle Atmosphere Alomar Radar System (MAARSY) on the island Andøya in Northern Norway (69.3° N, 16.0° E) observes polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSE). These echoes are used as tracers of atmospheric dynamics to investigate the horizontal wind variability at high temporal and spatial resolution. MAARSY has the capability of a pulse-to-pulse beam steering allowing for systematic scanning experiments to study the horizontal structure of the backscatterers as well as to measure the radial velocities for each beam direction. Here we present a method to retrieve gravity wave parameters from these horizontally resolved radial wind variations by applying velocity azimuth display and volume velocity processing. Based on the observations a detailed comparison of the two wind analysis techniques is carried out in order to determine the zonal and meridional wind as well as to measure first order inhomogeneities. Further, we demonstrate the possibility to resolve the horizontal wave properties, e.g. horizontal wavelength, phase velocity and propagation direction. The robustness of the estimated gravity wave parameters is tested by a simple atmospheric model.
PLASIM-ENTSem: a spatio-temporal emulator of future climate change for impacts assessment
Authors: Holden P. B. , Edwards N. R. , Garthwaite P. H. , Fraedrich K. , Lunkeit F. , Kirk E. , Labriet M. , Kanudia A. , Babonneau F.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Many applications in the evaluation of climate impacts and environmental policy require detailed spatio-temporal projections of future climate. To capture feedbacks from impacted natural or socio-economic systems requires interactive two-way coupling but this is generally computationally infeasible with even moderately complex general circulation models (GCMs). Dimension reduction using emulation is one solution to this problem, demonstrated here with the GCM PLASIM-ENTS. Our approach generates temporally evolving spatial patterns of climate variables, considering multiple modes of variability in order to capture non-linear feedbacks. The emulator provides a 188-member ensemble of decadally and spatially resolved (~ 5° resolution) seasonal climate data in response to an arbitrary future CO2 concentration and radiative forcing scenario. We present the PLASIM-ENTS coupled model, the construction of its emulator from an ensemble of transient future simulations, an application of the emulator methodology to produce heating and cooling degree-day projections, and the validation of the results against empirical data and higher-complexity models. We also demonstrate the application to estimates of sea-level rise and associated uncertainty.
Low-cost, on-demand aerial photogrammetry for glaciological measurement
Authors: Whitehead K. , Moorman B. J. , Hugenholtz C. H.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Remotely-sensed glaciological measurements can be expensive, and often involve a trade-off between resolution, scale, and frequency. In an attempt to overcome these issues we report on a case study in which two low-cost techniques were used to generate orthomosaic images and digital elevation models (DEMs) of an arctic glacier in two consecutive ablation seasons. In the first aerial survey we used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and acquired images autonomously, while in the second we used a piloted helicopter and acquired images manually. We present a preliminary assessment of accuracy and apply these data to measure glacier thinning and motion.
Unilateral Acute Maculopathy Related to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: OCT and Fluorescein Angiography Findings of a Very Rare Disease
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Batioğlu Figen , Özmert Emin
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious enteroviral infection occurring primarily in children and characterized by vesicular palmoplantar eruptions and erosive stomatitis. There are very few cases of unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy associated with hand, foot, and mouth infection. We described a case with unilateral outer retinitis occurring a few days after the onset of disease.

Methods

A 30-year-old man with reduced vision in his right eye underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including fluorescein angiography and spectral optical coherence tomography.

Results

Fundus fluorescein angiography demonstrated mottled hyperfluorescence in the early phase and leakage in the late phase. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed subretinal fluid suggesting a serous detachment and also showed mild intraretinal cystic changes. The fluid disappeared in 1 week with some retinal pigment epithelium changes in the center of the macula.

Conclusions

Although this disease is a viral infection associated with reversible symptoms, this case suggests that it can resolve with mild visual loss, and the disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute central serous chorioretinopathy.
Algunas Aproximaciones Iniciales a la Filosofía Ambiental en Argentina
Authors: Bugallo Alicia I. , La Valle María Teresa ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: June 2013

La legislación ambiental en Argentina tuvo un impulso después de la Cumbre de la Tierra en 1992, que conllevó un incremento de la conciencia ciudadana y una creciente preocupación académica desde varias perspectivas filosóficas. Las líneas de investigación de los principales grupos de trabajo en la actualidad incluyen: (a) el trabajo interdisciplinario sobre ética ambiental y justicia ambiental global centrada en los recursos naturales y los ecosistemas, (b) las raíces ecológicamente apropiadas del patrimonio cultural de la civilización occidental en la Antigüedad, y (c) la ontología gestáltica, la ecología profunda y la ecosofía. La emergencia de la ecofilosofía ha demandado que la educación ambiental vaya más allá de la mera formación ecológica para incluir una comprensión de las implicaciones filosóficas del manejo ambiental y de una vida con preocupación ambiental. La investigación interdisciplinaria se ha constituido en un campo promisorio en continuo crecimiento que ha reunido a especialistas de las ciencias naturales, económicas, antropológicas, filosóficas y sociales.
Preparation and Characterization of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)/Polyoxymethlene (POM) Blends Compatibilized by Maleic Anhydride Grafted POM (MAH-g-POM)
Authors: Luo Jia-Qi , Yang Bin , Cheng Guo-Jun , Xia Ru , Su Li-Feng , Miao Ji-Bin , Qian Jia-Sheng , Chen Peng
Published: June 2013

Maleic anhydride grafted POM (MAH-g-POM) was prepared and used as the compatibilizer for nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) modified by acetal copolymer (POM) in different proportions. It was found that MAH-g-POM had good compatibilization effect for the blends. Both DSC and XRD results indicated that the process of blending POM with NBR considerably influenced the crystallization of POM. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of tensile fracture surfaces of the blends clearly showed that the compatibility of NBR/POM blends was enhanced with increasing POM content. Mechanical properties indicated that NBR/MAH-g-POM had relatively higher elongation at break but lower tensile strength than NBR/POM blend. The present work will supply a good insight into the formula design and further optimization of polymer composites or blends.
Electric Poling and Relaxation Studies of PMMA Thin Films Containing Diaminopyrazole Derivatives as Dipolar Chromophores
Authors: Arora Sanjiv , Kumar Sushil
Published: June 2013

Vacuum-deposited thin films of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) doped by varying concentrations (2-10 % by weight of polymer) of some 3,5-diaminopyrazole derivatives as dipolar chromophores were prepared to study their relaxation behaviour . Poling of thin films was carried out using multi-point corona-poling technique to orient dipolar chromophores in proper aligned position. Poling and depoling behaviours of these thin films have been investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectra. For each chromophore, poling efficiency was found to increase with poling voltage as well as poling temperature up to a certain limit retaining the properties of thin films. Maximum value of concentration dependent order parameter was obtained at temperature slightly lower than glass transition temperatures of corresponding guest-host matrices. After 300 hrs. of poling under the conditions (5 kV, near Tg, 30 min.), the decayed amounts of order parameters at room temperature were within the range 25-38 % of the initial value for various guest-host systems. Relaxation behaviour of poling-induced chromophore alignment has also been studied at elevated temperature.
L’évocation de la glace et du froid par le timbre de la flûte dans Icicle de Robert Aitken
Authors: Breault Marie-Hélène
Published: June 2013

Dans cet article, l’auteure, qui est à la fois interprète et chercheuse, présente une investigation heuristique de son propre processus d’interprétation du solo de flûte Icicle de Robert Aitken. Dans cette pièce, des techniques de jeu contemporaines permettent de produire diverses couleurs sonores évoquant, comme le titre le suggère, le froid, la transparence de la glace, sa cristallinité. Ces techniques sont analysées à partir d’une perspective ancrée dans la pratique interprétative et au regard d’un axe imaginaire de température du timbre instrumental. L’auteure traite aussi bien des techniques notées dans la partition et prescrites par le compositeur que de celles qui relèvent de ses initiatives comme interprète. Ces techniques sont d’abord classifiées selon des catégories établies par le pédagogue de la flûte Pierre-Yves Artaud (Artaud 1986), pour être ensuite évaluées selon les deux grands archétypes instrumentaux – voix et percussion – identifiés par Jean-Claude Risset (Risset 2004). L’analyse de ces techniques est doublée d’explications concernant la méthode de travail et d’appropriation de l’oeuvre utilisée par l’auteure, méthode qui intègre la qualification subjective du timbre instrumental et qui mise sur la créativité interprétative.
Du silence et des bruits : le Nord est silencieux
Authors: Chartier Daniel
Published: June 2013

L’imaginaire du Nord, de l’hiver et du froid se déploie en un système de signes qui forme un ensemble cohérent posant une relation variable avec le réel. Certaines formes évoquent cet imaginaire par le biais de la figuration ou de la description, alors que d’autres – la poésie, l’art abstrait et la musique – s’en servent plutôt comme d’une structure sémantique qui permet de se dégager de tout renvoi concret à la géographie ou au climat. Lorsqu’elle se voit intégrée à la narration, la musicalité littéraire du monde froid pose problème : elle surgit dans un imaginaire où est valorisé non la sonorité, mais le silence. Dès lors, la « musicalité » du Nord et de l’hiver, du moins du point de vue de la littérature, apparaît comme un contrediscours : elle devient bruit, fracas et grincements dans l’univers horizontal du silence. Le silence compte parmi les caractéristiques premières de l’imaginaire du Nord : il s’insère dans un réseau de signes autour de l’immensité, du froid, de la neige, de la blancheur, de l’horizontalité, de l’éternité et de l’absence de repères, bref autour d’un lieu défini par la culture occidentale comme celui d’une absence humaine. L’objectif de cet article est d’étudier, dans un corpus représentatif de l’imaginaire du Nord constitué de quelques centaines d’oeuvres littéraires, le rôle que joue la sonorité dans le système de signes de l’imaginaire du Nord et de l’hiver, de manière à proposer une typologie du silence, des sons et des bruits du monde froid, tel que le pose la littérature. Cette étude permet ainsi d’apporter une perspective différente au rapport entre le Nord, la musique et la musicalité, tel que ces dernières sont reprises dans un autre genre, discursif et écrit.
Entendre le Nord et le froid dans le texte dramatique. Étude du « paysage audible » dans Floes de Sébastien Harrisson et Roche, papier, couteau… de Marilyn Perreault
Authors: Gagné Julie
Published: June 2013

En s’inspirant de la conception multisensorielle du paysage d’Alain Corbin, l’auteure réfléchit dans cet article à la manière dont le texte dramatique véhicule le « paysage audible » du Nord et du froid. Si, dans Floes, le Nord est le lieu d’un silence audible que le bruit des glaces, le vent et la voix, caractérisée par un souffle bref en raison du froid, en viennent à habiter, le rapport à l’absence ou au trop-plein de mots est intériorisé par les personnages de Roche, papier, couteau.... Dans les pièces de Sébastien Harrisson et de Marilyn Perreault, l’écho se fait mémoire de la parole et amplifie la violence alors que la répétition des composantes acoustiques créée une temporalité gelée et circulaire. La mise en relief des éléments sonores et rythmiques utilisés par les deux dramaturges pour évoquer un (Grand) Nord froid permet de définir ce que les imaginaires du Nord et du froid donnent à entendre.
The human and the physical in Debussy’s depictions of snow
Authors: Oravitz Michael
Published: June 2013

This article explores Debussy’s musical engagement of the topic of snow in two representative works for piano, “Des pas sur la neige” from Préludes, Book I and “The Snow is Dancing” from Children’s Corner. In the analysis of “Des pas,” a narrative is put forth based on the interpretation of the work’s opening short-long rhythmic figure as a representation of contact with a frozen, encrusted surface followed by an immediate collapse of that frozen surface and contact with the ground underneath. As the work’s protagonist engages in walking meditation to confront a troubling memory, a state of contemplation is achieved whereby the musical portrayal of the footsteps are momentarily suppressed in strategic portions of the work designed to portray recollection, as Steven Rings (2008) has noted. In my analysis, I argue that the closing measures’ portrayal of footsteps is shifted into binary alterations of two notes, D and G, in steady quarter notes, so as to illustrate the protagonist’s emergence from an off beaten path to a more trodden one. In “The Snow is Dancing,” Debussy shifts focus from that of human emotion to the actual physical properties of snow. Interestingly, the snow is anthropomorphized nonetheless into dancers. I trace shifts in rhythm, line and register, and engage gestures of motion to illustrate Debussy’s compositional approach to both gravitationally suspending and animating wind-driven snowflakes.
CAMKII and Calcineurin regulate the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16
Authors: Tao Li , Xie Qi , Ding Yue-He , Li Shang-Tong , Peng Shengyi , Zhang Yan-Ping , Tan Dan , Yuan Zengqiang , Dong Meng-Qiu
Published: June 2013

The insulin-like signaling pathway maintains a relatively short wild-type lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by phosphorylating and inactivating DAF-16, the ortholog of the FOXO transcription factors of mammalian cells. DAF-16 is phosphorylated by the AKT kinases, preventing its nuclear translocation. Calcineurin (PP2B phosphatase) also limits the lifespan of C. elegans, but the mechanism through which it does so is unknown. Herein, we show that TAX-6•CNB-1 and UNC-43, the C. elegans Calcineurin and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase type II (CAMKII) orthologs, respectively, also regulate lifespan through DAF-16. Moreover, UNC-43 regulates DAF-16 in response to various stress conditions, including starvation, heat or oxidative stress, and cooperatively contributes to lifespan regulation by insulin signaling. However, unlike insulin signaling, UNC-43 phosphorylates and activates DAF-16, thus promoting its nuclear localization. The phosphorylation of DAF-16 at S286 by UNC-43 is removed by TAX-6•CNB-1, leading to DAF-16 inactivation. Mammalian FOXO3 is also regulated by CAMKIIA and Calcineurin.
Dismantling the Papez circuit for memory in rats
Authors: Vann Seralynne D
Published: June 2013

Over the last 50 years, anatomical models of memory have repeatedly highlighted the hippocampal inputs to the mammillary bodies via the postcommissural fornix. Such models downplay other projections to the mammillary bodies, leaving them largely ignored. The present study challenged this dominant view by removing, in rats, the two principal inputs reaching the mammillary bodies: the postcommissural fornix from the hippocampal formation and Gudden's ventral tegmental nucleus. The principal mammillary body output pathway, the mammillothalamic tract, was disconnected in a third group. Only mammillothalamic tract and Gudden's ventral tegmental nucleus lesions impaired behavioral tests of spatial working memory and, in particular, disrupted the use of extramaze spatial landmarks. The same lesions also produced widespread reductions in immediate-early gene (c-fos) expression in a network of memory-related regions, not seen after postcommissural fornix lesions. These findings are inconsistent with previous models of mammillary body function (those dominated by hippocampal inputs) and herald a new understanding of why specific diencephalic structures are vital for memory.
Successful Treatment of Stimulator of Interferon Genes–Associated Vasculopathy of Infantile Onset SAVI Syndrome With Anifrolumab
Authors: Mansilla-Polo Miguel , Martín-Torregrosa Daniel , Escutia-Muñoz Begoña , Torres-Navarro Ignacio , Saro-Buendía Miguel , Botella-Estrada Rafael
Published: July 2024

This case report describes a woman in her 30s who presented with cutaneous lesions since age of 2 to 3 years with erythema and pain on her nose, both cheeks, and ears when exposed to cold temperatures that progressed to nasal and auricular cartilage necrosis and was diagnosed with stimulator of interferon genes–associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI syndrome).
Telehealth Availability for Mental Health Care During and After the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Authors: McBain Ryan K. , Schuler Megan S. , Breslau Joshua , Kofner Aaron , Wang Lulu , Cantor Jonathan H.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Telehealth services expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

Objective

To evaluate changes in availability of telehealth services at outpatient mental health treatment facilities (MHTFs) throughout the US during and after the COVID-19 PHE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, callers posing as prospective clients contacted a random sample of 1404 MHTFs drawn from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator from December 2022 to March 2023 (wave 1 [W1]; during PHE). From September to November 2023 (wave 2 [W2]; after PHE), callers recontacted W1 participants. Analyses were conducted in January 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Callers inquired whether MHTFs offered telehealth (yes vs no), and, if yes, whether they offered (1) audio-only telehealth (vs audio and video); (2) telehealth for therapy, medication management, and/or diagnostic services; and (3) telehealth for comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD). Sustainers (offered telehealth in both waves), late adopters (did not offer telehealth in W1 but did in W2), nonadopters (did not offer telehealth in W1 or W2), and discontinuers (offered telehealth in W1 but not W2) were all compared.

Results

During W2, 1001 MHTFs (86.1%) were successfully recontacted. A total of 713 (71.2%) were located in a metropolitan county, 151 (15.1%) were publicly operated, and 935 (93.4%) accepted Medicaid as payment. The percentage offering telehealth declined from 799 (81.6%) to 765 (79.0%) (odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-1.00; P < .05). Among MHTFs offering telehealth, a smaller percentage in W2 offered audio-only telehealth (369 [49.3%] vs 244 [34.1%]; OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.44-0.64; P < .001) and telehealth for comorbid AUD (559 [76.3%] vs 457 [66.5%]; OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.50-0.76; P < .001) compared with W1. In W2, MHTFs were more likely to report telehealth was only available under certain conditions for therapy (141 facilities [18.0%] vs 276 [36.4%]; OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.10-3.26; P < .001) and medication management (216 facilities [28.0%] vs 304 [41.3%]; OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.48-2.21; P < .001). A total of 684 MHTFs (72.0%) constituted sustainers, 94 (9.9%) were discontinuers, 106 (11.2%) were nonadopters, and 66 (7.0%) were late adopters. Compared with sustainers, discontinuers were less likely to be private for-profit (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.68) or private not-for-profit (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14-0.48) after adjustment for facility and area characteristics.

Conclusions and Relevance

Based on this longitudinal cohort study of 1001 MHTFs, telehealth availability has declined since the PHE end with respect to scope and modality of services, suggesting targeted policies may be necessary to sustain telehealth access.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Stimulant and Opioid Use Disorders
Authors: Howell Benjamin A. , Lin Lewei (Allison) , Coughlin Lara N.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint explores the current barriers to implementing contingency management treatment for individuals experiencing both opioid use and stimulant use disorders in the context of high numbers of US overdoses.
Estimated Financial Impact of 2021 Office-Visit Work Relative Unit Updates on Surgical Global Periods
Authors: Childers Christopher P. , Hu Chung-Yuan , Swisher Stephen G. , Wong Sandra L. , Chang George J.
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses the impact of changes to medical billing and coding work relative value units in 2021.
Ten‐a‐day: Bumblebee pollen loads reveal high consistency in foraging breadth among species, sites and seasons
Authors: Timberlake T. P. , de Vere N. , Jones L. E. , Vaughan I. P. , Baude M. , Memmott J.
Published: July 2024

Pollen and nectar are crucial resources for bees but vary greatly among plant species in their quantity, nutritional quality and timing of availability. This makes it challenging to identify an appropriate range of plants to meet the nutritional needs of bees throughout the year, though this information is important in the design of pollinator conservation schemes.

Using DNA metabarcoding of pollen loads, we record the floral resource use of UK farmland bumblebees at different stages of their colony lifecycle, and compare this with null models of ‘expected’ resource use based on landscape‐scale resource availability (pollen and nectar), to identify foraging priorities and preferences. We use this approach to ask three main questions: (i) what is the foraging breadth of individual bumblebees?; (ii) do bumblebees utilise a greater or lesser diversity of plant species than expected if they foraged in proportion to resource availability?; (iii) which plant species do bumblebees preferentially utilise?

Individual bumblebees foraged from a highly consistent number of different plant taxa (mean: 10 ± 0.37 SE per bee), regardless of their species, sampling site or time of year. This high consistency in foraging breadth, despite large changes in the quantity, identity and diversity of resource availability, implies a strong behavioural tendency towards a fixed range of foraging resources. This effect was most striking in April when foraging diversity was maintained despite very low landscape‐level resource diversity.

Bumblebees used some plant taxa significantly more than predicted from their landscape‐level floral abundance, nectar or pollen supply, implying certain desirable characteristics beyond the mere quantity of resource. These included Allium spp. and Vicia spp. in April; Trifolium repens and Lotus corniculatus in July and Cardueae spp. (thistles) and Taraxacum officinale in September.

Practical implication: Our results strongly indicate that resource quantity is not the only factor driving bumblebee foraging patterns and that resource diversity and quality are also important factors. Thus, in addition to providing large quantities of floral resources, we recommend that pollinator conservation schemes also focus on providing a sufficient diversity of preferred floral resources, enabling pollinators to self‐select a diverse and nutritious diet.
Infectious Diseases
Authors: Astorino Joseph
Published: July 2024

The social sciences have uncovered a plethora of information about the social dimensions of infectious disease before COVID‐19 made them apparent to the lay population. It is therefore important for sociologists to understand the social foundations of infectious disease so as to contribute to a growing body of knowledge. This includes terminology, disciplinary subfields, prevalence of infectious diseases, and trends in the workforce. The impact of social inequality on the determinants of infectious disease outcomes is also critical. The entry discusses the social nature of contagious infectious disease and the societal response to these diseases. The scientific and intellectual movements that are working to address the interdisciplinary foundations of the problem of infectious disease are also explored, and sociologists are invited to join the conversation.
Migration: Undocumented/Illegal
Authors: Hadjicostandi Joanna , Khan Nazneen
Published: July 2024

Illegal migration involves people moving away from a country of origin to another country, where they reside in violation of local citizenship laws. Entry to the receiving country occurs without authorization from the receiving government and often occurs at places other than the legal entry ports. The literature shows that illegal immigrants in most countries seek better livelihoods for themselves and their families, and share characteristics that are closely related to their position of insecurity, fear, and precarious existence. Examples from southern Europe, the USA, and Canada illustrate a few commonalities as well as differences between undocumented migrants. The feminization of migration, as well as child migration, is also discussed.
The paradox of the teacher‐driven professional learning community in a hierarchical organization: A Chinese school case
Authors: Alimujiang Adiya , Wang Qian
Published: July 2024

Professional learning community (PLC) has drawn global attention in the field of adult learning. This study applies paradox theory to examine how a group of Chinese school teachers transform their teaching practices in a self‐organized PLC without school policy support. The researchers applied the biographic‐narrative‐interpretive method (BNIM) to conduct 19 one‐on‐one interviews with eight teachers who were members of the PLC. The results showed that teachers who perceived their experiences through a paradoxical lens had a longer commitment to the PLC. The findings also revealed that the headteacher and school principal's informal leadership practices empowered teachers to navigate barriers caused by oppositional forces. The study offers insights into how a teacher‐driven PLC can be sustained in a hierarchical organization and suggests a three‐step iteration emphasizing the criticalness of learning‐by‐implementation.
Exploring Chinese international students’ critical thinking skills: A systematic literature review
Authors: Jiang Shuaipu , Sun Qi , Lin Xi
Published: July 2024

Most graduate students in higher education are classified as adult learners, being 24 years old, and have responsibilities and commitments outside of higher education. This literature review presents how Chinese international graduate students face challenges in the US due to sociocultural, ideological, and educational differences. This systematic literature review explores these students' critical thinking skills, which are crucial factors for academic success but have been underexplored. Three themes were identified as follows: (1) critical thinking education in China, (2) stereotypes of perceived lack of critical thinking, and (3) comparative views of critical thinking between Chinese and American college students. Each theme presents a landscape of how critical thinking is interpreted. Themes suggest several trends, including cultural variations that may impede Chinese international students from showcasing their critical thinking abilities, notwithstanding their inherent capacity for critical thinking. Recommendations include ways to improve critical thinking among international students and call for more comparative studies between Chinese and American college students. The findings offer valuable insights into the internationalization of higher education curricula and the promotion of global learning.
Multifunctional Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Carbon Dots for Temperature‐Responsive Sensor, Information Encryption, and Organelle Imaging
Authors: Li Hao , Sun Chengming , Zhang Mengling , Yan Wei , Kang Zhenhui
Published: July 2024

Thermally activated delay fluorescence (TADF) has great potential for information encryption, temperature detection, and bioimaging due to its long‐lived luminescence, temperature‐sensitive and high signal‐to‐noise ratio. However, it is still a challenge to establish TADF in aqueous environments. In this study, the composite with TADF (M‐FNCDs) is prepared using fluorine‐nitrogen co‐doped carbon dots (FNCDs) and melamine. It is worth mentioning that the M‐FNCDs show stable TADF under long‐wavelength excitation (470 nm) in aqueous environments. Moreover, the M‐FNCDs has distinctive temperature‐responsive properties and exhibit good linear relationships in the temperature range of 77–370 K. Simultaneously, M‐FNCDs suspension as the ink is utilized to realize information encryption/decryption due to their afterglow cannot be quenched in an aqueous solution. More importantly, M‐FNCDs with biocompatibility can target the mitochondria and lysosomes of living cells, and for the first time achieve the high signal‐to‐noise ratio and low background signal afterglow imaging of organelles. This work proposes a new strategy to prepare the stable TADF in aqueous solutions under long‐wavelength excitation and extend the TADF material potential applications in the future.
Enabling the Strengthened Structural and Interfacial Stability of High‐Nickel LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 Cathode by a Coating‐Doping‐Microstructure Regulation Three‐In‐One Strategy
Authors: Zou Yue , Tang Yonglin , Zheng Qizheng , Zhang Haitang , Yan Yawen , Xue Jiyuan , Zhou Shiyuan , Xu Juping , Yin Wen , Liao Hong‐Gang , Qiao Yu , Bao Jun , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: July 2024

High‐nickel layered cathodes exhibit great promise in advancing high‐energy‐density batteries owing to their significant advantages in high energy capacity and low cost, but they suffer severe structural and interfacial deterioration during cycling, resulting in safety risk and reduced cycle life. Herein, drawing inspiration from the low melting point infusion capability of Sb2Se3, a three‐pronged strategy aimed at simultaneously achieving coating on primary and secondary particles surface, Sb doping and elongated and slimed primary particle morphology is proposed and developed to fortify the structural and interfacial stability of high‐nickel LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 (NCM90) cathode. The “melted and infused” Sb2Se3 plays a beneficial role in the defensive effect on primary and secondary particle's surfaces, mitigating the interfacial deterioration. In addition, the enhanced structural stability is achieved by both Sb5+ doping and regulated primary particle morphology, contributing to the alleviated particle breakage and ultimately reinforced cycling stability. Consequently, the Sb2Se3‐NCM90 electrodes significantly improve cycling performance, which maintain higher capacity retentions of 96.6% at 4.3 V after 100 cycles and 80.2% at 1C/5C after 500 cycles. The proposed coating‐doping‐microstructure regulation three‐in‐one strategy for improving the cycling stability of high‐nickel NCM cathodes offers innovative ideas for the design and advancement of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
Ar/NH3 Radio‐Frequency Plasma Etching and N‐doping to Stabilize Metallic Phase 1T‐MoS2 for Fast and Durable Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Tian Shijun , Chen Weiheng , Wang Ruoxing , Qin Chu , Jiang Zhong‐Jie , Jiang Zhongqing
Published: July 2024

Metallic phase 1T‐MoS2 is considered a prospective anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its remarkable electrical conductivity and unique layered structure. However, 1T‐MoS2 is thermodynamically unstable and prone to phase transition to the 2H‐MoS2 phase. Herein, self‐supporting nitrogen‐doped and carbon‐coated 1T/2H mixed‐phase MoS2 nanosheets with rich sulfur vacancies on carbon cloth (C@N‐MoS2‐p/CC) are synthesized through a hydrothermal method and Ar/NH3 radio‐frequency (RF) plasma treatment process. Density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that after Ar/NH3 RF plasma treatment, nitrogen‐doping and etching effects are realized, which combine with carbon‐coating significantly reduce the phase transition energy of 1T‐MoS2, thus triggering the phase transition and enabling the stable existence of the highly active 1T‐MoS2. As a result, the C@N‐MoS2‐p/CC exhibits outstanding sodium storage performance, with initial charge–discharge capacities of 701.0/797.0 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, respectively. It also demonstrates exceptional rate capabilities and ultra‐high cyclic stability, maintaining a discharge capacity of 404.2 mAh g−1 after 910 cycles at a high rate of 2 A g−1. In a full cell with Na3V2(PO4)3/CC cathode, it exhibits excellent initial charge–discharge capacities of 102.3/102.9 mAh g−1 and maintains satisfactory cycling stability after 350 cycles (86.7 mAh g−1) at 0.1 C.
Lattice Distortion Promotes Carrier Separation to Improve the Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Performance of Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode
Authors: Tian Kaige , Jin Lujie , Mahmood Asif , Yang Hua , An Pengfei , Zhang Jing , Ji Yujin , Li Youyong , Li Deng , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yan Junqing
Published: July 2024

The poor carrier separation capability and sluggish water oxidation reaction kinetics are two critical factors that impact the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting performance of the bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanode. Previous studies have demonstrated that doping with rare‐earth elements to induce lattice distortions and loading oxygen evolution reaction (OER) co‐catalysts are effective strategies for enhancing carrier separation capabilities and accelerating the kinetics of the water oxidation reaction. Herein, Cu2+‐doped RuO2 (Cu‐RuO2) particles are anchored onto rare earth element Thulium (Tm)‐doped BiVO4 (Tm‐BiVO4) photoanode substrates, constructing an integrated Cu‐RuO2‐Tm‐BiVO4 photoanode. The newly integrated photoanode not only achieves a photocurrent density of 5.3 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE), but also exhibits exceptional stability. A series of detailed physical and chemical characterizations as well as density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that Tm doping induces lattice distortion in BiVO4, enhancing the internal electric field and thereby facilitating carrier separation. Moreover, the anchored Cu‐RuO2 particles not only lattice‐match with the Tm‐BiVO4 photoanode, reducing interfacial transfer resistance, but also expedite the kinetics of the water oxidation reaction. The profound significance of this work is that it offers a reference for the future design and fabrication of novel integrated photoanodes.
Multifunctional Intelligent Metamaterial Computing System: Independent Parallel Analog Signal Processing
Authors: Shabanpour Javad
Published: July 2024

Analog computing based on miniaturized surfaces has gained attention for its high‐speed and low‐power mathematical operations. Building on recent advances, an anisotropic space‐time digital metasurface for parallel and programmable wave‐based mathematical operations is proposed. Using frequency conversions, our metasurface performs 1st‐order and 2nd‐order spatial differentiations, integrodifferential equations, and sharp edge detection in spatially encoded images. The anisotropic nature of the meta‐particle enables independent and simultaneous operations for two orthogonal polarizations. Reconfigurability is achieved through tunable gate biasing of an indium tin oxide layer. Illustrative examples demonstrate that the metasurface's output signals and transfer functions closely match ideal transfer functions, confirming its versatility and effectiveness. Unlike other wave‐based signal processors, the design handles wide spatial frequency bandwidths, even with high spatial frequency inputs.
Liquid‐Solid Combination Memristors with Switchable Resistance
Authors: Duan Libing , Han Xue , Pei Ruochen , Peng Qianwen , Guo Shenghui , Li Yangyang , Geng Wangchang
Published: July 2024

Here a reconfigurable memristor is demonstrated by connecting ZnO film to a fluidic channel. The memristive characteristics are successfully demonstrated with an electrolyte solution. The benefit of using a microfluidic channel is that the memristive characteristics can be adjusted by changing the electrolyte solution in real‐time. The neuromorphic functions such as long‐term plasticity, Spiking‐Rate‐Dependent Plasticity (SRDP), and behavior associated with “learning experiences”are demostrated in the devices. The capability of real‐time manipulating of memristive characteristics enables diverse manipulations on memristive characteristics of the devices, by doping of different concentrated and type of ions in the ZnO film. The electrolyte solution will open new possibilities for resistance switch manipulations, for the next generation neuromorphic computing.
3D Printing of Tungstate Anion Modulated 1T‐MoS2 Composite Cathodes for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Junpu , Xie Zeren , Xi Wen , Zhang Youfang , Wang Rui , Gong Yansheng , He Beibei , Wang Huanwen , Jin Jun
Published: July 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries can offer high capacity and energy‐density, but face challenges like low conductivity, lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttling, and limited reaction kinetics. In this study, the electronic configuration of Mo 4d orbital in MoS2 is modulated through a one‐step method involving tungstate anion (WO42−) modulation to form a stable 1T‐MoS2/carbon composite (1T‐W‐MoS2/C). When WO42− is introduced, it causes a transfer of electrons to Mo in 2H‐MoS2, resulting in the generation of a stable 1T phase. In the composite, 1T‐MoS2 nanosheets exhibit remarkable electronic conductivity, hydrophilicity, and catalytic activity, facilitating the LiPSs adsorption and Li+ transport. Meanwhile, the WO42− modulation can create abundant adsorption/catalytic sites with defects on the basal surface and edges of MoS2, facilitating the efficient catalysis of LiPSs conversion. Furthermore, the 3D‐printed electrodes without utilization of binders and current collectors can ensure high mass loading and promote ion diffusion and electrolyte penetration. Theoretical and experimental results confirm that 1T‐W‐MoS2/C can catalyze LiPSs conversion, suppress LiPSs shuttling, and enhance sulfur reaction kinetics. Therefore, the 3D‐printed 1T‐W‐MoS2/C/S cathode exhibits a high initial capacity and excellent rate capability, achieving an areal capacity of 7.37 mAh cm−2 with a sulfur loading of 8.89 mg cm−2.
UAS‐based multispectral imaging for detecting iron chlorosis in grain sorghum
Authors: Garcia‐Williams Isabel A. , Starek Michael J. , Brewer Michael J. , Berryhill Jacob
Published: July 2024

This study uses a small unmanned aircraft system equipped with a multispectral sensor to assess various vegetation indices (VIs) for their potential to monitor iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in a grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) crop. IDC is a nutritional disorder that stunts a plants’ growth and causes its leaves to yellow due to an iron deficit. The objective of this project is to find the best VI to detect and monitor IDC. A series of flights were completed over the course of the growing season and processed using Structure‐from‐Motion photogrammetry to create orthorectified, multispectral reflectance maps in the red, green, red‐edge, and near‐infrared wavelengths. Ground data collection methods were used to analyze stress, chlorophyll levels, and grain yield, correlating them to the multispectral imagery for ground control and precise crop examination. The reflectance maps and soil‐removed reflectance maps were used to calculate 25 VIs whose separability was then calculated using a two‐class distance measure, determining which contained the largest separation between the pixels representing IDC and healthy vegetation. The field‐acquired data were used to conclude which VIs achieved the best results for the dataset as a whole and at each level of IDC (low, moderate, and severe). It was concluded that the MERIS terrestrial chlorophyll index, normalized difference red‐edge, and normalized green (NG) indices achieved the highest amount of separation between plants with IDC and healthy vegetation, with the NG reaching the highest levels of separability for both soil‐included and soil‐removed VIs.
A Review on the Form and Complexity of Human–Robot Interaction in the Evolution of Autonomous Surgery
Authors: Liu Tangyou , Wang Jiaole , Wong Shing , Razjigaev Andrew , Beier Susann , Peng Shuhua , Do Thanh Nho , Song Shuang , Chu Dewei , Wang Chun Hui , Lovell Nigel H. , Wu Liao
Published: July 2024

As robotics and intelligence increasingly integrate into surgery, the pivotal role of human–robot interaction (HRI) in surgical procedures and outcomes becomes evident. However, debate rages over whether increasing robot autonomy will result in less human involvement. Some scholars assert that autonomy will reduce human participation, whereas others contend it will result in more complex interactions. To reveal the role of HRI in the evolution of autonomous surgery, this review systematically explores the HRI of robotic surgery with various levels of autonomy. The HRI is examined from both robotic science and clinical practice perspectives, incorporating relevant case studies. Two key components, intention detection and situation awareness, are especially concerned with a brief description of the interfaces and control strategies they rely on. Additional insights are drawn from analogous technologies in aviation, industrial robotics, and autonomous vehicles. The analysis suggests that HRI complexity tends to increase as the robot transitions from no autonomy to conditional autonomy and is predicted to subsequently decrease with a substantial shift in the interaction form when moving toward full autonomy. It is concluded by highlighting challenges from technical and clinical perspectives and delineating research trends in this rapidly evolving field.
30° anteriorly tilted CT for visualizing the drainage pathway of the frontal sinus
Authors: Hemmi Tomotaka , Nomura Kazuhiro , Sugawara Mitsuru , Ikeda Ryoukichi
Published: July 2024

Key points

The optimal tilt for anteriorly tilted coronal CT was examined.

A 30° anteriorly tilted coronal CT best visualized the frontal sinus drainage pathway.
Association of neuroticism with incident dementia, neuroimaging outcomes, and cognitive function
Authors: Gao Yaqing , Amin Najaf , van Duijn Cornelia , Littlejohns Thomas J
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Higher neuroticism might be associated with dementia risk. Here we investigated modification by genetic predisposition to dementia, mediation by mental health and vascular conditions, neuroimaging outcomes, and cognitive function.

METHODS

Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to assess the association between neuroticism score and incident dementia over up to 15 years in 1,74,164 participants. Cross‐sectional analyses on dementia‐related neuroimaging outcomes and cognitive function were conducted in 39,459 dementia‐free participants.

RESULTS

Higher neuroticism was associated with an 11% higher risk of incident dementia, especially vascular dementia (15% higher risk), regardless of genetic predisposition to dementia. Mental and vascular conditions mediated the association of neuroticism with all‐cause dementia and vascular dementia. Neuroticism was associated with higher cerebrovascular pathology, lower gray matter volume, and worse function across multiple cognitive domains.

DISCUSSION

Neuroticism could represent a risk factor for dementia, and vascular and mental health might drive these associations.

Highlights

Neuroticism was associated with an increased risk of incident all‐cause dementia, particularly vascular dementia.

Associations were not modified by genetic predisposition to dementia.

Associations were largely mediated by mental and vascular conditions.

Neuroticism was associated with increased cerebrovascular pathology and lower gray matter volume.

Neuroticism was associated with worse function across multiple cognitive domains.
Correlations between plasma markers and brain Aβ deposition across the AD continuum: Evidence from SILCODE
Authors: Yu Xianfeng , Shi Rong , Zhou Xia , Zhang Mingkai , Cai Yue , Jiang Jiehui , Han Ying
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have found that Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐related plasma markers are associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, but the change of this association in different Aβ pathological stages remains unclear.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the SILCODE. According to the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) and Aβ stage classification, correlation analysis was performed among plasma biomarkers, and voxel/SUVR values in the regions of interest (ROI) and clinical scale information, respectively. Mediation analysis was used to study the possible pathways.

RESULTS

The proportion of cognitively normal (CN) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) was the highest in stages A0 to 1, while in stages A2 to 4, the proportion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD increased. Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were significantly lower in stage A0 compared to the later phases. Two pathways demonstrated fully mediated effects: positron emission tomography (PET) SUVR–plasma p‐tau181–Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and PET SUVR–plasma GFAP–MMSE.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated the role of plasma biomarkers in the early stage of AD, especially in SCD, from both the clinical diagnosis and Aβ stage dimensions.

Highlights

Plasma ptau181 and GFAP level serve as indicators of early Alzheimer's disease and the pathologic Aβ staging classification.

A possible ceiling effect of GFAP was observed in the mid‐to‐late stages of the AD course.

This study confirms the role of AD plasma markers in promoting Aβ deposition at an early stage, particularly in females with subjective cognitive decline(SCD).

The overlapping brain regions of plasma p‐tau181, GFAP, and neurofilament light for Aβ deposition in the brain in early AD were distributed across various regions, including the posterior cingulate gyrus, rectus gyrus, and inferior temporal gyrus.