bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of LiNbO3 nanoparticles in a mesoporous matrix
Authors: Grigas Anett , Kaskel Stefan
Published: January 2011

The synthesis of LiNbO3 nanoparticles in SBA-15 is reported for the first time. The preparation of nanoparticles was carried out by impregnation from the metal precursor and mesoporous silica SBA-15 as the template. A rapid one-step treatment in an IR furnace reduces the preparation time to only 10 min. In comparison, a conventional furnace requires 5 h reaction time to produce nanoparticles with similar textural properties. Another advantage of applying an IR furnace compared to conventional heating is the extremely high heating rate (up to 10 °C/s) and corresponding time saving. The resulting samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The obtained nanoparticles are spherical with a diameter of approximately 10 nm.
DECISION SUPPORT IN SOFTWARE SUPPORTED NEGOTIATIONS
Authors: Wachowicz Tomasz
Published: January 2011

In this paper we consider the idea of negotiations conducted by means of the software support tools. We present the advantages of the negotiation support systems discussing their different functions and typologies focusing later on the possibilities of decision support they can give to the negotiating parties in all negotiation phases. After presenting the most popular solutions we introduce also two of our own procedures that can be applied in the pre‐negotiation phase for eliciting negotiators’ preferences and building the offers’ scoring systems for the parties. The first one is based on the Hammond, Keeney and Raiffa's procedure of even swaps, while the second derives from the Roy's ELECTRE‐TRI. Both of them can be easily applied as the analytic engines in electronic negotiation systems replacing the classical additive scoring systems. We discuss also the issue of using different scoring systems in the successive negotiation phases.
PRIVATE CAPITAL FLOWS TO LOW‐INCOME COUNTRIES: THE ROLE OF DOMESTIC FINANCIAL SECTOR
Authors: Choong Chee-Keong , Lam Siew-Yong , Yusop Zulkornain
Published: January 2011

The relationship between private capital flows and growth has been examined extensively in the literature, yet numerous controversies still remain. The study examines the relationships among private capital flows (foreign direct investment, portfolio investment and foreign debt), financial development and economic performance in a sample of 16 low‐income developing countries over the period 1988–2006, by employing generalized method of moments (GMM) panel data analysis. We find that private capital flows have a positive impact on growth in low‐income countries with well‐developed financial sector but have a negative effect in the presence of poor financial sector development. Well‐developed financial sectors are ones that are themselves crucial for economic growth. Our results indicate that private capital flows would be more effective if they were more systematically conditional on well‐developed financial systems. Santrauka Ryšys tarp kapitalo srautu ir ju augimo yra intensyviai tiriamas. Pastebeta, kad daug prieštaravimu tarpju vis dar išlieka. Šiame tyrime nagrinejamas santykis tarp privataus kapitalo srautu (ieinančiu užsienioinvesticiju, portfeliniu investiciju ir užsienio skolu) finansines pletros ir ekonomines veiklos pasirinktosešešiolikoje mažas pajamas gaunančiu besivystančiu šaliu 1988–2006 m., duomenu analizei taikantapibendrinamaji momentu metoda (GMM). Nustatyta kad privataus kapitalo srautai turi teigiama itakaaugimui mažas pajamas turinčiose šalyse su gerai išpletotu finansiniu sektoriumi, tačiau daro neigiamapoveiki toms šalims, kuriu finansinis sektorius yra skurdus. Gerai išvystyti ekonominiai sektoriai yratie, kurie vaidina lemiama vaidmeni ekonominiam augimui. Rezultatai parode, kad privataus kapitalosrautai būtu efektyvesni, jei jie sistemiškiau priklausytu nuo gerai išsivysčiusiu finansiniu sistemu.
A MULTI-PERIOD NEWSVENDOR PROBLEM WITH PRE‐SEASON EXTENSION UNDER FUZZY DEMAND
Authors: Behret Hülya , Kahraman Cengiz
Published: January 2011

This paper proposes a fuzzy multi‐period newsvendor model with pre‐season extension for innovative products. The demand of the product is represented by fuzzy numbers with triangular membership function. The holding and shortage cost parameters are considered as imprecise and also represented by triangular fuzzy numbers. As the selling season draws closer, suppliers lead times shortens and thus production costs increase. In contrast, caused by the oncoming selling season, demand fuzziness decreases and more accurate demand forecasts can be maintained that lead to lower overage/underage costs. The objective of the model is to find the best order period and the best order quantity that will minimize the fuzzy expected total cost. The model is experimented with an illustrative example and supported by sensitivity analyses. Santrauka Straipsnyje pasiūlytas neraiškusis keliu laikotarpiu pardavimo modelis, papildytas paruošiamuoju laikotarpiu inovatyviems produktams. Produkto paklausa apibūdinama neraiškiaisiais skaičiais, aprašytais trikampe priklausomumo funkcija. Turto ir sanaudu parametrai laikomi netiksliais ir taip pat apibūdinami trikampe priklausomumo funkcija aprašytais neraiškiaisiais skaičiais. Kai pardavimo laikotarpis priarteja, tiekimo laikas trumpeja, o gaminio kaina išauga. Priešingai, del praeinančio pardavimo laikotarpio paklausos neapibrežtumas sumažeja ir galima tiksliau prognozuoti paklausa, o tai padeda sumažinti išlaidas del gaminiu pertekliaus ar trūkumo. Šio modelio tikslas – rasti geriausia užsakymo laika ir geriausia užsakymo kieki, kurie padetu sumažinti visu numatomu sanaudu neapibrežtuma. Pateikiamas modelio taikymo pavyzdys ir modelio jautrumo analize.
MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS IN MADEIRA ISLAND LARGEST FIRMS: EVIDENCE ON THE BALANCED SCORECARD USAGE
Authors: Curado Carla , Manica José
Published: January 2011

This paper describes the findings of an exploratory study on the use of management control systems in Madeira Island providing evidence on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) usage. Empirical data collected illustrates the degree of BSC usage at the Island's biggest corporations and provides response to the research questions. The findings reveal remarkable differences concerning management control systems’ use across corporations in the study and previous research reports from other regions. Finally, this study discusses managerial implications and includes invitations to future research directions. Santrauka Straipsnyje pateikiami duomenys apie mokslini valdymo kontroles sistemu tyrima, atlikta Madeiros saloje naudojant subalansuotos apskaitos duomenis. Surinkti empiriniai duomenys rodo naudojimasi subalansuotos apskaitos modeliu didžiausiose salos korporacijose ir pateikia atsakymus i tyrimo klausimus. Tyrimo duomenys atskleidžia svarbius skirtumus tarp valdymo kontroles sistemu naudojimo ivairiose imonese, lyginant kitu regionu ankstesniu tyrimu ataskaitas. Šiame tyrime aptariama organizaciju vadybos reikšme, kviečiama aptarti būsimu moksliniu tyrimu kryptis.
Phoretic mite associates of mountain pine beetle at the leading edge of an infestation in northwestern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mori Boyd A. , Proctor Heather C. , Walter David E. , Evenden Maya L.
Published: January 2011

We identified species of mites phoretically associated with mountain pine beetle,Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), collected from bolts of lodgepole pine,Pinus contortaDouglasexLouden (Pinaceae), and pheromone-baited traps in northwestern Alberta, Canada. Mite load and species composition were compared between beetle sexes and with beetle emergence time and estimated body size. The vast majority of mites associated withD. ponderosaein Alberta belonged to three species:Proctolaelaps subcorticalisLindquist (Acari: Mesostigmata: Melicharidae),Histiogaster arborsignisWoodring (Acari: Astigmatina: Acaridae), andTarsonemus ipsLindquist (Acari: Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae). There was no difference in mite loads on male and female beetles recovered from bolts in the laboratory and those from pheromone-baited traps in the field. More mites were found on larger beetles in the laboratory, but onlyT. ipsshowed this pattern on field-trapped beetles. There was no relationship between total mite load or load by mite species and beetle emergence time in the laboratory, but total mite load on field-trapped beetles decreased over the collecting season (10 June – 3 September 2009) at five collection locations (Grovedale, Blueberry Mountain, Hythe, Evergreen Park, and Glenleslie). This study is the first to document the assemblage of phoretic mites onD. ponderosaein Alberta and will help to direct future research on their interactions.
Resistant Hypertension and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Sparring Partners
Authors: Thomopoulos Costas , Michalopoulou Helena , Kasiakogias Alexandros , Kefala Anna , Makris Thomas
Published: January 2011

Enhanced target organ damage and cardiovascular morbidity represent common issues observed in both resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. Common pathophysiological features and risk factors justify their coexistence, especially in individuals with increased upper-body adiposity. Impaired sodium handling, sympathetic activation, accelerated arterial stiffening, and impaired cardiorenal hemodynamics contribute to drug-resistant hypertension development in obstructive sleep apnea. Effective CPAP therapy qualifies as an effective “add-on” to the underlying antihypertensive pharmacological therapy, and emerging evidence underlines the favorable effect of mineralocorticoid antagonists on both resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
Estimating Standard Errors for the Parks Model: Can Jackknifing Help?
Authors: Reed W. Robert , Webb Rachel S.
Published: January 2011

Non-spherical errors, namely heteroscedasticity, serial correlation and crosssectional correlation are commonly present within panel data sets. These can cause significant problems for econometric analyses. The FGLS(Parks) estimator has been demonstrated to produce considerable efficiency gains in these settings. However, it suffers from underestimation of coefficient standard errors, oftentimes severe. Potentially, jackknifing the FGLS(Parks) estimator could allow one to maintain the efficiency advantages of FGLS(Parks) while producing more reliable estimates of coefficient standard errors. Accordingly, this study investigates the performance of the jackknife estimator of FGLS(Parks) using Monte Carlo experimentation. We find that jackknifing can—in narrowly defined situations—substantially improve the estimation of coefficient standard errors. However, its overall performance is not sufficient to make it a viable alternative to other panel data estimators.
The vorticity budget of developing typhoon Nuri (2008)
Authors: Raymond D. J. , López Carrillo C.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The formation of west Pacific tropical cyclone Nuri (2008) was observed over four days from easterly wave to typhoon stage by aircraft using scanning Doppler radar and dropsonde data. This disturbance developed rapidly in a significantly sheared environment. In spite of the shear, overlapping closed circulations existed in the frame of reference of the storm in the planetary boundary layer and at 5 km elevation, providing a deep region protected from environmental influences. The rapid spinup of Nuri can be attributed to the strong increase with height at low levels of the vertical mass flux during and after the tropical depression stage, and the correspondingly strong vorticity convergence in the planetary boundary layer. As Nuri developed, convective regions of boundary layer vortex stretching became fewer but more intense, culminating in a single nascent eyewall at the tropical storm stage. A non-developing tropical wave case was also analyzed. This system started with much weaker circulations in the boundary layer and aloft, leaving it unprotected against environmental intrusion. This may explain its failure to develop.
An Arctic CCN-limited cloud-aerosol regime
Authors: Mauritsen T. , Sedlar J. , Tjernström M. , Leck C. , Martin M. , Shupe M. , Sjogren S. , Sierau B. , Persson P. O. G. , Brooks I. M. , Swietlicki E.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. On average, airborne aerosol particles cool the Earth's surface directly by absorbing and scattering sunlight and indirectly by influencing cloud reflectivity, life time, thickness or extent. Here we show that over the central Arctic Ocean, where there is frequently a lack of aerosol particles upon which clouds may form, a small increase in aerosol loading may enhance cloudiness thereby likely causing a climatologically significant warming at the ice-covered Arctic surface. Under these low concentration conditions cloud droplets grow to drizzle sizes and fall, even in the absence of collisions and coalescence, thereby diminishing cloud water. Evidence from a case study suggests that interactions between aerosol, clouds and precipitation could be responsible for attaining the observed low aerosol concentrations.
Southeast Pacific atmospheric composition and variability sampled along 20° S during VOCALS-REx
Authors: Allen G. , Coe H. , Clarke A. , Bretherton C. , Wood R. , Abel S. J. , Barrett P. , Brown P. , George R. , Freitag S. , McNaughton C. , Howell S. , Shank L. , Kapustin V. , Brekhovskikh V. , Kleinman L. , Lee Y.-N. , Springston S. , Toniazzo T. , Krejci R. , Fochesatto J. , Shaw G. , Krecl P. , Brooks B. , McKeeking G. , Bower K. N. , Williams P. I. , Crosier J. , Crawford I. , Connolly P. , Covert D. , Bandy A. R.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The VAMOS Ocean-Climate-Atmosphere-Land Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) was conducted from 15 October to 15 November 2008 in the South East Pacific region to investigate interactions between land, sea and atmosphere in this unique tropical eastern ocean environment and to improve the skill of global and regional models in representing the region. This study synthesises selected aircraft, ship and surface site observations from VOCALS-REx to statistically summarise and characterise the atmospheric composition and variability of the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL) and Free Troposphere (FT) along the 20° S parallel between 70° W and 85° W. Significant zonal gradients in mean MBL sub-micron aerosol particle size and composition, carbon monoxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide were seen over the campaign, with a generally more variable and polluted coastal environment and a less variable, more pristine remote maritime regime. Gradients are observed to be associated with strong gradients in cloud droplet number. The FT is often more polluted in terms of trace gases than the MBL in the mean; however increased variability in the FT composition suggests an episodic nature to elevated concentrations. This is consistent with a complex vertical interleaving of airmasses with diverse sources and hence pollutant concentrations as seen by generalised back trajectory analysis, which suggests contributions from both local and long-range sources. Furthermore, back trajectory analysis demonstrates that the observed zonal gradients both in the boundary layer and the free troposphere are characteristic of marked changes in airmass history with distance offshore – coastal boundary layer airmasses having been in recent contact with the local land surface and remote maritime airmasses having resided over ocean for in excess of ten days. Boundary layer composition to the east of 75° W was observed to be dominated by coastal emissions from sources to the west of the Andes, with evidence for diurnal pumping of the Andean boundary layer above the height of the marine capping inversion. The climatology presented here aims to provide a valuable dataset to inform model simulation and future process studies, particularly in the context of aerosol-cloud interaction and further evaluation of dynamical processes in the SEP region for conditions analogous to those during VOCALS-REx.
In-situ measurements of tropical cloud properties in the West African monsoon: upper tropospheric ice clouds, mesoscale convective system outflow, and subvisual cirrus
Authors: Frey W. , Borrmann S. , Kunkel D. , Weigel R. , de Reus M. , Schlager H. , Roiger A. , Voigt C. , Hoor P. , Curtius J. , Krämer M. , Schiller C. , Volk C. M. , Homan C. D. , Fierli F. , Di Donfrancesco G. , Ulanovsky A. , Ravegnani F. , Sitnikov N. M. , Viciani S. , D'Amato F. , Shur G. N. , Belyaev G. V. , Law K. S. , Cairo F.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. In-situ measurements of ice crystal size distributions in tropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UT/LS) clouds were performed during the SCOUT-AMMA campaign over West Africa in August 2006. The cloud properties were measured with a Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP-100) and a Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP) operated aboard the Russian high altitude research aircraft M-55 ''Geophysica'' with the mission base in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 117 ice particle size distributions were obtained from the measurements in the vicinity of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS). Two or three modal lognormal size distributions were fitted to the average size distributions for different potential temperature bins. The measurements showed proportionate more large ice particles compared to former measurements above maritime regions. With the help of trace gas measurements of NO, NOy, CO2, CO, and O3, and satellite images clouds in young and aged MCS outflow were identified. These events were observed at altitudes of 11.0 km to 14.2 km corresponding to potential temperature levels of 346 K to 356 K. In a young outflow (developing MCS) ice crystal number concentrations of up to 8.3 cm−3 and rimed ice particles with maximum dimensions exceeding 1.5 mm were found. A maximum ice water content of 0.05 g m−3 was observed and an effective radius of about 90 μm. In contrast the aged outflow events were more diluted and showed a maximum number concentration of 0.03 cm−3, an ice water content of 2.3 × 10−4 g m−3, an effective radius of about 18 μm, while the largest particles had a maximum dimension of 61 μm. Close to the tropopause subvisual cirrus were encountered four times at altitudes of 15 km to 16.4 km. The mean ice particle number concentration of these encounters was 0.01 cm−3 with maximum particle sizes of 130 μm, and the mean ice water content was about 1.4 × 10−4 g m−3. All known in-situ measurements of subvisual tropopause cirrus are compared and an exponential fit on the size distributions is established in order to give a parameterisation for modelling. A comparison of aerosol to ice crystal number concentrations, in order to obtain an estimate on how many ice particles result from activation of the present aerosol, yielded low activation ratios for the subvisual cirrus cases of roughly one cloud particle per 30 000 aerosol particles, while for the MCS outflow cases this resulted in a high ratio of one cloud particle per 300 aerosol particles.
A web interface for griding arbitrarily distributed in situ data based on Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis (DIVA)
Authors: Barth A. , Alvera-Azcárate A. , Troupin C. , Ouberdous M. , Beckers J.-M.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Spatial interpolation of observations on a regular grid is a common task in many oceanographic disciplines (and geosciences in general). It is often used to create climatological maps for physical, biological or chemical parameters representing e.g. monthly or seasonally averaged fields. Since instantaneous observations can not be directly related to a field representing an average, simple spatial interpolation of observations is in general not acceptable. DIVA (Data-Interpolating Variational Analysis) is an analysis tool which takes the error in the observations and the typical spatial scale of the underlying field into account. Barriers due to the coastline and the topography in general and also currents estimates (if available) are used to propagate the information of a given observation spatially. DIVA is a command-line driven application written in Fortran and Shell Scripts. To make DIVA easier to use, a web interface has been developed (http://gher-diva.phys.ulg.ac.be). Installation and compilation of DIVA is therefore not required. The user can directly upload the data in ASCII format and enter several parameters for the analysis. The analyzed field, location of the observations, and the error mask are presented as different layers using the Web Map Service protocol. They are visualized in the browser using the Javascript library OpenLayers allowing the user to interact with layers (for example zooming and panning). Finally, the results can be downloaded as a NetCDF file, Matlab/Octave file and Keyhole Markup Language (KML) file for visualization in applications such as Google Earth.
Remote sensing of aerosols over snow using infrared AATSR observations
Authors: Istomina L. G. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Kokhanovsky A. A. , Schultz E. , Burrows J. P.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Infrared (IR) retrievals of aerosol optical thickness (AOT) are challenging because of the low reflectance of aerosol layer at longer wavelengths. In this paper we present a closer analysis of this problem, performed with radiative transfer (RT) simulations for coarse and accumulation mode of four main aerosol components. It shows the strong angular dependence of aerosol IR reflectance at low solar elevations resulting from significant asymmetry of aerosol phase function at these wavelengths. This results in detectable values of aerosol IR reflectance at certain non-nadir observation angles providing the advantage of multiangle remote sensing instruments for a retrieval of AOT at longer wavelengths. Such retrievals can be of importance e.g. in case of a very strong effect of the surface on the top of atmosphere (TOA) reflectance in the visible range of spectrum. In current work, a new method to retrieve AOT over snow has been developed using the measurements of Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) on board the ENVISAT satellite. The algorithm uses AATSR channel at 3.7 μm and utilizes its dual-viewing observation technique implying the forward view with an observation zenith angle around 55 degrees and the nadir view. It includes cloud/snow discrimination, extraction of the atmospheric reflectance out of measured brightness temperature (BT) at 3.7 μm, interpolation of look-up tables (LUTs) for a given aerosol reflectance. The algorithm uses LUTs, separately simulated with RT forward calculations. The resulting AOT at 500 nm is estimated from the value at 3.7 μm using a fixed Angström parameter. The presented method has been validated against ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data for 4 high Arctic stations and shows good agreement. A case study has been performed at W-Greenland on 5 July 2008. The day before was characterized by a noticeable dust event. The retrieved AOT maps of the region show a clear increase of AOT in the Kangerlussuaq area. The area of increased AOT was detected on 5 July on the ice sheet east of Kangelussuaq opposite to the observed north easterly wind at ground level. This position can be explained by a small scale atmospheric circulation transporting the mobilised mineral dust upslope, after its intrusion into the upper branch of the circulation. The performed study of atmospheric reflectance at 3.7 μm also shows possibilities of detection and retrievals of cloud properties over snow surface.
On large plasmoid formation in a global magnetohydrodynamic simulation
Authors: Honkonen I. , Palmroth M. , Pulkkinen T. I. , Janhunen P. , Aikio A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. We investigate plasmoid formation in the magnetotail using the global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation GUMICS-4. Here a plasmoid implies a major reconfiguration of the magnetotail where a part of the tail plasma sheet is ejected downstream, in contrast to small Earthward-propagating plasmoids. We define a plasmoid based solely on the structure of the closed (connected to the Earth at both ends) magnetic field line region. In this definition a plasmoid is partly separated from the ordinary closed field line region by lobe field lines or interplanetary field lines resulting from lobe reconnection. We simulate an event that occurred on 18 February 2004 during which four intensifications of the auroral electroject (AE) index occurred in 8 h. Plasmoids form in the simulation for two of the four AE intensifications. Each plasmoid forms as a result of two consecutive large and fast rotations of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). In both cases the IMF rotates 180 degrees at 10 degrees per minute, first from southward to northward and some 15 min later from northward to southward. The other two AE intencifications however are not associated with a plasmoid formation. A plasmoid does not form if either the IMF rotation speed or the angular change of the rotation are small. We also present an operational definition for these fully connected plasmoids that enables their automatic detection in simulations. Finally, we show mappings of the plasmoid footpoints in the ionosphere, where they perturb the polar cap boundary in both hemispheres.
TALDICE-1 age scale of the Talos Dome deep ice core, East Antarctica
Authors: Buiron D. , Chappellaz J. , Stenni B. , Frezzotti M. , Baumgartner M. , Capron E. , Landais A. , Lemieux-Dudon B. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Montagnat M. , Parrenin F. , Schilt A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. A new deep ice core drilling program, TALDICE, has been successfully handled by a European team at Talos Dome, in the Ross Sea sector of East Antarctica, down to 1620 m depth. Using stratigraphic markers and a new inverse method, we produce the first official chronology of the ice core, called TALDICE-1. We show that it notably improves an a priori chronology resulting from a one-dimensional ice flow model. It is in agreement with a posteriori controls of the resulting accumulation rate and thinning function along the core. An absolute uncertainty of only 300 yr is obtained over the course of the last deglaciation. This uncertainty remains lower than 600 yr over Marine Isotope Stage 3, back to 50 kyr BP. The phasing of the TALDICE ice core climate record with respect to the central East Antarctic plateau and Greenland records can thus be determined with a precision allowing for a discussion of the mechanisms at work at sub-millennial time scales.
Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22) Mimicking Autoimmune Pancreatitis after Second Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Kamada Yuhei , Suzukawa Kazumi , Taoka Kenichi , Okoshi Yasushi , Hasegawa Yuichi , Chiba Shigeru
Published: January 2011

We report the case of a 37-year-old woman who had a relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during treatment for chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. She was originally suspected of having autoimmune pancreatitis. Relapse of AML often occurs at extramedullary sites. Whereas the pancreas is rare as an organ of AML relapse, physicians should be aware that enlargement of the pancreas could be a sign of relapsed AML when excluding autoimmune pancreatitis, particularly during active cGVHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Advancing Access to Cell and Gene Therapies in Medicaid
Authors: Kannarkat Joseph T. , Hernandez Inmaculada , Parekh Natasha
Published: May 2024

This Viewpoint presents the components of the payment model and the implementation challenges among the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, state Medicaid agencies, patients, and manufacturers.
Evaluating Firearm Violence After New Jersey’s Cash Bail Reform
Authors: Jahn Jaquelyn L. , Simes Jessica T. , Jay Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Importance

Reducing the pretrial detention population has been a cornerstone of movements to end mass incarceration. Across many US cities, there are ongoing public debates on policies that would end pretrial detention due to the inability to afford bail, with some raising concerns that doing so would increase community violence.

Objective

To evaluate changes in firearm violence after New Jersey’s 2017 bail reform policy that eliminated financial barriers to avoiding pretrial detention.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study used synthetic control methods to examine changes in firearm mortality and combined fatal and nonfatal shootings in New Jersey (2014-2019). New Jersey was chosen because it was one of the first states to systematically implement cash bail reform. Outcomes in New Jersey were compared with a weighted combination of 36 states that did not implement any kind of reform to pretrial detention during the study period. Data were analyzed from April 2023 to March 2024.

Exposure

Implementation of New Jersey’s cash bail reform law in 2017.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Quarterly rates of fatal and nonfatal firearm assault injuries and firearm self-harm injuries per 100 000 people.

Results

Although New Jersey’s pretrial detention population dramatically decreased under bail reform, the study did not find evidence of increases in overall firearm mortality (average treatment effect on the treated, −0.26 deaths per 100 000) or gun violence (average treatment effect on the treated, −0.24 deaths per 100 000), or within racialized groups during the postpolicy period.

Conclusions and Relevance

Incarceration and gun violence are major public health problems impacting racially and economically marginalized groups. Cash bail reform may be an important tool for reducing pretrial detention and advancing health equity without exacerbating community violence.
Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid Across Various Indications for Use
Authors: Smolinski Nicole E. , Sarayani Amir , Thai Thuy N. , Jugl Sebastian , Ewig Celeste L. Y. , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Teratogenic outcomes associated with valproic acid use represent a substantial concern for persons of childbearing age. Regulatory agencies worldwide have enhanced warnings or implemented risk minimization programs to reduce exposure during pregnancy.

Objectives

To determine pregnancy rates during valproic acid use and concomitant contraception use across indications.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Merative MarketScan commercial claims databases from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2020, to identify female patients aged 12 to 44 years who initiated valproic acid treatment and had continuous insurance enrollment 6 months before initiation and 9 months after treatment end. A treatment episode included consecutive prescription fills that occurred within 7 days from the end of the days’ supply of the previous dispensing. Data were analyzed from March 1 to September 10, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Treatment episodes were categorized by inferred indication using diagnoses preceding treatment initiation, including epilepsy, migraine or headache, mood disorders, and unknown or off-label uses. Pregnancy incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated and were adjusted for age and calendar year. Contraceptive use (prescription contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and implants) during treatment was examined.

Results

The cohort included 165 772 valproic acid treatment episodes among 69 390 women (mean [SD] age, 29.8 [10.0] years). Mood disorders (42.5%) were the most common indication, followed by migraine or headache (20.1%), with epilepsy playing a minor role (14.9%). Pregnancy incidence rates during valproic acid use remained unchanged, with a rate of 1.74 (95% CI, 1.14-2.53) per 100 person-years in 2005 and a rate of 1.90 (95% CI, 1.16-3.12) per 100 person-years in 2019. Compared with epilepsy, pregnancy rates were more than double for mood disorder (IRR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.93-2.42]) and migraine or headache (IRR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.92-2.09]). Few treatment episodes coincided with contraceptive use (37 012 [22.3%]), and oral dosage forms were the most common (27 069 [73.1%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients of childbearing age who used valproic acid, pregnancy rates during valproic acid use did not decrease despite enhanced US Food and Drug Administration safety communications, and contraception use remained low. Patients with migraine and mood disorders accounted for the largest proportion of valproic acid use and had the highest pregnancy rates, while patients with epilepsy had the lowest. These findings suggest a need to enhance efforts to mitigate prenatal exposure to valproic acid, especially for indications where the risk of use during pregnancy outweighs the benefit.
Firearm Homicide Demographics Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Roman John K.
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates changes in firearm homicide demographics before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Association of serum Spp1 levels with disease progression in ALS and SBMA
Authors: Ju Woohee , Ban Jae‐Jun , Im Hye‐ryeong , Ko Sun Hi , Seo Jaewoo , Min Young Gi , Hong Yoon‐Ho , Choi Seok‐Jin , Sung Jung‐Joon
Published: May 2024

Objective

In comparison with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the contribution of neuroinflammation in spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) has been less explored. We investigated the role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ALS and SBMA by analyzing systemic inflammatory markers and osteopontin (Spp1).

Methods

This study involved 105 ALS, 77 SBMA, and 55 healthy controls. We measured their systemic inflammatory markers, serum Spp1, and cytokine levels (interferon‐γ, interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐17A), investigated correlations between Spp1 levels and clinical features, and evaluated ALS survival rates according to Spp1 levels.

Results

In the ALS group, systemic inflammatory markers were significantly higher than in the control and SBMA groups. Spp1 levels were observed to be higher in ALS patients, but the difference was not statistically significant among the study groups. Cytokine profiles were comparable. In ALS, higher Spp1 levels were correlated with lower ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) scores (r = −0.25, p = 0.02) and faster disease progression rate (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). After adjusting for other prognostic indicators, high Spp1 levels were independently associated with shorter survival in ALS patients (hazard ratio 13.65, 95% confidence interval 2.57–72.53, p < 0.01).

Interpretation

Neuroinflammation does not appear to be a primary contributor to the pathogenesis of SBMA. Serum Spp1 levels may serve as a reliable biomarker for disease progression and prognosis in ALS. These findings expand our understanding of these two distinct motor neuron disorders and offer a potential biomarker for future studies.
Tunable Full‐Color Mechanoluminescence in Rare Earth‐Doped Transparent Amorphous Glass
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Yang Xiuxia , Xiao Jianqiang , Li Xin , Peng Qingpeng , Luo Siyuan , Ba Huaiqiang , Zhang Yu , Xu Xuhui
Published: May 2024

Mechanoluminescence (ML) with the unique mechanical‐to‐optical energy conversion attracts wide attention for stress sensing. However, the development of ML materials is primarily based on crystalline material due to the crystal structure can provide an appropriate crystal field environment for emission center, which limits the expansion of ML materials and affects the deeper understanding of ML mechanism. Herein, the tunable full‐color ML can be achieved in transparent amorphous glass system. The rare earth‐doped transparent amorphous glass can produce ML under stress stimulations when in direct contact with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or mixed with PDMS to prepare the ML elastomers. Based on the excellent ML performance of amorphous glass, an advanced device regarding the visualized detection of automotive brake tribo‐force has been developed. The findings provide profound insights into the triboelectric potential induced ML phenomenon, which offers the guiding significance in the mechanics‐related visualized detection and the design of multi‐color ML materials in the future.
Intercalation‐Induced Localized Conversion Reaction in h‐CuSe for Ultrafast‐Rechargeable and Long‐Cycling Sodium Metal Battery
Authors: Chen Dongliang , Xu Yunkai , Lu Jianguo , Tian Yang , Li Tongtong , Jia Peng , Wang Xu , Zhang Liqiang , Hou Yang , Wang Liguang , Zhang Qinghua , Ye Zhizhen , Lu Jun
Published: May 2024

Cathode materials of sodium‐based batteries with high specific capacity and fast charge–discharge mode, as well as ultralong reversible cycles at wide applied temperatures, are essential for future development of advanced energy storage system. Developing transition metal selenides with intercalation features provides a new strategy for realizing the above cathode materials. Herein, this work reports a storage mechanism of sodium ion in hexagonal CuSe (h‐CuSe) based on the density functional theory (DFT) guidance. This work reveals that the two‐dimensional ion intercalation triggers localized redox reaction in the h‐CuSe bulk phase, termed intercalation‐induced localized conversion (ILC) mechanism, to stabilize the sodium storage structure by forming localized Cu7Se4 transition phase and adjusting the near‐edge coordination state of the Cu sites to achieve high reversible capacity and ultra‐long cycling life, while allowing rapid charge–discharge cycling over a wide temperature range.
Recent Progress in Transformations of Yne‐enones
Authors: Doraghi Fatemeh , Aghanour Ashtiani Mohammad Mahdi , Dastyafteh Navid , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Due to the presence of multiple reactive sites, including an alkyne, an alkene, and a ketone, 2‐(1‐alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐ones (yne‐enones) can successfully participate in the synthesis of various carbo‐, and heterocycles, as well as acyclic compounds. In this regard, a wide variety of transition metal catalysts and organocatalysts are utilized in cycloaddition and functionalization reactions of yne‐enones with other coupling partners. Considering the versatility of this synthon, in this review, we have described metal‐catalyzed and non‐metal‐catalyzed transformations of yne‐enones over the last decade.
Cu‐Catalyzed Reaction of Trifluoromethylated β‐Keto Diazos and Nitriles Proceeding via H2O Addition to Nitrile Ylides
Authors: Mei Haibo , Du Youlong , Wang Qian , Escorihuela Jorge , Kiss Loránd , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Han Jianlin
Published: May 2024

A Cu‐catalyzed multi‐component reaction of trifluoromethylated β‐amino ketones and nitriles using tert‐butyl nitrite as a diazotization reagent has been developed. Under the optimized conditions, N‐trifluoroalkyl amides were obtained with yields up to 87%. Control experiments and computational studies reveal that the reaction proceeds through the generation of diazo, in situ formation of nitrile ylide, water addition and final enol tautomerism. This approach features mild reaction conditions, wide substrate tolerance, and scale‐up applicability, which provides an efficient and practical strategy for amide synthesis.
Glory of Fire Retardants in Li‐Ion Batteries: Could They Be Intrinsically Safer?
Authors: Mishra Rajat , Anne Mounika , Das Sayan , Chavva Tarunikaa , Shelke Manjusha V. , Pol Vilas G.
Published: May 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have dramatically transformed modern energy storage, powering a wide range of devices from portable electronics to electric vehicles, yet the use of flammable liquid electrolytes raises thermal safety concerns. Researchers have investigated several ways to enhance LIB's fire resistance. Fire retarding molecules functions through cooling effects, scavenging radicals, and forming protective barriers. Incorporating fire‐suppressing molecules within the LIBs aims to delay or mitigate thermal runaway scenarios, reducing the risks of fires or explosions. Achieving an optimal balance between safety and performance is a major obstacle in the design of intrinsically safer LIBs. Therefore, it is important to consider their effects on LIB's performance, long‐term stability, and environmental impact. To overcome these challenges, collaborative research efforts among academia, industry, and regulatory sectors are necessary. This article reviews state‐of‐the‐art literature associated with LIBs safety or even fire mitigation by introducing solid‐state or quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes as well as modified liquid electrolytes. Moreover, the effectiveness of various strategies in making LIBs intrinsically safer is critically evaluated with an emphasis on fire retardants followed by shedding some light on the remaining challenges.
Advances in Blue Energy Fuels: Harvesting Energy from Ocean for Self‐Powered Electrolysis
Authors: Ock Il Woo , Yin Junyi , Wang Shaolei , Zhao Xun , Baik Jeong Min , Chen Jun
Published: May 2024

70% of the earth's surface is covered by the ocean, and it represents a promising and renewable clean energy reservoir that waits for further exploration. Although hydrogen (H2) boasts a high energy density of 143 MJ kg−1 and environmentally friendly attributes, the widespread commercialization of green H2 production remains a formidable challenge. With huge amounts of water, the ocean presents an opportunity for generating H2 fuel through the process of seawater electrolysis. This review introduces ocean‐driven, self‐powered blue energy conversion devices, including triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), magnetoelastic generators (MEGs), and solar cells. They are able to convert renewable energy from the ocean, including water waves, wind, and solar energy, into electricity for on‐site seawater‐splitting and H2 generation. This review systematically reports this compelling approach by introducing the fundamental principles of the devices and showcasing the practical applications. Additionally, aiming to promote future research in the field of sustainable energy, this review also delves into the development of novel ocean energy harvesting systems with high energy conversion efficiency for large‐scale and effective H2 production.
Influence of Carbonate Electrolyte Solvents on Voltage and Capacity Degradation in Li‐Rich Cathodes for Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Rui , Weng Bo , Mahadevegowda Amoghavarsha , Temprano Israel , Wang Heng , He Ze , Ducati Caterina , Xiao Yinguo , Grey Clare P. , De Volder Michael F. L.
Published: May 2024

Lithium‐rich cobalt‐free cathodes, such as Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMR), are promising next‐generation cathode materials because of their high energy density, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Nevertheless, LMRs suffer from degradation problems such as voltage decay during cycling. Different LMR surface doping and coating strategies are proposed to suppress LMR voltage decay with varying extents of success. Here, the role played by different electrolyte solvents in oxygen loss from the LMR surface is instead investigated. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), synchrotron XRD, and online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) results show that ethylene carbonate (EC) leads to accelerated oxygen loss from the LMR surface. As a result, cycling LMR cathodes in EC‐free electrolytes such as pure EMC, improves the capacity retention and reduces voltage decay. This approach provides a new strategy to increase the cycling stability of LMR cathodes, which is important for the development of more sustainable high‐performance batteries.
Surfactant Directionally Assembled at the Electrode‐Electrolyte Interface for Facilitating Electrocatalytic Aldehyde Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Wenfei , Ge Wangxin , Qi Yanbin , Sheng Xuedi , Jiang Hongliang , Li Chunzhong
Published: May 2024

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols is a promising alternative to conventional thermal processes. Both the catalyst and electrolyte deeply impact the performance. Designing the electrode‐electrolyte interface remains challenging due to its compositional and structural complexity. Here, we employ the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a reaction model. The typical cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and its analogs are employed as electrolyte additives to tune the interfacial microenvironment, delivering high‐efficiency hydrogenation of HMF and inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The surfactants experience a conformational transformation from stochastic distribution to directional assembly under applied potential. This oriented arrangement hampers the transfer of water molecules to the interface and promotes the enrichment of reactants. In addition, near 100 % 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) selectivity is achieved, and the faradaic efficiency (FE) of the BHMF is improved from 61 % to 74 % at −100 mA cm−2. Notably, the microenvironmental modulation strategy applies to a range of electrocatalytic hydrogenation reactions involving aldehyde substrates. This work paves the way for engineering advanced electrode‐electrolyte interfaces and boosting unsaturated alcohol electrosynthesis efficiency.
The Magnetic Field from Cylindrical Arc Coils and Magnets: A Compendium with New Analytic Solutions for Radial Magnetization and Azimuthal Current
Authors: Forbes Matthew , Robertson William S. P. , Zander Anthony C. , Paulides Johannes J. H.
Published: May 2024

This study provides analytic solutions for the magnetic field of coils and magnets that have a non‐axisymmetric cylindrical geometry with a rectangular cross‐section. New analytic solutions are provided for radially magnetized permanent magnet arcs, thin coil disc sectors, and thick coil sectors. If components of the 3D field are not representable in closed‐form or as canonical Legendre elliptic integrals, the exact solution is given in terms of a series of regularized beta functions. The limit and hence spatial convergence is found to these series, giving a well‐defined and fast solving algorithm for computation. The equations can be readily applied to find the magnetostatic field in linear or non‐linear systems that contain a large set of elements. Example applications are provided to demonstrate how the field can be used to calculate forces and benchmark computational efficiency of the equations. A thorough review of the preceding literature and background theory is provided before a detailed methodology obtaining the analytic solutions contained in this compendium, and further related geometries in cylindrical or spherical coordinates. This is the first study to comprehensively solve the field equations for this collection of electromagnetic geometries.
Enhancing Lithium‐Ion Battery Performance with Alumina‐Coated Separators: Exploring the Potential of Different Alumina Particle Sizes, Coating Techniques, and Calendering
Authors: Hasanpoor Meisam , Kerr Robert , Forsyth Maria , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: May 2024

A range of techniques for the coating of high purity alumina (HPA) on porous polypropylene battery separators has been investigated. A slurry was prepared by dispersion of the alumina powder in acetone solvent and poly (vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) as the binder to obtain an excellent adhesion to the membrane. Doctor blade, spin coating, and electro‐spin coating techniques were utilized to coat a thin layer of HPA on the separator that was followed up with a calendering step to improve compactness, decrease thickness and enhance adhesion. Furthermore, the effect of HPA particle size, distribution, and the use of a calendering step on coating thickness, compactness, and electrochemical performance were investigated using three HPA sources. The doctor blade technique was found to give the most uniform coating with the best mechanical properties and high‐temperature resistance. The coated separators were incorporated into lithium‐ion coin cells to evaluate the rate capability and long‐term cycling performance.