bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method for High-Contrast Single-Phase Flow Problems
Authors: Efendiev Yalchin , Jin Bangti , Michael Presho , Tan Xiaosi
Published: December 2014

In this paper we propose a general framework for the uncertainty quantification of quantities of interest for high-contrast single-phase flow problems. It is based on the generalized multiscale finite element method (GMsFEM) and multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) methods. The former provides a hierarchy of approximations of different resolution, whereas the latter gives an efficient way to estimate quantities of interest using samples on different levels. The number of basis functions in the online GMsFEM stage can be varied to determine the solution resolution and the computational cost, and to efficiently generate samples at different levels. In particular, it is cheap to generate samples on coarse grids but with low resolution, and it is expensive to generate samples on fine grids with high accuracy. By suitably choosing the number of samples at different levels, one can leverage the expensive computation in larger fine-grid spaces toward smaller coarse-grid spaces, while retaining the accuracy of the final Monte Carlo estimate. Further, we describe a multilevel Markov chain Monte Carlo method, which sequentially screens the proposal with different levels of approximations and reduces the number of evaluations required on fine grids, while combining the samples at different levels to arrive at an accurate estimate. The framework seamlessly integrates the multiscale features of the GMsFEM with the multilevel feature of the MLMC methods following the work in [26], and our numerical experiments illustrate its efficiency and accuracy in comparison with standard Monte Carlo estimates.
An Implicit Algorithm for High-Order DG/FV Schemes for Compressible Flows on 2D Arbitrary Grids
Authors: Zhang Laiping , Li Ming , Liu Wei , He Xin
Published: December 2014

A Newton/LU-SGS (lower-upper symmetric Gauss-Seidel) iteration implicit method was developed to solve two-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes equations by the DG/FV hybrid schemes on arbitrary grids. The Newton iteration was employed to solve the nonlinear system, while the linear system was solved with LU-SGS iteration. The effect of several parameters in the implicit scheme, such as the CFL number, the Newton sub-iteration steps, and the update frequency of Jacobian matrix, was investigated to evaluate the performance of convergence history. Several typical test cases were simulated, and compared with the traditional explicit Runge-Kutta (RK) scheme. Firstly the Couette flow was tested to validate the order of accuracy of the present DG/FV hybrid schemes. Then a subsonic inviscid flow over a bump in a channel was simulated and the effect of parameters was investigated also. Finally, the implicit algorithm was applied to simulate a subsonic inviscid flow over a circular cylinder and the viscous flow in a square cavity. The numerical results demonstrated that the present implicit scheme can accelerate the convergence history efficiently. Choosing proper parameters would improve the efficiency of the implicit scheme. Moreover, in the same framework, the DG/FV hybrid schemes are more efficient than the same order DG schemes.
Submicron aerosol source apportionment of wintertime pollution in Paris, France by double positive matrix factorization (PMF2) using an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and a multi-wavelength Aethalometer
Authors: Petit J.-E. , Favez O. , Sciare J. , Canonaco F. , Croteau P. , Močnik G. , Jayne J. , Worsnop D. , Leoz-Garziandia E.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Online non-refractory submicron aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements in urban areas have successfully allowed the apportionment of specific sources and/or physical and chemical properties of the organic fraction. However, in order to be fully representative of PM pollution, a comprehensive source apportionment analysis is needed by taking into account all major components of submicron aerosols, creating strengthened bonds between the organic components and pollution sources. We present here a novel two-step methodology to perform such an analysis, by taking advantage of high time resolution of monitoring instruments: the aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and the multi-wavelength absorption measurements (Aethalometer AE31) in Paris, France. As a first step, organic aerosols (OA) were deconvolved to hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), biomass burning OA (BBOA) and oxygenated OA (OOA) with positive matrix factorization (PMF), and black carbon was deconvolved into its wood burning and fossil fuel combustion fractions. A second PMF analysis was then carried out with organic factors, BC fractions and inorganic species (nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, chloride), leading to a four-factor solution allowing highly time-resolved characterization of the major sources of PM1. Outputs of this PMF2 include two dominant combustion sources (wood burning and traffic) as well as semi-volatile and low-volatile secondary aerosols. While HOA is found to be emitted by both wood burning and traffic, the latter sources occurred to significantly contribute also to OOA.
Ash iron mobilization in volcanic eruption plumes
Authors: Hoshyaripour G. , Hort M. , Langmann B.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. It has been shown that volcanic ash fertilizes the Fe-limited areas of the surface ocean through releasing soluble iron. As ash iron is mostly insoluble upon the eruption, it is hypothesized that heterogeneous in-plume and in-cloud processing of the ash promote the iron solubilization. Direct evidences concerning such processes are, however, lacking. In this study, a 1-D numerical model is developed to simulate the physicochemical interactions of gas–ash–aerosol in volcanic eruption plumes focusing on the iron mobilization processes at temperatures between 600 and 0 °C. Results show that sulfuric acid and water vapor condense at ~150 and ~50 °C on the ash surface, respectively. This liquid phase then efficiently scavenges the surrounding gases (>95% of HCl, 3–20% of SO2 and 12–62% of HF) forming an extremely acidic coating at the ash surface. The low pH conditions of the aqueous film promote acid-mediated dissolution of the Fe-bearing phases present in the ash material. We estimate that 0.1 to 33% of the total iron available at the ash surface is dissolved in the aqueous phase before the freezing point is reached. The efficiency of dissolution is controlled by the halogen content of the erupted gas as well as the mineralogy of the iron at ash surface: elevated halogen concentrations and presence of Fe2+-carrying phases lead to the highest dissolution efficiency. Findings of this study are in agreement with the data obtained through leaching experiments.
HAMP – the microwave package on the High Altitude and LOng range research aircraft (HALO)
Authors: Mech M. , Orlandi E. , Crewell S. , Ament F. , Hirsch L. , Hagen M. , Peters G. , Stevens B.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. An advanced package of microwave remote sensing instrumentation has been developed for the operation on the new German High Altitude LOng range research aircraft (HALO). The HALO Microwave Package, HAMP, consists of two nadir-looking instruments: a cloud radar at 36 GHz and a suite of passive microwave radiometers with 26 frequencies in different bands between 22.24 and 183.31 ± 12.5 GHz. We present a description of HAMP's instrumentation together with an illustration of its potential. To demonstrate this potential, synthetic measurements for the implemented passive microwave frequencies and the cloud radar based on cloud-resolving and radiative transfer model calculations were performed. These illustrate the advantage of HAMP's chosen frequency coverage, which allows for improved detection of hydrometeors both via the emission and scattering of radiation. Regression algorithms compare HAMP retrieval with standard satellite instruments from polar orbiters and show its advantages particularly for the lower atmosphere with a root-mean-square error reduced by 5 and 15% for temperature and humidity, respectively. HAMP's main advantage is the high spatial resolution of about 1 km, which is illustrated by first measurements from test flights. Together these qualities make it an exciting tool for gaining a better understanding of cloud processes, testing retrieval algorithms, defining future satellite instrument specifications, and validating platforms after they have been placed in orbit.
Evaporation from weighing precipitation gauges: impacts on automated gauge measurements and quality assurance methods
Authors: Leeper R. D. , Kochendorfer J.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The effects of evaporation on precipitation measurements have been understood to bias total precipitation lower. For automated weighing-bucket gauges, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) suggests the use of evaporative suppressants with frequent observations. However, the use of evaporation suppressants is not always feasible due to environmental hazards and the added cost of maintenance, transport, and disposal of the gauge additive. In addition, research has suggested that evaporation prior to precipitation may affect precipitation measurements from auto-recording gauges operating at sub-hourly frequencies. For further evaluation, a field campaign was conducted to monitor evaporation and its impacts on the quality of precipitation measurements from gauges used at US Climate Reference Network (USCRN) stations. Collocated Geonor gauges with (nonEvap) and without (evap) an evaporative suppressant were compared to evaluate evaporative losses and evaporation biases on precipitation measurements. From June to August, evaporative losses from the evap gauge exceeded accumulated precipitation, with an average loss of 0.12 mm h−1. However, the impact of evaporation on precipitation measurements was sensitive to calculation methods. In general, methods that utilized a longer time series to smooth out sensor noise were more sensitive to gauge (−4.6% bias with respect to control) evaporation than methods computing depth change without smoothing (< +1% bias). These results indicate that while climate and gauge design affect gauge evaporation rates computational methods can influence the magnitude of evaporation bias on precipitation measurements. It is hoped this study will advance QA techniques that mitigate the impact of evaporation biases on precipitation measurements from other automated networks.
Probing reservoir-triggered earthquakes in Koyna, India, through scientific deep drilling
Authors: Gupta H. , Nayak S. , Ellsworth W. , Rao Y. J. B. , Rajan S. , Bansal B. K. , Purnachandra Rao N. , Roy S. , Arora K. , Mohan R. , Tiwari V. M. , Satyanarayana H. V. S. , Patro P. K. , Shashidhar D. , Mallika K.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. We report here the salient features of the recently concluded International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) workshop in Koyna, India. This workshop was a sequel to the earlier held ICDP workshop in Hyderabad and Koyna in 2011. A total of 49 experts (37 from India and 12 from 8 other countries) spent 3 days reviewing the work carried out during the last 3 years based on the recommendations of the 2011 workshop and suggesting the future course of action, including detailed planning for a full deep drilling proposal in Koyna, India. It was unanimously concluded that Koyna is one of the best sites anywhere in the world to investigate genesis of triggered earthquakes from near-field observations. A broad framework of the activities for the next phase leading to deep drilling has been worked out.
The Pyramidellidae (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) of Norway and adjacent waters. A taxonomic review
Authors: Høisæter Tore
Published: December 2014

This monograph gives a taxonomic treatment of all 54 ‘species’ of Pyramidellidae reported from Norwegian and adjacent waters. Two species, Parthenina wikanderi n.sp.and Eulimella frielei n.sp., are described as new and three are ‘resurrected’ from synonymy. Nine previously described species are reported as new records for Norway, while three species are removed from the Norwegian fauna list. All species are illustrated with LM photographs (and, in a few cases, SEM photographs), and drawings of soft parts and operculae when available. An attempt is made to upgrade the generic taxonomy of the species included.
Narrative Threads: Philosophy as Storytelling
Authors: Craig Megan
Published: December 2014

This article explores the relationship between philosophy and storytelling, with a focus on the value of disjointed or incomplete narratives in exposing one to what Cora Diamond calls “the difficulty of reality.” Tracing the significance of several literary examples, the article emphasizes the plurivocity of every text and the impossibility of total comprehension. I argue that philosophy is one, among several, means of storytelling that can ethically expose, unhinge, and orient us toward the wider world.
Internationale verkeersongevallen. Waarom niet alle wegen leiden naar Rome
Authors: Collignon-Smit Sibinga A.F.
Published: December 2014

Internationale verkeersongevallen. Waarom niet alle wegen leiden naar Rome

Bij internationale verkeersongevallen in Europa wordt het toepasselijk recht bepaald aan de hand van ofwel het Haags Verkeersongevallenverdrag ofwel Rome II, afhankelijk in welk land een procedure wordt gestart. In deze bijdrage worden de verschillen tussen Rome II en het Haags Verkeersongevallenverdrag in kaart gebracht. De conclusie is dat toepassing van beide verdragen naast elkaar kan leiden tot toepassing van het recht van verschillende landen. Zolang beide verdragen naast elkaar van toepassing zijn, is sprake van een systeem dat complex en verwarrend is. Dit is in strijd met het doel van Rome II om binnen Europa eenheid en duidelijkheid te creëren.
Analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ether and tetrabromobisphenol A in plastic samples in Mongolia
Authors: Bayarmaa B , Gan-Erdene T , Weber Roland , Jargalsaikhan L
Published: December 2014

This study was conducted to determine brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in electronic products in view compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and initiated by activities for implementation of the Stockholm Convention. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are synthetic additives mainly used in electrical and electronic appliances and in construction materials. Total 16 plastic casing samples were tested for threshold levels of polybrominated ethers. According the XFR results, the concentration of cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium were found below than Maximum Concentration Value (MCV) of RoHS, while the concentration of total bromine was exceeded the standard limitations in the samples. Only 1 out of the 16 plastic samples contains DecaBDEs while Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBP-A) is the major brominated flame retardants. However by the presence of one sample the average concentration of DecaBDE was above the RoHS limit of 1000 ppm as found in studies in other countries.DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.5564/mjc.v15i0.317 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 15 (41), 2014, p27-32
Removal of Cr 3+ by electrocoagulation from simulated wastewater
Authors: Ulambayar R , Oyuntsetseg J , Tsiiregzen A , Bayaraa D
Published: December 2014

Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) removal from aqueous solution  by electrocoagulation using iron electrodes material was investigated in this paper. Effects of current density, initial concentration of Cr 3+, operating time,  pH, electrode distance, and operating cost have been investigated. At higher current density and solution pH, remarkable removal of Cr3+ was observed. Experiments have been show that the maximum removal percentage of the Cr3+ 99.89 % was at initial concentration 1000mg/L,  current density 9.34mA/cm2 and reaction time 1 hours. Energy consumption was calculated  for Cr3+ removal at different time. The method is observed to be very effective in the removal Cr3+ ion from aqueous solution. Electrocoagulation process need simple equipment, designable any size, use any chemical substances and low operating cost.DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.5564/mjc.v15i0.330 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 15 (41), 2014, p89-93
Natural products as sources of new fungicides (I): synthesis and antifungal activity of Kakuol derivatives against phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Shi Wei , Nandinsuren Tseden , Zhou Wen-Ming , Gao Jin-Ming
Published: December 2014

In order to establish an advanced structural-activity relationship (SAR) and to explore the feasibility of kakuol analogues with better anti-fungi activity, a series of 2-hydroxy-4,5-methylenedioxyaryl ketones were conveniently synthesized by the Friedel-Crafts acyl reaction, etherification reaction, reduction reaction and oximation reaction. Their structures characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS methods. Their in vitro antifungal activities were assayed. Most of the derivatives showed a remarkable in vitro activity, and some of them appeared significantly more effective than a commercial fungicide hymexazol as positive control. In particular compounds 2h and 2i, were found active with a IC50 value of 3.1 mg/ml and 2.9 mg/ml against Glomerella cingulate, which suggested that 2-hydroxy-4,5-methylenedioxyaryl ketones might be a promising candidates in the development of new antifungal compounds. Compounds 2e, 5 and 6 also exhibited high antifungal activities on a wide range of organisms, which might be considered as leading compounds in the development of new antifungal compounds.DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.5564/mjc.v15i0.331 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 15 (41), 2014, p94-100
Perspective: Nutrient Intake Chronophysiology: A Rising Public Health Concern
Authors: Nikkhah Akbar
Published: December 2014

Perspective: Nutrient Intake Chronophysiology: A Rising Public Health Concern
Association and Interaction Effect between VEGF Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) Gene Polymorphisms and Dietary Pattern on Blood Lipids in Malaysian Adults
Authors: Yap Roseline Wai Kuan , Masaki Motofumi , Shidoji Yoshihiro , Hon Wei Min
Published: December 2014

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and diet are related to blood lipid health. Gene-diet interaction studies can identify the risks. The objectives are to determine associations, and interaction effects between VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms (rs1870377 and rs2071559) and dietary patterns on blood lipids in multi-ethnic Malaysian adults.
Methods: Dietary intakes of 509 (153 Malay, 179 Chinese, and 177 Indian) Malaysians were obtained from food frequency questionnaire for the construction of dietary patterns using factor analysis. Anthropometric measurements: body mass index and blood pressure; and biomarkers: glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were determined. Genotyping of rs1870377 and rs2071559 was performed by real-time PCR using Taqman probes.
Results: Two major dietary patterns were extracted from all subjects: ‘Vegetables, fruits, and soy diet’ (VFSD), and ‘Rice, egg, and fish diet’ (REFD). There were significant genetic associations for rs2071559 with TG (p=0.048) in Malays, and in Chinese for rs1870377 with TC (p=0.001) and LDL-C (p=0.007), and rs2071559 on LDL-C (p=0.048). The interaction effects of VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms and dietary patterns were significant in Malays between rs2071559 and REFD on TG (p=0.005); and in Chinese between VFSD and rs1870377 on LDL-C (p=0.028) after adjusting for potential confounders. There were no significant genetic or dietary associations on blood lipids in Indians (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The significant associations and gene-diet interaction effects between VEGFR-2 gene polymorphisms and dietary patterns on blood lipids may pose hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia risks in Malay and Chinese Malaysians
Mushroom body output neurons encode valence and guide memory-based action selection in Drosophila
Authors: Aso Yoshinori , Sitaraman Divya , Ichinose Toshiharu , Kaun Karla R , Vogt Katrin , Belliart-Guérin Ghislain , Plaçais Pierre-Yves , Robie Alice A , Yamagata Nobuhiro , Schnaitmann Christopher , Rowell William J , Johnston Rebecca M , Ngo Teri-T B , Chen Nan , Korff Wyatt , Nitabach Michael N , Heberlein Ulrike , Preat Thomas , Branson Kristin M , Tanimoto Hiromu , Rubin Gerald M
Published: December 2014

Animals discriminate stimuli, learn their predictive value and use this knowledge to modify their behavior. In Drosophila, the mushroom body (MB) plays a key role in these processes. Sensory stimuli are sparsely represented by ∼2000 Kenyon cells, which converge onto 34 output neurons (MBONs) of 21 types. We studied the role of MBONs in several associative learning tasks and in sleep regulation, revealing the extent to which information flow is segregated into distinct channels and suggesting possible roles for the multi-layered MBON network. We also show that optogenetic activation of MBONs can, depending on cell type, induce repulsion or attraction in flies. The behavioral effects of MBON perturbation are combinatorial, suggesting that the MBON ensemble collectively represents valence. We propose that local, stimulus-specific dopaminergic modulation selectively alters the balance within the MBON network for those stimuli. Our results suggest that valence encoded by the MBON ensemble biases memory-based action selection.
Health Outcome Changes in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes After a State-Level Insulin Copayment Cap
Authors: Giannouchos Theodoros V. , Ukert Benjamin , Buchmueller Thomas
Published: August 2024

Importance

Many insulin users ration doses due to high out-of-pocket costs. Starting January 2020 with Colorado, 25 states and the District of Columbia enacted laws that cap insulin copayments.

Objective

To estimate the association of Colorado’s $100 copayment cap with out-of-pocket spending, medication adherence, and health care services utilization for diabetes-related complications.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study using Colorado’s All-Payer Claims Database, nonelderly insulin users with type 1 diabetes were analyzed from January 2019 to December 2020. Outcome changes were compared in the prepolicy and postpolicy period among individuals continuously enrolled in state-regulated and non–state-regulated plans using difference-in-differences regressions. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on individuals’ prepolicy spending (low: never ≥$100 out-of-pocket vs high: ≥$100 out-of-pocket cost at least once). Data were analyzed from June 2023 to May 2024.

Exposure

Enrollment in state-regulated health insurance plans subject to the copayment cap legislation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Adherence to basal and bolus insulin treatment was evaluated using the proportion of days covered measure, out-of-pocket spending reflected prescription cost for a 30-day supply, and health care utilization for diabetes-related complications was identified using primary diagnosis codes from medical claims data.

Results

The panel included 1629 individuals with type 1 diabetes (39 096 person-months), of which 924 were male (56.7%), 540 (33.1%) had 1 or more comorbidities, and the mean (SD) age was 40.6 (15.9) years. Overall, the copayment cap was associated with out-of-pocket spending declines of $17.3 (95% CI, −$27.3 to −$7.3) for basal and $11.5 (95% CI, −$24.7 to $1.7) for bolus insulins and increases in adherence of 3.2 (95% CI, 0.0 to 6.5) percentage points for basal and 3.3 (95% CI, 0.3 to 6.4) percentage points for bolus insulins. Changes in adherence were associated with increases within the prepolicy high-spending group (basal, 9.9; 95% CI, 2.4 to 17.4 percentage points; bolus, 13.0; 95% CI, 5.1 to 20.9 percentage points). The policy was also associated with a mean reduction of −0.09 (95% CI, −0.16 to −0.02) medical claims for diabetes-related complications per person per month among high spenders, a 30% decrease.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of Colorado’s insulin copayment cap among individuals with type 1 diabetes, the policy was associated with an overall decline in out-of-pocket spending, an increase in medication adherence, and a decline in claims for diabetes-related complications only among insulin users who spent more than $100 in the prepolicy period at least once.
Copy number variations contribute to malignant tumor development in children with serious birth defects
Authors: Liu Yichuan , Glessner Joseph , Qu Hui‐Qi , Chang Xiao , Qiu Haijun , Wang Tiancheng , Mentch Frank D. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: August 2024

There are two key signatures of pediatric cancers: (a) higher prevalence of germline alterations and (b) heterogeneity in alteration types. Recent population‐based assessments have demonstrated that children with birth defects (BDs) are more likely to develop cancer even without chromosomal anomalies; therefore, explorations of genetic alterations in children with BDs and cancers could provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms for pediatric tumor development. We performed whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) on blood‐derived DNA for 1556 individuals without chromosomal anomalies, including 454 BD probands with at least one type of malignant tumor, 757 cancer‐free children with BDs, and 345 healthy individuals, focusing on copy number variation (CNV) analysis. Roughly half of the children with BD‐cancer have CNVs that are not identified in BD‐only/healthy individuals, and CNVs are not evenly distributed among these patients. Strong heterogeneity was observed, with a limited number of cancer predisposition genes containing CNVs in more than three patients. Moreover, functional enrichments of genes with CNVs showed that dozens of patients have variations related to the same biological pathways, such as deletions of genes with neurological functions and duplications of immune response genes. Phenotype clustering uncovered recurrences of patients with sarcoma: A notable enrichment was observed involving non‐coding RNA regulators, showing strong signals related to growth and cancer regulations in functional analysis. In conclusion, we conducted one of the first genomic studies exploring the impact of CNVs on cancer development in children with BDs, unveiling new insights into the underlying biological processes.
Adaptive deep neural network optimized control for a class of nonlinear strict‐feedback systems with prescribed performance
Authors: Lu Hongwei , Wu Jian , Wang Wei
Published: August 2024

In this article, an adaptive deep neural network (DNN) optimized control strategy is developed for a class of nonlinear strict‐feedback systems with prescribed performance. First, the DNN is applied to approximate the unknown function, and the weight update law is designed to reduce the mathematical challenge based on the first‐order Taylor's series. Second, the optimized backstepping technique is utilized to construct virtual and actual controllers in the backstepping process to achieve the overall control optimization of the system. Next, a control strategy based on the time‐varying switching function and the quartic barrier Lyapunov function is employed to achieve the prescribed performance. Then, the tracking error can converge to the prescribed accuracy within the prescribed time, and every signal within the system has a bound. Finally, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is utilized to search for the designed parameters and simulation examples to verify the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Bioinspired Capillary Transistors
Authors: Liu Xiaojiang , Gao Ming , Li Boyuan , Liu Ruoyu , Chong Zhejun , Gu Zhongze , Zhou Kun
Published: August 2024

Inspired by the unidirectional liquid spreading on Nepenthes peristome, Araucaria leaf, butterfly wings, etc., various microfluidic devices have been developed for water collection, irrigation, physical/chemical reaction, and oil–water separation. Despite extensive progress, most natural and artificial structures fail to enhance the Laplace pressure difference or capillary force, thus suffering from a low unidirectional capillary height (<30 mm). In this work, asymmetric re‐entrant structures with long overhangs and connected forward/lateral microchannels are fabricated by 3D printing, resulting in a significantly increased unidirectional capillary height of 102.3 mm for water, which approximately corresponds to the theoretical limit. The overhangs can partially overlap the forward microchannels of the front structures without direct contact, thus enhancing the Laplace pressure difference and capillary force simultaneously. Based on asymmetric and symmetric re‐entrant structures, capillary transistors are proposed and realized to programmably adjust the capillary direction, height, and width, which are envisioned to function as switches/valves and amplifiers/attenuators for highly efficient liquid patterning, desalination, and biochemical microreaction in 3D space.
Shape‐Regulated Motion and Energy Conversion of Polyelectrolyte Membrane Actuators
Authors: Yin Xianze , He Shuyan , Fu Xinming , Xiong Xiaoshuang , Song Yiheng , Zhao Qiang
Published: August 2024

Smart actuators hold great potential in soft robotics and sensors, but their movement at the fluid interface is less understood and controlled, hindering their performances and applications in complicated fluids. Here an ethanol‐containing polyelectrolyte actuator is prepared that demonstrates excellent actuating performance via the Marangoni effect. These actuators exhibit enduring (17 min), repeatable (50 cycles), and autonomous motion on the water surface. More importantly, the motion of actuators are dependent on their shapes. Polygonal actuators with more edges exhibit round motion attached to walls of containers, while the actuators with few edges move randomly. On the basis of this property, the circular actuators can pass through pipe bends with S‐shaped complex geometry. These unique advantages lend the actuators to successful applications in wireless sensing (standard 0–5 V level signals) for locating obstructions inside invisible pipes and continuous energy harvesting (7700 nC per cycle) for micro mechanical energy.
Tuning the Permeation Properties of Poly(1‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐propyne) by Vapor Phase Infiltration Using Trimethylaluminum
Authors: Jenderny Jonathan , Boysen Nils , Rubner Jens , Zysk Frederik , Preischel Florian , Arcos Teresa de los , Damerla Varun Raj , Kostka Aleksander , Franke Jonas , Dahlmann Rainer , Kühne Thomas D. , Wessling Matthias , Awakowicz Peter , Devi Anjana
Published: August 2024

Vapor phase infiltration (VPI) has emerged as a promising tool for fabrication of novel hybrid materials. In the field of polymeric gas separation membranes, a beneficial impact on stability and membrane performance is known for several polymers with differing functional groups. This study for the first time investigates VPI of trimethylaluminum (TMA) into poly(1‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐propyne) (PTMSP), featuring a carbon–carbon double bond as functional group. Saturation of the precursor inside the polymer is already attained after 60 s infiltration time leading to significant densification of the material. Depth profiling proves accumulation of aluminum in the polymer itself, but a significantly increased accumulation is visible in the gradient layer between polymer and SiO2 substrate. A reaction pathway is proposed and supplemented by density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations. Infrared spectra derived from both experiments and simulation support the presented reaction pathway. In terms of permeance, a favorable impact on selectivity is observed for infiltration times up to 1 s. Longer infiltration times yield greatly reduced permeance values close or even below the detection limit of the measurement device. The present results of this study set a strong basis for the application of VPI on polymers for gas‐barrier and membrane applications in the future.
Multifunctional porous soft composites for bimodal wearable cardiac monitors
Authors: Chen Zehua , Chen Sicheng , Andrabi Syed Muntazir , Zhao Ganggang , Xu Yadong , Ouyang Qunle , Busquets Milton E. , Qian Xiaoyan , Gautam Sandeep , Chen Pai‐Yen , Xie Jingwei , Yan Zheng
Published: August 2024

Wearable heart monitors are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases in non‐clinical settings. However, their long‐term applications require skin‐interfaced materials that are ultrasoft, breathable, antibacterial, and possess robust, enduring on‐skin adherence—features that remain elusive. Here, we have developed multifunctional porous soft composites that meet all these criteria for skin‐interfaced bimodal cardiac monitoring. The composite consists of a bilayer structure featuring phase‐separated porous elastomer and slot‐die‐coated biogel. The porous elastomer ensures ultrasoftness, breathability, ease of handling, and mechanical integrity, while the biogel enables long‐term on‐skin adherence. Additionally, we incorporated ε‐polylysine in the biogel to offer antibacterial properties. Also, the conductive biogel embedded with silver nanowires was developed for use in electrocardiogram sensors to reduce contact impedance and ensure high‐fidelity recordings. Furthermore, we assembled a bimodal wearable cardiac monitoring system that demonstrates high‐fidelity recordings of both cardiac electrical (electrocardiogram) and mechanical (seismocardiogram) signals over a 14‐day testing period.
Stable Silica‐Based Zeolites with Three‐Dimensional Systems of Extra‐Large Pores
Authors: Yu Huajian , Villaescusa Luis A. , Gao Zihao Rei , Camblor Miguel A.
Published: August 2024

Zeolites are microporous crystalline materials that find a very wide range of applications, which, however, are limited by the size and dimensionality of their pores. Stable silica zeolites with a three‐dimensional (3D) system of extra‐large pores (ELP, i.e., pores with minimum windows along the diffusion path consisting of more than 12 SiO4/2 tetrahedra, 12R) are in demand for processing larger molecules than zeolites can currently handle. However, they have challenged worldwide synthetic capabilities for more than eight decades. In this review we first present a brief history of the discovery of ELP zeolites. Next, we show that earlier successes of zeolites with 3D ELP were not actually zeolites, but rather interrupted structures with, in addition, a composition that severely detracted from their stability. Finally, we present three new fully connected stable silica‐based 3D ELP zeolites ZEO‐1, ZEO‐3 and ZEO‐5, discuss their preparation methods and stability as well as the clear advantage of their increased porosity in catalysis and adsorption processes involving large molecules. We will discuss peculiar characteristics of their preparation and present two new reaction types giving rise to zeolites (1D‐to‐3D topotactic condensation and interchain expansion), highlighting how new synthesis methods can provide materials that would otherwise be unfeasible.
Construction of a New 2D Coordination Polymer: Degradation Antibiotic Nitrofurantoin and Magnetism
Authors: Wu Yu , Ghosh Mithun Kumar , Wang Xin , Li Yulong , Ansari Istikhar A. , Muddassir Mohd. , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Ghorai Tanmay Kumar
Published: August 2024

The synthesis of a trinuclear Co(II)‐based coordination polymer (CP), [Co3(HL)2(H2O)6·2.2H2O]n (1), was achieved via a solvothermal method involving CoCl2·6H2O and 3‐(2,4‐dicarboxylphenyl)‐2,6‐dicarboxylpyridine (H3L). The photocatalytic efficiency of the complex was evaluated for the degradation of various antibiotics ornidazole (ODZ), nitrofurantoin (NFT), dinitroaniline (DNZ), and tinidazole (TDZ) in wastewater. Notably, NFT exhibited a remarkable 91.5% degradation within 20 min under optimal conditions. The catalytic performance was influenced by the amount of photocatalyst, NFT concentration, and solution pH, with optimal conditions identified at 6‐mg catalyst dose, 30 mg/L NFT concentration, and pH 7. Trapping experiments highlighted the roles of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals as primary active species in the photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the magnetic behavior is also discussed in detail.
On messianic links
Authors: Kaul Nilofer
Published: August 2024

The messianic structure of human experience is manifest in the form of waiting—for an object who will alleviate suffering, and thereby, bring about change. The underpinning of such waiting is imagined here as messianic hope. In individuals, families, cults, religion, and politics, we may detect such hope—one that perhaps makes the unbearability of life bearable. This longing may get concretized in the shape of a person who comes to represent a link with God. From different vertices, messianic power may get located in the analyst, patriarch, the godman, or the political leader. Links that get forged between such figures and those who are waiting, may be thought of as messianic links. As a messianic group gets consolidated, it often displays certain primitive features. Such groups tend to veer towards a display of omnipotence, resolute action, a solution‐driven language. They may seek to cut off contact with painful reality and anoint someone who can enable that. Ideas of time are wrenched away from its painful association with loss. Time is made predictable and repetitive. Deliverance is promised, incertitude discarded. Messianic language is often evocative and enigmatic. It can be an expression of impotency. But language may also be used to fuel omnipotent longing, as with the use of omniscience by the anointed messiah. Such messianic groups may come together with shared magical beliefs in the annointed figure. But links by their very nature are dynamic and so, a link fueled by awe may also devolve into paranoia or else dependency or may be discarded altogether. This paper looks at two documentaries, and a novel, to give shape to messianic links. Here we see instances of how enigma may be replaced by charisma, and strength by hypervigilance. In that sense it seems that regardless of how they originate, they are condemned to move towards what Bion (1962) calls “minus links” or links that lead away from truth and the growth of the mind. We see that messianic links may either end catastrophically, or decay and degenerate to the point of disappearing, or else, lose the kernel, but assiduously preserve the shell, or finally institutionalized as deifying links.
Changing dynamics of Western European summertime cut‐off lows: A case study of the July 2021 flood event
Authors: Thompson Vikki , Coumou Dim , Galfi Vera Melinda , Happé Tamara , Kew Sarah , Pinto Izidine , Philip Sjoukje , de Vries Hylke , van der Wiel Karin
Published: August 2024

In July 2021, a cut‐off low‐pressure system brought extreme precipitation to Western Europe. Record daily rainfall totals led to flooding that caused loss of life and substantial damage to infrastructure. Climate change can amplify rainfall extremes via thermodynamic processes, but the role of dynamical changes is uncertain. We assess how the dynamics involved in this particular event are changing using flow analogues. Using past and present periods in reanalyses and large ensemble climate model data of the present‐day climate and 2°C warmer climate, we find that the best flow analogues become more similar to the cut‐off low‐pressure system observed over Western Europe in 2021. This may imply that extreme rain events will occur more frequently in the future. Moreover, the magnitude of the analogue lows has deepened, and the associated air masses contain more precipitable water. Simulations of future climate show similar events of the future could lead to intense rainfall further east than in the current climate, due to a shift of the pattern. Such unprecedented events can have large consequences for society, we need to mitigate and adapt to reduce future impacts.
Glycosylation in Drosophila S2 cells
Authors: Xu Tingting , Tong Lixiang , Zhang Zhifu , Zhou Hairong , Zheng Peilin
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the approval of therapeutic protein drugs, particularly recombinant glycoproteins. Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells have become an appealing platform for the production of recombinant proteins due to their simplicity and low cost in cell culture. However, a significant limitation associated with using the S2 cell expression system is its propensity to introduce simple paucimannosidic glycosylation structures, which differs from that in the mammalian expression system. It is well established that the glycosylation patterns of glycoproteins have a profound impact on the physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and immunogenicity. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind these glycosylation modifications and implementing measures to address it has become a subject of considerable interest. This review aims to comprehensively summarize recent advancements in glycosylation modification in S2 cells, with a particular focus on comparing the glycosylation patterns among S2, other insect cells, and mammalian cells, as well as developing strategies for altering the glycosylation patterns of recombinant glycoproteins.
Chiral Chemopolymorphism in the Monoterpenes of Pistacia palaestina Leaves and Galls
Authors: Bar Einat , Davidovich‐Rikanati Rachel , Saini Shashank , Inbar Moshe , Lewinsohn Efraim
Published: August 2024

Pistacia palaestina Boiss. is a common tree in the Mediterranean maquis. The leaves of this plant accumulate defensive monoterpenes, whose levels greatly increase in galls induced by the aphid Baizongia pistaciae. We previously found a significant chemopolymorphism in monoterpene content among individual trees, but the chirality of these monoterpenes was unknown. Although most plant species specifically accumulate one enantiomeric form of a given compound, P. palaestina individuals display chemopolymorphism in the chirality of the key monoterpenes accumulated. We report here a marked enantiomeric variation for the limonene, α‐ and β‐pinene, camphene, sabinene, δ‐3‐carene, and terpene‐4‐ol content in leaves and galls of nine different naturally growing P. palaestina trees. Interestingly, insect‐induced gall monoterpene composition is an augmentation of the specific enantiopolymorphism originally displayed by each individual tree.
Earth‐Abundant Nickel‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation†
Authors: Wang Peng , He Zhao‐Lin , Xia Zi‐Fei , Wei Jun , Dong Xiu‐Qin
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation is an efficient and direct synthetic method to access chiral compounds, which features simplicity, easy working‐up process, and high atomic economy. It typically relies on precious transition metal catalytic systems, including ruthenium, rhodium, iridium and palladium, which always face the difficulties of limited resources, high cost, and environmental contamination. Therefore, great efforts were made to apply earth‐abundant, low (non‐)toxic, and environmentally friendly transition metals, such as iron, cobalt, nickel and copper, to the asymmetric hydrogenation in the past decades, and some considerable breakthroughs have been obtained. In this review, we mainly summarized some recent research progress of nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral unsaturated molecules, including olefins, imines and ketones. And continuous development of chiral nickel catalytic systems and the application of them into challenging asymmetric hydrogenation is prospected in the future.

Key Scientists

Transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation has been regarded as an important and direct approach to access chiral molecules. The first example of homogeneous catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation was developed by Knowles and Horner in 1968, respectively. In 1971, Kagan developed privileged chiral DIOP ligand for asymmetric hydrogenation. Halpern and Brown made deep studies on the Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation in 1977, respectively. Noyori developed a powerful and privileged chiral BINAP ligand in 1980. Owing to Knowles and Noyori's great contribution in the field of catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2001. In 1984, Ohkubo developed pioneering earth‐abundant transition metal Ni‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl α‐methylcrotonate. A great many scientists made tremendous contribution to the development of chiral privileged ligands, such as, Bosnich, Kumada, Giongo, Takaya, Miyashima, Achiwa, Burk, Pflaltz, Chan, X. Zhang, Imamoto, Zhou, Genet, Sannicolo, Ding, Hoge, W. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Tang, these ligands owned wide application in the catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation. In addition, Zhou, Fan made deep investigation on the asymmetric hydrogenation of challenging aromatic heterocyclic compounds. Owing to the great importance of the development of the asymmetric (transfer) hydrogenation promoted by cheap transition metal catalytic systems, some researchers, such as Hamada, Gao, J. S. Zhou, Chirik, X. Zhang, Y.‐G. Zhou, W. Zhang, Lv, Dong, Fu, Deng, and Hou, made great efforts to the development of earth‐abundant nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral unsaturated molecules, including olefins, imines and ketones. In addition, there are some other scientists that have also made great contribution to the development of catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation and Ni‐catalyzed asymmetric transformation, with too limited space to list all of them.
Photo‐Excited Switching and Enhancement of Dielectric Properties in Two‐Dimensional Double Perovskite Phase Transition Thin Films
Authors: Wei Linjie , Liu Yi , Yang Tian , Rong Hao , Zhao Xianmei , Zhang Jingtian , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Optical controlling of solid‐sate electric properties is emerging as a non‐contact and nondestructive avenue to optimize the physical properties of electronic and optoelectronic devices. In term of strong light‐material coupling, two‐dimensional (2D) double perovskites hold great prospects to create photo‐dielectric activities for high‐performance device applications. Here, we have achieved the photo‐excited switching and enhancement of dielectric properties in the orientational thin films of a 2D double perovskite, (C4H12N)4AgBiI8 (1, where C4H9NH3+ is isobutylammonium). It undergoes a structural phase transition at 384 K (Tc), triggered by the dynamic ordering of organic cations and tilting motion of isometallic perovskite sheets. Most notably, the orientational thin films of 1 are extremely sensitive to light illumination, of which the dielectric constants can be facilely photo‐switched between the low‐ and high‐states. During this photo‐switching process, the dielectric constants are enhanced with a magnitude up to ~350% under 405 nm, far beyond most of the inorganic phase transition counterparts. In addition, this photo‐excited switching and enhancement of dielectric response exhibits an operational stability with superior anti‐fatigue characteristics. Our work opens up a potential avenue for assembling high‐performance optoelectronic devices with the controllable physical properties.