bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SA‐BiSeNet: Swap attention bilateral segmentation network for real‐time inland waterways segmentation
Authors: Zhang W.B. , Wu C.Y. , Bao Z.S.
Published: September 2022

The technology for autonomous navigation on inland waterways is worth investigating, and navigable water surface segmentation is a key part of this technology. Semantic segmentation methods based on deep learning are able to distinguish between water surface areas and non‐water surface areas. However, existing semantic segmentation methods cannot meet the requirements of the water surface segmentation task in terms of both segmentation precision and real‐time performance. In this study, a Swap Attention Bilateral Segmentation Network (SA‐BiSeNet) is proposed to improve segmentation performance while ensuring model inference speed by better fusing the two features of the dual‐branch down‐sampling network using the attention mechanism. Specifically, an innovative Swap Attention Module is designed to model the dependency between the features of the spatial detail branch and the features of the semantic branches, thus expanding the receptive fields of the spatial detail and semantic branches to each other's global contexts. This design can effectively fuse features and thus enhance feature representation. Experiments were conducted on the inland waterway dataset USVInland to verify the performance of SA‐BiSeNet in terms of segmentation precision and inference speed, and SA‐BiSeNet achieved 93.65% Mean IoU and maintained the same level of fps as the baseline.
Designing UHF RFID tag antennas with Barcode shape for dual‐technology identification
Authors: Zannas Konstantinos , Chietera Francesco P. , Abdelnour Abanob , Kaddour Darine , Colella Riccardo , Catarinucci Luca , Duroc Yvan , Tedjini Smail
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a novel methodology to design Ultra High Frequency Radio‐Frequency IDentification (UHF RFID) tag antennas with Barcode layout is proposed with the challenging goal of “fusing” both technologies in a single device. Specifically, after a brief recall of the well‐known barcode standard, a procedure to design meandered barcode‐shaped UHF RFID tags is introduced and discussed leveraging on electromagnetic evidence. The main steps of the proposed method are described by highlighting the constraints inherited by both the adopted technologies, as well as the useful opportunities to automatise the entire antenna design process after a preliminary simulation campaign through a full‐wave simulator. Different RFID‐Barcode tag antennas are designed, manufactured, and characterised in terms of maximum reading range and tag sensitivity. Obtained results demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.
Testing the presence of a dormant black hole inside HR 6819
Authors: Romagnolo A. , Olejak A. , Hypki A. , Wiktorowicz G. , Belczynski K.
Published: September 2022

Context. HR 6819 was recently reported to be a triple system with a non-accreting black hole (BH). The inner binary system was defined as a B3 III type star (a 5 − 7 M⊙ star estimated to be at the end of its main sequence) and a dormant BH (> 4.2 M⊙). The period of the inner binary was estimated to be ∼40 days with an eccentricity in the range 0.02 − 0.04. As the inner binary is not resolved, the third component may actually just be spatially coinciding with the inner binary.

Aims. In this study we test whether the system’s inner binary can be reconstructed using the isolated binary evolution in the Galactic field or through the dynamical evolution within globular star clusters. Our goal is to understand the formation of the HR 6819 inner binary.

Methods. To simulate the inner binary evolution we assumed that the influence of the third body on the inner binary is negligible. We created synthetic populations of BH-main sequence binaries for the Galactic disc and the Galactic globular clusters to compare to the reported parameters of the HR 6819 inner binary. We have adopted very optimistic input physics, in terms of common envelope evolution and BH formation, for the formation of binaries similar to the reported inner HR 6819 binary.

Results. Despite our optimistic assumptions we cannot form systems like the inner HR 6819 binary in globular clusters. Even with our extreme assumptions, the formation of an HR 6819-like binary in the Galactic field population is not expected.

Conclusions. We argue that if a dormant BH actually exists in the reported configuration inside HR 6819, its presence cannot easily be explained by our models based on isolated and dynamical binary evolution.
Biased tracers as a probe of beyond-ΛCDM cosmologies
Authors: Hassani Farbod , Adamek Julian , Durrer Ruth , Kunz Martin
Published: September 2022

Cosmological models beyond ΛCDM, such as those featuring massive neutrinos or modifications of gravity, often display a characteristic change (scale-dependent suppression or enhancement) in the matter power spectrum when compared to a six-parameter ΛCDM baseline. It is therefore a widely held view that constraints on those models can be obtained by searching for such features in the clustering statistics of large-scale structure. However, when using biased tracers of matter in the analysis, the situation is complicated by the fact that the bias also depends on cosmology. Here we investigate how the selection of tracers affects the observed signatures for two examples of beyond-ΛCDM cosmologies: massive neutrinos and clustering dark energy (k-essence). We study the signatures in the monopole, quadrupole, and hexadecapole of the redshift-space power spectra for halo catalogues from large N-body simulations and argue that a fixed selection criterion based on local attributes, such as tracer mass, leads to a near loss of signal in most cases. Instead, the full signal is recovered only if the selection of tracers is done at fixed bias. This emphasises the need to model or measure the bias parameters accurately in order to get meaningful constraints on the cosmological model.
A fully coupled opto-electro-thermal model to investigate silicon solar cells under real operating conditions
Authors: Dumoulin Jérémy , Drouard Emmanuel , Amara Mohamed
Published: September 2022

In this work, a fully coupled opto-electro-thermal model for crystalline silicon solar cells is presented. Based on a detailed set of material properties, the developed model allows us to predict and analyse the solar cell behaviour under real operating conditions in a standalone framework. The results show the potential of our model to study the influence of the cell design on its real operating performance, thus giving a new opportunity for silicon solar cell optimisation. Specifically, the doping level is found to impact both the operating temperature and the temperature coefficient, showing that two cells with the same power conversion efficiency in standard test conditions can have a very different efficiency under real operating conditions. We also demonstrate the model capability to assess in detail the influence of environmental conditions, such as the solar spectrum, which also impacts the temperature coefficient. As the latter is not required by our material-based approach but is a simulation output, this work opens the way to more reliable outdoor prediction. Moreover, the various perspectives and challenges associated with the proposed detailed multiphysics simulation of solar cells are discussed, providing important guidelines for future studies.
First Trimester Screening – Current Status and Future Prospects After Introduction of Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) at a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Walter Adeline , Simonini Corinna , Gembruch Ulrich , Flöck Anne , Strizek Brigitte , Geipel Annegret
Published: September 2022

Objective To investigate the uptake of different components of first trimester screening (FTS) and the impact on invasive diagnostic testing (IPT) since the introduction of
non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at a level III center.

Methods Retrospective data analysis was conducted for singleton pregnancies that presented for FTS between 01/2019–12/2019 (group 1, n = 990). Patients were categorized into three
risk groups: low risk for trisomy 21 (< 1 : 1000), intermediate risk (1 : 101–1 : 1000) and high risk (≥ 1 : 100). Uptake of NIPT and IPT was analyzed for each of the risk groups. Results
were compared to a previous cohort from 2012/2013 (immediately after the introduction of NIPT, group 2, n = 1178).

Results Group 1 showed a significant increase in the use of NIPT as part of FTS (29.5% vs. 3.7% for group 2, p = 0.001) in all three risk groups. Overall IPT rates were lower in
group 1 (8.6%) vs. group 2 (11.3%, p = 0.038), mainly due to a significant reduction of IPT in the intermediate risk group. IPT rates in the high-risk group remained stable over time.

Conclusion Appropriate clinical implementation of NIPT is still currently a challenge for prenatal medicine experts. Our data suggest that widespread uptake of NIPT is becoming more
common these days; however, a contingent approach might prevent redundant uptake.
Die Beiträge des Nervenarztes Ernst Burchard (1876–1920) zur Sexualforschung im frühen 20. Jahrhundert
Authors: Bornemann Georg , Steinberg Holger
Published: September 2022

Einleitung Ernst Burchard (1876–1920) wirkte als Nervenarzt und Sexualwissenschaftler zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts. Seine intensive Forschung unter anderem zur Homosexualität sowie seine Gutachtertätigkeit mit Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935) sind durch diverse Publikationen belegt.

Forschungsziele Bisher wurden die Arbeiten Burchards in der Medizingeschichte kaum beachtet. Die vorliegende Studie möchte erstmals seine sexologischen Beiträge systematisch inhaltlich erfassen und damit seine Positionen klarer verorten.

Methoden Anhand bekannter sowie neu aufgespürter Publikationen Burchards nehmen wir eine medizinhistorische Quellenanalyse vor, extrahieren die Grundaussagen und ordnen sie vor dem Hintergrund des historischen Kontextes ein.

Ergebnisse Burchard erklärt, dass Homosexualität angeboren und natürlich sei. Menschen mit transvestitischen Neigungen sollten dieser entsprechen dürfen. All seine Sichtweisen prononciert er in einem detaillierten Lexikon über Sexualität – dem wohl ersten seiner Art im deutschsprachigen Raum.

Schlussfolgerung Anhand seiner Grundhaltungen zu sexuellen Minderheiten lässt sich Burchard weitestgehend als Anhänger Hirschfelds einordnen. Sein Lexikon stellt eine neue Facette in der medizinhistorischen Forschung dar.
Einschätzung von Symptomen des brachyzephalen obstruktiven Atemwegssyndroms und anderen rassetypischen Erkrankungen bei Mops-Hunden – eine Online-Umfrage
Authors: Schroers Maike , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: September 2022

Gegenstand und Ziel Ziel der Studie war es, im Rahmen einer Online-Umfrage für Mops-Besitzer das Vorkommen und die Wahrnehmung für das durch die Zucht bedingte brachyzephale obstruktive Atemwegssyndrom (BOAS) zu ermitteln.

Material und Methoden Es wurde ein digitaler Fragebogen für Besitzer zur Verbreitung und Beantwortung über soziale Medien erstellt und ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurde der Fragebogen von 1220 Mops-Besitzern beantwortet. 1073 Hunde waren nicht operiert. Laut der Besitzer zeigen 32 % (344/1073) der Tiere, bei denen bisher keine OP zur Erweiterung der Atemwege durchgeführt wurde, in Ruhe „leichte“ und 3 % (34/1073) „deutliche“ Atemgeräusche. Die wahrgenommenen Atemgeräusche wurden von 86 % (326/378) der Besitzer als „normal, rassetyptisch“ und von 14 % (51/378) als „Erkrankung“ klassifiziert. 20 % (210/1073) der Tiere scheinen bei körperlichen Belastung nach kurzer Zeit „etwas“ und 5 % (57/1073) scheinen „häufig müde und schnell außer Atem“ zu sein. 24 % (245/1220) aller Tiere leiden u. a. an Augen-, 10 % (122/1220) an Haut- und 11 % (134/1220) an Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen.

Schlussfolgerung Aus der Umfrage wird deutlich, dass mehr als die Hälfte der Mopsbesitzer bei ihren Tieren klinische Anzeichen von BOAS und/oder weiteren rassespezifischen Erkrankungen wahrnehmen, ein Großteil diese aber als unproblematisch ansieht.

Klinische Relevanz Daraus ergibt sich, dass die mit der Brachyzephalie einhergehenden, klinischen Einschränkungen der Tiere häufig nicht als Erkrankung wahrgenommen und unterschätzt werden.
Potassium Persulfate/Tributylamine-Mediated Alkylation/Annulation of N-Arylacrylamides with Alkyl Iodides
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Xu Xiangsheng , Chen Huimin , Sun Zetian , Yang Hui , Mao Fenghua , Yan Xinhuan
Published: September 2022

We report a catalyst-free method for the alkylation/annulation of N-arylacrylamides to give the corresponding 3-alkyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indoles by using alkyl iodides as precursors of alkyl radicals. These reactions occur at moderate temperatures and are mediated by easily accessible K2S2O8 and Bu3N.
Activation Barriers for Cobalt(IV)-Centered Reductive Elimination Correlate with Quantified Interatomic Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Cornaton Yann , Djukic Jean-Pierre , Loir-Mongazon Lucas , Antuña-Hörlein Carmen , Deraedt Christophe
Published: September 2022

In this joint theoretical and experimental study, an analysis of weak interligand noncovalent interactions within Co(IV) [Cp*Co(phpy)X]+ cobaltacycles (phpy = 2-phenylenepyridine, κ
C,N
) was carried out by using the independent gradient model/intrinsic bond strength index (IGM/IBSI) method to evaluate the dependency of the catalytically desired reductive elimination pathway (RE) on the nature of the X ligand. It is shown that the barrier for activation of the RE pathway correlates directly with the IBSI of the X-to-carbanionic chelate’s carbon. This correlation suggests that in silico prediction of which X ligand is more prone to operate an efficient Cp*Co-catalyzed directed X-functionalization of an aromatic C–H bond is attainable. A set of experiments involving various sources of X ligands supported the theoretical conclusions.
Iron Salts, High Levels of Hemoglobin and Ferritin in Pregnancy, and Development of Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Miranda Vanessa Iribarrem Avena , Pizzol Tatiane da Silva Dal , Jesus Patricia Romualdo de , Silveira Marysabel Pinto Telis , Bertoldi Andréa Dâmaso
Published: September 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to systematically review literature on the use of iron supplements (not including iron derived from diet), increased levels of hemoglobin and/or ferritin, and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Data source The following databases were searched, from the study's inception to April 2021: PUBMED, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cinahl and Lilacs.

Selection of studies A total of 6,956 titles and abstracts were reviewed, 9 of which met the final inclusion criteria, with 7,560 women in total.

Data collection Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers and disagreements were resolved by a third researcher.

Data synthesis Methodological quality in controlled trials were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration tools (ROB-2 and ROBINS-1) and for the observational studies, the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) quality assessment tool was used. Among the 5 observational studies, women with a higher hemoglobin or ferritin level were more likely to develop GDM when compared with those with lower levels of these parameters. Among the 3 randomized clinical trials, none found a significant difference in the incidence of GDM among women in the intervention and control groups. However, we identified many risks of bias and great methodological differences among them.

Conclusion Based on the studies included in this review, and due to the important methodological problems pointed out, more studies of good methodological quality are needed to better establish the association between iron supplementation and GDM.
Adverse Events Related to COVID-19 Vaccines Reported in Pregnant Women in Brazil
Authors: Kobayashi Carla Dinamerica , Porto Victor Bertollo Gomes , da Nóbrega Martha Elizabeth Brasil , Cabral Cibelle Mendes , Barros Tiago Dahrug , Martins Cecília Maria Roteli
Published: September 2022

Regulations for the vaccination of pregnant women in Brazil occurred in March 2021. Despite the absence of robust data in the literature on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations in pregnant women, it is understood that the benefit-risk ratio tends to be favorable when considering the pandemic and the high burden of the disease. However, it is still important to monitor for Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccination or Immunization (ESAVI) and to draw safety profiles of the different platforms used in pregnant and postpartum women. The present study aims to describe the main characteristics of ESAVIs related to COVID-19 vaccines occurring in pregnant women in the first months of the vaccination campaign in Brazil. During the evaluation period, 1,674 notifications of ESAVIs in pregnant women were recorded, and 582 notifications were included for the analysis. Of the 582 ESAVIs identified, 481 (82%) were classified as non-serious adverse events and 101 (17%) as serious adverse events. Ten deaths were identified, including one death which was considered to be causally related to the vaccine. The other nine maternal deaths had causality C, that is, without causal relationship with the vaccine, and most were due to complications inherent to pregnancy, such as pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder (PSHD) in 4 cases and 3 due to COVID-19. Despite some limitations in our study, we believe it brings new insights into COVID-19 vaccines in this group and will add to the available evidence.
Tracking energy scale variations from scan to scan in nuclear resonant vibrational spectroscopy: In situ correction using zero-energy position drifts ΔEi rather than making in situ calibration measurements
Authors: Wang Jessie , Yoda Yoshitaka , Wang Hongxin
Published: September 2022

Nuclear resonant vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) is an excellent modern vibrational spectroscopy, in particular, for revealing site-specific information inside complicated molecules, such as enzymes. There are two different concepts about the energy calibration for a beamline or a monochromator (including a high resolution monochromator): the absolute energy calibration and the practical energy calibration. While the former pursues an as-fine-as-possible and as-repeatable-as-possible result, the latter includes the environment influenced variation from scan to scan, which often needs an in situ calibration measurement to track. However, an in situ measurement often shares a weak beam intensity and therefore has a noisy NRVS spectrum at the calibration sample location, not leading to a better energy calibration/correction in most cases. NRVS users for a long time have noticed that there are energy drifts in the vibrational spectra’s zero-energy positions from scan to scan (ΔEi), but their trend has not been explored and utilized in the past. In this publication, after providing a brief introduction to the critical issue(s) in practical NRVS energy calibrations, we have evaluated the trend and the mechanism for these zero-energy drifts (ΔEi) and explored their link to the energy scales (αi) from scan to scan. Via detailed analyses, we have established a new stepwise procedure for carrying out practical energy calibrations, which includes the correction for the scan-dependent energy variations using ΔEi values rather than running additional in situ calibration measurements. We also proved that one additional instrument-fixed scaling constant (α0) exists to convert such “calibrated” energy axis (E′) to the real energy axis (Ereal). The “calibrated” real energy axis (Ereal) has a preliminary error bar of ±0.1% (the 2σE divided by the vibrational energy position), which is 4–8 times better than that from the current practical energy calibration procedure.
Dust particle surface potential in fusion plasma with supra-thermal electrons
Authors: Long J. M. , Ou Jing
Published: September 2022

By solving the current balance equations, the effect of the supra-thermal electrons on the surface potential of a negatively charged dust particle in a fusion plasma is studied based on the orbital motion limited theory. A non-Maxwellian plasma is modeled by employing a q-non-extensive velocity distribution, where a decreased q-parameter (q < 1) yields increased population of supra-thermal electrons. It is found that with the decrease in the q-parameter, the surface potentials of tungsten and carbon dust particles become more negative. When the ion temperature or ion flow velocity is increased, the dust surface potential changes non-monotonically, which is first decreasing and then increasing. For a small q-parameter, the non-monotonic variation is more pronounced and the minimum value of surface potential moves toward higher values of the ion temperature or ion flow velocity. Due to the dependence of the dust particle surface potential on the supra-thermal electrons, the increased proportion of supra-thermal electrons causes the increase in the ion drag force and the decrease in the dust particle lifetime. Here, lifetime refers to the time taken for the dust surface temperature to increase from its initial value to the sublimation temperature (for carbon) or the melting temperature (for tungsten). The decrease in lifetime caused by supra-thermal electrons is significant as the dust particle radius is increased.
A robust computational approach to Lees–Dorodnitsyn laminar hypersonic boundary layers with temperature-dependent properties
Authors: Onyeador C. N. , Hodge A. , Harris W.
Published: September 2022

The Lees–Dorodnitsyn (L–D) boundary layer equations for two-dimensional, non-reactive, laminar, hypersonic, boundary layer flows, and an assumption of an isentropic external flow are examined. They are applied to various geometries for which the Thin Shear Layer assumptions are valid. This study expands on previous work to develop a novel and robust methodology for computing high-temperature hypersonic flows using a uniform and compact computational stencil implemented through a computational tool, the Bulk-property Boundary Layer (BuBL) solver. In particular, we explore the impact of treating high-temperature effects present in hypersonic flows, namely, treating air as a thermally perfect gas with temperature-variable properties. The ability to solve these flows computationally using second-order finite difference methods is evaluated as are various models for viscosity, Prandtl number, and specific heat. The methodology for solving the external flow properties in the transformed L–D computational domain is also discussed. It is shown that the L–D equations evaluated using the “box” computational stencil are an effective means for evaluating laminar hypersonic boundary layer flows. Solutions for displacement and momentum thicknesses, skin friction, and Stanton number variations are obtained as a function of Prandtl number, specific heat model, and Mach number. Verification and validation measures are performed for the code. Excellent agreement is found in comparisons between BuBL and other computational fluid dynamics and experimental results, thus demonstrating the utility of the proposed methodology.
Exciton resonances for atomically-thin optics
Authors: Lynch Jason , Guarneri Ludovica , Jariwala Deep , van de Groep Jorik
Published: September 2022

Metasurfaces enable flat optical elements by leveraging optical resonances in metallic or dielectric nanoparticles to obtain accurate control over the amplitude and phase of the scattered light. While highly efficient, these resonances are static and difficult to tune actively. Exciton resonances in atomically thin 2D semiconductors provide a novel and uniquely strong resonant light–matter interaction, which presents a new opportunity for optical metasurfaces. Their resonant properties are intrinsic to the band structure of the material, do not rely on nanoscale patterns, and are highly tunable using external stimuli. In this tutorial, we present the role that exciton resonances can play for atomically thin optics. We describe the essentials of metasurface physics and provide background on exciton physics and a comprehensive overview of excitonic materials. Excitons demonstrate to provide new degrees of freedom and enhanced light–matter interactions in hybrid metasurfaces through coupling with metallic and dielectric metasurfaces. Using the high sensitivity of excitons to the medium's electron density, the first demonstrations of electrically tunable nanophotonic devices and atomically thin optical elements are also discussed. The future of excitons in metasurfaces looks promising, while the main challenge lies in large-area growth and precise integration of high-quality materials.
Biomechanical mechanism of distal stent-graft-induced new entry deterioration after thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Qiao Yonghui , Luan Jingyang , Mao Le , Fan Jianren , Zhu Ting , Luo Kun
Published: September 2022

Stent-grafts are bringing new life to aortic dissection patients through thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, various postoperative complications are threatening the recovery of patients and even require clinical reintervention. The objective of the present study is to reveal the biomechanical mechanism of distal stent-graft-induced new entry (dSINE) deterioration after TEVAR. Six patients treated by TEVAR were collected from the clinical hospital, and dSINE was observed in the follow-up of all patients, which are evenly divided into two groups. The dSINE in the control group was stable while the patients in the experimental group continued to deteriorate and experienced reintervention. Computational fluid-structure interaction hemodynamics were performed in the above patients based on clinical images of early dSINE. The results show that time-averaged wall shear stress or oscillatory shear index alone fails to accurately forecast the deterioration of dSINE. While relative residence time and endothelial cell activation potential demonstrate stronger predictive power and the former seems to be better. Additionally, the region exposed to high von Mises stress and significant wall deformation is also associated with further dSINE deterioration. In conclusion, this study highlights that the postoperative biomechanical environment can predict the further development of dSINE, which is conducive to assisting physicians in improving the risk stratification of dSINE and customizing a follow-up plan.
Stochastic multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree for dissipative quantum dynamics with strong intramolecular coupling
Authors: Mandal Souvik , Gatti Fabien , Bindech Oussama , Marquardt Roberto , Tremblay Jean Christophe
Published: September 2022

In this article, we explore the dissipation dynamics of a strongly coupled multidimensional system in contact with a Markovian bath, following a system-bath approach. We use in this endeavor the recently developed stochastic multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree approach within the Monte Carlo wave packet formalism [S. Mandal et al., J. Chem. Phys. 156, 094109 (2022)]. The method proved to yield thermalized ensembles of wave packets when intramolecular coupling is weak. To treat strongly coupled systems, new Lindblad dissipative operators are constructed as linear combinations of the system coordinates and associated momenta. These are obtained by a unitary transformation to a normal mode representation, which reduces intermode coupling up to second order. Additionally, we use combinations of generalized raising/lowering operators to enforce the Boltzmann distribution in the dissipation operators, which yield perfect thermalization in the harmonic limit. The two ansatz are tested using a model two-dimensional Hamiltonian, parameterized to disentangle the effects of intramolecular potential coupling, of strong mode mixing observed in Fermi resonances, and of anharmonicity.
Ground state spectroscopy and photochemistry of HAlOH
Authors: Trabelsi Tarek , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: September 2022

Ab initio calculations were carried out in order to study the electronic structure and spectroscopy of cis-HAlOH, trans-HAlOH, H2AlO, and AlOH2. The cis structure is more stable than the trans, and both are thermodynamically stable relative to the AlOH + H dissociation limit. A set of spectroscopic constants were generated for the lowest stable isomers to help with their detection in the laboratory and in the interstellar medium. The first excited state absorbs strongly in the visible region (λ = 460 nm), with a predicted transition dipole moment of 2.07 D. The electronic structures of the first excited state were calculated, including the lifetime, adiabatic excitation energy, rotational constants, and frequencies. We have shown that both isomers may be suitable for laser-induced fluorescence detection. Finally, photodissociation of the cis- and trans-HAlOH isomers is a plausible mechanism for the production of AlOH and H.
Mechanisms of separation between tetrahydrofuran and water using hydroxystearic acid
Authors: Earnden Laura , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Laredo Thamara , Stobbs Jarvis , Pensini Erica
Published: September 2022

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is fully miscible in water, and it interacts with it via hydrogen (H) bonds. We discover that the fatty acid hydroxystearic acid (HSA) separates THF from water because it preferentially H-bonds water and increases the proportion of single H-bond donors (SD) relative to double H-bond donors (DD). This change in the coordination of water molecules from DD to SD leads to phase separation between THF and water. We previously established this separation mechanism using sugars and surfactants and other water miscible solvents. Here, we use attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to prove that this mechanism is also responsible for THF–water separation using HSA, thereby demonstrating the universality of the proposed separation mechanism. Using synchrotron small-angle x-ray scattering, we show how HSA self-assembles into reverse micelles in THF–water mixtures and determine their persistence length and periodicity using a modified Landau model. Reverse micelles host water in their interior and swell upon increasing the water content, as shown by light scattering. They then turn into droplets detectable using optical or confocal microscopy. When THF–water emulsions separate, they yield water-rich and THF-rich free phases. ATR-FTIR reveals that the top phase of THF–water mixtures separated by HSA is THF-rich. Moreover, when Cu2+ ions are in solution, HSA causes their migration into the THF-rich phase, enabling the simultaneous separation of THF and Cu2+ cations from water. This study demonstrates the potential for engineering the water structure to aid in the separation of water-miscible solvents from water with important implications for water treatment.
Thermal evaporation of lead-free inorganic perovskite CsGeI3 for photodetection
Authors: Zeng Haiyi , Yao Fang , Li Ruiming , Song Dudu , Li Ye , Lin Qianqian , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: September 2022

CsGeI3 as one of the lead-free inorganic perovskite materials has received great attention in recent years, benefiting from its excellent optoelectronic properties, good stability, and low toxicity. Previous studies on this perovskite are mainly based on its theoretical calculation and, to a lesser degree, on experimental work. In this work, we propose a facile thermal evaporation method to prepare uniform and dense CsGeI3 perovskite thin films with high crystallinity and negligible pin-holes. We have systematically studied evaporation parameters and examined their influence on the chemical composition, morphology, optical properties, stability, and charge carrier dynamics of the obtained CsGeI3 perovskite films. Moreover, we also demonstrate that photodetectors based on evaporated CsGeI3 thin films show good response in the visible region.
Evaporation of Leidenfrost droplet on thin soluble liquid bath with thermal non-equilibrium effect
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Jinliang , Ma Xiaojing , Xie Jian
Published: September 2022

Leidenfrost droplet evaporation on a liquid bath exhibits unique features such as ultra-low resistance to sample transition and low-temperature operation; however, the physical mechanisms responsible for these phenomena are incompletely understood. Droplet size and temperature are two key parameters influencing Leidenfrost droplet evaporation. We report herein the thermal non-equilibrium process of an FC-72 droplet over a thin oil layer. We show that the Leidenfrost droplet radius follows the power law R(t) ∼ (1 − t/τ)n, where τ is the characteristic droplet lifetime and n ranges from 0.63 to 0.91. Based on experimental results and theoretical predictions, the remarkable nonmonotonic variation of droplet temperature departs from the saturation-temperature assumption. For lower oil superheating, a cold (subcooled) droplet can sustain evaporation until it disappears. For higher oil superheating, the droplet goes through both subcooled and superheating stages. This phenomenon is well described by sensible heat absorption and release throughout droplet evaporation. These results are helpful for applications such as drug delivery, wherein a cold droplet can float on a liquid bath, thereby extending the lifetime of the biological sample in a high-temperature environment via a localized, low-temperature system.
Mathematical modeling for nonlinear dynamic mixed friction behaviors of novel coupled bearing lubricated with low-viscosity fluid
Authors: Cai Jianlin , Xiang Guo , Li Sheng , Guo Juan , Wang Jiaxu , Chen Shouan , Yang Tianyou
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to develop a mathematical model for investigating the nonlinear dynamic mixed friction behaviors, including hydrodynamic force, contact force, deformation, and displacements, of the novel coupled bearing lubricated with low-viscosity fluid. The model fully couples the five-degrees-of-freedom rotor dynamic model with the mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication model of the novel coupled bearing, considering the unbalance and exciting forces/comments caused by the propeller rotor. A comparative analysis is carried out to validate the effectiveness of the present model. Through the numerical simulation, the dynamic nonlinear mixed friction behaviors of the novel coupled bearing under low-viscosity lubricant are revealed. Based on the established mathematical model, a series of parametric studies are conducted to explore the effect of the structural parameters on the nonlinear mixed friction behavior of the novel coupled bearing. Numerical results demonstrate that the exciting moments increase the range of the journal orbit, thereby generating the edge asperity contact for both the journal and thrust bearings. The angular displacement along the y axis improves the transient mixed friction performances of the thrust bearing. Furthermore, numerical results reveal that the increasing length–diameter ratio of the journal bearing (the specific pressure remains constant) improves the nonlinear dynamic mixed friction behaviors of the thrust bearing. In addition, the nonlinear dynamic mixed friction performance of the journal bearing becomes better with the increase in the thrust bearing radius.
Low estrogen level in aged mice leads to abnormal oogenesis affecting the quality of surrounded nucleolus-type immature oocytes
Authors: Liu Yong , Kong Feng , Wang Wenying , Xin Jing , Zhang Shengnan , Chen Ji , Ming Xin , Wu Xiaoqing , Cui Wei , Wang Hongcheng , Li Wenyong
Published: September 2022

Context With aging, various problems in the reproductive system emerge, especially in females. However, our understanding of reproductive aging in livestock and humans is limited. Aims We aimed to investigate reproductive changes between young and aged mice. Methods Eight- to ten-week-old female mice were used as the young group, and 10-month-old mice were studied as the aged group. Reproductive changes were investigated from physiological, histological, cytological, and epigenetic perspectives. Key results The estrus cycle was shortened (P < 0.0001), and the estradiol (E2) concentration was lower in aged mice (P < 0.01), whereas the progesterone (P4) concentration did not differ between young and aged mice (P > 0.05). The histological results revealed a lower number of antral follicles in the ovary and disordered epithelial tissue structures in the oviducts in aged mice. During oogenesis, the surrounded nucleolus (SN)-type oocytes in aged mice exhibited increased mitochondrial agglutination (P < 0.05) and cellular apoptosis (P < 0.01) as well as decreased H3K36 triple-methylation (P < 0.001). Although many defects existed, the oocytes from aged mice could normally support cellular reprogramming after somatic cell nuclear transfer. Conclusions Our results indicate that the reduced levels of reproductive hormones in aged females lead to shorter estrus cycles and reduced follicular development, leading to abnormal oogenesis, particularly in SN-type immature oocytes. Implications These results provide new insight that enhance our understanding and improve the reproductive ability of aged females.
Warming-induced monsoon precipitation phase change intensifies glacier mass loss in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jouberton Achille , Shaw Thomas E. , Miles Evan , McCarthy Michael , Fugger Stefan , Ren Shaoting , Dehecq Amaury , Yang Wei , Pellicciotti Francesca
Published: September 2022

Glaciers are key components of the mountain water towers of Asia and are vital for downstream domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. The glacier mass loss rate over the southeastern Tibetan Plateau is among the highest in Asia and has accelerated in recent decades. This acceleration has been attributed to increased warming, but the mechanisms behind these glaciers’ high sensitivity to warming remain unclear, while the influence of changes in precipitation over the past decades is poorly quantified. Here, we reconstruct glacier mass changes and catchment runoff since 1975 at a benchmark glacier, Parlung No. 4, to shed light on the drivers of recent mass losses for the monsoonal, spring-accumulation glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau. Our modeling demonstrates how a temperature increase (mean of 0.39∘C ⋅dec−1since 1990) has accelerated mass loss rates by altering both the ablation and accumulation regimes in a complex manner. The majority of the post-2000 mass loss occurred during the monsoon months, caused by simultaneous decreases in the solid precipitation ratio (from 0.70 to 0.56) and precipitation amount (–10%), leading to reduced monsoon accumulation (–26%). Higher solid precipitation in spring (+18%) during the last two decades was increasingly important in mitigating glacier mass loss by providing mass to the glacier and protecting it from melting in the early monsoon. With bare ice exposed to warmer temperatures for longer periods, icemelt and catchment discharge have unsustainably intensified since the start of the 21st century, raising concerns for long-term water supply and hazard occurrence in the region.
State transition is quiet around pyrenoid and LHCII phosphorylation is not essential for thylakoid deformation in
Chlamydomonas
137c
Authors: Zhang XianJun , Fujita Yuki , Kaneda Naoya , Tokutsu Ryutaro , Ye Shen , Minagawa Jun , Shibata Yutaka
Published: September 2022

Photosynthetic organisms have developed a regulation mechanism called state transition (ST) to rapidly adjust the excitation balance between the two photosystems by light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) movement. Though many researchers have assumed coupling of the dynamic transformations of the thylakoid membrane with ST, evidence of that remains elusive. To clarify the above-mentioned coupling in a model organism
Chlamydomonas
, here we used two advanced microscope techniques, the excitation-spectral microscope (ESM) developed recently by us and the superresolution imaging based on structured-illumination microscopy (SIM). The ESM observation revealed ST-dependent spectral changes upon repeated ST inductions. Surprisingly, it clarified a less significant ST occurrence in the region surrounding the pyrenoid, which is a subcellular compartment specialized for the carbon-fixation reaction, than that in the other domains. Further, we found a species dependence of this phenomenon: 137c strain showed the significant intracellular inhomogeneity of ST occurrence, whereas 4A+ strain hardly did. On the other hand, the SIM observation resolved partially irreversible fine thylakoid transformations caused by the ST-inducing illumination. This fine, irreversible thylakoid transformation was also observed in the STT7 kinase-lacking mutant. This result revealed that the fine thylakoid transformation is not induced solely by the LHCII phosphorylation, suggesting the highly susceptible nature of the thylakoid ultrastructure to the photosynthetic light reactions.
FRA1:c-JUN:HDAC1 complex down-regulates filaggrin expression upon TNFα and IFNγ stimulation in keratinocytes
Authors: Ahn Sung Shin , Yeo Hyunjin , Jung Euitaek , Lim Yoongho , Lee Young Han , Shin Soon Young
Published: September 2022

Filaggrin (FLG), an essential structural protein for skin barrier function, is down-regulated under chronic inflammatory conditions, leading to disruption of the skin barrier. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of how FLG changes in the context of chronic inflammation are poorly understood. Here, we identified the molecular mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines inhibit FLG expression in the skin. We found that the AP1 response element within the –343/+25 of the
FLG
promoter was necessary for TNFα + IFNγ–induced down-regulation of
FLG
promoter activity. Using DNA affinity precipitation assay, we observed that AP1 subunit composition binding to the
FLG
promoter was altered from c-FOS:c-JUN (at the early time) to FRA1:c-JUN (at the late time) in response to TNFα + IFNγ stimulation. Knockdown of FRA1 or c-JUN abrogated TNFα + IFNγ–induced FLG suppression. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 interacted with FRA1:c-JUN under TNFα + IFNγ stimulation. Knockdown of HDAC1 abrogated the inhibitory effect of TNFα + IFNγ on FLG expression. The altered expression of FLG, FRA1, c-JUN, and HDAC1 was confirmed in mouse models of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene–induced atopic dermatitis and imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Thus, the current study demonstrates that TNFα + IFNγ stimulation suppresses FLG expression by promoting the FRA1:c-JUN:HDAC1 complex. This study provides insight into future therapeutic strategies targeting the FRA1:c-JUN:HDAC1 complex to restore impaired FLG expression in chronic skin inflammation.
Microbial functional diversity across biogeochemical provinces in the central Pacific Ocean
Authors: Saunders Jaclyn K. , McIlvin Matthew R. , Dupont Chris L. , Kaul Drishti , Moran Dawn M. , Horner Tristan , Laperriere Sarah M. , Webb Eric A. , Bosak Tanja , Santoro Alyson E. , Saito Mak A.
Published: September 2022

Enzymes catalyze key reactions within Earth’s life-sustaining biogeochemical cycles. Here, we use metaproteomics to examine the enzymatic capabilities of the microbial community (0.2 to 3 µm) along a 5,000-km-long, 1-km-deep transect in the central Pacific Ocean. Eighty-five percent of total protein abundance was of bacterial origin, with Archaea contributing 1.6%. Over 2,000 functional KEGG Ontology (KO) groups were identified, yet only 25 KO groups contributed over half of the protein abundance, simultaneously indicating abundant key functions and a long tail of diverse functions. Vertical attenuation of individual proteins displayed stratification of nutrient transport, carbon utilization, and environmental stress. The microbial community also varied along horizontal scales, shaped by environmental features specific to the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, the oxygen-depleted Eastern Tropical North Pacific, and nutrient-rich equatorial upwelling. Some of the most abundant proteins were associated with nitrification and C1 metabolisms, with observed interactions between these pathways. The oxidoreductases nitrite oxidoreductase (NxrAB), nitrite reductase (NirK), ammonia monooxygenase (AmoABC), manganese oxidase (MnxG), formate dehydrogenase (FdoGH and FDH), and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CoxLM) displayed distributions indicative of biogeochemical status such as oxidative or nutritional stress, with the potential to be more sensitive than chemical sensors. Enzymes that mediate transformations of atmospheric gases like CO, CO
2
, NO, methanethiol, and methylamines were most abundant in the upwelling region. We identified hot spots of biochemical transformation in the central Pacific Ocean, highlighted previously understudied metabolic pathways in the environment, and provided rich empirical data for biogeochemical models critical for forecasting ecosystem response to climate change.
Convergent evolution of a genotoxic stress response in a parasite-specific p53 homolog
Authors: Wendt George R. , Shiroor Divya A. , Adler Carolyn E. , Collins James J.
Published: September 2022

P53 is a widely studied tumor suppressor that plays important roles in cell-cycle regulation, cell death, and DNA damage repair. P53 is found throughout metazoans, even in invertebrates that do not develop malignancies. The prevailing theory for why these invertebrates possess a tumor suppressor is that P53 originally evolved to protect the germline of early metazoans from genotoxic stress such as ultraviolet radiation. This theory is largely based upon functional data from only three invertebrates, omitting important groups of animals including flatworms. Previous studies in the freshwater planarian flatworm
Schmidtea mediterranea
suggested that flatworm P53 plays an important role in stem cell maintenance and skin production, but these studies did not directly test for any tumor suppressor functions. To better understand the function of P53 homologs across diverse flatworms, we examined the function of two different P53 homologs in the parasitic flatworm
Schistosoma mansoni
. The first P53 homolog (
p53-1
) is orthologous to
S. mediterranea
P53(
Smed-p53
) and human TP53 and regulates flatworm stem cell maintenance and skin production. The second P53 homolog (
p53-2
) is a parasite-specific paralog that is conserved across parasitic flatworms and is required for the normal response to genotoxic stress in
S. mansoni
. We then found that
Smed-p53
does not seem to play any role in the planarian response to genotoxic stress. The existence of this parasite-specific paralog that bears a tumor suppressor–like function in parasitic flatworms implies that the ability to respond to genotoxic stress in parasitic flatworms may have arisen from convergent evolution.