bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a wastewater based infectious disease surveillance research system in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yun-Tae , Lee Kyungwon , Lee Hyukmin , Son Bokyung , Song Myeongwon , Lee Seung-Hyun , Kwon Miran , Kim Dong-Soo , Noh Tae-Hun , Lee Sanghoo , Kim Young-Jin , Lee Mi-Kyeong , Lee Kyoung-Ryul
Published: October 2024

Wastewater-based epidemiology has been used in pathogen surveillance for microorganisms at the community level. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and trends of infectious pathogens in sewage from Yongin city and the relationships between these pathogens and the incidence of infectious diseases in the community. From December 2022 to November 2023, we collected inflow water from six wastewater treatment plants in Yongin city twice a month. The analyzed microorganisms included 15 respiratory viruses, 7 pneumonia-causing bacteria, 19 acute diarrhea-causing pathogens, SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, hepatitis A virus, poliovirus, Mpox, and measles. They were detected through real-time PCR and conventional PCR. The concentrations of 9 pathogens among them were additionally analyzed using quantitative real time PCR. The correlation was confirmed through statistical analysis with the rate of detection for pathogens reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Influenza A virus, human adenovirus, and human rhinovirus were moderately correlated (rho values of 0.45 to 0.58). Campylobacter spp. and sapovirus were strong correlated (rho values of 0.62, 0.63). Enteropathogenic E. coli, human coronavirus, and norovirus GII were very strong correlated (rho values of 0.86 to 0.92). We were able to identify the prevalence of respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, and acute diarrhea-causing pathogens in the community through wastewater-based epidemiology data. This study will be helpful in establishing a system for future surveillance of infectious diseases present in sewage.
Association of endometrial cancer risk with hypertension- an updated meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Drab Agnieszka , Kanadys Wiesław , Malm Maria , Wdowiak Krystian , Dolar-Szczasny Joanna , Barczyński Bartłomiej
Published: October 2024

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers in the developed countries. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hypertension on endometrial cancer risk. Databases: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to June 2024. We used DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model for analysis. Risk estimates were extracted by two authors and summarized using meta-analytic methods. A total of 26 observational studies with 207,502 endometrial cancer cases were included in the study. Overall meta-analysis demonstrates significant association between hypertension and endometrial cancer risk (RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.27–1.47, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of the risk of endometrial cancer shows statistically significant higher risk in patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, diabetics, women who had their first menstrual period at the age of 11 years or earlier, and who had never given birth. Findings of this comprehensive review and meta-analysis indicate that hypertension is associated with higher overall risk of endometrial cancer.
A fungal phospholipase C involved in the degradation of plant glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides during Arabidopsis/Botrytis interaction
Authors: Lelas Luka , Rouffet Justine , Filachet Alexis , Sechet Julien , Davière Antoine , Desprez Thierry , Vernhettes Samantha , Voxeur Aline
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the presence and significance of phosphorylated oligosaccharides that accumulate during the interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana and Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic fungus that poses a major threat to crops worldwide. While previous research has extensively characterized cell wall-derived molecules during fungal infection, the role of plasma membrane-derived ones remains unclear. Here, we reveal the discovery of inositol phosphate glycans (IPGs) released during infection, originating from plant sphingolipids, specifically glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (GIPC). Advanced chromatography, mass spectrometry techniques and molecular biology were employed to identify these IPGs, and determine their origins. In addition to the well-characterized role of B. cinerea in releasing cell wall-degrading enzymes, this research suggests that B. cinerea’s enzymatic machinery may also target the degradation of the plant plasma membrane. As a consequence of this, IPGs identical to those generated by the host plant are released, most likely due to activity of a putative phospholipase C that acts on GIPC plasma membrane lipids. These insights could pave the way for developing new strategies to enhance crop resistance by focusing on membrane integrity in addition to cell wall fortification.
Stage-specific expression patterns and co-targeting relationships among miRNAs in the developing mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Todorov Hristo , Weißbach Stephan , Schlichtholz Laura , Mueller Hanna , Hartwich Dewi , Gerber Susanne , Winter Jennifer
Published: October 2024

microRNAs are crucial regulators of brain development, however, miRNA regulatory networks are not sufficiently well characterized. By performing small RNA-seq of the mouse embryonic cortex at E14, E17, and P0 as well as in neural progenitor cells and neurons, here we detected clusters of miRNAs that were co-regulated at distinct developmental stages. miRNAs such as miR-92a/b acted as hubs during early, and miR-124 and miR-137 during late neurogenesis. Notably, validated targets of P0 hub miRNAs were enriched for downregulated genes related to stem cell proliferation, negative regulation of neuronal differentiation and RNA splicing, among others, suggesting that miRNAs are particularly important for modulating transcriptional programs of crucial factors that guide the switch to neuronal differentiation. As most genes contain binding sites for more than one miRNA, we furthermore constructed a co-targeting network where numerous miRNAs shared more targets than expected by chance. Using luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that simultaneous binding of miRNA pairs to neurodevelopmentally relevant genes exerted an enhanced transcriptional silencing effect compared to single miRNAs. Taken together, we provide a comprehensive resource of miRNA longitudinal expression changes during murine corticogenesis. Furthermore, we highlight several potential mechanisms through which miRNA regulatory networks can shape embryonic brain development.
Advanced three-dimensional X-ray imaging unravels structural development of the human thymus compartments
Authors: Savvidis Savvas , Ragazzini Roberta , de Rafael Valeria Conde , Hutchinson J. Ciaran , Massimi Lorenzo , Vittoria Fabio A. , Campinoti Sara , Partridge Tom , Ogunbiyi Olumide K. , Atzeni Alessia , Sebire Neil J. , De Coppi Paolo , Mittone Alberto , Bravin Alberto , Bonfanti Paola , Olivo Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Background

The thymus, responsible for T cell-mediated adaptive immune system, has a structural and functional complexity that is not yet fully understood. Until now, thymic anatomy has been studied using histological thin sections or confocal microscopy 3D reconstruction, necessarily for limited volumes.

Methods

We used Phase Contrast X-Ray Computed Tomography to address the lack of whole-organ volumetric information on the microarchitecture of its structural components. We scanned 15 human thymi (9 foetal and 6 postnatal) with synchrotron radiation, and repeated scans using a conventional laboratory x-ray system. We used histology, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry to validate the x-ray findings.

Results

Application to human thymi at pre- and post-natal stages allowed reliable tracking and quantification of the evolution of parameters such as size and distribution of Hassall’s Bodies and medulla-to-cortex ratio, whose changes reflect adaptation of thymic activity. We show that Hassall’s bodies can occupy 25% of the medulla volume, indicating they should be considered a third thymic compartment with possible implications on their role. Moreover, we demonstrate compatible results can be obtained with standard laboratory-based x-ray equipment, making this research tool accessible to a wider community.

Conclusions

Our study allows overcoming the resolution and/or volumetric limitations of existing approaches for the study of thymic disfunction in congenital and acquired disorders affecting the adaptive immune system.
Generation, manipulation, detection and biomedical applications of magnetic droplets in microfluidic chips
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Shi Huanhuan , Tan Zhongjian , Zheng Yun , Xu Weizheng , Dan Zhengxian , Liao Jiacong , Dai Zhiying , Zhao Yali
Published: October 2024

This review discusses the formation and manipulation of magnetic droplets on microfluidic chips and classifies related detection techniques. Applications in biomedicine were reviewed. Future development of this emerging field is provided.
Analysis of the interfacial reaction between Si-based anodes and electrolytes in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Domi Yasuhiro , Usui Hiroyuki , Sakaguchi Hiroki
Published: October 2024

We developed and implemented interface observation methods specific to Si using electrodes fabricated via the gas deposition method.
Zinc sulfide: from supertetrahedral atomically precise clusters to quantum dots
Authors: Zhong Ju-Suo , Ling Yan-Xiang , Tong Xin-Yu , Jiang Zhan-Guo , Zhan Cai-Hong
Published: October 2024

Zinc sulfide clusters Zn10 with T3 symmetry and Zn8 with P1 symmetry are compared with zinc sulfide quantum dots from structures and properties views, which offer new insights for zinc sulfide material advancements.
Theoretical insight into photodeactivation mechanisms of adenine–uracil and adenine–thymine nucleobase pairs
Authors: Szkaradek Kinga , Góra Robert W.
Published: October 2024

Ab initio calculations elucidate plausible intramolecular photoinduced relaxation pathways involving ring puckering and an efficient intersystem crossing in A–U and A–T base pairs, potentially hindering electron-driven proton transfer detection.
Dynamic nuclear polarization pulse sequence engineering using single-spin vector effective Hamiltonians
Authors: Nielsen A. B. , Carvalho J. P. A. , Goodwin D. L. , Wili N. , Nielsen N. C.
Published: October 2024

Single-spin vector effective Hamiltonian theory is proven to be a powerful theoretical framework to analyse and develop pulsed DNP experiments.
Chemical strategies for antisense antibiotics
Authors: Pals Mathijs J. , Lindberg Alexander , Velema Willem A.
Published: October 2024

Antibacterial resistance is a severe threat to modern medicine and human health. Antisense technology offers an attractive modality for future antibiotics.
A novel method for the green synthesis of biobased hexamethylene-1,6-dicarbamate
Authors: Bai Yunhan , Huhe Dule , Du Xinyu , Song Yucong , Ding Xiaoshu , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: October 2024

A new green route was developed from renewable resource 5-HMF to bio-based isocyanate HDI to avoid using highly toxic phosgene.
Controllable tertiary amine-promoted photoactivation metal-free carbonylation of aryl sulfonium salts to aryl carboxylic acid derivatives
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Wang Le-Cheng , Wang Yuanrui , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: October 2024

This paper describes a new method for the activation of aryl radicals via EDA complexes without metals and photosensitizers for carbonylation with various nucleophilic reagents under visible light.
Investigating pressure-driven semiconductor-to-metal transition in lead-free perovskites AlGeX3 (X = F, Cl, and Br): insights from first-principles calculations
Authors: Sarker Md. Amran , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Talukder Md. Rabbi , Islam Md. Rasidul , Sharif Ahmed
Published: October 2024

In the pursuit of commercializing electronic and optoelectronic devices, researchers have turned their attention to non-toxic inorganic cubic metal halide perovskites.
Electric field-assisted resonance frequency tuning in free standing nanomechanical devices for application in multistate switching using a phase change material
Authors: Banswar Durgesh , Anand Jay Krishna , Bukhari Syed A. , Singh Sonika , Prajesh Rahul , Kumar Hemant , Makineni S. K. , Goswami Ankur
Published: October 2024

Remarkable multi-stable switching response in VO2-based suspended microstring resonator.
Comparison of traditional and mechanochemical production processes for nine active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
Authors: Leitão Emília P. T.
Published: October 2024

The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in enhancing life expectancy and the quality of life.
Unifying Candida antarctica lipase B and nZVI in bioinspired polymer nanomicelles: a nanobiohybrid synergy for sustainable synthesis of acetaminophen
Authors: Shukla Falguni , Singh Dilraj , Thakore Sonal
Published: October 2024

Bioinspired polymer nanomicelles derived from tyrosine serving as nanoreactor for cascade synthesis of paracetamol.
Solvent assisted shape dependent MAPbI3/polyfluorene heterostructures with a larger surface area for improved photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Pal Tamal , Bhowmik Soumalya , Tanwar Arvin Sain , Suhail Ameer , Peela Nageswara Rao , Sastri Chivukula V. , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: October 2024

Although lead based MAPbI3 has been used as a material for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, conventionally synthesized MAPbI3 in HI solution suffers from very low HER activity with a hydrogen evolution rate of 30 μmol h−1 g−1.
Examining Factors That Contribute to Poststroke Depression Within the Family Caregiver and Care Recipient Dyadic Experience
Authors: Gurley Nettles Tiffany C.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Stroke survivors often experience biochemical changes in the brain. This decreases the ability to experience positive emotions. Stroke survivors contend with the loss of their former self and are often left with residual physical, cognitive, communicative, and psychological changes leading to a depressive state. With an increasing number of stroke survivors returning to the community, informal care provided by family members will continue to rise. Many of the challenges faced by stroke survivors with poststroke depression (PSD) and by family caregivers (FCGs) have a significant impact on the relationship itself. With the goal to obtain insight into potential contributing factors to poststroke depressive features in stroke survivors, this qualitative research study aimed to investigate the experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of participants with PSD living in the dyadic relationship between FCG and stroke survivors.

Method:

Six FCG–stroke survivor care recipient dyads served as the participants. All stroke survivor care recipients were diagnosed with or had signs and symptoms of depression poststroke. Semistructured interviews were conducted with stroke survivors within each dyadic relationship. All participants were within this dyadic relationship for at least 3 months.

Results:

Six themes emerged from the stroke survivors. The findings indicated that grieving of the former self, lack of self-efficacy, isolation, difficulty with communication, perceived stress of the FCG, and lack of depressive coping skills are factors that contribute to PSD.

Conclusions:

There were multiple factors experienced by stroke survivors within the dyad affecting their emotional state and leading to or exacerbating depressive symptoms. Additionally, stroke survivors have limited coping strategies for depressive symptoms. Stroke survivor informational counseling, training, and education may improve coping strategies and decrease symptoms of depression and therefore lead to strengthened rehabilitative outcomes.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27156381
Study of Energy Dissipation and Satisfaction Rates in Mixed Traffic Flow with Lights: A Two-Lane Cellular Automaton Approach
Authors: Laarej Ayoub , Pérez-Sansalvador Julio César , Lakouari Noureddine , Ezzahraouy Hamid
Published: October 2024

Traffic lights in cities play a crucial role in regulating the complex dynamics of diverse vehicles, giving priority to certain users or vehicles on the road. However, the alternating stop-and-go patterns induced by these lights have an impact on desired speed of vehicles and energy dissipation. In this paper, we examine the impacts of traffic signals, focusing on a two-lane cellular automaton model. Our model accounts for traffic heterogeneity by differentiating vehicles based on speed (slow and fast) and size (large, slow vehicles and small, fast vehicles). In our study, we concentrated on a case in which the lane-changing rules were asymmetric., this regulation stipulates that slower-moving traffic should keep to the righthand lane (or the left-hand lane in countries where driving is on the left) to allow faster vehicles to pass. Although these vehicles occasionally change lanes, they revert to their preferred lane at the earliest opportunity. Hence, we examined two traffic light control strategies: the green wave and synchronized methods. Our findings indicate that both strategies exhibit comparable performance for vehicles in terms of traffic flow parameters. However, differences emerge when comparing the two lanes or vehicle types. Specifically, the slow lane demonstrates a higher traffic flow for slower vehicles and a reduced flow for faster vehicles. When examining satisfaction rates and energy dissipation, notable variations emerge, especially in extremely low densities. The green wave demonstrates marginally superior performance compared to the synchronized traffic light control. This investigation deepens our understanding of the impact of various control strategies on performance. The findings can serve as a foundation for exploring more intricate aspects of traffic management, enhancing the potential for creating efficient and adaptive urban transportation systems.
Diabetes und Zöliakie
Authors: Hügel Johanna
Published: October 2024

Menschen mit einem Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 haben ein nicht zu unterschätzendes Risiko eine weitere Autoimmunerkrankung zu entwickeln. Dazu gehört auch die Zöliakie mit gravierenden Folgen für die Ernährung.
Unveiling the Landscape of Brazilian Clinical Oncologists: Challenges, Diversity, and Quality Care
Authors: Bezerra Sarah Mendes , Madi Marisa Riscalla , Chaves Aline Lauda Freitas , Melro-Braghiroli Maria Ignez Freitas , Hoff Paulo Marcelo Gehm , Ferreira Carlos Gil , Bonanno Lucas Pondaco , Leite Gustavo Andrade Pimenta
Published: October 2024

Cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Brazil, with an estimated 704 thousand new cases annually. Clinical oncology, a pivotal specialty in cancer diagnosis and treatment, has evolved since its formal establishment in 1946. Recent recognition by the Brazilian Federal Board of Medicine solidified its status, culminating in normative resolution nr. 2,162/2017. The present study aims to characterize Brazilian clinical oncologists and analyze their epidemiological and structural contexts using data from the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology's 2023 census and secondary sources, including the National Cancer Institute (Instituto Nacional de Câncer [INCA], in Portuguese) and Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica [IBGE], in Portuguese). A cross-sectional design employing qualitative-quantitative methods surveyed 761 clinical oncologists, revealing insights into demographics, workload, stress levels, and challenges. The results highlight regional disparities in cancer mortality rates despite the concentration of oncology services in the South and Southeast. Challenges include access to new treatments, late diagnoses, and systemic underfunding. Moreover, this study underscores gender and racial disparities within the specialty, indicating a predominantly white and heterosexual profile among practitioners. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing healthcare equity and improving patients' outcomes in oncology practice.
Influence of casting-warm pressing process on the thermal conductivity of micro–nano-Al2O3 substrate
Authors: Lyu Yang , Sun Guoli , Ouyang Xueqiong , Liu Wencai , Liu Qing , Shen Yi , Wang Shuangxi
Published: October 2024

Alumina substrates are increasingly used for high-power integrated circuits due to their high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient, and excellent insulation properties. However, pores in the green tape from the tape casting process reduce the thermal conductivity and permittivity of the sintered ceramic substrate. Researchers have attempted to minimize ceramic porosity with chemical additives or by sintering pure alumina at temperatures above 1650 °C, but these methods often degrade thermal conductivity or quality of substrate evenness. This study proposes a low-cost casting-warm pressing process to densify pure alumina ceramic substrates using micro–nano-mixed alumina powders and sintering at relatively low temperatures. The results indicate that the relative density of the pure alumina ceramic substrate prepared at 1500 °C is 93%, a 4.4% improvement over the tape casting process. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the alumina substrate from the casting-warm pressing process reaches 15.89 W/(m K), which is 1.4 times higher than that of the tape casting process. Microstructure analysis shows that the casting-warm pressing process with micro- and nano-multi-scale mixed alumina powders forms a novel thermal conduction enhancement mechanism. Large particles in the green tape overlap, while small particles fill the spaces between the large particles. The connected micrometer-sized particle skeletons form high thermal conduction net channels in the substrate, improving the thermal conductivity for heat transfer.
Engineered tools to study endocrine dysfunction of pancreas
Authors: Alver Charles G. , Dominguez-Bendala Juan , Agarwal Ashutosh
Published: October 2024

Pancreas, a vital organ with intricate endocrine and exocrine functions, is central to the regulation of the body's glucose levels and digestive processes. Disruptions in its endocrine functions, primarily regulated by islets of Langerhans, can lead to debilitating diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Murine models of pancreatic dysfunction have contributed significantly to the understanding of insulitis, islet-relevant immunological responses, and the optimization of cell therapies. However, genetic differences between mice and humans have severely limited their clinical translational relevance. Recent advancements in tissue engineering and microfabrication have ushered in a new era of in vitro models that offer a promising solution. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art engineered tools designed to study endocrine dysfunction of the pancreas. Islet on a chip devices that allow precise control of various culture conditions and noninvasive readouts of functional outcomes have led to the generation of physiomimetic niches for primary and stem cell derived islets. Live pancreatic slices are a new experimental tool that could more comprehensively recapitulate the complex cellular interplay between the endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas. Although a powerful tool, live pancreatic slices require more complex control over their culture parameters such as local oxygenation and continuous removal of digestive enzymes and cellular waste products for maintaining experimental functionality over long term. The combination of islet-immune and slice on chip strategies can guide the path toward the next generation of pancreatic tissue modeling for better understanding and treatment of endocrine pancreatic dysfunctions.
Effects of multi-scale turbulent motions on aerodynamic performance of wind turbine under sand-laden conditions
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Jingjing , Lu Pan , Liu Hongyou
Published: October 2024

Wind turbine installation in the desert and Gobi regions offers a promising approach for meeting long-term energy demands. However, the effect of multi-scale characteristics in sand-laden atmosphere flows on wind turbine aerodynamic performance has not been evaluated. In this study, wind velocity data collected from the Qingtu Lake Observation Array (QLOA) were employed to address this gap. Results show that up to 58% of the total turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is accounted for by very large-scale motions (VLSMs), which make up a considerable portion of the TKE. The contributions of the large-scale motions (LSMs) and the small-scale motions (SSMs) to TKE are 36% and 6%, respectively. The contribution of multi-scale turbulent motions to the aerodynamic loads of wind turbine under sand-laden conditions has been quantified for the first time. The comparison demonstrates that while LSMs and SSMs exhibit a rapid drop in their contributions to wind turbine loads with height, VLSMs show a rapid increase. Wavelet analysis revealed a strong correlation between VLSMs and power, thrust, and blade root flapwise moment at periods ranging from 256 to 1024 s. This correlation weakens as the streamwise length scale of the turbulent coherent structure decreases. This study provides essential insights for optimizing wind turbine design and site selection in sand-laden environments.
Numerical simulation of impulse-induced surface acoustic waves for elastography purposes using k-Wave simulation toolbox
Authors: Masud Abdullah A. , Liu Jingfei
Published: October 2024

As elastography, an emerging medical imaging strategy, advances, surface acoustic waves have been utilized to examine superficial tissues quantitatively. So far, most studies are experimental, and a numerical method is needed to cost-effectively investigate surface acoustic wave generation and propagation for technical development and optimization purposes. This study aims to develop a reliable numerical method for simulating impulse-induced surface acoustic waves using the k-wave simulation toolbox. According to the physical process of surface acoustic wave based elastography, the proposed simulation method consists of two stages: compressional wave simulation and elastic wave simulation, which aim to generate acoustic radiation force impulse and elastic waves, respectively. The technical procedures were demonstrated by a wave simulation on a water–tissue model. Meanwhile, three acoustic radiation force modeling methods were adopted. The compressional wave simulation showed that the three force modeling methods could produce similar force distribution in space but largely different amplitudes. The elastic wave simulation confirmed the feasibility of numerically generating surface acoustic waves. The reliability of the simulated waves was verified by a quantitative comparison between the numerically acquired sound speeds and their theoretical expectations and by a qualitative comparison between the numerically generated waves and the experimental observations under similar conditions. In summary, this study confirms k-wave as an effective numerical method for simulating surface acoustic waves for elastography purposes. This study provides an immediate simulation platform for investigating Scholte waves, the surface acoustic wave at a liquid–solid interface, and also, a potential numerical framework to investigate other surface acoustic waves.
Realization of excellent piezoelectricity and high Curie temperature in BF–BT ceramics via structural regulation and domain engineering
Authors: Mo Mingyue , Xie Lixu , Chen Hao , Yang Zhongqin , Xing Jie , Zhu Jianguo
Published: October 2024

BiFeO3–BaTiO3 (BF–BT) is one of the lead-free piezoceramic materials with high Curie temperature (TC) and high polarization. Herein, the (Bi0.5Li0.5Ti)6+ group elements are introduced into the 0.75BiFeO3−0.25BaTiO3 (0.75BF–0.25BT) system to optimize comprehensive performances via optimizing the intrinsic piezoelectric contribution and the extrinsic piezoelectric contribution. For intrinsic piezoelectric contribution, the tetragonal phase ratio of the ceramics is increased. For extrinsic piezoelectric contribution, the grain structures and the domain structures of the ceramics are improved with a relaxor state in which small-sized domains and large-sized domains coexist. The best overall performances are obtained at x = 0.010 with piezoelectric constant d33 ∼ 130 pC/N at room temperature, d33 ∼ 231 pC/N at 313 °C, resistance ρ ∼ 1.49 × 106 Ω cm at 300 °C, and Curie temperature TC ∼ 632 °C that improved significantly. Moreover, when x = 0.010, the piezoelectric thermal stability is also significantly improved, with Δd33 being less than 15% before 200 °C and maintaining 60% of d33 at 400 °C. The present experiments provide a new strategy to investigate the origin of the enhanced piezoelectric response of BF–BT ceramics as well as their applications in the field of high-temperature lead-free piezoelectricity.
Phonon-polariton Bragg generation at the surface of silicon carbide
Authors: Ivchenko V. S. , Kazantsev D. V. , Ievleva V. A. , Kazantseva E. A. , Kuntsevich A. Yu.
Published: October 2024

Phonon-polaritons are known to emerge at the surface of solids under infrared (IR) irradiation at frequencies close to the optical phonon resonance. Metal, patterned on the top of the polariton-active surface, locally blocks the excitation of surface waves due to plasmonic screening and can be used for the design of wave patterns. We excite polaritonic waves at the surface of SiC under the irradiation of a CO2 laser (λ∼10μm) and visualize them using apertureless near-field interference scanning probe microscopy. From the near-field scans in the vicinity of gold film periodical strip structures, we identify the Bragg scattering (diffraction) outside the grating with the contribution from separate strips coherently summed up, provided that the wavelength matching condition is fulfilled. The observed phenomena agree with wavefield calculations. Our observations demonstrate the potential of metal-patterned silicon carbide for the fabrication of on-chip polaritonic IR circuits.
Large Nernst effect in a layered metallic antiferromagnet EuAl2Si2
Authors: Yang Kunya , Xia Wei , Mi Xinrun , Zhang Yiyue , Zhang Long , Wang Aifeng , Chai Yisheng , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Guo Yanfeng , He Mingquan
Published: October 2024

The large Nernst effect is advantageous for developing transverse Nernst thermoelectric generators or Ettingshausen coolers within a single component, avoiding the complexity of electron- and hole-modules in longitudinal Seebeck thermoelectric devices. We report a large Nernst signal reaching 130 μV/K at 8 K and 13 T in the layered metallic antiferromagnet EuAl2Si2. Notably, this large transverse Nernst thermopower is two orders of magnitude greater than its longitudinal counterpart. The Nernst coefficient peaks around 4 and 8 K at 3 and 13 T, respectively. At similar temperatures, both the Hall coefficient and the Seebeck signal change sign. Additionally, nearly compensated electron- and hole-like carriers with high mobility (∼ 4000 cm2/V s at 4 K) are revealed from the magnetoconductivity. These findings suggest that the large Nernst effect and vanishing Seebeck thermopower in EuAl2Si2 are due to the compensated electron- and hole-like bands, along with the high mobility of the Weyl band near the Fermi level. Our results underscore the importance of band compensation and topological fermiology in achieving large Nernst thermopower and exploring potential Nernst thermoelectric applications at low temperatures.
Transverse vortex-induced vibration of a sphere with the application of Lorentz force at low Reynolds number
Authors: Zhao Zijie , Hou Dianfeng , Yang Bingxian , Jiang Daiwen , Yao Weiguang
Published: October 2024

In this study, the transverse vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of an elastically mounted sphere with the application of a streamwise Lorentz force is investigated through direct numerical simulation. The research parameter range is 300 ≤ Re ≤ 1100 and −0.8 ≤ N ≤ 1, where Re is the Reynolds number and N is the interaction parameter of the Lorentz force. The dependence of sphere responses, forces, and wake structures on Re and N is illustrated in detail. Within this range, two oscillation patterns are identified: VIV and desynchronization. Three wake patterns are identified: two-sided hairpin vortex emerges in the VIV region, while one-sided hairpin vortex and double-threaded wake structures are observed in the desynchronization region. The evolution of these wake patterns is related to the motion of the rear stagnation point (RSP) and separation line (SL) on the sphere surface. A large positive or negative Lorentz force suppresses the motion of RSP and SL, leading to the one-sided hairpin vortex or double-threaded wake structures replacing the two-sided hairpin vortex. Finally, the oscillation patterns are summarized on a map of amplitude response contours in the Re-N space.
ZnO-based artificial synaptic diodes with zero-read voltage for neural network computing
Authors: Yang Ruqi , Li Titao , Hu Dunan , Chen Qiujiang , Lu Bin , Huang Feng , Ye Zhizhen , Lu Jianguo
Published: October 2024

Brain-inspired neuromorphic sensory devices play a crucial role in addressing the limitations of von Neumann systems in contemporary computing. Currently, synaptic devices rely on memristors and thin-film transistors, requiring the establishment of a read voltage. A built-in electric field exists within the p–n junction, enabling the operation of zero-read-voltage synaptic devices. In this study, we propose an artificial synapse utilizing a ZnO diode. Typical rectification curves characterize the formation of ZnO diodes. ZnO diodes demonstrate distinct synaptic properties, including paired-pulse facilitation, paired-pulse depression, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression modulations, with a read voltage of 0 V. An artificial neural network is constructed to simulate recognition tasks using MNIST and Fashion-MNIST databases, achieving test accuracy values of 92.36% and 76.71%, respectively. This research will pave the way for advancing zero-read-voltage artificial synaptic diodes for neural network computing.
Numerical simulation of thermal enhancement in pulsating inflow grooved channel based on hydrodynamic instability
Authors: Feng Jiachen , Liu Demin , Gao Tieyu , Zhou Liang , Meng Xiangrui , Gong Jianying
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a numerical simulation study of flow and heat transfer in a grooved channel consisting of ten rectangular grooves with steady and pulsating flow is carried out. Numerical simulations of the steady flow with small perturbations applied at Re = 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 show that the same intrinsic frequency fN exists at different positions, amplitudes, and durations, and it disappears gradually with the development of the flow. A sinusoidal pulsating flow with different frequencies is applied to the grooved channel with the dimensionless amplitude A fixed at 0.2. The flow and heat transfer properties of the grooved channel are investigated in the case of pulsating inflow, and it is found that there exists a vortex periodic formation–development–convergence–dissipation process inside each groove. The results show that the increase in the time-averaged Nusselt number is 44.12%, 57.75%, 53.21%, 52.93%, the time-averaged friction factor is increased by 58.23%, 133.04%, 140.80%, 151.26%, and the PECs is decreased with the increase in Reynolds number to be 1.24, 1.19, 1.14, and 1.12, respectively, when compared with the constant flow. When the forcing frequency is equal to the hydrodynamic instability frequency, the time-averaged Nusselt number of the grooved channel will reach its maximum value. Also, the dynamic mode decomposition analysis shows that the pulsation mode energy is maximum when the forcing frequency is equal to the hydrodynamic instability frequency. It shows that the applied pulsating flow has a positive effect of enhanced heat transfer, and the positive effect decreases with the increase in Reynolds number.
Recent trends in extratropical lows and their rainfall over Australia
Authors: Pepler Acacia
Published: October 2024

Low pressure systems are an important source of rainfall in southern Australia, particularly deep lows that extend from the surface to at least 500 hPa. This paper uses multiple reanalyses to assess long-term trends in lows over the period 1959–2023, and identifies statistically significant decreasing trends in the number of surface low pressure systems near southern Australia during May–October, linked to a decrease in cyclogenesis near south-western Western Australia. Trends in lows at 500 hPa are also negative but weaker than at the surface, and are less consistent between reanalyses owing to less consistent observations through time. The spatial pattern of observed declines during the cool season is consistent with trends using eight CMIP6 models, but global climate models systematically underestimate the magnitude of the observed decline in surface lows. Trends in rainfall associated with lows are also shown, including assessing the sensitivity of trends to the specific years used. Despite well above average numbers of lows and enhanced rainfall during recent La Niña years 2020–2022, total rainfall from low pressure systems is declining during the cool season in south-east Australia. Trends in rainfall from lows are largest on the east coast, where they explain more than 70% of observed rainfall changes since the 1960s.
High-yield atmospheric water capture via bioinspired material segregation
Authors: Gao Yiwei , Eason Areianna , Ricoy Santiago , Cobb Addison , Phung Ryan , Kashani Amir , Mata Mario R. , Sahm Aaron , Ortiz Nathan , Rao Sameer , Cho H. Jeremy
Published: October 2024

Transforming atmospheric water vapor into liquid form can be a way to supply water to arid regions for uses such as drinking water, thermal management, and hydrogen generation. Many current methods rely on solid sorbents that cycle between capture and release at slow rates. We envision a radically different approach where water is transformed and directly captured into a liquid salt solution that is suitable for subsequent distillation or other processing using existing methods. In contrast to other methods utilizing hydrogels as sorbents, we do not store water within hydrogels—we use them as a transport medium. Inspired by nature, we capture atmospheric water through a hydrogel membrane “skin” at an extraordinarily high rate of 5.50 kgm

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at a low humidity of 35%. and up to 16.9 kgm

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at higher humidities. For a drinking-water application, calculated performance of a hypothetical one-square-meter device shows that water could be supplied to two to three people in arid environments. This work is a significant step toward providing new resources and possibilities to water-scarce regions.
The mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate carboxylase restricts pancreatic β-cell senescence by blocking p53 activation
Authors: Yang Yumei , Wang Baomin , Dong Haoru , Lin Huige , Yuen-man Ho Melody , Hu Ke , Zhang Na , Ma Jing , Xie Rong , Cheng Kenneth King-yip , Li Xiaomu
Published: October 2024

Defective glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and β-cell senescence are hallmarks in diabetes. The mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC) has been shown to promote GSIS and β-cell proliferation in the clonal β-cell lines, yet its physiological relevance remains unknown. Here, we provide animal and human data showing a role of PC in protecting β-cells against senescence and maintaining GSIS under different physiological and pathological conditions. β-cell-specific deletion of PC impaired GSIS and induced β-cell senescence in the mouse models under either a standard chow diet or prolonged high-fat diet feeding. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that p53-related senescence and cell cycle arrest are activated in PC-deficient islets. Overexpression of PC inhibited hyperglycemia- and aging-induced p53-related senescence in human and mouse islets as well as INS-1E β-cells, whereas knockdown of PC provoked senescence. Mechanistically, PC interacted with MDM2 to prevent its degradation via the MDM2 binding motif, which in turn restricts the p53-dependent senescent program in β-cells. On the contrary, the regulatory effects of PC on GSIS and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) anaplerotic flux are p53-independent. We illuminate a function of PC in controlling β-cell senescence through the MDM2–p53 axis.
Testing the Phenomenological Interacting Dark Energy Model with Gamma-Ray Bursts and Pantheon+ type Ia Supernovae
Authors: Nong Xiao-Dong , Liang Nan
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we utilize recent observational data from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and Pantheon+ supernovae Ia (SNe Ia) samples to explore the interacting dark energy (IDE) model in a phenomenological scenario. Results from GRBs alone, SNe Ia and GRBs+SNe Ia indicate that the energy is transferred from dark energy to dark matter and the coincidence problem is alleviated. The value of H
0 from GRBs+SNe Ia in the IDE scenario shows agreement with the SH0ES measurement. Considering the age estimate of the quasar APM 08279+5255 at z = 3.91, we find that the phenomenological IDE scenario can predict a cosmic age greater than that of the ΛCDM model, thus the cosmic age problem can be alleviated.
Projection of Electric Ships as Sustainable Transportation in the Capital City of Indonesia “Nusantara”
Authors: Syahr Z.H.A. , Syaifullah D.H. , Hakim M.R. , Putra S.G.M.S.R. , Albana M.Z. , Hutapea T.P.D. , Tobing C.N.M.
Published: October 2024

Nusantara is Indonesia’s new capital or knows as Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) for implementing the sustainable city concept. Waters separate the area around IKN with a total area of 68,188 ha. Therefore, people living in IKN, namely in Penajam and its surroundings, have become accustomed to using water transportation to travel between regions. Ship transportation that the community has often used has also been developed with electric ships to support sustainable cities and zero emissions at IKN. However, in implementing electric ships, problems arise, namely how to project the development of electric ship technology based on policy documents and development planning in the Nusantara Capital City. The objective to be achieved is to see the planning and policy document for developing environmentally friendly water transportation using electric power. The method used in this study is qualitative, with a synthesis approach. Data collection was carried out by document study from policies and regulations. The data was then analyzed descriptively to obtain important information about the problem. For the result, the projection of the of electric ships in IKN must be carefully planned so that it can be realized to support Sustainable City and zero emission in IKN later.
Development of Small Modular Reactor iPWR Dynamics Simulator
Authors: Alfariji R , Nurhidayah S P , Bakhri S , Subekti M , Kiswanta  , Sudarno  , Saputra A
Published: October 2024

In the energy transition era, nuclear power serves as a significant source of electricity with low emissions, contributing to approximately 10% of the world’s total electricity production. The advanced and distinct features of iPWR-type SMR in the field of nuclear power generation contribute to a greater safety margin. This opens up possibilities for extending the utilization of secure, environmentally friendly, and dependable nuclear energy across various energy sectors. Moreover, the public need to understand the technical performance of the iPWR. To improve understanding of iPWR’s technical performance, a simulator is developed. The simulator is developed to provide a comprehensive study of nuclear reactor transient behavior, to serve as an educational tool for students, and to demonstrate the safety features during accident scenarios. This article introduces a simulator that combines modules of neutronics, reactor thermal-hydraulics, and the NSSS. The simulator uses the design parameters of iPWR with a power capacity of 160 MWt that relies on natural convection. The proposed simulator was developed using LabVIEW software to perform the reactor dynamics calculations. Furthermore, hardware devices for controlling the simulator can be integrated to simulate the control room of an NPP. The calculation was based on the standard lumped parameter point kinetics and thermal-hydraulic equations. To simplify the process and reduce computational cost, several assumptions are incorporated into the equations, including one-group thermal neutron and constant gain thermal power. The simulator development yields preliminary data for reactor calculations, the graphical user interface (GUI) of the simulator, and the Virtual Instruments (VIs) comprising the reactor model. The reactor model comprises multiple components, each represented as a subVI within the LabVIEW environment. This simulator serves as an effective educational and dissemination tool for increasing public acceptance of NPP by providing insights into the behavior of the reactor and facilitating a better understanding of its operation, safety features, and potential benefits.
Comparison of Microwave Adsorpsion of Core-Shell Fe3O4@SiO2by Different Methods
Authors: Yusmaniar  , Fuazi M. R. , Rahma Y. , Khairany I. W. , Hermawan F. R.
Published: October 2024

In this research, magnetite nanoparticles coated with sillica from rice husk ash (core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2) were synthesized by a modified stöber method through hydrolisis of silica using basic catalyst. Phase composition, morphology and microstructure were characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM. The result shows that the sillica shell was successfully coated the core of nanoparticles magnetite. Core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2were synthesized using two method, first silica extraction and second through the silica gel. The application on microwave absorption are measured using VNA at the X-band frequency (8-12 GHz). Materials reach a reflection loss value of -34,29 dB at a frequency of 10,98 GHz for the first method (extraction of silica). For the second method (through silica gel), it exhibits two maximum absorptions with a reflection loss value under -20 dB, which are -23,05 dB at a frequency of 10,1 GHz and -25,03 dB at a frequency of 10,98 dB.
Sensitivity and accuracy of single-mode fiber optic sensor for non-invasive glucose measurement
Authors: Fridayanti Nola , Muldarisnur Mulda , Novirza Resti
Published: October 2024

Routine glucose level monitoring is essential for diabetic patients. Standard measurement methods based on finger pricking are inconvenient and susceptible to infection risk. Therefore, simple and non-invasive measurements are urgently needed. Compared to other approaches, glucose level measurement using optical methods offers many advantages, such as set-up simplicity, high sensitivity, and high accuracy. We optimize the sensing performance of glucose level sensors based on a single-mode fiber optic. The fiber optic serves as a medium for light propagation from a diode laser to a photodiode and, at the same time, serves as an active sensing medium. In the sensing area, the fiber optic cladding is partly (i.e., 1 – 5 cm) stripped to allow direct contact, which leads to evanescent wave absorption by glucose molecules. The length of fiber optic stripping and bending radius, which determine the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor, varied. Bent fiber optic sensors consistently show a higher sensitivity and accuracy than straight ones. Maximum sensitivity of 2.35 mV/(mg/dL) was attained for a 3 cm stripping length and 4.5 cm bending radius. The lowest sensitivity of the sensor, 0.453 mV/(mg/dL), was acquired at the stripping length of 5 cm for the straight fiber optic sensor. The highest accuracy of the developed sensor is 99% for bent fiber optic sensors.