bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the agronomic and economic benefit of including spinosad with and without pyrethroid insecticides in bermudagrass stem maggot treatments
Authors: Burt Justin C. , Baxter Lisa L. , Anderson William F. , Hancock Guy A. , Secor William G.
Published: November 2024

The bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM; Atherigona reversura Villeneuve) is known to have a detrimental effect on bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). Currently, two strategically timed pyrethroid applications are recommended for BSM suppression in each harvest cycle. However, producers are interested in applying spinosad because of its residual effects for other insects or reducing the number of pyrethroid applications to cut input costs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the agronomic and economic implications of one or multiple pyrethroid (zeta‐cypermethrin) and/or spinosad applications on ‘Alicia’ and ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrasses. Generally, zeta‐cypermethrin treatments resulted in a greater herbage accumulation compared to the untreated control in both cultivars. Regardless of cultivar, spinosad only treatments did not improve upon the herbage accumulation observed in the untreated control. Crude protein and total digestible nutrients were not affected by insecticide treatments in either cultivar. Finally, two zeta‐cypermethrin applications resulted in greater net profit compared to other insecticide treatments. These data illustrate that there is not yet an alternative for two pyrethroid applications for BSM suppression. Ongoing research and breeding efforts are focused on BSM tolerance and reduced pyrethroid usage to prevent resistance to the insecticide.
Pd‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Defluorinative Etherification Between Unactivated Perfluoroarenes and Hydrobenzoxazoles
Authors: Wang Yaping , Wang Luyao , Qin Yibo , Xiong Heng‐Ying , Zhang Guangwu
Published: November 2024

Polyfluoroaryl ethers represent an important framework of biologically active molecules and materials. Owing to the strong bond dissociation energy of C−F bond, selectivity and other issues, transition metal‐catalyzed synthesis of polyfluoroaryl ethers from perfluoroarenes via the activation of C−F bond is challenging and underdeveloped, as compared to the well‐documented C−O bond formation starting from aryl iodides, aryl bromides or aryl chlorides. Herein, an unprecedented Pd‐catalyzed defluorinative etherification for the synthesis of polyfluoroaryl ether skeletons using hydrobenzoxazoles as phenol surrogate, has been reported. The substrate scope for this protocol is broad, with respect to hydrobenzoxazoles and perfluoroarenes, under mild reaction conditions. More importantly, challenging alkenyl and alkynyl substituted polyfluoroarenes could be successfully used as the cou‐pling component for Pd‐catalyzed etherification reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the reaction mechanism, which suggested that oxidative addition between polyfluorobenzene and Pd(0) constituted the rate‐determining step.
Art and Inspiration: Edouard Benedictus and the Invention of Laminated Safety Glass
Authors: Rasmussen Seth C.
Published: November 2024

The invention of laminated safety glass is attributed to the French chemist and artist Edouard Benedictus (1878–1930), who developed the innovation known as Triplex glass after inspiration struck via a fortuitous laboratory accident. Licensed first to the English Triplex Safety Glass Company in 1912, with production later carried out in the US, Triplex glass was first applied to automobiles during the first World War. While the story of his lab accident can be found in many sources, it has become more legend than historical fact. To rectify this, a more accurate account of Benedictus and the development of Triplex glass is presented based on historical records.
Intrusive Thoughts and Images in Health Anxiety: Rates, Characteristics, and Responses
Authors: Windsor Natalie A. , Li Sophie H. , Joubert Amy , Upton Emily , Moulds Michelle , Newby Jill M.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Intrusive thoughts and images in Health Anxiety are poorly understood. The current study aims to explore the rates and nature of health‐related intrusive thoughts and images in people with and without Health Anxiety.

Design

We used a cross‐sectional interview and survey design recruiting 82 participants (Health Anxiety: n = 37; control: n = 45).

Methods

Participants completed a diagnostic and clinical interview, and questionnaires to assess experiences and appraisals of intrusive thoughts and images about health.

Results

Experiencing an intrusive thought or image was common in both groups (Health Anxiety: 89.2%, control: 55.6%). However, the Health Anxiety group reported their intrusive thoughts as more frequent, more distressing, and associated them with more negative emotions than controls. Further, the Health Anxiety group had increased negative appraisals and specific maladaptive behaviours for both intrusive thoughts and intrusive images compared to controls.

Conclusions

We conclude that, relative to controls, individuals with Health Anxiety experience intrusive thoughts and images more intensely and negatively, have more dysfunctional appraisals of them, and are more likely to respond to them with specific maladaptive behaviours. As such, addressing intrusive thoughts and images as part of cognitive behavioural interventions for Health Anxiety is warranted.
Comparative Analysis and Improvement of Generalized Droop Control and Virtual Synchronous Generator for Rate of Change of Frequency Constraint and Transient Power Suppression
Authors: Wu Qinghui , Zhang Chunjiang , Zhao Xiaojun , Lin Hengwei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Fuxi
Published: November 2024

Since the microgrid lacks inertia compared to the conventional grid with synchronous generators, the microgrid is unable to address the frequency change issues resulting from the integration of large‐scale distributed generation. Due to the ability to provide virtual inertia, generalized droop control (GDC) and virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control are considered effective solutions for improving frequency regulation. However, in response to external frequency disturbances, the grid‐connected inverters may experience a significant transient active power overshoot caused by GDC and VSG. In this paper, the GDC is used as the fundamental control architecture, and then the small signal models of the GDC and VSG are compared and analyzed under various disturbances. A reduced‐order method for the GDC model is proposed to simplify the analysis of GDC. Additionally, GDC adaptive inertia (GDCAI) and adaptive inertia for operation mode switching (AIOMS) are proposed to mitigate frequency fluctuations and improve active power response. The effectiveness of the two control strategies is verified by MATLAB/Simulink simulation and StarSim hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) experiment.
A Novel Common‐Ground Switched‐Capacitor Type Dual‐Mode Five‐Level Transformer‐Less Multilevel Inverter
Authors: Khan Saniya , Sarwar Adil , Zaid Mohammad , Ahmad Shafiq
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a novel single‐source common‐ground switched‐capacitor (CGSC) type dual‐mode five‐level (5L) transformer‐less (TL) multilevel inverter (MLI) topology with inherent boosting capability. The proposed topology comprises a single DC source, nine power switches, and two capacitors with self‐voltage balancing ability, reducing the inverter's size, cost, and complexity. The direct connection of the negative terminal of the source to the neutral point of the load eliminates the leakage current. The converter can operate in both buck and boost mode based on the series–parallel switching conversion of the involved switches. The circuit description, control strategy, and design guidelines are discussed in detail. The steady‐state and dynamic performance of the proposed circuit is validated using MATLAB Simulink software. Reliability analysis of the proposed converter is done in detail. Furthermore, the proposed converter is being compared with state‐of‐the‐art topologies.
Cationic lipid transfection induces nuclear actin filaments
Authors: Sinha Molika , Fernandez Maria Kristha , Renz Malte
Published: November 2024

Cationic lipids are widely used for gene delivery. Here, we report the transient formation of nuclear actin filaments in mammalian cells transfected with commercially available transfection reagents regardless of the proteins transfected. Readily detectable with phalloidin, nuclear actin ranges from short filaments to a fully developed network. Nuclear actin filaments persist for hours, peak 20 h after transfection, and may be involved in DNA damage repair.
KLF2 Inhibits Ferroptosis and Improves Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chondrocyte Through SIRT1/GPX4 Signaling to Improve Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shi Jiaqi , Chen Li , Wang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: November 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA), a disease of articular joints, is the leading cause of disability in the elderly. Repressing ferroptosis and improving mitochondrial function can delay the progression of OA. Kruppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) exerts a protective effect on OA. However, whether KLF2 affects ferroptosis and mitochondrial function during OA remains unknown. The OA in vivo and in vitro models were constructed in this work. The structural damage of knee joint in OA mice was evaluated through Micro‐CT scanning. H&E, SOFG, TB, and TUNEL staining were applied for pathological examination of cartilage tissues. ELISA was employed to examine the contents of inflammatory factors. Additionally, iron deposition in cartilage tissues was measured by Prussian blue staining, and the levels of proteins related to ferroptosis were assessed by immunoblotting. Besides, mitochondrial morphology and function were estimated using a transmission electron microscope and JC‐1 staining. In interleukin (IL)‐1β‐treated C28/I2 cells, the levels of inflammatory factors, intracellular ROS, mitochondrial ROS, lipid ROS, and Fe2+ were measured. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by detecting the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, mPTP, and OCR. KLF2 overexpression ameliorated the structural damage of knee cartilage in OA mice. KLF2 upregulation inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated mitochondrial damage in knee cartilage of OA mice and IL‐1β‐treated C28/I2 cells. Moreover, KLF2 overexpression activated SIRT1/GPX4 signaling in vivo and in vitro. EX527 addition blocked the influences of KLF2 upregulation on ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in IL‐1β‐treated C28/I2 cells. Altogether KLF2 inhibits ferroptosis and improves mitochondrial dysfunction in chondrocytes through SIRT1/GPX4 signaling to improve OA.
Examining Multi‐Sector Women‐Only Leadership Development Programmes: A Scoping Review of Recruitment Processes, Design and Instruction Methods, Content and Outcomes
Authors: Sayers‐Brown Rob , Beauregard T. Alexandra , Lewis Rachel , Yarker Joanna
Published: November 2024

Organisations are recognising that more needs to be done to support female talent. One response to this is women‐only leadership development programmes (WLDPs). To date, no scoping review has previously been conducted to examine the design and outcomes of these programmes. The purpose of the present review was therefore to bring together current knowledge of these interventions. In June 2022, a scoping review of the academic literature was performed using Business Source Premier (EBSCO), PsycINFO and SCOPUS, resulting in 13 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate encouraging signs that these programmes support women's development through incorporating intersectionality and positive psychology theories, as well as curricula on networking, conflict management and career planning. Whilst the specifics about the design and delivered content of these theories are unclear, their inclusion appears to lead participants in the reviewed WLDPs to report increased self‐awareness, clarity of purpose and enhanced feelings of authenticity. This review also raises questions regarding the rigour of the selection methods by which participants are given access to the programmes, and the transparent reporting of the design and delivery methodologies. Further, research directions and implications for both theory and practice are provided.
Visual Implicit Pre‐Cueing Improves Response Time in Decision‐Making in Dyslexic Children
Authors: Barela José A. , da Silva Crislaine , de Jesus Paola R. , Figueiredo Gabriella A. , Barela Ana Maria F. , Novak Andrew R. , Fransen Job
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to examine the effect of visual pre‐cueing presented at different time intervals in the response time of dyslexic and non‐dyslexic children. Fifteen dyslexic and 15 non‐dyslexic children performed a computerised four‐choice reaction time task across four conditions: no pre‐cue and a 43‐ms time interval (or duration) of a centralised dot appearing in the stimulus circle at 43, 86 or 129 ms prior to the stimulus. Each condition was repeated eight times, totaling 32 trials, and presented in a random order. Response correctness and response times were recorded for each trial, and z‐scores were obtained by standardising performance in the three pre‐cued conditions relative to the no pre‐cue condition. Dyslexic children took longer to respond in the task than non‐dyslexic children. Both dyslexic and non‐dyslexic children had faster response times in the pre‐cued conditions than in the conditions without the pre‐cue. These lower response times were inversely correlated with the length of the pre‐cueing interval. These results suggest that dyslexic children use visual pre‐cueing to improve decision‐making. The ability of dyslexic children to use pre‐cues may offer an interesting avenue for the exploration of interventions aimed at minimising behavioural and cognitive difficulties resulting from dyslexia.
Climate, predation, and the controls of island lizard abundance and community structure
Authors: Folfas Edita , Mahler D. Luke , Frishkoff Luke O.
Published: November 2024

Alternative ecological theories make divergent predictions about the relationship between predators and their prey. If predators exert top‐down ecosystem control, increases in predation should diminish prey abundance and could either diminish or enhance community diversity of prey species. However, if bottom‐up ecosystem controls predominate, predator populations should track underlying variation in prey diversity and abundance, which ultimately should reflect available energy. Past research, both across islands and comparing islands with the mainland, has frequently invoked the importance of predation in regulating lizard abundance and diversity, suggesting an important role of top‐down control when predators are present. However, others have posited a stronger role of food limitation, via competition or bottom‐up forces. If top‐down control predominates, then negative correlations between prey abundance and predator occurrence should emerge within and among islands. Using data from eBird, we inferred landscape‐level presence data for bird species on the islands of Jamaica and Hispaniola. By summing occurrence probabilities of all known anole‐predator birds, we estimated total avian predation pressure and combined these estimates with anole community data from a mark‐recapture study that spanned spatial and climatic gradients on both islands. Avian predators and anole lizards were both affected by climate, with total predator occurrence, anole abundance and anole species richness increasing with mean annual temperature. Anole abundance and predator occurrence showed a curvilinear relationship, where abundance and predator occurrence increased together until predator occurrence became sufficiently high that anole abundance was negatively impacted. This indicates that bottom‐up ecosystem controls drive richness of both anoles and their predators, mitigating the negative effects predators might have on their prey, at least until predator occurrence reaches a threshold. We did not detect consistent evidence of predator occurrence reducing anole community richness. These findings support past research showing that islands with more predators tend to have lower prey abundances, but it does not seem that these top‐down forces are strongly limiting species coexistence. Instead, bottom‐up forces linked with climate may be more important drivers of diversity in both lizards and their avian predators on these islands.
Liana versus tree seedling responses to spatial and temporal variation in dry season severity
Authors: Estrada‐Villegas Sergio , Browne Luke , Manzané‐Pinzón Eric , Comita Liza S.
Published: November 2024

Lianas are key components of tropical forests, particularly at sites with more severe dry seasons. In contrast, trees are more abundant and speciose in wetter areas. The seasonal growth advantage (SGA) hypothesis postulates that such contrasting distributions are produced by higher liana growth relative to trees during seasonal droughts. The SGA has been investigated for larger size classes (e.g., ≥5 cm diameter at 1.3 m, dbh), but rarely for seedlings. Using eight annual censuses of >12,000 seedlings of 483 tree and liana species conducted at eight 1‐ha plots spanning a strong rainfall gradient in central Panama, we evaluated whether liana seedlings had higher growth and/or survival rates than tree seedlings at sites with stronger droughts. We also tested whether an extreme El Niño drought during the study period had a more negative effect on tree compared to liana seedlings. The absolute density of liana seedlings was similar across the rainfall gradient, ranging from 0.32 individuals/m2 (0.20–0.49, 95% credible interval [CI]) at the driest end of the gradient and 0.27 individuals/m2 (0.13–0.51 95% CI) at the wettest end of the gradient. The relative density of liana seedlings compared to tree seedlings was higher at sites with stronger dry seasons (0.27, 0.21–0.33, 95% CI), compared to wetter sites (0.12, 0.04–0.20 95% CI), due to lower tree seedling densities at drier sites. However, liana seedlings did not grow or survive better than tree seedlings in drier sites compared to wetter sites. Tree seedlings were more negatively impacted in terms of mortality by the extreme El Niño drought than liana seedlings, with an increase in annual mortality rate of 0.013 (0.003–0.025 95% CI) compared to lianas of −0.009 (−0.028 to 0.008 95% CI), but not growth. Our results indicate that lianas do not have a SGA over trees at the seedling stage. Instead, higher survival of liana versus tree seedlings during severe droughts or differences in liana versus tree fecundity or germination across the rainfall gradient likely explain why liana seedlings have higher relative densities at drier sites.
Interventional therapies for chronic heart failure: An overview of recent developments
Authors: Guo Bingchen , Shi Si , Guo Yutong , Xiong Jie , Wang Bo , Dong Zengxiang , Gao Dianyu , Tu Yingfeng
Published: November 2024

Heart failure (HF), the final manifestation of most cardiovascular diseases, has become a major global health concern, affecting millions of individuals. Despite basic drug treatments, patients present with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, recent advancements in interventional therapy have shown promising results in improving the prognosis of patients with HF. These advancements include transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis, transcatheter mitral valve repair for chronic mitral regurgitation, neuromodulation therapy for multiple targets and measures in the treatment of chronic HF and left ventricular assist device implantation for advanced HF (Figure 1). In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of the current progress in interventional therapies for chronic HF.
Response Surface Methodology Investigation of the Viscosity of Propylene Glycol (100)/Graphene Nanofluid to Determine the Optimal Conditions
Authors: Surakasi Raviteja , Mohammed Salah J. , Majdi Hasan Sh. , Majdi Ali , Berwal Parveen , Khan Mohammad Amir , Khan Wahaj Ahmad
Published: November 2024

This work adopted response surface methodology (RSM) to analyze the behavior of a nanofluid based on propylene glycol. The laboratory conditions in this investigation involve a temperature range of 40°C–120°C and a weight percentage that varies from 0% to 0.5%. Initially viscosity was predicted using Redwood viscometer using the nanofluid solutions. To find the most accurate predictive model and generate an ideal solution, RSM was used. The current study was inspired by the lack of consistency among laboratory behavior and real‐world applications and the statistical‐mathematical analysis of modelers' performance, contrast, and motivations. Two‐factor interaction (2FI), quadratic, cubic, and quartic models are only a few tested. Investigating and evaluating the different statistical features of these modeling functions is a new contribution to the field. The quartic model represents the characteristics of nanofluids with double the accuracy of other models, as shown by statistical analysis. The R2 coefficient, the coefficient of variation (CV%), and the p‐value are compared as metrics for assessing the models. The indexes for the quartic model are 0.9940, 3.53%, and 0.0001, in that order. Nanofluids should have a viscosity of 0.335 m2/s at 120°C along with a weight percentage of 0.5%.
Peri‐ictal yawning: A potential lateralizing sign in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Du Xiaoping , Yao Yi , Chen Jiani , Yang Xiaoping , Zhang Lei , Tang Yingying , Hao Xiaoting , Zhou Dong , Lian Shizhong , Wang Fengpeng , Zhang Xiaobin , Sun Meizhen , Guo Junhong
Published: November 2024

Objective

The primary objective of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the incidence and lateralization value of peri‐ictal yawning (PY) in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). PY has only occasionally been reported as a manifestation of focal epilepsy. We aimed to determine whether PY could serve as an indicator to help lateralize seizure onset during epileptic seizures.

Methods

Among 236 consecutive TLE patients admitted for video‐EEG monitoring, we analyzed the clinical characteristics, along with scalp video‐EEG, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), Wada test, and stereo EEG (SEEG) in patients with PY.

Results

Among the 236 patients, 26 (11.0%) exhibited PY, and 36 of 1018 recorded seizures (3.5%) were associated with PY. Of the 26 patients with PY, 19 (73.1%) had non‐dominant TLE, while 7 (26.9%) had dominant TLE. The majority of these patients presented with staring, arrest, and automatisms during their seizures with accompanying vegetative signs. PY occurred either during the ictal or postictal phase in all patients. Exception for 10 seizures (10/36, 27.8%) at the early stage (less than 25% total duration), PY was primarily linked to the late ictal and postictal phases. Surgical intervention was performed in 12 patients, 9 of whom (75%) achieved seizure freedom (Engel class I), with 7 of these 9 (77.8%) having non‐dominant TLE.

Significance

Yawning is a physiological phenomenon typically not associated with epilepsy. The present series suggests that PY is relatively uncommon in TLE, but may represent a rare vegetative sign, particularly in cases with non‐dominant TLE. Further investigation with a larger cohort of surgically confirmed cases and using intracranial EEG is essential to deepen our understanding of this phenomenon.

Plain Language Summary

Yawning is a typical physiological response that is generally not linked to epilepsy. However, it can occasionally indicate seizure activity, particularly in TLE. PY happens more often observed in non‐dominant TLE and usually occurs in the later stages of a seizure or just after it. It may hold potential as a lateralizing marker in TLE.
Designing, building and assessing a geomorphically reconstructed postmining landscape: A case study of the Santa Engracia mine, Spain
Authors: Hancock Greg R. , Martín Duque Jose F.
Published: November 2024

New technology allows the reconstruction of postmining landforms using geomorphic design principles. It is important that such designs be evaluated and if needed, redesigned or reshaped so that soil loss is minimised and to ensure the landscape is geomorphically and ecologically integrated with the surrounding landscape. One tool to assess geomorphic landforms is to use a computer‐based landscape evolution model (LEM). LEMs allow different designs to be input and will highlight where erosion will occur and type of erosion (i.e. sheetwash, riling, gullying) as well as erosion rate. At the Santa Engracia abandoned mine (East‐Central Spain), postmining landscapes were designed using geomorphic principles (GeoFluv method and Natural Regrade software) and later constructed. The SIBERIA LEM was used to assess the erosional behaviour of these landscapes. Using suitable topsoil, vegetation and an organic blanket reduces erosion, and if vegetation can be established, the modelling demonstrates minimal gully erosion. The erosion forecast (5.3 to 6.3 t ha−1 year−1) is significantly lower than the initial surface (~350 t ha−1 year−1) using conventional (terraced) mine restoration. The predicted erosion rates and gullying are less than for the unmined (natural) Alto Tajo environment. Importantly, with the ability to spatially forecast gully location, erosion reduction measures can be undertaken. The method described here provides a robust assessment procedure and highlights the potential strengths and weakness of a design therefore supporting lower cost construction and repair with a higher chance of restoration success. The combination of geomorphic landform design and assessment using a LEM for this project (LIFE RIBERMINE) presents a new standard for mine rehabilitation in Europe.
Efficient Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power Management: Dual Battery Energy Storage Empowered by Bidirectional DC–DC Converter
Authors: Z. Ananth Angel , S.S. Kumar
Published: November 2024

This work offers a fuel cell power system with the ability to distribute power to the load from the electrical source and charge an auxiliary battery utilizing regenerative power flows created by the load. The approach is established on a bidirectional closed‐loop DC converter. A bidirectional DC–DC converter is presented as a means of achieving extremely high voltage energy storage systems (ESSs) for a DC bus or supply of electricity in power applications. This paper presents a novel dual‐active‐bridge (DAB) bidirectional DC–DC converter power management system for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The proposed system makes it possible to charge an additional battery with regenerative power flows and distributes power from the electrical source to the load efficiently. The two main stages of the DAB converter, which are the focus of this work, are an interleaved buck/boost converter on the battery and a three‐phase wye‐wye series resonating converter on the DC bus. Each switch's current stress is greatly reduced by this design, which lowers transmission losses and enhances thermal performance. The interleaved buck conversion on the battery allows for lesser current stress in each switch, resulting in lower transmission loss. The increasing complexity and power of automotive embedded electronic systems have made the use of more potent power electronic converters in automobiles necessary. In recent years, many dual volt (42 V/14 V) bidirectional inverter topologies for automotive systems have been presented. However, the majority of them are either inefficient or use a huge number of transistors and magnetic devices in both parallel and series arrangements. As a result, in this study, a bidirectional high‐efficiency inverter with fewer components is provided. The design, modes of operation, and performance metrics of the DAB converter are examined, emphasizing its ability to achieve zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) throughout its operating range. The suggested system seeks to maximize EV power management, guaranteeing high dependability and efficiency. To test all of the aforementioned qualities, an evaluation version was created, with an average efficiency of 97.5%. This research could have a substantial impact on the advancement of power electronic converters for automotive applications, leading to better EV power management, increased system reliability, and increased overall efficiency.
Potential of the Use of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) in Thermal Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Cabeza Luisa F. , Martínez Franklin R. , Zsembinszki Gabriel , Borri Emiliano
Published: November 2024

Energy storage is a group of technologies that decrease the gap between energy supply and energy demand. Thermal energy storage (TES) reduces this gap at not only different temperatures but also at different places or power. Design criteria include the integration of the storage system into the whole application system, maximum load, and high‐energy density. Since energy density is given by the material used, the selection of the storage material is key to the success of any energy storage system. In this paper, the potential of sodium chloride (NaCl) to be used in TES, both using sensible TES and latent TES, is evaluated for low‐temperature applications and for high‐temperature ones. This material is found to have high potential for successful applications, both in buildings and in industry.
Optimal Planning of Standalone Rural Microgrid With Effective Dispatch Strategies and Battery Technology
Authors: Kamal Md. Mustafa
Published: November 2024

Microgrids are a viable substitute for traditional power systems because they may deliver cleaner, more dependable, affordable power with fewer losses. However, the microgrid's performance is impacted by the variable nature of renewable energy sources. Battery storage is a crucial component of microgrid planning since it defines the system's techno‐economic feasibility. A standalone rural microgrid is designed in the current study, employing three distinct battery types: lithium‐ion, lead acid, and zinc‐bromine flow. The suggested microgrid's techno‐economic analysis employs three distinct dispatch mechanisms, that is, cycle charging, load flow, and complete dispatch. The case study of the suggested framework is carried out in Lucknow (India). The system comprises PV/battery/wind energy system/diesel and battery. The simulation results suggest that the optimal system with the least electrification cost is 0.113 $/kWh using complete dispatch strategies and a zinc‐bromine battery. It has 206 kWh zinc‐bromine flow batteries, a 10 kW converter, a 20 kW PV, a 13‐kW diesel generator, and a Combined dispatch strategy. The system's net present cost per unit cost of energy is $40 275 and 0.113 $/kWh for the chosen region, respectively. Compared to the other two battery technologies for hybrid systems, the zinc‐bromine flow battery technology is also shown to be the most environmentally friendly. Among the three battery technologies available, zinc‐bromine flow is best used in a particular location's hybridized operation.
hUCMSCs Regulate Bile Acid Metabolism to Prevent Heart Failure–Induced Intestinal Injury by Inhibiting the Activation of the STAT3/NF‐κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway via TGR5
Authors: Wang Zetian , Luo Wei , Wang Qing , Liu Chunzheng , Gong Yanshan , Li Baitian , Zeng Xuejiao , Lin Jiaqi , Su Zehua , Li Xin , Yu Yongze , Liu Zhongmin , Gao Ling , Liao Lijun
Published: November 2024

The protective effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on heart failure (HF)‐induced intestinal injury have not been fully understood. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that hUCMSCs renewed themselves, grew, and transformed into various cell types. Meanwhile, hUCMSCs safeguarded against intestinal damage, regulated imbalances in the intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism, and enhanced the levels of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) in pigs with HF. HDCA protected against HF‐induced intestinal injury in mice through Takeda G protein–coupled receptor 5 (TGR5). Protein analysis showed that HDCA exerted protective effects on the intestines via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Mouse experiments revealed that HDCA bound to TGR5 to inhibit MAPK and NF‐κB signaling pathway activation, which relies on the STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, hUCMSCs protected against intestinal injury in the pig model of HF by suppressing the activation of the STAT3/NF‐κB/MAPK signaling pathway via TGR5.
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 mutation promotes cytarabine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia by Warburg effect
Authors: Yang Jinrong , Wang Zixu , Wu Kun , Nie Bo , Li Liyin , Ruan Jingyan , Zhou Qiang , Zeng Yun , Shi Mingxia
Published: November 2024

Mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) is a key factor in promoting cytarabine (Ara‐C) resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however the underly mechanism remains unclear. Acute myeloid leukemia cells, were cultured with either IDH2 knockdown (KD‐IDH2) or overexpression (OE‐IDH2) to elucidate the role of IDH2 in these leukemic cell lines. Additionally, mutant cell lines were engineered to replicate clinically relevant IDH2 mutations. To investigate cellular responses, the glycolytic inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG) was administered to the cells. Cell proliferation was quantified using a Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), while apoptosis was evaluated through propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry. Glycolytic metabolism levels were measured using a specific reagent kit, and Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of glycolysis‐related proteins. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms by which IDH2 mutations influence glycolysis. Furthermore, both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo subcutaneous transplantation tumor models in nude mice were utilized to validate these mechanisms. OE‐IDH2 in AML cells, enhances resistance to the Ara‐C, promotes cell proliferation and glycolysis, and inhibits apoptosis. KD‐IDH2 exhibits opposite effects. Both IDH2 mutations and OE‐IDH2 produce similar effects on these cellular processes. The increase in glycolysis levels following IDH2 mutation may contribute to the reduced efficacy of Enasidenib in inhibiting the proliferation of IDH‐mutant AML cells. Transcriptome sequencing results indicate an enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in IDH2‐mutant AML cells. BEZ235 significantly inhibits the expression of phosphorylated PI3K (p‐PI3K), phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt), mTOR, glycolytic metabolism, and Ara‐C resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression and mutation of IDH2 coordinate with the Warburg effect through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to promote Ara‐C resistance in AML.
Quantifying Streamflow Prediction Uncertainty Through Process‐Aware Data‐Driven Models
Authors: Roy Abhinanda , Kasiviswanathan K. S.
Published: November 2024

The hydrological model simulation accompanied with uncertainty quantification helps enhance their overall reliability. Since uncertainty quantification including all the sources (input, model structure and parameter) is challenging, it is often limited to only addressing model parametric uncertainty, neglecting other uncertainty sources. This paper focuses on exploiting the potential of state‐of‐the‐art data‐driven models (or DDMs) in quantifying the prediction uncertainty of process‐based hydrological models. This is achieved by integrating the robust predictive ability of the DDMs with the process understanding ability of the hydrological models. The Bayesian‐based data assimilation (DA) technique is used to quantify uncertainty in process‐based hydrological models. This is accomplished by choosing two DDMs, random forest algorithm (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), which are distinctly integrated with two process‐based hydrological models: HBV and HyMOD. Particle filter algorithm (PF) is chosen for uncertainty quantification. All these combinations led to four different process‐aware DDMs: HBV‐PF‐RF, HBV‐PF‐SVM, HyMOD‐PF‐RF and HyMOD‐PF‐SVM. The assessment of these models on the Baitarani, Beas and Sunkoshi river basins exemplified an improvement in the accuracy of the daily streamflow simulations with a reduction in the prediction uncertainty across all the models for all the basins. For example, the nash‐sutcliffe efficiency improved by 54.69% and 10.61% in calibration and validation of the Baitarani river basin, respectively. Equivalently, average bandwidth improved by 79.37% and 71.59%, respectively. This signified the (a) potential of the DDMs in quantifying and reducing the prediction uncertainty of the hydrological model simulations, (b) transferability of the model with an appreciable performance irrespective of the choice of basins having varying topography and climatology and (c) ability to perform significantly irrespective of different process‐based and DDMs being involved, thereby ensuring generalizability. Thus, the framework is expected to assist in effective decision‐making, including various environmental management and disaster preparedness.
Quantifying the Impacts of Fire‐Related Perturbations in WRF‐Hydro Terrestrial Water Budget Simulations in California's Feather River Basin
Authors: Abolafia‐Rosenzweig Ronnie , Gochis David , Schwarz Andrew , Painter Thomas H. , Deems Jeffery , Dugger Aubrey , Casali Matthew , He Cenlin
Published: November 2024

Wildfire activity in the western United States (WUS) is increasingly impacting water supply, and land surface models (LSMs) that do not explicitly account for fire disturbances can have critical uncertainties in burned areas. This study quantified responses from the Weather Research and Forecasting Hydrological modelling system (WRF‐Hydro) to a suite of fire‐related perturbations to hydrologic soil and runoff parameters, vegetation area, land cover classifications and associated vegetation properties, and snow albedo across the heavily burned Feather River Basin in California. These experiments were used to quantify the impacts of fire‐related perturbations in model simulations under the observed meteorological conditions during the 2000–2022 water years and determine whether applying these fire‐related perturbations enhanced post‐fire model accuracy across the 11–12 post‐fire months evaluated herein. The most comprehensive fire‐aware simulation consistently modelled enhanced annual catchment streamflow (by 8%–37%), subsurface flow (by 72%–116%), and soil moisture (by 4%–9%), relative to the baseline simulation which neglected fire impacts. Simulated fire‐enhanced streamflow was predominately attributable to fire‐induced vegetation area reductions that reduced transpiration. Simulated streamflow enhancements occurred throughout the water year, excluding early‐summer (e.g., May–June) when the baseline simulation modelled relatively more snowmelt and streamflow because fire perturbations caused earlier model snow depletion. Vegetation area reductions favoured increased model ground snow accumulation and enhanced snow ablation while imposed snow albedo darkening enhanced ablation, ultimately resulting in similar peak SWE and earlier snow disappearance (on average by 8‐days) from the most comprehensive fire‐aware simulation relative to the baseline simulation. The baseline simulation had large degradations in streamflow accuracy following major fire events that were likely partially attributable to neglecting fire disturbances. Applying fire‐related perturbations reduced post‐fire streamflow anomaly biases across the three study catchments. However, remaining large post‐fire streamflow uncertainties in the fire‐perturbed simulation underscores the importance of additional observationally constrained fire‐disturbance model developments.
Assessing the Soil Infiltration Rate of Alpine Meadows Using the Electrolyte Tracer Method
Authors: Ban Yunyun , Shi Chen
Published: November 2024

Grassland on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is highly susceptible to climate change and human activities, and vegetation degradation can affect biodiversity and soil erosion. Soil infiltration is a crucial water flow process that determines the amount of runoff and water storage capacity, and it is of great importance in maintaining biodiversity. This research investigated the effects of vegetation degradation and soil rates on soil infiltration rate and processes using the electrolyte tracer method. This technique accurately calculated soil infiltration rate by tracking continuous changes in the solute concentration change process throughout the experimental period and did not require calibration. Findings indicate that vegetation type, root mass, soil water content and soil porosity significantly affect soil infiltration rate. In particular, root mass was found to have a negative effect on soil infiltration rate. Soil moisture content initially dominated soil infiltration, but subsequently, soil porosity became increasingly influential in affecting infiltration in degraded meadow. Soil infiltration capacity varied more with vegetation type than with surface runoff. Shrub meadows had the highest infiltration rate followed by normal alpine meadows and degraded meadows, indicating the importance of vegetation on soil infiltration. The research also shows that mixed shrub and meadow can improve the ecological environment by introducing a more complex root system and increasing the infiltration rate. The electrolyte tracer method was used as an alternative to other methods that can be used in different environments than the one studied in this research.
Quantification of the Effect of Soil and Biophysical Parameters on Water Balance Modelling Using SWAT+ in Forested Catchments
Authors: Qasemipour Ehsan , Pahlow Markus , Cochrane Thomas A. , Altaner Clemens
Published: November 2024

Accurate simulation of water balance components is crucial for effective water and land management practices. The performance of process‐based hydrological models relies on the accurate determination of input variables. The objective of this study is to quantify the magnitude of the effect of soil properties (depth and texture) and biophysical parameters on water balance simulation for a forested catchment using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+). Simulations were carried out for a baseline scenario using the default soil inputs, followed by extending the soil profile depth up to 15 m under three different rainfall scenarios. Sensitivity analysis of model outputs was performed using the SENSitivity ANalysis (SENSAN) programme of the Parameter ESTimation (PEST) suite, coupled with SWAT+. The results showed that increasing soil profile depth to 15 m led to around 50% increase in water yield, and around 20% reduction in percolation with slight variations across the three rainfall scenarios. Evapotranspiration rates were slightly increased in deeper soil profiles. The sensitivity of evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and percolation to LAI‐related biophysical parameters was pronounced, highlighting the need to include such parameters in SWAT+ model calibration. The water uptake from deeper soil layers by deep roots, even in rocky substrates, as documented in the literature, is not adequately captured by the SWAT+ model. Our work showed that in general, developing local soil databases with detailed information on deeper layers is needed, to improve the accuracy and reliability of hydrological models in predicting water fluxes, thereby supporting informed water resources management decisions.
Neutralisation of Acid Rock Drainage by Youngest Toba Tuff Leachate Revealed by Hydrogeochemistry
Authors: Prakash Kannan J. , Rani V. R. , Sajinkumar K. S.
Published: November 2024

The Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) supervolcanic eruption occurred 75000 years ago, and resulted in distinctive ash fall deposition in different locations encompassing marine, estuarine, lacustrine, and fluvial sedimentary basins. Of the different sedimentary basins, the YTT crypto‐tephra horizon preserved in the South Kerala Sedimentary Basin (SKSB) of the western coast of India is hosted by a paleo‐estuarine carbonaceous clay layer. Along the eastern margin of SKSB, confined aquifers hosting highly acidic groundwater is associated with this YTT ash and associated organic matter (OM)‐rich carbonaceous clay layer, creating worse acid rock drainage (ARD), which eventually gets neutralised during summer, signalled by the crystallisation of halotrichite. Hydrogeological investigation gave insights on some of the unique geochemical processes, which facilitated the neutralisation of ARD. The main aquifers in the area include laterite and clayey‐sand, which is separated by this impervious layer hosting YTT ash. Wells tapping the clayey‐sand aquifer, beneath this layer, is affected by the ARD condition due to the interaction with pyrite, manifested as low pH of groundwater (3.7). Simultaneously, leaching from YTT ash, which constitutes 11.91% of Al2O3, facilitates Al content to reach groundwater in high concentration (2879.97 ppb). During dry season, when the surface of YTT‐hosting OM‐rich carbonaceous clay layer is exposed, the leached Al interacts with the acid derived from the YTT‐hosting OM‐rich carbonaceous clay layer and results in the precipitation of halotrichite. The two processes, one resulting in ARD condition and the other as formation of halotrichite, occur in succession. Thus, the crystallisation of halotrichite signals the neutralisation of water as well as heralding the potability of water.
The role of youth extracurricular activities and political intentions in later political participation and civic engagement
Authors: Lundberg Erik , Abdelzadeh Ali
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Current literature recognizes that various socialization agents often shape political behavior. This study employs frameworks of political socialization and political agency to explore how extracurricular activities and political intentions established at age 16 influence aspects of political participation and civic engagement at age 20.

Methods

A 4‐year longitudinal study was conducted using a community‐based sample of 933 adolescents from a medium‐sized Swedish city with a population of approximately 135,000. Data were collected in 2010 and 2014, allowing for an analysis of the impact of extracurricular activities and political intentions developed during adolescence on later political and civic behaviors. The analytical sample comprised 933 individuals (50.8% females; mean age = 16.62, SD = 0.71).

Results

The analysis revealed that participation in extracurricular activities at age 16 is a significant predictor of offline political participation at age 20. However, no significant associations were found between these activities and other forms of participation, such as illegal behaviors or broader civic engagement. Political intentions at age 16 also significantly predicted offline political participation at age 20.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the pivotal roles of both socialization agents and individual factors related to youth political agency in shaping political trajectories during adolescence. Understanding the effects of extracurricular activities and political intentions on political participation and civic engagement can aid policymakers and educators in developing strategies to foster active citizenship among young people.