bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of the “Z”‐Phase in Mn‐Rich P2‐Na0.67Ni0.1Mn0.8Fe0.1O2 as Sodium‐Ion‐Battery Cathodes
Authors: Feng Jie , Luo Shao‐hua , Qian Lixiong , Yan Shengxue , Wang Qing , Ji Xianbing , Zhang Yahui , Liu Xin , Hou Pengqing , Teng Fei
Published: February 2023

P2 layered oxides have attracted more and more attention as cathode materials of high‐power sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). During the charging process, the release of sodium ions leads to layer slip, which leads to the transformation of P2 phase into O2 phase, resulting in a sharp decline in capacity. However, many cathode materials do not undergo P2‐O2 transition during charging and discharging, but form a “Z” phase. It is proved that the iron‐containing compound Na0.67Ni0.1Mn0.8Fe0.1O2 formed the “Z” phase of the symbiotic structure of the P phase and O phase during high‐voltage charging through ex‐XRD and HAADF‐STEM. During the charging process, the cathode material undergoes a structural change of P2‐OP4‐O2. With the increase of charging voltage, the O‐type superposition mode increases to form an ordered OP4 phase, and the P2‐type superposition mode disappears after further charging to form a pure O2 phase. 57Fe‐Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed that no migration of Fe ions is detected. The O–Ni–O–Mn–Fe–O bond formed in the transition metal MO6 (M = Ni, Mn, Fe) octahedron can inhibit the elongation of the Mn–O bond and improve the electrochemical activity so that P2‐Na0.67Ni0.1Mn0.8Fe0.1O2 has an excellent capacity of 172.4 mAh g−1 and a coulombic efficiency close to 99% at 0.1C.
Bonding Lithium Metal with Garnet Electrolyte by Interfacial Lithiophobicity/Lithiophilicity Transition Mechanism over 380 °C
Authors: Jin Yang , Lu Hongfei , Lyu Nawei , Jiang Xin , Zhang Di , Zhang Zili , Xu Jing , Sun Bin , Liu Kai , Wu Hui
Published: February 2023

Garnet electrolytes, possessing high ionic conductivity (10−4–10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature) and excellent chemical/electrochemical compatibility with lithium metal, are expected to be used in solid‐state lithium metal batteries. However, the poor solid–solid interfacial contact between lithium and garnet leads to high interfacial resistance, reducing the battery power capability and cyclability. Garnet electrolytes are commonly believed to be intrinsically lithiophilic, and lithiophobic Li2CO3 on the garnet surface accounted for the poor interfacial contact. Here, it is proposed that the interfacial lithiophobicity/lithiophilicity of garnets (LLZO, LLZTO) can be transformed above a temperature of ≈380 °C. This transition mechanism is also suitable for other materials such as Li2CO3, Li2O, stainless steel, and Al2O3. By using this transition mechanism, uniform and even lithium can be strongly bonded no‐surface‐treated garnet electrolytes with various shapes. The Li–LLZTO interfacial resistance can be reduced to ≈3.6 Ω cm2 and sustainably withstood lithium extraction and insertion for up to 2000 h at 100 µA cm−2. This high‐temperature lithiophobicity/lithiophilicity transition mechanism can help improve the understanding of lithium–garnet interfaces and build practical lithium–garnet solid–solid interfaces.
Determination of benzimidazole pesticide residues in soil by ultrasound‐assisted supramolecular solvent microextraction
Authors: Hu Jiabao , Yang Yuqi , Guan Yunlei , Li Rui , Liu Chunxiao , Yao Guojun , Zhao Wenting
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to develop a simple, rapid, and efficient pretreatment method using a supramolecular solvent as the extractant combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet to detect benzimidazole residues in environmental soil. The supramolecular solvent was composed of long‐chain alcohols, tetrahydrofuran, and water in proportion, showing excellent solubility and polarity range, so a supramolecular solvent microextraction method was established. The optimum method was identified by optimizing the types of long‐chain alcohols, the alcohol/tetrahydrofuran ratio, the pH, the amount of extractant, and the extraction time. The detection limits were 12.1–39.9 μg/kg with a relative standard deviation between 1.2% and 3.2% (n = 6). The recoveries ranged between 56.6% and 86.1%, and the linear relationship was good. The correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.9843 ‐ 0.9998. This method was then used to measure five benzimidazoles (thiabendazole, albendazole sulfone, ophendazole, albendazole, and fendazole) in soil samples.
Ion Transport in Glyme‐ and Sulfolane‐Based Highly Concentrated Electrolytes
Authors: Shigenobu Keisuke , Sudoh Taku , Murai Junichi , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi , Ueno Kazuhide
Published: February 2023

Highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) have a similarity to ionic liquids (ILs) in high ionic nature, and indeed some of HECs are found to behave like an IL. HCEs have attracted considerable attention as prospective candidates for electrolyte materials in future lithium secondary batteries owing to their favorable properties both in the bulk and at the electrochemical interface. In this study, we highlight the effects of the solvent, counter anion, and diluent of HCEs on the Li+ ion coordination structure and transport properties (e. g., ionic conductivity and apparent Li+ ion transference number measured under anion‐blocking conditions,
). Our studies on dynamic ion correlations unveiled the difference in the ion conduction mechanisms in HCEs and their intimate relevance to
values. Our systematic analysis of the transport properties of HCEs also suggests the need for a compromise to simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity and high
values.
Validation of the Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau)
Authors: Holmberg Lina , Frick Bergström Monica , Mani Kevin , Wanhainen Anders , Andréasson Håkan , Linder Fredrik
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Validation of registries is important to ensure accuracy of data and registry-based research. This is often done by comparisons of the original registry data with other sources, e.g. another registry or a re-registration of data. Founded in 2011, the Swedish Trauma Registry (SweTrau) consists of variables based on international consensus (the Utstein Template of Trauma). This project aimed to perform the first validation of SweTrau.

Methods

On-site re-registration was performed on randomly selected trauma patients and compared to the registration in SweTrau. Accuracy (exact agreement), correctness (exact agreement plus data within acceptable range), comparability (similarity with other registries), data completeness (1-missing data) and case completeness (1-missing cases) were deemed as either good ($$\ge$$
≥
85%), adequate (70–84%) or poor (< 70%). Correlation was determined as either excellent ($$\ge$$
≥
0.8), strong (0.6–0.79), moderate (0.4–0.59) or weak (< 0.4).

Results

The data in SweTrau had good accuracy (85.8%), correctness (89.7%) and data completeness (88.5%), as well as strong or excellent correlation (87.5%). Case completeness was 44.3%, however, for NISS > 15 case completeness was 100%. Median time to registration was 4.5 months, with 84.2% registered one year after the trauma. The comparability showed an accordance with the Utstein Template of Trauma of almost 90%.

Conclusions

The validity of SweTrau is good, with high accuracy, correctness, data completeness and correlation. The data are comparable to other trauma registries using the Utstein Template of Trauma; however, timeliness and case completeness are areas of improvement.
Spatially associated or composite life traces from Holocene paleosols and dune sands provide evidence for past biotic interactions
Authors: Hsieh Shannon , Uchman Alfred
Published: February 2023

Biotic interactions (e.g., predation, competition, commensalism) where organisms directly or indirectly influenced one another are of great interest to those studying the history of life but have been difficult to ascertain from fossils. Considering the usual caveats about the temporal resolution of paleontological data, traces and trace fossils in the sedimentary record can record co-occurrences of organisms or their behaviours with relatively high spatial fidelity in a location. Neoichnological studies and studies on recently buried traces, where direct trophic links or other connections between tracemakers are well-known, may help interpret when and where overlapping traces represented true biotic interactions. Examples from Holocene paleosols and other buried continental sediments in Poland include the tight association between mole and earthworm burrows, forming an ichnofabric representing a predator–prey relationship, and that of intersecting insect and root traces demonstrating the impact of trees as both ecosystem engineers and the basis for food chains. Trampling by ungulates, which leaves hoofprints and other sedimentary disturbances, may result in amensal or commensal effects on some biota in the short term and create heterogeneity that later trace-making organisms, such as invertebrate burrowers, can also respond to in turn, though such modified or composite traces may be challenging to interpret.
Child care costs, household liquidity constraints, and gender inequality
Authors: Casarico Alessandra , Del Rey Elena , Silva Jose I.
Published: February 2023

In a model with endogenous female labour supply and wages, we show that liquidity constraints that prevent households from buying child care generate an inefficiency and amplify gender gaps in the labour market. We evaluate the relative merits of paid maternity leave, child care subsidies, and government loans in mitigating liquidity constraints and promoting gender equality. While an extension in the duration of the leave has ambiguous effects, child care subsidies and loans in the form of child care vouchers remove the liquidity constraints and reduce gender gaps in participation and wages. We illustrate the mechanisms at play in a numerical example using Spanish data.
The Gell-Mann–Brueckner Formula for the Correlation Energy of the Electron Gas: A Rigorous Upper Bound in the Mean-Field Regime
Authors: Christiansen Martin Ravn , Hainzl Christian , Nam Phan Thành
Published: February 2023

We prove a rigorous upper bound on the correlation energy of interacting fermions in the mean-field regime for a wide class of interaction potentials. Our result covers the Coulomb potential, and in this case we obtain the analogue of the Gell-Mann–Brueckner formula $$c_{1}\rho \log \left( \rho \right) +c_{2}\rho $$

c
1

ρ
log

ρ

+

c
2

ρ

in the high density limit. We do this by refining the analysis of our bosonization method to deal with singular potentials, and to capture the exchange contribution which is absent in the purely bosonic picture.
Synthesis of 12-aminododecenoic acid by coupling transaminase to oxylipin pathway enzymes
Authors: Coenen Anna , Ferrer Manuel , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Schörken Ulrich
Published: February 2023

Biobased polymers derived from plant oils are sustainable alternatives to petro based polymers. In recent years, multienzyme cascades have been developed for the synthesis of biobased ω-aminocarboxylic acids, which serve as building blocks for polyamides. In this work, we have developed a novel enzyme cascade for the synthesis of 12-aminododeceneoic acid, a precursor for nylon-12, starting from linoleic acid. Seven bacterial ω-transaminases (ω-TAs) were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and successfully purified by affinity chromatography. Activity towards the oxylipin pathway intermediates hexanal and 12-oxododecenoic acid in their 9(Z) and 10(E) isoforms was demonstrated for all seven transaminases in a coupled photometric enzyme assay. The highest specific activities were obtained with ω-TA from Aquitalea denitrificans (TRAD), with 0.62 U mg−1 for 12-oxo-9(Z)-dodecenoic acid, 0.52 U mg−1 for 12-oxo-10(E)-dodecenoic acid and 1.17 U mg−1 for hexanal. A one-pot enzyme cascade was established with TRAD and papaya hydroperoxide lyase (HPLCP-N), reaching conversions of 59% according to LC-ELSD quantification. Starting from linoleic acid, up to 12% conversion to 12-aminododecenoic acid was achieved with a 3-enzyme cascade comprising soybean lipoxygenase (LOX-1), HPLCP-N and TRAD. Higher product concentrations were achieved by the consecutive addition of enzymes compared to simultaneous addition at the beginning.

Key points

• Seven ω-transaminases converted 12-oxododecenoic acid into its corresponding amine.

• A three-enzyme cascade with lipoxygenase, hydroperoxide lyase, and ω-transaminase was established for the first time.

• A one-pot transformation of linoleic acid to 12-aminododecenoic acid, a precursor of nylon-12 was achieved.

Graphical Abstract
Synovial plica of the elbow — detailed measurements and how to implicate its relevance in clinical practice
Authors: Bonczar Michał , Ostrowski Patryk , Bednarz Wojciech , Wojciechowski Wadim , Walocha Jerzy , Koziej Mateusz
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The synovial plica of the elbow is a fold of synovial tissue, which is said to be a remnant of the embryonic septa of normal articular development and is located around the radiocapitellar joint. The objective of the present study was to provide morphometric properties of the synovial plica of the elbow and its relation to surrounding structures in asymptomatic patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to establish the morphometric characteristics of the synovial plica of the elbow. The results of 216 consecutive patients, who for different reasons during the five year period of time underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an elbow, were analyzed.

Results

Plica was found in a total of 161 of 216 elbows (74.5%). The mean width of the plica was set to be 3.00 mm (SD: 1.39). The mean length of the plica was established at 2.91 mm (SD: 1.13). An analysis of sexual dimorphism was also included. Potential correlations were analyzed for each of the categories and age.

Conclusions

The synovial plica of the elbow is a clinically relevant anatomical structure. Analyzing the morphometric parameters of the synovial plica is necessary to properly evaluate synovial plica syndrome, which can commonly be confused with other sources of lateral elbow pain such as tennis elbow, oppression of the radial and/or posterior interosseous nerve, or snapping of the triceps tendon. The authors suggest that the thickness of the plica may not be the golden diagnostic feature as there are no statistically significant differences in this parameter between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. A precise and accurate diagnosis of synovial fold syndrome and/or differentiation from other sources of lateral elbow pain must be performed, as the surgical treatment, even if performed properly, will be unsuccessful because of a misdiagnosed source of pain.
A Novel Frailty Grade Combined with Cachexia Index and Osteopenia in Esophagectomy
Authors: Takahashi Keita , Masuda Takahiro , Ishikawa Yoshitaka , Tanishima Yuichiro , Kurogochi Takanori , Yuda Masami , Tanaka Yujiro , Matsumoto Akira , Yano Fumiaki , Eto Ken
Published: February 2023

Backgrounds

The optimal method for evaluating frailty grade in patients with cancer has not been established in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. This study aimed to clarify the impact of cachexia index (CXI) and osteopenia on survival in esophagectomized patients for esophageal cancer to develop frailty grade for risk stratification of the prognosis.

Methods

A total of 239 patients who underwent esophagectomy were analyzed. CXI was calculated as follows: skeletal muscle index × serum albumin/neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. Meanwhile, osteopenia was defined as below the cutoff value of bone mineral density (BMD) calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. We evaluated the average Hounsfield unit within a circle in the lower midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra on preoperative computed tomography as BMD.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that low CXI (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–3.04) and osteopenia (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.19–2.93) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Meanwhile, low CXI (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.06–2.34) and osteopenia (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05–2.36) were also significant prognostic factors for relapse‐free survival. A frailty grade combined with CXI and osteopenia stratified into four groups by their prognosis.

Conclusions

Low CXI and osteopenia predict poor survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Furthermore, a novel frailty grade combined with CXI and osteopenia stratified the patients into four groups according to their prognosis.
Mesh Infection After Hernia Repair and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A Systematic Review
Authors: Bueno‐Lledó Jose , Martinez‐Hoed Jesús , Bonafe‐Diana Santiago , Pous‐Serrano Salvador
Published: February 2023

Background

Surgical mesh infection (SMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) is a challenging and highly debated clinical problem with no current consensus. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature about the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of the conservative treatment of SMI and report results about infected mesh salvage.

Methods

A systematic review of EMBASE and PUBMED was performed describing the use of NPWT in patients with SMI following AWHR. Reviewed articles evaluating data about the association between clinical, demographic, analytic and surgical characteristics about SMI after AWHR were analyzed. The high heterogeneity of these studies did not allow a meta‐analysis of outcomes.

Results

The search strategy yielded 33 studies from PubMed, and 16 studies from EMBASE. NPWT was performed in 230 patients across 9 studies being achieved the mesh salvage in 196 (85.2%). Of these 230 cases, 46% were polypropylene (PPL), 9.9% polyester (PE), 16.8% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 4% biologic and 10.2% composite mesh (PPL and PTFE). Infected mesh location was onlay (43%), retromuscular (22%), preperitoneal (19%), intraperitoneal (10%) and between the oblique muscles (5%). The better option on salvageability with the use of NPWT was the combination of macroporous PPL mesh in an extraperitoneal position (19.2% onlay, 23.3% preperitoneal, 48.8% retromuscular).

Conclusion

NPWT is a sufficient approach to treat SMI following AWHR. In most cases, infected prostheses can be salvaged with this management. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our analysis results.
Extensor carpi ulnaris tendon pathology and ulnar styloid bone marrow edema as diagnostic markers of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears on wrist MRI: a case–control study
Authors: Nevalainen Mika T. , Zoga Adam C. , Rivlin Michael , Morrison William B. , Roedl Johannes B.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To evaluate extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon pathology and ulnar styloid process bone marrow edema (BME) as diagnostic MRI markers for peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.

Methods

One hundred thirty-three patients (age range 21–75, 68 females) with wrist 1.5-T MRI and arthroscopy were included in this retrospective case–control study. The presence of TFCC tears (no tear, central perforation, or peripheral tear), ECU pathology (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, tear or subluxation), and BME at the ulnar styloid process were determined on MRI and correlated with arthroscopy. Cross-tabulation with chi-square tests, binary logistic regression with odds ratios (OR), and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were used to describe diagnostic efficacy.

Results

On arthroscopy, 46 cases with no TFCC tear, 34 cases with central perforations, and 53 cases with peripheral TFCC tears were identified. ECU pathology was seen in 19.6% (9/46) of patients with no TFCC tears, in 11.8% (4/34) with central perforations and in 84.9% (45/53) with peripheral TFCC tears (p < 0.001); the respective numbers for BME were 21.7% (10/46), 23.5% (8/34), and 88.7% (47/53) (p < 0.001). Binary regression analysis showed additional value from ECU pathology and BME in predicting peripheral TFCC tears. The combined approach with direct MRI evaluation and both ECU pathology and BME yielded a 100% positive predictive value for peripheral TFCC tear as compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone.

Conclusions

ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to diagnose tears.

Key Points

• ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to confirm the presence of TFCC tears.

• If there is a peripheral TFCC tear on direct MRI evaluation and in addition both ECU pathology and BME on MRI, the positive predictive value is 100% that there will be a tear on arthroscopy compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone.

• If there is no peripheral TFCC tear on direct evaluation and neither ECU pathology nor BME on MRI, the negative predictive value is 98% that there will be no tear on arthroscopy compared to 94% with direct evaluation alone.
Droplet size from Venturi air induction spray nozzles
Authors: Sijs R. , Kooij S. , Bonn D.
Published: February 2023

Sprays are of great importance for many applications, with drop size being a crucial parameter. Especially in agriculture applications, simple flat fan spray nozzles are often supplemented by a Venturi component to achieve larger drop sizes and hence, prevent unwanted spray drift of the smallest droplets. The general believe is that these larger drops are usually attributed to the fact that the liquid sheet produced by the nozzle breaks up more easily due to the pre-existing ’holes’ formed by the induced air bubbles. Here, we extend descriptions of how nozzle and fluid parameters determine droplet size distributions from Venturi nozzles. We show that the mean droplet size is determined by the nozzle’s orifice area as is the case for ordinary flat fan nozzles, but that the additional pressure drop over the Venturi chamber needs to be taken into account. Using this parameter, relations that were derived for flat fan nozzles can be re-used. This allows to show that the increase in droplet size compared to conventional nozzles is due to the additional pressure drop in the Venturi chamber, and not to a change in breakup mechanism due to the presence of air bubbles in the liquid sheet.
Volumetric measurements of wake impulse and kinetic energy for evaluating swimming performance
Authors: Li Derek J. , Mendelson Leah
Published: February 2023

Volumetric flow measurements are a valuable tool for studies of aquatic locomotion. In addition to visualizing complex propulsive behaviors (e.g., highly three-dimensional kinematics or multi-propulsor interactions), volumetric wake measurements can enable direct calculation of metrics for locomotive performance including the hydrodynamic impulse and wake kinetic energy. These metrics are commonly used in PIV and PTV studies of swimming organisms, but derivations from planar data often rely on simplifying assumptions about the wake (e.g., geometry, orientation, or interactions). This study characterizes errors in deriving wake impulse and kinetic energy directly from volumetric data in relation to experimental parameters including the level of noise, the flow feature resolution, processing parameters, and the calculation domain. We consider three vortex ring-like test cases: a synthetic spherical vortex with exact solutions for its impulse and energy, volumetric PIV measurements of a turbulent vortex ring, and volumetric PIV measurements of a turning fish. We find that direct calculations of hydrodynamic impulse are robust when derived from a volumetric experiment. We also show that kinetic energy estimates are feasible at experiment resolutions, but are more sensitive to experiment design and processing parameters, which may limit efficiency estimates or comparisons between studies or organisms.

Graphical abstract
Neurons sensitive to non-celestial polarized light in the brain of the desert locust
Authors: Beck Marius , Althaus Vanessa , Pegel Uta , Homberg Uwe
Published: February 2023

Owing to alignment of rhodopsin in microvillar photoreceptors, insects are sensitive to the oscillation plane of polarized light. This property is used by many species to navigate with respect to the polarization pattern of light from the blue sky. In addition, the polarization angle of light reflected from shiny surfaces such as bodies of water, animal skin, leaves, or other objects can enhance contrast and visibility. Whereas photoreceptors and central mechanisms involved in celestial polarization vision have been investigated in great detail, little is known about peripheral and central mechanisms of sensing the polarization angle of light reflected from objects and surfaces. Desert locusts, like other insects, use a polarization-dependent sky compass for navigation but are also sensitive to polarization angles from horizontal directions. In order to further analyze the processing of polarized light reflected from objects or water surfaces, we tested the sensitivity of brain interneurons to the angle of polarized blue light presented from ventral direction in locusts that had their dorsal eye regions painted black. Neurons encountered interconnect the optic lobes, invade the central body, or send descending axons to the ventral nerve cord but are not part of the polarization vision pathway involved in sky-compass coding.
Early- and late-winter ENSO teleconnections to the Euro-Atlantic region in state-of-the-art seasonal forecasting systems
Authors: Molteni Franco , Brookshaw Anca
Published: February 2023

A number of recent studies have highlighted the differences in the northern extratropical response to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the early and late part of the boreal cold season, particularly over the North Atlantic/European (NAE) region. Diagnostic analyses of multi-decadal GCM simulations performed as a part of CMIP5 and CMIP6 projects have shown that early winter tropical teleconnections are usually simulated with lower fidelity than their late-winter equivalents. Although some results from individual seasonal forecasting systems have been published on this topic, it is still unclear to what extent the problems detected in multi-decadal simulations also affect initialised seasonal forecasts from state-of-the art models. In this study, we diagnose ENSO teleconnections from the re-forecast ensembles of nine models contributing (during winter 2021/22) to the multi-model seasonal forecasting system of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The re-forecasts cover winters from 1993/94 to 2016/17, and are archived in the C3S Climate Data Store. Regression and composite patterns of 500-hPa height are computed separately for El Niño and La Niña winters, based on 2-month averages in November–December (ND) and January–February (JF). Model results are compared with the corresponding patterns derived from the ERA5 re-analysis. Signal-to-noise ratios are computed from time series of projections of individual winter anomalies onto the ENSO regression patterns. The results of this study indicate that initialised seasonal forecasts exhibit similar deficiencies to those already diagnosed in multi-decadal simulations, with a significant underestimation of the amplitude of early-winter teleconnections between ENSO and the NAE circulation, and of the signal-to-noise ratio in the early-winter response to El Niño. Further diagnostics highlight the impact of mis-representing the constructive interference of teleconnections from the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the early-winter ENSO response over the North Atlantic.
Fractional carbon dioxide laser alone and as an assisted drug delivery for treatment of alopecia areata: a clinical, dermoscopic and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Meguid Azza Mahfouz Abdel , Ghazally Alaa , Ahmed Asmaa M. , Bakr Radwa M.
Published: February 2023

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common cause of hair loss with no available universally successful treatment. Thus, new innovative treatments are urgently needed. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) alone or combined with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) solution, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or vitamin D3 solution in treating AA. Sixty-four AA patients with 185 lesions were recruited and divided into four treatment groups. All patients received FCL either alone (group A, n = 19) or followed by topical TA (group B, n = 16) or PRP (group C, n = 15), or vitamin D3 solution (group D, n = 14). The response was assessed using Alopecia Areata Severity Index (AASI), MacDonald Hull and Norris grading, and trichoscopy. Histopathological features and immunohistochemical decorin expression were studied. All groups showed significant improvement in AASI compared to the baseline, with insignificant differences between them. Post-treatment, trichoscopic features of disease activity significantly decreased in all groups. Compared to control biopsies, both anagen follicles and decorin expression were significantly decreased in all pretreatment specimens. After treatment, all groups showed significantly increased anagen follicles and decorin expression compared to the baseline. Accordingly, FCL is an effective treatment for AA alone or combined with TA, PRP, or vitamin D3 solution. In AA, Decorin expression was downregulated, while enhanced expression following successful treatment occurred. This suggests the role of decorin in AA pathogenesis. However, further research is still recommended to clarify the exact role of decorin in AA pathogenesis and to investigate the therapeutic benefits of decorin-based therapy.
What do you focus on? An investigation of goal focus from childhood to old age
Authors: Moersdorf Lea , Freund Alexandra M. , Daum Moritz M.
Published: February 2023

Goals constitute an important construct in developmental psychology. They represent a central way in which individuals shape their development. Here, we present two studies on age-related differences in one important goal dimension, goal focus, that is, the relative salience of the means and ends of goal pursuit. Extant studies on age-related differences in adults suggest a shift from focusing on the ends to focusing on the means across adulthood. The current studies aimed to expand this research to encompass the entire lifespan including childhood. The first cross-sectional study included participants spanning from early childhood into old age (N = 312, age range: 3–83 years) and used a multimethodological approach comprising eye tracking, behavioral, and verbal measures of goal focus. The second study investigated the verbal measures of the first study in more detail in an adult sample (N = 1550, age range: 17–88 years). Overall, the results do not show a clear pattern, making them difficult to interpret. There was little convergence of the measures, pointing to the difficulties in assessing a construct such as goal focus across a large range of age groups differing in social-cognitive and verbal skills.
ePRO symptom follow-up of colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy is feasible and enhances the quality of patient care: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Iivanainen Sanna , Ravichandra Ravi , Jekunen Antti , Arokoski Reetta , Mentu Santeri , Lang Laura , Ekström Jussi , Virtanen Henri , Kataja Vesa , Koivunen Jussi P.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Electronic (e) patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been shown to improve the quality of life and survival in chemotherapy treated advanced cancer patients. We hypothesized that multidimensional ePRO centered approach could improve symptom management, streamline patient flow, and optimize the use of healthcare resources.

Methods

In this multicenter trial (NCT04081558), colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy as adjuvant or in the first- or second-line setting in advanced disease were included in the prospective ePRO cohort, while a comparative retrospective cohort was collected from the same institutes. The investigated tool consisted of a weekly e-symptom questionnaire integrated to an urgency algorithm and laboratory value interface, which generated semi-automated decision support for chemotherapy cycle prescription and individualized symptom management.

Results

Recruitment to the ePRO cohort occurred 1/2019–1/2021 (n = 43). The comparator group (n = 194) consisted of patients treated in the same institutes 1–7/2017. The analysis was limited to adjuvant treated (n = 36 and n = 35). The feasibility of the ePRO follow-up was good with 98% reporting easy usage and 86% improved care, while health care personnel valued the easy use and logical workflow. In the ePRO cohort, 42% needed a phone call before planned chemotherapy cycles, while this was 100% in the retrospective cohort (p = 1.4e−8). Peripheral sensory neuropathy was detected significantly earlier with ePRO followed (p = 1e−5) but did not translate to earlier dose reduction, delays, or unplanned therapy termination compared to the retrospective cohort.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the investigated approach is feasible and streamlines workflow. Earlier symptom detection may improve the quality in cancer care.
Are Ecosystem Engineering Traits Fixed or Flexible: A Study on Clonal Expansion Strategies in Co-occurring Dune Grasses
Authors: Lammers Carlijn , van de Ven Clea N. , van der Heide Tjisse , Reijers Valérie C.
Published: February 2023

Many vegetated coastal ecosystems are formed through ecosystem engineering by clonal vegetation. Recent work highlights that the spatial shoot organization of the vegetation determines local sediment accretion and subsequently emerging landscape morphology. While this key engineering trait has been found to differ between species and prevailing environmental conditions, it remains unknown how the interplay of both factors drive shoot organization and therefore landscape morphology. Here, we compared the spatial shoot organization of young, clonally expanding plants of the two dominant European dune grass species: sand couch (Elytrigia juncea) and marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) across a range of coastal dune environments (from Denmark to France). Our results reveal that, on average, sand couch deployed a more dispersed shoot organization than marram grass, which has a patchy (Lévy-like) organization. Whereas sand couch exhibited the same expansion strategy independent of environmental conditions, marram grass demonstrated a large intraspecific variation which correlated to soil organic matter, temperature and grain size. Shoot patterns ranged from a clumped organization correlating to relatively high soil organic matter contents, temperature and small grain sizes, to a patchy configuration with intermediate conditions, and a dispersed organization with low soil organic matter, temperature and large grain size. We conclude that marram grass is flexible in adjusting its engineering capacity in response to environmental conditions, while sand couch instead follows a fixed expansion strategy, illustrating that shoot organization results from the interaction of both species-specific and environmental-specific trait expression.
Alkaline hydrolysis of photovoltaic backsheet containing PET and PVDF for the recycling of PVDF
Authors: Morita Yoshinori , Saito Yuko , Kumagai Shogo , Kameda Tomohito , Shiratori Toshikazu , Yoshioka Toshiaki
Published: February 2023

Recovering fluorine from end-of-life products is crucial for the sustainable production and consumption of fluorine-containing compounds because fluorspar, an important natural resource for fluorine, is currently at a supply risk. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of chemically recycling a fluorine-containing photovoltaic (PV) backsheet for fluoropolymer recycling. Herein, a PV backsheet consisting of laminated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to hydrolyze the PET layer to water-soluble sodium terephthalate (Na2TP) and to separate pure PVDF layer as a solid material. Optimized alkaline conditions (up to 10 M NaOH at 100 °C for 2 h) were determined, under which 87% of the PET layer could be decomposed without any significant deterioration of the PVDF layer. The hydrolysis kinetics of PET layer in NaOH could be explained by the modified shrinking-core model. Considering that the mass of end-of-life PV panels in Japan is estimated to increase to approximately 280,000 tons per year by 2036, PV backsheets are attractive candidates for fluoropolymer recycling, which can be effectively achieved using chemical recycling approach demonstrated in this study.
Soil-building resonance effect in the urban area of Villa d’Agri (Southern Italy)
Authors: Gangone G. , Gallipoli M. R. , Tragni N. , Vignola L. , Caputo R.
Published: February 2023

This study aims to evaluate the possible occurrence during seismic shaking of interaction effects between the shallow subsoil and the overlying buildings of the Villa d’Agri town (Southern Italy). From the geological and building heritage points of view, the investigated area represents a typical town along the Apennines chain and therefore the obtained results could be easily exported to similar urban areas. A total of 239 single-station seismic ambient noise measurements were thus performed, 154 on the urban soils and 85 within buildings. Both subsets of measurements were planned to cover the main outcropping lithologies and building typologies. By means of the Horizontal-to-Vertical Noise Spectral Ratio technique, isofrequency and isoamplitude maps have been reconstructed for the whole area. The results evaluated on the 65 tested buildings allowed to infer the empirical relationship between the first vibrational period,T(s), and their height,H(m). Using this relationship and available information on the height of each building, the first vibrational frequency was estimated for 659 buildings belonging to the urban area of Villa d'Agri. Finally, in order to assess the possible occurrence of the double resonance phenomenon, we compared the main frequency of each building with that interpolated for the underlying foundation soil. The results show that the probability of being affected by the double resonance effect is very high only for a couple of buildings, high for about 16% of the buildings, moderate for the 23% and practically null for most buildings (60%).
Scaffolds and scaffolding: an explanatory strategy in evolutionary biology
Authors: Neto Celso , Meynell Letitia , Jones Christopher T.
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the explanatory term “scaffold” has been gaining prominence in evolutionary biology. This notion has a long history in other areas, in particular, developmental psychology. In this paper, we connect these two traditions and identify a specific type of explanatory strategy shared between them, namely scaffolding explanations. We offer a new definition of “scaffold” anchored in the explanatory practices of evolutionary biologists and developmental psychologists that has yet to be clearly articulated. We conclude by offering a systematic overview of the various dimensions of scaffolding explanations that further suggests both their usefulness and range of application.
Physiological status of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) along an ozone pollution gradient
Authors: Salaberria Concepción , Chávez-Zichinelli Carlos A. , López-Rull Isabel , Romano Marta C. , Schondube Jorge E.
Published: February 2023

Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and one in which air contamination is considered a public health threat. Numerous studies have related high concentrations of particulate matter and ozone to several respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and a higher human mortality risk. However, almost all of those studies have focused on human health outcomes, and the effects of anthropogenic air pollution on wildlife species is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impacts of air pollution in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) on house sparrows (Passer domesticus). We assessed two physiological responses commonly used as biomarkers: stress response (the corticosterone concentration in feathers), and constitutive innate immune response (the concentration of both natural antibodies and lytic complement proteins), which are non-invasive techniques. We found a negative relationship between the ozone concentration and the natural antibodies response (p = 0.003). However, no relationship was found between the ozone concentration and the stress response or the complement system activity (p > 0.05). These results suggest that ozone concentrations in air pollution within MCMA may constrain the natural antibody response in the immune system of house sparrows. Our study shows, for the first time, the potential impact of ozone pollution on a wild species in the MCMA presenting the Nabs activity and the house sparrow as suitable indicators to assess the effect of air contamination on the songbirds.
Numerical Study on the Effect of Atmospheric Wind on the Fire Severity in Informal Settlements with Different Dwellings’ Wall Thermal Characteristics
Authors: Lemmertz Calisa Katiuscia , Beshir Mohamed , Rush David , Centeno Felipe Roman
Published: February 2023

There is a persistent risk of large-scale fire conflagrations in informal settlements, which can threaten hundreds of people simultaneously. Although the literature implies that wind conditions have a significant impact on these fires, little is known about how wind conditions affect the dynamics and spread of flames in informal settlements. In order to comprehend the impact of wind conditions (speed and direction) on the time to flashover and fire severity in informal settlement dwellings with different wall thermal characteristics, a numerical study was conducted utilizing the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code. For six different wind speeds (1 m/s, 5 m/s, 10 m/s, 15 m/s, 20 m/s and 25 m/s) and two wind directions (side and back wind). Simulations were conducted with full-scale informal settlement dwellings burning wood cribs, analyzing the fuel mass loss rate, hot gas temperature, global equivalence ratio, radiative heat flux outside the door, and time to flashover. In addition, the influence of wall thermal properties was examined for thermally-thin steel-clad and asbestos cement-clad dwellings (thermally-thick). Regardless of wind direction, it was noticed that an increase in wind speed significantly shortened the time required to attain flashover. This was shown to be the result of the wind accelerating the burning rate of the wood cribs and, as a result, the faster temperature rise of the hot gas. Radiative heat fluxes observed outside the door increased with the wind speeds. The direction of the wind had a small effect on the investigated fire characteristics, with the side wind scenarios exhibiting somewhat longer timeframes to flashover. Thermally-thin walled informal settlement dwellings exhibited a greater fire severity, with higher fuel mass loss rates, hot gas layer temperatures, and higher external radiant heat fluxes, as well as shorter timeframes to flashover. These findings indicate that both wind speed and thermal wall characteristics have a substantial impact on the severity of fires in informal settlements and can enhance the risk of fire spread.
Transfer Learning Enabled Bearing Fault Detection Methods Based on Image Representations of Single-Dimensional Signals
Authors: Deveci Bilgin Umut , Celtikoglu Mert , Albayrak Ozlem , Unal Perin , Kirci Pinar
Published: February 2023

Bearings are vital components in rotating machinery. Undetected bearing faults may result not only in financial loss, but also in the loss of lives. Hence, there exists an abundance of studies working on the early detection of bearing faults. The rising use of deep learning in recent years increased the number of imaging types/neural network architectures used for bearing fault classification, making it challenging to choose the most suitable 2-D imaging method and neural network. This study aims to address this challenge, by sharing the results of the training of eighteen imaging methods with four different networks using the same vibration data and training metrics. To further strengthen the results, the validation dataset size was taken as five times the training dataset size. The best results obtained is 99.89% accuracy by using Scattergram Filter Bank 1 as the image input, and ResNet-50 as the network for training. Prior to our work, Scattergram images have never been used for bearing fault classification. Ten out of 72 methods used in this work resulted in accuracies higher than 99.5%.
The impact of different surfactants on the structure, surface area, and electrochemical properties of hydrothermally synthesized spinel NiCo2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Abu El-Fadl A. , Mohammed Mohaned M. M. , Mansour Heba R. , Nashaat A. M. , Abbady Gh.
Published: February 2023

NiCo2O4 Nanoparticles have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method followed by annealing at a temperature decided based on differential thermal (DTA). Different additives and surfactants were used in preparation under the same synthesis conditions and their effects on the physical properties of spinel nickel cobaltite nanoparticles have been investigated in a fair comparison study. The synthesis products have been characterized by using DTA and TGA measurements, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Modification on the synthesis of the spinel nanoparticles provided high specific capacitance of 2253 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and long-term cyclic stability for 10,000 cycles with 90% capacitance retention.
Microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of Co added Sn–0.7Cu lead-free solder alloy
Authors: El-Taher A. M. , Abd Elmoniem H. M. , Mosaad S.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the effects of cobalt microalloying addition on the microstructural features, thermal characteristics and mechanical behavior of eutectic Sn–0.7wt%Cu lead-free solder alloys. The results show that minor cobalt addition of ~ 0.05 wt% causes significant grain refinement of β-Sn, facilitates the formation of fine fibers (Cu,Co)6Sn5 phases and preventing the formation of η′-Cu6Sn5 phases, whereas a large amount of Co (~ 0.5 wt%) additions accumulated in the (Cu,Co)6Sn5 IMCs and clearly changed into coarse fibers. The precipitation strengthening mechanisms of fine fibers (Cu,Co)6Sn5 in the β-Sn matrix increased the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young’s modulus (Y) of the alloy from 30.5 MPa and 15 GPa to 44.6 MPa and 22.3 GPa, respectively, but the ductility decreased from 60 to 45.7%. The coarse fibers (Cu,Co)6Sn5 in eutectic alloys is of interest from not only increased UTS and Y to 38.7 MPa and 16.3 GPa but also maintaining the ductility at the same level, allowing for unique microstructure design. Furthermore, 0.05wt% of Co significantly reduce the onset, eutectic temperatures and undercooling, although pasty rang has been slightly raised, which may enhance the thermal characteristics. This presumably has important implications for the reliability of solders as well as their performance in electronic service.