bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic elucidation of the catalytic activity of silver nanoclusters: exploring the predominant role of electrostatic surface
Authors: Mahato Paritosh , Shekhar Shashi , Yadav Rahul , Mukherjee Saptarshi
Published: December 2023

The present work conclusively delineates the role of the core and the electrostatic surface of metal nanoclusters involved in the catalytic reduction reaction. The electrostatic surface dramatically modulates the reactivity of metal nanoclusters.
Physical, optoelectronic and thermoelectric characteristics of double perovskite (Sr2ScBiO6) for green energy technology using ab initio computations
Authors: Singh Sushil Kumar , Abraham Jisha Annie , Alofi Ayman S. , Srivastava Anshuman , Meena K. L. , Alshahrani B. , Sharma Ramesh , Moayad A. J. A.
Published: December 2023

The optical properties of Sr2ScBiO6 are predicted to provide an active response and beneficial impact for various applications in the VIS and UV range. Their remarkable thermoelectric capabilities indicate their application in thermoelectric generators.
Artificial cells with viscoadaptive behavior based on hydrogel-loaded giant unilamellar vesicles
Authors: Llopis-Lorente Antoni , Schotman Maaike J. G. , Humeniuk Heorhii V. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A.
Published: December 2023

Dynamic artificial cells are presented based on the synergistic combination of responsive hydrogels and a lipid membrane, resulting in regulation of the cytosolic viscosity and catalytic functions.
Adsorption efficiency of crystal violet from the aqueous phase onto a carbonaceous material prepared from waste cotton and polyester
Authors: Ogata Fumihiko , Sugimura Kazuki , Nagai Noriaki , Saenjum Chalermpong , Nishiwaki Keiji , Kawasaki Naohito
Published: December 2023

This research aims to evaluate waste cotton and polyester as effective potential adsorbents for the removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous phases.
A novel aqueous zinc-ion battery capable of self-charging at low temperature
Authors: Kuchena Shelton , Paudel Abhishek , Wu Qinglin , Wang Ying
Published: December 2023

In this work, a novel self-charging zinc-ion battery is developed using an FeVO4·H2O cathode and zinc anode coupled with a concentrated electrolyte composed of 1 m Zn(CF3SO3)2 and 5.16 m LiTFSI enabling the battery to operate and maintain self-charging capability under cold conditions.
Design of a self-powered and superhydrophobic-pressure sensor with stable human motion monitoring
Authors: Cheng Xujie , Li Zhengrui , Song Haoyang , Ma Junchi , Gao Siyu , Qing Yongquan
Published: December 2023

A self-powered and superhydrophobic-pressure sensor integrates drum-like assembled structures for pressure sensing and self-power supply under stress, maintaining stable performance under harsh conditions.
A new layered barium cobaltite electrode for protonic ceramic cells
Authors: Araújo Allan J. M. , Graça Vanessa C. D. , Raimundo Rafael A. , Filho Antonio C. L. , Macedo Daniel A. , Loureiro Francisco J. A.
Published: December 2023

The electrode mechanism of the Ba2Co9O14 cobaltite is outlined for application in protonic ceramic cells, revealing a rate-limiting surface diffusion of oxygen species.
Unveiling the magnetic ordering effect in La-doped Ti3C2O2 MXenes on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Koua Koua Alain Jesus , Peng Jiahe , Zhang Peng , Li Neng
Published: December 2023

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) holds immense promise for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels.
Recent advances in double network hydrogels based on naturally-derived polymers: synthesis, properties, and biological applications
Authors: Sinad Korina Vida G. , Ebubechukwu Ruth C. , Chu Crystal K.
Published: December 2023

This review highlights recently developed double network hydrogels containing naturally-derived polymers, including discussion of synthetic methods, mechanical properties, and biological applications.
A broadband self-powered photodetector based on NiPS3
Authors: Zong Linghao , Song Jiaming , Wang Shuxian , Chen Wenhui , Yang Juanjuan , Li Bingda , Hu Peng , Fan Haibo , Teng Feng , Zhao Xin
Published: December 2023

The NiPS3-based self-powered photodetector with asymmetric electrode contact design demonstrated prominent photoelectric detection ability, which provides a potential route for applications in wearable photoelectronic devices and green energy economy.
Band-bowing effects in lead-free double Cs2AgBixSb1−xCl6 perovskites and their anion-exchanged derivatives
Authors: Stroyuk Oleksandr , Raievska Oleksandra , Barabash Anastasia , Hooper Riley W. , Michaelis Vladimir K. , Hauch Jens , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: December 2023

Green synthesis of lead-free Cs2AgBixSb1−xCl6 solid-solution double perovskites and their conversion into bromide and iodide derivatives is reported.
“I Could Not Talk . . . She Did Everything . . . She's Now My Sister”: People With Aphasia's Perspectives on Friends Who Stuck Around
Authors: Archer Brent , Azios Jamie H. , Douglas Natalie F. , Strong Katie A. , Worrall Linda , Simmons-Mackie Nina
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Aphasia may decrease the capacity to develop and maintain friendships. The aim of this study was to better understand the perspectives of people with aphasia on why some friendship bonds remain strong and some do not. Furthermore, we wanted to explore how age and aphasia severity shape views on friendship.

Method:

We interviewed 27 people with aphasia about their experiences of friendship before and after the onset of aphasia. We then used framework analysis and reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the interview data.

Results:

From the interviews, we created four major themes concerning how friend relationships had been impacted by aphasia: (a) Not all bonds have the same chance of surviving the onset of aphasia; (b) people with aphasia's closest friends took active steps to keep relationships strong; (c) if friends knew some basic information about aphasia, bonds would stay stronger; (d) positive affective aspects of friendship play an important role in keeping bonds strong. We also noted differences in friendship experiences that appeared to be influenced by age and aphasia severity of participants.

Conclusions:

Interview data provided actionable ideas including focusing on friends who are likely to be responsive to help with maintaining the friendship, providing them with strategies to keep the friendship active and communication meaningful, and acknowledging the positive impact that this will have on the friend recovering from aphasia. More research is needed to develop programs that empower people with aphasia to maintain their friendships.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24688671
The MEGARA view of outflows in LINERs
Authors: Hermosa Muñoz L. , Cazzoli S. , Márquez I. , Masegosa J. , Chamorro-Cazorla M. , Gil de Paz A. , Castillo-Morales Á. , Gallego J. , Carrasco E. , Iglesias-Páramo J. , García-Vargas M. L. , Gómez-Álvarez P. , Pascual S. , Pérez-Calpena A. , Cardiel N.
Published: December 2023

Context.Feedback processes, in particular those driven by outflows, are believed to play a major role in galaxy evolution. Outflows are believed to be ubiquitous in all active galactic nuclei (AGNs), although their presence in low luminosity AGNs, in particular for Low-Ionisation Nuclear Emission line Regions (LINERs), has only started to be explored. Their properties (geometry, mass, and energetics) are still far from being properly characterised.

Aims.The main goal is to use integral field spectroscopic data from the MEGARA instrument at the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) to analyse a small sample of nine LINERs, candidates of hosting ionised gas outflows. We aim to study the main emission lines in the optical wavelength range to identify their properties and physical origin.

Methods.We obtained data cubes in several bands at the lowest (R ∼ 6000) and highest (R ∼ 20 000) spectral resolution of MEGARA. We modelled and subtracted the stellar continuum to obtain the ionised gas contribution, and then fitted the emission lines to extract their kinematics (velocity and velocity dispersion). We identified outflows as a secondary component in the emission lines and obtained their main properties.

Results.The primary component of the emission lines was typically associated with gas in the galactic disc. For some objects, there is an enhanced-σregion typically co-spatial with the secondary component. We associated it to turbulent gas produced due to the interaction with the outflows. We find signatures of outflows in six LINERs, with mass outflow rates ranging from 0.004 to 0.4M⊙yr−1and energy rates from ∼1038to ∼1040erg s−1. Their mean electronic density is 600 cm−3, extending to distances of ∼400 pc at an (absolute) velocity of ∼340 km s−1(on average). They tend to be compact and unresolved, although for some sources they are extended with a bubble-like morphology.

Conclusions.Our results confirm the existence of outflows in the best LINER candidates identified using previous long-slit spectroscopic and imaging data. These outflows do not follow the scaling relations obtained for more luminous AGNs. For some objects we discuss jets as the main drivers of the outflows.
„Superkomplex“ Mikrobiom
Authors: Zielinski Johanna
Published: December 2023

Unser Körper beherbergt eine überaus vielfältige, von
außen unsichtbare Gesellschaft von Lebewesen: das
„Mikrobiom“. Es ist auch definiert als Gesamtheit aller
Mikroorganismen, die in bzw. auf einem mehrzelligen Wirt leben – mit
besonderen physikalischen und chemischen Eigenschaften.
A sustainable model using RSM and MCDM techniques to evaluate performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with diphenylamine antioxidant and CeO2 nanoparticle additive biodiesel blends
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Choudhary Akhilesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Overconsuming fossil fuels has worsened global warming and air pollution, requiring us to investigate alternate fuels for compression ignition engines. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel and environmentally favorable. Biodiesel's most significant disadvantage is increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The intent of the present study was to examine the impact of antioxidant diphenylamine (DPA) and nanoparticle ceria (CeO2) additive inclusion in a B30 blend on engine performance and exhaust emission characteristics. For this study, diesel, Jatropha biodiesel (B30), 100 ppm of antioxidant diphenylamine (50 ppm) with ceria nanoparticle (50 ppm) is added to the B30 blend named as B30+DPA100 and antioxidant diphenylamine (50 ppm) with ceria nanoparticle (50 ppm) is added to the B30 blend named as B30+DPA50+CeO250 fuel blends has been used. A hybrid response surface methodology and multi-criteria decision-making techniques (entropy method, TOPSIS, and VIKOR) have been used to develop a sustainable model and find the optimal setting of input parameters in terms of ranking. From experimental findings, the inclusion of antioxidants (DPA) and nanoparticle (CeO2) at 50 ppm to B30 significantly reduced NOx emission. The brake-specific fuel consumption and NOx have been found reduced by 5.67% and 18.87%, respectively, for B30+DPA50+CeO250 as compared to B30. At the same time, brake thermal efficiency increased by 1.01%. The brake mean effective pressure and maximum cylinder pressure) have been found increased by 0.68% and reduced by 4.52%, respectively, for B30+DPA50+CeO250 as compared to B30. The alternative ranking of the input parameters has been found fuel injection pressure (300), compression ratio (17), and load (12) as Rank 1 for TOPSIS and VIKOR. Therefore, the B30+DPA50+CeO250 blend is appropriate for improving diesel engine performance and diminishing exhaust emissions.
Origin of preferred orientation in an isotropic material: High pressure synthesis of bc8-Si
Authors: Butler Sean L. , Partridge Jeffrey F. , Huang Xingshuo , Suarez-Martinez Irene , Marks Nigel A. , Bradby Jodie E. , McCulloch Dougal G.
Published: December 2023

High pressure experiments and ab initio calculations are used to investigate unexpected crystallographic preferred orientation in the bc8 phase of silicon formed under non-hydrostatic conditions. Microstructural characterization in two orthogonal directions reveals that the preferred orientation is only visible when the sample is viewed perpendicular to the compression axis. Curiously, the elastic constants of bc8-Si are almost perfectly isotropic, making it counter-intuitive that preferred crystallographic orientation is observed. This conundrum is resolved by tracking the phase transformation pathway and computing the three-dimensional Young's modulus. We find the preferred orientation most likely originates from the highly anisotropic simple-hexagonal phase and is passed on to subsequent daughter phases via displacive phase transformations. Our investigation of preferred orientation in bc8-Si complements other high pressure studies where preferred orientation in silicon phases is often observed but not explained.
Wind field characteristics of asymmetric bridge deck for a road-rail same-story bridge
Authors: Wu Cong , Teng Peisong , Xiang Min , Jing Hongmiao
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the flow field characteristics of the road-rail same-story asymmetric bridge deck and the influence of the asymmetric arrangement of the bridge deck on the flow field of the main girders. Numerical simulation tests were conducted on this bridge to analyze the distribution characteristics of the flow field near the main girder, as well as the aerodynamic characteristics of the railway bridge deck and highway bridge deck under different wind speeds and directions. The results indicate that the wind speed has less influence on the flow field distribution and aerodynamic characteristics of the road-rail same-story asymmetric bridge deck, but the incoming flow direction has a significant impact on its flow field characteristics. Compared to the railway bridge deck, during the reattachment position of the airflow, the highway bridge deck moves toward the windward side, and the volume of the separation bubble has been reduced, thus improving the effect on the negative pressure area of the railway bridge deck. The road-rail same-story asymmetric bridge deck has different aerodynamic interference characteristics for different wind speeds and different wind directions.
Interactions of turbulence and flame during turbulent boundary layer premixed flame flashback under isothermal and adiabatic wall conditions using direct numerical simulation
Authors: Zhu Zhaofan , Wang Haiou , Chen Guo , Luo Kun , Fan Jianren
Published: December 2023

In this work, lean hydrogen/air premixed flame flashback in a turbulent boundary layer along an isothermal wall and an adiabatic wall was simulated using direct numerical simulation. The general characteristics of flame flashback were analyzed. It was found that the propagating speed along the adiabatic wall is higher than that along the isothermal wall. The displacement speed near the isothermal wall is notably lower than that near the adiabatic wall, primarily due to the smaller value of the reaction component of the displacement speed near the isothermal wall. Furthermore, the properties of the boundary layer turbulence during flame flashback were examined in terms of the flow topology and the anisotropy of Reynolds stress. It was observed that the focal topologies tend to prevail near the adiabatic wall, and the volume fraction of stable topologies increases near the isothermal wall due to the increased compressed region caused by the wall heat loss. Finally, the influence of turbulence on the flame structure was highlighted. It was suggested that the unstable topologies dominate the heat release rate away from the wall. The proportion of heat release rate in focal topologies increases near the adiabatic wall, and the proportion in stable topologies increases near the isothermal wall. The impact of the low temperature wall on the flame structure is more pronounced in topologies with compression compared to those with expansion.
A first principles derivation of energy-conserving momentum jumps in surface hopping simulations
Authors: Huang Dorothy Miaoyu , Green Austin T. , Martens Craig C.
Published: December 2023

The fewest switches surface hopping (FSSH) method proposed by Tully in 1990 [Tully, J. Chem. Phys. 93, 1061 (1990)]—along with its many later variations—forms the basis for most practical simulations of molecular dynamics with electronic transitions in realistic systems. Despite its popularity, a rigorous formal derivation of the algorithm has yet to be achieved. In this paper, we derive the energy-conserving momentum jumps employed by FSSH from the perspective of quantum trajectory surface hopping (QTSH) [Martens, J. Phys. Chem. A 123, 1110 (2019)]. In the limit of localized nonadiabatic transitions, simple mathematical and physical arguments allow the FSSH algorithm to be derived from first principles. For general processes, the quantum forces characterizing the QTSH method provide accurate results for nonadiabatic dynamics with rigorous energy conservation, at the ensemble level, within the consistency of the underlying stochastic surface hopping without resorting to the artificial momentum rescaling of FSSH.
A combined volume penalization/selective frequency damping approach for immersed boundary methods: Application to moving geometries
Authors: Kou Jiaqing , Ferrer Esteban
Published: December 2023

High-order numerical techniques and immersed boundary methods (IBMs) are gaining popularity to avoid constructing body-fitted meshes while accurately resolving complex flows on Cartesian grids. Recently, we have presented a new treatment for the immersed boundary method based on the combination of volume penalization and selective frequency damping (SFD) [J. Kou and E. Ferrer, “A combined volume penalization/selective frequency damping approach for immersed boundary methods applied to high-order schemes,” J. Comput. Phys. 472, 111678 (2023).], that offers improved accuracy for nonmoving geometries. The objective of SFD is to remove nonphysical, high-frequency oscillations inside the solid body and by doing so enhance the accuracy in the fluid region. The present paper extends the new immersed boundary treatment to moving geometries. The convergence of this approach is first validated by the method of manufactured solutions, where we design a one-dimensional advection–diffusion case, with a moving interface, to validate the numerical accuracy. Second, we simulate an unsteady flow past a plunging circular cylinder (Navier–Stokes solver). In this case, we show that the combination of volume penalization and SFD provides improved accuracy for moving geometries.
Ruminal microbiome and blood parameters in beef cattle fed with high-grain diets buffered with Lithothamnium calcareum
Authors: Lima Laís Gabrielly Freitas , Targueta Cíntia Pelegrineti , Nunes Rhewter , de Paula Raiany Soares , Apolinário Amanda Martins , Arnhold Emmanuel , Gomes Renata Rodrigues , Caixeta Luis Fernando de Sousa , Miyagi Eliane Sayuri , Corrêa Daniel Staciarini , Xavier Carlos Henrique , Telles Mariana Pires de Campos , Ferreira Reginaldo Nassar
Published: December 2023

Context and aims DNA metabarcoding strategy was used to sequence the 16S rRNA region of ruminal fluid samples from Nellore cattle fed with concentrate-rich diets in response to modulatory effect of buffering additives calcarea seaweed (Lithothamnium calcareum) and sodium bicarbonate. Methods Besides characterising the richness and diversity indices of rumen bacterial community, the impact of potentially acidogenic diets on rumen pH, blood parameters, and short-chain fatty acid profile (SCFA) was investigated for which four male Nellore cattle were used, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square (treatments × periods). Treatments comprised the same highly concentrated basal diet, and were as follows: T1, without additive (CON); T2, inclusion of 90 g of sodium bicarbonate (BIC); T3, inclusion of 90 g of L. calcareum (L90); and T4, inclusion of 45 g of L. calcareum (L45). Data were analysed in R, in which diversity and abundance at gender level were analysed using Friedman’s test, with means being adjusted by False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. The analyses of pH, biochemical parameters and SCFA were analysed using Scott–Knott test and means were evaluated with a significance level of 10% (P < 0.10). Key results We identified 1474 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 52 genera and 16 phyla of bacteria domain. The results showed that bacterial microbiota were dominated by Firmicutes (44.12%), Bacteroidetes (28.29%), and Proteobacteria (5.88%). Animals fed with L90 demonstrated greater abundance and ruminal diversity for the Prevotella genus (P < 0.07% and P < 0.09% respectively), whereas cattle supplemented with L45 demonstrated greater diversity of the Fibrobacter genus (P < 0.05). There were differences in molar proportion for acetic (P < 0.07%) and valeric (P < 0.03%) acids in the period before feeding. Higher blood lactate concentrations were observed in animals supplemented with L45 (P < 0.06%), while animals that received treatments L90 and BIC presented lower levels of blood lactate. This metabolite was lower in animals fed with 90 g of sodium bicarbonate and L. calcareum daily. These treatments also reduced the concentration of acetic acid and increased that of valeric acid, and improved ruminal diversity. Conclusions and implications Our results supported this choice to improve ruminal function, with a great prospective of better weight-gain performance in Nellore cattle.
The interactive effect of insoluble-fibre inclusion and feed form on the performance, tibia bone quality, and gastrointestinal histomorphology of Hy-Line W-36 laying pullets
Authors: Efranji Sana , Sedghi Mohammad , Mahdavi Amir Hossein , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2023

Context Adding fibre to the diet is one of the factors that help the growth and development of the digestive system of pullets during the rearing period. Insoluble-fibre inclusion enhances the grinding competence and functionality of gizzards and increases the retention time of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of insoluble fibre and the physical form of feed. Methods The interactive effect of two levels of sunflower hull (SH, 0 and 40 g/kg) and two feed forms (mash and pellet) on the growth of Hy-Line-W36 laying pullets from hatching until 8 weeks of age was investigated. For this purpose, 640 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 64 cages. Key results Insoluble fibre had no effect on performance. Birds offered pelleted feed had a higher overall daily weight gain and daily feed intake than did those fed mash feed. A significant interaction between SH inclusion and feed form was observed for daily feed intake from 0 to 2 weeks. The pullets fed with mash feed without SH had a heavier weight of the gizzard than did the others. Feeding pelleted diets reduced caecum weight and the length of jejunum and ileum. Fibre inclusion resulted in a lower crypt depth in the jejunum. The jejunal villus height and muscle-layer thickness were higher in pellet-fed pullets. Feeding pelleted diets increased the tibia length and tibiotarsal index. The lowest propionate content of caecum was recorded in pellet-fed pullets without SH. Conclusions Overall, the inclusion of SH in diets had no significant effect on performance but improved the morphology of the intestine. Feeding pelleted diets improved the growth performance and intestinal morphology of pullets. Implications Compared to mash diets, feeding pelleted diets improved the performance. Adding fiber to the diet improves intestinal structure, which helps improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. Also, feed pelleting technology improves the effective parameters of the gastrointestinal tract in laying pullets. Also, the use of pelleted feed compared to mesh is associated with improved economic efficiency.
Evaluation of reaction between SO2 and CH2OO in MCM mechanism against smog chamber data from ethylene ozonolysis
Authors: Zhang Hailiang , Jia Long , Xu Yongfu
Published: December 2023

Environmental context The process of ethylene ozonolysis is an essential source of CH2OO radicals, and the latter is an important oxidant for the atmospheric pollutant SO2. The accuracy of a widely used atmospheric chemistry model (Master Chemical Mechanism, MCM) in quantifying SO2 oxidation has not been evaluated. In this study, this accuracy was evaluated, and optimal parameters underpinned by data from smog chamber experiments. Rationale The oxidation of SO2 by CH2OO radicals in the ethylene-O3 system is one of the important pathways of sulfate aerosol formation, but the accuracy of Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) simulation for this reaction was not evaluated, although the MCM has been widely used in previous studies. Methodology The oxidation of SO2 in the ethylene-O3 system was performed in detail under different conditions, which were used to evaluate the accuracy of MCM simulation for the reactions in this study. Results The experimental conditions of low RH and high initial SO2 concentration favour the SO2 oxidation in the ethylene ozonolysis, and the yield of CH2OO in the ethylene ozonolysis without irradiations was determined to be 0.43. The n-hexane (C6H14) oxidation intermediates can promote the SO2 oxidation rate by generating sulfur-containing organics in the aerosol water. The original MCM simulated SO2 consumption after 4-h reaction was more than 70% smaller than the measured results. By adjusting the yield of CH2OO and updating the reaction rate constants of CH2OO-related reactions (e.g. with SO2, H2O and organic acid), the difference between experiments and simulations decreased from 70% to 6.6%. Discussion The promotion effects of n-hexane on the oxidation of SO2 suggest that alkanes may be the precursors of sulfur-containing organics in the atmospheric environment. This study further confirms the effect of CH2OO on the oxidation of SO2 in the atmospheric environment and provides information on the performance of MCM simulation.
Drivers of wildfire burn severity in the montane rainforests of northern Vietnam
Authors: Trang Pham T. , Enright Neal J. , Chu Thuan , Andrew Margaret E.
Published: December 2023

Background Fire impacts and drivers of wildfire burn severity remain poorly understood for tropical forests. Aims To assess variation and environmental drivers of burn severity for nine forest fires in northern Vietnam. Methods Burn severity was estimated from satellite image analyses, and associations with a remotely sensed index of annual fuel production, topographic factors (elevation, slope, aspect) and weather variables (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed) were evaluated. Key results High severity burn areas were found to be fairly uncommon and were associated with steeper, south-west facing slopes, higher elevations and lower fuel abundance. There was a weak tendency for higher burn severity on days with lower relative humidity. Conclusions Conditions that increase fire intensity and the dryness and flammability of fuels are important contributors to high severity fires in wet tropical systems. However, the pattern of higher burn severity at high elevation, where forests tend to be denser and more humid, is counter to this interpretation and may be due to species compositional changes and greater vulnerability of high-elevation forests to fire impacts. Implications Better understanding of fire risk and where in the montane forests of northern Vietnam fires are most likely to burn at high severity will assist forest fire management and recovery strategies.
Environmental DNA as a detection tool for small-bodied, cryptic, threatened fish in a highly turbid freshwater lake system
Authors: Stoessel D. J. , Raadik T. A. , Adams M. , Shelley J. J. , Hately T. J. , Iervasi D. , Rose P. , Russell A. , Murphy N.
Published: December 2023

Context Where conservation efforts are undertaken to decrease downward trends in fish populations, comparatively few resources are directed to small-bodied cryptic species. The true extent of the decline of many of these species is therefore often unknown. Where surveys have occurred, they are frequently limited by budget and hence effort. Consequently, there is a risk that rare species may not be physically captured despite their presence at a site. Such an outcome has dire consequences for the conservation of remnant populations of threatened fish. To counter possible false negative detections, environmental DNA is increasingly being used in conjunction with, or as a precursor to, physical surveys. The Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) is a small, threatened freshwater fish native to Australia. Recent surveys captured M. adspersa in two highly turbid waterbodies in north-central Victoria. This capture represented the first detection of the species in the state in more than 20 years. Because these waterbodies are part of a network of hydrologically connected systems, it was suspected that the species likely had a broader distribution in the region. Aims To develop a probe-based eDNA assay for M. adspersa and compare its sensitivity against a physical sampling program. Methods Detection (presence/absence) between eDNA and traditional surveys was compared across multiple sites. Key results eDNA presents an effective tool for determining the presence of M. adspersa. The eDNA survey demonstrated significant clustering of eDNA detections towards the outlets of lakes sampled, suggesting concentrated eDNA at this point, or that, due to the channels being shallower, the eDNA of resident individuals may be less diluted. Conclusions Based on these results, future survey of rare, cryptic species in highly turbid lake systems should in the first instance include a broad scale eDNA survey, with sampling concentrated at outlet channels. Implications The likely most cost-effective approach to determining the presence/absence of rare species in lake systems is the collection of eDNA samples at outlet channels.
Assessing residential PM
2.5
concentrations and infiltration factors with high spatiotemporal resolution using crowdsourced sensors
Authors: Lunderberg David M. , Liang Yutong , Singer Brett C. , Apte Joshua S. , Nazaroff William W. , Goldstein Allen H.
Published: December 2023

Building conditions, outdoor climate, and human behavior influence residential concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM
2.5
). To study PM
2.5
spatiotemporal variability in residences, we acquired paired indoor and outdoor PM
2.5
measurements at 3,977 residences across the United States totaling >10,000 monitor-years of time-resolved data (10-min resolution) from the PurpleAir network. Time-series analysis and statistical modeling apportioned residential PM
2.5
concentrations to outdoor sources (median residential contribution = 52% of total, coefficient of variation = 69%), episodic indoor emission events such as cooking (28%, CV = 210%) and persistent indoor sources (20%, CV = 112%). Residences in the temperate marine climate zone experienced higher infiltration factors, consistent with expectations for more time with open windows in milder climates. Likewise, for all climate zones, infiltration factors were highest in summer and lowest in winter, decreasing by approximately half in most climate zones. Large outdoor–indoor temperature differences were associated with lower infiltration factors, suggesting particle losses from active filtration occurred during heating and cooling. Absolute contributions from both outdoor and indoor sources increased during wildfire events. Infiltration factors decreased during periods of high outdoor PM
2.5
, such as during wildfires, reducing potential exposures from outdoor-origin particles but increasing potential exposures to indoor-origin particles. Time-of-day analysis reveals that episodic emission events are most frequent during mealtimes as well as on holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), indicating that cooking-related activities are a strong episodic emission source of indoor PM
2.5
in monitored residences.
A novel memory-like Tfh cell subset is precursor to effector Tfh cells in recall immune responses
Authors: Feng Han , Zhao Zixuan , Zhao Xiaohong , Bai Xue , Fu Weiwei , Zheng Liangtao , Kang Boxi , Wang Xiaohu , Zhang Zemin , Dong Chen
Published: December 2023

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, essential for germinal center reactions, are not identical, with different phenotypes reported. Whether, when, and how they generate memory cells is still poorly understood. Here, through single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of CXCR5+Bcl6+ Tfh cells generated under different conditions, we discovered, in addition to PD-1hi effector Tfh cells, a CD62L+PD1low subpopulation. CD62L-expressing Tfh cells developed independently from PD-1+ cells and not in direct contact with B cells. More importantly, CD62L+ Tfh cells expressed memory- and stemness-associated genes, and with better superior long-term survival, they readily generated PD-1hi cells in the recall response. Finally, KLF2 and IL7R, also highly expressed by CD62L+ Tfh cells, were required to regulate their development. Our work thus demonstrates a novel Tfh memory-like cell subpopulation, which may benefit our understanding of immune responses and diseases.
Skyrmion transport and annihilation in funnel geometries
Authors: Rocha F S , Bellizotti Souza J C , Vizarim N P , Reichhardt C J O , Reichhardt C , Venegas P A
Published: December 2023

Using atomistic simulations, we have investigated the transport and annihilation of skyrmions interacting with a funnel array under a current applied perpendicular to the funnel axis. We find that transport without annihilation is possible at low currents, when the motion is dominated by skyrmion–skyrmion interactions and skyrmions push each other through the funnel opening. Skyrmion annihilation occurs for higher currents when skyrmions in the upper half of the sample exert pressure on skyrmions in the bottom half of the sample due to the external current. Upon interacting with the funnel wall, the skyrmions undergo a size reduction that makes it easier for them to pass through the funnel opening. We find five phases as a function of the applied current and the size of the funnel opening: (i) pinned, (ii) transport without annihilation, (iii) transport with annihilation, (iv) complete annihilation, and (v) a reentrant pinning phase that only occurs for very narrow openings. Our findings provide insight into how to control skyrmion transport using funnel arrays by delineating regimes in which transport of skyrmions is possible as well as the conditions under which annihilation occurs.
Stainless steel cylindrical pot outer surface defect detection method based on cascade neural network
Authors: Qiao Jian , Sun Cihan , Cheng Xiaoqi , Yang Jingwei , Chen Nengda
Published: December 2023

Addressing issues such as surface geometric distortion, high reflection, and the challenge of detecting minor defects on the external surfaces of stainless steel pots, this paper presents a novel approach for detecting defects on the external surfaces of cylindrical stainless steel pots based on high-resolution line-scan imaging. The method begins by creating a real-time inspection system that includes a line-scan camera and a strip light source. This system achieves distortion-free, high-resolution image acquisition of the outer surfaces of stainless steel cylindrical pots by establishing linear constraints on pot size, rotary table rotation speed, and line-scan frame rate. Subsequently, a You Only Look Once and fully convolutional network cascade neural network surface defect detection strategy is introduced, utilizing dual-channel images of the original and enhanced images as inputs. This approach enables the characterization of subtle defects in high-resolution image data. Finally, we conducted experiments using the proposed method on the provided dataset, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in detecting various types of product defects. The mean pixel accuracy achieved a remarkable 91.69%, while the mean intersection over union score reached an impressive 83.59%. These findings provide an effective technical means for the qualitative detection of the types of defects on the surface of stainless steel pots and the quantitative measurement of the size of the defects.
Downdraft influences on the differences of PM2.5 concentration: insights from a mega haze evolution in the winter of northern China
Authors: Chen Zhenyi , Ji Chengli , Mao Jiajia , Wang Zhicheng , Jiao Zhiming , Gao Lina , Xiang Yan , Zhang Tianshu
Published: December 2023

A significant haze event occurred in northern China from 16 to 21 November 2022. This study analyzed the haze spatial evolution, and meteorological influences by integrating ground and satellite measurements. Most data were obtained using aerosol lidar and wind lidar observations in suburban (Nanjiao Observation Station, NJOS) and urban Beijing (Haidian Observation Station, HDOS). The observations at NJOS and HDOS indicate the presence of a distinct layer of haze restricted to a height of up to 1500 m above the surface. However, the aerosol intensity at HDOS was comparatively lower (aerosol extinction coefficient: 1.39 ± 0.27 km−1) than at NJOS (1.77 ± 0.38 km−1), with approximately one day of time lag in response to the southerly winds. Though NJOS and HDOS presented a similar wind stratification structure, the downdraft under 1000 m influenced the surface air quality were significantly different. The intense downdraft at the lower height at HDOS prevented the vertical upward diffusion of accumulated ground pollutants, whose effect was similar to that of the inversion layer. That led to a more stable increasing trend of PM2.5 at HDOS, with the shallowest planet boundary layer height of 242 m on 20 November. By contrast, NJOS in the transportation path was more regularly influenced by the southerly flow and presented cyclical PM2.5 concentration. This study shows downdraft in urban environments acting as an accelerator for urban episodic PM2.5 pollution, suggesting the complicated contribution from meteorological factors.
Optimization of cold spray process parameters to maximize adhesion and deposition efficiency of Ni+Al2O3 coatings
Authors: Shorinov Oleksandr , Dolmatov Anatolii , Polyviany Sergii , Balushok Kostyantyn
Published: December 2023

The paper considers the conducted study of the complex effect of low-pressure cold spraying parameters, namely the nozzle inlet temperature, stand-off distance, and powder feed rate on the adhesion and deposition efficiency of coatings from a Ni+Al2O3 powder on VT3-1 titanium alloy substrate. Based on predetermined information, the main levels and intervals of factor variation were selected. The dependence of the adhesion and deposition efficiency on the selected variables was approximated by a second-order polynomial. In accordance with the developed matrix of the experiment (central compositional design), a coating of the studied powder was deposited. The average value of these parameters was determined using standard methods for studying the adhesion strength (ASTM C603) and the deposition efficiency for thermal spray coatings. Based on the results of experimental data, regression equations were obtained for adhesion and deposition efficiency. For the purpose of checking the adequacy of the model, an analysis of variance was performed. It was confirmed that the obtained empirical dependences can be used to predict the adhesion and deposition efficiency of cold spraying of coatings from a Ni+Al2O3 powder on VT3-1 titanium alloy in the specified ranges of values of spraying parameters. Multi-factor optimization of the spraying parameters in order to obtain maximum values of adhesion strength and deposition efficiency was performed using the response surface methodology in the Stat-Ease 360 software. Three-dimensional and contour graphs of the dependence of the adhesion and deposition efficiency on the studied parameters were developed from the obtained empirical models. The optimal combination of parameters of low-pressure cold spraying, which ensures the maximum adhesion (34.78 MPa) and deposition efficiency (29.46%) of the Ni+Al2O3 coating mixture, is the nozzle inlet temperature—537 °C, stand-off distance—11 mm, and powder feed rate—0.6 g s−1.
Parsley: a web app for parsing data from plate readers
Authors: Csibra Eszter , Stan Guy-Bart
Published: December 2023

As demand for the automation of biological assays has increased over recent years, the range of measurement types implemented by multiwell plate readers has broadened and the list of published software packages that caters to their analysis has grown. However, most plate readers export data in esoteric formats with little or no metadata, while most analytical software packages are built to work with tidy data accompanied by associated metadata. ‘Parser’ functions are therefore required to prepare raw data for analysis. Such functions are instrument- and data type-specific, and to date, no generic tool exists that can parse data from multiple data types or multiple plate readers, despite the potential for such a tool to speed up access to analysed data and remove an important barrier for less confident coders. We have developed the interactive web application, Parsley, to bridge this gap. Unlike conventional programmatic parser functions, Parsley makes few assumptions about exported data, instead employing user inputs to identify and extract data from data files. In doing so, it is designed to enable any user to parse plate reader data and can handle a wide variety of instruments (10+) and data types (53+). Parsley is freely available via a web interface, enabling access to its unique plate reader data parsing functionality, without the need to install software or write code.

Availability and implementation

The Parsley web application can be accessed at: https://gbstan.shinyapps.io/parsleyapp/. The source code is available at: https://github.com/ec363/parsleyapp and is archived on Zenodo: https://zenodo.org/records/10011752.
Genetic basis of anatomical asymmetry and aberrant dynamic functional networks in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rubido Nicolás , Riedel Gernot , Vuksanović Vesna
Published: December 2023

Genetic associations with macroscopic brain networks can provide insights into healthy and aberrant cortical connectivity in disease. However, associations specific to dynamic functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease are still largely unexplored. Understanding the association between gene expression in the brain and functional networks may provide useful information about the molecular processes underlying variations in impaired brain function. Given the potential of dynamic functional connectivity to uncover brain states associated with Alzheimer’s disease, it is interesting to ask: How does gene expression associated with Alzheimer’s disease map onto the dynamic functional brain connectivity? If genetic variants associated with neurodegenerative processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease are to be correlated with brain function, it is essential to generate such a map. Here, we investigate how the relation between gene expression in the brain and dynamic functional connectivity arises from nodal interactions, quantified by their role in network centrality (i.e. the drivers of the metastability), and the principal component of genetic co-expression across the brain. Our analyses include genetic variations associated with Alzheimer’s disease and also genetic variants expressed within the cholinergic brain pathways. Our findings show that contrasts in metastability of functional networks between Alzheimer’s and healthy individuals can in part be explained by the two combinations of genetic co-variations in the brain with the confidence interval between 72% and 92%. The highly central nodes, driving the brain aberrant metastable dynamics in Alzheimer’s disease, highly correlate with the magnitude of variations from two combinations of genes expressed in the brain. These nodes include mainly the white matter, parietal and occipital brain regions, each of which (or their combinations) are involved in impaired cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, our results provide evidence of the role of genetic associations across brain regions in asymmetric changes in ageing. We validated our findings on the same cohort using alternative brain parcellation methods. This work demonstrates how genetic variations underpin aberrant dynamic functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease.
Neural consequences of binaural beat stimulation on auditory sentence comprehension: an EEG study
Authors: Kim Jeahong , Kim Hyun-Woong , Kovar Jessica , Lee Yune Sang
Published: December 2023

A growing literature has shown that binaural beat (BB)—generated by dichotic presentation of slightly mismatched pure tones—improves cognition. We recently found that BB stimulation of either beta (18 Hz) or gamma (40 Hz) frequencies enhanced auditory sentence comprehension. Here, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to characterize neural oscillations pertaining to the enhanced linguistic operations following BB stimulation. Sixty healthy young adults were randomly assigned to one of three listening groups: 18-Hz BB, 40-Hz BB, or pure-tone baseline, all embedded in music. After listening to the sound for 10 min (stimulation phase), participants underwent an auditory sentence comprehension task involving spoken sentences that contained either an object or subject relative clause (task phase). During the stimulation phase, 18-Hz BB yielded increased EEG power in a beta frequency range, while 40-Hz BB did not. During the task phase, only the 18-Hz BB resulted in significantly higher accuracy and faster response times compared with the baseline, especially on syntactically more complex object-relative sentences. The behavioral improvement by 18-Hz BB was accompanied by attenuated beta power difference between object- and subject-relative sentences. Altogether, our findings demonstrate beta oscillations as a neural correlate of improved syntactic operation following BB stimulation.
Monitoring of First-line Drug Resistance Mutations Outside the Scope of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra is Needed for Successful Control of DR-TB in Southern Mozambique
Authors: Mariner-Llicer Carla , Saavedra Cervera Belén , Mambuque Edson , Gomes Neide , Munguambe Shilzia , Villamayor Luis , Cancino-Muñoz Irving , Torres-Puente Manuela , Nguenha Dinis , Respeito Durval , Tembe Gustavo , López Mariana G , Comas Iñaki , García-Basteiro Alberto L
Published: December 2023

Multidrug-resistant(MDR) tuberculosis in Southern Africa is of great concern, exacerbated by the spread of a clone harboring a mutation missed by Xpert Ultra. In Southern Mozambique, the presence of such mutation and rising cases of non-MDR isoniazid resistance highlights the need to ensure accurate detection of antimicrobial-resistance in the country.
Time Is of the Essence: Achieving Prompt and Effective Antimicrobial Therapy of Bloodstream Infection With Advanced Hospital Information Systems
Authors: Morquin David , Lejeune Jordan , Agostini Céline , Godreuil Sylvain , Reynes Jacques , Le Moing Vincent , Lamy Brigitte
Published: December 2023

The early administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial for the survival of patients with bacteremia. Current research focuses on improving analytical times through technology, whereas there have been very few efforts to improve postanalytical times even though they represent 40% of the time between blood taking and appropriate treatment administration. One of the clues is the efficiency and appropriateness of the result communication system.

Here, we review all delays in the entire process with the aim of improving time to appropriate treatment administration. We discuss causes for long times to adjust treatment once microbiological results are released. We argue that the pervasive health information system in this organization serves as both a bottleneck and a rigid framework. Finally, we explore how next-generation hospital information systems should be designed to effectively assist the doctors in treating patients with bacteremia.