bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of anchoring ligands of binuclear sensitizers on electron transfer processes and photovoltaic action in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bartkowiak Aleksandra , Korolevych Oleksandr , Gierczyk Błażej , Pelczarski Daniel , Bossi Alberto , Klein Maciej , Popenda Łukasz , Stampor Waldemar , Makowska-Janusik Malgorzata , Zalas Maciej
Published: October 2023

The relatively low photon-to-current conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells is their major drawback limiting widespread application. Light harvesting, followed by a series of electron transfer processes, is the critical step in photocurrent generation. An in-depth understanding and fine optimization of those processes are crucial to enhance cell performance. In this work, we synthesize two new bi-ruthenium sensitizers with extended anchoring ligands to gain insight into underlying processes determining photovoltaic action mechanisms. The structure of the compounds has been confirmed, and their properties have been thoroughly examined by various techniques such as NMR, IR, elemental analysis UV–Vis, cyclic voltammetry, and electroabsorption. The experimental characterization has been supported and developed via extensive quantum-chemical calculations, giving a broad view of the presented molecules’ properties. Finally, the DSSC devices have been assembled utilizing obtained dyes. The photovoltaic and EIS measurements, combined with performed calculations and fundamental dyes characterization, unraveled an intramolecular electron transfer as an initial step of the electron injection process at the dye/semiconductor interface. The overall photovoltaic action mechanism has been discussed. Our study demonstrates the significance of the anchoring group architecture in the molecular design of new sensitizers for DSSC applications.
pressuRe: an R package for analyzing and visualizing biomechanical pressure distribution data
Authors: Telfer Scott , Li Ellen Y.
Published: October 2023

In many biomechanical analyses, the forces acting on a body during dynamic and static activities are often simplified as point loads. However, it is usually more accurate to characterize these forces as distributed loads, varying in magnitude and direction, over a given contact area. Evaluating these pressure distributions while they are applied to different parts of the body can provide effective insights for clinicians and researchers when studying health and disease conditions, for example when investigating the biomechanical factors that may lead to plantar ulceration in diabetic foot disease. At present, most processing and analysis for pressure data is performed using proprietary software, limiting reproducibility, transparency, and consistency across different studies. This paper describes an open-source software package, ‘pressuRe’, which is built in the freely available R statistical computing environment and is designed to process, analyze, and visualize pressure data collected on a range of different hardware systems in a standardized manner. We demonstrate the use of the package on pressure dataset from patients with diabetic foot disease, comparing pressure variables between those with longer and shorter durations of the disease. The results matched closely with those from commercially available software, and individuals with longer duration of diabetes were found to have higher forefoot pressures than those with shorter duration. By utilizing R’s powerful and openly available tools for statistical analysis and user customization, this package may be a useful tool for researchers and clinicians studying plantar pressures and other pressure sensor array based biomechanical measurements. With regular updates intended, this package allows for continued improvement and we welcome feedback and future contributions to extend its scope. In this article, we detail the package’s features and functionality.
NK cells from Men Who Have Sex with Men at high risk for HIV-1 infection exhibit higher effector capacity
Authors: Rincón Daniel S. , Flórez-Álvarez Lizdany , Taborda Natalia A. , Hernandez Juan C. , Rugeles María T. , Zapata-Builes Wildeman
Published: October 2023

Despite being under constant exposure to HIV-1, some individuals do not show serological or clinical evidence of infection and are known as HESN (HIV-Exposed Seronegative). Multiple studies in different HESN cohorts have linked the NK cells as a correlate of resistance; however, little is known about the role of these cells in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) with high risk sexual behaviors. We evaluated a general overview of activation and effector features of NK cells of MSM co-cultured with LT CD4+ HIV+ in which MSM at high risk of HIV-1 infection (HR-MSM) exhibit higher capacity to eliminate infected cells, reduced percentages of CD69+ cells when compared to MSM at low risk of infection (LR-MSM). In addition, we found that, despite the lower levels of CD69+ NK cells on HR-MSM group, within this population, higher percentages of CD69+ IFN-γ+ and CD69+ NKG2D+ NK cells were found together with higher levels of RANTES and Granzyme B production with higher antiviral capacity, resulting in a lower concentration of p24 protein and p24+ CD4+ T cells. Altogether, this information suggests that NK cells of MSM could impact the capacity to face the viral infection.
Kisspeptin treatment reverses high prolactin levels and improves gonadal function in hypothyroid male rats
Authors: Santos Luciano Cardoso , dos Anjos Cordeiro Jeane Martinha , da Silva Santana Larissa , Barbosa Erikles Macêdo , Santos Bianca Reis , Mendonça Letícia Dias , Cunha Maria Clara da Silva Galrão , Machado William Morais , Santana Larissa Rodrigues , Kersul Maíra Guimarães , Henriques Patrícia Costa , Lopes Roberta Araújo , Snoeck Paola Pereira das Neves , Szawka Raphael Escorsim , Silva Juneo Freitas
Published: October 2023

We evaluated whether the administration of kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) is capable of restoring gonadal function in hypothyroid male rats. Hypothyroidism was induced with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) for three months. In the last month, half of the hypothyroid animals were treated with Kp10. Hypothyroidism reduced testicular and sex gland mass, decreased the proliferation of the seminiferous epithelium, and compromised sperm morphology, motility, and vigor. A decrease in plasma LH and testosterone levels and an increase in prolactin secretion were observed in the hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism reduced Kiss1 and Kiss1r protein and gene expression and Star and Cyp11a1 mRNA levels in the testis. Furthermore, it reduced Lhb, Prl, and Drd2 and increased Tshb and Gnrhr expression in the pituitary. In the hypothalamus, hypothyroidism increased Pdyn and Kiss1r while reducing Gnrh1. Kp10 treatment in hypothyroid rats restored testicular and seminal vesicle morphology, improved sperm morphology and motility, reversed high prolactin levels, and increased LH and testosterone levels. In addition, Kp10 increased testicular expression of Kiss1, Kiss1r, Fshr, and Nr5a1 and pituitary Kiss1 expression. Our findings describe the inhibitory effects of hypothyroidism on the male gonadal axis and sperm quality and demonstrate that Kp10 treatment reverses high prolactin levels and improves gonadal function and sperm quality in hypothyroid rats.
Assessment of spatio-temporal evolution trends and driving factors of green development in Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration
Authors: Tang Yang , Yuan Yongbo , Tian Boquan
Published: October 2023

As China has entered a new stage of high-quality development, clarifying the mechanism and spatial characteristics of green development for urban agglomerations are critical to sustainable development. Based on the data of 11 major cities in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration (HCUA) from 2010 to 2020, this study constructs an evaluation system of green development index (GDI) is composed of four dimensions, i.e. urban green construction (UGC), industrial green development (IGD), resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC), and technological innovation support (TIS). Furthermore, using the entropy weight method to obtain the weights of evaluation indicators. And then, the comprehensive index calculation is used to evaluate the GDI. The driving factors of each level of GDI are determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results infer some novel findings as follows: (1) the overall tendency of the GDI of the HCUA has gradually increased from 0.358 in 2010 to 0.379 in 2020 which is at the average level. The dimension of TIS shows the highest rate of contribution while IGD and RECC show a fluctuating trend over the time window. (2) The GDI in the HCUA exhibits a patchy clustering differentiation feature that spreads from the central area to the surrounding areas with a “high in the south and low in the north” pattern. Specifically, Changchun, Harbin, and Daqing form an “inverted triangle” structure in geographical location to drive the green development of neighboring areas. (3) The core cities of the HCUA, Changchun, and Harbin, show a much higher level than the other cities. Jilin and Daqing are at the average level, and besides, the rest of the cities of GDI are at the poor level with significant fluctuations in ranking. (4) There are different driving factors between each level of GDI. For cities with good and average levels should focus on protecting resources and the environment. Meanwhile, cities with poor level of GDI need to improve IGD to optimize the urban green structure. Thus, it is suggested to strengthen the flow of factors and implement differentiated strategies to promote coordinated development and spatial clustering.
Tunable strain and bandgap in subcritical-sized MoS2 nanobubbles
Authors: Gastaldo Michele , Varillas Javier , Rodríguez Álvaro , Velický Matěj , Frank Otakar , Kalbáč Martin
Published: October 2023

Nanobubbles naturally formed at the interface between 2D materials and their substrate are known to act as exciton recombination centers because of the reduced bandgap due to local strain, which in turn scales with the aspect ratio of the bubbles. The common understanding suggests that the aspect ratio is a universal constant independent of the bubble size. Here, by combining scanning tunneling microscopy and molecular dynamics, we show that the universal aspect ratio breaks down in MoS2 nanobubbles below a critical radius (≈10 nm), where the aspect ratio increases with increasing size. Accordingly, additional atomic-level analyses indicate that the strain increases from 3% to 6% in the sub-critical size range. Using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the bandgap decreases as a function of the size. Thus, tunable quantum emitters can be obtained in 2D semiconductors by controlling the radius of the nanobubbles.
Environmental impact assessments not the main barrier to timely forest management in the United States
Authors: Struthers Cory L. , Murenbeeld Kathryn J. , Williamson Matthew A.
Published: October 2023

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes are commonly used by government agencies to evaluate the merits and environmental risks of natural resource management decisions. Citing EIA as red tape, decision makers from across the political spectrum are increasingly circumventing EIA to expedite implementation of necessary actions for climate resilience and clean energy. Few studies have quantified the extent that EIA is the main barrier to efficient implementation. We combine administrative data from the US Forest Service with survival analysis to show that, for most actions, the Forest Service takes as long or longer to award first contracts and roll out initial activities than to comply with the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and that NEPA compliance accounts for approximately one-fifth of planned implementation time.
Decoding speech perception from non-invasive brain recordings
Authors: Défossez Alexandre , Caucheteux Charlotte , Rapin Jérémy , Kabeli Ori , King Jean-Rémi
Published: October 2023

Decoding speech from brain activity is a long-awaited goal in both healthcare and neuroscience. Invasive devices have recently led to major milestones in this regard: deep-learning algorithms trained on intracranial recordings can now start to decode elementary linguistic features such as letters, words and audio-spectrograms. However, extending this approach to natural speech and non-invasive brain recordings remains a major challenge. Here we introduce a model trained with contrastive learning to decode self-supervised representations of perceived speech from the non-invasive recordings of a large cohort of healthy individuals. To evaluate this approach, we curate and integrate four public datasets, encompassing 175 volunteers recorded with magneto-encephalography or electro-encephalography while they listened to short stories and isolated sentences. The results show that our model can identify, from 3 seconds of magneto-encephalography signals, the corresponding speech segment with up to 41% accuracy out of more than 1,000 distinct possibilities on average across participants, and with up to 80% in the best participants—a performance that allows the decoding of words and phrases absent from the training set. The comparison of our model with a variety of baselines highlights the importance of a contrastive objective, pretrained representations of speech and a common convolutional architecture simultaneously trained across multiple participants. Finally, the analysis of the decoder’s predictions suggests that they primarily depend on lexical and contextual semantic representations. Overall, this effective decoding of perceived speech from non-invasive recordings delineates a promising path to decode language from brain activity, without putting patients at risk of brain surgery.
Sewage remediation using solar energy and a triply fused Zn-porphyrin dimer molecular graphene photocatalytic agent
Authors: Cheng Fei , Qiang Taotao , Li Mingli , James Tony D.
Published: October 2023

Photocatalysis plays a pivotal role in achieving clean energy and a pollution-free environment.
Efficient regio- and stereo-selective C–H bond hydroxylation of steroids using an engineered heme-thiolate peroxygenase biocatalyst
Authors: Akter Jinia , Hayball Eva F. , Bell Stephen G.
Published: October 2023

A steroid hydroxylating monooxygenase enzyme was converted into a peroxygenase to enable the stereoselective hydroxylation of C–H bonds in these complex molecules simply by adding hydrogen peroxide.
Ultralow pressure sensing and luminescence thermometry based on the emissions of Er3+/Yb3+ codoped Y2Mo4O15 phosphors
Authors: Saidi Kamel , Hernández-Álvarez Christian , Runowski Marcin , Dammak Mohamed , Martín Inocencio R.
Published: October 2023

We present a comprehensive study showcasing the multifunctional capabilities of lanthanide-doped materials as optical sensors for temperature and pressure. Furthermore, we introduce a novel bi-modal sensing approach using these materials.
A lithium–scandium sulfate with second-harmonic generation response and deep-ultraviolet transparency
Authors: Geng Zi-Long , Tang Hong-Xin , Fu Rui-Biao , Ma Zu-Ju , Wu Xin-Tao
Published: October 2023

A new beryllium-free deep-UV transparent NLO crystal Li(H2O)2Sc(SO4)2 consists of distorted [LiO4], [SO4] tetrahedra and [ScO6] octahedra and exhibits a phase-matching SHG response of 0.7 × KDP and a deep-UV cutoff edge below 190 nm.
Oleanolic acid, a small-molecule natural product, inhibits ECM degeneration in osteoarthritis by regulating the Hippo/YAP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways
Authors: Ma Tianwen , Ruan Hongri , Lv Liangyu , Wei Chengwei , Yu Yue , Jia Lina , Song Xiaopeng , Zhang Jiantao , Li Yanan
Published: October 2023

Oleanolic acid (OLA), a natural product, inhibits cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in osteoarthritis (OA).
Layered double hydroxides: where should research stress on for massive scaling up?
Authors: Dazon Claire , Taviot-Guého Christine , Prévot Vanessa
Published: October 2023

This perspective highlights the potentiality for co-precipitation and mechanosynthesis to produce massively layered double hydroxides for disruptive applications providing several gaps are addressed, notably the control of the particle agglomeration.
Additive-free molecular acceptor organic solar cells processed from a biorenewable solvent approaching 15% efficiency
Authors: Du Zhifang , Luong Hoang Mai , Sabury Sina , Therdkatanyuphong Pattarawadee , Chae Sangmin , Welton Claire , Jones Austin L. , Zhang Junxiang , Peng Zhengxing , Zhu Ziyue , Nanayakkara Sadisha , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Choi Dylan G. , Xiao Steven , Yi Ahra , Kim Hyo Jung , Bredas Jean-Luc , Ade Harald , Reddy G. N. Manjunatha , Marder Seth R. , Reynolds John R. , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen
Published: October 2023

We report on the use of molecular acceptors and donor polymers processed with a biomass-derived solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to facilitate bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics with power conversion efficiency approaching 15%.
Self-assembly of perovskite nanoplates in colloidal suspensions
Authors: Moral Raphael F. , Malfatti-Gasperini Antônio A. , Bonato Luiz G. , Vale Brener R. C. , Fonseca André F. V. , Padilha Lazaro A. , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Nogueira Ana F.
Published: October 2023

We show a monotonic increase in the degree of aggregation of perovskite nanoplates with the viscosity of the solvent. We use SAXS to show the stacking patterns. It is a novel approach to explore the self-assembly of perovskite nanoplates.
Recent advances in nanoantibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Li Mulan , Liu Ying , Gong Youhuan , Yan Xiaojie , Wang Le , Zheng Wenfu , Ai Hao , Zhao Yuliang
Published: October 2023

In this review, we introduce recently developed nanomaterials for dealing with multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the biosafety and mass production of these nanomaterials.
DNA nanoparticles targeting FOXO4 selectively eliminate cigarette smoke-induced senescent lung fibroblasts
Authors: Han Yaopin , Wu Yixing , He Binfeng , Wu Di , Hua Jianlan , Qian Hang , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2023

DNA self-assembled nanoparticles loaded with single-stranded FOXO4 siRNA could selectively eliminate cigarette smoke-senescent lung fibroblasts by improving celluar apoptosis.
Highly-accurate solvent identification using dynamic evaporation reflection spectra from an inverse opal sensor combined with a deep learning model
Authors: Huang Jin , Cheddah Soumia , Ma Yinjie , Wang Yan
Published: October 2023

A deep learning-based inverse opal sensor utilizes dynamic evaporation reflection spectra to rapidly identify solvents with high accuracy.
Reductive coupling of nitroarenes with carboxylic acids – a direct route to amide synthesis
Authors: Losev Mikhail A. , Kozlov Andrey S. , Kharitonov Vladimir B. , Afanasyev Oleg I. , Kliuev Fedor S. , Bulygina Ludmila A. , Khrushcheva Natalya S. , Loginov Dmitry A. , Chusov Denis
Published: October 2023

A simple and atom-efficient way to prepare amides directly from carboxylic acids and nitroarenes was developed. Carbon monoxide as a sole reducing agent provides the ultimate selectivity of the protocol.
Synthesis and characterization of uniform OCL-OEG block cooligomers
Authors: Bohn Philipp , Hirschberg Valerian , Buchheiser Simon , Moatsou Dafni , Nirschl Hermann , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: October 2023

OCL-OEG block cooligomers were prepared via an iterative exponential growth strategy (Đ = 1.01) and their thermal properties and self-assembly behavior were investigated and compared with narrowly distributed analogues obtained from ROP.
Carvacrol inhibits bacterial polysaccharide intracellular adhesin synthesis and biofilm formation of mucoid Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Peng Qi , Tang Xiaohua , Dong Wanyang , Zhi Ziling , Zhong Tian , Lin Shunan , Ye Jingyi , Qian Xiping , Chen Fu , Yuan Wenchang
Published: October 2023

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the important human pathogens and causes both superficial and systemic infections.
Robust and facile detection of formaldehyde through transition metals doped olympicene sensors: a step forward DFT investigation
Authors: Aetizaz Muhammad , Ullah Faizan , Sarfaraz Sehrish , Mahmood Tariq , Ayub Khurshid
Published: October 2023

Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) released by building and decoration materials, has been sensed by metal doped olympicene sensor.
Recent advances in the chemistry and applications of fluorinated metal–organic frameworks (F-MOFs)
Authors: Morelli Venturi Diletta , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: October 2023

Fluorinated building blocks as a source of new properties for metal–organic frameworks.
Construction of thickness-controllable bimetallic sulfides/reduced graphene oxide as a binder-free positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Ghanem Ramage M. , Kospa Doaa A. , Ahmed Awad I. , Ibrahim Amr Awad , Gebreil Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Devices for electrochemical energy storage with exceptional capacitance and rate performance, outstanding energy density, simple fabrication, long-term stability, and remarkable reversibility have always been in high demand.
Tellurolate: an effective Te-atom transfer reagent to prepare the triad of group 5 metal bis(tellurides)
Authors: Senthil Shuruthi , Kwon Seongyeon , Kong Richard Y. , MacMillan Samantha N. , Zatsepin Pavel , Gau Michael R. , Carroll Patrick J. , Baik Mu-Hyun , Lancaster Kyle M. , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: October 2023

We show in this work how lithium tellurolate Li(X)nTeCH2SiMe3 (X = THF, n = 1, 1; X = 12-crown-4, n = 2, 2), can serve as an effective Te-atom transfer reagent to all group 5 transition metal halide precursors irrespective of their oxidation state.
Micellar catalysis: a green solution to enable undirected and mild C–H activation of (oligo)thiophenes at the challenging β-position
Authors: Hauk Pascal , Mazan Valérie , Gallou Fabrice , Wencel-Delord Joanna
Published: October 2023

The unexpected potential of micellar medium to achieve challenging β-selective direct arylation of (oligo)thiophenes is reported.
“We didn’t start the fire”: how the chemical sciences can steward the use of our Earth's chemical resources
Authors: Newton Eleanor R.
Published: October 2023

One of the winning entries from the Young Voices in the Chemical Sciences for Sustainability global essay competition.
Engineered current path of vertical organic phototransistors for smart optoelectronic applications
Authors: An Hye-Min , Jang Hyowon , Kim Hyeok , Lee Sin-Doo , Lee Sin-Hyung , Park Hea-Lim
Published: October 2023

A multifunctional vertical organic phototransistor for smart optoelectronic applications has been demonstrated by precisely engineering the current path.
A supramolecular liquid crystal/photonic crystal composite film with broad diffraction-wavelength shifts/fast responses to pH changes
Authors: Lu Runzi , Cheng Changjing , Wang Li , Zhang Huiyao , Zeng Hongju , Wang Yanlin , Wen Jingya , Lv Xingbin , Yu Hairong , Liang Ting
Published: October 2023

A supramolecular liquid crystal/photonic crystal (SLC/PC) inverse opal film was made using hydrogen-bonded SLC polymers and silica colloids. The SLC/PC film showed wide diffraction-wavelength shifts, quick pH response, great recyclability and high chemical stability.
Problem-Solving in the Lidcombe Program: A Single Case Report
Authors: Santayana Gissella
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

This case study describes how problem-solving was used in the case of a 4-year 10-month-old girl, who presented with stuttering.

Method:

The treatment described is the Lidcombe Program for young children who stutter. The problem-solving process that is integral to providing this therapy is explored in four problems encountered during Mia's therapy.

Results:

As a result of this ongoing process, therapy becomes individualized for each family, and these decisions support continuous progress.

Conclusion:

This clinical focus article is an example of how problem-solving can be carried out within the structure of the Lidcombe Program.
Overcomplete graph convolutional denoising autoencoder for noisy skeleton action recognition
Authors: Guo Jiajun , Ji Qingge , Shan Guangwei
Published: October 2023

Current skeleton‐based action recognition methods usually assume the input skeleton is complete and noise‐free. However, it is inevitable that the captured skeletons are incomplete due to occlusions or noisy due to changes in the environment. When dealing with these data, even State Of The Art (SOTA) recognition backbones experience significant degradation in recognition accuracy. Though a few methods have been proposed to address this issue, they still lack flexibility, efficiency and interpretability. In this work, an overcomplete Graph Convolutional Denoising Autoencoder (GCDAE) is proposed which can act as a flexible preprocessing module for pretrained recognition backbones and improve their robustness. Taking advantages of the overcomplete and fully graph convolutional structure, GCDAE is able to rectify noisy joints while keeping information of unspoiled details efficiently. On two large scale skeleton datasets NTU RGB+D 60 and 120, the introducing of GCDAE brings significant robustness improvements to SOTA backbones towards different types of noises.
Medium‐term forecasting of daily aggregated peak loads from heat pumps using clustering‐based load duration curves to calculate the annual impact on medium to low voltage transformers
Authors: Rouwhorst George , Pondes Albert , Nguyen Phuong H. , Slootweg Han
Published: October 2023

The energy transition drives the adoption of heat pumps (HPs). Their peak loads have a large impact on distribution networks. Therefore, the proposed methodology calculates the annual impact on medium to low voltage (MV/LV) transformers based on a medium‐term forecast of daily aggregated peak loads from HPs using the number, their rated power, a normalised load duration curve, and the daily average ambient temperature. The forecast differentiates between daily aggregated peak loads of HPs with different heating demands and the varying impact due to seasonal weather differences. First, 221 measured residential HPs over two years were randomly selected and clustered to identify different heating demands. These clusters were used to calculate four representation functions. Second, 108 other measured HPs were clustered and used to forecast the aggregated peak load with the calculated four representation functions. These forecasts were used to calculate the annual impact on an MV/LV transformer with a daily time resolution. These results indicate the periods over a year that the MV/LV transformer is at risk of congestion and it indicates the potential to mitigate congestion through demand‐side management.
Helioseismic determination of the solar metal mass fraction
Authors: Buldgen G. , Noels A. , Baturin V. A. , Oreshina A. V. , Ayukov S. V. , Scuflaire R. , Amarsi A. M. , Grevesse N.
Published: October 2023

Context. The metal mass fraction of the Sun Z is a key constraint in solar modelling, but its value is still under debate. The standard solar chemical composition of the late 2000s has the ratio of metals to hydrogen as Z/X = 0.0181, and there was a small increase to 0.0187 in 2021, as inferred from 3D non-LTE spectroscopy. However, more recent work on a horizontally and temporally averaged ⟨3D⟩ model claim Z/X = 0.0225, which is consistent with the high values based on 1D LTE spectroscopy from 25 years ago.

Aims. We aim to determine a precise and robust value of the solar metal mass fraction from helioseismic inversions, thus providing independent constraints from spectroscopic methods.

Methods. We devised a detailed seismic reconstruction technique of the solar envelope, combining multiple inversions and equations of state in order to accurately and precisely determine the metal mass fraction value.

Results. We show that a low value of the solar metal mass fraction corresponding to Z/X = 0.0187 is favoured by helioseismic constraints and that a higher metal mass fraction corresponding to Z/X = 0.0225 is strongly rejected by helioseismic data.

Conclusions. We conclude that direct measurement of the metal mass fraction in the solar envelope favours a low metallicity, in line with the 3D non-LTE spectroscopic determination of 2021. A high metal mass fraction, as measured using a ⟨3D⟩ model in 2022, is disfavoured by helioseismology for all modern equations of state used to model the solar convective envelope.
Mini Review: Potential Utilization of Cassava Peel Waste as Raw Material for Bio Briquettes Production in Indonesia
Authors: Fitriyano Gema , Ismiyati Ismiyati , Purnawan Irfan , Othman Rapidah , Fajar Ramadhan Raihan
Published: October 2023

Bio-briquettes have the potential to be produced in Indonesia, due to the availability of raw materials and the opportunities for domestic and export markets. Production of bio-briquettes can be strengthened through technology trials in the form of pilot projects and supported by regulations related to the production and management of renewable energy. Based on the results of the study, it is known that bio-briquette products made from cassava peel waste that can meet Indonesian national standards are those that use a composition of 80 % cassava peel charcoal and 20 % adhesive. Mixing with other agro-industrial waste will have an impact on product characteristics, including calorific value, water content, ash content, and volatile matter. To encourage the development of bio-briquettes from cassava peel waste, the government needs encouragement from strong regulations in funding technology research related to increasing energy efficiency, providing adequate energy infrastructure, and modeling competitive energy market prices.
Agricultural Extension Performance Through the Use of Internet Media
Authors: Thamrin Muhammad , Tarik Ibrahim Jabal , Sutawi Sutawi , Arfiani Barus Wan , Latipun Latipun , Ali Khan Waris , Sri Susanti Mardiana , Bagus Agung Purwanto Adik
Published: October 2023

The presence of information technology is a challenge for field agricultural extension to master computer skills and utilize the internet. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of field agricultural extension and the effect of internal and external characteristics of extension on the utilization of internet media in Deli Serdang Regency. The population and research sample were 139 people using the census method. This study uses descriptive analysis, Pearson product moment correlation, multiple regression analysis, and effective contribution testing. The results showed that the measurement of the performance of agricultural extension with the highest value of 44.6 % was in the good category. The results of simultaneous correlation and regression tests through the F test show that there is a significant relationship and influence between each variable. Partially in multiple regression tests, the variables of age, education level, internet media ownership, perception of the internet, and internet usage patterns have a significant effect, while the variable of agency support has no significant effect on internet media utilization for extension. Based on the calculation of effective contribution, the variable internet usage pattern shows the largest effective contribution of 19.87 % with a relative contribution of 39.15 %.
Esthesioneuroblastoma - A Case Report
Authors: Rao C. Venkateswara , Prasad P.R.K. , Chiranjeevi D.
Published: October 2023

Esthesioneuroblastoma is an uncommon tumour of the nasal cavity arising from olfactory epithelium. Ever since Berger described the first case of esthesioneuroblastoma in 1924, considerable progress has been made in the diagnosis and management of these tumours. A case report of esthesioneuroblastoma has been presented and relevant literature is reviewed.
Correction of a Pouting Lower Lip
Authors: Patankar Suyash Y. , Mokal Nitin J. , Thatte Ravin L.
Published: October 2023

Six adult females between the ages of 18 and 25 are reported in whom a pouting lower lip was corrected by intraoral excision of mucosa in the transverse axis and plication of orbicularis oris. None of them had any abnormality in their intermaxillary occlusion. All patients were followed up for two years and were satisfied with their results.
Quantifying Treatment - Outcome in Maxillo-Facial Injuries
Authors: Agarwal Anil , Chari P S , Mitra S
Published: October 2023

Statements regarding outcome in Plastic Surgery are often subjective and lack reproducibility, mainly because of lack of quantification of aesthetic issues. A method is being presented using maxillo-facial injuries as a prototype, to resolve virtually any plastic surgical problem into 3 basic components – Function, Aesthetics and Psycho-social. Unfavourable results are graded according to a strictly defined protocol. Aesthetic evaluation is performed by the patient and relatives/friends in a manner designed to reduce subjectivity and physician-induced bias.

The system provides a comprehensive patient-satisfaction index which has been found useful for everyday post-surgical assessment and computer-based data-recording. It allows us to quantify results, pin point shortcomings and foster a desirable doctor-patient relationship.

With the use of such a system it should be possible to document, compare and even predict treatment-outcomes with a degree of precision not previously achieved.
Lower Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Supercharged Reverse Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap: A Case Report
Authors: Gupta A K , Chitlangia B L , Jain S
Published: October 2023

Abdominal wall reconstruction entails usage of ingenious techniques to support and protect abdominal viscera as well as provide an aesthetic contour. This is a case report wherein the lower abdominal wall was reconstructed with an ipsilateral, supercharged, reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap with skin graft.

Such innervated motor muscle transfer by its dynamic role ensures prevention of ventral herniation of the abdominal viscera. Supercharging of vascularity and innervation of an inferiorly based latissimus dorsi muscle is a useful addition to existing methods of abdominal wall reconstruction.
Hemifacial Hyperplasia - A Case Report
Authors: Deshpande Sanjeev N , Deshpande Leena
Published: October 2023

Hemifacial hyperplasia is a rare congenital deformity, affecting soft and bony tissues of one half of the face. The etiology of the condition is unknown and no pattern of heredity is described. A case of hemifacial hyperplasia and its management is described here.
Focusing performances of high numerical aperture Fresnel zone plates under different immersion media
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhou Xianqing , Cao Peng , Wu Xingming , Liu Wenshuai , Yao Xiaomin , Wang Junli , Wang Longda
Published: October 2023

The focusing performances of high-numerical-aperture (NA) Fresnel zone plates (FZP) under different immersion media are investigated by combining the vectorial angular spectrum (VAS) theory and the finite-difference time-domain method. It has been found that as the refractive index deviation increases, the focus approximately linearly shifts along the positive z-axis. Simultaneously, the transverse size of the focusing spot gradually decreases, and super-resolution focusing is realized. However, the peak intensity declines with an increase in the refractive index. In addition, when the deviation of the refractive index of the actual immersion medium from the design value is less than about 30%, VAS theory can correctly estimate the focusing light field distribution, except when the FZP has only one or two transparent annuli. On the contrary, VAS theory cannot achieve an accurate prediction when the deviation is larger. These findings will benefit the practical application of high-NA FZPs.
Electrical properties of vertical Cu2O/β-Ga2O3 (001) p–n diodes
Authors: Jia Yun , Sato Sora , Traoré Aboulaye , Morita Ryo , Broccoli Erwann , Florena Fenfen Fenda , Islam Muhammad Monirul , Okumura Hironori , Sakurai Takeaki
Published: October 2023

In this work, p-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) films grown on beta gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) substrates by magnetron sputtering were reported. The resulting vertical Cu2O/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction p–n diodes demonstrated superior performance compared to devices fabricated with polycrystalline Cu2O thin films. Meanwhile, analysis of the discrepancies between the built-in potential and turn-on voltage revealed diverse carrier transport mechanisms in the fabricated devices. Numerical fitting of the forward J–V characteristics further discerned that distinct carrier transport mechanisms dominated under various bias voltages or temperature conditions. At 300 K, trap-assisted tunneling dominates the regime because of the presence of defects in β-Ga2O3 or Cu2O. While the bias voltage is low, the polycrystalline nature of the films formed at room temperature leads to the prevalence of grain boundaries as the primary source of interface-type defects at the Cu2O/β-Ga2O3 interface. Consequently, the dominant mechanism governing carrier transport is interface recombination. As the temperature increases, however, thermionic emission becomes more important. This study presents an opportunity for further investigation into the epitaxial growth of Cu2O and provides insights into the carrier transport mechanism of β-Ga2O3-based heterojunctions.
Anharmonic effect on the vibrational properties of pristine and Co-doped β-FeSi2 semiconductors
Authors: Zhang Kai , Du Xiao-Long , Yu Hao , Cao Ziyu , Fang Guangyou , Wang Tianwu , Chen Xiao-Jia
Published: October 2023

The strength of the phonon anharmonic effect of the pristine FeSi2 and Co-doped Fe0.94Co0.06Si2 is investigated by a Raman scattering study on the vibrational properties of those materials in the temperature range of 300–1523 K. All the vibrational modes exhibit significant redshifts with increasing temperature, and their spectral widths increase simultaneously. The structure transition from the semiconducting β phase to the metallic α phase is evidenced by the sudden disappearance of the vibrational modes. The extended Klemens model is applied to study the anharmonic effect on the phonon frequency shift and damping constant, and the four-phonon decaying process is expected to be the dominant one after doping the metal Co. Such an enhancement is also suggested contributing to the reduction of the thermal conductivity in Fe0.94Co0.06Si2. In addition, the vibrational properties of the mode at 250 cm−1 are more sensitive to the anharmonicity effect than that of the mode at 195 cm−1. This work provides valuable insights for understanding the high-order anharmonic effects in thermoelectric materials, especially in chemically doped materials.
Two-parameter family of distributions: Properties, estimation, and applications
Authors: Belili Mohamed Cherif , Alshangiti Arwa M. , Gemeay Ahmed M. , Zeghdoudi Halim , Karakaya Kadir , Bakr M. E. , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson , Atchadé Mintodê Nicodème , Hussam Eslam
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a new flexible two-parameter family of distributions is introduced. Some mathematical properties, such as asymptotic behavior, moments, stochastic order, entropy, and quantile function, are examined. A special case of this family is introduced called Gemeay–Zeghdoudi distribution. The unknown parameters of the Gemeay–Zeghdoudi distribution are estimated via many estimators. The efficiency of the estimators is compared with a Monte Carlo simulation. The applicability of the new distribution is illustrated by the annual maximum flood and survival times of patients with breast cancer real data analyses.
A first principles investigation on strain tuned electronic properties of Janus ReXY (X, Y = Cl, Br, I) monolayers
Authors: Zhu Jianguo , Ma Bo , Chen Yeting , Shi Diwei
Published: October 2023

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a promising class of two-dimensional (2D) materials with tunable electronic and transport properties. In this paper, a first principles calculation of ReClI, ReClBr, and ReIBr Janus 2D materials was carried out in view of structural design and electronic properties. In addition, the structural stability and electronic characteristics of ReClI, ReClBr, and ReIBr were explored under the condition of tensile strain. The conclusions are described as follows: ReIBr maintains excellent lattice structural stability under external forces and possesses the strongest resistance to strain; ReClBr has the highest surface activity, and electrons are more likely to escape and participate in surface chemical reactions; ReClI, ReClBr, and ReIBr are two-dimensional materials that exhibit semiconductor properties while showing varying degrees of tuning under strain conditions.
Numerical simulation of aerial liquid drops of Canadair CL-415 and Dash-8 airtankers
Authors: Calbrix Corentin , Stoukov Alexei , Cadiere Axelle , Roig Benoit , Legendre Dominique
Published: October 2023

Background Airtankers are able to drop volumes of liquid (suppressant or fire retardant) varying from less than 1 m3 to several tens of cubic metres directly on a fire or with the objective to form barriers of retardant to stop or reduce fire propagation. Aims The objective of this work is to demonstrate that Computational Fluid Dynamics can be used to provide a deep understanding of liquid fragmentation and dispersion when liquid is dropped from an aircraft. Methods A numerical investigation based on the Volume of Fluid method is used for the analysis of airtanker performance and applied here to the biggest airtankers used in Europe: the Canadair CL-415 and Dash-8. Key results Numerical simulations are used to provide an accurate description of tank discharge as well as to study liquid ejection, fragmentation and atomisation in air. From the results, the vertical penetration and lateral expansion of the liquid are described using simple modelling. Conclusions From the numerical simulation, the main characteristics of liquid atomisation and dispersion in air are described and modelled. Implications Computational Fluid Dynamics is an efficient tool that may help to optimise airtanker performance.
Endothelial deletion of EPH receptor A4 alters single-cell profile and Tie2/Akap12 signaling to preserve blood–brain barrier integrity
Authors: Cash Alison , de Jager Caroline , Brickler Thomas , Soliman Eman , Ladner Liliana , Kaloss Alexandra M. , Zhu Yumeng , Pridham Kevin J. , Mills Jatia , Ju Jing , Basso Erwin Kristobal Gudenschwager , Chen Michael , Johnson Zachary , Sotiropoulos Yianni , Wang Xia , Xie Hehuang , Matson John B. , Marvin Eric A. , Theus Michelle H.
Published: October 2023

Neurobiological consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) result from a complex interplay of secondary injury responses and sequela that mediates chronic disability. Endothelial cells are important regulators of the cerebrovascular response to TBI. Our work demonstrates that genetic deletion of endothelial cell (EC)-specific EPH receptor A4 (EphA4) using conditionalEphA4f/f/Tie2-CreandEphA4f/f/VE-Cadherin-CreERT2knockout (KO) mice promotes blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity and tissue protection, which correlates with improved motor function and cerebral blood flow recovery following controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. scRNAseq of capillary-derived KO ECs showed increased differential gene expression of BBB-related junctional and actin cytoskeletal regulators, namely, A-kinase anchor protein 12,Akap12, whose presence at Tie2 clustering domains is enhanced in KO microvessels. Transcript and protein analysis of CCI-injured whole cortical tissue or cortical-derived ECs suggests that EphA4 limits the expression of Cldn5, Akt, and Akap12 and promotes Ang2. Blocking Tie2 using sTie2-Fc attenuated protection and reversed Akap12 mRNA and protein levels cortical-derived ECs. Direct stimulation of Tie2 using Vasculotide, angiopoietin-1 memetic peptide, phenocopied the neuroprotection. Finally, we report a noteworthy rise in soluble Ang2 in the sera of individuals with acute TBI, highlighting its promising role as a vascular biomarker for early detection of BBB disruption. These findings describe a contribution of the axon guidance molecule, EphA4, in mediating TBI microvascular dysfunction through negative regulation of Tie2/Akap12 signaling.
Driving forces of the complex formation between highly charged disordered proteins
Authors: Chowdhury Aritra , Borgia Alessandro , Ghosh Souradeep , Sottini Andrea , Mitra Soumik , Eapen Rohan S. , Borgia Madeleine B. , Yang Tianjin , Galvanetto Nicola , Ivanović Miloš T. , Łukijańczuk Paweł , Zhu Ruijing , Nettels Daniel , Kundagrami Arindam , Schuler Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Highly disordered complexes between oppositely charged intrinsically disordered proteins present a new paradigm of biomolecular interactions. Here, we investigate the driving forces of such interactions for the example of the highly positively charged linker histone H1 and its highly negatively charged chaperone, prothymosin α (ProTα). Temperature-dependent single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments and isothermal titration calorimetry reveal ProTα-H1 binding to be enthalpically unfavorable, and salt-dependent affinity measurements suggest counterion release entropy to be an important thermodynamic driving force. Using single-molecule FRET, we also identify ternary complexes between ProTα and H1 in addition to the heterodimer at equilibrium and show how they contribute to the thermodynamics observed in ensemble experiments. Finally, we explain the observed thermodynamics quantitatively with a mean-field polyelectrolyte theory that treats counterion release explicitly. ProTα-H1 complex formation resembles the interactions between synthetic polyelectrolytes, and the underlying principles are likely to be of broad relevance for interactions between charged biomolecules in general.
Loss of Pde1 function acts as an evolutionary gateway to penicillin resistance inStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Kobras Carolin M. , Monteith William , Somerville Sophie , Delaney James M. , Khan Imran , Brimble Camilla , Corrigan Rebecca M. , Sheppard Samuel K. , Fenton Andrew K.
Published: October 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis a major human pathogen and rising resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, is a significant threat to global public health. Mutations occurring in the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) can confer high-level penicillin resistance but other poorly understood genetic factors are also important. Here, we combined strictly controlled laboratory experiments and population analyses to identify a new penicillin resistance pathway that is independent of PBP modification. Initial laboratory selection experiments identified high-frequencypde1mutations conferringS. pneumoniaepenicillin resistance. The importance of variation at thepde1locus was confirmed in natural and clinical populations in an analysis of >7,200S. pneumoniaegenomes. Thepde1mutations identified by these approaches reduce the hydrolytic activity of the Pde1 enzyme in bacterial cells and thereby elevate levels of cyclic-di-adenosine monophosphate and penicillin resistance. Our results reveal rapid de novo loss of function mutations inpde1as an evolutionary gateway conferring low-level penicillin resistance. This relatively simple genomic change allows cells to persist in populations on an adaptive evolutionary pathway to acquire further genetic changes and high-level penicillin resistance.