bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gamma-ray shielding effectiveness, optical, mechanical, dielectric properties of nanofiller-reinforced PVA/PVP polymeric blend nanocomposites
Authors: El Rahman Aya , Metwally H. S. , Sabry N. , Mohammed M. I. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe aqueous solution cast method was used to create the biodegradable polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films from a blend of poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) PVP (70/30 wt %) and Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). These PNC films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. XRD and FTIR results indicate that Fe+ 3 NPs interact with the host polymer. Optical, electrical, mechanical, and radiation shielding measurements were performed on the PNC films. From the optical measurements, the indirect optical band gap drops from 4.86 eV for the pure blend to 4.26 eV at the greatest NPs concentration. Optical limiting characterization shows that the output power of He-Ne and solid-state green laser beams is reduced from 22.98 to 3.6 mW and 6.59 to 1.4 mW, respectively, when the Fe2O3 NPs content in the blend matrix is increased to 6 wt %. The NGCal software was utilized to calculate nuclear radiation shielding properties. The findings demonstrated that when the concentration of Fe2O3 rose, the PNC films half-value layer and mean free path decreased. Mechanical measurements demonstrate that increasing the Fe2O3 content significantly improves nanocomposite films’ yield and tensile strength. Tensile strength is measured at 27.03 MPa for the composite film containing 6 wt % Fe2O3, which is significantly higher than the 8.66 MPa of the pure (PVA-PVP) film. Compared to the other samples under examination, the 6 wt % Fe2O3 sample yielded the best results (based on the analyzed optical, electrical, mechanical, and radiation shielding properties).
Vulnerability assessment of English and Welsh coastal areas
Authors: Kantamaneni Komali , Xing Liuchang , Gupta Vijaya , Campos Luiza C. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe escalating threat of climate change has placed global coastal communities at risk, with rising sea levels and intensified storm events presenting unprecedented challenges. Coastal vulnerability assessments, conducted every 3–5 years, are crucial. This empirical study assesses the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the distinct coastal contexts of Dawlish, Happisburgh (England), and Aberystwyth (Wales). The CVI method consists of the Physical Coastal Vulnerability Index (PCVI) and the Economic Coastal Vulnerability Index (ECVI), which provide a multidimensional assessment of vulnerability for coastal zones. This integrated index allows for a nuanced evaluation of vulnerability, distinguishing between sites based on various factors. Additionally, this study conducted a correlation analysis to understand the associations between the parameters. The findings demonstrate that physical features like beach and dune widths significantly impact a location’s natural defences, and economic factors such as property values and population density are equally crucial in determining societal risks and potential financial repercussions. The Combined Coastal Vulnerability Index (CCVI) results confirm the effectiveness of incorporating a diverse range of variables. Despite its substantial economic value, it reveals that Dawlish requires targeted protective measures, whereas Happisburgh needs an increased focus on its most vulnerable sectors. Aberystwyth emerges as the area with the highest overall vulnerability, underscoring the need for comprehensive coastal management practices. The study’s conclusions emphasize the essential role of adaptive, integrated management strategies in enhancing coastal resilience against the complex threats posed by climate dynamics. Moving forward, the indices established herein advocate for their use in strategic planning and policymaking to strengthen coastal regions in the face of sea-level rise and climatic variability. This investigation lays the groundwork for future research, aimed at refining and expanding these methodologies, aspiring to develop a detailed national coastal vulnerability atlas, a critical tool for informed decision-making and safeguarding at-risk communities.
Selection of optimal extraction and RT-PCR protocols for stool RNA detection of colorectal cancer associated immune genes
Authors: Omran Thura Akrem , Madsø Inger Line , Sæther Per Christian , Bemanian Vahid , Tunsjø Hege Smith 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThere is a growing interest in using fecal mRNA transcripts as biomarkers for non-invasive detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). The following study compares different RNA extraction and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) methods for mRNA detection in stool and identifies a robust and sensitive protocol. A combination of the Stool total RNA purification kit (Norgen) and the Superscript III one-step RT-PCR kit (Invitrogen) provided high RNA purity and sensitive and consistent mRNA detection, making them well-suited candidates for large-scale studies. We tested the protocol by detecting the mRNA of several immune genes (CXCL1, IL8, IL1B, IL6, PTGS2, and SPP1) in 22 CRCs, 24 adenomatous polyps, and 22 control stool samples. All these inflammatory markers, except for CXCL1, showed a strong association with CRC. Cancer stool samples showed increased levels of IL1B, IL8, and PTGS2 transcripts compared to polyp and control groups. Thus, this work supports the potential use of fecal mRNA as biomarkers for CRC detection.
Large language models can outperform humans in social situational judgments
Authors: Mittelstädt Justin M. , Maier Julia , Goerke Panja , Zinn Frank , Hermes Michael 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLarge language models (LLM) have been a catalyst for the public interest in artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies perform some knowledge-based tasks better and faster than human beings. However, whether AIs can correctly assess social situations and devise socially appropriate behavior, is still unclear. We conducted an established Situational Judgment Test (SJT) with five different chatbots and compared their results with responses of human participants (N = 276). Claude, Copilot and you.com’s smart assistant performed significantly better than humans in proposing suitable behaviors in social situations. Moreover, their effectiveness rating of different behavior options aligned well with expert ratings. These results indicate that LLMs are capable of producing adept social judgments. While this constitutes an important requirement for the use as virtual social assistants, challenges and risks are still associated with their wide-spread use in social contexts.
Visible light responsive heterophase Titania monoliths for the fast and efficient photocatalytic decontamination of organic pollutants
Authors: Babu Denna , Jagadeesan Dhivya , Thejaswini T. V. L. , Mohan Akhila Maheswari , Deivasigamani Prabhakaran 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe article reports the synthesis of an ordered mesoporous network of heterophase TiO2 monoliths as a visible light-responsive photocatalyst using tri-block copolymers of Pluronic F108, P123 and F127 as structure-directing agents (SDAs) and temperature-controlled calcination (450–650 °C) has been carried out by direct templating-assisted hydrothermal approach. The structural/surface morphology and topographical properties of the photocatalyst are characterized using FE-SEM-EDAX, HR-TEM-SAED, p-XRD, VB-XPS, PLS, TG/DTA, UV-Vis-DRS, BET/BJH and zeta potential analysis. The undoped heterophase mesoporous TiO2 monoliths with in-built lattice/surface defects exhibit visible light photocatalytic properties, successfully dissipating Reactive Brown 10 (RB-10) dye. The influence of physicochemical parameters, such as SDAs, temperature, pH, dye concentration, catalyst dosage, photosensitizers and light intensities, are optimized for maximum photocatalytic performance at a shorter timespan. The F127-assisted mesoporous TiO2 monolith (550 °C) exhibits superior degradation kinetics (15 min) for RB-10 dye solution (20 ppm) at pH 2.0–3.0 using a photocatalyst dosage of 50 mg and 2 mM of KBrO3, irradiated with 150 W/cm2 tungsten lamp. The photocatalysts are fabricated without complicated chemical modifications and display topmost efficiency in quickly decontaminating persistent pollutants. The photoproducts from RB-10 photocatalytic degradation are investigated using HR-MS analysis. The photocatalyst can be reused efficiently for six cycles, even under extreme conditions.
Uneven global retreat of persistent mountain snow cover alongside mountain warming from ERA5-land
Authors: Blau Manuel Tobias , Kad Pratik , Turton Jenny V. , Ha Kyung-Ja 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe warming of mountains has become evident in recent years, with a mean global warming rate of 1.19 °C from 1979 to 2022. However, unveiling the global divergent decline of persistent mountain snow cover in the face of climate shifts remains unexplored. However, the global decline of persistent mountain snow cover due to climate change is not well understood. This study uses reanalysis and satellite data to examine changes in snow cover lasting over six months across our global mountain regions. We reveal a significant global mean decline of 7.79% in persistent snow cover over the past 44 years. The regional snow cover trends exhibit a heterogeneous and non-linear response to its regional warming rate. Our findings highlight the interplay between global warming and snow cover, emphasizing the need for sustainable development strategies to address the potential impacts of diminishing mountain snow.
Accuracy and efficiency of drilling trajectories with augmented reality versus conventional navigation randomized crossover trial
Authors: Li Yao , Drobinsky Sergey , Becker Paulina , Xie Kunpeng , Lipprandt Myriam , Mueller Christian Andreas , Egger Jan , Hölzle Frank , Röhrig Rainer , Radermacher Klaus , de la Fuente Matías , Puladi Behrus 
Published: November 2024

AbstractConventional navigation systems (CNS) in surgery require strong spatial cognitive abilities and hand-eye coordination. Augmented Reality Navigation Systems (ARNS) provide 3D guidance and may overcome these challenges, but their accuracy and efficiency compared to CNS have not been systematically evaluated. In this randomized crossover study with 36 participants from different professional backgrounds (surgeons, students, engineers), drilling accuracy, time and perceived workload were evaluated using ARNS and CNS. For the first time, this study provides compelling evidence that ARNS and CNS have comparable accuracy in translational error. Differences in angle and depth error with ARNS were likely due to limited stereoscopic vision, hardware limitations, and design. Despite this, ARNS was preferred by most participants, including surgeons with prior navigation experience, and demonstrated a significantly better overall user experience. Depending on accuracy requirements, ARNS could serve as a viable alternative to CNS for guided drilling, with potential for future optimization.
The kinase NEK6 positively regulates LSD1 activity and accumulation in local chromatin sub-compartments
Authors: Knodel Franziska , Eirich Jürgen , Pinter Sabine , Eisler Stephan A. , Finkemeier Iris , Rathert Philipp 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLSD1 plays a crucial role in mammalian biology, regulated through interactions with coregulators and post-translational modifications. Here we show that the kinase NEK6 stimulates LSD1 activity in cells and observe a strong colocalization of NEK6 and LSD1 at distinct chromatin sub-compartments (CSCs). We demonstrate that LSD1 is a substrate for NEK6 phosphorylation at the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of LSD1, which shows phase separation behavior in vitro and in cells. The LSD1-IDR is important for LSD1 activity and functions to co-compartmentalize NEK6, histone peptides and DNA. The subsequent phosphorylation of LSD1 by NEK6 supports the concentration of LSD1 at these distinct CSCs, which is imperative for dynamic control of transcription. This suggest that phase separation is crucial for the regulatory function of LSD1 and our findings highlight the role of NEK6 in modulating LSD1 activity and phase separation, expanding our understanding of LSD1 regulation and its implications in cellular processes.
Biochemical Society support in action: experiences from our community
Authors: Ollett Lucy 
Published: November 2024

Throughout the year, the Biochemical Society offers a programme of grants for all career stages supporting research, attendance at scientific conferences, and the sponsorship of events. So far this year, we have awarded over £312,000 towards conference participation, international collaboration, diversity projects and PhD scholarships. In this article, we are delighted to share a few insights from our community that highlight the variety of projects and opportunities made possible by our funding.
For more information about our funding opportunities and the application process, please visit our website.
3D‐printed biomimetic and bioinspired soft actuators
Authors: Sparks Sonja S. , Obando Alejandro G. , Li Yizong , Chen Si , Yao Shanshan , Qiu Kaiyan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA major intent of scientific research is the replication of the behaviour observed in natural spaces. In robotics, these can be through biomimetic movements in devices and inspiration from diverse actions in nature, also known as bioinspired features. An interesting pathway enabling both features is the fabrication of soft actuators. Specifically, 3D‐printing has been explored as a potential approach for the development of biomimetic and bioinspired soft actuators. The extent of this method is highlighted through the large array of applications and techniques used to create these devices, as applications from the movement of fern trees to contraction in organs are explored. In this review, different 3D‐printing fabrication methods, materials, and types of soft actuators, and their respective applications are discussed in depth. Finally, the extent of their use for present operations and future technological advances are discussed.
Modelling and analysis of repulsive cellular networks using Matérn hard‐core point processes
Authors: Chen Chunlin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe repulsive nature of Matérn hard‐core point process makes it well‐suited for modelling base station placements, where proximity constraints are critical. This letter reexamines the spatial properties of the model and proposes an empirical Weibull approximation for the contact distance distribution, where the shape and scale parameters can be reliably estimated through tractable regression models. Additionally, the probability generating functional is approximated using an exponential upper bound, simplifying the computation of the Laplace transform of interference. From these results, analytically tractable expressions are derived for the probability of coverage and average data rate. Simulations validate the accuracy of these analytical estimates.
Experimental assessment of containers running on top of virtual machines
Authors: Aqasizade Hossein , Ataie Ehsan , Bastam Mostafa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOver the past two decades, the cloud computing paradigm has gradually attracted more popularity due to its efficient resource usage and simple service access model. Virtualisation technology is the fundamental element of cloud computing that brings several benefits to cloud users and providers, such as workload isolation, energy efficiency, server consolidation, and cost reduction. This paper examines the combination of operating system‐level virtualisation (containers) and hardware‐level virtualisation (virtual machines). To this end, the performance of containers running on top of virtual machines is experimentally compared with standalone virtual machines and containers based on different hardware resources, including the processor, main memory, disk, and network in a real testbed by running the most commonly used benchmarks. Paravirtualisation and full virtualisation as well as type 1 and type 2 hypervisors are covered in this study. In addition, three prevalent containerisation platforms are examined.
A dual‐excitation inductive power transfer system with decoupled transformer for high misalignment tolerance
Authors: Xu Kerui , Zhou Jing , Che Yuchao , He Rui , Wang Yuankui , Wang Bo , Huang Haocai 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study delves into the design and optimization of a 4 kW dual‐excitation inductive power transfer system designed to accommodate large misalignments. The system utilizes a bipolar‐solenoid inductive coupled transformer as its coupling mechanism. Detailed simulation and analysis of this coupling mechanism are conducted. Additionally, the system employs a control strategy aimed at optimizing the coordination between output power and efficiency. This control strategy dynamically adjusts the power of the two transmitters, aiming to enhance system efficiency to the maximum extent possible under favourable coupling conditions. Moreover, it ensures that the system's output power remains at or above the rated value even when coupling conditions deteriorate. During the experiment, the system can optimize the output power and efficiency at the same time by using a suitable control strategy when the coils are misaligned. Meanwhile, the system can achieve a minimum efficiency of 81.5% even when the misalignment distance reaches 300 mm (60% of per transmitting coil size). The system and control strategy proposed in this paper can effectively overcome the deterioration of the output characteristics of the wireless power transfer system when misalignment occurs.
Breaking degeneracies in exoplanetary parameters through self-consistent atmosphere–interior modelling
Authors: Wilkinson C. , Charnay B. , Mazevet S. , Lagrange A.-M. , Chomez A. , Squicciarini V. , Panek E. , Mazoyer J. 
Published: November 2024

Context. With a new generation of observational instruments largely dedicated to exoplanets (i.e. JWST, ELTs, PLATO, and Ariel) providing atmospheric spectra and mass and radius measurements for large exoplanet populations, the planetary models used to understand the findings are being put to the test.
Aims. We seek to develop a new planetary model, the Heat Atmosphere Density Evolution Solver (HADES), which is the product of self-consistently coupling an atmosphere model and an interior model, and aim to compare its results to currently available findings.
Methods. We conducted atmospheric calculations under radiative-convective equilibrium, while the interior is based on the most recent and validated ab initio equations of state. We pay particular attention to the atmosphere-interior link by ensuring a continuous thermal, gravity, and molecular mass profile between the two models.
Results. We applied the model to the database of currently known exoplanets to characterise intrinsic thermal properties. In contrast to previous findings, we show that intrinsic temperatures (Tint) of 200–400 K – increasing with equilibrium temperature – are required to explain the observed radius inflation of hot Jupiters. In addition, we applied our model to perform ‘atmosphere-interior’ retrievals by Bayesian inference using observed spectra and measured parameters. This allows us to showcase the model using example applications, namely to WASP-39 b and 51 Eridani b. For the former, we show how the use of spectroscopic measurements can break degeneracies in the atmospheric metallicity (Z) and intrinsic temperature. We derive relatively high values of Z = 14.79−1.91+ 1.80 × solar and Tint = 297.39−16.9+8.95 K, which are necessary to explain the radius inflation and the chemical composition of WASP-39 b. With this example, we show th.e importance of using a self-consistent model with the radius being a constrained parameter of the model and of using the age of the host star to break radius and mass degeneracies. When applying our model to 51 Eridani b, we derive a planet mass Mp = 3.13−0.040.05 MJ and a core mass Mcore = 31.86+0.32−0.18 ME, suggesting a potential formation by core accretion combined with a ‘hot start’ scenario.
Conclusions. We conclude that self-consistent atmosphere–interior models efficiently break degeneracies in the structure of both transiting and directly imaged exoplanets. Such tools have great potential to interpret current and future observations, thereby providing new insights into the formation and evolution of exoplanets.
The ESO UVES/FEROS Large Programs of TESS OB pulsators
Authors: Serebriakova Nadya , Tkachenko Andrew , Aerts Conny 
Published: November 2024

Context. Spectral lines of hot massive stars are known to exhibit large excess broadening in addition to rotational broadening. This excess broadening is often attributed to macroturbulence, whose physical origin is a matter of active debate in the stellar astrophysics community.
Aims. We aim to shed light on the physical origin of macroturbulent line broadening by looking into the statistical properties of a large sample of O- and B-type stars both in the Galaxy and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).
Methods. We deliver newly measured macroturbulent velocities for 86 stars from the Galaxy in a consistent manner with 126 stars from the LMC. We composed a total sample of 594 stars with measured macroturbulent velocities by complementing our sample with archival data for the Galactic O- and B-type stars in order to gain better coverage of the parameter space. Furthermore, we computed an extensive grid of MESA models to compare, in a statistical manner, the predicted interior properties of stars (such as convection and wave propagation) with the inference of macroturbulent velocities from high-resolution spectroscopic observations.
Results. We find evidence for subsurface convective zones that formed in the iron opacity bump (FeCZ) being connected to observed macroturbulent velocities in hot massive stars. Additionally, we find the presence of two principally different regimes where, depending on the initial stellar mass, different mechanisms may be responsible for the observed excess line broadening.
Conclusions. Stars with initial masses above 30 M⊙ exhibit macroturbulent velocities that are in line with FeCZ properties, as indicated by the trends in both observations and models. For stars below 12 M⊙, alternative mechanisms are needed to explain macroturbulent broadening, such as internal gravity waves (IGWs). Finally, in the intermediate range between 12 and 30 M⊙, IGWs tunnelling through subsurface convective layers combined with the presence of FeCZ-driven convection suggests that both processes could contribute to the observed macroturbulent velocities. This intermediate regime presents a region where the interplay between these two (or more) mechanisms remains to be fully understood.