bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Disturbance of Biocrusts Subsoil Stoichiometry by Grazing Could Not Compensate for Its Damage Effect
Authors: Zhang Jing , Duan Qianwen , Ma Jie , Hou Fujiang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBiocrusts play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem stability, which is common in arid and semi‐arid areas. Although there have been some previous studies on the stoichiometry of biocrust subsoil in grazing systems, further research is needed to assess the effects of varying grazing intensities. Four grazing gradients were established to investigate the change mechanism of biocrust subsoil stoichiometry under grazing conditions, considering its seasonal response. These findings revealed that biocrusts' coverage and their chlorophyll content showed a parabolic trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase in grazing intensity. At the same time, their standard response thresholds to grazing intensity ranged from 2.67 to 5.33 sheep/ha. Moreover, the premise that the biocrust is damaged by grazing trampling has become a consensus; our study found that the biocrust still played an important role, although its structure was destroyed because of its greenness (BG) increased. The influence of grazing intensity on the biocrust subsoil stoichiometry is unquestionable; in addition, they are influenced by a combination of vegetation (10% and 19%) and environmental influences (6% and 18%). Furthermore, it was observed that these changes did not compensate for the reproduction and development of biocrusts in grazing‐induced trampling damage. In this study, the integrated consideration of biocrusts into the grazing system fully affirmed its essential role. Additionally, it clarified the pathways and effect of grazing on biocrusts subsoil stoichiometry, providing a new perspective and reference for developing grazing strategy on the Loess Plateau.
The Water, Food, and Energy Nexus: The Inclusive Roles of Governance and Finance in South Asia
Authors: Furman Ali , Khan Anwar , Shah Syed Sumair 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis research aims to identify the intricate connections arising from finance and governance to water, food, and energy, utilizing data from 2000 to 2021 for eight South Asian countries. To address cross‐sectional dependence and panel heterogeneity, this study applied an augmented mean group (AMG) approach to discover long‐term connections across the chosen indicators. The estimators' outcome shows interconnectedness across water, food, and energy (WFE) resources, showing that water promotes food and energy, and food promotes water and energy. In contrast, energy fosters food production and reduces water availability. Further, governance positively influences food production (0.434%), water (0.044%), and energy consumption (0.142%). Likewise, finance positively and significantly responds to WFE consumption. Our results highlighted that governance unilaterally influences energy dynamics while bidirectional causal links emerge between finance, food, and energy. The obtained outcomes are re‐validated with feasible generalized least square (FGLS) and Driscoll and Kraay (DK) estimators. Ultimately, our study offers valuable insights for shaping economic, environmental, and food and water security policies in the region and beyond.
Performance fatigability in adults with spinal muscular atrophy treated long‐term with nusinersen
Authors: Stolte Benjamin , Neuhoff Svenja , Lipka Jaqueline , Schlag Melina , von Velsen Otgonzul , Kruse Teresa , Deuschl Cornelius , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Hagenacker Tim 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsPersons with spinal muscular atrophy (pwSMA) report progressive muscle weakness but also reduced endurance when performing repetitive tasks in daily life, referred to as “performance fatigability” (PF). Data regarding the effects of the new disease‐modifying drugs on PF are scarce. Thus, our main objective was to examine PF in adult ambulatory pwSMA treated long‐term with nusinersen.MethodsSix‐minute walk test (6MWT) data from 14 adult pwSMA treated with nusinersen for up to 70 months were retrospectively analyzed to determine PF. Performance fatigability was defined as the percentage change in the distance covered between the last and first minute of the 6MWT. In addition, relationships between PF and other clinical features were assessed.ResultsPerformance fatigability was found in 12/14 pwSMA (85.7%) prior to treatment. The mean distance walked in the sixth minute (71.1 m) was shorter than the distance covered in the first minute (81.8 m), corresponding to a mean PF of 13.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5–19.6, p = .0007). During treatment with nusinersen, there was a mean reduction in PF of 5.6% (95% CI: −10.0 to −1.3, p = .0148). We found no relationship between PF and fatigue as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale.DiscussionThis study demonstrates the presence of PF as an independent component of motor impairment and as a potential therapeutic target in our cohort of adult ambulatory pwSMA. Furthermore, the observations in our cohort suggest that nusinersen may have a beneficial effect on PF.
Social interaction between the coast and the highlands of Chile's arid north (20°S) during the mid‐Holocene: The case of Vicugna vicugna (Molina, 1782) and Hippocamelus antisensis (d'Orbigny, 1834)
Authors: López Patricio , González Lucio , Power Ximena , Ibacache Sebastián 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article discusses the archaeological implications of the discovery of the highland species Hippocamelus antisensis (Cervidae) and Vicugna vicugna (Camelidae) in two coastal contexts in the Atacama Desert (20°S, Chile). H. antisensis is currently distributed throughout the Peruvian Andes, northern Chile, western Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, between 1800 and 5500 m above sea level. V. vicugna is distributed throughout northern Peru and northwestern Argentina, in environments that exceed 3200 m above sea level. The archaeological record of deer antlers on the Atacama coast has previously been documented at the Caleta Huelén‐42 site (21°S). In the case of V. vicugna, fibers have been recovered only at the coastal site of Camarones‐14 (19°S). A dating of 4180 ± 20 year BP obtained from V. vicugna bone and indirect dating of the antlers suggest an early social exchange between groups from coastal regions and those from the Atacama Desert Mountain range, as well as encourage to the potential record of remains/products of these animals in areas far from their natural habitats.
Implementing a Streamlined Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Pathway: Cost, Time to Surgery, and Outcomes
Authors: Lenze Nicholas R. , Garcia Jayden , Vijayakumar Punithavathy , Schütz Sonja G. , Brenner Michael J. , Stanley Jeffrey J. , Hoff Paul T. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the costs, time to surgery, and clinical outcomes associated with implementing a streamlined hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) implantation pathway.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle tertiary care center in the United States from 2016 to 2023.MethodsPatients with a lack of complete concentric collapse of the velum during volitional snore on in‐office laryngoscopy qualified for the streamlined HGNS pathway. This pathway consisted of confirmatory drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) followed immediately by HGNS implantation during the same surgical encounter. Outcomes were compared to patients in the traditional pathway (standalone DISE followed by HGNS implantation on a later date).ResultsA total of 68 patients (13 streamlined, 55 traditional) with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent HGNS implantation were included. Patients were predominately male (70.6%) and White (95.6%) and had a mean (SD) age of 63.5 (10.0) years. The streamlined pathway was associated with a significant reduction in both hospital costs (mean difference $9258, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3690‐14,825; P = .002) and time to surgery (mean decrease of 3.82 months, 95% CI: 0.83‐6.80 months; P = .013) compared to the traditional pathway. Patients in both groups had reduction in apnea‐hypopnea index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, with no significant differences in comparisons between groups.ConclusionIn select patients, the streamlined HGNS pathway may expedite time to surgery and reduce hospital costs with comparable clinical outcomes to a traditional 2‐stage pathway. Further research is warranted to validate patient selection and better understand longitudinal outcomes.
Preparation of polymer bitumen binder in the presence of a stabilizer
Authors: Jexembayeva Assel , Konkanov Marat , Aruova Lyazat , Zhaksylykova Leila , Baidaulet Zhuldyzay 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis research investigates the improvement of asphalt binder performance by adding polymers, with a specific emphasis on the viscoelastic qualities that impact fatigue resistance. The main objective is to examine the impact of polymer alteration on asphalt binders under different temperatures, degrees of strain, and frequencies by using the linear amplitude sweep test. An elaborate technique was used to assess the complex modulus (G*), phase angle (δ), and crossover frequency of binders that were changed using poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (SBS), poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate), and crumb rubber. The experiments were carried out within a temperature range of 20–40°C, strain levels varying from 1% to 10%, and frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 Hz. The findings indicate that the complex modulus (G*) of SBS‐modified binders reduced from 9000 to 2800 Pa when the strain rose from 2% to 8% at a temperature of 30°C. The rheological index of the SBS‐modified binder was measured to be 0.6, suggesting a higher level of fatigue resistance. The results highlight the practical benefits of using polymer‐modified binders to increase the durability of asphalt pavements, especially in areas with heavy traffic and severe weather conditions.Highlights
This research aims to investigate the protective characteristics of polymers.
Styrene‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene has a capacity to decrease the production of carbonyls.
The crumb rubber‐modified asphalt was followed by the ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate modified asphalt.
Low‐Heat‐Driven Intrinsic and Fast Self‐Healing Photoelectronic Films Based on All‐Organic PEDOT:PSS Composite Adjustment
Authors: An Siying , Zhu Ling , Chen Shuai , Xie Xiaowen , Yang Mingna , Zhou Meng , Qiao Yongluo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFilm electronic materials capable of bionic self‐healing have urgent research value in view of the widespread need of extending device life, maintaining operation safety, and reducing renewal costs. Thermal‐driven self‐healing is a dominant strategy to fit the practical film applications of one of the most famous solution‐processible conducting polymers (CPs), poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Here, disulfide bonding embedded thermoplastic polyurethane (PU‐SS) was developed to endow their composites with PEDOT:PSS with great aqueous system compatibility, stability, film formation capability as well as recyclable capability, with help of triethylamine (TEA)‐assisted pH control (6.5 ± 1.0 at 25°C, weakening the adverse effects of strong acidity of PEDOT:PSS aqueous system itself). The scratched PEDOT:PSS(TEA)/PU‐SS films (10.121 ~ 7.629 μm cracks) under optimized the ingredient proportion exhibited excellent synergistic self‐healing capability of morphology and electrical properties (approximately 1.35 × 10−4 S/cm) even under spin‐coated thickness (20 ± 10 μm) and 25°C within 10 min. Drop‐coated flexible film (120 ± 20 μm thickness) showed high tensile strength with above 400% stretched length compared to that of PEDOT:PSS film (< 10%). Excellent water‐resistance (immersing > 7 days), strengthened substrate adhesion and electrochromic behavior (from light blue [−1.3 V] to white [1.2 V]) were realized. These comprehensive features can be reproduced for recyclable films on the basis of isopropanol (IPA) redispersion. Flexible electrochromic devices employing such film as the active layer exhibited high optical contrast (ΔT) values up to 52.07%, fast response time (2.10/3.70 s), as well as excellent coloring efficiency (198.02 cm2 C−1) and cycling stability. This research is expected to promote the promising applications of PEDOT:PSS based electronic materials from traditional fields to flexible or stretchable devices and even hydrogel bioelectronics.
Challenges in the care of cystic fibrosis in low‐to‐middle income countries
Authors: Kabra Sushil Kr 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTill few years ago cystic fibrosis (CF) was considered to be exclusively disease affecting Caucasian population. More recently CF has been reported from all over the world from different ethnic background. CF is an emerging illness in other parts of world (India with 1:2200 to 1:40,000 live birth). In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) diagnosis of CF is missed due to ignorance and nonavailability of diagnostic tests. Diagnosis can be made using clinical features and basic lab tests. As of now there is no cure, but supportive care improved survival. However, medicines used in higher income countries are very expensive and not accessible to children with CF in LMICs. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulators modulators have emerged as significant advances in management. These are very expensive and beyond the reach of patients in LMICs. CF Fraternity in developed countries should work towards training of personnel and possibly making medications available in LMICs.
An analytical model for daily‐periodic slope winds. Part 1: Surface radiation budget
Authors: Marchio Mattia , Farina Sofia , Zardi Dino 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article presents an analytical model for calculating representative daily‐periodic cycles of net surface radiation on a slope with any angle () and orientation, at any latitude and elevation (up to 2500 m), and for all seasons. Starting from the basic equations for estimating the daytime direct and diffuse components of the incoming solar radiation at the Earth's surface under clear‐sky conditions, a Fourier series expansion is derived to get an overall daily‐periodic expression, that is, covering both daytime and nighttime, which does not require data from observations, differently from most models available in the literature. Among various possible applications, this formulation is preliminary to evaluating the radiation and energy budgets driving daily‐periodic wind systems on a simple slope, as reproduced by the model presented in Part 2.
Comprehensive Insights on MXene‐Based TENGs: from Structures, Functions to Applications
Authors: Deng Shengwu , Akram Wasim , Ye Xiaorui , Zhang Lizi , Yang Yang , Cheng Si , Fang Jian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancement of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has introduced a transformative approach to energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing in recent years. Nonetheless, the untapped potential of TENGs in practical scenarios necessitates multiple strategies like material selections and structure designs to enhance their output performance. Given the various superior properties, MXenes, a kind of novel 2D materials, have demonstrated great promise in enhancing TENG functionality. Here, this review comprehensively delineates the advantages of incorporating MXenes into TENGs, majoring in six pivotal aspects. First, an overview of TENGs is provided, stating their theoretical foundations, working modes, material considerations, and prevailing challenges. Additionally, the structural characteristics, fabrication methodologies, and family of MXenes, charting their developmental trajectory are highlighted. The selection of MXenes as various functional layers (negative and positive triboelectric layer, electrode layer) while designing TENGs is briefed. Furthermore, the distinctive advantages of MXene‐based TENGs and their applications are emphasized. Last, the existing challenges are highlighted, and the future developing directions of MXene‐based TENGs are forecasted.
A Janus Platinum/Tin Oxide Heterostructure for Durable Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Boyan , Ma Peiyu , Wang Ruyang , Cao Heng , Bao Jun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDesigning efficient and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Platinum‐based catalysts are considered efficient ORR catalysts due to their high activity. However, the degradation of Pt species leads to poor durability of catalysts, limiting their applications in PEMFCs. Herein, a Janus heterostructure is designed for high durability ORR in acidic media. The Janus heterostructure composes of crystalline platinum and cassiterite tin oxide nanoparticles with carbon support (J‐Pt@SnO2/C). Based on the synchrotron fine structure analysis and electrochemical investigation, the crystalline reconstruction and charge redistribution at the interface of Janus structure are revealed. The tightly coupled interface could optimize the valance states of Pt and the adsorption/desorption of oxygenated intermediates. As a result, the J‐Pt@SnO2/C catalyst possesses distinguishing long‐term stability during the accelerated durability test without obvious degradation after 40 000 cycles and keeps the majority of activity after 70 000 cycles. Meanwhile, the catalyst exhibits outstanding activity with half‐wave potential at 0.905 V and a mass activity of 0.355 A mgPt−1 (2.7 times higher than Pt/C). The approach of the Janus catalyst paves an avenue for designing highly efficient and stable Pt‐based ORR catalyst in the future implementation.
A Thin Polymer Layer Enables Peptide‐Polycation Complexes with Ultrahigh Efficient Encapsulation
Authors: Wei Guangfei , Zong Bin , He Quan , Su Shiying , Li Yu , Zheng Jiawen , Qian Yuanxia , Cao Peng , Li Zhongxing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA monolayer encapsulation is a new opportunity for engineering a system with high drug loading, but immobilizing polymer molecules on the surface of individual peptide nanoparticles is still an ongoing challenge. Herein, an individual peptide nanoparticle encapsulation strategy is proposed via surface adsorption, in which peptide molecules undergo granulation and subsequently aggregate with polymer molecules, forming a network via electrostatic interactions. Under the water phase, surplus polymer molecules dissolve, leading to a single nanoparticle encapsulation with a core‐shell structure. As expected, the dense interfacial layer on the peptide nanoparticle surface achieves a superior loading degree of up to 95.4%. What's more, once the core‐shell structure is established, the peptide mass fraction in individual encapsulation always exceeds 90% even under fierce external force. Following the individual nanoparticle encapsulation, the insulin‐polycation complex (InsNp@PEI) reduces the inflammation from polymer and displays an effective glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. Overall, the newly developed single surface decoration encapsulates peptides with ultrahigh efficiency and opens up the possibility for further encapsulation.
Electrokinetic Analysis‐Driven Promotion of Electrocatalytic CO Reduction to n‐Propanol
Authors: Yan Yaqin , Liu Kunhao , Yang Chao , Chen Yangshen , Lv Ximeng , Hu Cejun , Zhang Lijuan , Zheng Gengfeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe electrocatalytic carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CO2RR or CORR) features a sustainable method for reducing carbon emissions and producing value‐added chemicals. However, the generation of C3 products with higher energy density and market values, such as n‐propanol, remains highly challenging, which is attributed to the unclear formation mechanism of C3+ versus C2 products. In this work, by the Tafel slope analysis, electrolyte pH correlation exploration, and the kinetic analysis of CO partial pressure fitting, it is identified that both n‐propanol and C2 products share the same rate‐determining step, which is the coupling of two C1 intermediates via the derivation of the Butler–Volmer equation. In addition, inspired by the mechanistic study, it is proposed that a high OH─ concentration and a water‐limited environment are beneficial for promoting the subsequent *C2–*C1 coupling to n‐propanol. At 5.0 m [OH−], the partial current density of producing n‐propanol (jn‐propanol) reached 45 mA cm−2, which is 35 and 1.3 times higher than that at 0.01 m [OH−] and 1.0 m [OH−], respectively. This study provides a comprehensive kinetic analysis of n‐propanol production and suggests opportunities for designing new catalytic systems for promoting the C3 production.
Precise Size Determination of Supported Catalyst Nanoparticles via Generative AI and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Eliasson Henrik , Lothian Angus , Surin Ivan , Mitchell Sharon , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier , Erni Rolf 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTransmission electron microscopy (TEM) plays a crucial role in heterogeneous catalysis for assessing the size distribution of supported metal nanoparticles. Typically, nanoparticle size is quantified by measuring the diameter under the assumption of spherical geometry, a simplification that limits the precision needed for advancing synthesis‐structure‐performance relationships. Currently, there is a lack of techniques that can reliably extract more meaningful information from atomically resolved TEM images, like nuclearity or geometry. Here, cycle‐consistent generative adversarial networks (CycleGANs) are explored to bridge experimental and simulated images, directly linking experimental observations with information from their underlying atomic structure. Using the versatile Pt/CeO2 (Pt particles centered ≈2 nm) catalyst synthesized by impregnation, large datasets of experimental scanning transmission electron micrographs and physical image simulations are created to train a CycleGAN. A subsequent size‐estimation network is developed to determine the nuclearity of imaged nanoparticles, providing plausible estimates for ≈70% of experimentally observed particles. This automatic approach enables precise size determination of supported nanoparticle‐based catalysts overcoming crystal orientation limitations of conventional techniques, promising high accuracy with sufficient training data. Tools like this are envisioned to be of great use in designing and characterizing catalytic materials with improved atomic precision.