bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supersaturation and Critical Size of Cloud Condensation Nuclei in Marine Stratus Clouds
Authors: Svensmark Henrik , Enghoff Martin Bødker , Svensmark Jacob , Thaler Irina , Shaviv Nir J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObservations of marine stratus clouds in clean air off the Californian coast reveal a functional relationship between the number of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and supersaturation. Satellite‐derived liquid droplet density estimates the number density of CCN. Combining the estimated supersaturation using Köhler theory, global maps of supersaturation and the critical activation size of CCN are estimated. Here, we show that high supersaturation >0.5% persists over the oceans with a critical CCN size of 25–30 nm, which is smaller than the conventional wisdom of 60 nm. Independent support for such high supersaturation in the marine cloud is obtained from CCN measurements provided by the “Atmospheric Tomography Mission.” Higher supersaturation implies smaller activation size for CCN making cloud formation more sensitive to changes in aerosol nucleation.
Turbulent Dynamics of Buoyant Melt Plumes Adjacent Near‐Vertical Glacier Ice
Authors: Nash Jonathan D. , Weiss Kaelan , Wengrove Meagan E. , Osman Noah , Pettit Erin C. , Zhao Ken , Jackson Rebecca H. , Nahorniak Jasmine , Jensen Kyle , Tindal Erica , Skyllingstad Eric D. , Cohen Nadia , Sutherland David A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAt marine‐terminating glaciers, both buoyant plumes and local currents energize turbulent exchanges that control ice melt. Because of challenges in making centimeter‐scale measurements at glaciers, these dynamics at near‐vertical ice‐ocean boundaries are poorly constrained. Here we present the first observations from instruments robotically bolted to an underwater ice face, and use these to elucidate the interplay between buoyancy and externally forced currents in meltwater plumes. Our observations captured two limiting cases of the flow. When external currents are weak, meltwater buoyancy energizes the turbulence and dominates the near‐boundary stress. When external currents strengthen, the plume diffuses far from the boundary and the associated turbulence decreases. As a result, even relatively weak buoyant melt plumes are as effective as moderate shear flows in delivering heat to the ice. These are the first in‐situ observations to demonstrate how buoyant melt plumes energize near‐boundary turbulence, and why their dynamics are critical in predicting ice melt.
Non-thermal phonon dynamics and a quenched exciton condensate probed by surface-sensitive electron diffraction
Authors: Kurtz Felix , Dauwe Tim N. , Yalunin Sergey V. , Storeck Gero , Horstmann Jan Gerrit , Böckmann Hannes , Ropers Claus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInteractions among and between electrons and phonons steer the energy flow in photo-excited materials and govern the emergence of correlated phases. The strength of electron–phonon interactions, decay channels of strongly coupled modes and the evolution of three-dimensional order are revealed by electron or X-ray pulses tracking non-equilibrium structural dynamics. Despite such capabilities, the growing relevance of inherently anisotropic two-dimensional materials and functional heterostructures still calls for techniques with monolayer sensitivity and, specifically, access to out-of-plane phonon polarizations. Here, we resolve non-equilibrium phonon dynamics and quantify the excitonic contribution to the structural order parameter in 1T-TiSe2. To this end, we introduce ultrafast low-energy electron diffuse scattering and trace strongly momentum- and fluence-dependent phonon populations. Mediated by phonon–phonon scattering, a few-picosecond build-up near the zone boundary precedes a far slower generation of zone-centre acoustic modes. These weakly coupled phonons are shown to substantially delay overall equilibration in layered materials. Moreover, we record the surface structural response to a quench of the material’s widely investigated exciton condensate, identifying an approximate 30:70 ratio of excitonic versus Peierls contributions to the total lattice distortion in the charge density wave phase. The surface-sensitive approach complements the ultrafast structural toolbox and may further elucidate the impact of phonon scattering in numerous other phenomena within two-dimensional materials, such as the formation of interlayer excitons in twisted bilayers.
Microbiome confounders and quantitative profiling challenge
predicted microbial targets in colorectal cancer development
Authors: Tito Raúl Y. , Verbandt Sara , Aguirre Vazquez Marta , Lahti Leo , Verspecht Chloe , Lloréns-Rico Verónica , Vieira-Silva Sara , Arts Janine , Falony Gwen , Dekker Evelien , Reumers Joke , Tejpar Sabine , Raes Jeroen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDespite substantial progress in cancer microbiome research, recognized
confounders and advances in absolute microbiome quantification remain underused;
this raises concerns regarding potential spurious associations. Here we study the
fecal microbiota of 589 patients at different colorectal cancer (CRC) stages and
compare observations with up to 15 published studies (4,439 patients and controls
total). Using quantitative microbiome profiling based on 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon
sequencing, combined with rigorous confounder control, we identified transit time,
fecal calprotectin (intestinal inflammation) and body mass index as primary
microbial covariates, superseding variance explained by CRC diagnostic groups.
Well-established microbiome CRC targets, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, did not significantly associate with CRC
diagnostic groups (healthy, adenoma and carcinoma) when controlling for these
covariates. In contrast, the associations of Anaerococcus
vaginalis, Dialister pneumosintes,
Parvimonas micra, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Porphyromonas
asaccharolytica and Prevotella
intermedia remained robust, highlighting their future target
potential. Finally, control individuals (age 22–80 years, mean
57.7 years, standard deviation 11.3) meeting criteria for colonoscopy (for
example, through a positive fecal immunochemical test) but without colonic lesions
are enriched for the dysbiotic Bacteroides2 enterotype, emphasizing uncertainties in
defining healthy controls in cancer microbiome research. Together, these results
indicate the importance of quantitative microbiome profiling and covariate control
for biomarker identification in CRC microbiome studies.
Adsorption and bacterial performance of Nd2O3 modified Ag nanoparticles with enhanced degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Elabbasy Mohamed Tharwat , El-Morsy M. A. , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Menazea A. A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOur study focused on the optical behavior, methylene blue (MB) dye degradation potential, antibacterial performance, and silver and trioxide mineral interaction with different bacterial species. We found that the addition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) resulted in a significant response, with an enlargement of the inhibition zone for bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Specifically, the inhibition zone for S. aureus increased from 9.3 ± 0.5 mm for pure Nd2O3 to 16.7 ± 0.4 mm for the Ag/Nd2O3 nano-composite, while for E. coli, it increased from 8.8 ± 0.4 mm for Nd2O3 to 15.9 ± 0.3 mm for Ag/Nd2O3. Furthermore, the optical behavior of the composites showed a clear band-gap narrowing with the addition of Ag NPs, resulting in enhanced electronic localization. The direct and indirect transitions reduced from 6.7 to 6.1 eV and from 5.2 to 2.9 eV, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that the Ag/Nd2O3 nano-composite has potential applications in sensor industries and water treatment, thanks to its enhanced optical behavior, antibacterial performance, and efficient MB degradation capabilities. In terms of MB degradation, the Ag/Nd2O3 mixed system exhibited more efficient degradation compared to pure Nd2O3. After 150 min, the MB concentration in the mixed system decreased to almost half of its starting point, while pure Nd2O3 only reached 33%.
MoO3/WO3/rGO as electrode material for supercapacitor and catalyst for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Askari Mohammad Bagher , Salarizadeh Parisa , Ramezan zadeh Mohammad Hassan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe potential of metal oxides in electrochemical energy storage encouraged our research team to synthesize molybdenum oxide/tungsten oxide nanocomposites (MoO3/WO3) and their hybrid with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), in the form of MoO3/WO3/rGO as a substrate with relatively good electrical conductivity and suitable electrochemical active surface. In this context, we presented the electrochemical behavior of these nanocomposites as an electrode for supercapacitors and as a catalyst in the oxidation process of methanol/ethanol. Our engineered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern and scanning electron microscopy. As a result, MoO3/WO3 and MoO3/WO3/rGO indicated specific capacitances of 452 and 583 F/g and stability of 88.9% and 92.6% after 2000 consecutive GCD cycles, respectively. Also, MoO3/WO3 and MoO3/WO3/rGO nanocatalysts showed oxidation current densities of 117 and 170 mA/cm2 at scan rate of 50 mV/s, and stability of 71 and 89%, respectively in chronoamperometry analysis, in the MOR process. Interestingly, in the ethanol oxidation process, corresponding oxidation current densities of 42 and 106 mA/cm2 and stability values of 70 and 82% were achieved. MoO3/WO3 and MoO3/WO3/rGO can be attractive options paving the way for prospective alcohol-based fuel cells.
The role of the North Atlantic Ocean on the increase in East Asia’s spring extreme hot day occurrences across the early 2000s
Authors: Lee Yong-Han , Yeh Sang-Wook , Kim Jeong-Hun , Kim Maeng-Ki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe occurrence frequency of East Asia’s extreme hot day in boreal spring has increased since 1979. Using observational data and a Linear baroclinic model experiment, our study suggests that the occurrence of hot day is mainly due to anomalous high pressure over East Asia associated with a horizontal stationary wave train originating from a positive phase of the North Atlantic Tripole (NAT) sea surface temperature (SST) in spring. The effect of a positive phase of the NAT SST is evident in the 2000s, apparently associated with the linear trend of the North Atlantic SST like a positive phase of the NAT SST. Before 2000s, in contrast, SST forcing in the Indian Ocean and eastern tropical Pacific, which is associated with a negative phase of the NAT SST, may contribute to induce the East Asian hot days through atmospheric teleconnections. This implies that the relationship between a positive phase of the NAT SST and the occurrence of hot days in East Asia has been changed during the 2000s.
A new gas detection technique through cross-correlation with a complex aperiodic FBG
Authors: Rahme Matthew , Tuthill Peter , Betters Christopher , Large Maryanne , Leon-Saval Sergio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOptical cross-correlation is a technique that can achieve both high specificity and high sensitivity when deployed as the basis for a sensing technology. Offering significant gains in cost, size and complexity, it can also deliver significantly higher signal-to-noise ratios than traditional approaches such as absorption methodologies. In this paper, we present an optical cross-correlation technology constructed around a bespoke customised Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG). Exploiting the remarkable flexibility in design enabled by multiple aperiodic Bragg gratings, optical filters are devised that exactly mimic the absorption features of a target gas species (for this paper, acetylene $$C_2H_2$$

C
2

H
2

) over some waveband of interest. This grating forms the heart of the sensor architecture described here that employs modulated optical cross-correlation for gas detection. An experimental demonstration of this approach is presented, and shown to be capable of differentiating between different concentrations of the $$C_2H_2$$

C
2

H
2

target gas. Furthermore these measurements are shown to be robust against interloper species, with minimal impact on the detection signal-to-noise arising from the introduction of contaminant gases. This represents is a significant step toward the use of customised FBGs as low-cost, compact, and highly customisable photonic devices for deployment in gas detection.
A link between circulating immune complexes and acute kidney injury in human visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Corrêa-Castro Gabriela , Silva-Freitas Maria Luciana , de Paula Ludmila , Soares Pereira Leonardo , Dutra Maria Rita Teixeira , Albuquerque Hermano Gomes , Cota Glaucia , de Azevedo Martins Caroline , Da-Cruz Alda Maria , Gomes-Silva Adriano , Santos-Oliveira Joanna Reis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by Leishmania infantum. Clinically, VL evolves with systemic impairment, immunosuppression and hyperactivation with hypergammaglobulinemia. Although renal involvement has been recognized, a dearth of understanding about the underlying mechanisms driving acute kidney injury (AKI) in VL remains. We aimed to evaluate the involvement of immunoglobulins (Igs) and immune complexes (CIC) in the occurrence of AKI in VL patients. Fourteen VL patients were evaluated between early treatment and 12 months post-treatment (mpt). Anti-Leishmania Igs, CIC, cystatin C, C3a and C5a were assessed and correlated with AKI markers. Interestingly, high levels of CIC were observed in VL patients up to 6 mpt. Concomitantly, twelve patients met the criteria for AKI, while high levels of cystatin C were observed up to 6 mpt. Plasmatic cystatin C was positively correlated with CIC and Igs. Moreover, C5a was correlated with cystatin C, CIC and Igs. We did not identify any correlation between amphotericin B use and kidney function markers in VL patients, although this association needs to be further explored in subsequent studies. Our data reinforce the presence of an important renal function impairment during VL, suggesting the involvement of Igs, CIC, and C5a in this clinical condition.
New infundibulopelvic angle measurement method can predict stone-free rates following retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Tung Yu-Hung , Li Wei‑Ming , Juan Yung-Shun , Huang Tsung-Yi , Wang Yen-Chun , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Lee Hsiang-Ying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo enhance the accuracy of predicting stone-free rates after retrograde intrarenal surgery, we devised a novel approach to assess the renal infundibulopelvic angle. We conducted a retrospective review of patient records for those who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones between April 2018 and August 2019. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, and perioperative data were recorded. Subsequently, we introduced a modified angle measurement called the pelvic stone angle and evaluated its predictive performance for stone-free rates by comparing it with the traditional method in scoring systems. A total of 43 individuals were included in this study. Notable differences in stone burden and Hounsfield unit measurements were found between stone-free and non-stone-free patients. The pelvic stone angle demonstrated a good model fit when used in scoring systems, performing equally well as the conventional approach. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the R.I.R.S. scoring system using the pelvic stone angle and the conventional approach did not show a significant difference. In conclusion, the predictive ability of the pelvic stone angle for stone-free rates was comparable to the old measurement method. Moreover, scoring systems using the pelvic stone angle exhibited a better model fit than those using the conventional approach.
Corrosion behavior of multi-layer friction surfaced structure from dissimilar aluminum alloys
Authors: Antunes Duda Eduardo , Kallien Zina , da Silva Soares Sabrina , Hernandez Schneider Tárique , Ribeiro Piaggio Cardoso Henrique , Vieira Braga Lemos Guilherme , Falcade Tiago , Reguly Afonso , Klusemann Benjamin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFriction surfacing (FS) is a solid-state coating technology for metallic materials, where the deposition of a consumable material on a substrate is enabled via friction and plastic deformation. The deposited layer material commonly presents a significantly refined microstructure, where corrosion could be an issue due to this grain refinement within the layer deposited, possibly creating micro galvanic pairs. The present work investigates the corrosion behavior of the FS deposited material as well as stud base material and substrate using cyclic polarization tests and open circuit potential (OCP) monitoring. Comparing the FS deposited material and the respective consumable stud base material (both AA5083), the grain size is correlated with the results from the corrosion tests, where the deposited material shows more equiaxed and refined grains in comparison to the stud base material. The cyclic potentiostatic polarization tests showed that the stud base material is more resistant to pitting nucleation presenting smaller pits and a lower amount of pits compared to deposited material and substrate. As a complement to OCP test, the stud base material is also more stable on a chloride solution compared to the substrate and the deposited material.
Sex differences of the association between handgrip strength and health-related quality of life among patients with cancer
Authors: Kim Jihye , Kim Yujin , Oh Jae Won , Lee San 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), demonstrating HGS as an effective indicator for evaluating HRQoL of patients with cancer. Analyzing 1657 Korean adult cancer patients (644 males, 1013 females) aged ≥ 20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2019), HGS was standardized based on body mass index and categorized by sex. HRQoL was assessed using the Euro Quality of Life-5-Dimension 3-Level version (EQ-5D-3L) Index. Lower relative HGS was associated with decreased HRQoL in female patients, while no significant association was found in male patients. The lowest quartile of relative HGS exhibited a 2.5-fold decrease in HRQoL compared to the highest quartile (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.59–3.95, p < 0.001). Both male and female patients with cancer were affected by age, subjective health perception, and stress recognition regarding HRQoL. This study suggests that HGS may be associated with the HRQoL of female patients with cancer, emphasizing that the HGS measurement can be effectively utilized as a pivotal tool for evaluating HRQoL in female patients with cancer.
A comparative study on the effectiveness of pollutants control measures adopted in the steel industry to reduce workplace and environmental exposure: a case study
Authors: Badea Daniel Onut , Trifu Alina , Darabont Doru Costin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOur understanding of the environmental and occupational health implications of pollutants emitted in steel production is still lacking, despite the considerable amount of research devoted to this topic. Given the significance of steel recycling and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many steel factories are adopting electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The use of a technological system designed for the capture of pollutants emitted through EAF steel production is highly ecological because of its utilization of iron scrap and low investment cost. Despite this, the main issue with the EAF is the environmental impact it poses, specifically the release of pollutants into the air, such as dust and organic substances, chlorinated dioxins and furans, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated dioxins and furans. As a result, workers in this field have a considerable rate of morbidity. The main challenge for EAFs is to optimize the capture of powders produced during the techno-logical process, both from the EAF and the workplace. A state-of-the art solution for managing pollutants in modern steel manufacturing is highlighted in this paper, featuring a method used in Romania that employs the Best Available Techniques (BAT) reference document for iron and steel production to directly collect pollutants from the EAF. The system included a cylindrical fitting, a heat exchanger to cool the gases and a hood to collect contaminants. In comparison to other ventilation options, this equipment boasts lower investment and lower operational costs because of its effective and minimal air flow. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and progressive strategies, we can move closer toward our objective of a workplace free from injuries in the steel industry.
Development and validation of a health practitioner survey on ocular allergy
Authors: Mikhail Ereeny , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Gokhale Moneisha , Azizoglu Serap , Suphioglu Cenk 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSurvey studies have played a significant role in understanding the gaps in the knowledge and practices of health practitioners. However, there have been no such survey studies on Ocular Allergy (OA). Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a survey on OA to better understand the gaps in the diagnostic, treatment, and collaborative care approaches of health practitioners in OA. The survey is titled “Survey on Ocular Allergy for Health Practitioners (SOAHP)”. SOAHP was developed in a five-stage process. First, item extraction via the use of a literature review, second, face and content validity, third, a pilot study, fourth, test–retest reliability, and fifth, finalisation of the survey. 65 items under 6 domains were initially generated in the item extraction phase. Content validity was conducted on 15 experts in the field. This was conducted twice to reach consensus whereby items and domains were added, edited, kept, or removed, resulting in 50 items under 7 domains. The pilot study was conducted on 15 participants from the five relevant health practitioner fields (Allergists/Immunologists, General Practitioners (GPs), Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Pharmacists). This altered the survey further to 40 items under 7 domains. Test–retest reliability was conducted on 25 participants from the five health practitioner fields. Reliability was moderate to almost perfect for most (97%) investigated items. The finalised survey was 40 items under 7 domains. SOAHP is the first survey created to assess diagnostic, treatment and collaborative care approaches of Allergists/Immunologists, GPs, Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Pharmacists on OA. SOAHP will be a useful tool in clinical research on OA.
Heterobimetallic 3d–4f complexes supported by a Schiff-base tripodal ligand
Authors: Neumann Till , Thompson Benedict C. , Hebron Denny , Graycon Daniel M. , Collauto Alberto , Roessler Maxie M. , Wilson Daniel W. N. , Musgrave Rebecca A. 
Published: April 2024

Heterobimetallic complexes of a 3d metal (manganese, cobalt) and lanthanum supported by a (1,1,1-tris[(3-methoxysalicylideneamino)methyl]ethane) ligand were synthesised and characterised.