bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imogolite Nanotubes and Their Permanently Polarized Bifunctional Surfaces for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Paineau Erwan , Teobaldi Gilberto , Jiménez‐Calvo Pablo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo date, imogolite nanotubes (INTs) have been primarily used for environmental applications such as dye and pollutant degradation. However, imogolite's well‐defined porous structure and distinctive electro‐optical properties have prompted interest in the system's potential for energy‐relevant chemical reactions. The imogolite structure leads to a permanent intrawall polarization arising from the presence of bifunctional surfaces at the inner and outer tube walls. Density functional theory simulations suggest such bifunctionality to encompass also spatially separated band edges. Altogether, these elements make INTs appealing candidates for facilitating chemical conversion reactions. Despite their potential, the exploitation of imogolite's features for photocatalysis is at its infancy, thence relatively unexplored. This perspective overviews the basic physical‐chemical and optoelectronical properties of imogolite nanotubes, emphasizing their role as wide bandgap insulator. Imogolite nanotubes have multifaceted properties that could lead to beneficial outcomes in energy‐related applications. This work illustrates two case studies demonstrating a step‐forward on photocatalytic hydrogen production achieved through atomic doping or metal co‐catalyst. INTs exhibit potential in energy conversion and storage, due to their ability to accommodate functions such as enhancing charge separation and influencing the chemical potentials of interacting species. Yet, tapping into potential for energy‐relevant application needs further experimental research, computational, and theoretical analysis.
Influence of sediments burying the discharge area of a karst aquifer on the groundwater flow field—Numerical testing of conceptual models
Authors: Ohmer Marc , Liesch Tanja , Goldscheider Nico 
Published: December 2023

AbstractKarst springs are a natural result of karst water discharging to the surface through unimpeded pathways where the water table meets the surface. This study investigates the impact of alluvial deposits of varying thicknesses and permeabilities burying the main outlet (karst spring) of a well‐developed conduit network on karst drainage, including the development of hydraulic heads, drainage patterns and conduit‐matrix interactions in response to a positive base‐level shift. Numerical testing using FEFLOW on a simplified conceptual model of a hypothetical karst aquifer with six different model configurations was used to examine various drainage structures (with and without flow through a conduit), spring conditions (free vs. partially/fully clogged), sediment cover thickness (20 and 50 m), and hydraulic conductivity of the sediments (low and high). The numerical testing model incorporated one‐dimensional discrete feature elements to simulate conduit flow and coupled conduit‐matrix interactions. Results indicate that even with a fully plugged outlet, the conduit network remains a significant contributor to the drainage system, collecting water from the matrix in the recharge zone. As the outlet becomes buried, the hydraulic head increases along the conduit, forcing water back up into the matrix. The elevated hydraulic head in the karst system will cause new conduits to form at the contact between limestone and sediments, creating new potential spring sites (or reactivating existing paleo‐phreatic levels). Artesian conditions will occur below the low permeability sediments. These findings provide valuable insights into the responses of natural karst systems.
Demographic and travel characteristics and self‐reported predeparture SARS‐CoV‐2 testing behavior in air passengers entering the United States from foreign destinations from July to September 2021
Authors: Panasci Anthony , Gearhart Shannon , Shaum Anna , Simental Arthur J. , Mitchell Colby , Mitcham Dionne , Williams Gilandria , Shake Nadim , Brown Clive , Gertz Alida M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionFrom January 2021 to June 2022, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention required predeparture SARS‐CoV‐2 testing for all air passengers arriving into the United States from a foreign country.MethodsUsing data collected during a surveillance project, we described predeparture testing behavior among a convenience sample of international air passengers entering the United States from July to September 2021 at six US ports of entry. We analyzed pairwise relationships between self‐reported test type, test timing, demographic and travel characteristics, and COVID‐19 vaccination status using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsParticipants were more likely to get a NAAT versus antigen test if they identified as non‐Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander (68.2%, n = 173), non‐Hispanic Black (62.6%, n = 147), or if they preferred not to report race and ethnicity (60.8%, n = 209) when compared to those who identified as non‐Hispanic White (47.1%, n = 1086, all p < 0.05). Those who identified as Hispanic or Latino (n = 671) were less likely to get a NAAT than the non‐Hispanic White group (39.5% vs. 47.1%, p < 0.05). Participants arriving in the US from the Americas were less likely to get a NAAT (38.5%, n = 871) compared to those arriving from Europe (45.5%, n = 1165, p < 0.05). Participants who reported receiving their predeparture test 2 days or 3 or more days before departure were more likely to report receiving a NAAT (52.2%, n = 879, and 60.2%, n = 410, respectively) than those who reported testing within 1 day (41.4%, n = 1040, all p < 0.001) of departure.DiscussionTest type was significantly associated with race and ethnicity, departure region, and test timing. Differences likely reflected regional disparities in the availability of tests at the time of the activity. Discrepancies in predeparture test timing and type worldwide may have consequences for the effectiveness and equity of travel requirements in future pandemics.
High‐throughput RNA sequencing of the T cell receptor alpha and beta chains for simultaneous clonality and biological analyses in Sezary syndrome
Authors: Blanco Gonzalo , López‐Aventín Daniel , Pujol Ramon M. , Gómez‐Llonín Andrea , Puiggros Anna , López‐Sánchez Manuela , Estrach Teresa , García‐Muret Mª Pilar , López‐Lerma Ingrid , Servitje Octavio , Bellosillo Beatriz , Muro Manuel , Espinet Blanca , Rabionet Raquel , Gallardo Fernando 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious investigations pointed out a role for antigen stimulation in Sezary syndrome (SS). High‐throughput sequencing of the T cell receptor (TR) offers several applications beyond diagnostic purposes, including the study of T cell pathogenesis.MethodsWe performed high‐throughput RNA sequencing of the TR alpha (TRA) and beta (TRB) genes focusing on the complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) in 11 SS and one erythrodermic mycosis fungoides (MF) patients. Five psoriasis patients were employed as controls. Peripheral blood CD4+ cells were isolated and RNA sequenced (HiSeq2500). High‐resolution HLA typing was performed in neoplastic patients.ResultsHighly expanded predominant TRA and TRB CDR3 were only found in SS patients (median frequency: 94.4% and 93.7%). No remarkable CDR3 expansions were observed in psoriasis patients (median frequency of predominant TRA and TRB CDR3: 0.87% and 0.69%, p < 0.001 compared to SS). CDR3 almost identical to the predominant were identified within each SS patient and were exponentially correlated with frequencies of the predominant CDR3 (R2 = 0.918, p < 0.001). Forty‐six different CDR3 were shared between SS patients displaying HLA similarities, including predominant TRA and TRB CDR3 in one patient that were found in other three patients. Additionally, 351 antigen matches were detected (Cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr, Influenza virus, and self‐antigens), and the predominant CDR3 of two different SS patients matched CDR3 with specificity for Influenza and Epstein–Barr viruses.ConclusionsBesides detecting clonality, these findings shed light on the nature of SS‐related antigens, pointing to RNA sequencing as a useful tool for simultaneous clonality and biological analysis in SS.
Effects of juicing methods on the bioactive compounds and flavor quality of ‘Black‐seed’ pomegranate from three producing areas
Authors: Yuan Lei , Zou Wenhui , Peng Yijin , Zhou Linyan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDColor, nutrients and flavor are the key characteristics of pomegranate juice, but they are susceptible to processing methods and raw materials. In this study, the effects of aril juicing and whole fruit juicing methods on the composition of ‘Black‐seed’ pomegranate juice from three producing areas were studied, including physicochemical parameters, color attributes, organic acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, and volatile compounds.RESULTSThe whole fruit juicing method resulted in higher juice yields of pomegranate fruit with 69.01–72.59%, hue angle values were 5.95–6.45°, and the juice remained red. The highest level of citric acid (21.21 g L−1), total acids (24.78 g L−1), and total anthocyanin content (435.59 mg L−1) were found in whole fruit juice, and seven tannins were detected. The most abundant volatile compounds were (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and 1‐hexanol in all juice samples, with alcohol content increased and aldehydes content decreased by whole fruit juicing. Principal component analysis revealed that the 24 indexes (variable important in projection >1) clearly distinguished juice samples obtained by two juicing methods, with ellagic acid hexoside, (E)‐2‐heptenal, (+)‐catechin, and octanoic acid having the best discriminatory potential.CONCLUSIONOverall, the effects of juicing method on ‘Black‐seed’ pomegranate juice were greater than those of raw‐material‐producing areas. These results confirmed the potential for using the whole ‘Black‐seed’ pomegranate for processing, and also provided a theoretical basis for the healthy product development and utilization of dark‐color pomegranate varieties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Poynting Vector Field Singularities: Effects of Symmetry and Its Violation
Authors: Tribelsky Michael I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe phenomenological theory revealing the generic effects of the problem symmetry, its violation, and energy conservation law on the singularities of the Poynting vector field is presented. The bifurcation scenario of formation (annihilation) of the singularities under variations of the problem parameters is elucidated. The results describe the singularities in scattering a linearly polarized plane electromagnetic wave. However, they are valid for any configuration of the incident beam at its scattering by a subwavelength particle. The author shows that topological changes in the pattern of the Poynting vector field occur through a finite number of pitchfork bifurcations. It means that the patterns are topologically stable under variations of the problem parameter(s) that lie between the bifurcation values. The latter ensures that the discussed topological properties of the problem are robust to weak symmetry violation, which is inevitable in any actual experiment. The general consideration is illustrated by a detailed study of singularities in scattering by an infinite right circular germanium cylinder. The results open the possibility of fitting and controlling radiation patterns on subwavelength scales important for various nanotechnologies.
Stress‐Assisted Erosion of Poly(Glycerol‐Co‐Sebacate) Acrylate Elastomer
Authors: Qari Nada , Cai Shengqiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this work, a systematic investigation is conducted on stress‐assisted erosion of the photocurable and degradable elastomer poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA). Without external stress, it is confirmed that the elastomer undergoes surface erosion in an aqueous environment. Upon the application of mechanical stress, the results revealed that the surface erosion rate is dramatically accelerated. By studying the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) phenomena, it is demonstrated that the crack growth speed depends on the applied load and is significantly faster than the surface erosion rate of the elastomer. It is further shown that with decreasing the cross‐link density of the elastomer, the crack growth speed during SCC can be slowed down due to the increased viscoelasticity of the material.
Technical note: Implementing MRI/CT‐based elemental concentration data to Monte Carlo simulation for yielding positron emitters in proton therapy
Authors: Saito Masatoshi , Matsumoto Ryuga 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe elemental concentration (especially oxygen and carbon) and mass density must be accurately assigned to perform Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for predicting proton‐induced nuclear reactions in the human body. We recently proposed an approach to quantify elemental concentrations and mass densities of human soft tissues from water content (WC) data obtained by quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (which we called “MRWC”).PurposeThis study presents the first implementation of MRWC‐derived elemental concentrations and mass densities as complementary inputs into MC simulations on a virtual head phantom, and demonstrates the simulation of positron emitter production yields in proton therapy.MethodsAn MC code, PHITS, was used to simulate proton therapy with a monoenergetic 140 MeV beam for a digital head phantom provided by BrainWeb. Three different head images were synthesized as inputs: a conventional CT image, an ideal CT image as a reference, and a WC image coupled with the bone‐only CT image for a hybrid approach (MRWC/CT). Thereafter, the performance of the MRWC/CT method was evaluated by comparing its accuracy in predicting the production yields of positron emitters (11C and 15O) with the gold‐standard CT‐only method.ResultsThe MRWC/CT method could predict 11C and 15O production yield maps that closely resembled the corresponding reference maps, while the CT‐only method failed. The structural similarity index measures between the reference and CT‐ or MRWC/CT‐derived maps were improved from 0.67 (CT‐only) to 0.87 (MRWC/CT) for 11C and 0.76 (CT‐only) to 0.93 (MRWC/CT) for 15O. Furthermore, applying post‐processing normalizations to account for elemental density variations in the production yields of positron emitters facilitated the determination of distal fall‐off positions in depth activity profiles.ConclusionAt least in the head area, the MRWC/CT method demonstrated potential for more precise predictions of proton‐induced positron emitter distributions via MC simulations than that of the CT‐only method.
Application of machine learning methods for process safety assessments
Authors: Bengherbia Tarek , Syed Faisal A. , Chew Jenny , Khalid Fathullah A. , Goh Alex F. T. , Chraibi Kenza , Abdeen Mohammed Zainal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe accurate prediction of gas dispersion and the potential consequences of gas explosions hold a pivotal role in the assessment of explosion design loads for oil and gas processing facilities. This often involves the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, a widely adopted practice in the field. The extent of CFD simulations required depends on the specific characteristics and size of the facility. In many cases, a substantial number of simulations, often in the thousands, are needed to comprehensively assess the potential outcomes in the event of a hydrocarbon loss of containment. These simulations account for the complex three‐dimensional nature of the facility, the surrounding environmental conditions, and the properties of the leaking hydrocarbon fluids. Although unquestionably invaluable, CFD simulations impose significant temporal constraints upon their execution and necessitate the allocation of substantial efforts and Central Processing Unit (CPU) time. In this paper we develop a neural model tailored specifically for the analysis of CFD gas dispersion and gas explosion scenarios. This model leverages the capabilities of machine learning algorithms to expedite the execution of these complex studies. The proposed neural network model has the advantage of being able to handle a wide range of scenarios in a fraction of time it takes to perform the CFD simulations, making it particularly useful for large‐scale processes facilities. The accuracy of the predictions is remarkably high, providing a high level of confidence in the predictions of the flammable gas clouds sizes across various scenarios, as well as the resulting explosion overpressures.
Virus‐like particles as powerful vaccination strategy against human viruses
Authors: Hadj Hassine Ikbel , Ben M'hadheb Manel , Almalki Mohammed A. , Gharbi Jawhar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNowadays, viruses are not only seen as causative agents of viral infectious diseases but also as valuable research materials for various biomedical purposes, including recombinant protein production. When expressed in living or cell‐free expression systems, viral structural proteins self‐assemble into virus‐like particles (VLPs). Mimicking the native form and size of viruses and lacking the genetic material, VLPs are safe and highly immunogenic and thus can be exploited to develop antiviral vaccines. Some vaccines based on VLPs against various infectious pathogens have already been licenced for human use and are available in the commercial market, the latest of which is a VLP‐based vaccine to protect against the novel Coronavirus. Despite the success and popularity of VLP subunit vaccines, many more VLPs are still in different stages of design, production, and approval. There are still many challenges that require to be addressed in the future before this surface display system can be widely used as an effective vaccine strategy in combating infectious diseases. In this review, we highlight the use of structural viral proteins to produce VLPs, emphasising their intrinsic properties, structural classification, and main expression host systems. We also compiled the recent scientific literature about VLP‐based vaccines to underline the recent advances in their application as a vaccine strategy for preventing and fighting virulent human pathogens. Finally, we presented the key challenges and possible solutions for VLP‐based vaccine production.
Preparation of a β‐Cyclodextrin/Graphene Oxide@Quinoline Schiff Base Smart Coating and Its Microbial Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Zheng , Kong Xiangfei , Ding Zhiyuan , Chen Zesheng , Han Guo‐Cheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstractβ‐cyclodextrin/Graphene oxide@ quinoline Schiff base (β‐CD/GO@QS), a material of resistant to microbial corrosion, was successfully prepared. Surface morphology, structure and thermal stability were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR). The mechanical properties and microbial corrosion resistance of 0.5 wt% β‐CD/GO@QS smart coating in simulated seawater were investigated by electrochemical analysis. The results indicated that GO could improve the integrity of coating and had the great dispersion which decreased the effective anodic area to Q235 steel dissolution. Additionally, the smart coating of β‐CD/GO@QS effectively formed protective film on the exposed Q235 steel surface in the scratch area which could prevent the occurrence of electrochemical reactions, resulting in the cathode reaction hardly happened. Through the SEM and EDS image, the 0.5 wt% β‐CD/GO@QS coating of the scratched area was not seriously corroded after 14 d in simulated seawater.
Landslide Occurrences under Diverse Landuse/cover in Lower Kosi Watershed, Central Himalaya
Authors: Joshi Vinita , Pande Anita 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Present study was related to land degradation after landslide and risk analysis of Lower Kosi watershed in Central Himalaya using RS and GIS. The study was aimed to identifying the relation of land use with landslide activity in Himalayan terrain and landslide management. The landslide inventory map was prepared for the detailed study with the help of Google Earth Image and field verifications. Landslide had been sub-categorized into two categories; natural and road induced. The land use map was prepared from Google Earth image followed by toposheets. Statistical analysis of landslide frequency and density as well as frequency and density ratios were applied. The collected data was evaluated in combination with GIS. The relationship between land use categories and landslide occurrences was determined. The landslide frequency ratio (FR) and density ratio (DR) were analyzed. The FR and DR value of 1 is an average value. Hence, the value of ratio more than 1 signifies a strong relationship between landslides and the given factor while ratio values less than 1 registers a poor relationship. The FR and DR values were &gt;1.0 in the areas of fallow land, barren/rocky land, agricultural land and open forest revealing a strong relation to landslide processes while the lesser values of FR and DR in ‘dense forest’ area determines the impact of sufficient vegetation cover on the least occurrence of landslides. This study may be applicable for new and existing land use planning projects as the adopted methodology provides rapid estimation of landslide vulnerability of the area.
How to generate economic satisfaction in b2b contexts? The role of value co-creation and relationship quality
Authors: Berenguer-Contri Gloria , Gil-Saura Irene , Ruiz-Molina María-Eugenia , Gil Roberto , Juma-Michilena Israel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe aim of this article is to investigate how value co-creation in a B2B context influences relationship quality and economic satisfaction between tourism companies considering factors of trust, commitment, and social satisfaction as key antecedents to determining the quality of the relationship. This study was carried out with a sample of 268 hotels in Spain. The data were analysed via the partial least squares (PLS) regression technique, using the “SEMinR” and “matrixpls” packages with the R software. The results show that value co-creation in a B2B context is a differentiating, integrating, dynamic tool that is capable of improving relationship quality between partners in the hotel sector. In addition, it was confirmed that co-creation leads to economic satisfaction and improved results for all the agents involved in a commercial interaction. This work contributes conceptually and empirically to the relationship marketing literature by providing an innovative route to understand how B2B value co-creation networks are organised. Quantitative evidence is revealed about how co-creation can stimulate the positive evaluation of a company regarding the economic results or benefits obtained thanks to the quality of the relationship with its tourism supplier.
Economic resources, childcare services, and son preference: a conjoint analysis of fertility potential in China
Authors: Yu Jia , Shen Xiaojie , Xie Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUsing a randomized experiment that we designed for the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey, this study conducts a conjoint analysis to explore the fertility potential among Chinese adults. We examine the separate impacts of different factors and their heterogeneity across social groups. The results suggest that fertility potential is context-dependent. In addition, greater economic resources and availability of childcare significantly increase fertility potential. However, preferences in terms of the care provider, family versus the market, vary by gender, educational level, and desired number of children. Notably, we also find that son preference no longer has a significant effect on fertility potential in China. In light of China’s current low fertility, our study suggests that childbearing behavior will become increasingly differentiated by socioeconomic status. Fertility-enhancing policies should focus on supplementing economic resources and improving access to childcare.