bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trend analysis of widespread heat days in the Middle East and North Africa region between 1871 and 2012
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Aalijahan Mehdi , Lupo Anthony R. , Zerafati Hadi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOne of the greatest challenges facing the world today is global warming. Long‐term analysis of spatiotemporal variations in widespread heat days (WHDs) is one approach to monitoring this phenomenon, rather than focusing on the temperature trend. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the temporal and spatial variation of WHDs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) using the long‐term NOAA/CIRES/DOE 20th Century Reanalysis (V2) (20CRv2) reanalysis data between 1871 and 2012. Based on a 90% probability of occurrence, the temperature threshold for detecting WHDs was defined to be different for each grid point. Then, most WHDs of each month (142 samples) were identified based on the connected component labelling method. The results showed that most WHDs for each month occurred mainly after 2000. In general, the western parts of Iran, Syria, southern Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and northern Sudan had the highest density of WHDs. In the second period (1941–2012), the extent of WHDs increased compared to the first period (1871–1941). The spatial relationship between WHDs density in the first and second periods showed no statistical relationship, indicating that WHDs were completely different in the two periods. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the effects of global warming by using the relatively longest data sets. The comparison between the two periods shows that the WHDs in MENA have changed in extent (instead of variability).
Three‐dimensional graphene on a nano‐porous 4H‐silicon carbide backbone: a novel material for food sensing applications
Authors: Veronesi Stefano , Vlamidis Ylea , Ferbel Letizia , Marinelli Carmela , Sanmartin Chiara , Taglieri Isabella , Pfusterschmied Georg , Leitgeb Markus , Schmid Ulrich , Mencarelli Fabio , Heun Stefan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSensors that are sensitive to volatile organic compounds, and thus able to monitor the conservation state of food, are precious because they work non‐destructively and allow avoiding direct contact with the food, ensuring hygienic conditions. In particular, the monitoring of rancidity would solve a widespread issue in food storage.ResultsThe sensor discussed here is produced utilizing a novel three‐dimensional arrangement of graphene, which is grown on a crystalline silicon carbide wafer previously porousified by chemical etching. This approach allows a very high surface‐to‐volume ratio. Furthermore, the structure of the sensor surface features a large number of edges, dangling bounds, and active sites, which make the sensor, on a chemically robust skeleton, chemically active, particularly to hydrogenated molecules. The interaction of the sensor with such compounds is read out by measuring the sensor resistance in a four‐wire configuration. The sensor performance has been assessed on three hazelnut samples: sound, spoiled, and stink bug hazelnuts. A resistance variation of about ∆R = 0.13 ± 0.02 Ω between sound and damaged hazelnuts has been detected.ConclusionsOur measurements confirm the ability of the sensor to discriminate between sound and damaged hazelnuts. The sensor signal is stable for days, providing the possibility to use this sensor for the monitoring of the storage state of fats and foods in general. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications in Facial Plastic Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chou David W. , Annadata Vivek , Willson Gloria , Gray Mingyang , Rosenberg Joshua 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesAugmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are emerging technologies with wide potential applications in health care. We performed a scoping review of the current literature on the application of augmented and VR in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS).Data SourcesPubMed and Web of Science.Review MethodsAccording to PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Web of Science were used to perform a scoping review of literature regarding the utilization of AR and/or VR relevant to FPRS.ResultsFifty‐eight articles spanning 1997–2023 met the criteria for review. Five overarching categories of AR and/or VR applications were identified across the articles: preoperative, intraoperative, training/education, feasibility, and technical. The following clinical areas were identified: burn, craniomaxillofacial surgery (CMF), face transplant, face lift, facial analysis, facial palsy, free flaps, head and neck surgery, injectables, locoregional flaps, mandible reconstruction, mandibuloplasty, microtia, skin cancer, oculoplastic surgery, rhinology, rhinoplasty, and trauma.ConclusionAR and VR have broad applications in FPRS. AR for surgical navigation may have the most emerging potential in CMF surgery and free flap harvest. VR is useful as distraction analgesia for patients and as an immersive training tool for surgeons. More data on these technologies' direct impact on objective clinical outcomes are still needed.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 134:2568–2577, 2024
Organic sulfur from source to sink in low‐sulfate Lake Superior
Authors: Phillips Alexandra A. , Ulloa Imanol , Hyde Emily , Agnich Julia , Sharpnack Lewis , O'Malley Katherine G. , Webb Samuel M. , Schreiner Kathryn M. , Sheik Cody S. , Katsev Sergei , Raven Morgan Reed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOrganic sulfur plays a crucial role in the biogeochemistry of aquatic sediments, especially in low sulfate (< 500 μM) environments like freshwater lakes and the Earth's early oceans. To better understand organic sulfur cycling in these systems, we followed organic sulfur in the sulfate‐poor (< 40 μM) iron‐rich (30–80 μM) sediments of Lake Superior from source to sink. We identified microbial populations with shotgun metagenomic sequencing and characterized geochemical species in porewater and solid phases. In anoxic sediments, we found an active sulfur cycle fueled primarily by oxidized organic sulfur. Sediment incubations indicated a microbial capacity to hydrolyze sulfonates, sulfate esters, and sulfonic acids to sulfate. Gene abundances for dissimilatory sulfate reduction (dsrAB) increased with depth and coincided with sulfide maxima. Despite these indicators of sulfide formation, sulfide concentrations remain low (< 40 nM) due to both pyritization and organic matter sulfurization. Immediately below the oxycline, pyrite accounted for 13% of total sedimentary sulfur. Both free and intact lipids in this same interval accumulated disulfides, indicating rapid sulfurization even at low concentrations of sulfide. Our investigation revealed a new model of sulfur cycling in a low‐sulfate environment that likely extends to other modern lakes and possibly the ancient ocean, with organic sulfur both fueling sulfate reduction and consuming the resultant sulfide.
Influence of Ni on corrosion and trench formation of low alloy steel in low H2S content sour corrosion environments
Authors: Samusawa Itaru , Shimamura Junji , Helal Ammar Al , Sapanathan Thaneshan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe influence of Ni content on corrosion and trench formation of low alloy steel in a low H2S containing sour corrosion environment was investigated. The results show that Ni decreases the total amount of corrosion by forming a passive film containing Ni components, such as NiS and Ni3S2 on the steel surface as a result of long‐term corrosion and suppressing the anodic dissolution reaction, while increasing the trench depth. It was also identified that the Ni content had a more dominant effect on trench formation in steel regardless of the tested sour environments with 0.01 bar H2S gas (pH 4.0) and 0.001 M Na2S2O3 (pH 2.7) in this study. Based on the experimental findings, the mechanism of trenching propagation by Ni was discussed from the viewpoint of changes in surface film properties and associated difference of corrosion resistance between trench‐tip and bulk surface due to the variation in Ni content.
Toward an improved assessment of dose conformity in radiotherapy
Authors: Kuperman Vadim Y. , Altundal Yücel , Kouskoulas Tamara N. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of dose conformity is important to ensure minimum dose to normal tissue and sufficient dose coverage of the planning target volume (PTV). The existing conformity indices depend on the PTV volume and do not differentiate between two different scenarios: overdosing normal tissue and underdosing PTV.PurposeIn this study, we introduce a novel index to assess conformity of dose distributions in radiotherapy.MethodsThe suggested conformity index is defined by the ratio of the volume representing actual “non‐conformity” of the planned dose and the volume representing acceptable “non‐conformity.” The latter volume is produced by expanding the PTV. If both the average distance () between the reference isodose surface and planning target volume and arbitrarily selected PTV expansion margin () are much smaller than the size of the PTV, approximately equals the ratio . In this work, was utilized to analyze 90 cases of brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiation therapy (SRS) and 102 cases of lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).ResultsFor = 0.1 cm, all considered SRS treatment plans were characterized by while 2 out of 102 SBRT plans had . The average values of for SRS and SBRT plans were 0.31 and 0.43, respectively. For = 0.2 cm, all studied treatment plans had , and the average values of for SRS and SBRT plans were 0.15 and 0.25, respectively.ConclusionsThe suggested conformity index varies less with PTV volume than the RTOG and Riet‐Paddick indices frequently used for evaluation of dose conformity. In addition, can be expressed as a sum of two terms which describe “over‐coverage” and “under‐coverage” of the treatment target. The results confirm that can be used for evaluation of dose conformity in SRS and SBRT.
Diffusion‐weighted MR spectroscopy: Consensus, recommendations, and resources from acquisition to modeling
Authors: Ligneul Clémence , Najac Chloé , Döring André , Beaulieu Christian , Branzoli Francesca , Clarke William T. , Cudalbu Cristina , Genovese Guglielmo , Jbabdi Saad , Jelescu Ileana , Karampinos Dimitrios , Kreis Roland , Lundell Henrik , Marjańska Małgorzata , Möller Harald E. , Mosso Jessie , Mougel Eloïse , Posse Stefan , Ruschke Stefan , Simsek Kadir , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Tal Assaf , Tax Chantal , Oeltzschner Georg , Palombo Marco , Ronen Itamar , Valette Julien 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBrain cell structure and function reflect neurodevelopment, plasticity, and aging; and changes can help flag pathological processes such as neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Accurate and quantitative methods to noninvasively disentangle cellular structural features are needed and are a substantial focus of brain research. Diffusion‐weighted MRS (dMRS) gives access to diffusion properties of endogenous intracellular brain metabolites that are preferentially located inside specific brain cell populations. Despite its great potential, dMRS remains a challenging technique on all levels: from the data acquisition to the analysis, quantification, modeling, and interpretation of results. These challenges were the motivation behind the organization of the Lorentz Center workshop on “Best Practices & Tools for Diffusion MR Spectroscopy” held in Leiden, the Netherlands, in September 2021. During the workshop, the dMRS community established a set of recommendations to execute robust dMRS studies. This paper provides a description of the steps needed for acquiring, processing, fitting, and modeling dMRS data, and provides links to useful resources.
Preconditioned weighted full orthogonalization method for solving singular linear systems from PageRank problems
Authors: Shen Zhao‐Li , Carpentieri Bruno , Wen Chun , Wang Jian‐Jun , Serra‐Capizzano Stefano , Du Shi‐Ping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe PageRank model, which was first proposed by Google for its web search engine application, has since become a popular computational tool in a wide range of scientific fields, including chemistry, bioinformatics, neuroscience, bibliometrics, social networks, and others. PageRank calculations necessitate the use of fast computational techniques with low algorithmic and memory complexity. In recent years, much attention has been paid to Krylov subspace algorithms for solving difficult PageRank linear systems, such as those with large damping parameters close to one. In this article, we examine the full orthogonalization method (FOM). We present a convergence study of the method that extends and clarifies part of the conclusions reached in Zhang et al. (J Comput Appl Math. 2016; 296:397–409.). Furthermore, we demonstrate that FOM is breakdown free when solving singular PageRank linear systems with index one and we investigate the effect of using weighted inner‐products instead of conventional inner‐products in the orthonormalization procedure on FOM convergence. Finally, we develop a shifted polynomial preconditioner that takes advantage of the special structure of the PageRank linear system and has a good ability to cluster most of the eigenvalues, making it a good choice for an iterative method like FOM or GMRES. Numerical experiments are presented to support the theoretical findings and to evaluate the performance of the new weighted preconditioned FOM PageRank solver in comparison to other established solvers for this class of problem, including conventional stationary methods, hybrid combinations of stationary and Krylov subspace methods, and multi‐step splitting strategies.
Unfitted generalized finite element methods for Dirichlet problems without penalty or stabilization
Authors: Zhang Qinghui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUnfitted finite element methods (FEM) have attractive merits for problems with evolving or geometrically complex boundaries. Conventional unfitted FEMs incorporate penalty terms, parameters, or Lagrange multipliers to impose the Dirichlet boundary condition weakly. This to some extent increases computational complexity in implementation. In this article, we propose an unfitted generalized FEM (GFEM) for the Dirichlet problem, which is free from any penalty or stabilization. This is achieved by means of partition of unity frameworks of GFEM and designing a set of new enrichments for the Dirichlet boundary. The enrichments are divided into two groups: the one is used to impose the Dirichlet boundary condition strongly, and the other one serves as energy space of variational formulations. The shape functions in energy space vanish at the boundary so that standard variational formulae like those in the conventional fitted FEM can be applied, and thus the penalty and stabilization are not needed. The optimal convergence rate in the energy norm is proven rigorously. Numerical experiments and comparisons with other methods are executed to verify the theoretical result and effectiveness of the algorithm. The conditioning of new method is numerically shown to be of same order as that of the standard FEM.
Thermal, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical and morphological properties of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced green epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Yusuf J. , Sapuan S. M. , Rashid Umer , Ilyas R. A. , Hassan M. R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe efficient inclusion of GNPs (graphene nanoplatelets) as an effective nano‐fillers for green polymer matrices produced with 28% of carbon originating from biomass tends to significantly improve mechanical and thermal properties. In the present work, green epoxy nanocomposites with low loading of (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5) wt% of the GNPs were made using a solution blending technique using acetone as the solvent. In mechanical stirring, the ultrasonic bath was used to ensure the efficient dispersion of GNPs within green epoxy. The resulting nanocomposites were comprehensively characterized and compared to unfilled green epoxy. Different tools were used to appraise morphological, thermal, thermo‐mechanical, and mechanical behavior. The results confirmed through FE‐SEM showed an optimal dispersion of GNPs with nanocomposites. The thermal degradation temperature (Td) of GNPs curve with 0.25 wt% loading was shifted toward higher temperature (from 336°C to 342°C) due to low percentage of loading of GNPs which showed an enhance thermal stability of polymer matrix with 0.25 wt% loading. The mechanical results were also in lined with previously published literature, in the tensile test 6.45% and hardness 13.3% increment was achieved. Overall, the results underscored significant improvements in green nanocomposite performance with low wt% of GNPs.Highlights
The study focuses on development and characterization of green epoxy nanocomposites, which utilize environmentally friendly materials as a matrix, highlighting the significance of sustainability.
The study explores effects of low loading of GNPs in green epoxy nanocomposites. The results demonstrate significant improvements in mechanical and thermal properties with optimized presence of GNPs. This investigation provides insights into optimal amount of GNPs required to achieve improved properties.
Research evaluates multifaceted analysis provides a holistic understanding of performance enhancements achieved through inclusion of GNPs.
Disinfection of viruses with cold atmospheric‐pressure plasmas: Sources, mechanisms, and efficacy
Authors: Lan Cuntao , Zhu Haiwei , Wang Shenghua , Nie Lanlan , Liu Dawei , Shi Qi , Lu Xinpei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the outbreaks of viral diseases have urgently demanded effective virus disinfection techniques. Among them, the use of cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma (CAP) is one of the most promising approaches. CAP generates electric fields, charged particles, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and ultraviolet. CAP can effectively inactivate various viruses in a short period, whether they are on surfaces, in water, or in aerosols, without significantly raising the substrate temperature. This review highlights that the simultaneous action of physical and chemical means is the key mechanism of CAP in virus inactivation. It systematically summarizes the characteristics of plasma devices suitable for different application scenarios and further points out the opportunities and challenges faced by plasma virus inactivation technology.
Leveraging insect viruses and genetic manipulation for sustainable agricultural pest control
Authors: Sun Kai , Fu Kang , Hu Tao , Shentu Xuping , Yu Xiaoping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe potential of insect viruses in the biological control of agricultural pests is well‐recognized, yet their practical application faces obstacles such as host specificity, variable virulence, and resource scarcity. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies have significantly advanced our capabilities in discovering and identifying new insect viruses, thereby enriching the arsenal for pest management. Concurrently, progress in reverse genetics has facilitated the development of versatile viral expression vectors. These vectors have enhanced the specificity and effectiveness of insect viruses in targeting specific pests, offering a more precise approach to pest control. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the methodologies employed in the identification of insect viruses using HTS. Additionally, it explores the domain of genetically modified insect viruses and their associated challenges in pest management. The adoption of these cutting‐edge approaches holds great promise for developing environmentally sustainable and effective pest control solutions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
How to obtain accurate results with molecular iodine and density functional theory?
Authors: Robidas Raphaël , Legault Claude Y. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMolecular iodine is found in many organic synthetic methodologies, both as reagent and as catalyst. Naturally, many groups have carried out computational studies involving this element. However, the choice of computational method proves to be more challenging than for other non‐metals. We quantify herein the errors that some common theory levels can introduce in terms of both structural and energetic deviations. We also evaluate multiple post hoc corrections, namely, vibrational entropy, dispersion, and counter‐poise corrections. Our results indicate the triple‐ basis sets are essential to obtain quality results and that post hoc corrections are overall detrimental.
Synthesis and Caracterizations of New Thiosemicarbazone and Thiazole Derivatives From Polycyclic Chiral 1,5‐Diketones
Authors: Gezegen Hayreddin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThiosemicarbazone derivatives have a wide spectrum of biological activity as well as various application areas such as forming complexes with metals, using as intermediates in the synthesis of heterocyclic bioactive compounds. Thiazole derivatives can be easily synthesized from thiosemicarbazones and are among the important compounds in demand in terms of biological activity. In this study, 14 new thiosemicarbazone derivatives were synthesized starting from polycyclic 1,5‐diketone derivatives with five stereocenters, and 14 thiazole derivatives were synthesized from the reaction of the obtained thiosemicarbazones with 2‐bromoacetophenone and their structure determinations were carried out using spectroscopic methods (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, 2D‐NMR, FT‐IR and Q‐TOF LC/MS). This synthesis route from polycyclic chiral 1,5‐diketones may contribute to the design of new drug‐like molecules, which are important in medicinal chemistry.
Enhanced Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction through Lanthanide‐Modified Rhodium Intermetallic Catalysts
Authors: Li Qingqing , Sun Chang , Fu Hao , Zhang Shuai , Sun Xiaolei , Liu Jin‐Cheng , Du Yaping , Luo Feng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDesign of highly efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of paramount importance for water electrolysis, but still a considerable challenge because of the slow HER kinetics in alkaline environments. Alloying is recognized as an effective strategy to enhance the catalytic properties. Lanthanides (Ln) are recognized as an electronic and structural regulator, attributed to their unique 4f electron behavior and the phenomenon known as lanthanide contraction. Here, a new class of Rh3Ln intermetallics (IMs) are synthesized using the sodium vapor reduction method. The alloying process induced an upshift of the d‐band center and electron transfer from Ln to Rh, resulting in optimized adsorption and dissociation energies for H2O molecules. Consequently, Rh3Tb IMs exhibited outstanding HER activity in both alkaline environments and seawater, displaying an overpotential of only 19 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 22.2 mV dec−1. Remarkably, the current density of Rh3Tb IMs at 100 mV overpotential is 8.6 and 5.7 times higher than that of Rh/C and commercial Pt/C, respectively. This work introduces a novel approach to the rational design of HER electrocatalysis and sheds light on the role of lanthanides in electrocatalyst systems.