bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hexavalent Ions Insertion in Garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 Toward a Low Temperature Densification Reaction
Authors: Campanella Daniele , Zhu Wen , Girard Gabriel , Savoie Sylvio , Kaboli Shirin , Feng Zimin , Guerfi Abdelbast , Romio Martina , Molaiyan Palanivel , Bélanger Daniel , Paolella Andrea 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNowadays, solid electrolytes are considered the main alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium batteries. The fabrication of these materials is however limited by the strict synthesis conditions, requiring high temperatures which can negatively impact the final performances. Here, it is shown that a modification of garnet‐based Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and the incorporation of tellurium can accelerate the synthesis process by lowering the formation temperature of cubic LLZO at temperatures below 700 °C. Optimized synthesis at 750 °C showed a decrease in particle size and cell parameter for samples with higher amounts of Te and the evaluation of electrochemical performances reported for LLZO Te0.25 a value of ionic conductivity of 5,15×10−5 S cm−1 after hot‐pressing at 700 °C, two orders of magnitude higher than commercial Al‐LLZO undergoing the same working conditions, and the highest value at this densification temperature. Partial segregation of Te‐rich phases occurs for high‐temperature densification. Our study shows the advantages of Te insertion on the sintering process of LLZO garnet and demonstrates the achievement of highly conductive LLZO with a low‐temperature treatment.
Reconsidering Anode Materials for Fluoride‐Ion Batteries–The Unexpected Roles of Carbide Formation**
Authors: McTaggart Don , Warren Scott C. , Clemens Oliver 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCarbon is a ubiquitous additive to enhance the electrical conductivity of battery electrodes. Although carbon is generally assumed to be inert, the poor reversibility seen in some fluoride‐ion battery electrodes has not been explained or systematically explored. Here, we utilize the Materials Project database to assess electrode deactivation reactions that result in the formation of a metal carbide. Specifically, we compare the theoretical potentials of MFy reduction to either the corresponding metal M or metal carbide MCx. We find that the formation of MCx is unlikely to be important in anodes that operate at modest reduction potentials, such as those made from electronegative metals like Zn, Sn, or Pb. However, in anodes that operate at extreme reduction potentials, such as alkaline earths or lanthanides, we find that formation of MCx is relevant and can emerge as a mechanism for capacity loss. Thus, side reactions of metals with carbon additives that form metal carbides possibly explain the poor reversibility of lanthanide or alkaline earth metal‐based electrode materials. Finally, we highlight that the carbide formation process might be exploited for designing cheap anode systems with improved reversibility.
Disturbance observer‐based quasi‐proportional resonant composite control strategy for high‐frequency LCLC inverters
Authors: Zijie Fang , Junfeng Liu , Hao Zhou , Jun Zeng , Pengyu Zhang 
Published: May 2023

SummaryA quasi‐proportional resonant (QPR) composite control strategy based on disturbance observer (DOB) is proposed to improve the power quality and dynamic performance of the high‐frequency AC distribution system source side. The load DOB normalizes the controlled object while suppressing the load disturbance and improving the system's robustness and dynamic performance of the system. The QPR control strategy is proposed based on the internal mode principle, which improves the tracking capability of the system for the operating frequency band signal, reduces the system output steady‐state error, and suppresses the inverter output voltage harmonics. To adapt to the high bandwidth requirement of the controller for high‐frequency AC inverters, the proposed control strategy based on analogy devices implementation circuit is designed, and the corresponding controller parameters design method is given. Compared with the traditional control strategy, the proposed control strategy can reduce the inverter output voltage harmonics, effectively suppress the load disturbance, and improve the dynamic performance and steady‐state performance of the system. Finally, the experimental platform verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy and the designed circuit.
Development of a latent dementia index in the aging, demographics, and memory study: Validation and measurement invariance by sex
Authors: Saenz Joseph , Beam Christopher R. , Kim Alice J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLatent variable models can create a latent dementia index (LDI) using cognitive and functional ability to approximate dementia likelihood. The LDI approach has been applied across diverse cohorts. It is unclear whether sex affects its measurement properties. We use Wave A (2001–2003) of the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (n = 856). Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test measurement invariance (MI) using informant‐reported functional ability and cognitive performance tasks, which we group into verbal, nonverbal, and memory. Partial scalar invariance was found, allowing for testing sex differences in LDI means (MDiff = 0.38). The LDI correlated with consensus panel dementia diagnosis, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and dementia risk factors (low education, advanced age, and apolipoprotein ε4 [APOE‐ε4] status) for men and women. The LDI validly captures dementia likelihood to permit estimation of sex differences. LDI sex differences indicate higher dementia likelihood in women, potentially due to social, environmental, and biological factors.
The utilisation of digital droplet PCR to enhance the diagnosis of bladder and pancreaticobiliary tumours in cytology specimens
Authors: Weigner Julie , Billings Raewyn , Scott Rodney J. , King Simon 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundDigital droplet PCR (ddPCR) is a relatively new technique used to detect molecular alterations with unprecedented precision and accuracy. It is particularly useful for detecting point mutations and copy number variation (CNV) in samples with small amounts of target DNA.This proof of principle study was conducted to see if ddPCR technology could be applied to cytology specimens to detect molecular alterations which may influence diagnostic decision making.MethodsA range of cytological specimens derived from bladder or pancreaticobiliary origin, with varying diagnoses but with an emphasis on abnormality, underwent ddPCR testing. DNA was manually extracted from Thinprep vials, cell blocks or direct fine needle aspiration smears. ddPCR was performed using two somatic point mutations TP53 R248W and TP53 R273H assays for both urine and pancreaticobiliary cytology specimens. Three CNV assays; CDKN2A, E2F3 and YWHAZ were applied to urine samples. SMAD4 and CDKN2A CNVs were applied to the pancreaticobiliary samples.Results16 of 21 urine specimens showed molecular alterations using ddPCR testing. 12 of those 16 cases were associated with malignant outcomes. The pancreaticobiliary specimens showed 14 of 37 specimens with molecular alterations, all of which were associated with carcinoma. We demonstrated an increasing percentage of molecular aberrations associated with increasing severity of cytological results.ConclusionOur results have shown that ddPCR can identify both mutations and CNVs in urine and pancreaticobiliary cytology derived samples. Being able to detect these molecular alterations may reduce the number of equivocal results leading to more timely and informed patient management decisions.
Including environmental covariates clarifies the relationship between endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) abundance and environmental DNA
Authors: Morrison Melissa K. , Lacoursière‐Roussel Anaïs , Wood Zachary T. , Trudel Marc , Gagné Nellie , LeBlanc Francis , Samways Kurt , Kinnison Michael T. , Pavey Scott A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCollecting environmental DNA (eDNA) as a nonlethal sampling approach has been valuable in detecting the presence/absence of many imperiled taxa; however, its application to indicate species abundance poses many challenges. A deeper understanding of eDNA dynamics in aquatic systems is required to better interpret the substantial variability often associated with eDNA samples. Our sampling design took advantage of natural variation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) distribution and abundance along 9 km of a single river in the Province of New Brunswick (Canada), covering different spatial and temporal scales to address the unknown seasonal impacts of environmental variables on the quantitative relationship between eDNA concentration and species abundance. First, we asked whether accounting for environmental variables strengthened the relationship between eDNA and salmon abundance by sampling eDNA during their spring seaward migration. Second, we asked how environmental variables affected eDNA dynamics during the summer as the parr abundance remained relatively constant. Spring eDNA samples were collected over a 6‐week period (12 times) near a rotary screw trap that captured approximately 18.6% of migrating smolts, whereas summer sampling occurred (i) at three distinct salmon habitats (9 times) and (ii) along the full 9 km (3 times). We modeled eDNA concentration as a product of fish abundance and environmental variables, demonstrating that (1) with inclusion of abundance and environmental covariates, eDNA was highly correlated with spring smolt abundance and (2) the relationships among environmental covariates and eDNA were affected by seasonal variation with relatively constant parr abundance in summer. Our findings underscore that with appropriate study design that accounts for seasonal environmental variation and life history phenology, eDNA salmon population assessments may have the potential to evaluate abundance fluctuations in spring and summer.
Fractionation of bacteria by electrophoresis as pre‐separation method before MALDI‐MS detection
Authors: Błońska Dominika , Kłodzińska Ewa , Buszewski Bogusław 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe present study attempted to apply the capillary electrophoresis technique for the fractionation and separation of S. Staphylococcus hominis and Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from urine samples and the detection of migrated fraction with spectrometric method. This involved the selection of suitable conditions for separation as well as the identification of pathogens. The result of the research was the separation of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, as well as their subsequent identification by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry using two different approaches (culture of fractions on an agar plate and direct analysis of the collected fractions). The preliminary results provide a solid basis for further research on the use of electromigration techniques with LDI detection to identify pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in biological samples.
Enantioselectivity in the Ecotoxicity of Amphetamine Using Daphnia magna as the Aquatic Model Organism: Morphophysiological, Behavioral, Reproductive and Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Ribeiro Cláudia , Gomes Cristiano , Pérez-Pereira Ariana , Carrola João Soares , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Langa Ivan , Couto Cristina , Castro Bruno B. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Amphetamine (AMP) is a chiral psychoactive substance that exhibits enantioselectivity in its pharmacological properties. It has been detected in wastewaters and surface waters and can occur as enantiomeric mixtures, but little is known about its environmental risk and potential enantioselective toxicity to aquatic organisms. Our study aimed to target enantioselectivity in AMP toxicity to the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. Daphnids were subchronically exposed to the racemate (rac-AMP: 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/L) and pure enantiomers, (R)-AMP and (S)-AMP (0.1, and 1.0 µg/L, respectively), for 8 days. Morphophysiological, swimming behavior, reproductive and biochemical variables were evaluated during critical life stages (juveniles vs. adults). Some responses were context-dependent and often enantioselective, varying between racemate and enantiomers and across the life stage of the organisms. Overall, rac-AMP stimulated D. magna growth, decreased heart rate and area, affected behavior, and stimulated reproduction. The effect of enantiomers was totally or partially concordant with rac-AMP, except for swimming behavior and reproduction. Enantioselectivity was observed for body size, number of eggs/daphnia, and heart rate (steeper decrease caused by (R)-AMP on day 3). Changes in biochemical parameters were also observed: AMP caused a significant decrease in catalase activity as racemate or pure enantiomers, whereas a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was found only for rac-AMP. Evidence for oxidative stress was contradictory, although both enantiomers caused a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species (unlike rac-AMP). Overall, these results show that AMP can interfere in an enantioselective way with aquatic organisms at low concentrations (e.g., 0.1 µg/L), demonstrating the relevance of this kind of study to an accurate environmental risk assessment regarding medium- to long-term exposure to this psychoactive drug. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1743–1754. © 2023 SETAC.
Different experiences of Asian emerging‐market economies in the two major financial crises
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Lei Chun Kwok , Zhao Qingbin , Liu Nian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper studies 10 Asian economies' experiences during two episodes of financial crises in 1997–08 and 2007–09. Our analysis of five crisis‐hit Asian countries shows that overinvestment via credit expansion and foreign financing has an adverse effect on banking sectors while income inequality contributes significantly to financial distress. With five no‐crisis emerging markets included in our Asia analysis, we find that export‐oriented growth backed up by domestic savings is financially less risky than investment‐led growth facilitated by capital inflows. Since such different strategies of output growth to deal with falling demand are related ultimately to the same factor–rising inequality, this distributional problem must be overcome effectively to enhance financial stability and ensure growth sustainability.
The adsorption behavior of BCl3SiHCl3 on aliphatic amine by DFT method
Authors: Mao Jin , Zhang Qingyu , Li Han , Qian Liqiang , Yang Wanxi , Peng Wencai , Zhang Jinli , Liu Jichang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe removal of trace amount of BCl3 from SiHCl3 by adsorption is an efficient method in manufacture of electronic grade polysilicon.ObjectiveDFT simulations were used to investigate the adsorption mechanism of aliphatic amine adsorbents and to compare the performance of these adsorbents.MethodsThe adsorption energies, mulliken charges, dipole moments and FMOs of aliphatic amines on SiHCl3 and BCl3 were calculated using the DFT method at the B3LYP/6‐311++G (2d, p) level, and on this basis the factors affecting the adsorption capacity and selectivity were explored in depth.ResultsThe results indicates that these adsorbents show good adsorption performance and high separation efficiency for BCl3. In particular, (CH3)2NH has the highest adsorption capacity for BCl3 at 298 K and 1 atm and achieves effective desorption at high temperatures to allow the adsorbent to be reused.ConclusionsThe adsorption behaviors are strongly affected by frontier orbitals, dipoles and polarizabilities of aliphatic amines, among which HOMO of amines plays the decisive role for adsorbing BCl3, providing theoretical guidance for adsorbent design associated with removal of BCl3 from SiHCl3.
Do contingency‐conflicting elements drop out of equivalence classes? Retesting Sidman's (2000) theory
Authors: Silguero Russell , Vaidya Manish 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSidman's (2000) theory of stimulus equivalence states that all positive elements in a reinforcement contingency enter an equivalence class. The theory also states that if an element from an equivalence class conflicts with a reinforcement contingency, the conflicting element will “drop out” of the class. Minster et al. (2006) found evidence that a conflicting reinforcer does not drop out of an equivalence class. To explain their results, they proposed that the reinforcer enters the class via pairing after conditional relations have been established, and when there is a conflict between the class and the contingencies, conditionally related elements that have a longer history in the class and that were brought in via reinforcement will exert stronger control. In the current study, stimulus‐reinforcer relations were established before conditional relations to assess the role of developmental order of stimulus relations on conditional‐discrimination performance. The results replicate the findings of Minster et al. (2006) but suggest that developmental order may not be an important factor contributing to maintained accuracy on baseline conditional relations. An interpretation of “dropping out” in terms of differentiated subclasses is discussed. The relevance of the results to the phenomenon known as the differential outcomes effect is also discussed.
Soil properties and tree growth at medieval ridge and furrow sites in Brandenburg, northeastern Germany
Authors: Hirsch Florian , Schneider Anna , van der Maaten‐Theunissen Marieke , van der Maaten Ernst , Räbiger Christin , Raab Alexandra , Raab Thomas 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRidge and furrow (RIFU) systems and associated soils are a widespread legacy of medieval agriculture, are archives of historical land use, and might affect recent ecosystems. Open questions about RIFU formation and potential legacy effects still exist, especially related to physical soil properties.AimsOur aims were (1) to characterize the soil properties of RIFU soils and (2) to compare the drought sensitivity and the growth resistance in extremely dry years of trees growing on ridges and furrows, respectively.MethodsWe studied soil physical (bulk density, saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, and texture) and chemical (soil pH, soil organic matter, and nitrogen content) properties and the climate sensitivity of tree growth on RIFU systems for three study sites in Prignitz, Germany.ResultsRIFU systems showed a high spatial heterogeneity of soil stratigraphy due to ridge construction and increased accumulation of soil moisture and organic matter in furrows due to post‐abandonment pedogenesis. Slight spatial differences in soil physical properties were found, with increased air capacity in ridge soils and higher available water contents in furrow soils. No differences in drought sensitivity were observed for trees growing on ridges and furrows, except for a wet site, where trees in furrows showed a higher sensitivity. Resistance in dry years tended to be similar or increase from furrows to ridges.ConclusionsThe results reflect a spatial differentiation of stratigraphy and post‐abandonment pedogenesis on abandoned RIFU systems and suggest an adaption to different moisture conditions through RIFU construction. Differences in drought sensitivity of tree growth with relative land surface could only be detected for one of the three sites, where trees were found to be less drought sensitive on ridges.
The contribution rate of stem‐leaf and root of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to sediment and runoff reduction
Authors: Yao Chong , Chen Kebing , Zhang Qingwei , Wang Chenfeng , Lu Chen , Wang Hao , Wu Faqi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSeasonal changes in ground canopy and root density induced by the growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may strongly influence the variation in runoff and sediment across alfalfa growth stages. In this study, eight alfalfa plots with and without ground canopy and two bare soil plots (CK) were used to investigate the effect of alfalfa growth on the regulation of runoff and sediment during one growing season (seedling stage, S1; budding stage, S2; flowering stage, S3; podding stage, S4). The experiments involved four slope gradients of 8.6%, 17.6%, 26.8%, and 36.4% and one rainfall intensity of 90 mm h−1. The time to runoff initiation (TR), runoff volume (RV), and sediment yield (SY) were recorded, and runoff reduction benefits (RRBs) and sediment reduction benefits (SRBs) were calculated. The results have shown that TR was delayed with the growth of alfalfa and advanced with an increasing slope gradient. From S1 to S4, compared with CK, alfalfa grassland reduced the runoff by 10.36% to 85.80% and the sediment by 15.34% to 94.48%. The root systems of alfalfa reduced the runoff by 1.29% to 34.86% and the sediment by 0.87% to 49.97%. RV and SY decreased exponentially with aboveground biomass and root density during the growing season. The SRBs were greater than the RRBs, and the contribution of stem leaves for SRBs and RRBs was higher than that for roots under the same growing seasons and slope gradient. This study deepens our understanding of herbaceous plants in regulating runoff and sediment at different growth stages and clarifies the contribution of vegetation components to soil and water loss control.
Coalescence of Sessile Polymer Droplets: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Arbabi Soheil , Theodorakis Panagiotis E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDroplet coalescence is ubiquitous in nature and, at the same time key to various technologies, such as inkjet printing. Herein, this study reports on the coalescence of polymer droplets with different chain lengths coalescing on substrates of different wettability. By means of molecular dynamics simulations of a coarse‐grained model, it is found that the rate of bridge growth is higher in the case of droplets with smaller contact angles (more wettable substrates) and decreases with the increase of the chain length of the polymers. Different behavior is also identified in the dynamics of the approach of the two droplets during coalescence with the substrate wettability playing a more important role compared to the chain length of the polymers. While the dynamics of the droplet are greatly affected by the latter parameters, the density profile and flow patterns remain the same for the different cases. Thus, this study anticipates that it provides further insights into the coalescence of liquid polymer droplets on solid substrates with implications for relevant technologies.