bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical relevance of meteorological ambient conditions and cell attributes for nowcasting the life cycle of convective storms
Authors: Wilhelm Jannik , Wapler Kathrin , Blahak Ulrich , Potthast Roland , Kunz Michael 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe usually short lifetime of convective storms and their rapid development during unstable weather conditions makes forecasting these storms challenging. It is necessary, therefore, to improve the procedures for estimating the storms' expected life cycles, including the storms' lifetime, size, and intensity development. We present an analysis of the life cycles of convective cells in Germany, focusing on the relevance of the prevailing atmospheric conditions. Using data from the radar‐based cell detection and tracking algorithm KONRAD of the German Weather Service, the life cycles of isolated convective storms are analysed for the summer half‐years from 2011 to 2016. In addition, numerous convection‐relevant atmospheric ambient variables (e.g., deep‐layer shear, convective available potential energy, lifted index), which were calculated using high‐resolution COSMO‐EU assimilation analyses (0.0625°), are combined with the life cycles. The statistical analyses of the life cycles reveal that rapid initial area growth supports wider horizontal expansion of a cell in the subsequent development and, indirectly, a longer lifetime. Specifically, the information about the initial horizontal cell area is the most important predictor for the lifetime and expected maximum cell area during the life cycle. However, its predictive skill turns out to be moderate at most, but still considerably higher than the skill of any ambient variable is. Of the latter, measures of midtropospheric mean wind and vertical wind shear are most suitable for distinguishing between convective cells with short lifetime and those with long lifetime. Higher thermal instability is associated with faster initial growth, thus favouring larger and longer living cells. A detailed objective correlation analysis between ambient variables, coupled with analyses discriminating groups of different lifetime and maximum cell area, makes it possible to gain new insights into their statistical connections. The results of this study provide guidance for predictor selection and advancements of nowcasting applications.
Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry quantitation of o‐cresol in hydrolyzed human urine to assess toluene exposure
Authors: Langlois Eric , Gagné Sébastien 
Published: June 2023

RationaleToluene is a volatile organic compound used in domestic and industrial applications. The main routes of workplace exposure to toluene are inhalation and dermal contact. As toluene exposure can cause severe nervous system damage, its quantification is crucial to prevent occupational illness. Toluene is metabolized mainly as hippuric acid, S‐benzylmercapturic acid and epoxides. These are rapidly converted to o‐/p‐cresol, which is then excreted in the urine as conjugated glucuronides and sulfates. o‐Cresol and its conjugates can be chemically hydrolyzed to form free o‐cresol, which can then serve as a urinary biomarker of toluene exposure. Current analytical methods for quantifying o‐cresol in hydrolyzed urine are, however, either weakened by interference, are not sensitive enough or require water‐sensitive sample preparation. Development of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for assessing exposure to toluene is thus required.MethodUrine samples were acidified and heated to form free o‐cresol and then derivatized with dansyl chloride and diluted. Extracts were separated by reverse‐phase chromatography on a BEH phenyl column and then analyzed using a triple quadrupole instrument in selected reaction monitoring mode.ResultsThe dansyl chloride derivatization step was optimized to produce the derivative within a reaction time of 3 min. Hydrolysis efficiency in forming free o‐cresol from conjugated metabolites was evaluated using o‐cresol‐β‐d‐glucuronidespiked human urine: complete hydrolysis occurred in 45 min. Dynamic range was 0.4 to 40 μM, and the method was useful for toluene monitoring in non‐occupational (0.1 μmol/mmol creatinine) as well as occupational (0.3 μmol/mmol creatinine) exposure. The calculated limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the method were 0.06 and 0.21 μM, respectively. Intraday and interday precisions were 3.2% and 4.4%, respectively. Method accuracy was established as 99% using ClinChek® urine controls.ConclusionAn ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for analysis of o‐cresol was developed for biological monitoring of toluene exposure in human urine. This is the method of choice used by occupational health and safety practitioners in the province of Québec, Canada.
Assessing downstream aquatic habitat availability relative to headwater reservoir management in the Henrys Fork Snake River
Authors: Morrisett Christina N. , Van Kirk Robert W. , Null Sarah E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReservoirs are sometimes managed to meet agricultural and other water demands, while also maintaining streamflow for aquatic species and ecosystems. In the Henrys Fork Snake River, Idaho (USA), irrigation‐season management of a headwater reservoir is informed by a flow target in a management reach ~95 km downstream. The target is in place to meet irrigation demand and maintain aquatic habitat within the 11.4 km management reach and has undergone four flow target assignments from 1978 to 2021. Recent changes to irrigation‐season management to maximize reservoir carryover warranted investigation into the flow target assignment. Thus, we created a streamflow‐habitat model using hydraulic measurements, habitat unit mapping, and published habitat suitability criteria for Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni). We used model output to compare habitat availability across two management regimes (1978–2017 and 2018–2021). We found that efforts to minimize reservoir releases in 2018–2021 did not reduce mean irrigation‐season fish habitat relative to natural flow, but did reduce overall fish habitat variability during the irrigation season compared to streamflow management in 1978–2017. Field observations for this research led to an adjusted flow target in 2020 that moved the target location downstream of intervening irrigation diversions. Using our model output, we demonstrated that moving the location of the target to account for local irrigation diversions will contribute to more consistently suitable fish habitat in the reach. Our study demonstrates the importance of site selection for establishing environmental flow targets.
Probability of crop response to phosphorus and potassium fertilizer: Lessons from 45 years of Ohio trials
Authors: Culman Steve , Fulford Anthony , LaBarge Greg , Watters Harold , Lindsey Laura E. , Dorrance Anne , Deiss Leonardo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSoil test phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and the associated soil test critical values (CSTVs) are widely used as the primary diagnostic tool to determine if a crop needs P and K fertilizer. However, identifying robust and predictive CSTVs requires a large number of field trials in representative soils and environments to assess crop fertilizer responses. From 1976 to 2021, a total of 457 P trials and 458 K trials were conducted in corn (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) across 40 counties in Ohio. The trials consisted of both multi‐rate, multi‐year trials and single‐year, single‐rate and large strip trials. Across all crops, grain yield responded to P and K fertilizer in 23.4% and 25.3% of trials, with average yield increases of 8.8% and 11.0%, respectively. Corn yield was more responsive to P and K fertilizer (∼30% of P and K trials) than soybean yield (14% of P trials, 20% of K trials). Several models were run to identify CSTVs, but models imparted systematic bias in CSTVs, and a superior model was not identified due to poor model fit and indiscernible criteria to guide model selection. Instead of a single CSTV, data were classified into five discrete categories based on relative yields and Mehlich‐3 soil test values. These classifications provided a useful and consistent framework for assessing the probability of crop response to P and K fertilizer. Ohio soils with Mehlich‐3 values greater than 20 mg P kg−1 and 130 mg K kg−1 have a low probability of responding to P or K fertilizer application.
Globalization and energy consumption's effect on Japan's ecological imprint: Implications for environmental sustainability
Authors: Damak Obadiah Ibrahim , Güngör Hasan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis research explores the effect of globalization, economic growth, and energy consumption on Japan's ecological imprint using annual time series data from 1990 to 2021. The research used Granger causality tests, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). Empirical data shows globalization and non‐renewable energy consumption positively impact Japan's ecological imprint, whereas long‐run renewable energy usage and gross domestic product (GDP) have inverse effects. The short‐run outcome reveals a direct correlation between GDP and ecological imprint but a negative correlation between globalization, renewable energy usage and non‐renewable energy usage on the ecological imprint. DOLS coefficients are insignificant, even if they are negligible at the 5% level; the DOLS results concurred with the long‐term ARDL. Renewable and non‐renewable energy usage have an ecological impact, yet non‐renewable energy usage granger cause the use of renewable energy usage, according to the Granger causality findings. The results also show a causal link between globalization and the adoption of renewable energy.
Bad medicine: Litigation, competition, and the marketing of prescription opioids
Authors: Tan David , West Nicole V. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractResearch AbstractHow do competitors respond when a firm experiences an increased threat of penalties for questionable business activities? While conventional wisdom suggests that competitors will attempt to avoid similar activities, we draw attention to a countervailing incentive. If an increased threat of penalties induces one firm to reduce its engagement in an activity, competitors in an industry may see an opportunity to profit by increasing their engagement in the activity. We explain how this is theoretically possible even if competitors also experience an increased threat of penalties. As an empirical example, we show that following a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, Purdue significantly decreased its spending to promote OxyContin, but other prescription opioid firms significantly increased their spending to promote competing opioids to the same physicians.Managerial AbstractCompetitive dynamics can make questionable business activities in an industry difficult to stamp out on a case‐by‐case basis. Forcing one firm to decrease its engagement in a questionable activity may result in competitors stepping in to fill the void by increasing their engagement in similar activities. We find that this occurred in the prescription opioid industry. Following a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, Purdue significantly decreased its spending to promote its controversial OxyContin product. But rather than attempt to distance themselves from association with Purdue, other prescription opioid firms significantly increased their spending to promote competing opioids to physicians previously targeted by Purdue, including in counties where the opioid epidemic was known to be severe.
A Direct‐Contact Photocurrent‐Direction‐Switching Biosensing Platform Based on In Situ Formation of CN QDs/TiO2 Nanodiscs and Double‐Supported 3D DNA Walking Amplification
Authors: Geng Wenchao , Jiang Guihua , Liu Huimin , Xue Linsheng , Ding Lihua , Li Yuling , Wu Yongjun , Yang Ruiying 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHerein, a direct‐contact photocurrent‐direction‐switching photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing platform for the ultrasensitive and selective detection of soluble CD146 (sCD146) is reported for the first time via in situ formation of carbon nitride quantum dots (CN QDs)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanodiscs with the double‐supported 3D DNA walking amplification. In this platform, metal organic frameworks (MOFs)‐derived porous TiO2 nanodiscs exhibit excellent anodic photocurrent, whereas a single‐stranded auxiliary DNA (ssDNA) as biogate is absorbed onto the TiO2 nanodiscs to block active sites. Subsequently, with the help of intermediate DNAs from target sCD146‐induced double‐supported 3D DNA walking signal amplification, the ssDNA can leave away from the surface of TiO2 nanodiscs due to the specific hybridization with intermediate DNAs. Afterward, the successful direct contact of CN QDs on TiO2 nanodiscs by porosity and electrostatic adsorption, leads to the effective photocurrent‐direction switching from anodic to cathodic photocurrent. Based on direct‐contact photocurrent‐direction‐switching CN QDs/TiO2 nanodiscs system and double‐supported 3D DNA walking signal amplification, sCD146 is detected sensitively with a wide linear range (10 fg mL−1 to 5 ng mL−1) and a low limit of detection (2.1 fg mL−1). Also, the environmentally friendly and direct‐contact photocurrent‐direction‐switching PEC biosensor has an application prospect for cancer biomarker detection.
Flexible All‐in‐one Quasi‐Solid‐State Batteries Enabled by Low‐water‐content Hydrogel Films
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Yucheng , Cai Ziwei , Tan Yingxiang , Huang Bendong , Zhong Hai , Mai Yaohua 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe high conductivities and good mechanical properties of hydrogel electrolyte films are critical for energy storage devices with high flexibility, fast redox kinetics, and long life. Herein, a low water content (6.63 wt%) hydrogel film is prepared, and a favorable environment is created, with an electrochemical stability window of 2.26 V and a high ionic conductivity of 2.6 mS cm−1. The hydrogel film exhibits good folding ability, low in‐plane swelling, and anti‐freezing abilities. These properties are benefitted by immobilizing free water molecules on the abundant oxygenic groups of polymer fibers in the hydrogel film, offering a unique 3D channel to allow Li+ to quickly transport along the polymer network. Therefore, the hydrogel film‐based all‐in‐one flexible cell exhibits stable cycling performance with a retention of 81.8% of the initial capacity after 500 cycles at room temperature and 66.2% of capacity retention at −30 °C. Furthermore, the full cell with high cathode loading (≈21 mg cm−2) exhibits a high areal capacity of 2.5 mAh cm−2 (≈119 mAh g−1). The overall merits of flexible all‐in‐one quasi‐solid‐state batteries demonstrate high potential to be used for power wearable electronics.
Protein‐Based Patterning to Spatially Functionalize Biomimetic Membranes
Authors: Reverte‐López María , Gavrilovic Svetozar , Merino‐Salomón Adrián , Eto Hiromune , Yagüe Relimpio Ana , Rivas Germán , Schwille Petra 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe bottom‐up reconstitution of proteins for their modular engineering into synthetic cellular systems can reveal hidden protein functions in vitro. This is particularly evident for the bacterial Min proteins, a paradigm for self‐organizing reaction‐diffusion systems that displays an unexpected functionality of potential interest for bioengineering: the directional active transport of any diffusible cargo molecule on membranes. Here, the MinDE protein system is reported as a versatile surface patterning tool for the rational design of synthetically assembled 3D systems. Employing two‐photon lithography, microswimmer‐like structures coated with tailored lipid bilayers are fabricated and demonstrate that Min proteins can uniformly pattern bioactive molecules on their surface. Moreover, it is shown that the MinDE system can form stationary patterns inside lipid vesicles, which allow the targeting and distinctive clustering of higher‐order protein structures on their inner leaflet. Given their facile use and robust function, Min proteins thus constitute a valuable molecular toolkit for spatially patterned functionalization of artificial biosystems like cell mimics and microcarriers.
2D Semi‐Metallic Hafnium Ditelluride: A Novel Nonlinear Optical Material for Ultrafast and Ultranarrow Photonics Applications
Authors: Ahmed Safayet , Gan Yiyu , Saleque Ahmed Mortuza , Wu Honglei , Qiao Junpeng , Ivan Md. Nahian Al Subri , Hani Sumaiya Umme , Alam Tawsif Ibne , Wen Qiao , Tsang Yuen Hong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract2D semi‐metallic hafnium ditelluride material is used in several applications such as solar steam generation, gas sensing, and catalysis owing to its strong near‐infrared absorbance, high sensitivity, and distinctive electronic structure. The zero‐bandgap characteristics, along with the thermal and dynamic stability of 2D‐HfTe2, make it a desirable choice for developing long‐wavelength‐range photonics devices. Herein, the HfTe2‐nanosheets are prepared using the liquid‐phase exfoliation method, and their superior nonlinear optical properties are demonstrated by the obtained modulation depth of 11.9% (800 nm) and 6.35% (1560 nm), respectively. In addition, the observed transition from saturable to reverse saturable absorption indicates adaptability of the prepared material in nonlinear optics. By utilizing a side polished fiber‐based HfTe2‐saturable absorber (SA) inside an Er‐doped fiber laser cavity, a mode‐locked laser with 724 fs pulse width and 56.63 dB signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is realized for the first time. The generated laser with this SA has the second lowest mode‐locking pump threshold (18.35 mW), among the other 2D material based‐SAs, thus paving the way for future laser development with improved efficiency and reduced thermal impact. Finally, employing this HfTe2‐SA, a highly stable single‐frequency fiber laser (SNR ≈ 74.56 dB; linewidth ≈ 1.268 kHz) is generated for the first time, indicating its promising ultranarrow photonic application.
Low‐Temperature Alignment of Conjugated Polymers by Plasticizer‐Aided Physical Rubbing
Authors: Kim Daegun , Lee Seon Baek , Kim Min‐Jae , Lee Jiyun , Chung Sein , Ok Eunsol , Lee Giwon , Min Jiwoo , Cho Kilwon , Kang Boseok 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRubbing‐induced alignment of conjugated polymers is systematically investigated in terms of intra‐ and inter‐molecular interaction. Various polymer films with a broad range of polymer chain rigidity are rubbed, and the degree of polymer chain alignment is quantitatively characterized. The rubbing technique effectively aligns crystalline domains in conjugated polymer films when the temperature approaches the critical rubbing temperature (), at which the rearrangement and the slip of polymer chains are possible. A polymer with significant intra‐/inter‐molecular interactions exhibits higher , though quantitative analysis reveals an intermediately aligned state at temperature Tr′ lower than . This state originates from polymer chain aggregation in an amorphous domain. The intermediately aligned state can be controlled by plasticizer, which enables low‐temperature alignment of high‐mobility polymer film by reducing Tr′ to near 100 °C, increases the crystallinity, and improves the alignment effect at this state comparable to that of the completely aligned state obtained at extremely high temperatures.
Confinement Accelerates Water Oxidation Catalysis: Evidence from In Situ Studies
Authors: Ibrahim Kassa Belay , Shifa Tofik Ahmed , Bordin Matteo , Moretti Elisa , Wu Heng‐Liang , Vomiero Alberto 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBasic insight into the structural evolution of electrocatalysts under operating conditions is of substantial importance for designing water oxidation catalysts. The first‐row transition metal‐based catalysts present state‐of‐the‐art oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance under alkaline conditions. Apparently, confinement has become an exciting strategy to boost the performance of these catalysts. The van der Waals (vdW) gaps of transition metal dichalcogenides are acknowledged to serve as a suitable platform to confine the first‐row transition metal catalysts. This study focuses on confining Ni(OH)2 nanoparticle in the vdW gaps of 2D exfoliated SnS2 (Ex‐SnS2) to accelerate water oxidation and to guarantee long term durability in alkaline solutions. The trends in oxidation states of Ni are probed during OER catalysis. The in situ studies confirm that the confined system produces a favorable environment for accelerated oxygen gas evolution, whereas the un‐confined system proceeds with a relatively slower kinetics. The outstanding OER activity and excellent stability, with an overpotential of 300 mV at 100 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope as low as 93 mV dec−1 results from the confinement effect. This study sheds light on the OER mechanism of confined catalysis and opens up a way to develop efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts.
Recent Progress of Low‐Toxicity Poor‐Lead All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Weihai , Liu Heng , Yan Furi , Dong Baichuan , Wang Hsing‐Lin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractOrganic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved an impressive certified efficiency of 25.7%, which is comparatively higher than that of commercial silicon solar cells (23.3%), showing great potential toward commercialization. However, the low stability and high toxicity due to the presence of volatile organic components and toxic metal lead in the perovskites pose significant challenges. To obtain robust and low‐toxicity PSCs, substituting organic cations with pure inorganic cations, and partially or fully replacing the toxic Pb with environmentally benign metals, is one of the promising methods. To date, continuous efforts have been made toward the construction of highly performed low‐toxicity inorganic PSCs with astonishing breakthroughs. This review article provides an overview of recent progress in inorganic PSCs in terms of lead‐reduced and lead‐free compositions. The physical properties of poor‐lead all‐inorganic perovskites are discussed to unveil the major challenges in this field. Then, it reports notable achievements for the experimental studies to date to figure out feasible methods for efficient and stable poor‐lead all‐inorganic PSCs. Finally, a discussion of the challenges and prospects for poor‐lead all‐inorganic PSCs in the future is presented.
Efficiency in the serverless cloud paradigm: A survey on the reusing and approximation aspects
Authors: Denninnart Chavit , Chanikaphon Thanawat , Amini Salehi Mohsen 
Published: June 2023

SummaryServerless computing along with Function‐as‐a‐Service (FaaS) is forming a new computing paradigm that is anticipated to found the next generation of cloud systems. The popularity of this paradigm is due to offering a highly transparent infrastructure that enables user applications to scale in the granularity of their functions. Since these often small and single‐purpose functions are managed on shared computing resources behind the scene, a great potential for computational reuse and approximate computing emerges that if unleashed, can remarkably improve the efficiency of serverless cloud systems—both from the user's QoS and system's (energy consumption and incurred cost) perspectives. Accordingly, the goal of this survey study is to, first, unfold the internal mechanics of serverless computing and, second, explore the scope for efficiency within this paradigm via studying function reuse and approximation approaches and discussing the pros and cons of each one. Next, we outline potential future research directions within this paradigm that can either unlock new use cases or make the paradigm more efficient.