bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface Modification of Polyethersulfon Nanofiltration Membrane for Improving Water-Ethanol Separation
Authors: Christova Darinka , Staneva Maya , Ivanova Sijka , Alexandrova Mariela , Ublekov Philip , Dencheva-Zarkova Maria , Genova Julia , Tsibranska Irene , Tylkowski Bartosz 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This paper reports on the surface modification of a nanofiltration polyethersulfon membrane, Microdyn Nadir NP030P, aiming at improved water-ethanol separation. To achieve this, three types of poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers of varied hydrophilic-lipophilic balance were synthesized and tested as modifiers: double hydrophilic graft copolymer with poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide) side chains, amphiphilic copolymer of partially acetalized PVA, as well as amphiphilic copolymer with grafted hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) chains. Copolymers’ chemical structure, composition and properties were evaluated by conventional analytical techniques. Thin film deposition via spin-coating of copolymer solution was applied as a method for membrane modification. Alteration of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance at the membrane surface was studied by contact angle measurements whereas the surface microstructure was characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy as well as optical and scanning electron microscopy. The feasibility of tailoring membrane surface to specific requirements by using PVA-based copolymer was assessed and the influence of copolymer structure and composition on the membrane properties was considered.
Optical properties of multi-layers structured PEO/PVP solid polymer membranes doped with sodium perchlorate
Authors: Krishna Koduru Hari , Scaramuzza Nicola , Marinov Yordan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this present research work, fabrication of multi-layers structured (MLS) polymer membranes has been proposed to understand the variation of the optical bandgap and determine the types of electronic transitions as a function of sodium salt doping concentration. Solid MLS polymer membranes based on PEO/PVP have been prepared by the well-known solution cast technique. The recorded absorption, transmittance and reflectance spectra revealed that, incident energy absorption increased upon increase of salt dopant concentration and a shift of absorption edge towards lower energy region suggests the good complexation between the host polymers and dissociated salt (Na+, ClO4-) ions, which in turn the energy bandgap decrement expected. A detailed investigation has been carried out on the variation of refractive index of all the MLS polymer membranes as a function of salt doping concentration. The miscibility between the sodium salt and the individual polymers present in MLS polymer membranes can be understood from the linear relationship between the refractive index and the volume fraction of the added salt. The increase of extinction coefficient at high wavelengths was observed. The optical band gap measured from the plots of (αhυ)x versus photon energy (hυ) was compared to that determined from the optical dielectric loss.
Doping of dilute nitride compounds grown by liquid phase epitaxy
Authors: Milanova M , Georgiev S , Donchev V 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The doping of dilute nitrides is an important point of the growth and processing technology for different optoelectronic devices based on these compounds. In this paper, both intentional and nonintentional doping of InGaAsN and GaAsSbN have been investigated by temperature-dependent Hall effect measurements. Dilute nitrides layers have been grown by low-temperature (Tcryst < 600 °C) liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE). The chemical elements Sn and Mg have been chosen as n-type and p-type dopants, respectively. All nominally undoped InGaAsN layers are n-type with free carrier concentration about one order of magnitude higher than layers not containing nitrogen and grown by LPE. This makes it difficult to obtain epitaxial layers with p-type conductivity with these compounds. However, high-quality n-type, p-type and nearly compensated GaAsSbN layers have been successfully grown covering a large range of carrier concentrations from 1015 to 6×1018 cm−3. The quality of the GaAsSbN layers has been evidenced by a good photoresponse with a low energy threshold extended down to 1.2 eV as obtained by surface photovoltage spectroscopy.
EUV spectral shape variation of tungsten unresolved transition arrays in electron temperature range of 2–4 keV observed in the Large Helical Device
Authors: Oishi T , Morita S , Murakami I , Kato D , Sakaue H A , Kawamoto Y , Kawate T , Goto M 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Spectroscopic studies of emissions released from tungsten ions combined with a pellet injection technique have been conducted in the Large Helical Device. The tungsten Unresolved Transition Array (UTA) spectrum was observed in the wavelength ranges of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) 6–60 Å and 130–340 Å, and the electron temperature dependence of the UTA spectral shape was investigated in the electron temperature region < 4.3 keV. The UTAs of W24+–W33+ at 20–33 Å, W37+–W42+ at 45–47 Å, W27+–W29+ at 48–55 Å, and W7+– W27+ at 170–210 Å were observed. Unidentified UTAs were also found at 230–270 Å and 280–320 Å. As the electron temperature increased further above 4 keV, the W37+–W42+ UTA at 45–47 Å was maintained, while the other UTAs became less intense.
Comb-assisted mercury spectroscopy in the deep-ultraviolet: towards the development of a new primary thermometer
Authors: Gravina S , Clivati C , Chishti N A , Castrillo A , Fasci E , Bertiglia F , Lopardo G , Sorgi A , Coluccelli N , Galzerano G , Cancio Pastor P , Levi F , Gianfrani L 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We report on the development of a new primary thermometer based upon high-precision spectroscopy of mercury vapors in the deep-ultraviolet region for the practical realization of the new kelvin. The line profile of the (6s
2)1
S
0 → (6s6p)3
P
1 intercombination transition of the 200Hg bosonic isotope is observed with a high spectral fidelity using a coherent radiation source at 253.7 nm. This latter consists of a near-IR external cavity diode laser followed by a double-stage second-harmonic generation apparatus. Metrology grade UV spectroscopy is demonstrated by locking the diode laser to a self-referenced optical frequency comb synthesizer.
Introducing Machine-Learning in Spectroscopy for Plasma Diagnostics and Predictions
Authors: Koubiti M , Kerebel M 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science techniques are increasingly introduced in physics including plasma physics where Machine Learning (ML) is applied to emission spectroscopy for plasma parameter determination. Recently, the open-access python-based Sickit-Learn ML platform was used to analyze line intensities in the order to infer the plasma electron densities and temperatures for conditions relevant to tokamak divertors. In this paper, we discuss the application of deep-learning (DL) to synthetic line spectra for conditions of magnetic fusion plasmas with hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) mixtures. The idea will be illustrated through application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to spectra of the Balmer-α line emitted by H-D mixtures, the aim being to obtain the isotopic ratios. The objective of our approach is to provide a new method to infer the hydrogen isotopic ratio sufficiently fast that can be exploited for real-time applications. We will demonstrate the proof-of-principle of our method through the application of a TensorFlow DL regression algorithm to theoretical line spectra generated with predetermined parameters.
Perspective for soft robotics: the field’s past and future
Authors: Tauber Falk , Desmulliez Marc , Piccin Olivier , Stokes Adam A 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Since its beginnings in the 1960s, soft robotics has been a steadily growing field that has enjoyed recent growth with the advent of rapid prototyping and the provision of new flexible materials. These two innovations have enabled the development of fully flexible and untethered soft robotic systems. The integration of novel sensors enabled by new manufacturing processes and materials shows promise for enabling the production of soft systems with ‘embodied intelligence’. Here, four experts present their perspectives for the future of the field of soft robotics based on these past innovations. Their focus is on finding answers to the questions of: how to manufacture soft robots, and on how soft robots can sense, move, and think. We highlight industrial production techniques, which are unused to date for manufacturing soft robots. They discuss how novel tactile sensors for soft robots could be created to enable better interaction of the soft robot with the environment. In conclusion this article highlights how embodied intelligence in soft robots could be used to make soft robots think and to make systems that can compute, autonomously, from sensory inputs.
Title: Effects of Using Different Diets in the Growth Performance of Mangrove Red Snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus
Authors: Mosequera H R , Troyo J D Y , Nicanor R A 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The mangrove red Snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) is a high-value marine fish and ideal culture species. The study was conducted to evaluate the growth and survival rate of mangrove red snapper fed with different diet types. The study was laid out in a randomized setup using three (3) treatments: Treatment 1- Trash fish, Treatment 2- Golden apple snail, and Treatment 3- Fiddler Crab using One- way ANOVA as a statistical tool. Based on the result of the study, mangrove red snappers fed with Trash fish gained the highest growth rate in terms of length, width, and weight of 8.89 cm, 2.19 cm, and 63.46 g. However, samples fed with fiddler crab (T3) obtained the lowest growth rate in terms of length, width, and weight of 3.72 cm, 1.06 cm, and 43.86 g. This study demonstrates that the samples got a 100% survival rate regardless of the treatment used. Furthermore, the result showed a significant difference in the growth rate of Mangrove Red Snapper in terms of length F=2100.544, width F=175.280, and weight F=319.770 with P<0.0001. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of trash fish (halfbeak and scalloped perchlet) is effective as a feed for the growth and survival of the Mangrove Red Snapper
HiConfidence: a novel approach uncovering the biological signal in Hi-C data affected by technical biases
Authors: Kobets Victoria A , Ulianov Sergey V , Galitsyna Aleksandra A , Doronin Semen A , Mikhaleva Elena A , Gelfand Mikhail S , Shevelyov Yuri Y , Razin Sergey V , Khrameeva Ekaterina E 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe chromatin interaction assays, particularly Hi-C, enable detailed studies of genome architecture in multiple organisms and model systems, resulting in a deeper understanding of gene expression regulation mechanisms mediated by epigenetics. However, the analysis and interpretation of Hi-C data remain challenging due to technical biases, limiting direct comparisons of datasets obtained in different experiments and laboratories. As a result, removing biases from Hi-C-generated chromatin contact matrices is a critical data analysis step. Our novel approach, HiConfidence, eliminates biases from the Hi-C data by weighing chromatin contacts according to their consistency between replicates so that low-quality replicates do not substantially influence the result. The algorithm is effective for the analysis of global changes in chromatin structures such as compartments and topologically associating domains. We apply the HiConfidence approach to several Hi-C datasets with significant technical biases, that could not be analyzed effectively using existing methods, and obtain meaningful biological conclusions. In particular, HiConfidence aids in the study of how changes in histone acetylation pattern affect chromatin organization in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells. The method is freely available at GitHub: https://github.com/victorykobets/HiConfidence.
The path of dishonesty: identification of mental processes with electrical neuroimaging
Authors: Globig Laura K , Gianotti Lorena R R , Ponsi Giorgia , Koenig Thomas , Dahinden Franziska M , Knoch Daria 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Much research finds that lying takes longer than truth-telling. Yet, the source of this response time difference remains elusive. Here, we assessed the spatiotemporal evolution of electrical brain activity during honesty and dishonesty in 150 participants using a sophisticated electrical neuroimaging approach—the microstate approach. This uniquely positioned us to identify and contrast the entire chain of mental processes involved during honesty and dishonesty. Specifically, we find that the response time difference is the result of an additional late-occurring mental process, unique to dishonest decisions, interrupting the antecedent mental processing. We suggest that this process inhibits the activation of the truth, thus permitting the execution of the lie. These results advance our understanding of dishonesty and clarify existing theories about the role of increased cognitive load. More broadly, we demonstrate the vast potential of our approach to illuminate the temporal organization of mental processes involved in decision-making.
Age-related intrinsic functional connectivity underlying emotion utilization
Authors: He Hao , Lin Wenyi , Yang Jiawang , Chen Yiqi , Tan Siping , Guan Qing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Previous studies investigated the age-related positivity effect in terms of emotion perception and management, whereas little is known about whether the positivity effect is shown in emotion utilization (EU). If yes, the EU-related intrinsic functional connectivity and its age-associated alterations remain to be elucidated. In this study, we collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 62 healthy older adults and 72 undergraduates as well as their self-ratings of EU. By using the connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) method, we constructed a predictive model of the positive relationship between EU self-ratings and resting-state functional connectivity. Lesion simulation analyses revealed that the medial-frontal network, default mode network, frontoparietal network, and subcortical regions played key roles in the EU-related CPM. Older subjects showed significantly higher EU self-ratings than undergraduates, which was associated with strengthened connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral frontal poles, and between the left frontal pole and thalamus. A mediation analysis indicated that the age-related EU network mediated the age effect on EU self-ratings. Our findings extend previous research on the age-related “positivity effect” to the EU domain, suggesting that the positivity effect on the self-evaluation of EU is probably associated with emotion knowledge which accumulates with age.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Airborne Transmission: Science Rejected, Lives Lost. Can Society Do Better?
Authors: Morawska Lidia , Bahnfleth William , Bluyssen Philomena M , Boerstra Atze , Buonanno Giorgio , Dancer Stephanie J , Floto Andres , Franchimon Francesco , Haworth Charles , Hogeling Jaap , Isaxon Christina , Jimenez Jose L , Kurnitski Jarek , Li Yuguo , Loomans Marcel , Marks Guy , Marr Linsey C , Mazzarella Livio , Melikov Arsen Krikor , Miller Shelly , Milton Donald K , Nazaroff William , Nielsen Peter V , Noakes Catherine , Peccia Jordan , Querol Xavier , Sekhar Chandra , Seppänen Olli , Tanabe Shin-ichi , Tellier Raymond , Wai Tham Kwok , Wargocki Pawel , Wierzbicka Aneta 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This is an account that should be heard of an important struggle: the struggle of a large group of experts who came together at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to warn the world about the risk of airborne transmission and the consequences of ignoring it. We alerted the World Health Organization about the potential significance of the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the urgent need to control it, but our concerns were dismissed. Here we describe how this happened and the consequences. We hope that by reporting this story we can raise awareness of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to be open to new evidence, and to prevent it from happening again. Acknowledgement of an issue, and the emergence of new evidence related to it, is the first necessary step towards finding effective mitigation solutions.
Determination of selective antegrade perfusion flow rate in aortic arch surgery to restore baseline cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy values: a single-centre observational study
Authors: Friess Jan-Oliver , Beeler Maurus , Yildiz Murat , Guensch Dominik P , Levis Anja , Gerber Daniel , Wollborn Jakob , Jenni Hansjoerg , Huber Markus , Schönhoff Florian , Erdoes Gabor 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Neuroprotection during aortic arch surgery involves selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. The parameters of cerebral perfusion, e.g. flow rate, are inconsistent across centres and are subject of debate. The aim of this study was to determine the cerebral perfusion flow rate during hypothermic circulatory arrest required to meet preoperative awake baseline regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2).

METHODS
Patients scheduled for aortic arch surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest were enrolled in this prospective observational study. After initiation of hypothermic circulatory arrest, bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was established and cerebral flow rate was continuously increased. The primary end point was the difference of cerebral saturation from baseline during cerebral perfusion flow rates of 6, 8 and 10 ml/kg/min.

RESULTS
A total of 40 patients were included. During antegrade cerebral perfusion, rSO2 was significantly lower than the baseline at 6 ml/kg/min [−7.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.7, −12.9; P = 0.0015]. In contrast, flow rates of 8 and 10 ml/kg/min resulted in rSO2 that did not significantly differ from the baseline (−2; 95% CI: −4.3, 8.3; P &gt; 0.99 and 1.8; 95% CI: −8.5%, 4.8%; P &gt; 0.99). Cerebral saturation was significantly more likely to meet baseline values during selective antegrade cerebral perfusion with 8 ml/kg/min than at 6 ml/kg/min (44.1%; 95% CI: 27.4%, 60.8% vs 11.8%; 95% CI: 0.9%, 22.6%; P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS
At 8 ml/kg/min cerebral flow rate during selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, regional cerebral oximetry baseline values are significantly more likely to be achieved than at 6 ml/kg/min. Further increasing the cerebral flow rate to 10 ml/kg/min does not significantly improve rSO2.
Short- and long-term survival of children treated with ventricular assist devices in Spain, based on 15 years’ experience
Authors: Menéndez Juan José , Sánchez-Galindo Amelia Caridad , Balcells Joan , Tejero-Hernández María Ángeles , Ferrer-Barba Ángela , Ibiza-Palacios Emilio , Medrano-López Constancio , Gran Ferran , Frías-Pérez Manuel Ángel , García-Vieites María , Cano-Sánchez Ana , Polo Luz , Gil-Jaurena Juan-Miguel , Abella Raúl Felipe , Merino-Cejas Carlos , Martínez-Bendayán Isaac , Serrano Félix , García-Guereta Luis 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOBJECTIVESTo describe the use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) in children in Spain and to identify variables related to survival.METHODSThis is an observational cohort study of all children younger than 18 years of age who underwent an initial implantation of a VAD at any of the 6 paediatric heart transplant centres from May 2006 to December 2020. Subjects were identified retrospectively from each hospital’s database.RESULTSParacorporeal VADs were implanted in 118 children [pulsatile (63%), continuous (30.5%) or both types (5.9%)]. Small children (&lt;0.7 m2 of body surface area) comprised the majority of this cohort (63.3%). Overall, 67% survived to VAD explantation, and 64.9% survived to hospital discharge. Non-central nervous system haemorrhage (39%) and stroke (38.1%) were the most common complications. Body weight &lt;5 kg, congenital heart disease, pre-implantation bilirubin &gt;34 μmol/l and bridge to decision strategy were associated with a higher mortality at hospital discharge and in the long-term. Interagency registry for mechanically assisted circulatory support (INTERMACS) status 1 and cardiac arrest prior to VAD implantation were related to long-term mortality, whereas pre-implantation renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were not related to mortality.CONCLUSIONSIn Spain, 67% of the VAD-supported children have been bridged to heart transplantation or to recovery. Body weight lower than 5 kg, congenital heart disease diagnosis, cholestatic liver dysfunction, bridge to decision as VAD strategy, INTERMACS-1 status and cardiac arrest were pre-implantation variables related to mortality, whereas pre-implantation renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were not.
A comparison of free-living and sponge-associated bacterial communities from a remote oceanic island with a focus on calcareous sponges
Authors: Cleary D F R , Oliveira V , Gomes N C M , Bialecki A , de Voogd N J 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCalcareous sponges are an often overlooked element of sponge communities. In contrast to most other sponges, calcareous sponges produce calcium carbonate spicules, as opposed to the siliceous spicules of most sponges. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities of 17 sponge species, including type and paratype specimens of recently described calcareous species, sampled off the remote island of Rodrigues, in the Indian Ocean. The main axis of variation in a PCO analysis of all samples separated noncalcareous sponge species, including Axinyssa aplysinoides, Cinachyrella aff. australiensis, Petrosia seychellensis, Ircinia aff. variabilis, Spongia ceylonensis, Plakinastrella aff. clipptertonensis, Agelas aff. ceylonica, Agelas aff. mauritiana, and Hyrtios erectus from calcareous sponges, the noncalcareous Biemna tubulata, sediment, and seawater. Overall, the bacterial communities of calcareous sponges revealed unique prokaryotic profiles with low abundances of several bacterial phyla, and relatively high abundances of other taxa, for example, the phyla Fibrobacterota, Proteobacteria, and the SAR324 clade, the class Alphaproteobacteria, and orders Cytophagales and Cyanobacteriales, although there was considerable variation among species. Calcareous sponges also had a high dominance of unknown bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Considering the unique nature of these communities, further studies are needed to better understand the environmental and ecological drivers of calcareous sponge-associated bacterial communities and their relevance as potential sources of novel microbes of biotechnological interest.