bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composition and electronic structure of $${\rm SiO}_{\rm x}$$/$${\rm TiO}_{\rm y}$$/Al passivating carrier selective contacts on n-type silicon solar cells
Authors: Flathmann Christoph , Meyer Tobias , Titova Valeriya , Schmidt Jan , Seibt Michael 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCarrier-selective and passivating SiO$$_{\rm x}$$

x

/TiO$$_{\rm y}$$

y

heterocontacts are an attractive alternative to conventional contacts due to their high efficiency potentials combined with relatively simple processing schemes. It is widely accepted that post deposition annealing is necessary to obtain high photovoltaic efficiencies, especially for full area aluminum metallized contacts. Despite some previous high-level electron microscopy studies, the picture of atomic-scale processes underlying this improvement seems to be incomplete. In this work, we apply nanoscale electron microscopy techniques to macroscopically well-characterized solar cells with SiO$$_{\rm x}$$

x

/TiO$$_{\rm y}$$

y

/Al rear contacts on n-type silicon. Macroscopically, annealed solar cells show a tremendous decrease of series resistance and improved interface passivation. Analyzing the microscopic composition and electronic structure of the contacts, we find that partial intermixing of the SiO$$_{\rm x}$$

x

and TiO$$_{\rm y}$$

y

layers occurs due to annealing, leading to an apparent thickness reduction of the passivating SiO$$_{\rm x}$$

x

. However, the electronic structure of the layers remains clearly distinct. Hence, we conclude that the key to obtain highly efficient SiO$$_{\rm x}$$

x

/TiO$$_{\rm y}$$

y

/Al contacts is to tailor the processing such that the excellent chemical interface passivation of a SiO$$_{\rm x}$$

x

layer is achieved for a layer thin enough to allow efficient tunneling through the layer. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of aluminum metallization on the above mentioned processes.
Ostreopsis Schmidt and Coolia Meunier (Dinophyceae, Gonyaulacales) from Cook Islands and Niue (South Pacific Ocean), including description of Ostreopsis tairoto sp. nov.
Authors: Verma A. , Hoppenrath M. , Smith K. F. , Murray J. S. , Harwood D. T. , Hosking J. M. , Rongo T. , Rhodes L. L. , Murray S. A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIt is important to decipher the diversity and distribution of benthic dinoflagellates, as there are many morphologically indistinct taxa that differ from one another in production of potent toxins. To date, the genusOstreopsiscomprises twelve described species, of which seven are potentially toxic and produce compounds presenting a threat to human and environmental health. In this study, isolates previously identified as “Ostreopsissp. 3” were sampled from the area where it was first reported, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and have been taxonomically and phylogenetically characterised asOstreopsis tairotosp. nov. Phylogenetically, the species is closely related to “Ostreopsissp. 8”,O. mascarenensis, “O. sp. 4”,O. fattorussoi, O. rhodesiaeandO. cf.siamensis. Previously, it was considered a part of theO. cf.ovatacomplex but can be distinguished fromO. cf.ovatabased on the small pores identified on this study, and fromO. fattorussoiandO. rhodesiaebased on relative lengths of the 2′ plates. No known palytoxin -like compounds were detected in strains investigated in this study. Strains ofO. lenticularis, Coolia malayensisandC. tropicaliswere also identified and described. This study advances our knowledge of biogeography, distribution, and toxins ofOstreopsisandCooliaspecies.
Diverse flower-visiting responses among pollinators to multiple weather variables in buckwheat pollination
Authors: Miyashita Tadashi , Hayashi Shouta , Natsume Kae , Taki Hisatomo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractResponse diversity to environmental change among species is important for the maintenance of ecosystem services, but response diversity to changes in multiple environmental parameters is largely unexplored. Here, we examined how insect visitations to buckwheat flowers differ among species groups in response to changes in multiple weather variables and landscape structures. We found differences in responses to changes in weather conditions among insect taxonomic groups visiting buckwheat flowers. Beetles, butterflies, and wasps were more active in sunny and/or high-temperature conditions, whereas ants and non-syrphid flies showed the opposite pattern. When looking closely, the different response pattern among insect groups was itself shown to be different from one weather variable to another. For instance, large insects were responsive to temperatures more than small insects while smaller insects were responsive to sunshine duration more than large insects. Furthermore, responses to weather conditions differed between large and small insects, which agreed with the expectation that optimal temperature for insect activity depends on body size. Responses to spatial variables also differed; large insects were more abundant in fields with surrounding forests and mosaic habitats, whereas small insects were not. We suggest that response diversity at multiple spatial and temporal niche dimensions should be a focus of future studies of the biodiversity–ecosystem service relationships.
Computational study of the blood hemodynamic inside the cerebral double dome aneurysm filling with endovascular coiling
Authors: Rostamian Ali , Fallah Keivan , Rostamiyan Yasser , Alinejad Javad 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe rupture of the aneurysm wall is highly associated with the hemodynamic feature of bloodstream as well as the geometrical feature of the aneurysm. Coiling is known as the most conventional technique for the treatment of intracranial cerebral aneurysms (ICA) in which blood stream is obstructed from entering the sac of the aneurysm. In this study, comprehensive efforts are done to disclose the impacts of the coiling technique on the aneurysm progress and risk of rupture. The computational fluid dynamic method is used for the analysis of the blood hemodynamics in the specific ICA. The impacts of the pulsatile blood stream on the high-risk region are also explained. Wall shear Stress (WSS) and Oscillatory shear index (OSI) factors are also compared in different blood viscosities and coiling conditions. According to our study, the hematocrit test (Hct) effect is evident (25% reduction in maximum WSS) in the two first stages (maximum acceleration and peak systolic). Our findings present that reduction of porosity from 0.89 to 0.79 would decrease maximum WSS by about 8% in both HCT conditions.
V2CTX MXene-based hybrid sensor with high selectivity and ppb-level detection for acetone at room temperature
Authors: Majhi Sanjit Manohar , Ali Ashraf , Greish Yaser E. , El-Maghraby Hesham F. , Mahmoud Saleh T. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHigh-performance, room temperature-based novel sensing materials are one of the frontier research topics in the gas sensing field, and MXenes, a family of emerging 2D layered materials, has gained widespread attention due to their distinctive properties. In this work, we propose a chemiresistive gas sensor made from V2CTx MXene-derived, urchin-like V2O5 hybrid materials (V2C/V2O5 MXene) for gas sensing applications at room temperature. The as-prepared sensor exhibited high performance when used as the sensing material for acetone detection at room temperature. Furthermore, the V2C/V2O5 MXene-based sensor exhibited a higher response (S% = 11.9%) toward 15 ppm acetone than pristine multilayer V2CTx MXenes (S% = 4.6%). Additionally, the composite sensor demonstrated a low detection level at ppb levels (250 ppb) at room temperature, as well as high selectivity among different interfering gases, fast response-recovery time, good repeatability with minimal amplitude fluctuation, and excellent long-term stability. These improved sensing properties can be attributed to the possible formation of H-bonds in multilayer V2C MXenes, the synergistic effect of the newly formed composite of urchin-like V2C/V2O5 MXene sensor, and high charge carrier transport at the interface of V2O5 and V2C MXene.
Prognostic CT features in patients with untreated thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Dai Haiyang , Lan Bowen , Li Shengkai , Huang Yong , Jiang Guihua , Tian Junzhang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTo determine the prognostic CT features in patients with untreated thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). Clinical data and CT imaging features of 194 patients with pathologically confirmed TETs were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects included 113 male and 81 female patients between 15 and 78 years of age, with a mean age of 53.8 years. Clinical outcomes were categorized according to whether relapse, metastasis or death occurred within 3 years after the first diagnosis. Associations between clinical outcomes and CT imaging features were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, while the survival status was analyzed by Cox regression. In this study, we analyzed 110 thymic carcinomas, 52 high-risk thymomas and 32 low-risk thymomas. Percentages of poor outcome and patient death in thymic carcinomas were much higher than those in patients with high-risk and low-risk thymomas. In the thymic carcinomas groups, 46 patients (41.8%) experienced tumor progression, local relapse or metastasis and were categorized as having poor outcomes; vessel invasion and pericardial mass were confirmed to be independent predictors by logistic regression analysis (p < 0.01). In the high-risk thymoma group, 11 patients (21.2%) were categorized as having poor outcomes, and the CT feature pericardial mass was confirmed to be an independent predictor (p < 0.01). In survival analysis, Cox regression showed that CT features of lung invasion, great vessel invasion, lung metastasis and distant organ metastasis were independent predictors for worse survival in the thymic carcinoma group (p < 0.01), while lung invasion and pericardial mass were independent predictors for worse survival in high-risk thymoma group. No CT features were related to poor outcome and worse survival in the low-risk thymoma group. Patients with thymic carcinoma had poorer prognosis and worse survival than those with high-risk or low-risk thymoma. CT can serve as an important tool for predicting the prognosis and survival of patients with TETs. In this cohort, CT features of vessel invasion and pericardial mass were related to poorer outcomes in those with thymic carcinoma and pericardial mass in those with high-risk thymoma. Features including lung invasion, great vessel invasion, lung metastasis and distant organ metastasis indicate worse survival in thymic carcinoma, whereas lung invasion and pericardial mass indicate worse survival in high-risk thymoma.
Application of self-organizing maps to AFM-based viscoelastic characterization of breast cancer cell mechanics
Authors: Weber Andreas , Vivanco Maria dM. , Toca-Herrera José L. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCell mechanical properties have been proposed as label free markers for diagnostic purposes in diseases such as cancer. Cancer cells show altered mechanical phenotypes compared to their healthy counterparts. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a widely utilized tool to study cell mechanics. These measurements often need skilful users, physical modelling of mechanical properties and expertise in data interpretation. Together with the need to perform many measurements for statistical significance and to probe wide enough areas in tissue structures, the application of machine learning and artificial neural network techniques to automatically classify AFM datasets has received interest recently. We propose the use of self-organizing maps (SOMs) as unsupervised artificial neural network applied to mechanical measurements performed via AFM on epithelial breast cancer cells treated with different substances that affect estrogen receptor signalling. We show changes in mechanical properties due to treatments, as estrogen softened the cells, while resveratrol led to an increase in cell stiffness and viscosity. These data were then used as input for SOMs. Our approach was able to distinguish between estrogen treated, control and resveratrol treated cells in an unsupervised manner. In addition, the maps enabled investigation of the relationship of the input variables.
Contributors to self-report motor function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Niederer Daniel , Mengis Natalie , Wießmeier Max , Keller Matthias , Petersen Wolf , Ellermann Andree , Drenck Tobias , Schoepp Christian , Stöhr Amelie , Fischer Andreas , Achtnich Andrea , Best Raymond , Pinggera Lucia , Krause Matthias , Guenther Daniel , Janko Maren , Kittl Christoph , Efe Turgay , Schüttler Karl-Friedrich , Vogt Lutz , Behringer Michael , Stein Thomas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractNumerous functional factors may interactively contribute to the course of self-report functional abilities after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstruction. This study purposes to identify these predictors using exploratory moderation-mediation models in a cohort study design. Adults with post unilateral ACL reconstruction (hamstring graft) status and who were aiming to return to their pre-injury type and level of sport were included. Our dependent variables were self-reported function, as assessed by the the KOOS subscales sport (SPORT), and activities of daily living (ADL). The independent variables assessed were the KOOS subscale pain and the time since reconstruction [days]. All other variables (sociodemographic, injury-, surgery-, rehabilitation-specific, kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and the presence or absence of COVID-19-associated restrictions) were further considered as moderators, mediators, or co-variates. Data from 203 participants (mean 26 years, SD 5 years) were finally modelled. Total variance explanation was 59% (KOOS-SPORT) and 47% (KOOS-ADL). In the initial rehabilitation phase (< 2 weeks after reconstruction), pain was the strongest contributor to self-report function (KOOS-SPORT: coefficient: 0.89; 95%-confidence-interval: 0.51 to 1.2 / KOOS-ADL: 1.1; 0.95 to 1.3). In the early phase (2–6 weeks after reconstruction), time since reconstruction [days] was the major contributor (KOOS-SPORT: 1.1; 0.14 to 2.1 / KOOS-ADL: 1.2; 0.43 to 2.0). Starting with the mid-phases of the rehabilitation, self-report function was no longer explicitly impacted by one or more contributors. The amount of rehabilitation [minutes] is affected by COVID-19-associated restrictions (pre-versus-post: − 672; − 1264 to − 80 for SPORT / − 633; − 1222 to − 45 for ADL) and by the pre-injury activity scale (280; 103 to 455 / 264; 90 to 438). Other hypothesised contributors such as sex/gender or age were not found to mediate the time or pain, rehabilitation dose and self-report function triangle. When self-report function is rated after an ACL reconstruction, the rehabilitation phases (early, mid, late), the potentially COVID-19-associated rehabilitation limitations, and pain intensity should also be considered. As, for example, pain is the strongest contributor to function in the early rehabilitation phase, focussing on the value of the self-report function only may, consequently, not be sufficient to rate bias-free function.
Optimization of micro grid with distributed energy resources using physics based meta heuristic techniques
Authors: Vaish Jayati , Tiwari Anil Kumar , Siddiqui Khadim Moin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRecently, modern power systems depend heavily on MicroGrids (MGs), which can accommodate Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) economically and with high flexibility. MGs integrated with DERs can assist in enhancing energy security, significant cost savings, and reduction in emission of greenhouse gases. In this paper, the assessment of operating performance of proposed MG system with DERs is employed to investigate the multi‐objective problems of cost optimization and economic scheduling. A grid‐connected Micro‐grid (MG) combined with solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), fuel cell (FC), and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is implemented to model the problem. This proposed model is considered as a test system for cost optimization and battery charging/discharging optimization. The developed framework is presented as multi‐objective function with constraints that can be tackled using an effective optimization technique. The above stochastic multi‐objective problem is optimized using various commonly used Physics based Meta‐heuristic techniques such as Simulated Annealing (SA), Harmony Search (HS), Slime Mold Algorithm (SMA), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), Black Hole Optimization (BHO), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Multiverse optimization (MVO) and Lightning Search Algorithm (LSA). The assessment of the aforementioned physics‐based optimization techniques used on the proposed MG test system is compared using the results. According to the analysis, Black Hole Optimization (BHO) and Lightning Search Algorithm (LSA) both provide greater cost savings overall and for battery charging, respectively. The suggested optimization methods will take the BESS charging/discharging pattern and total cost savings into account.
Jupiter’s interior from Juno: Equation-of-state uncertainties and dilute core extent
Authors: Howard S. , Guillot T. , Bazot M. , Miguel Y. , Stevenson D. J. , Galanti E. , Kaspi Y. , Hubbard W. B. , Militzer B. , Helled R. , Nettelmann N. , Idini B. , Bolton S. 
Published: February 2023

Context. The Juno mission has provided measurements of Jupiter’s gravity field with an outstanding level of accuracy, leading to better constraints on the interior of the planet. Improving our knowledge of the internal structure of Jupiter is key to understanding its formation and evolution but is also important in the framework of exoplanet exploration.
Aims. In this study, we investigated the differences between the state-of-the-art equations of state and their impact on the properties of interior models. Accounting for uncertainty on the hydrogen and helium equation of state, we assessed the span of the interior features of Jupiter.
Methods. We carried out an extensive exploration of the parameter space and studied a wide range of interior models using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations. To consider the uncertainty on the equation of state, we allowed for modifications of the equation of state in our calculations.
Results. Our models harbour a dilute core and indicate that Jupiter’s internal entropy is higher than what is usually assumed from the Galileo probe measurements. We obtain solutions with extended dilute cores, but contrary to other recent interior models of Jupiter, we also obtain models with small dilute cores. The dilute cores in such solutions extend to ~20% of Jupiter’s mass, leading to better agreement with formation–evolution models.
Conclusions. We conclude that the equations of state used in Jupiter models have a crucial effect on the inferred structure and composition. Further explorations of the behaviour of hydrogen–helium mixtures at the pressure and temperature conditions in Jupiter will help to constrain the interior of the planet, and therefore its origin.
Increased light scattering in electrically stimulated beef longissimus muscle fibres contributes to the observed meat colour at grading
Authors: Hughes J. , McPhail N. , Watkins P. , Stark J. , Warner R. D. 
Published: February 2023

Context Electrical stimulation is often used by meat processors to promote fast muscle pH decline and optimise meat quality. Meat colour can be made more acceptable by this process, but how this relates to the microstructure and light-scattering properties of muscle is still unknown. Aims To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation of beef carcasses on the meat colour at grading and the role of the muscle fibre microstructure and light scattering in determining colour differences. Methods Electrical stimulation inputs (electrical stimulation inputs (ES), n = 8; no electrical stimulation inputs (NS), n = 8) were applied to beef carcasses from female cattle of approximately 18–24 months of age. ES comprised electrical immobilisation, bleed rail electric simulation and hide puller rigidity probe, which have all been shown to increase pH fall post-mortem in beef carcasses. pH fall was monitored, the longissimus thoracis was graded at 20–22 h postmortem and measurements were made of colour, muscle-fibre structure and light scattering. Key results The decline of pH was increased in ES relative to NS, as indicated by lower pH at 2 h postmortem (5.83 vs 6.86 respectively, s.e. = 0.068; P < 0.05) as well as changes in both chromatic colour a* b* and achromatic (no colour) lightness in the muscle. Chromatic changes were evident as higher grader colour scores, increased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) with higher levels of oxymyoglobin and lower levels of deoxymyoglobin. Achromatic changes were evident as increased lightness (L*) and surface reflectance (%R) at the meat surface, and increased global brightness within the muscle fibres. Conclusions Increased lightness and brightness in electrically stimulated muscles were likely to be due to formation of contraction nodes and distortion of muscle fibres, which changed the microstructure of muscle in ways that increased its light-scattering properties. Implications Consideration of the role of light scattering in determining beef colour at grading will advance understanding of how to improve this important quality trait.
Efficacy of priming wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds with a benzothiazine derivative to improve drought stress tolerance
Authors: AL-Huqail Arwa Abdulkreem , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Ali Baber , Azeem Muhammad , Mumtaz Sahar , Yasin Ghulam , Marc Romina Alina , Ali Shafaqat 
Published: February 2023

We evaluated the effects of different concentrations (0.05 and 0.15 mM) of a benzothiazine (BTh) derivative on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in normal (100% field water capacity, FWC) and drought (60% FWC) conditions. Various morphological and physiological characteristics, and the uptake of osmo-protectants and nutrients were measured under the two FWC conditions. Results show that the drought conditions significantly reduced plant growth, affected plant composition, reduced the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and affected gaseous exchange attributes, stomatal behaviour, and uptake fluxes of essential nutrients, while increasing the contents of different osmo-protectants and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants to decrease the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells/tissues. However, seed priming with BTh reduced water stress conditions by increasing plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal behaviour, different gaseous exchange attributes, and uptake fluxes of essential nutrients compared with unprimed plants. In addition, the plant has a strong antioxidant defense system, which further increased its activities under BTh derivative treatments, to scavenge ROS production and maintain cell turgor under water stress conditions. In conclusion, drought stress-induced oxidative stress and altered the growth of T. aestivum, whereas seed priming increased plant growth and antioxidant production by improving the plant tolerance to drought. We suggest that seed priming with a BTh derivative as an effective priming technique in T. aestivum for reducing drought stress tends to benefit a grower in terms of better growth to fulfil the market demand for food cereals.