bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conception and pilot testing of a self-management health application for patients with pollen-related allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma-the APOLLO app
Authors: Landesberger V. , Grenzebach K. , Schreiber F. , Nowak D. , Gröger M. , Oppel E. , Schaub B. , French L. E. , Kutzora S. , Quartucci C. , Herr C. , Heinze S.
Published: December 2023

It has been shown that pollen information services are an important self-management tool for patients with pollen-related allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma (AA). This study aimed to design an online application for patients with AR and AA, which supports patients to better manage their disease as well as to evaluate the app and present the first results of the pilot study. The pollen data were obtained from the electronic pollen information network of Bavaria, Germany. Participants were asked to fill in their allergy-related complaints in the app over a 60-day period. Subsequently, the app was evaluated. Indices and diagrams visualized the participants’ individual complaints as well as the daily pollen concentration in the air. In order to motivate participants to complete the app on a daily basis, we used elements of gamification. Two thirds of the participants (N = 46) reported feeling better informed about pollen counts and their allergy when using the app. The app's simple and comprehensible design was rated positively. More than 80% of the participants would recommend the app to their family and friends. The app can be a tool for patients with AR and AA to better understand their disease.
Downregulated NPAS4 in multiple brain regions is associated with major depressive disorder
Authors: Selçuk Berkay , Aksu Tuana , Dereli Onur , Adebali Ogün
Published: December 2023

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a commonly observed psychiatric disorder that affects more than 2% of the world population with a rising trend. However, disease-associated pathways and biomarkers are yet to be fully comprehended. In this study, we analyzed previously generated RNA-seq data across seven different brain regions from three distinct studies to identify differentially and co-expressed genes for patients with MDD. Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed that NPAS4 is the only gene downregulated in three different brain regions. Furthermore, co-expressing gene modules responsible for glutamatergic signaling are negatively enriched in these regions. We used the results of both DGE and co-expression analyses to construct a novel MDD-associated pathway. In our model, we propose that disruption in glutamatergic signaling-related pathways might be associated with the downregulation of NPAS4 and many other immediate-early genes (IEGs) that control synaptic plasticity. In addition to DGE analysis, we identified the relative importance of KEGG pathways in discriminating MDD phenotype using a machine learning-based approach. We anticipate that our study will open doors to developing better therapeutic approaches targeting glutamatergic receptors in the treatment of MDD.
Rapid monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern through high-resolution melt analysis
Authors: Diotallevi Aurora , Buffi Gloria , Barocci Simone , Ceccarelli Marcello , Bencardino Daniela , Andreoni Francesca , Orlandi Chiara , Ferri Marilisa , Vandini Daniela , Menzo Stefano , Carlotti Eugenio , Casabianca Anna , Magnani Mauro , Galluzzi Luca
Published: December 2023

The current global pandemic of COVID-19 is characterized by waves of infection due to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying mutations on the Spike (S) protein gene. Since autumn 2020 many Variants of Concern (VOC) have been reported: Alpha/B.1.1.7, Beta/B.1.351, Gamma/P.1, Delta/B.1.617.2, Omicron/B.1.1.529, and sublineages. Surveillance of genomic variants is currently based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of viral genomes on a random fraction of samples positive to molecular tests. WGS involves high costs, extended analysis time, specialized staff, and expensive instruments compared to a PCR-based test. To rapidly identify the VOCs in positive samples, six assays based on real-time PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) were designed on the S gene and applied to 120 oro/nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from October 2020 to June 2022 (106 positive and 14 negative samples). Overall, the assays showed 100% specificity and sensitivity compared with commercial PCR tests for COVID-19. Moreover, 104 samples out of 106 (98.1%) were correctly identified as follows: 8 Wuhan (wild type), 12 Alpha, 23 Delta, 46 Omicron BA.1/BA.1.1, 15 Omicron BA.2/BA.4/BA.5. With our lab equipment, about 10 samples can be processed every 3 h at the cost of less than € 10 ($ 10.60) per sample, including RNA extraction. The implementation of this approach could help local epidemiological surveillance and clinical decision-making.
An ICT-switched fluorescent probe for visualizing lipid and HClO in lipid droplets during ferroptosis
Authors: Yao Leilei , Song Hongjun , Yin Caixia , Huo Fangjun
Published: December 2023

An ICT-switched fluorescent probe has been developed for the visualization of the lipid accumulation and hypochlorous acid in lipid droplets during ferroptosis.
Chalcogen bonding catalysis
Authors: Sekar Govindasamy , Nair Vysakh Venugopalan , Zhu Jieping
Published: December 2023

This tutorial review will focus on the recently evolved chalcogen bonding catalysis. Emphasis will be given to the basics of non-covalent bonding, chiral chalcogen bonding catalysis, chiral separation, and chalcogen bonding in biomolecules.
Weakening fibril–fibril interactions via an on-demand regulation of hemicellulose phase towards the facile disassembly of lignocellulose heterostructure into approaching native-state elementary fibrils
Authors: Jiang Yan , Wang Xinyi , Meng Zhiqian , Zhang Mengyang , Wang Shuangfei , Liu Xiuyu
Published: December 2023

High-level swelling of the hemicellulose phase enables facile disassembly of holocellulose heterostructures into ultrahigh-aspect-ratio elementary nanofibrils comprising approaching native-state structural carbohydrates.
A versatile micromodel technology to explore biofilm development in porous media flows
Authors: Papadopoulos Christos , Larue Anne Edith , Toulouze Clara , Mokhtari Omar , Lefort Julien , Libert Emmanuel , Assémat Pauline , Swider Pascal , Malaquin Laurent , Davit Yohan
Published: December 2023

We present a novel micromodel technology to explore bacterial biofilm development in porous media flows and demonstrate how it can be used to study the growth/detachment dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Skin-interfaced microfluidic sweat collection devices for personalized hydration management through thermal feedback
Authors: Yang Hanlin , Ding Hongyan , Wei Wenkui , Li Xiaofeng , Duan Xiaojun , Zhuang Changgen , Liu Weiyi , Chen Shangda , Wang Xiufeng
Published: December 2023

Non-electronic wearables that utilize skin-interfaced microfluidic technology have revolutionized the collection and analysis of human sweat, providing valuable biochemical information and indicating body hydration status.
Modifying BiVO4 as a photocatalyst for water oxidation using constant-duration alkaline-etched post treatments
Authors: Hsu Chuan-Chih , Chuang Kai-Jie , Huang Hsiao-Wen , Pan Bo-Jin , Chen Hung-Ming , Husain Sadang , Yougbaré Sibidou , Hsiao Yu-Cheng , Wu Yung-Fu , Lin Lu-Yin
Published: December 2023

Alkaline etching refines surface properties of BiVO4. Three alkaline etching methods including hydrothermal, soaking, and electrodeposition processes are applied to tailor surface properties of BiVO4 as photocatalyst for OER.
A silicon-doped carbon dot-based multivariate fluorometric and colorimetric probe for the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions and dopamine
Authors: Hao Yunqi , Li Tingting , Tian Miaomiao , Dai Qijun , Zhang Fang , Chai Fang
Published: December 2023

A schematic illustration of the synthesis of Si-CDs and the fluorometric and colorimetric multivariate sensing of Cu2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and DA.
Single-frequency fiber lasers based on metal thiophosphites with sub-kHz linewidths
Authors: Gan Yiyu , Zhang Wenyao , Wen Qiao
Published: December 2023

Thiophosphites nanosheets with great optical nonlinearities were employed as saturable absorbers to construct stable single frequency fiber lasers, which have extremely narrow output linewidths and high signal-to-noise ratios.
SAT‐Based Security Evaluation for WARP against Linear Cryptanalysis
Authors: Shi Jiali , Liu Guoqiang , Li Chao
Published: December 2023

WARP, an efficient lightweight block cipher presented by Banik et al., offers a viable alternative to AES with its 128‐bit block and a 128‐bit key. It adopts a 32‐nibble type‐II generalized Feistel network (GFN) structure, incorporating a nibble permutation optimized for both security and efficiency. Notably, WARP has achieved the lowest hardware implementation among 128‐bit block ciphers. Its bit‐serial encryption‐only circuit is only 763 gate equivalents (GEs). Consequently, WARP has received significant attention since its inception. The designers evaluated the number of active Sboxes for linear trails in WARP to establish its security. To further investigate WARP’s resistance against linear attacks, we employed an automated model to analyze the optimal linear trails/hulls of WARP. To achieve this, the problem will be transformed into a Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT). The constraints in conjunctive normal form (CNF) are used to describe the mask propagation of WARP and invoke the SAT solver to find valid solutions. The results allowed us to obtain the optimal correlation of the initial 21‐round linear trails for WARP. Furthermore, by enumerating the linear trails within a linear hull, the distribution of linear trails is revealed, and the probability of the linear hull is improved to be more accurate. This work extends the linear distinguisher from 18 to 21 rounds. Additionally, the first independent analysis of WARP’s linear properties is presented, offering a more precise evaluation of its resistance against linear cryptanalysis.
Machine learning‐based approach for maritime target classification and anomaly detection using millimetre wave radar Doppler signatures
Authors: Rahman Samiur , Vattulainen Aleksanteri B. , Robertson Duncan A.
Published: December 2023

The authors present multiple machine learning‐based methods for distinguishing maritime targets from sea clutter. The main goal for this classification framework is to aid future millimetre wave radar system design for marine autonomy. Availability of empirical data at this frequency range in the literature is scarce. The classification and anomaly detection techniques reported here use experimental data collected from three different field trials from three different millimetre wave radars. Two W‐band radars operating at 77 and 94 GHz and a G‐band radar operating at 207 GHz were used for the field trial data collection. The dataset encompasses eight classes including sea clutter returns. The other targets are boat, stand up paddleboard/kayak, swimmer, buoy, pallet, stationary solid object (i.e. rock) and sea lion. The Doppler signatures of the targets have been investigated to generate feature values. Five feature values have been extracted from Doppler spectra and four feature values from Doppler spectrograms. The features were trained on a supervised learning model for classification as well as an unsupervised model for anomaly detection. The supervised learning was performed for both multi‐class and 2‐class (sea clutter and target) classification. The classification based on spectrum features provided an 84.3% and 80.1% validation and test accuracy respectively for the multi‐class classification. For the spectrogram feature‐based learning, the validation and test accuracy for multi‐class increased to 93.3% and 88.7% respectively. For the 2‐class classification, the spectrum feature‐based training accuracies are 88.1% and 86.8%, whereas with the spectrogram feature‐based model, the values are 95% and 94.1% for validation and test accuracies respectively. A one class support vector machine was also applied to an unlabelled dataset for anomaly detection training, with 10% outlier data. The cross‐validation accuracy has shown very good agreement with the expected anomaly detection rate.
Testing the spatial geometry of the Universe with TianQin: Prospect of using supermassive black hole binaries
Authors: Pan Yu , Diao Jingwang , Qi Jing-Zhao , Li Jin , Cao Shuo , Jiang Qing-Quan
Published: December 2023

Context. The determination of the spatial geometry of the Universe plays an important role in modern cosmology. Any deviation from the cosmic curvature ΩK = 0 would have a profound impact on the primordial inflation paradigm and fundamental physics.

Aims. In this paper, we carry out a systematic study of the prospect of measuring the cosmic curvature with the inspiral signal of supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs) that could be detected with TianQin.

Methods. The study is based on a method that is independent of cosmological models. It extended the application of gravitational wave (GW) standard sirens in cosmology. By comparing the distances from future simulated GW events and simulated H(z) data, we evaluated whether TianQin produced robust constraints on the cosmic curvature parameter Ωk. More specifically, we considered three-year to ten-year observations of supermassive black hole binaries with total masses ranging from 103 M⊙ to 107 M⊙.

Results. Our results show that in the future, with the synergy of ten-year high-quality observations, we can tightly constrain the curvature parameter at the level of 1σ Ωk = −0.002 ± 0.061. Moreover, our findings indicate that the total mass of SMBHB does influence the estimation of cosmic curvature, as implied by the analysis performed on different subsamples of gravitational wave data.

Conclusions. Therefore, TianQin is expected to provide a more powerful and competitive probe of the spatial geometry of the Universe, compared to future spaced-based detectors such as DECIGO.
Die Anwendung der Salzburg-Kriterien in der Diagnose des
non-konvulsiven Status epilepticus
Authors: Willems Laurent Maximilian , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: December 2023

Aufgrund oftmals nur subtiler motorischer Phänomene stellt die Diagnose
des nicht-konvulsiven Status epilepticus (non-convulsive status epilepticus,
NCSE) eine häufige Differentialdiagnose bei Patientinnen und Patienten
mit Vigilanzminderung dar. Da eine frühe adäquate Therapie des
NCSE mit einem besseren Therapieansprechen sowie funktionellen Outcome
einhergeht, ist eine sichere und frühe diagnostische Sicherung von hoher
Relevanz. Aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen des „London-Innsbruck Coloquium
on Status Epilepticus and Acute Seizures“, welches 2013 in Salzburg
stattfand, wurde von einer Expertengruppe ein Diagnosealgorithmus basierend auf
elektroenzephalographischen und klinischen Kriterien entwickelt, der als
„Salzburg-Kriterien“ bekannt ist. Über die letzten Jahre
wurden diese Kriterien validiert und klinisch erprobt, teilweise aber auch
hinsichtlich ihrer Anwendbarkeit kritisiert. Dieser Artikel erläutert
die Salzburg-Kriterien und diskutiert potenzielle Fallstricke in der
Anwendung.
Radioembolisation primärer und sekundärer Lebermalignome mit Holmium-166-Mikrosphären – eine kurze Übersicht
Authors: Zacherl Mathias Johannes , Todica Andrei , Ilhan Harun
Published: December 2023

Im Rahmen der transarterielle Radioembolisation (TARE) werden überwiegend 90Y-markierten Glas- und Harzmikrosphären verwendet. Seit Kurzem sind mit 166Ho neue Mikrosphären auf Basis von Poly-L-Milchsäure verfügbar, welche auch in Deutschland zunehmend in der klinischen Routine eingesetzt werden. Aufgrund physikalischer Unterschiede bieten 166Ho-Mikrosphären dabei spezielle Vorteile im Vergleich zur TARE mit 90Y-markierten Mikrosphären. In diesem Artikel soll ein kurzer Überblick über die TARE mit 166Ho-Mikrosphären gegeben werden.
Die Zahntransplantation – eine Übersicht unter
Berücksichtigung des Lückenmanagements
Authors: Khoury Fouad , Khoury Chantal , Wildenhof Jan
Published: December 2023

Die Zahntransplantation ist eine sehr alte Therapieform. Während die
allogene Transplantation von Zähnen aufgrund klassischer immunologischer
Abstoßungsreaktionen für den Praktiker eher bedeutungslos ist,
stellt die autogene Zahntransplantation aufgrund präziser biologischer
und patho-/physiologischer Kenntnisse heute eine sehr sichere
Therapievariante dar. Sie ist eine gute und praktikable Alternative zum
kieferorthopädischen Lückenschluss, zur konventionellen
prothetischen Versorgung und zu Implantationen. Gerade beim jungen Patienten
liegt die Langzeiterfolgsquote bei über 95%. Voraussetzung
dafür sind ein atraumatisches chirurgisches Vorgehen sowie
regelmäßige klinische und röntgenologische Kontrollen,
zumindest in den ersten zwei postoperativen Jahren. Dadurch lassen sich
mögliche entzündliche Komplikationen frühzeitig erkennen
und erfolgreich therapieren.
Maternal Factors and Placental Pathologies Associated with a Diagnosis of Chronic Villitis
Authors: Rose Sherrill J. , Nguyen Eliza M. , Branda Megan E. , Melo Valeria , Vega Beatriz , Kazemi-Butterfield Nazanin , Cheek-Norgan E. Heidi , Girard Sylvie , Norgan Andrew P. , Theiler Regan N. , Enninga Elizabeth Ann L.
Published: December 2023

Objective To evaluate maternal risk factors associated with chronic villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) and to describe cooccurring placental pathologies.

Study Design A retrospective case–control study was conducted using placental pathology records from deliveries ≥ 20 weeks between 2010 and 2018. Cases were placentas with documented chronic villitis without infectious cause, hereafter called VUE. Controls were placentas without this diagnosis, matched to the cases 2:1. Maternal and neonatal demographic and clinical data were collected. Descriptive statistics are reported with Fisher's exact test or a chi-squared test, as appropriate, and multivariable conditional logistic regression was conducted.

Results Our study included 352 cases with VUE and 657 controls. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes (p = 0.03) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.06) was 1.5 times more likely to occur in those with a VUE diagnosis. A trend was also seen for chronic hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, p = 0.07) and preeclampsia (OR = 1.5, p = 0.09) compared with controls. Placentas with VUE, specifically high-grade VUE, were more likely to be small for gestational age (p = 0.01), and to be diagnosed with other placental findings including lymphoplasmacytic or chronic deciduitis (p < 0.01), maternal (p < 0.01) and fetal vascular malperfusion (p = 0.02), and chorionitis (acute or chronic; p < 0.01).

Conclusion Gestational diabetes and hypertension were associated with a diagnosis of VUE, and overall, VUE placentas have more abnormal placental findings compared with control. Understanding VUE risk factors may facilitate prenatal care strategies and counseling to achieve the best outcomes for pregnant patients and their neonates.

Key Points
Novel Two-Step Synthesis of N-Alkylated 2,3-Diaryl-4-quinolones
Authors: Aksenov Alexander V. , Arutiunov Nikolai A. , Zatsepilina Anna M. , Aksenova Anna A. , Aleksandrova Elena V. , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Leontiev Alexander V. , Aksenov Dmitrii A.
Published: December 2023

A library of 18 polysubstituted 4-quinolones was conveniently prepared via simple and practical protocol involving N-alkylation of 2-(3-oxoindolin-2-yl)acetonitriles and following NaH-induced ring expansion. The current two-step approach provides feasible access to a subclass of N-protected C3-aryl-substituted 2-phenyl-4-quinolones starting with or just one step away from commercially available 2-arylindoles and nitrostyrenes.
Shock interactions and heating predictions on a V-shaped blunt leading edge at Mach 6–12
Authors: Kang Dake , Yan Chao , Li Zhihui , Li Shuai , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: December 2023

V-shaped blunt leading edges (VSBLEs) are usually found at the inlet lips of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles and irregular shape flows. In this work, the VSBLE flows are investigated using numerical simulations and theoretical analysis from Mach 6 to Mach 12. The simulation results show that complex shock–shock interactions around the VSBLE cause extremely high heat flux peaks, which nonlinearly increase with the freestream Mach numbers. To theoretically study the flow mechanism, the shock interactions are divided into large-scale primary shock interactions (PSIs) and micro-scale secondary shock interactions (SSIs). The PSIs are constant, but the SSIs experience a transition from Mach reflection to regular reflection with the Mach number increasing. A transition criterion for the SSIs is established by the shock interaction theory. Furthermore, the increase in the heat flux peaks is proved to be caused by the SSI transition. A semi-empirical heat flux prediction method that relates the shock intensity and heat flux amplification is established. Finally, the transition criterion and the heat flux prediction method are verified by simulations at higher Mach numbers and experiments of VSBLEs with different geometric parameters. This paper develops a theoretical analysis approach for quickly predicting the shock interaction types and heat flux peaks of the VSBLEs under a wide range of Mach numbers.
MiniMelt: An instrument for real-time tracking of electron beam additive manufacturing using synchrotron x-ray techniques
Authors: König Hans-Henrik , Semjatov Nick , Spartacus Gabriel , Bidola Pidassa , Ioannidou Chrysoula , Ye Jihui , Renner Jakob , Lienert Ulrich , Faria Guilherme Abreu , Wahlmann Benjamin , Wildheim Martin , Ackelid Ulf , Beckmann Felix , Staron Peter , Hedström Peter , Körner Carolin , Lindwall Greta
Published: December 2023

The development of a sample environment for in situ x-ray characterization during metal Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB), called MiniMelt, is presented. The design considerations, the features of the equipment, and its implementation at the synchrotron facility PETRA III at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Hamburg, Germany, are described. The equipment is based on the commercially available Freemelt ONE PBF-EB system but has been customized with a unique process chamber to enable real-time synchrotron measurements during the additive manufacturing process. Furthermore, a new unconfined powder bed design to replicate the conditions of the full-scale PBF-EB process is introduced. The first radiography (15 kHz) and diffraction (1 kHz) measurements of PBF-EB with a hot-work tool steel and a Ni-base superalloy, as well as bulk metal melting with the CMSX-4 alloy, using the sample environment are presented. MiniMelt enables time-resolved investigations of the dynamic phenomena taking place during multi-layer PBF-EB, facilitating process understanding and development of advanced process strategies and materials for PBF-EB.
Analysis of the optical gain due to free-to-bound electronic transitions in indium-rich InGaN layers
Authors: Kudryavtsev K. E. , Andreev B. A. , Lobanov D. N. , Kalinnikov M. A. , Yablonskiy A. N. , Yunin P. A. , Novikov A. V. , Krasilnik Z. F.
Published: December 2023

Interband recombination in bulk indium-rich InGaN is studied via both spontaneous and stimulated emissions. Based on the low-temperature luminescence and absorption data, the magnitude of the edge tails in conduction and valence bands is determined, and the non-thermal energy distribution of excess holes localized in the fluctuating band potential is revealed. We show that the combination of carrier localization effects and Auger-determined interband rates fully accounts for the experimentally observed stimulated emission thresholds and gain values (∼20–30 kW/cm2 and >100 cm−1, respectively) at low temperatures (T < 100 K). It is suggested that exploiting structural disorder to keep injected holes below the mobility edge, thus suppressing defect-related recombination, is a prerequisite for high-temperature infrared lasing from degenerate InGaN with relatively temperature-stable threshold intensities of some 100 kW/cm2.
Anisotropic mechanical properties of β-Ga2O3 single-crystal measured via angle-dependent nanoindentation using a Berkovich indenter
Authors: Yao Yongzhao , Sugawara Yoshihiro , Sasaki Kohei , Kuramata Akito , Ishikawa Yukari
Published: December 2023

Load-dependent and angle-dependent nanoindentation tests were performed on a (2¯01)-oriented single-crystal β-Ga2O3 substrate to study the mechanical properties of the material. The anisotropy of the mechanical properties was examined, especially with regard to the dependence of the elastic modulus (E), hardness (H), and form of plastic deformation on the rotation angle of a Berkovich indenter with respect to the monoclinic structure. E reached a maximum value and H a minimum value when the sample was rotated to such an angle that one of the three facets of the Berkovich indenter was parallel to the [010] direction. To compare our experimental results with the theoretical calculation based on the monoclinic structure, the elastic surface of β-Ga2O3 was calculated using fourth-rank stiffness and compliance tensors and visualized in three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional sectional maps of the elastic surface were obtained for a range of crystal planes, and good agreement was obtained between the experimental observations and calculations. Plastic deformation at the indenter impressions was evaluated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and dislocations, cleavage, and cracks were observed. Their structure and density depended on the rotation angle. Our results clearly show a strong anisotropy of the mechanical properties of β-Ga2O3, which is very different from what is found in other compound semiconductors for power-device applications, such as GaN and 4H-SiC. This emphasizes the importance of customizing the machining process for β-Ga2O3, rather than simply using “machining recipes” for other materials.
Interactions between adult male koalas and dependent joeys in a high-density population
Authors: Watchorn Darcy J. , Whisson Desley A.
Published: December 2023

During a study of interactions among koalas, we observed interactions between adult males and dependent joeys. Most were passive in nature, suggesting that interactions with adult males are not a major threat to joey survival. However, one male–joey interaction resulted in a joey falling approximately 7 m to the ground, an incident that may have resulted in the death of the joey had we not intervened. We suggest that there is potential for infant death to occur under the generalised aggression hypothesis for koalas, although further observations are needed.
Dorper sheep in Africa: A review of their use and performance in different environments
Authors: Ojango Julie M.K. , Okpeku Moses , Osei-Amponsah Richard , Kugonza Donald R. , Mwai Okeyo , Changunda Mizeck G.G. , Olori Victor E.
Published: December 2023

The Dorper breed developed in South Africa is used either as a pure breed or crossbred with existing indigenous breeds by many countries across the African continent to improve sheep production. This article presents documented information on the adoption, use, and performance of Dorper sheep across the continent of Africa and opportunities for their more sustainable production under the changing climatic conditions in Africa. Apart from the well-documented information on the Dorper sheep in South Africa, published information on the performance of the sheep is mainly from Eastern Africa. Most countries initially retained purebred Dorpers in nationally owned institutions for multiplication and crossbreeding trials with different indigenous breeds prior to distributing the crossbreds to diverse livestock keepers. The offspring produced through crossbreeding programs with the Dorper have better growth rates than indigenous breeds in the different countries; however, the performance of Dorper sheep in South Africa has not been achieved in any of the other countries. Genomic studies including Dorper sheep have identified regions of interest for resistance to brucellosis and Mycoplasma ovipneumonia that imply adaptability to challenging environments within Dorper sheep. Unfortunately, limitations in systems for guided breeding and monitoring of sheep productivity in Africa have resulted in haphazard crossbreeding of the Dorper. Targeted efforts are required across the different countries to develop breeding programs for improving locally adapted Dorper sheep populations and their crosses with indigenous breeds. New science and technologies need to be innovatively packaged and used to identify and propagate more productive and resilient Dorper and Dorper-based breed-types for the increasingly challenging tropical African range environments.
Adapting the PyCBC pipeline to find and infer the properties of gravitational waves from massive black hole binaries in LISA
Authors: Weaving Connor R , Nuttall Laura K , Harry Ian W , Wu Shichao , Nitz Alexander
Published: December 2023

The laser interferometer space antenna (LISA), due for launch in the mid 2030s, is expected to observe gravitational waves (GWs) from merging massive black hole binaries (MBHBs). These signals can last from days to months, depending on the masses of the black holes, and are expected to be observed with high signal to noise ratios (SNRs) out to high redshifts. We have adapted the PyCBC software package to enable a template bank search and inference of GWs from MBHBs. The pipeline is tested on the LISA data challenge’s Challenge 2a (‘Sangria’), which contains MBHBs and thousands of galactic binaries (GBs) in simulated instrumental LISA noise. Our search identifies all six MBHB signals with more than

92
%

of the optimal SNR. The subsequent parameter inference step recovers the masses and spins within their

90
%

confidence interval. Sky position parameters have eight high likelihood modes which are recovered but often our posteriors favour the incorrect sky mode. We observe that the addition of GBs biases the parameter recovery of masses and spins away from the injected values, reinforcing the need for a global fit pipeline which will simultaneously fit the parameters of the GB signals before estimating the parameters of MBHBs.
Effects of outer surface lipoproteins on the nanomechanical properties of Lyme borrelia
Authors: Munoz Carlos , Ozdogan Mehmet , Tourand Yvonne , Casselli Timothy , Brissette Catherine A , Oncel Nuri
Published: December 2023

The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi causes an infection with diverse clinical outcomes, which can include arthritis as well as cardiac and neurological manifestations. B. burgdorferi expresses different outer surface lipoproteins at different stages in its infectious cycle, many of which are adhesins. Utilizing atomic force microscopy (AFM), we obtained topography images and force–distance curves of wild-type B. burgdorferi and mutant strains encoding different complements of surface lipoproteins. AFM data show that a reduced number of genome-encoded lipoproteins correlates with decreased binding probability, weakens unbinding force, and negatively affects cell elasticity.
Effects of the quark flavour thresholds in the hadronic vacuum polarization contributions to the muon anomalous magnetic moment
Authors: Nesterenko A V
Published: December 2023

The equivalent representations for the hadronic vacuum polarization contributions to the muon anomalous magnetic moment

a

μ

HVP

in the presence of the quark flavour thresholds are studied. Specifically, the explicit relations between the contributions given by the integration over a finite kinematic interval to

a

μ

HVP

expressed in terms of the hadronic vacuum polarization function, Adler function, and the R-ratio of electron–positron annihilation into hadrons are derived. It is shown that the quark flavour thresholds of the hadronic vacuum polarization function generate additional contributions to

a

μ

HVP

expressed in terms of the Adler function and the R-ratio and the explicit expressions for such contributions are obtained. The commonly employed dispersion relations, which bind together hadronic vacuum polarization function, Adler function, and R-ratio, are extended to account for the effects due to the quark flavour thresholds. The examined additional contributions due to the heavy quark thresholds to

a

μ

HVP

expressed in terms of the R-ratio appear to be quite sizable, that can be of a particular relevance for the data-driven method of assessment of the hadronic part of the muon anomalous magnetic moment.
Spin and charge persistent currents in a Kane Mele α-T
3 quantum ring
Authors: Islam Mijanur , Basu Saurabh
Published: December 2023

We conduct a thorough study of different persistent currents in a spin-orbit coupled α-T
3 (pseudospin-1) fermionic quantum ring (QR) that smoothly interpolates between graphene (α = 0, pseudospin-1/2) and a dice lattice (α = 1, pseudospin-1) in presence of an external perpendicular magnetic field. In particular, we have considered effects of intrinsic (ISOC) and Rashba spin-orbit couplings (RSOC) that are both inherent to two dimensional quantum structures and yield interesting consequences. The energy levels of the system comprise of the conduction bands, valence bands, and flat bands which show non-monotonic dependencies on the radius, R of the QR, in the sense that, for small R, the energy levels vary as

1

/

R

, while the variation is linear for large R. The dispersion spectra corresponding to zero magnetic field are benchmarked with those for finite fields to enumerate the role played by the spin–orbit coupling terms therein. Further, it is noted that the flat bands demonstrate dispersive behavior, and hence is able to contribute to the transport properties only for finite ISOC. Moreover, RSOC yields spin-split bands, thereby contributing to the spin-resolved currents. The charge and the spin-polarized persistent currents are hence computed in presence of these spin-orbit couplings. The persistent currents in both the charge and spin sectors oscillate as a function of the magnetic field with a period equal to the flux quantum, as they should be; although they now depend upon the spin–orbit coupling parameters. Interestingly, the ISOC distorts the current profiles, owing to the distribution of the flat band caused by it, whereas RSOC alone preserves the flat band and hence a perfect periodicity of the current characteristic is maintained. Further, we have explored the role played by the parameter α in our entire analysis to enable studies while interpolating from graphene to a dice lattice.
Effect of annealing temperature on the structure and optical properties of ZnO thin films
Authors: Vijay Nimitha K , Maya P N , Mukherjee S , Liedke M O , Butterling M , Attallah A G , Hirschmann E , Wagner A , Benoy M D
Published: December 2023

The effect of annealing temperature on the microstructure, defects and optical properties of ZnO thin films are investigated using sol–gel based spin coating method for a range of annealing temperatures from 200 ∘C to 500 ∘C. The correlation among the microstructure, defects, impurity content and the optical band gap of films of thickness about 10–12 nm is elucidated. The particle size increases and the optical band gap reduces with the annealing temperature. At 200 ∘C, amorphous films were formed with particle size less than 10 nm with an optical band gap of about 3.41 eV. As the temperature increases the grain size increases and the defect, impurity content as well as the optical band gap reduces. This could be due to the reduction in the lattice strain. For an average grain size of about 35 nm and above, the band gap asymptotically approaches the theoretical value of ZnO (3.37 eV). The photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a systematic red-shift in the excitonic levels corresponding to the variation in the optical band-gap. The defect emission from Zn-vacancies is observed in the PL spectra and are further supported by the positron annihilation measurements.
Pressure-induced linear enhancement of the superconducting transition in Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 thin films
Authors: Wang N N , Wang G , Gao Q , Chen K Y , Hou J , Ren X L , Uwatoko Y , Wang B S , Zhu Z H , Sun J P , Cheng J-G
Published: December 2023

We report the pressure (P) effect on the superconducting transition temperature T
c and the upper critical field μ
0
H
c2 of infinite-layer Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 thin films by measuring the electrical transport properties under various hydrostatic pressures to 4.6 GPa. At ambient pressure, it shows the clear superconducting transition with T
c ∼ 10 K. Based on the evolution of resistance R(T), we found that the T
c is monotonically enhanced to ∼14 K upon increasing pressure to 2.9 GPa. The constructed temperature–pressure phase diagram indicates that the calculated slope dT
c/dP is about 1.14 K GPa−1 and the superconducting T
c shows no signatures of saturation with pressure. It thus gives the possibility to further enhance T
c by employing higher pressures or heterostructure engineering. In addition, the normalized slope of upper critical field μ
0
H
c2(0) implies that the electron correlations are gradually decreasing with pressure, which exhibits an opposite evolution with superconducting T
c. Our work further confirms the positive pressure effects in nickelate superconductors and gives more insight to further enhance its superconducting transition temperature.
Uncertainty assessment of machine tool squareness error identification using on-machine measurement
Authors: Tang Yue , Feng Xiaobing , Ge Guangyan , Du Zhengchun , Lv Jun
Published: December 2023

Identification and compensation of geometric errors in the machine tool are widely performed to increase machining accuracy. Periodic verification of the geometric errors, as introduced in ISO 230-2, helps monitor the machine tool accuracy during continued manufacturing operation and detect accuracy degradation early on. While interferometry-based error identification techniques are commonly applied, on-machine measurement (OMM), with its increasing availability to machine tools, can be used to identify geometric errors as an alternative to traditional interferometry-based techniques. As geometric errors also contribute to OMM error, assessment of the uncertainty of error identification is essential to ensure the reliability of the identification. This work presents a method to evaluate the uncertainty in the OMM-based geometric error identification process by Monte Carlo simulation. The error ellipse model, which represents OMM errors with better accuracy, is utilized to improve the identification uncertainty. The squareness errors, as position-independent geometric errors that contribute to machining inaccuracy, are taken as an example to demonstrate the presented method. The influence of the artifact setup errors on the error identification is also investigated. A series of experiments are conducted to evaluate the uncertainty of the OMM-based identification method. The geometric error obtained with the presented method is found to deviate by less than 10% from that obtained with an interferometry-based commercial instrument. The uncertainty obtained from the proposed Monte Carlo simulation method matches well with the uncertainty results obtained by the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement method and repeated measurements.
Experimental scalings of scrape-off layer particle flux width by outboard divertor Langmuir probes for deuterium and helium plasmas on EAST
Authors: Liu X. , Meng L.Y. , Xu J.C. , Ding R. , Yu Y.W. , Yang Q.Q. , Zhang Y. , Wang L. , Li J. ,   the EAST Team
Published: December 2023

The scrape-off layer (SOL) power width (λq
) is an important parameter for predicting the heat load on divertor targets for future magnetically confined devices. Currently, the underlying physics for λq
scaling is not fully understood. This paper extends the previous SOL particle flux width (λjs, λq
≈ λjs
is assumed, js
is the measured ion current density used as a proxy for particle flux) scaling measured by the inboard divertor Langmuir probes (Div-LPs) in deuterium plasmas (Liu et al 2019 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 61 045001) to the λjs
scalings measured by the outboard Div-LPs in both deuterium and helium plasmas on EAST. A systematic method has been used to correct the upper-outer Div-LP measurements to reduce the measurement uncertainty of λjs
. About 520 discharges are selected for the construction of six databases (H-mode, L-mode, and Ohmic for deuterium and helium plasmas) to scale λjs
. Since the published λq
scalings do not fit EAST λjs
well in the databases, four separate λjs
scalings are proposed using statistical method to minimize the scaling parameters. It is found that λjs
has a robust scaling dependence on the plasma line-averaged density (

n
ˉ

e

) for both deuterium and helium plasmas and a strong positive scaling dependence on the divertor leg length (L
div,leg). The scaling exponent of the stored energy agrees well with the previous λq
/λjs
scalings for deuterium plasmas. The near unity scaling exponents of edge safety factor and L
div,leg reveal the importance of parallel connection length in determining λjs
. The positive scaling dependence of λjs
on

n
ˉ

e

and the 2 ∼ 4 times larger scaling amplitude compared with the published λq
scalings probably indicate the turbulence broadening of λjs
on EAST. The comparison of λjs
for deuterium and helium plasmas using the constructed databases shows no significant difference. Statistical comparison of the normalized λjs
with different ELM types suggests that the grassy-ELM λjs
is slightly larger than the inter large-ELM (type-I ELM) λjs
for both deuterium and helium plasmas.
Optimization of a YAP(Ce) prompt X-ray camera for imaging with spot scanning proton beams at clinical dose levels
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Yamashita Tomohiro , Kobashi Yusuke , Yabe Takuya , Akagi Takashi , Yamaguchi Mitsutaka , Kawachi Naoki , Kamada Kei , Yoshikawa Akira , Kataoka Jun
Published: December 2023

Prompt secondary electron bremsstrahlung X-ray (prompt
X-ray) imaging using a low-energy X-ray camera is a promising method
for observing the beam shape from outside a subject. However, it has
sometimes been necessary to conduct such imaging at a higher dose
than the clinical level to acquire images with acceptable
quality. To solve this problem, we optimized a prompt X-ray imaging
system to use for spot scanning proton therapy system. The new
camera had more than one order higher sensitivity to image several
types of beams, including those at the clinical dose level. The
optimized prompt X-ray imaging system uses a 4 mm diameter pinhole
collimator to increase sensitivity, and it is combined with a larger
YAP(Ce) scintillator to increase the magnification ratio and thus
improve spatial resolution. We used a list-mode data-acquisition
system with high count rate capability. Prompt X-ray images were
acquired by irradiating a water phantom with proton beams from the
spot scanning proton therapy system. Measurements were taken for
pencil beams, spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) beams, and a beam
utilized in actual clinical therapy. For all of the beams, we could
measure scanning spot images within a spill and evaluate the ranges
for the accumulated images at the clinical dose level. From the
list-mode data, we measured the temporarily altered positions of the
scanning beams as well as the accumulations of the prompt X-ray
images. The optimized prompt X-ray imaging system could improve
sensitivity while maintaining better spatial resolution. The new
system realized prompt X-ray imaging at the clinical dose level and
holds promise for future clinical imaging of prompt X-rays.
Rapid attribution of the record-breaking heatwave event in North China in June 2023 and future risks
Authors: Qian Cheng , Ye Yangbo , Jiang Jiacheng , Zhong Yangyang , Zhang Yuting , Pinto Izidine , Huang Cunrui , Li Sihan , Wei Ke
Published: December 2023

A record-breaking heatwave event occurred in North China from 22 to 24 June 2023, with temperatures >40 °C at many meteorological stations. This marked the first time that Beijing had reached or exceeded 40 °C for three consecutive days. However, the extent to which such exceptional heatwave events are related to anthropogenic climate change remains unclear. It is also unclear how frequent and intense such strong heatwave events will be in the future. We carried out a rapid attribution analysis to address these questions. Our findings show that the return period of this three-day heatwave event in North China is about 111 years (24.3, +∞) at the 2023 climate state. Both the empirical and coupled model approaches consistently showed that the intensity of 2023-like three-day heatwave events has significantly increased by at least 1.0 °C (range 0.8 °C–1.3 °C) due to anthropogenic climate change. Future projections indicate that 2023-like events in North China are likely to occur at least 1.6 (range 1.3–2.1) times throughout the remainder of this century and be 0.5 °C (range 0.2 °C–0.8 °C) more intense than those under the 2023 climate even if carbon neutrality is achieved based on the very low CO2 emissions scenario simulations. For the intermediate emissions scenario, the occurrence probability of 2023-like events in the North China region by the end of this century will be 5.5 (range 4.9–6.3) times those under the 2023 climate, with an intensity 2.9 °C (range 2.4 °C–3.1 °C) higher than those under the 2023 climate. These findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to address the occurrence of 2023-like three-day heatwaves in North China in June even if carbon neutrality is achieved.
Prediction of suicide attempts among persons with depression: a population-based case cohort study
Authors: Jiang Tammy , Nagy Dávid , Rosellini Anthony J , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Keyes Katherine M , Lash Timothy L , Galea Sandro , Sørensen Henrik T , Gradus Jaimie L
Published: December 2023

Studies have highlighted the potential importance of modeling interactions for suicide attempt prediction. This case-cohort study identified risk factors for suicide attempts among persons with depression in Denmark using statistical approaches that do (random forests) or do not (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression [LASSO]) model interactions. Cases made a nonfatal suicide attempt (n = 6032) between 1995 and 2015. The comparison subcohort was a 5% random sample of all persons in Denmark on January 1, 1995 (n = 11 963). We used random forests and LASSO for sex-stratified prediction of suicide attempts from demographic variables, psychiatric and somatic diagnoses, and treatments. Poisonings, psychiatric disorders, and medications were important predictors for both sexes. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) values were higher in LASSO models (in men, 0.85, 95% CI, 0.84-0.86; in women, 0.89, 95% C, 0.88-0.90) than random forests (in men, 0.76, 95% CI, 0.74-0.78; in women, 0.79, 95% CI = 0.78-0.81). Automatic detection of interactions via random forests did not result in better model performance than LASSO models that did not model interactions. Due to the complex nature of psychiatric comorbidity and suicide, modeling interactions may not always be the optimal statistical approach to enhancing suicide attempt prediction in high-risk samples.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.