bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Admission Brain Computed Tomography Findings to Predict the Long-term Outcomes of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dantas Rafael de Souza , Melo Thais Cristina de Souza , Lins Isabella Fontes de Santana , Santos Letícia Adrielle dos , Carvalho Neto José Nolasco de , Santos Bruno Fernandes de Oliveira , Amorim Robson Luis Oliveira de , Oliveira Arthur Maynart Pereira
Published: April 2024

Objective To evaluate the admission brain computed tomography (CT) scan findings in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) to predict long-term neurological outcomes.

Materials and Methods Patients admitted to a tertiary emergency hospital between March 2017 and April 2018 who had suffered a TBI and had undergone a brain CT scan within 12 hours of the trauma were prospectively evaluated. All of the patients who were hospitalized for at least 24 hours were contacted by phone after 12 months to evaluate their neurological condition.

Results We achieved a 12-month follow-up with 180 patients, most of them male (93.33%). The brain changes identified by CT, such as brain contusion (BC; p = 0.545), epidural hemorrhage (EDH; p = 0.968) and skull base fracture (SBF; p = 0.112) were not associated with worse neurological outcomes; however, subdural hemorrhage (SDH; p = 0.041), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; p ≤ 0.001), brain swelling (BS; p ≤0.001), effacement of cortical sulci (ECS; p = 0.006), effacement of basal cisterns (EBC; p ≤0.001), depressed skull fracture (DSF; p = 0.017), and a brain midline shift > 5 mm (p = 0.028) were associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusion Findings such as SAH, BS and DSF were independent predictors of worse neurological outcomes. The rate of 70% of patients lost to follow-up shows the difficulties of conducting long-term research in LMICs.
Average Force Applied for Individual Tooth in All Ceramic Restoration
Authors: Halili Rajmonda , Shabani Alban , Asllani Lumturie , Alidema Sebahate Hamiti
Published: April 2024

Objectives Occlusion plays an important role in the retention and stability of dental restorations. Aim of this study was to analyze occlusal loading detected on dental elements in patients with unilateral partial edentulism—class III Kennedy, before and immediately after prosthetic treatment with a zirconia-based bridge in maximal intercuspation position with the help of electronic system T-scan III.

Materials and Methods The research sample consisted of a total of 60 patients who, based on the preset selection criteria, were divided into two groups: control group with 30 (100%) patients with intact dentition (Gr1) and study group with 30 (100%) patients with unilateral partial edentulism—class III Kennedy, analyzed before prosthetic treatment (Gr2) and immediately after prosthetic treatment with a zirconia-based bridge (Gr3).

Results In Gr1, the highest average force applied for individual tooth had the tooth numbers: 17–14.6 ± 9.9%, 26–11.9 ± 6.8%, and 27–11.7 ± 6.8%. The lowest average value was registered for the teeth number 22–1.4 ± 1.3%, 12–1.9 ± 3.8%, and 13–2.9 ± 2.7%. In the group Gr2, the highest average force applied for individual tooth had the tooth numbers: 17–12.9 ± 35.6 and 21–9.6 ± 13.9%, whereas the lowest in teeth 24–2.7 ± 5.2 and 27–3.4 ± 6.8. In Gr3, the highest average force applied for individual tooth had the tooth numbers: 17–11.8 ± 15.4 and 14–9.8 ± 10.9%, whereas the lowest in the tooth 22–2.1 ± 2.6.

Conclusion This study demonstrated that all patients with the loss of teeth showed occlusal discrepancies and functional disharmony. During the delivery of zirconia restorations in the future a careful analysis of occlusal contacts should be performed. T-scan III technology reduces the subjective interpretation of occlusal analysis data allowing records and measures the contacts between the teeth.
Management of Geographic Tongue with Individualized Homeopathy: An Evidence-Based Case Report
Authors: Saklani Nitin Kumar
Published: April 2024

Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, is a common and benign condition characterized by distinct features on the tongue's surface. Typically, it affects the tip, lateral borders, and dorsum of the tongue, with occasional extension to the ventral surface. Indeed, geographic tongue commonly starts in childhood and has a global prevalence estimated at around 1 to 2.5% of the general population. In the pediatric population, the prevalence ranges from 0.37 to 14.3%, indicating that it can vary significantly among different age groups. The age group of 20 to 29 years seems to have the highest prevalence, with approximately 39.4% of individuals affected by geographic tongue. This suggests a peak incidence during early adulthood. This case report explores the potential benefits of homeopathic medicines in management of geographic tongue. A 17-year-old adolescent girl experiencing whitish discoloration of the tongue accompanied by intense burning sensation with history of recurrent tonsillitis and increased sweating in her palms and soles since early childhood presented in the OPD of Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Shimla. Upon examination of her oral cavity, white patches were observed on her tongue, which did not resolve despite trying various medications. The primary diagnosis was geographic tongue, confirmed by physical examination. Following homeopathic treatment, the patient experienced marked improvement in symptomatology, including relief from the burning sensation, and the lesion from the tongue completely disappeared. This evidence-based case report highlights the potential beneficial role of homeopathy in the treatment of geographic tongue.
Prolidase Enzyme Activity as a Potential Biomarker for Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury: A Study in a Rat Model
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Bhat Dhananjaya , Shukla Dhaval , Subramanian Sarada , Bansal Puru , Krishna Geethu , Jayan Mini , Devi Bhagavatula Indira
Published: April 2024

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant threat to individuals exposed to explosive events. We hypothesized that blast-induced neurotrauma is an oxidative stress to brain and hence prolidase (PD) enzyme, which is an antioxidant is recommended; its serum levels are better markers of degree of injury in the acute phase for TBI in a rat blast injury model. Results revealed that PD enzyme activity in the hippocampus showed a slight increase across high, medium, and low blast pressures, but remained lower than the sham group. However, serum PD enzyme activity levels were significantly higher in the blast-exposed groups compared to the sham group. Tau protein levels were significantly elevated in the blast-exposed groups. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a decline in hippocampal PD activity over time, while tau protein levels progressively increased, suggesting a shift from initial oxidative stress to neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that blast injury triggers oxidative stress and subsequent neurodegenerative processes. The correlation with tau protein levels further supports the involvement of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of blast-induced TBI and highlights the potential utility of PD enzyme activity as a diagnostic marker.
Why and when democracies ban political parties: a classification of democratic state orientations to party bans
Authors: Bernatskyi Bohdan
Published: April 2024

Defending democracy requires undemocratic steps; one of the most radical is the prohibition of political parties. The functioning of political parties is fundamental to healthy and pluralistic democracies. Thus, their exclusion from the political process raises a severe dilemma for a democratic society, which has to address sufficiently why and when a political competitor can legitimately be kicked out of the political arena. The latter is crucially important because of the rise of far-right parties and attempts by authoritarians to infiltrate the domestic political competition of democratic countries. The approaches of various national courts in cases concerning the prohibition of political parties are far from uniform. Experiences in Spain, Ukraine, the UK and, eventually, Germany demonstrate significant contrasts regarding the political theory and legal rationale for prohibition. While democracy is a universal value for a pan-European context, the courts set different limits of democratic tolerance for guarding it. The paper offers a new paradigm that explains why and when democracies ban political parties. The classification of democratic state orientation to party bans consists of liberal, institutional and militant models, which illustrate different concepts around finding the balance between personal rights on the one hand and the interests of a democratic society on the other.
Elastic wave suppression through additively manufactured petal lattice metamaterials
Authors: Sarracino Alex , Hammetter Christopher I. , Whetten Shaun R. , Bishop Sean R. , McCoy Chad A. , Clem Paul G. , Sinclair Michael B. , Biedermann Laura B. , Abere Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Lattice-core sandwich structure metamaterials are lightweight alternatives to monolithic materials that can present better mechanical, thermal, and energy dampening performance. Manufacturing lattice metamaterials to follow curved surfaces can pose a challenge, as the lattices rely on their geometric orientation to the substrate for their mechanical properties. This work rationally designed a lattice structure where the surface is broken up into “petals” connected to the underlying lattice, which localizes the petals’ impact response. This design opens a pathway for implementation of lattice-core sandwich structures onto complex surface geometries. These petal structures were evaluated for their energy absorption efficiency experimentally by utilizing pressure waves generated with nanosecond lasers and computationally via finite element modeling. The lattice structures exhibited a two-orders-of-magnitude decrease in transmitted pressure compared to their constituent steel at equivalent mass. Furthermore, localizing energy absorption into petal structures provided a 44% reduction in peak load compared to a continuous “single-petal” design.
Photoluminescence and transport properties of fluorinated graphene via a weak fluorination strategy
Authors: Xue Yue , Qi Yaping , Tong Tong , Xu Hang , Liu Zhenqi , Ji Cheng , Zhang Jinlei , Gao Ju , Ma Chunlan , Jiang Yucheng
Published: April 2024

The zero-bandgap properties of graphene (Gr) limit its various applications. Fluorination is an alternative strategy to open the bandgap to broaden its applications. However, traditional fluorination methods are detrimental to human health and contribute extensively to environmental pollution. Here, we develop a simple and safe process of weak fluorination that introduces fluorine atoms into Gr, breaking its zero-bandgap structure. This strategy is more environmentally friendly, risk-free, and harmless to humans, making it suitable for large-scale production. Through this highly controllable weak fluorination process, micro-area selective fluorination is achieved and induces excellent photoluminescence characteristics but maintains a high mobility, compared to the pristine Gr with zero bandgap. The degree of fluorination determines the photoelectric and transport properties of Gr. This work provides an experimental foundation for developing materials based on fluorinated graphene and designing high-performance functional devices.
A three-probe method for accurate nanoscale thermal transport measurements
Authors: Huang Po-Yen , Hsiao Tzu-Kan , Yi Jiun-Hung , Chen Bo-Yi , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Chang I-Ling , Chung Tien-Kan , Lu Ming-Chang , Chang Chih-Wei
Published: April 2024

Measurements of transport phenomena are constantly plagued by contact resistance, prohibiting the sample's intrinsic electrical or thermal conductivity from being accurately determined. This predicament is particularly severe in thermal transport measurements due to the inability to meet similar impedance requirements for a four-probe method used in electrical resistance measurements. Here, we invent a three-probe measurement method that makes an accurate determination of thermal conductivity possible for nanomaterials. Incorporating electron beam heating provided by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on a diffusive thermal conductor not only quantifies the thermal contact resistance, which may introduce an error of more than 270% to a sample's thermal conductivity, but also eliminates several device uncertainties that may contribute an additional 17% error in a measurement. The method also enables local temperature measurements, revealing nanoscale structural variations unfound by SEM. The high accuracy of the technique would make standardization of nanoscale thermal transport measurement possible.
Photovoltaic hosting capacity assessment of a distributed network based on an improved holomorphic embedding load flow method and stochastic scenario simulation
Authors: Jiang Wenxin , Du Zhaobin , Zhou Weixian , Lin Xiaoke
Published: April 2024

The increasing proportion of distributed energy in the distribution network poses a significant challenge to effectively absorbing distributed generation (DG). On this premise, the DG hosting capacity (HC) assessment in the future distribution network based on the secure operation boundary of the power grid is necessary. In this paper, an improved holomorphic embedding load flow method (HELM) is employed to construct the relationship between the photovoltaic HC (PVHC) and each constraint to determine the upper limit of the comprehensive PVHC. Furthermore, a screening method of PV locations in the distribution network is constructed to screen the alternative PV locations with strong voltage regulation ability and reduce the alternative multi-point schemes, paving the way for simplifying the PVHC assessment based on a stochastic scenario simulation. Finally, a PVHC assessment based on the stochastic scenario simulation is proposed to expand the applicability of the assessment based on improved HELM. The negative impact of PV uncertainty is quantified by generating stochastic load flow scenarios based on the upper limit of the PVHC from improved HELM. The PVHC assessment in the high-voltage distribution network IEEE30 is analyzed to prove the efficiency and comprehensiveness of PVHC assessment in the distribution network.
Effect of surface radiation on the stability of hypersonic flat plate boundary layer
Authors: Gai Deyu , Cao Wei
Published: April 2024

Transition of hypersonic boundary layer flow is an important problem in aerodynamic research. To obtain the natural transition position using the flow stability analysis method, it is necessary to analysis the neutral curve and the perturbation growth rule. Accurate calculation of the basic flow is the basis and prerequisite for stability analysis. This paper proposes that surface radiation should be considered in the analysis of hypersonic boundary layer flow stability due to the high temperatures at the vehicle surface caused by aerodynamic heating. In order to obtain the influence of surface radiation on the flow stability, we assume that the surface satisfies the energy balance and the gas satisfies calorimetrically perfect gas properties. To simplify the analysis, gas radiation has been neglected. The boundary layer analysis of a hypersonic flat plate with and without radiation has been performed by a combination of flow stability theory and direct numerical simulation. It is found that high temperature radiation on the surface causes energy to transfer outwards. The results showed that surface temperature decreases along the streamwise direction and is no longer an adiabatic surface temperature. Instability interval decreases and the maximum growth rate increases. The range of the instability region expressed in dimensionless frequency values moves to lower frequency as the Mach number increases. Maximum growth rate shows a tendency to increase and then decrease as the Mach number increases.
Formation of the oxyl’s potential energy surface by the spectral kinetics of a vibrational mode
Authors: Stewart James , Zayka Paul , Courter Christen , Cuk Tanja
Published: April 2024

One of the most reactive intermediates for oxidative reactions is the oxyl radical, an electron-deficient oxygen atom. The discovery of a new vibration upon photoexcitation of the oxygen evolution catalysis detected the oxyl radical at the SrTiO3 surface. The vibration was assigned to a motion of the sub-surface oxygen underneath the titanium oxyl (Ti–O●−) created upon hole transfer to (or electron extraction from) a hydroxylated surface site. Evidence for such an interfacial mode is derived from its spectral shape, which exhibited a Fano resonance—a coupling of a sharp normal mode to continuum excitations. Here, this Fano resonance is utilized to derive precise formation kinetics of the oxyl radical and its associated potential energy surface (PES). From the Fano lineshape, the formation kinetics are obtained from the anti-resonance (the kinetics of the coupling factor), the resonance (the kinetics of the coupled continuum excitations), and the frequency integrated spectrum (the kinetics of the normal mode’s cross-section). All three perspectives yield logistic function growth with a half-rise of 2.3 ± 0.3 ps and a time constant of 0.48 ± 0.09 ps. A non-equilibrium transient associated with photoexcitation is separated from the rise of the equilibrated PES. The logistic function characterizes the oxyl coverage at the very initial stages (t ∼ 0) to have an exponential growth rate that quickly decreases toward zero as a limiting coverage is reached. Such time-dependent reaction kinetics identify a dynamic activation barrier associated with the formation of a PES and quantify it for oxyl radical coverage.
Electron acceleration and x-ray generation from near-critical-density carbon nanotube foams driven by moderately relativistic lasers
Authors: Pan Zhuo , Liu Jianbo , Wang Pengjie , Mei Zhusong , Cao Zhengxuan , Kong Defeng , Xu Shirui , Liu Zhipeng , Liang Yulan , Peng Ziyang , Xu Tianqi , Song Tan , Chen Xun , Wu Qingfan , Zhang Yujia , Han Qihang , Chen Haoran , Zhao Jiarui , Gao Ying , Chen Shiyou , Zhao Yanying , Yan Xueqing , Shou Yinren , Ma Wenjun
Published: April 2024

Direct laser acceleration of electrons in near-critical-density (NCD) carbon nanotube foams (CNFs) has its advantages in the high-efficiency generation of relativistic electrons and broadband x-rays. Here, we report the first simultaneous measurement on the spectra of laser-driven electrons and x-rays from CNFs at moderately relativistic intensities of around 5×1019 W/cm2. The density and thickness of the CNFs were scanned in the experiments, indicating the optimized electron temperature of 5.5 MeV and x-ray critical energy of 5 keV. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations confirm that the electrons, with a temperature significantly higher than the pondermotive scale, are directly accelerated by the laser along the NCD plasma channel, while the bright x-rays are emitted by these electrons through betatron radiation or Thomson backscattering inside the channel. The simultaneously generated electrons and x-rays, automatically synchronized with the femtosecond laser driver, are suitable for applications such as bi-modal radiography.
The design of a linear voltage divider based on metal oxide arresters
Authors: Xiao Xinyan , Shi Yuhao , Cheng Lin , Yang Lanjun
Published: April 2024

In recent years, linearization technology for nonlinear devices has become a hot topic in many fields. In this study, a linear voltage divider based on metal oxide arresters was designed by combining linearization technology and electrical measurement technology to solve the objective problems of online voltage monitoring. These problems include high difficulty in equipment installation, low measurement accuracy, and poor economic benefits. Based on a summary of linearization theory, the sufficient and necessary conditions for the linearization of the voltage divider were deduced in detail. The relevant circuit simulations were conducted, along with voltage divider experiments under power frequency AC voltage, operating overvoltage, and lightning overvoltage. The results revealed that the voltage divider was able to realize linearized measurements and meet the relevant standards of online voltage monitoring. The measurement errors were concentrated in the transition region between the pre-breakdown region (small current region) and the breakdown region (nonlinear region) in the volt–ampere characteristic curve. The main influencing factor of errors was the consistency of the nonlinear characteristics of the high- and low-voltage arms of the voltage divider. The voltage divider designed in this study can be applied in many scenarios, such as power plants, substations, high-voltage electrical equipment manufacturing plants, and high-voltage laboratories.
Meta-photonics: A bridge between physical association and digital models in photonics
Authors: Xing Xiaohua , Ren Yuqi , Zou Die , Zhang Qiankun , Mao Bingxuan , Yao Jianquan , Xiong Deyi , Wu Liang
Published: April 2024

Recently, the burgeoning field of metaverse has facilitated the convergence of digital scenarios and the real world to achieve unprecedented interaction patterns. Inspired by this digital approach, we propose the concept of meta-photonics to gain insight into the photonics underlying increasingly complex phenomena, while traditional physics theory is not keeping pace with current observations. Here, we are armed with different deep learning models to build intrinsic dimensions among different physical elements and bring together amplitude, phase, polarization conversion ratio, extinction ratio, unwrapping phase, surface electric field, and connected domain, most of which have never been reported, based on the results of the forward and inverse models. This approach reveals an opportunity to catalyze the discovery of more enigmatic associations among different concepts and paves the way for tailoring more flexible optical responses in the vibrant world of meta-photonics.
Effect of temporal increase in equivalence ratio on combustion instability of a lean-premixed swirling hydrogen flame
Authors: Kawai M. , Nagao J. , Pillai A. L. , Kurose R.
Published: April 2024

The effect of temporal increase in the equivalence ratio on the combustion instability of a lean-premixed low-swirl hydrogen jet flame in a low-swirl combustor (LSC) is investigated in detail using a high-fidelity Large-Eddy Simulation (LES). The equivalence ratio is linearly increased from 0.3 to 0.5 over a duration of 0.4 s. The results show that the pressure oscillation amplitude in the combustor increases significantly when the equivalence ratio at the combustor inlet (ERCI) exceeds 0.42, and the maximum pressure amplitude and the combustion instability mode exhibit trends consistent with those in a previous experiment and numerical simulation conducted with the same LSC setup at a fixed equivalence ratio of 0.39. Temporal variations in the equivalence ratio and consequently the temperature inside the combustor cause the drastic amplification of pressure oscillation (when the ERCI exceeds 0.42) whose amplitude is larger than that at the fixed equivalence ratio (= 0.39). Prior to the onset of this exceptionally strong combustion instability, a transient irregular oscillation phenomenon comprising instantaneous changes in the pressure oscillation frequency is observed. While the pressure oscillations in the combustor and in the injector channel are in phase after the onset of strong combustion instability, they are in opposite phases during the occurrence of the irregular oscillation phenomenon prior to the onset of strong combustion instability. This irregular oscillation phenomenon predicted by the LES may play a crucial role in the mechanism of transition from stable combustion to combustion instability.
Controlled exfoliation of wafer-scale single-crystalline AlN film on MOCVD-grown layered h-BN
Authors: Wang Lulu , Duo Yiwei , Song Yijian , Huo Ziqiang , Yang Jiankun , Ran Junxue , Yan Jianchang , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Wei Tongbo
Published: April 2024

In this work, we present a stress-free AlN film with improved crystal quality assisted by h-BN and demonstrate the mechanical exfoliation of wafer-scale single-crystal AlN freestanding membrane and reveal the controllable exfoliation mechanism of AlN. Uniform and continuous wafer-scale h-BN is directly grown on c-plane sapphire using a flow modulation epitaxy mode by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The nucleation and evolution processes of quasi-van der Waals epitaxy (QvdWE) of AlN on h-BN are revealed. It is found that O2-plasma-treated h-BN can effectively promote the nucleation islands of AlN and contribute to the release of biaxial stress and the reduction of dislocation density in the epilayers. Eventually, the QvdWE growth of a stress-free AlN film (0.08 GPa) is achieved, and wafer-scale mechanical exfoliation of the AlN membrane has been realized. This work provides an effective strategy for the quality improvement of III-nitride films and paves the way for the vertical structure and flexible deep-ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.
The role of goat production in smallholder systems in Lao PDR: implications for improving productivity and scaling up production
Authors: Liehr Eoin , Millar Joanne , Walkden-Brown Stephen , Chittavong Malavanh , Olmo Luisa
Published: April 2024

Context Rising demand from Vietnam for Lao goat meat has triggered a rapid increase in goat numbers in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Despite the increased market opportunity for smallholder farmers in Laos, goat production remains low input within free-grazing management systems. Aims Qualitative research was conducted to explore the role that goat production plays in farmers’ livelihood strategies and farming systems, including the benefits and associated trade-offs, so as to inform development approaches to improve goat husbandry and productivity. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 smallholder goat farmers across five villages in southern-central Laos. Interview transcripts were analysed using grounded theory methodology with the assistance of the Nvivo 12 software program. Key results The interviews showed that goats were a profitable and liquid asset for farmers. Income from goats was used for small expenses that occurred frequently or at short notice, such as household loans or debts, utility and medical costs and buying food and clothing for family members. Goats had socio-cultural purposes, with some farmers preferring to consume goats during celebratory occasions over other livestock species. Managing goats was easy and benefited the wider farming system by providing goat manure to fertilise crop plantations. Conclusions Goat productivity and goats’ unique subsistence and socio-cultural roles can be enhanced by improving goat kid management, goat-house design and cleaning, and by implementing disease management. These activities can be low input. Implications The government policy and future development projects in Laos should focus on increasing goat productivity rather than increasing the scale of farmers’ goat enterprises. The majority of farmers may not benefit from significantly increasing the scale of their goat enterprises because of trade-offs associated with free-grazing management, including goats damaging crops or becoming lost or involved in accidents such as dog attacks and car accidents.
Unravelling the relationships among Madrepora Linnaeus, 1758, Oculina Lamark, 1816 and Cladocora Ehrenberg, 1834 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Scleractinia)
Authors: Addamo Anna M. , Modrell Melinda S. , Taviani Marco , Machordom Annie
Published: April 2024

Despite the widespread use of integrative taxonomic approaches, many scleractinian coral genera and species remain grouped in polyphyletic families, classified as incertae sedis or simply understudied. Oculinidae Gray, 1847 represents a family for which many taxonomic questions remain unresolved, particularly those related to some of the current genera, such as Oculina Lamark, 1816 or recently removed genera, including Cladocora Ehrenberg, 1834 and Madrepora Linnaeus, 1758. Cladocora is currently assigned to the family Cladocoridae Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857 and a new family, Bathyporidae Kitahara, Capel, Zilberberg & Cairns, 2024, was recently raised to accommodate Madrepora. However, the name Bathyporidae is not valid because this was not formed on the basis of a type genus name. To resolve taxonomic questions related to these three genera, the evolutionary relationships are explored through phylogenetic analyses of 18 molecular markers. The results of these analyses support a close relationship between the species Oculina patagonica and Cladocora caespitosa, indicating that these may belong to the same family (and possibly genus), and highlighting the need for detailed revisions of Oculina and Cladocora. By contrast, a distant relationship is found between these two species and Madrepora oculata, with the overall evidence supporting the placement of Madrepora in the resurrected family Madreporidae Ehrenberg, 1834. This study advances our knowledge of coral systematics and highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the genera Oculina, Cladocora and Madrepora.
Bryophytes of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia
Authors: Wyatt R. , Stoneburner A. , Hopper Stephen D.
Published: April 2024

Context Although the vascular flora of Western Australia is renowned for high species diversity and endemism, very little is known about the state’s moss and liverwort flora. Aims In 1984 we conducted surveys of bryophytes in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods We searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on the Reserve, collecting voucher specimens subsequently identified with modern literature and with the help of Australian bryophyte experts. We updated the text to reflect modern taxonomy and considering modern literature on phytogeography and hypotheses associated with OCBIL (Old, Climatically Buffered, Infertile Landscapes) theory. Key results A total of 38 species of mosses representing 25 genera from 13 families were identified along with 10 species of liverworts representing nine genera and six families. Two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) were previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic genus, family, and order. The Pottiaceae, with 11 species, was the most diverse family of mosses. The Lepidoziaceae, with three species, was the most diverse family of liverworts. Conclusions Lower levels of endemism in bryophytes versus vascular plants may reflect the bryophytes’ capacity for wide and long-distance dispersal of spores and fragments. Bryophyte diversity and endemism may be less than on extensive OCBILs because much of the Reserve emerged from the ocean as recently as the mid-Pleistocene. Implications This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in WA, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of mosses and liverworts.
The thermoneutral zone in women takes an “arctic” shift compared to men
Authors: Brychta Robert J. , McGehee Suzanne , Huang Shan , Leitner Brooks P. , Duckworth Courtney J. , Fletcher Laura A. , Kim Katherine , Cassimatis Thomas M. , Israni Nikita S. , Lea Hannah J. , Lentz Taylor N. , Pierce Anne E. , Jiang Alex , LaMunion Samuel R. , Thomas Reed J. , Ishihara Asuka , Courville Amber B. , Yang Shanna B. , Reitman Marc L. , Cypess Aaron M. , Chen Kong Y.
Published: April 2024

Conventionally, women are perceived to feel colder than men, but controlled comparisons are sparse. We measured the response of healthy, lean, young women and men to a range of ambient temperatures typical of the daily environment (17 to 31 °C). The Scholander model of thermoregulation defines the lower critical temperature as threshold of the thermoneutral zone, below which additional heat production is required to defend core body temperature. This parameter can be used to characterize the thermoregulatory phenotypes of endotherms on a spectrum from “arctic” to “tropical.” We found that women had a cooler lower critical temperature (mean ± SD: 21.9 ± 1.3 °C vs. 22.9 ± 1.2 °C,
P
= 0.047), resembling an “arctic” shift compared to men. The more arctic profile of women was predominantly driven by higher insulation associated with more body fat compared to men, countering the lower basal metabolic rate associated with their smaller body size, which typically favors a “tropical” shift. We did not detect sex-based differences in secondary measures of thermoregulation including brown adipose tissue glucose uptake, muscle electrical activity, skin temperatures, cold-induced thermogenesis, or self-reported thermal comfort. In conclusion, the principal contributors to individual differences in human thermoregulation are physical attributes, including body size and composition, which may be partly mediated by sex.
Frequent nonhomologous replacement of replicative helicase loaders by viruses in
Vibrionaceae
Authors: Tominaga Kento , Ozaki Shogo , Sato Shohei , Katayama Tsutomu , Nishimura Yuki , Omae Kimiho , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: April 2024

Several microbial genomes lack textbook-defined essential genes. If an essential gene is absent from a genome, then an evolutionarily independent gene of unknown function complements its function. Here, we identified frequent nonhomologous replacement of an essential component of DNA replication initiation, a replicative helicase loader gene, in
Vibrionaceae
. Our analysis of
Vibrionaceae
genomes revealed two genes with unknown function, named
vdhL1
and
vdhL2
, that were substantially enriched in genomes without the known helicase-loader genes. These genes showed no sequence similarities to genes with known function but encoded proteins structurally similar with a viral helicase loader. Analyses of genomic syntenies and coevolution with helicase genes suggested that
vdhL1/2
encodes a helicase loader. The in vitro assay showed that
Vibrio harveyi
VdhL1 and
Vibrio ezurae
VdhL2 promote the helicase activity of DnaB. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetics suggested that
vdhL1
/
2
were derived from phages and replaced an intrinsic helicase loader gene of
Vibrionaceae
over 20 times. This high replacement frequency implies the host’s advantage in acquiring a viral helicase loader gene.
Frames and semantic roles in metaphorical mappings
Authors: Navarro i Ferrando Ignasi , Esbrí-Blasco Montserrat
Published: April 2024

Conceptual Metaphor Theory describes metaphorical mappings as correspondences between domains. Nevertheless, the interrelations of the mapped elements still need to be characterised. This study analyses metaphorical mappings from one situational frame in the cooking domain in American English and Peninsular Spanish. The aims are to elucidate to what extent each language primes particular semantic roles in the boiling frame for metaphorisation and explore the possible cultural implications of these cross-linguistic differences. The qualitative analysis reveals the contrastive relevance of semantic roles in frame mappings. In addition, the frequencies of boil and hervir metaphorical senses determine the degree of entrenchment and salience of metaphors cross-linguistically. The results suggest that the English boiling frame has a considerably broader scope as a source than the Spanish hervir frame. Additionally, the paper contrasts the relative saliency of the semantic roles mapped in those metaphors shared by both languages. Finally, cultural implications are discussed.
Raising the bar
Authors: Ramonda Kris
Published: April 2024

Empirical testing is a challenging aspect of L2 classroom-based research, especially when exploring the
multifaceted nature of figurative language, such as metaphorical idioms. Typically, studies in applied linguistics involve
language learners from convenience samples of intact classes. This approach can pose problems as these classes represent
non-random, often small, samples of participants. Despite these challenges, appropriate precautions and considerations, such as
addressing overlooked idiom-inherent variables, contemplating counterbalancing, managing time-on-task, and making well-informed
treatment and data collection design choices can minimize confounding variables and enhance a study’s design and resultant
validity. The author of this article offers a reflective commentary based on a previous study (Ramonda, 2022) to expound on these considerations and provide modest proposals for improving future study quality in
this domain.
Associated motion, associated posture and imperfective aspect in Tacana (Amazonian Bolivia)
Authors: Guillaume Antoine
Published: April 2024

This paper is the first detailed description of the exceptionally rich subsystem of verbal inflections that
express imperfective aspect in Tacana, an endangered and underdescribed language from the Takanan family. The unusually high
degree of elaboration of this system, which includes nine members in paradigmatic opposition, is achieved by co-expressing
imperfective aspect with spatial meanings taken from two distinct categories: associated motion (with five values: ‘going’,
‘coming’, ‘going back’, ‘coming back’, ‘wandering’) and what I will call “associated posture” (with three values: ‘standing’,
‘lying/bending’, ‘hanging’). The ninth member is a default imperfective marker that does not carry any spatial meaning. The paper
challenges linguistic theories that consider grammatical(izable) concepts as belonging to a strictly limited range of notional
domains from which motion and posture are excluded. Additionally, the paper provides strong support for a new comparative concept
of “associated posture” in linguistics.
A trick for calculating surface gravities of Killing horizons
Authors: Yang Jinbo
Published: April 2024

We propose a trick for calculating the surface gravity of the Killing horizon, especially for cases of rotating black holes. By choosing nice slices, the surface gravity and angular velocities can be directly read from relevant components of the inverse metric. We give several cases to show how to apply the trick step by step.
Quick recipes for gravitational-wave selection effects
Authors: Gerosa Davide , Bellotti Malvina
Published: April 2024

Accurate modeling of selection effects is a key ingredient to the success of gravitational-wave astronomy. The detection probability plays a crucial role in both statistical population studies, where it enters the hierarchical Bayesian likelihood, and astrophysical modeling, where it is used to convert predictions from population-synthesis codes into observable distributions. We review the most commonly used approximations, extend them, and present some recipes for a straightforward implementation. These include a closed-form expression capturing both multiple detectors and noise realizations written in terms of the so-called Marcum Q-function and a ready-to-use mapping between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds and false-alarm rates from state-of-the-art detection pipelines. The bias introduced by approximating the matched filter SNR with the optimal SNR is not symmetric: sources that are nominally below threshold are more likely to be detected than sources above threshold are to be missed. Using both analytical considerations and software injections in detection pipelines, we confirm that including noise realizations when estimating the selection function introduces an average variation of a few %. This effect is most relevant for large catalogs and specific subpopulations of sources at the edge of detectability (e.g. high redshifts).
Point-charge models and averages for electromagnetic quantities considered in two relativistic inertial frames
Authors: Boyer Timothy H
Published: April 2024

Electromagnetic quantities at a spacetime point have tensor Lorentz transformations between relatively-moving inertial frames. However, since the Lorentz transformation of time between inertial frames depends upon both the time and space coordinates, averages of electrodynamic quantities at a single time will in general depend upon the inertial frame, and will differ between inertial frames. Here we illustrate how the use of continuous charge and current distributions rather than point-charge distributions can lead to physically mystifying and even inaccurate results for electromagnetic quantities and physical phenomena. The discrepancy noted between the average electric field values in different inertial frames is particularly striking because it is first order in the relatative velocity between the frames.
On the Sagnac effect and the consistency of relativity theory
Authors: Lambare Justo Pastor
Published: April 2024

The Sagnac effect is an interferometric phenomenon produced by rotation. It has a rich history and presently has numerous technological applications. Despite some persistent claims to the contrary, we explain why the Sagnac effect does not prove relativity either incorrect or inconsistent. Analyzing such misunderstandings has didactic value because it allows us to review some subtle relativity concepts. It also reveals the importance of basing scientific reasoning on rigorous logical thinking to avoid confusion derived from prejudices based on our limited everyday human experience.
Quantitative estimation of ·OH-radical density from fluorescence decay behavior near the plasma-liquid interface by incident microscopic LIF spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Qi , Qiao Jun-Jie , Sun Fu-Li , Wang Li-Cheng , Xiong Qing
Published: April 2024

The formation and transportation of short-lived species on/within the plasma-liquid interfacial layer plays a crucial role in various applications because of their high chemical reactivity. However, the experimental detection and quantification of these short-lived species, such as ˙OH radicals, at the gas–liquid interface still pose formidable challenges. This study confronts this challenge by employing incident microscopic laser-induced fluorescence (mLIF) method to capture the OH-LIF signals on the interfacial layer at different time moments of the post-discharge phase under high spatial resolution. The temporal evolution of ˙OH density is subsequently quantified by fitting the OH-LIF decay behavior to a reaction-dissolution model. Results reveal that increasing the pulse width serves better to enhance ˙OH generation on liquid surface, reaching a density of 1.25 × 1016 cm−3. Furthermore, the cathode-solution interface demonstrates significantly enhanced ˙OH production compared to the anode-solution interface. These results underscore the efficacy of incident mLIF in quantitatively probing short-lived ˙OH-radical production at the interfacial layer in pulsed-driven plasma-solution interactions, with potential applicability to other reactive species.
First-principles study of ferroelectricity in two-dimensional quin-layer M2CT2 MXenes
Authors: Zeng Yu-Jie , Zhao Jin-Zhu
Published: April 2024

In this work, the ferroelectricity of a group of quin-layer M2CT2 monolayer MXenes compounds is investigated from first principles. The polar H phase of Sc2CS2, Sc2CSe2, Y2CS2, and Y2CSe2 are predicted by our results which show the co-existence of out-of-plane (OOP) and in-plane (IP) electric polarizations. We clarified that the spontaneous OOP polarization in the H phase originated from the high-order coupling with IP polarization. The competition between the FE and anti-ferroelectric state of studied H phase monolayer M2CT2 MXenes is investigated as well. Compared with previously reported Mixed-phase for M2CT2 MXenes, the H phase presents strong coupling between OOP polarizations and external electric field making them more feasible for manipulating in practical applications.
Propagation of nanosecond discharge in an air gap containing a water droplet: modelling and comparison with time-resolved images
Authors: Ouali Anthony , Sebih Lyes , Herrmann Antoine , Valensi Flavien , Hamdan Ahmad
Published: April 2024

The plasma-water interface is a complex medium characterized by interesting physical and chemical phenomena useful for many applications such as water processing or material synthesis. In this context, optimizing the transport of reactive species from plasma to water is crucial, and it may be achieved by increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of the processed object. Herein, we study the characteristics of a streamer produced by nanosecond discharge in air gap with a droplet of deionized water. The discharge is characterized experimentally by electrical measurements as well as by 1 ns-intergated ICCD images. To report plasma properties that are not accessible through experiment, such as the spatio-temporal evolution of electron density, electric field, and space charge density, a 2D fluid model is developed and adapted to the experimental geometry. Due to the fast propagation of the ionization front, the droplet is considered as a solid dielectric. The model solves Poisson’s equation as well as the drift-diffusion equation for electrons, positive ions, and negative ions. The utilized transport coefficients are tabulated as a function of the reduced electric field. Helmholtz equations are also included in the model to account for photoionization. The electron impact ionization source obtained from the model is compared to experimental 1 ns-integrated ICCD images, and a good agreement is observed. Finally, the model is used to investigate the influence of droplet dielectric permittivity and wetting angle (the angle between a liquid surface and a solid surface) on the properties of the discharge. Overall, the data reported herein demonstrate that the model can be used to investigate plasma properties under different conditions.
V2O5 nanoflakes for broad-spectral-response self-powered photodetectors with a high on/off ratio and high detectivity
Authors: Şakar Betül Ceviz , Yıldırım Fatma , Aydoğan Şakir
Published: April 2024

In this study, V2O5 nanoflakes (NFs) was coated on Si substrate by DC sputtering to obtain V2O5 NFs/n-Si heterojunction. To utilize V2O5 NFs as a broadband photodetector, absorbance spectra were studied using UV−Vis−near-IR spectroscopy. Cut-off wavelength was 530 nm. Furthermore, energy dispersive x-ray, x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope analyses of V2O5 NFs were achieved. The V2O5 NFs/n-Si device gave a very high rectifying ratio of 1.18 × 104 in the dark and at zero bias, it has self-powered mode and an on/off ratio of 1.29 × 106. Optical analyses of the V2O5 NFs/n-Si heterojunction device were studied in detail under UV (365, 395 nm) and IR (850 nm) illumination as well as visible light with varying light intensities. Analysis of experimental studies showed that the device has a high photoresponse under all illuminations. For optical analysis based on I–V measurements, responsivity, detectivity, on/off ratio, external quantum efficiency (EQE), normalized photocurrent-dark-current ratio and noise-equivalent power (NEP) analyses were achieved. The maximum values of responsivity from measurements under visible, UV (395 nm) and IR illumination (850 nm) were 104, 882 and 850 mA W−1 for −2.0 V, respectively. Detectivity values are maximized at V = 0 V and are 6.84 × 1011, 7.87 × 1012 and 6.87 × 1012Jones for the same illuminations respectively. With increasing intensity, the rectification ratio and NEP decreased while the other parameters generally increased. The increase in performance at increasing visible intensity was attributed to the increase in photogenerated carrier density at high intensities, and the high performance in the UV region was attributed to the high light absorption of V2O5 NFs in the UV region.