bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the comorbidity of patients seeking a first treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: García-Marchena Nuria , Sanvisens Arantza , Abellí-Deulofeu Enric , Blanes Rafael , Torrens Marta , Miquel Laia , Rubio Gabriel , Bolao Ferran , Muga Robert ,   CohRTA study, Sanvisens Arantza , Zuluaga Paola , Fuster Daniel , Hernández-Rubio Anna , Farré Magí , Papasseit Esther , Pérez-Mañá Clara , Poyatos Lourdes , García-Marchena Nuria , Abellí-Deulofeu Enric , Muga Robert , Moranta Catalina , Blanes Rafael , Rubio Gabriel , Sion Ana , Miquel Laia , Ortega Lluisa , Bruguera Pol , Caballeria Elsa , Messeguer Ana , Torrens Marta , Fonseca Francina , Mestre-Pinto Joan Ignasi , Alías María , Dinamarca Fernando , Rodríguez-Fonseca Fernando , Pavón-Morón Francisco Javier , Marcos Miguel , Martín Candelaria , Pérez-Hernández Onán , Manzanares Jorge , Navarrete Francisco , Gasparyan Ani
Published: July 2023

Background

The CohRTA multicenter study aims to characterize patients undergoing a first treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The objective is to analyze sex-specific differences in the comorbidity of AUD when starting the first treatment for the disorder.

Methods

A multicenter study was carried out between 2014 and 2021 in 6 public centers in Spain. Sociodemographic characteristics were collected, variables related to alcohol consumption, medical comorbidity according to Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Substance Abuse (CIRS-SA), antecedent of psychiatric comorbidity, general blood test and screening for drugs in urine. Logistic regression models were used to establish associations.

Results

A total of 896 patients (634 M, 262 W) were included. Median age at admission was 48 years [IQR:41–56 years]. Men reported beginning regular alcohol consumption at an earlier age and drank more alcohol. The most frequent medical comorbidities were hepatic, respiratory, vascular and neurological. The median number of affected systems was three, with no differences between men and women. However, depressive disorder was more frequent in women. In the multivariate analysis, women were up to 4 times more likely to have a major depressive disorder, elevated ESR and elevated total cholesterol than men. Men started alcohol consumption earlier, had a higher body mass index (BMI), a higher probability of using cocaine and a higher frequency of GGT and bilirubin alteration than women.

Conclusion

Differences by sex were found among individuals beginning first treatment for AUD. These differences must be taken into account when designing specific therapeutic strategies for men and women.
Navigating or adding to complexity? Exploring the role of catchment partnerships in collaborative governance
Authors: Waylen Kerry A. , Blackstock Kirsty L. , Marshall Keith , Juarez-Bourke Alba
Published: July 2023

An enduring challenge for environmental governance is how to coordinate multiple actors to achieve more collaborative and holistic management of complex socio-ecological systems. Catchment partnerships are often thought able to achieve this, so here we ask: do such partnerships actually help navigate complexity, or merely add to it? We answer this question by analysing the experiences of four voluntary UK catchment partnerships. Our data combined a structured desk-based analysis of partnership documents, with semi-structured interviews with partnership coordinators, chairs and partner representatives. These data were analysed using a qualitative thematic approach informed by the literatures on catchment management and collaborative governance of complexity. We found that partnerships both add to and help navigate the complexity of holistic and inclusive environmental management. Maintaining partnerships entails costs for partners, and partnerships connect messily and multitudinously to other initiatives. However, the partnerships were all judged as worthwhile, and made progress towards goals for water quality, biodiversity and river restoration. They were especially valued for envisioning and initiating complex activities such as Natural Flood Management. Communication and networking by partnership coordinators and partners underpinned these achievements. Aspects of pre-existing governance systems both enabled and constrained the partnerships: in particular, statutory agencies responsible for policy delivery were always important partners, and delivering partnership plans often depended on public-sector grants. This draws attention to the pervasive effect of governmentality in collaborative governance. More attention to analysing—and supporting—such partnerships is worthwhile, complemented by reflection on the limits to environmental governance in the face of complexity.
Novel Insights into the Physiology of Nutrient Sensing and Gut-Brain Communication in Surgical and Experimental Obesity Therapy
Authors: Frick Lukas D. , Hankir Mohammed K. , Borner Tito , Malagola Ermanno , File Bálint , Gero Daniel
Published: July 2023

Despite standardized surgical technique and peri-operative care, metabolic outcomes of bariatric surgery are not uniform. Adaptive changes in brain function may play a crucial role in achieving optimal postbariatric weight loss. This review follows the anatomic-physiologic structure of the postbariatric nutrient-gut-brain communication chain through its key stations and provides a concise summary of recent findings in bariatric physiology, with a special focus on the composition of the intestinal milieu, intestinal nutrient sensing, vagal nerve-mediated gastrointestinal satiation signals, circulating hormones and nutrients, as well as descending neural signals from the forebrain. The results of interventional studies using brain or vagal nerve stimulation to induce weight loss are also summarized. Ultimately, suggestions are made for future diagnostic and therapeutic research for the treatment of obesity.
Efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in older adults with atrial fibrillation: a prospective single-centre cohort study
Authors: Catalani Filippo , Campello Elena , Occhipinti Giuseppina , Zorzi Alessandro , Sartori Marta , Zanforlini Bruno Micael , Franchin Alessandro , Simioni Paolo , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are underused in the elderly, regardless the evidence in their favour in this population.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled anticoagulant-naïve patients aged ≥ 75 years who started treatment with DOACs for atrial fibrillation (AF) and stratified them in older adults (aged 75–84 years) and extremely older adults (≥ 85 years). Thrombotic and hemorrhagic events were evaluated for 12 months follow-up.

Results

We enrolled 518 consecutive patients. They were mostly aged 75–84 years (299 patients; 57.7%) vs. ≥ 85 years (219 patients; 42.3%). Extremely older adults showed higher incidence of all the endpoints (systemic cardioembolism [HR 3.25 (95% CI 1.71–6.18)], major bleeding [HR 2.75 (95% CI 1.77–4.27)], and clinically relevant non-major bleeding [HR 2.13 (95% CI 1.17–3.92)]) vs. older adults during the first year after starting anticoagulation. In patients aged ≥ 85 years, no difference in the aforementioned endpoints was found between those receiving on-label vs. off-label DOACs. In the extremely older adults, chronic kidney disease, polypharmacy, use of antipsychotics, and DOAC discontinuation correlated with higher rates of thrombotic events, whereas a history of bleeding, Charlson Index ≥ 6, use of reduced DOAC dose, absence of a caregiver, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 were associated with major bleedings.

Conclusions

Naïve patients aged ≥ 85 who started a DOAC for AF are at higher risk of thrombotic and bleeding events compared to those aged 75–84 years in the first year of therapy. History of bleeding, HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 and use of NSAIDs are associated with higher rates of major bleeding.
Non-suicidal self-injury in Portuguese college students: relationship with emotion regulation, resilience and self-compassion
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia , Vieira Ana Isabel , Machado Bárbara Cesar , Bessa Catarina
Published: July 2023

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) are behaviors relatively frequent among college students and seem to be associated to difficulties in emotion regulation. Less is known, however, about the relationship of NSSI with protective factors such as resilience and self-compassion. The aims of this study are to compare three groups of Portuguese college students (without NSSI, past NSSI, and current NSSI) regarding difficulties in emotion regulation, resilience, and self-compassion and to evaluate the predictors of NSSI considering demographics and those risk and protective factors. Three hundred and eighty-five college students were evaluated through self-report measures. Ninety participants (23.4%) reported lifetime NSSI. These participants reported higher difficulties in emotion regulation and lower resilience and self-compassion than the group without NSSI. The group with current NSSI presented the lowest levels of resilience and self-compassion. Lifetime NSSI was significantly associated with past suicide attempts. Past psychopathology and lower self-compassion were predictors of NSSI. Interventions for decrease NSSI in college students should promote adaptive emotion regulation strategies, resilience, and self-compassion.
A Clinician's Brief Guide to Dementia and the Law
Authors: Brindle Nick , Kennedy Michael , Walsh Christian , Alderson Ben
Published: July 2023

Dementia is a topic of enormous medical, legal and ethical importance with considerable human and economic cost. Its importance grows with the change in demographics of the aging population and that people with dementia receive care in a wide range of settings. The legal and ethical problems raised in treating patients with dementia are diverse and complex and are dealt with by many practitioners on a daily basis. This book is a 'how-to' guide to understanding how the law applies to people with dementia, from diagnosis through to end-of-life. It explores the practical problems that people experience, and practitioners face, giving an accurate account of statute, court cases and other inquiries, to give readers an up-to-date account of the law and how it applies in this area. An essential read for clinicians and practitioners that work with patients with dementia, including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, nurses, social workers and advocates.
Europe’s Refugee “Crises” and the Biopolitics of Risk
Authors: Corcodel Veronica , Fragkou Dimitra
Published: July 2023

This paper provides an analysis of the legal and policy foundations of the different approaches adopted by the European Union (EU) in relation to the 2015/2016 and 2022 refugee “crises”. Its main objective is to show how a risk-based biopolitical framework can bridge the gap between EU institutional narratives and the critique of Europe’s racialised governance schemes. The two “crises” have been largely shaped by a perceived need to manage risk, yet this has produced very different institutional responses, in ways that concealed their racialised dimension. Analysing how risk has been understood in the two contexts, the paper shows how their legal and policy foundations (re-)produce a racialised differential scheme. Amidst ongoing debates on reforming EU migration and asylum law, the paper also shows how the current proposals further consolidate this scheme.
COVID-19 and the International Politics of Blame: Assessing China's Crisis (Mis)Management Practices
Authors: Loh Dylan M. H. , Loke Beverley
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a global health and political crisis like no other in recent history. As ground zero of the virus outbreak, significant criticism and blame have been directed at China for covering up the outbreak. Yet a systematic assessment of China's responses to international opprobrium of its pandemic measures has been largely lacking in the literature. Drawing on the concept of “blame” from public administration, this article seeks to fill this gap by investigating China's COVID-19 crisis and blame (mis)management practices. We make two key contributions in this article. First, we highlight how Beijing engaged in the politics of blame and outline three modes (defensive, aggressive and proactive benevolence) of its blame management practices. Second, we suggest that China sought to articulate and refine its identity during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into a China that is increasingly assertive yet vulnerable to reputational damage. We contend that China's efforts to counter international opprobrium and shift strategic narratives speak directly to issues of autocratic legitimation and its conceived “responsible great power” identity, with greater success among domestic rather than global audiences.
Tver’ Karelian as a new dialect
Authors: Koivisto Vesa
Published: July 2023

In the article, the development of the Tver’ Karelian dialect is discussed. This new dialect has emerged from a mix of regional dialects of Karelian immigrants from the seventeenth century onwards. Characteristics of a new dialect in Tver’ Karelian are examined on the basis of demographic data and linguistic descriptions. In addition, the unity and internal variation of Tver’ Karelian as well as its relation to other Karelian dialects are taken into consideration. In regard to this kind of comparative study, the article reveals some significant regional shortcomings in the linguistic research material available. A discrepancy could also be found between the areal distribution of certain linguistic features of Tver’ Karelian and the main region of origin indicated by historical documents.
Repugnance, externalities and subjectivism: a comment on Krawiec
Authors: Daou Marie , Marciano Alain
Published: July 2023

In her ‘Markets, repugnance, and externalities’ (2022), Kimberly Krawiec notes that the so-called corruption theorists fail to provide evidence that the adoption of repugnant behaviours or commodification destroy social values. She adds that, the values repugnant behaviours are supposed to destroy may even be reinforced after a market has been created. The explanation she explores is that the creation of a market never goes without debates that allow the society to ponder the values it stands for. We suggest an alternative view on the lack of evidence Krawiec identifies. Our starting point is Krawiec's interpretation of repugnance in terms of externalities. We claim that an analysis of repugnance based on externalities requires a characterization of what an externality is, which is rarely done. We show that economists use two opposed definitions of externalities, an objective and a subjective one, and then show what it implies for an analysis of repugnance and justify why the corruption thesis is not always verified empirically.
Understanding VNIR Plagioclase Signatures on Mars Through Petrographic, Geochemical, and Spectral Characterization of Terrestrial Feldspar‐Bearing Igneous Rocks
Authors: Barthez M. , Flahaut J. , Guitreau M. , Ito G. , Pik R.
Published: July 2023

Plagioclase feldspar is a common mineral in terrestrial rocks and has recently been detected on Mars surface with visible near‐infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy. The presence of plagioclase using this method is determined through the identification of an absorption band centered around 1.3 μm on reflectance spectra, which requires the incorporation of Fe2+ in plagioclase lattice. Previous laboratory studies of powder mixtures showed that plagioclase should only be detectable if present in amounts >90% as its absorption band can be masked by those of mafic minerals. Plagioclase composition, but also the size of the grains and the associated minerals in a rock, influence the spectral signature of plagioclase feldspars. Thus, the analysis of whole, uncrushed rocks appears to be relevant for comparisons with Mars remote sensing observations that have shown plagioclase‐like signatures. In the present work, we performed laboratory measurements on five feldspar‐bearing terrestrial rocks of various nature chosen because they reflect the first order terrestrial magmatic variability. The mineralogical composition of these samples, the chemical composition of feldspar crystals, and total rock spectra as well as spectra of each mineral were determined using microscopy, electron microprobe, and VNIR spectroscopy. Our study shows that plagioclase signature is visible on the spectra of macroscopic rocks containing between 30% and 80% plagioclase of different compositions (An25‐An67). Our findings have strong implications for the interpretation of feldspar signatures on Mars, which can belong to a range of feldspar‐bearing rocks and could thus provide information about the formation of Mars' crust.
Benign esophageal stricture model construction and mechanism exploration
Authors: Wu Rui , Fu Min , Tao Hui-Min , Dong Tao , Fan Wen-Tao , Zhao Li-Li , Fan Zhi-Ning , Liu Li
Published: July 2023

Esophageal stricture is a debilitating condition that negatively impacts patients' quality of life after undergoing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Despite its significance, this disease remains underexplored due to the lack of a stable animal model. Under direct visualization with choledochoscopy, we retrogradely damaged the esophageal mucosal layer through the gastrostomy to create a rat model of esophageal stricture. The development of histological defects in the mucosal layer was assessed over a 2-week period after model induction. Then the models were evaluated using X-ray barium radiography, Hematoxylin–Eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Sirius red, and Victoria blue staining, multiphoton microscopic imaging. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms of esophageal stricture were explored by conducting RNA transcriptome sequencing, PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. We successfully established fifteen rat models of esophageal stricture by injuring the mucosal layer. In the model group, the mucosal defect initially occurs and subsequently repaired. The epithelium was absent and was plastically remodeled by collagen during the acute inflammatory phase (Day 1), proliferation phase (Day 7), anaphase of proliferation (Day 10), and plastic remodeling phase (Day 14). We observed increased expression of COL1A1, acta2, FGF, IL-1, and TGF-β1 pathway in the model group. We established a highly repeatable rat model of esophageal stricture, and our results suggest that the mucosal defect of the esophagus is a critical factor in esophageal stricture development, rather than damage to the muscularis layer. We identified Atp4b, cyp1a2, and gstk1 as potential targets for treating esophageal stricture, while the TGF-β pathway was found to play an important role in its development.
Operationally unsaturated ruthenium complex stabilized by a phosphine 1-azaallyl ligand
Authors: Kindervater Meagan B. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Jackman Kyle M. K. , Fogh Amanda A. , Kelley Leslie S. G. , Lim Lisabeth , Sirohey Sofia A. , Boyle Paul D. , Blacquiere Johanna M.
Published: July 2023

An operationally unsaturated ruthenium complex is stabilized by a ligand that can readily switch between different coordination modes.
Machine learning approaches for the optimization of packing densities in granular matter
Authors: Baule Adrian , Kurban Esma , Liu Kuang , Makse Hernán A.
Published: July 2023

We discuss how machine learning methods can support the search for optimally dense packing shapes in a high-dimensional shape space. Using dimensional reduction, regression, and numerical optimization we find novel shapes that pack with up to 0.733 volume fraction.
Interaction of germanium analogue of organic isonitrile with Cu(i) imide in side-on mode
Authors: Huo Shuai-Cong , Li Yao , Ji Peng-Fei , Zhang De-Xiang , Yang Ying , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: July 2023

[NHC → GeN(Ar)Cu2NAr]2, the formal adduct of germanium analogue of organic isonitrile [GeNAr] with Cu(i) imide [(Cu2NAr)2] (Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) was prepared and shown to adopt a side-on mode of interaction.
Asymmetric rectified electric and concentration fields in multicomponent electrolytes with surface reactions
Authors: Jarvey Nathan , Henrique Filipe , Gupta Ankur
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical reactions can generate and/or enhance asymmetric rectified electric fields and concentration fields. Tuning current can thus provide a method for colloidal assembly and electrolyte transport in electrochemical devices.
Quasars as standard candles
Authors: Signorini Matilde , Risaliti Guido , Lusso Elisabeta , Nardini Emanuele , Bargiacchi Giada , Sacchi Andrea , Trefoloni Bartolomeo
Published: July 2023

Context. A non-linear relation between quasar monochromatic luminosities at 2500 Å and 2 keV holds at all observed redshifts and luminosities, and it has been used to derive quasar distances and to build a Hubble diagram of quasars. The choice of the X-ray and UV indicators has so far been somewhat arbitrary and has typically relied on photometric data.

Aims. We aim to determine the X-ray and UV proxies that provide the smallest dispersion of the relation in order to obtain more precise distance estimates and to confirm the reliability of the X-ray-to-UV relation as a distance indicator.

Methods. We performed a complete UV spectroscopic analysis of a sample of ∼1800 quasars with SDSS optical spectra and XMM-Newton X-ray serendipitous observations. In the X-rays, we analysed the spectra of all the sample objects at redshift z > 1.9, while we relied on photometric measurements at lower redshifts. As done in previous studies, we analysed the relation in small redshift bins, using fluxes instead of luminosities.

Results. We show that the monochromatic fluxes at 1 keV and 2500 Å are, respectively, the best X-ray and UV continuum indicators among those that are typically available. We also find a tight relation between soft X-ray and Mg IIλ2800 Å line fluxes, and a marginal dependence of the X-ray-to-UV relation on the width of the Mg II line.

Conclusions. Our analysis suggests that the physical quantities that are more tightly linked to one another are the soft X-ray flux at ∼1 keV and the ionising UV flux blueward of the Lyman limit. However, the ‘usual’ monochromatic fluxes at 2 keV and 2500 Å estimated from photometric data provide an almost as tight X-ray-to-UV relation, and can be used to derive quasar distances. The Hubble diagram obtained using spectroscopic indicators is fully consistent with the one presented in previous papers, based on photometric data.
Abundance and excitation of molecular anions in interstellar clouds
Authors: Agúndez M. , Marcelino N. , Tercero B. , Jiménez-Serra I. , Cernicharo J.
Published: July 2023

We present new observations of molecular anions with the Yebes 40 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes toward the cold, dense clouds TMC-1 CP, Lupus-1A, L1527, L483, L1495B, and L1544. We report the first detections of C3N− and C5N− in Lupus-1A as well as C4H− and C6H− in L483. In addition, we detected new lines of C6H− toward the six targeted sources, of C4H− toward TMC-1 CP, Lupus-1A, and L1527, and of C8H− and C3N− in TMC-1 CP. Excitation calculations using recently computed collision rate coefficients indicate that the lines of anions accessible to radiotelescopes run from subthermally excited to thermalized as the size of the anion increases, with the degree of departure from thermalization depending on the H2 volume density and the line frequency. We noticed that the collision rate coefficients available for the radical C6H are not sufficient to explain various observational facts, thereby calling for the collision data for this species to be revisited. The observations presented here, together with observational data from the literature, have been used to model the excitation of interstellar anions and to constrain their abundances. In general, the anion-to-neutral ratios derived here agree with the literature values, when available, within 50% (by a factor of two at most), except for the C4H−/C4H ratio, which shows higher differences due to a revision of the dipole moment of C4H. From the set of anion-to-neutral abundance ratios derived two conclusions can be drawn. First, the C6H−/C6H ratio shows a tentative trend whereby it increases with increasing H2 density, as we would expect on the basis of theoretical grounds. Second, the assertion that the higher the molecular size, the higher the anion-to-neutral ratio is incontestable; furthermore, this supports a formation mechanism based on radiative electron attachment. Nonetheless, the calculated rate coefficients for electron attachment to the medium size species C4H and C3N are probably too high and too low, respectively, by more than one order of magnitude.
Directional differentiability for shape optimization with variational inequalities as constraints
Authors: Kovtunenko Victor A. , Kunisch Karl
Published: July 2023

For equilibrium constrained optimization problems subject to nonlinear state equations, the property of directional differentiability with respect to a parameter is studied. An abstract class of parameter dependent shape optimization problems is investigated with penalty constraints linked to variational inequalities. Based on the Lagrange multiplier approach, on smooth penalties due to Lavrentiev regularization, and on adjoint operators, a shape derivative is obtained. The explicit formula provides a descent direction for the gradient algorithm identifying the shape of the breaking-line from a boundary measurement. A numerical example is presented for a nonlinear Poisson problem modeling Barenblatt’s surface energies and non-penetrating cracks.
Schlafstörungen bei Patienten mit chronischem Tinnitus
Authors: Hildebrandt Julia , Koehler Ulrich , Conradt Regina , Hildebrandt Olaf , Cassel Werner , Degerli Mikail Aykut , Viniol Christian
Published: July 2023

Tinnitus hat in Deutschland eine Lebenszeitprävalenz von 25%. Eine häufige Komorbidität bei einem chronischen Verlauf sind Schlafstörungen. Die Ziele dieser Studie waren es, Schlafstörungen zu detektieren und mögliche Zusammenhänge mit Tinnitusparametern aufzuzeigen.

Es wurden 50 Patienten mit chronischem Tinnitus rekrutiert. Die Patienten hatten eine Audiometrie, eine nächtliche Polysomnografie und füllten standardisierte Fragebögen zum Tinnitus- und Schlafverhalten aus.

Daten lagen bei 30 Männern und 9 Frauen (Alter 50,2±11 J, BMI 28,8±4,4kg/m²) vor. Der Median der Tinnitusdauer lag bei 36 (9; 120) Monaten, der Schweregrad bei 2,00 (1,00; 3,00). Der Mittelwert des Tinnitus-Fragebogens (TF) war 43,6±17,1, der Epworth-Sleepiness-Score (ESS) betrug 8,41±4,27, der Pittsburgh-Schlafqualitätsindex (PSQI) ergab 9,21±4,32 und die Screening-Skala zum chronischen Stress (SSCS) lag bei 58,13±9,58.

Somnologische Diagnosen waren 18 Insomnien, 4 RLS und 11 OSA. Der Schweregrad des Tinnitus, der Gesamtscore im PSQI und das Körpergewicht waren bei Patienten mit somnologischer Komorbidität höher als bei Schlafgesunden. Je schlechter die Schlafqualität, desto höher der Tinnitusschweregrad (p=0,038) und desto störender wurde der Tinnitus (p=0,03) bewertet. Patienten mit subjektiv sehr störendem Tinnitus bewerteten den chronischem Stress-Score höher. Die Tinnitusdauer war mit dem OSA-Schweregrad korreliert (p=0,026)

Mehr als 2 Drittel aller Tinnituspatienten zeigten eine schlafmedizinische Komorbidität. Ein somnologisches Screening erscheint daher bei einem erhöhten Tinnitusschweregrad sinnvoll. Ob eine CPAP-Therapie bei der Reduktion von Tinnitussymptomen hilfreich ist, konnte nicht abschließend geklärt werden, verdient aber weitere Aufmerksamkeit.
A theoretical framework of information preservation method and its application to low-speed nonequilibrium gas flows
Authors: Yang Hao , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2023

Simulations of nonequilibrium gas flows have garnered significant interest in modern engineering problems involving rarefied gas flow characteristics. Despite the popularity of the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method in simulating such flows, its use in low-speed flows is limited by statistical noises. The information preservation (IP) method is a promising alternative known for its low noise properties. In this study, a new theoretical framework for the IP method based on kinetic theory is introduced to offer complete understanding for the transport properties of the preserved information. Specifically, we introduce a velocity-information joint distribution function (VIJDF) and derive its governing equation as well as the corresponding macroscopic transport equations. To ensure the accuracy of the IP method, the total stress/heat flux in IP, including information stress/heat flux generated during movement and collision steps and compensation stress/heat flux imposed in the compensation step, is matched to the molecular stress/heat flux in DSMC. To this end, a nonequilibrium model for the VIJDF is proposed to evaluate the compensation stress/heat flux. The parameters in the collision model of IP are theoretically determined by equating the transport coefficients associated with the preserved information to the coefficients of viscosity and thermal conductivity in DSMC. Numerical simulations for a variety of nonequilibrium gas flows, including low-speed Couette flow, Fourier flow, high-speed Couette flow, external force-driven Poiseuille flow, lid-driven cavity flow, and thermal creep flow, demonstrate that the IP method can achieve similar accuracy as the DSMC method with a much smaller sampling size.
Examining novice writers’ perceptions of formality
Authors: Larsson Tove , Kaatari Henrik , Dixon Tülay , Egbert Jesse
Published: July 2023

Adherence to standards pertaining to formality remains important for novice academic writers wishing to write within the scientific community. However, due to its elusive nature, it may not be clear what “formal” really means. This study investigates what affects novice writers’ perceptions of formality; specifically, it looks at the individual and combined impact of register (journal articles vs. academic blog posts) and linguistic features with two variants (e.g., split vs. non-split infinitives). The writers (n = 117) were presented with a series of binary choices between register-feature combinations and asked to select the most formal combination. This resulted in a rank-ordered list showing which combinations they perceived as more formal.

The results showed that the novice writers’ perceptions largely aligned with the expected rankings, in that journal articles and the feature variant associated with this register tended to be perceived as more formal than the alternative. These trends were especially strong for two of the features investigated: exclamation points and contractions. In bringing us one step closer to understanding how novice writers think about formality, this study helps shed some light on the commonly used, but less commonly defined, concept of formality.
CIP-FAST: Assessing the production of complex geometry titanium components from powders by combining Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) and Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST)
Authors: Graham S. J. , Azakli Y. , Withey J. , Jackson M.
Published: July 2023

A novel, two-step, solid-state method to produce complex geometry titanium parts was investigated by combining Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) with Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST). Hydride-dehydride powders of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V were CIP'ed into shaped compacts using silicone moulds, then further consolidated using FAST, with ZrO2 powder as a secondary pressing media. The final parts retained the complex features from the CIP moulds but were compressed in the pressing axis. Densities >99% were achieved, with optimised FAST processing parameters required for the different alloys. High hardness and fine equiaxed microstructures were observed at the edges of the parts, suggesting oxygen transfer from the ZrO2 pressing media had occurred, with more investigation needed to better understand and prevent this. Despite this, the CIP-FAST process route has been demonstrated to be a fast, low-cost and material-efficient option to produce a wide variety of complex titanium parts.
Effects of implementing a problem-solving template in introductory physics courses
Authors: Maxutov Samat , Balta Nuri , Abdulbakioglu Mustafa , Burkholder Eric
Published: July 2023

Many introductory physics textbooks include problem-solving templates that are intended to assist students in solving complex physics problems. Despite the widespread use of such templates, there is little evidence as to their effectiveness. In this study, we investigated the effects of using a research-based problem-solving template in three physics courses at a university in Kazakhstan. We generally found that students who were taught using the problem-solving template performed significantly better than students in a control group on midterm examinations. However, we saw no difference between the control and template groups on the final examinations or post-test. We saw significant uptake (60%–80%) of the template components when we analysed homework solutions from the template group and found that student attitudes toward the template were generally positive. Interestingly, we did not find substantial correlations between course performance and the degree to which students used the template on their assignments. Overall, the results are somewhat inconclusive as to the effectiveness of research-based problem-solving templates in traditional physics classrooms because of the limited sample size, unique institutional context, and mixed results from the analysis. This indicates a need for more robust and continued research in the area of problem-solving templates.
Automatic detection of wire bonding defects in microwave components using multi-stage hybrid methods based on deep learning
Authors: Pan Wenjie , Tang Tang , Chen Ming , Mo Fan
Published: July 2023

Wire bonding is one of the main processes in micro-assembly, as its quality directly affects the reliability of microwave components and their operating characteristics. Therefore, it is important to detect defects in wire bonding. Due to the diversity of chips, connections, and circuit substrates, the wire bonding regions vary greatly. Using image processing methods exclusively requires expert knowledge, and the solution lacks versatility. Meanwhile, in highly complex industrial scenarios, relying on end-to-end deep learning method alone cannot accomplish the task constrained by data volume and task difficulty. Therefore, we propose a three-stage wire bonding defect detection method that integrates deep learning with traditional image processing methods for the detection of complex wire bonding defects. In order to address the defect detection of more types of complex bonding images, we divide them into four categories and complete the detection step by step. In the first two stages, semantic segmentation and image processing methods are used in turn to complete the extraction of the region of interest, and in the third stage, we propose a defect recognition model based on Siamese network with a new feature fusion structure to enhance feature learning. Experiments show that the proposed three-stage method, which combines deep learning and image processing, can effectively detect wire bonding defects and is suitable for handling highly complex engineering tasks with greater efficiency and intelligence.
Rotating machinery fault diagnosis using dimension expansion and AntisymNet lightweight convolutional neural network
Authors: Luo Zhiyong , Peng Yueyue , Dong Xin , Qian Hao
Published: July 2023

Deep learning-based methods have made remarkable progress in the field of fault diagnosis for rotating machinery. However, convolutional neural networks are not suitable for industrial applications due to their large model size and high computational complexity. To address this limitation, this paper proposes the Antisym module and constructs AntisymNet, which is combined with dimension expansion algorithms for fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. To begin with, the original vibration signal of the rolling machinery is subjected to time-frequency transformations using the discrete Fourier transform and discrete wavelet transform. Subsequently, each transformed time-frequency signal is expanded in dimensions, resulting in two-dimensional matrix single channel images. These single channel images are then fused into RGB images to enhance the sample features. Finally, the proposed AntisymNet is utilized for recognizing and classifying the expanded signals. To evaluate the performance of AntisymNet, the MiniImageNet image dataset is employed as a benchmark, and a comparison is made with other state-of-the-art lightweight convolutional neural networks. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis model is validated using the CWRU bearing dataset, Ottawa bearing dataset, and the hob dataset. The model achieves an impressive accuracy rate of 99.70% in the CWRU dataset, 99.26% in the Ottawa dataset, and an error rate of only 0.66% in the hob dataset. These results demonstrate the strong performance of the proposed fault diagnosis model.
Finite-time sliding mode control methods for a class of non-integer-order systems with input saturations and its application
Authors: Dosti Marzieh , Matinfar Mashalla
Published: July 2023

Control and synchronization of chaotic dynamical systems is a key issue in engineering that has numerous applications in the applied sciences. In this research, single input finite-time sliding mode (FTSMC) control algorithms are developed to synchronize and stabilize a class of three-dimensional non-integer order systems where input saturation is present. Using the non-integer version of the Lyapunov stability theory (LST) and the dynamic-free idea, techniques are devised to suppress the improper behavior of the aforementioned fractional-order (FO) chaotic systems without unpleasant chattering phenomena. The proposed FTSMC approach can be utilized to stabilize and synchronize systems that include model uncertainty, external disturbances, and input saturation. The developed single input techniques have the benefits of being model-free, robust to uncertainty, user-friendly, and establishing equilibrium in a finite amount of time. In addition, the efficacy and applicability of the FTSMC approaches are shown by synchronizing two different industrial FO chaotic systems and chaos suppressing of the PMSM chaotic system utilizing these methods.
Theoretical study of small signal modulation behavior of Fabry-Perot germanium-on-silicon lasers
Authors: Zhu Ying , Wang Liming , Li Zhiqiang , Wen Ruitao , Xia Guangrui
Published: July 2023

This work investigated the modulation responses of Fabry–Perot Ge-on-Si lasers by modeling and simulations. The 3 dB bandwidth dependence on the structure parameters such as poly-Si cladding thickness, Ge cavity width and thickness, and minority carrier lifetime were studied. A 3 dB bandwidth of 33.94 GHz at a biasing current of 270.5 mA is predicted after Ge laser structure optimization with a defect limited carrier lifetime of 1 ns. The eye diagrams simulated show a stable eye-opening window at 20 Gb·s−1 NRZ. The improvement to 10 ns minority carrier lifetime would reduce the threshold current to 6.85 mA, and increase the 3 dB bandwidth to 36.89 GHz.
Numerical analysis of pulsed extraction of ions from a 16-Pole / 16-Wire ion trap for time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Pattathadathil Nandana , Sunil Kumar S
Published: July 2023

Multipole radiofrequency ion traps are versatile tools for trapping and manipulating ions. The extraction of ions from such a trap leads to broad time-of-flight (ToF) distributions, which make it incompatible with ToF mass spectrometry. In this work, we conducted numerical simulations of biomolecular ions stored in 16-pole and 16-wire ion traps to analyze their extraction characteristics. We show that the ions extracted from a wire trap with a simple upgrade exhibit ToF distributions two orders of magnitude narrower than that typically results from conventional ion traps. Further, in the upgraded design, the ions can be confined within a much narrower region, which, together with higher optical access of the wire trap configuration, makes it compatible with fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.
Exotic quantum states in multilayer phosphorene nanoribbons in electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Arsoski Vladimir V , Tadić Milan Ž
Published: July 2023

Using the tight-binding method, we modeled the energy spectra of multilayer phosphorene nanoribbons in a perpendicular electric field and in-plane magnetic field. Phosphorene nanosheets have a highly anisotropic honeycomb-like lattice. Their band gap is wider than that of their bulk counterparts, and armchair and zigzag edges of either skewed or regular type terminate the nanowire edges. Zigzag and various skewed edges support states whose wave functions decay exponentially from an edge. These states are virtually dispersionless and split the band gap. In principle, regular armchair edges do not host edge states. Thus, the energy spectrum in this case has a wide band gap. Here, we consider nanoribbons composed of multilayer phosphorene with regular armchair edges. A wide direct energy band gap exists when external fields are absent, but its width decreases when a perpendicular electric field is applied. The Dirac-like cones cross-section emerges at the zone center for a particular field value, named the lowest critical field. Although spin–orbit coupling was not included in the model, there is a small gap at the anticrossing site. The local density of states shows that the conduction- and valence-band states near the anticrossing are localized on the top and bottom surfaces of the nanoribbon. A thorough analysis of the interlayer coupling integrals indicates that for sufficiently thin phosphorene slabs, the electron and hole states at the opposite sides of the slab couple mutually strongly, despite the tendency of an external electric field to separate them. A further increase in the electric field induces an inversion between the conduction and valence band states in the zone center, which is inherent to topological insulators. However, sharp anticrossings at the zone center emerged for certain higher field values, named higher critical fields. Furthermore, when an in-plane magnetic field is applied, the conduction and valence band states shift, causing the dispersion to twist around the center of the k-space. Therefore, the band gap is indirect and closes for a sufficiently large magnetic field. A similar effect is observed in quantum spin Hall insulators, in which an in-plane magnetic field induces a semiconductor-to-semimetal transition. We conclude that the band inversion and topological-like features induced by external fields can be attributed to the strong interlayer coupling inherent to multilayered materials with anisotropic honeycomb lattices.
Linear analysis of whistler mode instability in anisotropic q-nonextensive distributed plasmas: a numerical approach
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , ur Rehman Aman , Ahmad Mushtaq , Shahzad Muhammad Ahsan , Sarfraz Muhammad , Mahmood Shahzad
Published: July 2023

Due to the occurrence of nonextensive particle distributions in different space plasma environments, an analytical and numerical studies of electron temperature anisotropy-driven whistler instability (WI) in the nonextensive magnetized plasma are performed within the framework of kinetic theory for both superextensive (q< 1) and subextensive (q> 1) cases. By taking the nonextensive character of electrons into account (distinguished to nearly all existing studies), the dispersion relation for WI is derived and solved numerically to examine the characteristics of growth rate against the allowed domain of wave number. The effect of various physical parameters such as electron plasma betaβ∥e(q)=25q−3β∥e(M), temperature anisotropy (Λe), and nonextensivity (q) on the growth rate and frequency of whistler mode are investigated. The growth rate of WI displays a significant dependence on these parameters, i.e. the growth rate increases by taking smaller values of nonextensive parameterqand for the large initial electron plasma beta and temperature anisotropy magnitudes. It is observed that the variation in the frequency of whistler mode is more sensitive to the temperature anisotropy (Λe) compared with other physical parameters, i.e. plasma beta and nonextensivity. The present findings also validate the large impact of electron temperature anisotropy on altering the dispersion properties of whistler mode. A detailed comparison of parametric dependence of the growth rate of WI for both superextensive and subextensive plasmas is also presented. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of whistler mode instability in anisotropicq-nonextensive and bi-Maxwellian plasmas is also the part of our present findings.
Ghost free theory in unitary gauge: a new candidate
Authors: Joshi Pawan , Panda Sukanta , Vidyarthi Archit
Published: July 2023

We propose an algebraic analysis using a 3+1 decomposition to identify conditions for a clever cancellation of the higher derivatives, which plagued the theory with Ostrogradsky ghosts, by exploiting some existing degeneracy in the Lagrangian. We obtain these conditions as linear equations (in terms of coefficients of the higher derivative terms) and demand that they vanish, such that the existence of nontrivial solutions implies that the theory is degenerate. We find that, for the theory under consideration, no such solutions exist for a general inhomogeneous scalar field, but that the theory is degenerate in the unitary gauge. We, then, find modified FLRW equations and narrow down conditions for which there could exist a de Sitter inflationary epoch. We further find constraints on the coefficients of the remaining higher-derivative interaction terms, based on power-counting renormalizability and tree-level unitarity up to the Planck scale.
High-power xenon lamp-pumped Er:YAP pulse laser operated in free-running and acousto-optical Q-switching modes
Authors: Quan 权 Cong 聪 , Sun 孙 Dunlu 敦陆 , Zhang 张 Huili 会丽 , Luo 罗 Jianqiao 建乔 , Han 韩 Zhiyuan 志远 , Qiao 乔 Yang 阳 , Chen 陈 Yuwei 玙威 , Wang 王 Zhentao 镇涛 , Cheng 程 Maojie 毛杰 , Zhang 张 Qingli 庆礼
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate a high-energy and high-power pulse laser on a xenon lamp-pumped Er:YAP crystal. The laser performance and thermal focal lengths under different working frequencies are discussed. The results show that the thermal lens effect is gradually aggravated with the increase of working frequencies, and even working at 100 Hz, a single pulse energy of 234 mJ can be achieved. A maximum average power of 41.5 W is achieved with a working frequency of 20 Hz and slope efficiency of 2.82%. This output power is much higher than other xenon lamp-pumped erbium laser devices. A Q-switched laser is demonstrated by using the TeO2 crystal, the maximum output energies of 11.5 mJ and 3.5 mJ are obtained at 50 and 100 Hz, the corresponding peak powers are 93.4 kW and 17.2 kW, respectively. The laser wavelengths and beam quality factors are also characterized in the free-running and Q-switched modes. A higher pulse energy and peak power laser could be achieved further by improving the damage threshold of TeO2 acousto-optical Q-switching. All the experimental results illustrate that the xenon lamp-pumped Er:YAP laser is a promising candidate for high-power and high-frequency mid-infrared laser devices.