bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic holes between Earth and Mercury: BepiColombo cruise phase
Authors: Volwerk M. , Karlsson T. , Heyner D. , Goetz C. , Simon Wedlund C. , Plaschke F. , Schmid D. , Fischer D. , Mieth J. , Richter I. , Nakamura R. , Narita Y. , Magnes W. , Auster U. , Matsuoka A. , Baumjohann W. , Glassmeier K.-H.
Published: July 2023

Context.Magnetic holes are ubiquitous structures in the solar wind and in planetary magnetosheaths. They consist of a strong depression of the magnetic field strength, most likely in pressure balance through increased plasma pressure, which is convected with the plasma flow. These structures are created through a plasma temperature anisotropy, where the perpendicular temperature (with respect to the magnetic field) is greater than the parallel temperature. The occurrence rate of these magnetic holes between Earth and Mercury can give us information about how the solar wind conditions develop on their way from the Sun to the outer Solar System. They also give information about basic plasma processes such as diffusion of magnetic structures.

Aims.In this study we investigate the occurrence, size, and depth of magnetic holes during the cruise phase of BepiColombo and compare them with earlier studies.

Methods.The BepiColombo magnetometer data were used to find the magnetic holes. We determined the size in seconds, the depth with respect to the background field, and the rotation angle of the background field across the structure. Minimum variance analysis delivers the polarization state of the magnetic holes. A direct comparison is made to the results obtained from the MESSENGER cruise phase.

Results.We find an almost constant occurrence rate for magnetic holes between Mercury and Earth. The size of the holes is determined by the plasma conditions at the location where they are created and they grow in size, due to diffusion, as they move outwards in the Solar System. The greater the rotation of the background magnetic field across the structure, the larger the minimum size of the magnetic hole is.
Disentangling the two sub-populations of early Herbig Be stars using VLT/X-shooter spectra
Authors: Shridharan B. , Mathew B. , Arun R. , Cysil T. B. , Subramaniam A. , Manoj P. , Maheswar G. , Sudheesh T. P.
Published: July 2023

Context. Early Herbig Be (HBe) stars are massive, young stars accreting through the boundary layer mechanism. However, given the rapid (<2 Myr) evolution of early Herbig stars to the main-sequence phase, studying the evolution of the circumstellar medium around these stars can be a cumbersome exercise.

Aims. In this work, we study the sample of early (B0–B5) HBe stars using the correlation between Hα emission strength and near–infrared excess, complemented by the analysis of various emission features in the X-shooter spectra.

Methods. We segregate the sample of 37 early HBe stars based on the median values of Hα equivalent width (EW) and near–infrared index (n(J–H)) distributions. The stars with |Hα EW| > 50 Å and n(J–H) > −2 are classified as intense HBe stars and stars with |Hα EW| < 50 Å and n(J–H) < −2 as weak HBe stars. Using the VLT/X–shooter spectra of five intense and eight weak HBe stars, we visually checked for the differences in intensity and profiles of various HI and metallic emission lines commonly observed in Herbig stars.

Results. We propose that the intense HBe stars possess an inner disk close to the star (as apparent from the high near-infrared excess) and an active circumstellar environment (as seen from the high Hα EW value and presence of emission lines belonging to FeII, CaII, OI, and [OI]). However, for weak HBe stars, the inner disk has cleared, and the circumstellar environment appears more evolved than for intense HBe stars. Furthermore, we compiled a sample of ~58 000 emission-line stars published in Gaia DR3 to identify more intense HBe candidates. Further spectroscopic studies of these candidates will help us to understand the evolution of the inner (approximately a few au) disk in early HBe stars.
Reduced Intracranial Hemorrhage with Anticoagulation Guideline Implementation
Authors: Duffy Vicky , Schneider Brian , Deitemyer Matt , Walczak Ashley , Simsic Janet M.
Published: July 2023

Hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, embolic stroke, surgical bleeding, and circuit thrombosis, are common during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), occurring in up to 50% of patients. These complications have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to implement standardized ECMO anticoagulation guidelines for the pediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) to reduce the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage while on ECMO. All CTICU patients who received ECMO from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Standardized ECMO anticoagulation guidelines were implemented in the fourth quarter of 2017. Variables and clinical outcomes before and after guideline implementation were compared. From January 2016 to December 2017, there were 22 separate ECMO runs. Eight of 22 (36%) suffered intracranial hemorrhage while on ECMO. Seven of 8 (88%) were withdrawn from ECMO secondary to bleed and expired prior to hospital discharge. From January 2018 to December 2020, there were 22 separate ECMO runs in the CTICU. Three of 22 (14%) suffered intracranial hemorrhage while on ECMO. One of 3 (33%) expired prior to hospital discharge. Implementation of standardized ECMO anticoagulation guidelines in the CTICU was successful in improving clinical outcomes as evidenced by reduction in the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in this high-risk patient population.
Liebe am Nachmittag – Über dialogische Liebe und Verrat
Authors: Krebs Angelika
Published: July 2023

Wie leicht darf man die Liebe nehmen? Mehrfachbeziehungen erfreuen sich großer Beliebtheit. Eine besondere Form romantischer Nichtexklusivität ist der Versuch, zwei oder mehr Liebesbeziehungen nebeneinander wie Module, die nichts miteinander zu tun haben, zu unterhalten. Plastisch vorgeführt findet sich modulare Liebe in der Kurzgeschichte «Die Nacht in Baden-Baden» von Bernhard Schlink. Meine These ist, dass diese Form von Mehrfachbeziehung auf Verrat hinausläuft, also unethisch ist. Die Basis meiner Kritik ist das dialogische Verständnis romantischer Liebe.
Wohnungslosigkeit bei psychisch erkrankten Menschen – Am
Beispiel einer wachsenden deutschen Großstadt
Authors: Koschig Maria , Böhm-Beck Martha , Conrad Ines , Seyde Thomas , Pabst Alexander , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: July 2023

Ziel der Studie Ziel der Studie war die Darstellung der Entwicklung von
Wohnungslosigkeit bei psychisch Erkrankten am Beispiel einer wachsenden
deutschen Großstadt.

Methodik Datengrundlage bildeten Angaben von acht Psychosozialen
Gemeindezentren (PSGZ). Über den Zeitraum von 2008 bis 2019 wurde unter
anderem die Anzahl der Klient:innen, die im vorherigen Versorgungsjahr
wohnungslos geworden sind, schriftlich über Selbstauskunftsbögen
des Gesundheitsamtes erfasst. Eine random effects negative binominal (RENB)
Regression wurde entwickelt, um die Veränderung der Wohnungslosigkeit zu
untersuchen.

Ergebnisse Die Zahl der wohnungslos gewordenen, psychisch erkrankten
Klient:innen der PSGZ ist von 2008 bis 2019 signifikant angestiegen
(IRR=1,26; 95-KI=1,16–1,36; p<0,001). Die
jährliche, durchschnittliche Zunahme an Wohnungslosigkeit betrug
26%.

Schlussfolgerung Die Problematik der Wohnungslosigkeit bei psychisch
erkrankten Menschen hat sich in den letzten Jahren in der untersuchten Region
verschärft. Bestehende Unterstützungsangebote müssen
geprüft und gemeindenahe Angebote ausgebaut werden.
2,2′-Biphenol-Derived Phosphoric Acid Catalyst for the Dehydrative Esterification of Carboxylic Acids with Alcohols
Authors: Hatano Manabu , Sakata Ken , Nishioka Chiaki , Mimura Ayaka , Kimura Risa , Okuda Yuki , Yamada Takeshi
Published: July 2023

A dehydrative esterification from an equimolar mixture of carboxylic acids and primary or secondary alcohols in toluene at 100 °C was promoted without the necessity to remove water by using a simple 2,2′-biphenol-derived phosphoric acid catalyst (2.5–10 mol%). This reaction was also successfully conducted at the gram scale. To demonstrate the synthetic utility of this catalytic system, pharmaceutically useful substrates and acid-sensitive substrates were examined using these acid–base cooperative phosphoric acid catalysts, which exhibit relatively weak Brønsted acidity.
Structured Referral Call Handling Process Improves Neonatal Transport Dispatch Times
Authors: Mohammad Khorshid , Thomas Soumya , Joseph Chacko J. , O'Keef Chelsea , Leswick Leah , Montpetit John , Fiedrich Elsa , Rombough Bryan , Thomas Sumesh
Published: July 2023

Objective In 2019 the Southern Alberta Neonatal Transport Service adopted a transport call handling process change to expedite transport team mobilization. This study compares the impact of this change on neonatal transport decision to dispatch and mobilization times.

Study Design This retrospective cohort study was conducted using a historical cohort of neonates referred for transportation between January 2017 and December 2021. The “dispatch time” (DT) was the time from the start of consultation to the time a decision to dispatch the transport team was made, whereas “mobilization time” (MT) referred to the time from start of consultation to the time the team departed the home base. In 2019, a DT target of <3 minutes was implemented to meet a target MT of <15 and <30 minutes for emergent and urgent high-risk transport referral calls, respectively. In 2021 use of the “Situation” component of the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication tool was introduced with the transport team asking five questions to determine need for mobilization. Data between 2017 and 2018 represented the preintervention period, 2019, the “washout” period for implementation, and 2020 to 2021, the postintervention period. Data were analyzed to determine trends in DT and MT.

Results The DT was reduced from a median of 5 to 3 minutes following intervention (p < 0.001). DT target goal of 3 minutes was achieved in 67.08% of calls compared with 26.24% in the preintervention period, (p < 0.001). The team achieved MT target goals in 42.71% of urgent and emergent transfers compared with 18.05% prior to intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Introduction of a time-sensitive referral call handling process improved dispatch and mobilization time of the neonatal transport team.

Key Points
PROMPT: Prospective Meta-analysis for Pessary Trials Study Protocol
Authors: Thom Elizabeth A. , Saade George R. , Askie Lisa M. , Ugwu Lynda G. , Mol Ben W.J. , Vayssiere Christophe , Norman Jane E. , Pajkrt Eva , Clifton Rebecca G. , Biggio Joseph R. , Arnaud Catherine , Berghella Vincenzo , Canino Maria G. , Carreras Elena , Dugoff Lorraine , Hoffman Matthew K. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Reddy Uma M. , Saccone Gabriele , Hooft Janneke van 't , Dang Vinh Q. ,   for the Prospective Meta-analysis for Pessary Trials Collaboration
Published: July 2023

Objective Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, is a leading cause of perinatal and infant mortality throughout the world. Preterm birth is also associated with long-term neurological disabilities and other significant health issues in children. A short cervix in the second trimester has been noted to be one of the strongest predictors of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth in both singleton and multiple pregnancies. Some studies have shown that cervical support in the form of an Arabin pessary lowers the risk of preterm birth in women with a singleton gestation and short cervical length; however, other studies have conflicting results. Our objective was to form an international collaborative of planned or ongoing randomized trials of pessary in singleton and twin gestations with a short cervix.

Study Design In November 2014, an international group of investigators, who had initiated or were planning randomized trials of pessary for pregnant people with a short cervix and singleton or twin gestation to prevent preterm birth, formed a collaboration to plan a prospective individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomized trials (PROspective Meta-analysis of Pessary Trials [PROMPT]). The PROMPT investigators agreed on meta-analysis IPD hypotheses for singletons and twins, eligibility criteria, and a set of core baseline and outcome measures. The primary outcome is a composite of fetal death or preterm delivery before 32 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcomes include maternal and neonatal morbidities. The PROMPT protocol may be viewed as a written agreement among the study investigators who make up the PROMPT consortium (PROSPERO ID# CRD42018067740).

Results Results will be published in phases as the individual participating studies are concluded and published. Results of the first phase of singleton and twin pessary trials are expected to be available in late 2022. Updates are planned as participating trials are completed and published.

Key Points
The old-new epistemology of digital journalism: how algorithms and filter bubbles are (re)creating modern metanarratives
Authors: Serafini Luca
Published: July 2023

In journalism studies, the advent of the World Wide Web and the rise of online journalism are generally associated with going beyond the objective, normative paradigm associated with the principles of philosophical and scientific modernity towards a postmodern paradigm centred on subjectivity and relativism. This article offers an alternative reading of the epistemology of online journalism: the fragmentation of audiences into homophilic networks, the formation of ideological bubbles, and the growing polarisation caused by algorithms make the contents circulating online a reintroduction of modernity’s metanarratives. These metanarratives in no way correspond to the principles typical of postmodernism, such as the equivalence of interpretations and openness to dialogue. Journalistic content also comes under this charge: although it conveys narratives that are subjective, they are perceived as absolute truths inside the information bubbles in which they circulate. This phenomenon is caused by “information platformization” processes. Based on these premises, a new definition of online journalism is proposed: rather than “postmodern”, it can be better understood as a fulfilment of the foundational principles of modernism, but in a subjective form.
The quasilinear Schrödinger–Poisson system
Authors: Du Yao , Su Jiabao , Wang Cong
Published: July 2023

This paper deals with the (p, q)-Schrödinger–Poisson system, which is new and has never been considered in the literature. The uniqueness of solutions of the quasilinear Poisson equation is obtained via the Minty–Browder theorem. The variational framework of the quasilinear system is built, and nontrivial solutions of the system are obtained via the mountain pass theorem.
Nonequilibrium diffusion of active particles bound to a semiflexible polymer network: Simulations and fractional Langevin equation
Authors: Han Hyeong-Tark , Joo Sungmin , Sakaue Takahiro , Jeon Jae-Hyung
Published: July 2023

In a viscoelastic environment, the diffusion of a particle becomes non-Markovian due to the memory effect. An open question concerns quantitatively explaining how self-propulsion particles with directional memory diffuse in such a medium. Based on simulations and analytic theory, we address this issue with active viscoelastic systems where an active particle is connected with multiple semiflexible filaments. Our Langevin dynamics simulations show that the active cross-linker displays superdiffusive and subdiffusive athermal motion with a time-dependent anomalous exponent α. In such viscoelastic feedback, the active particle always exhibits superdiffusion with α = 3/2 at times shorter than the self-propulsion time (τA). At times greater than τA, the subdiffusive motion emerges with α bounded between 1/2 and 3/4. Remarkably, active subdiffusion is reinforced as the active propulsion (Pe) is more vigorous. In the high Pe limit, athermal fluctuation in the stiff filament eventually leads to α = 1/2, which can be misinterpreted with the thermal Rouse motion in a flexible chain. We demonstrate that the motion of active particles cross-linking a network of semiflexible filaments can be governed by a fractional Langevin equation combined with fractional Gaussian noise and an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck noise. We analytically derive the velocity autocorrelation function and mean-squared displacement of the model, explaining their scaling relations as well as the prefactors. We find that there exist the threshold Pe (Pe∗) and crossover times (τ∗ and τ†) above which active viscoelastic dynamics emerge on timescales of τ∗≲ t ≲ τ†. Our study may provide theoretical insight into various nonequilibrium active dynamics in intracellular viscoelastic environments.
Experimental observation of sub-radiant longitudinal mode and anomalous optical transmission in metallic wire meshes
Authors: Dong Weijie , Zhou Xiaoxi , Pan Xinyang , Li Haitao , Wang Gang , Xu Yadong , Hou Bo
Published: July 2023

In conventional plasmonic media and plasmonic metamaterials, such as metallic wire meshes, a longitudinal mode of an electromagnetic wave manifests itself in frequency overlapping transverse modes, which impedes clear observation of longitudinal-mode-specific physical effects. Through interlacing two sets of wire meshes, an ideal band for the longitudinal mode is achieved ranging from zero frequency to plasma frequency, where transverse modes are completely forbidden. The unique spectral separation of modes facilitates the observation of pure longitudinal modes and related plasmonic effects in a bulk medium. We report the microwave experiment of anomalous optical transmission, induced solely by electromagnetic longitudinal mode resonance, below the plasma frequency in such a wire mesh medium.
A new elastic instability in gravity-driven viscoelastic film flow
Authors: Priyadarshi Mamta , Srita Kopparthi V. , Bhaskar V. V. K. N. Sai , Khalid Mohammad , Subramanian Ganesh , Shankar V.
Published: July 2023

We examine the linear stability of the gravity-driven flow of a viscoelastic fluid film down an inclined plane. The viscoelastic fluid is modeled using the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation and, therefore, exhibits a constant shear viscosity and a positive first normal stress difference in viscometric shearing flows; the latter class of flows includes the aforesaid film-flow configuration. We show that the film-flow configuration is susceptible to two distinct purely elastic instabilities in the inertialess limit. The first instability owes its origin entirely to the existence of a free surface and has been examined earlier [Shaqfeh et al., “The stability of gravity driven viscoelastic film-flow at low to moderate Reynolds number,” J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 31, 87–113 (1989)]. The second one is the analog of the centermode instability recently discovered in plane Poiseuille flow [Khalid et al., “Continuous pathway between the elasto-inertial and elastic turbulent states in viscoelastic channel flow,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 134502 (2021)] and owes its origin to the base-state shear; it is an example of a purely elastic instability of shearing flows with rectilinear streamlines. One may draw an analogy of the aforesaid pair of unstable elastic modes with the inertial free-surface and shear-driven instabilities known for the analogous flow configuration of a Newtonian fluid. While surface tension has the expected stabilizing effect on the Newtonian and elastic free-surface modes, its effect on the corresponding shear modes is, surprisingly, more complicated. For both the Newtonian shear mode and the elastic centermode, surface tension plays a dual role, with there being parameter regimes where it acts as a stabilizing and destabilizing influence. While the Newtonian shear mode remains unstable in the limit of vanishing surface tension, the elastic centermode becomes unstable only when the appropriate non-dimensional surface tension parameter exceeds a threshold. In the limit of surface tension being infinitely dominant, the free-surface boundary conditions for the film-flow configuration reduce to the centerline symmetry conditions satisfied by the elastic centermode in plane Poiseuille flow. As a result, the regime of instability of the film-flow centermode becomes identical to that of the original channel-flow centermode. At intermediate values of the surface tension parameter, however, there exist regimes where the film-flow centermode is unstable even when its channel-flow counterpart is stable. We end with a discussion of the added role of inertia on the aforementioned elastic instabilities.
Equilibrium molecular dynamics evaluation of the solid–liquid friction coefficient: Role of timescales
Authors: Oga Haruki , Omori Takeshi , Joly Laurent , Yamaguchi Yasutaka
Published: July 2023

Solid–liquid friction plays a key role in nanofluidic systems. Following the pioneering work of Bocquet and Barrat, who proposed to extract the friction coefficient (FC) from the plateau of the Green–Kubo (GK) integral of the solid–liquid shear force autocorrelation, the so-called plateau problem has been identified when applying the method to finite-sized molecular dynamics simulations, e.g., with a liquid confined between parallel solid walls. A variety of approaches have been developed to overcome this problem. Here, we propose another method that is easy to implement, makes no assumptions about the time dependence of the friction kernel, does not require the hydrodynamic system width as an input, and is applicable to a wide range of interfaces. In this method, the FC is evaluated by fitting the GK integral for the timescale range where it slowly decays with time. The fitting function was derived based on an analytical solution of the hydrodynamics equations [Oga et al., Phys. Rev. Res. 3, L032019 (2021)], assuming that the timescales related to the friction kernel and the bulk viscous dissipation can be separated. By comparing the results with those of other GK-based methods and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics, we show that the FC is extracted with excellent accuracy by the present method, even in wettability regimes where other GK-based methods suffer from the plateau problem. Finally, the method is also applicable to grooved solid walls, where the GK integral displays complex behavior at short times.
Exact exchange with range-separated algorithm for thermodynamic limit of periodic Hartree–Fock theory
Authors: Sun Qiming
Published: July 2023

The expensive cost of computing exact exchange in periodic systems limits the application range of density functional theory with hybrid functionals. To reduce the computational cost of exact change, we present a range-separated algorithm to compute electron repulsion integrals for Gaussian-type crystal basis. The algorithm splits the full-range Coulomb interactions into short-range and long-range parts, which are, respectively, computed in real and reciprocal space. This approach significantly reduces the overall computational cost, as integrals can be efficiently computed in both regions. The algorithm can efficiently handle large numbers of k points with limited central processing unit (CPU) and memory resources. As a demonstration, we performed an all-electron k-point Hartree–Fock calculation for LiH crystal with one million Gaussian basis functions, which was completed on a desktop computer in 1400 CPU hours.
Slow translation of a slightly deformed spherical fluid drop
Authors: Prakash Jai , Keh Huan J.
Published: July 2023

A drop of one fluid moving in another immiscible fluid causes shear, the flow-induced stress tends to deform the drop, and the interfacial tension between the phases resists this deformation. The present article deals with the analytical treatment of the problem of steady translational motion of a slightly deformed spherical fluid drop suspended in an immiscible viscous fluid under the consideration of vanishing Reynolds number. This is the case when the induced stress is slightly higher than the interfacial tension so that the drop is slightly deformed but does not break. The flow fields in both the interior and exterior of the drop are governed by the steady Stokes equations that are solved asymptotically using a method of perturbed expansions under suitable boundary conditions. The deformation from spherical shape is characterized by a small parameter called the deformation parameter, and the hydrodynamic boundary value problem is solved up to the second order of the deformation parameter by neglecting the higher-order terms. The effect of deformation parameter is observed by means of force expression. The explicit expressions for the hydrodynamic drag force exerted on the drop are obtained for the special cases of prolate and oblate spheroids. In the limiting cases of the drop behaving as a solid particle and a gas bubble, the force expressions agree with the corresponding formulas for the slow translation of a slightly deformed slip sphere in the limiting conditions of no slip and full slip, respectively.
Equilibrium structures of selenium compounds: The torsionally flexible molecule of selenophenol
Authors: Li Wenqin , Saragi Rizalina Tama , Juanes Marcos , Demaison Jean , Vogt Natalja , Fernández-Ramos Antonio , Lesarri Alberto
Published: July 2023

The equilibrium structure of selenophenol has been investigated using rotational spectroscopy and high-level quantum mechanical calculations, offering electronic and structural insight into the scarcely studied selenium compounds. The jet-cooled broadband microwave spectrum was measured in the 2–8 GHz cm-wave region using broadband (chirped-pulse) fast-passage techniques. Additional measurements up to 18 GHz used narrow-band impulse excitation. Spectral signatures were obtained for six isotopic species of selenium (80Se, 78Se, 76Se, 82Se, 77Se, and 74Se), together with different monosubstituted 13C species. The (unsplit) rotational transitions associated with the non-inverting μa-dipole selection rules could be partially reproduced with a semirigid rotor model. However, the internal rotation barrier of the selenol group splits the vibrational ground state into two subtorsional levels, doubling the dipole-inverting μb transitions. The simulation of the double-minimum internal rotation gives a very low barrier height (B3PW91: 42 cm−1), much smaller than for thiophenol (277 cm−1). A monodimensional Hamiltonian then predicts a huge vibrational separation of 72.2 GHz, justifying the non-observation of μb transitions in our frequency range. The experimental rotational parameters were compared with different MP2 and density functional theory calculations. The equilibrium structure was determined using several high-level ab initio calculations. A final Born–Oppenheimer (reBO) structure was obtained at the coupled-cluster CCSD(T)_ae/cc-wCVTZ level of theory, including small corrections for the wCVTZ → wCVQZ basis set enlargement calculated at the MP2 level. The mass-dependent method with predicates was used to produce an alternative rm(2) structure. The comparison between the two methods confirms the high accuracy of the reBO structure and offers information on other chalcogen-containing molecules.
Enhanced spectral density of a single germanium vacancy center in a nanodiamond by cavity integration
Authors: Feuchtmayr Florian , Berghaus Robert , Sachero Selene , Bayer Gregor , Lettner Niklas , Waltrich Richard , Maier Patrick , Agafonov Viatcheslav , Kubanek Alexander
Published: July 2023

Color centers in diamond, among them the negatively charged germanium vacancy (GeV−), are promising candidates for many applications of quantum optics, such as a quantum network. For efficient implementation, the optical transitions need to be coupled to a single optical mode. Here, we demonstrate the transfer of a nanodiamond containing a single ingrown GeV− center with excellent optical properties to an open Fabry–Pérot microcavity by nanomanipulation utilizing an atomic force microscope. Coupling of the GeV− defect to the cavity mode is achieved, while the optical resonator maintains a high finesse of F=7700, and a 48-fold spectral density enhancement is observed. This article demonstrates the integration of a GeV− defect with a Fabry–Pérot microcavity under ambient conditions with the potential to extend the experiments to cryogenic temperatures toward an efficient spin-photon platform.
Thin film aluminum nitride surface acoustic wave resonators for quantum acoustodynamics
Authors: Jiang Wenbing , Chen Junfeng , Liu Xiaoyu , Niu Zhengqi , Liu Kuang , Peng Wei , Wang Zhen , Lin Zhi-Rong
Published: July 2023

Quantum excitations of macroscopic surface acoustic waves (SAWs) have been tailored to control, communicate, and transduce stationary and flying quantum states. However, the limited lifetime of these hybrid quantum systems remains critical obstacles to extend their applications in quantum information processing. Here, we present potentials of thin film aluminum nitride to on-chip integrated phonons with superconducting qubits over previous bulk piezoelectric substrates. We have reported high-quality thin film GHz-SAW resonators with the highest internal quality factor Qi of 4.92×104 in the quantum regime. The internal losses of SAW resonators are systematically investigated by tuning the parameters of sample layout, power, and temperature. Our results manifest that SAWs on piezoelectric films are readily integrated with standard fabrication of Josephson junction quantum circuits and offer excellent acoustic platforms for high-coherence quantum acoustodynamics architectures.
Droplet heating and evaporation: A new approach to the modeling of the processes
Authors: Antonov D. V. , Tonini S. , Cossali G. E. , Dolgikh V. V. , Strizhak P. A. , Sazhin S. S.
Published: July 2023

A new model for mono-component droplet heating/evaporation is developed, tested, and applied to the analysis of in-house experimental data. The new model links the previously developed liquid phase model, using the analytical solution to the heat transfer equation at each time step, and the gas phase model, using the solution to the equations of the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy leading to an explicit expression for the Nusselt number and implicit expression for evaporation rate of the droplet. The latter expressions are used as boundary conditions for the liquid phase model. The new model is verified using a comparison between its predictions of the droplet temperatures and radii for very large liquid thermal conductivity [1000 W/(m K)] and those of the model, using the assumption that the thermal conductivity of liquid is infinitely large. The closeness between the predictions of these models supports the reliability of both. The model is validated using the experimental data obtained at the Heat and Mass Transfer laboratory of Tomsk Polytechnical University with regard to the heating/evaporation of droplets. The deviations between the measured and predicted droplet radii and temperatures in most cases are shown to be within experimental error margins.
Commercial equine production in New Zealand 4: welfare implications of the New Zealand production systems
Authors: Rogers Chris W. , Legg Kylie , Gibson Michaela , Gee Erica K.
Published: July 2023

From racehorses to family pets, equine production and management is primarily pasture-based in New Zealand. Pasture-based equine production systems largely reflect the horse’s ecological niche and have a unique set of management and welfare challenges. This review examines the potential welfare issues related to the management of horses in New Zealand. The economic value of horses varies greatly depending on their usage, which covers a wide spectrum from pest species (e.g. feral horses) to production (e.g. racehorses) and companion animals (e.g. leisure and sport horses). The view of where the horse is positioned on this spectrum may cause differing welfare threats to horses, due to the economic considerations, which drive the majority of welfare and managemental decisions. The organisation, management, racing and wastage metrics of the Thoroughbred racehorse industry are well documented, and the benefits of the pasture-based system have become evident through less stressful weaning practices and opportunity for early exercise (which has been associated with longer careers and fewer musculoskeletal injuries). Identification of equine-welfare research priorities in New Zealand remains challenging, given the lack of vertical integration of many sectors of the equine industry resulting in fragmented and limited availability of data.
Comparing the use of chloroform to petroleum ether for Soxhlet extraction of fat in meat
Authors: Watkins Peter
Published: July 2023

Context Soxhlet extraction is commonly used for determining fat content of meat, because it is the basis of the AOAC Final Action method for this analysis. Petroleum ether is used as an extraction solvent but other solvents, such as chloroform, can be used. Chloroform has been stated to be a safer solvent than petroleum ether and is used extensively for Soxhlet extraction for meat research in Australia; yet, there has been no report that validates its use for this purpose. Aim To compare the use of chloroform with that of petroleum ether as an extraction solvent for Soxhlet fat extraction in beef. Methods The fat content of six beef samples, reported as chemical lean (CL, 100 – %fat), was determined using Soxhlet fat extraction with chloroform (by two independent research providers) and petroleum ether (b.p. 40–60°C, using three commercial providers). Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plot analysis were used to identify any differences and bias between the methods respectively. Key results Passing–Bablok regression showed that there was no difference between the use of chloroform and the use of petroleum ether as a solvent for Soxhlet fat extraction in beef. Bland–Altman plot analysis indicated that there was no bias evident between the uses of each solvent. Thus, this would indicate that chloroform can be used as a solvent for Soxhlet fat extraction, providing equivalency to petroleum ether. While some minor differences were apparent, this is most likely attributable to sample heterogeneity. Conclusions Chloroform was found to provide equivalency to petroleum ether for fat extraction from meat. While some minor differences were apparent in the fat content of meat, this has been attributed to likely sample heterogeneity. Implications Chloroform can be used as an extraction solvent for Soxhlet fat extraction of beef.
Exploring the utility of virtual laboratory training tools
Authors: Kappler Ulrike , Wang Jack T. H.
Published: July 2023

The global COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a sector-wide shift towards online distance education, and in the years that followed, the mass proliferation of online learning resources made it possible to use virtual laboratory training to both augment face-to-face laboratory practicals and to provide a stand-alone, immersive learning experience. This article reviews currently available resources, their application to different teaching modes and potential learner benefits.
Speciation across the Earth driven by global cooling in terrestrial orchids
Authors: Thompson Jamie B. , Davis Katie E. , Dodd Harry O. , Wills Matthew A. , Priest Nicholas K.
Published: July 2023

Although climate change has been implicated as a major catalyst of diversification, its effects are thought to be inconsistent and much less pervasive than localized climate or the accumulation of species with time. Focused analyses of highly speciose clades are needed in order to disentangle the consequences of climate change, geography, and time. Here, we show that global cooling shapes the biodiversity of terrestrial orchids. Using a phylogeny of 1,475 species of Orchidoideae, the largest terrestrial orchid subfamily, we find that speciation rate is dependent on historic global cooling, not time, tropical distributions, elevation, variation in chromosome number, or other types of historic climate change. Relative to the gradual accumulation of species with time, models specifying speciation driven by historic global cooling are over 700 times more likely. Evidence ratios estimated for 212 other plant and animal groups reveal that terrestrial orchids represent one of the best-supported cases of temperature-spurred speciation yet reported. Employing >2.5 million georeferenced records, we find that global cooling drove contemporaneous diversification in each of the seven major orchid bioregions of the Earth. With current emphasis on understanding and predicting the immediate impacts of global warming, our study provides a clear case study of the long-term impacts of global climate change on biodiversity.
Reconstructing river flows remotely on Earth, Titan, and Mars
Authors: Birch Samuel P. D. , Parker Gary , Corlies Paul , Soderblom Jason M. , Miller Julia W. , Palermo Rose V. , Lora Juan M. , Ashton Andrew D. , Hayes Alexander G. , Perron J. Taylor
Published: July 2023

Alluvial rivers are conveyor belts of fluid and sediment that provide a record of upstream climate and erosion on Earth, Titan, and Mars. However, many of Earth’s rivers remain unsurveyed, Titan’s rivers are not well resolved by current spacecraft data, and Mars’ rivers are no longer active, hindering reconstructions of planetary surface conditions. To overcome these problems, we use dimensionless hydraulic geometry relations—scaling laws that relate river channel dimensions to flow and sediment transport rates—to calculate in-channel conditions using only remote sensing measurements of channel width and slope. On Earth, this offers a way to predict flow and sediment flux in rivers that lack field measurements and shows that the distinct dynamics of bedload-dominated, suspended load-dominated, and bedrock rivers give rise to distinct channel characteristics. On Mars, this approach not only predicts grain sizes at Gale Crater and Jezero Crater that overlap with those measured by the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, it enables reconstructions of past flow conditions that are consistent with proposed long-lived hydrologic activity at both craters. On Titan, our predicted sediment fluxes to the coast of Ontario Lacus could build the lake’s river delta in as little as ~1,000 y, and our scaling relationships suggest that Titan’s rivers may be wider, slope more gently, and transport sediment at lower flows than rivers on Earth or Mars. Our approach provides a template for predicting channel properties remotely for alluvial rivers across Earth, along with interpreting spacecraft observations of rivers on Titan and Mars.
NOS inhibition reverses TLR2-induced chondrocyte dysfunction and attenuates age-related osteoarthritis
Authors: Shen Ping , Serve Sebastian , Wu Peihua , Liu Xiaohui , Dai Yujie , Durán-Hernández Nayar , Nguyen Dan Thi Mai , Fuchs Michael , Maleitzke Tazio , Reisener Marie-Jacqueline , Dzamukova Maria , Nussbaumer Katrin , Brunner Tobias M. , Li Yonghai , Holecska Vivien , Heinz Gitta A. , Heinrich Frederik , Durek Pawel , Katsoula Georgia , Gwinner Clemens , Jung Tobias , Zeggini Eleftheria , Winkler Tobias , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Pumberger Matthias , Perka Carsten , Löhning Max
Published: July 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease featuring cartilage breakdown and chronic pain. Although age and joint trauma are prominently associated with OA occurrence, the trigger and signaling pathways propagating their pathogenic aspects are ill defined. Following long-term catabolic activity and traumatic cartilage breakdown, debris accumulates and can trigger Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Here we show that TLR2 stimulation suppressed the expression of matrix proteins and induced an inflammatory phenotype in human chondrocytes. Further, TLR2 stimulation impaired chondrocyte mitochondrial function, resulting in severely reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that TLR2 stimulation upregulated nitric oxide synthase 2 (
NOS2
) expression and downregulated mitochondria function-associated genes. NOS inhibition partially restored the expression of these genes, and rescued mitochondrial function and ATP production. Correspondingly,
Nos2
−/−
mice were protected from age-related OA development. Taken together, the TLR2–NOS axis promotes human chondrocyte dysfunction and murine OA development, and targeted interventions may provide therapeutic and preventive approaches in OA.
Unraveling controversies over civic honesty measurement: An extended field replication in China
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Shiyong , Gong Wenjin , Han Youli , Lu Jun , Jiang Donghong , Nie Jingchun , Lyu Xiaokang , Liu Rugang , Jiao Mingli , Qu Chen , Zhang Mingji , Sun Yacheng , Zhou Xinyue , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2023

Cohn et al. (2019) conducted a wallet drop experiment in 40 countries to measure “civic honesty around the globe,” which has received worldwide attention but also sparked controversies over using the email response rate as the sole metric of civic honesty. Relying on the lone measurement may overlook cultural differences in behaviors that demonstrate civic honesty. To investigate this issue, we conducted an extended replication study in China, utilizing email response and wallet recovery to assess civic honesty. We found a significantly higher level of civic honesty in China, as measured by the wallet recovery rate, than reported in the original study, while email response rates remained similar. To resolve the divergent results, we introduce a cultural dimension, individualism versus collectivism, to study civic honesty across diverse cultures. We hypothesize that cultural differences in individualism and collectivism could influence how individuals prioritize actions when handling a lost wallet, such as contacting the wallet owner or safeguarding the wallet. In reanalyzing Cohn et al.’s data, we found that email response rates were inversely related to collectivism indices at the country level. However, our replication study in China demonstrated that the likelihood of wallet recovery was positively correlated with collectivism indicators at the provincial level. Consequently, relying solely on email response rates to gauge civic honesty in cross-country comparisons may neglect the vital individualism versus collectivism dimension. Our study not only helps reconcile the controversy surrounding Cohn et al.'s influential field experiment but also furnishes a fresh cultural perspective to evaluate civic honesty.
Systemic deletion of
DMD
exon 51 rescues clinically severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a pig model lacking
DMD
exon 52
Authors: Stirm Michael , Shashikadze Bachuki , Blutke Andreas , Kemter Elisabeth , Lange Andreas , Stöckl Jan B. , Jaudas Florian , Laane Laeticia , Kurome Mayuko , Keßler Barbara , Zakhartchenko Valeri , Bähr Andrea , Klymiuk Nikolai , Nagashima Hiroshi , Walter Maggie C. , Wurst Wolfgang , Kupatt Christian , Fröhlich Thomas , Wolf Eckhard
Published: July 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked disease caused by mutations in the
DMD
gene, leading to complete absence of dystrophin and progressive degeneration of skeletal musculature and myocardium. In DMD patients and in a corresponding pig model with a deletion of
DMD
exon 52 (
DMD
Δ52), expression of an internally shortened dystrophin can be achieved by skipping of
DMD
exon 51 to reframe the transcript. To predict the best possible outcome of this strategy, we generated
DMD
Δ51-52 pigs, additionally representing a model for Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).
DMD
Δ51-52 skeletal muscle and myocardium samples stained positive for dystrophin and did not show the characteristic dystrophic alterations observed in
DMD
Δ52 pigs. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of dystrophin in the skeletal muscle and myocardium of
DMD
Δ51-52 pigs and its absence in
DMD
Δ52 pigs. The proteome profile of skeletal muscle, which showed a large number of abundance alterations in
DMD
Δ52 vs. wild-type (WT) samples, was normalized in
DMD
Δ51-52 samples. Cardiac function at age 3.5 mo was significantly reduced in
DMD
Δ52 pigs (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 58.8% vs. 70.3% in WT) but completely rescued in
DMD
Δ51-52 pigs (72.3%), in line with normalization of the myocardial proteome profile. Our findings indicate that ubiquitous deletion of
DMD
exon 51 in
DMD
Δ52 pigs largely rescues the rapidly progressing, severe muscular dystrophy and the reduced cardiac function of this model. Long-term follow-up studies of
DMD
Δ51-52 pigs will show if they develop symptoms of the milder BMD.
Climate concerns and the future of nonfungible tokens: Leveraging environmental benefits of the Ethereum Merge
Authors: Lal Apoorv , You Fengqi
Published: July 2023

The world is facing a formidable climate predicament due to elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuels. The preceding decade has also witnessed a dramatic surge in blockchain-based applications, constituting yet another substantial energy consumer. Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are one such application traded on Ethereum (ETH) marketplaces that have raised concerns about their climate impacts. The transition of ETH from proof of work (PoW) to proof of stake (PoS) is a step toward reducing the carbon footprint of the NFT sector. However, this alone will not address the climate impacts of the growing blockchain industry. Our analysis indicates that NFTs can cause yearly GHG emissions of up to 18% of the peak under the energy-intensive PoW algorithm. This results in a significant carbon debt of 4.56 Mt CO
2
-eq by the end of this decade, equivalent to CO
2
emissions from a 600-MW coal-fired power plant in 1 y which would meet residential power demand in North Dakota. To mitigate the climate impact, we propose technological solutions to sustainably power the NFT sector using unutilized renewable energy sources in the United States. We find that 15% utilization of curtailed solar and wind power in Texas or 50 MW of potential hydropower from existing nonpowered dams can support the exponential growth of NFT transactions. In summary, the NFT sector has the potential to generate significant GHG emissions, and measures are necessary to mitigate its climate impact. The proposed technological solutions and policy support can help promote climate-friendly development in the blockchain industry.
Artificial neural network applicability in studying hot deformation behaviour of high-entropy alloys
Authors: Zamani Mohammad Reza , Mirzadeh Hamed , Malekan Mehdi
Published: July 2023

The potentials of artificial neural network (ANN) modelling as a potent machine learning approach for investigating the hot deformation behaviour of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and multi-principal element alloys during thermomechanical processing are assessed and reviewed. Flow stress of CoCrFeNiMn (FCC Cantor alloy), HfNbTaTiZr (BCC refractory alloy), AlCoCuFeNi, and Al xCoCrFeNi alloys is accurately predicted based on the deformation temperature, strain rate, and strain. Moreover, in comparison with the limited experimental dataset, a significantly larger output dataset can be generated by ANN to gain valuable insights such as prediction of flow stress (and whole dynamic recovery/recrystallisation flow curves), elucidating the microstructural mechanisms such as dynamic precipitation reactions, and obtaining hot working parameters (e.g. deformation activation energy) for different ranges of deformation conditions.