bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CryptoEval: Evaluating the risk of cryptographic misuses in Android apps with data‐flow analysis
Authors: Sun Cong , Xu Xinpeng , Wu Yafei , Zeng Dongrui , Tan Gang , Ma Siqi , Wang Peicheng
Published: May 2023

The misunderstanding and incorrect configurations of cryptographic primitives have exposed severe security vulnerabilities to attackers. Due to the pervasiveness and diversity of cryptographic misuses, a comprehensive and accurate understanding of how cryptographic misuses can undermine the security of an Android app is critical to the subsequent mitigation strategies but also challenging. Although various approaches have been proposed to detect cryptographic misuse in Android apps, studies have yet to focus on estimating the security risks of cryptographic misuse. To address this problem, the authors present an extensible framework for deciding the threat level of cryptographic misuse in Android apps. Firstly, the authors propose a general and unified specification for representing cryptographic misuses to make our framework extensible and develop adapters to unify the detection results of the state‐of‐the‐art cryptographic misuse detectors, resulting in an adapter‐based detection tool chain for a more comprehensive list of cryptographic misuses. Secondly, the authors employ a misuse‐originating data‐flow analysis to connect each cryptographic misuse to a set of data‐flow sinks in an app, based on which the authors propose a quantitative data‐flow‐driven metric for assessing the overall risk of the app introduced by cryptographic misuses. To make the per‐app assessment more useful for app vetting at the app‐store level, the authors apply unsupervised learning to predict and classify the top risky threats to guide more efficient subsequent mitigation. In the experiments on an instantiated implementation of the framework, the authors evaluate the accuracy of our detection and the effect of data‐flow‐driven risk assessment of our framework. Our empirical study on over 40,000 apps, and the analysis of popular apps reveal important security observations on the real threats of cryptographic misuse in Android apps.
A ray tracing‐assisted device discovery approach for low terahertz communications
Authors: Doeker Tobias , Boban Mate , Kürner Thomas
Published: May 2023

Future wireless communication systems at low terahertz frequencies (0.1–1 THz) suffer from high attenuation losses, and therefore, highly directive antennas are foreseen. As highly directive antennas have narrow beams, the alignment of the transmitter and the receiver is a crucial step in such systems. A device discovery approach using results from ray tracing (RT) combined with an iterative fine tuning is presented by the authors. A summary of previous investigations emphasises the benefits in terms of performance compared to an iterative approach. Furthermore, it indicates strong dependency of the RT output on the accuracy of the input data, that is, the environmental model. The authors extend the previous works by evaluating the impact of antenna characteristics. It is shown that the sidelobes lead to an error in the final alignment due to the superposition of the received power via multipath components, and equations to calculate the maximum error are given. Besides, the impact is evaluated with respect to sidelobe suppression. Here, equations to calculate the maximum error are given and it is shown that the sidelobes do not affect the alignment if the gain of the sidelobe is more than 30 dB lower than that of the mainlobe.
Spectral analysis of a parsec-scale jet in M 87: Observational constraint on the magnetic field strengths in the jet
Authors: Ro Hyunwook , Kino Motoki , Sohn Bong Won , Hada Kazuhiro , Park Jongho , Nakamura Masanori , Cui Yuzhu , Yi Kunwoo , Chung Aeree , Hodgson Jeffrey , Kawashima Tomohisa , An Tao , Trippe Sascha , Algaba Juan-Carlos , Kim Jae-Young , Sawada-Satoh Satoko , Wajima Kiyoaki , Shen Zhiqiang , Cheng Xiaopeng , Cho Ilje , Jiang Wu , Jung Taehyun , Lee Jee-Won , Niinuma Kotaro , Oh Junghwan , Tazaki Fumie , Zhao Guang-Yao , Akiyama Kazunori , Honma Mareki , Lee Jeong Ae , Lu Rusen , Zhang Yingkang , Asada Keiichi , Cui Lang , Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Hirota Tomoya , Kawaguchi Noriyuki , Koyama Shoko , Lee Sang-Sung , Oh Se-Jin , Sugiyama Koichiro , Takamura Mieko , Wang Xuezheng , Hwang Ju-Yeon , Jung Dong-Kyu , Kim Hyo-Ryoung , Kim Jeong-Sook , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Oh Chung-Sik , Oyama Tomoaki , Roh Duk-Gyoo , Yeom Jae-Hwan
Published: May 2023

Context. Because of its proximity and the large size of its black hole, M 87 is one of the best targets for studying the launching mechanism of active galactic nucleus jets. Currently, magnetic fields are considered to be an essential factor in the launching and accelerating of the jet. However, current observational estimates of the magnetic field strength of the M 87 jet are limited to the innermost part of the jet (≲100 rs) or to HST-1 (∼105 rs). No attempt has yet been made to measure the magnetic field strength in between.

Aims. We aim to infer the magnetic field strength of the M 87 jet out to a distance of several thousand rs by tracking the distance-dependent changes in the synchrotron spectrum of the jet from high-resolution very long baseline interferometry observations.

Methods. In order to obtain high-quality spectral index maps, quasi-simultaneous observations at 22 and 43 GHz were conducted using the KVN and VERA Array (KaVA) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). We compared the spectral index distributions obtained from the observations with a model and placed limits on the magnetic field strengths as a function of distance.

Results. The overall spectral morphology is broadly consistent over the course of these observations. The observed synchrotron spectrum rapidly steepens from α22 − 43 GHz ∼ −0.7 at ∼2 mas to α22 − 43 GHz ∼ −2.5 at ∼6 mas. In the KaVA observations, the spectral index remains unchanged until ∼10 mas, but this trend is unclear in the VLBA observations. A spectral index model in which nonthermal electron injections inside the jet decrease with distance can adequately reproduce the observed trend. This suggests the magnetic field strength of the jet at a distance of 2−10 mas (∼900 rs − ∼4500 rs in the deprojected distance) has a range of B = (0.3−1.0 G)(z/2mas)−0.73. Extrapolating to the Event Horizon Telescope scale yields consistent results, suggesting that the majority of the magnetic flux of the jet near the black hole is preserved out to ∼4500 rs without significant dissipation.
A discontinuity at the base of the transition layer located between the Keplerian accretion disk and the compact object
Authors: Titarchuk L. , Kalashnikov I.
Published: May 2023

Context.We study the geometry of the transition layer (TL) between the classical Keplerian accretion disk (the TL outer boundary) and the compact object at the TL inner boundary.

Aims.Our goal is to use the hydrodynamical formalism to demonstrate that the TL is created, together with a shock, in response to a discontinuity and to adjust the Keplerian disk motion to a central object (CO).

Methods.We apply hydrodynamical equations to describe a plasma motion near a CO in the TL.

Results.We point out that, before matter accretes to a CO, the TL cloud is formed between an adjustment radius and the TL inner boundary, which is probably a site where the emergent Compton spectrum originates. Using a generalization of the Randkine–Hugoniot relation and a solution of the azimutal force balance equation, we are able to reproduce the geometric characteristics of the TL.
A population of Type Ibc supernovae with massive progenitors
Authors: Karamehmetoglu E. , Sollerman J. , Taddia F. , Barbarino C. , Feindt U. , Fremling C. , Gal-Yam A. , Kasliwal M. M. , Petrushevska T. , Schulze S. , Stritzinger M. D. , Zapartas E.
Published: May 2023

If high-mass stars (≳20 − 25 M⊙) are the progenitors of stripped-envelope (SE) supernovae (SNe), their massive ejecta should lead to broad, long-duration lightcurves. Instead, literature samples of SE SNe have reported relatively narrow lightcurves corresponding to ejecta masses between 1 − 4 M⊙ that favor intermediate-mass progenitors (≲20 − 25 M⊙). Working with an untargeted sample from a single telescope to better constrain their rates, we searched the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) and intermediate-PTF (iPTF) sample of SNe for SE SNe with broad lightcurves. Using a simple observational marker of g- or r-band lightcurve stretch compared to a template to measure broadness, we identified eight significantly broader Type Ibc SNe after applying quantitative sample selection criteria. The lightcurves, broad-band colors, and spectra of these SNe are found to evolve more slowly relative to typical Type Ibc SNe, proportional with the stretch parameter. Bolometric lightcurve modeling and their nebular spectra indicate high ejecta masses and nickel masses, assuming radioactive decay powering. Additionally, these objects are preferentially located in low-metallicity host galaxies with high star formation rates, which may account for their massive progenitors, as well as their relative absence from the literature. Our study thus supports the link between broad lightcurves (as measured by stretch) and high-mass progenitor stars in SE SNe with independent evidence from bolometric lightcurve modeling, nebular spectra, host environment properties, and photometric evolution. In the first systematic search of its kind using an untargeted sample, we used the stretch distribution to identify a higher than previously appreciated fraction of SE SNe with broad lightcurves (∼13%). Correcting for Malmquist and lightcurve duration observational biases, we conservatively estimate that a minimum of ∼6% of SE SNe are consistent with high-mass progenitors. This result has implications for the progenitor channels of SE SNe, including late stages of massive stellar evolution, the origin of the observed oxygen fraction in the universe, and formation channels for stellar-mass black holes.
Indefinite Backward Stochastic Linear-Quadratic Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Sun Jingrui , Wu Zhen , Xiong Jie
Published: May 2023

This paper is concerned with a backward stochastic linear-quadratic (LQ, for short) optimal control problem with deterministic coefficients. The weighting matrices are allowed to be indefinite, and cross-product terms in the control and state processes are presented in the cost functional. Based on a Hilbert space method, necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the solvability of the problem, and a general approach for constructing optimal controls is developed. The crucial step in this construction is to establish the solvability of a Riccati-type equation, which is accomplished under a fairly weak condition by investigating the connection with forward stochastic LQ optimal control problems.
Analysis of compressible bubbly flows. Part I: construction of a microscopic model
Authors: Hillairet Matthieu , Mathis Hélène , Seguin Nicolas
Published: May 2023

In this note, we introduce a microscopic model for the motion of gas bubbles in a viscous fluid. By interpreting a bubble as a compressible fluid with infinite shear viscosity, we derive a pde/ode system coupling the density/velocity/pressure in the surrounding fluid with the linear/angular velocities and radii of the bubbles. We provide a 1D analogue of the system and construct an existence theory for this simplified system in a natural regularity framework. The second part of the paper is a preparatory work for the derivation of an averaged or macroscopic model.
Analysis of compressible bubbly flows. Part II: Derivation of a macroscopic model
Authors: Hillairet Matthieu , Mathis Hélène , Seguin Nicolas
Published: May 2023

This paper is the second of the series of two papers, which focuses on the derivation of an averaged 1D model for compressible bubbly flows. For this, we start from a microscopic description of the interactions between a large but finite number of small bubbles with a surrounding compressible fluid. This microscopic model has been derived and analysed in the first paper. In the present one, provided physical parameters scale according to the number of bubbles, we prove that solutions to the microscopic model exist on a timespan independent of the number of bubbles. Considering then that we have a large number of bubbles, we propose a construction of the macroscopic variables and derive the averaged system satisfied by these quantities. Our method is based on a compactness approach in a strong-solution setting. In the last section, we propose the derivation of the Williams–Boltzmann equation corresponding to our setting.
Switching from Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Aspirin Plus a P2Y12 Inhibitor to Dual Pathway Inhibition with Aspirin Plus Vascular-Dose Rivaroxaban: The Switching Anti-Platelet and Anti-Coagulant Therapy (SWAP-AC) Study
Authors: Ortega-Paz Luis , Franchi Francesco , Rollini Fabiana , Galli Mattia , Been Latonya , Ghanem Ghussan , Shalhoub Awss , Ossi Tiffany , Rivas Andrea , Zhou Xuan , Pineda Andres M. , Suryadevara Siva , Soffer Daniel , Zenni Martin M. , Jennings Lisa K. , Angiolillo Dominick J.
Published: May 2023

Background To date, there are no data on switching to dual pathway inhibition (DPI) patients who have completed a guideline-recommended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen.

Objectives To assess the feasibility of switching from DAPT to DPI and to compare the pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of these treatments.

Methods This was a prospective, randomized, PD study conducted in 90 patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) on DAPT with aspirin (81 mg/qd) plus a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel [75 mg/qd; n = 30], ticagrelor [90 mg/bid; n = 30], or prasugrel [10 mg/qd; n = 30]). Patients in each cohort were randomized to maintain DAPT or switch to DPI (aspirin 81 mg/qd plus rivaroxaban 2.5 mg/bid). PD assessments included: VerifyNow P2Y12 reaction units; light transmittance aggregometry following stimuli with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), tissue factor (TF), and a combination of collagen, ADP, and TF (maximum platelet aggregation %); thrombin generation (TG). Assays were performed at baseline and 30 days postrandomization.

Results Switching from DAPT to DPI occurred without major side effects. DAPT was associated with enhanced P2Y12 inhibition, while DPI with reduced TG. Platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity (primary endpoint) showed no differences between DAPT and DPI in the ticagrelor (14.5% [0.0–63.0] vs. 20.0% [0.0–70.0]; p = 0.477) and prasugrel (20.0% [0.0–66.0] vs. 4.0% [0.0–70.0]; p = 0.482), but not clopidogrel (27.0% [0.0–68.0] vs. 53.0% [0.0–81.0]; p = 0.011), cohorts.

Conclusion In patients with CCS, switching from different DAPT regimens to DPI was feasible, showing enhanced P2Y12 inhibition with DAPT and reduced TG with DPI, with no differences in platelet-mediated global thrombogenicity between DPI and ticagrelor- and prasugrel-, but not clopidogrel-, based DAPT.

Clinical Trial Registration http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT04006288.
Adrenal Vein Sampling in the Young – Necessary or
Not?
Authors: Gkaniatsa Eleftheria , Ragnarsson Oskar
Published: May 2023

Current clinical guidelines from the US Endocrine Society state that adrenal
venous sampling (AVS) may not be necessary in patients younger than 35 years
with marked aldosteronism and a solitary adrenal adenoma on imaging. At the time
when the guidelines were published, only one study supported the statement, a
study that included 6 patients younger than 35 years, all of whom had unilateral
adenoma on imaging and unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA), according to AVS.
Since then, to our knowledge, four additional studies have been published that
provide data on concordance between conventional imaging and AVS among patients
younger than 35 years. In these studies, 7 of 66 patients with unilateral
disease on imaging had bilateral disease, according to AVS. We find it,
therefore, reasonable to conclude that imaging studies alone inaccurately
predict laterality in a significant number of young patients with PA and that
available data challenge the current clinical guidelines.
Impact of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Descendants' Kidney in Adulthood
Authors: Fernandes Thayane Ferreira da Costa , Conde Poliana dos Santos , Brasil Flavia de Bittencourt , Oliveira Marcos Roberto de
Published: May 2023

Supplementation with folic acid (FA) during gestation has been recommended by medical society all over the world, but some studies have shown that intake of high folic acid diet may unleash damages to the descendants. Objectives: Describing the effects of maternal supplementation with FA during gestation on offspring's kidney at late life stages. Data Source: It is a systematic review by which were consulted the following databases: Medline, through Pubmed, Lilacs, and SciELO. The research was performed using the keywords “Folic acid”, “Gestation” and “Kidney”. Study Selection: Eight studies were regarded for this systematic review. Data Collection: Only studies that evaluated folic acid consumption during gestation and its effects exclusively on descendants' kidney at several phases of life were regarded. Results: Gestational FA intake did not change the renal volume, glomerular filtration rate and the expression of some essential genes in the kidney of puppies whose dams were supplemented with FA. Maternal consumption of double FA plus selenium diet was effective in preserving antioxidant enzymes activity in the kidney of descendants from mothers exposed to alcohol. FA supplementation decreased some gross anomalies in the puppies caused by teratogenic drug despite of had not been effective in preventing some renal architectural damages. Conclusion: FA supplementation did not cause renal toxicity; it exerted an antioxidant protective effect and mitigated some renal disorders caused by severe aggressions.
Mitarbeiterbindung: Ein gut geschnürtes Maßnahmen-Paket
Authors: Hohnstein Aileen
Published: May 2023

In Zeiten des Fachkräftemangels kommt dem Klinikmanagement eine besondere Rolle zu: Die Bedürfnisse der Mitarbeitenden müssen berücksichtigt werden, um die Arbeitsbedingungen für sie zu verbessern und so die Fachkräftesicherung im Krankenhaus zu garantieren. Am Klinikum Stuttgart verfolgt man dabei dieses Ziel mit einer großen Angebotspalette für Mitarbeitende – und ist damit erfolgreich.
Systemumbruch: Mutige Lösungen sind gefragt
Authors: Bracht Matthias
Published: May 2023

Auch dieses Jahr treffen sich die Entscheidungsträger der Gesundheitswirtschaft vom 14. bis 16. Juni in Berlin: Der Gesundheitsmanagement Kongress - GMK, der im Rahmen des Hauptstadtkongresses Medizin und Gesundheit stattfindet, bietet den Entscheidern eine Plattform für Diskussionen, Lösungen und Networking.
Peering inside printed explosives using X-ray radiography
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: May 2023

Flash X-ray radiography provides insights into additively manufactured high explosives and the complex wave interactions that can result.
Understanding the electrolysis bottleneck for producing green hydrogen fuel
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: May 2023

Studying catalysts in-situ could unlock hydrogen fuel potential by improving the oxygen evolution reaction efficiency.
Design and performance characterization of a new LISA-like (laser interferometer space antenna-like) gravitational reference sensor and torsion pendulum testbed
Authors: Apple Stephen , Álvarez Anthony Dávila , Kenyon Samantha Parry , Chilton Andrew , Klein Derek , Bickerstaff Brandon , Barke Simon , Clark Myles , Letson Benjamin , Olatunde Taiwo , Sanjuan Jose , Sauter Orion , Siu John , Sumner Timothy J. , Mueller Guido , Wass Peter J. , Conklin John W.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we present the design and performance of the upgraded University of Florida torsion pendulum facility for testing inertial sensor technology related to space-based gravitational wave observatories and geodesy missions. In particular, much work has been conducted on inertial sensor technology related to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) space gravitational wave observatory mission. A significant upgrade to the facility was the incorporation of a newly designed and fabricated LISA-like gravitational reference sensor (GRS) based on the LISA Pathfinder GRS. Its LISA-like geometry has allowed us to make noise measurements that are more representative of those in LISA and has allowed for the characterization of the mechanisms of noise induced on a LISA GRS and their underlying physics. Noise performance results and experiments exploring the effect of temperature gradients across the sensor will also be discussed. The LISA-like sensor also includes unique UV light injection geometries for UV LED based charge management. Pulsed and DC charge management experiments have been conducted using the University of Florida charge management group’s technology readiness level 4 charge management device. These experiments have allowed for the testing of charge management system hardware and techniques as well as characterizations of the dynamics of GRS test mass charging. The work presented here demonstrates the upgraded torsion pendulum’s ability to act as an effective testbed for GRS technology.
Synchronization and clock recovery in a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator based free-space optical communication link
Authors: Sherpa Nedup , Bharadwaj Anupam , Kumar Nagendra , Chauhan Akanshu , Boruah Bosanta R.
Published: May 2023

Synchronization of the transmitter and receiver is crucial in a free-space optical communication system for the proper transfer and retrieval of user information. In this work, we propose a method for the synchronization and recovery of the clock signal at the receiver from the optical signal modulated by a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (FLCSLM) in the transmitter. We have demonstrated our scheme by building an experimental arrangement that comprises an FLCSLM based computer generated holography assembly for modulating the laser beam in the transmitter and a photodiode cum micro-controller circuit in the receiver to generate the synchronized clock. We present the experimental results to demonstrate the accuracy of the recovered clock and the successful retrieval of the transmitted user information. The scheme can work for amplitude modulated, phase modulated, or complex amplitude modulated information transfer based on the FLCSLM.
Impact of heat stress on dairy cow rumination, milking frequency, milk yield and quality in a pasture-based automatic milking system
Authors: Talukder S. , Qiu D. , Thomson P. C. , Cheng L. , Cullen B. R.
Published: May 2023

Context Heat stress is an increasing concern for the Australian dairy industry. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature–humidity index (THI) on rumination time (RT), milk yield and quality, and milking frequency in a pasture-based voluntary-movement automatic milking system (AMS). Methods Data were collected from the University of Melbourne Dookie College AMS farm for 3 years (June 2016 to March 2019). Daily RT was collected through the transponder collar (Qwes-HR, Lely). Climatic data (maximum ambient temperature and relative humidity) were obtained from the Dookie Meteorological station to calculate daily maximum THI (THImax). Key results Daily milk yield increased with a rising THImax to 65, then declined after THImax 65. Milking frequency was highest at THImax 90, followed by a steady decline afterwards. Rumination time was maximum at mid-range THImax and declined for high and low values. Conclusions The findings of this study clearly indicated that under pasture-based voluntary-movement AMS, high THI resulted in a drop in the milk yield, milking frequency and RT. Implications With the provision of automation of data collection from AMS, further study with mathematical modelling describing the daily patterns and thresholds in conjunction with the different heat stress levels can be useful for assessing animal welfare and to mitigate heat stress and seek alternative management strategies.
Skim-Nanopore sequencing for routine genomic evaluation and bacterial pathogen detection in cattle
Authors: Lamb H. J. , Nguyen L. T. , Briody T. E. , Ambrose R. K. , Hayes B. J. , Mahony T. J. , Ross E. M.
Published: May 2023

Context Genotyping-by-sequencing, the use of sequence reads to genotype single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), has seen an increase in popularity as a tool for genomic prediction. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Nanopore) sequencing is an emerging technology that produces long sequence reads in real-time. Recent studies have established the ability for low-coverage Nanopore sequence data to be used for genomic prediction. However, the value proposition of Nanopore sequencing for individuals could be improved if both genotyping and disease diagnosis are achieved from a single sample. Aims This study aimed to demonstrate that Nanopore sequencing can be used for both rapid genotyping and as a disease diagnostic tool using the same sample in livestock. Methods Total DNA extracts from nasal swabs collected from 48 feedlot cattle presenting with clinical signs of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) were sequenced using the Nanopore PromethION sequencer. After 24 h of sequencing, genotypes were imputed and genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for four traits were derived using 641 163 SNPs and corresponding SNP effects. These GEBVs were compared with GEBVs derived from SNP array genotypes and calculated using the same SNP effects. Unmapped sequence reads were classified into taxa using Kraken2 and compared with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results for five BRD-associated pathogens of interest. Key results Sequence-derived genotypes for 46 of the 48 animals were produced in 24 h and GEBV correlations ranged between 0.92 and 0.94 for the four traits. Eleven different BRD-associated pathogens (two viruses and nine bacterial species) were detected in the samples using Nanopore sequence data. A significant (P < 0.001) relationship between Nanopore and qPCR results was observed for five overlapping species when a maximum threshold cycle was used. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that 46 cattle genomes can be multiplexed and accurately genotyped for downstream genomic prediction by using a single PromethION flow cell (ver. R9.4) in 24 h. This equates to a cost of AUD35.82 per sample for consumables. The concordance between qPCR results and pathogen proportion estimates also indicated that some pathogenic species, in particular bacterial species, can be accurately identified from the same test. Implications Using Nanopore sequencing, routine genotyping and disease detection in livestock could be combined into one cost-competitive test with a rapid turnaround time.
An investigation into potential genetic predictors of birth weight in tropically adapted beef cattle in northern Australia
Authors: Moore K. L. , Johnston D. J. , Grant T. P.
Published: May 2023

Context Birth weight can be an important trait in beef cattle through its association with dystocia and increased likelihood of calf and cow mortality. Recording large numbers of birth weights in beef cattle to obtain a suitable genetic evaluation has often been hard to achieve. Aims We assess if coronet circumference measurements taken at birth and weights and coronet circumference measured post-birth are suitable predictors of birth weight for use in genetic evaluation in northern Australian tropically adapted beef breeds. Methods Animals were recorded at birth for weight (N = 5352) and coronet circumference (N = 2552), at 3 months of age for the liveweight (N = 2848) and coronet circumference (N = 2855) and liveweight at 6 months (N = 4929). Data were from three tropically adapted beef cattle breeds (viz. Brahman, Droughtmaster and Santa Gertrudis) recorded in two northern Australia herds. Genetic parameters were estimated from a pooled dataset containing all three breeds. Results Birth weight had an estimated direct and maternal heritability of 0.51 (0.04) and 0.14 (0.02) respectively. Coronet circumference also had high heritabilities, with estimates at birth and 3 months of 0.50 (0.07) and 0.55 (0.06) respectively. The estimated genetic correlation between birth weight and coronet circumference measured at birth was 0.86 (0.03). Birth weight genetic correlations were 0.75 (0.05) with 3-month weight, 0.69 (0.05) with weaning weight and 0.62 (0.05) with coronet circumference at 3 months. Conclusions Coronet measurements could be used in genetic evaluation as a proxy for birth weight. However, the most useful coronet measure was when it was recorded at birth. This would still require catching the calf at birth, thus greatly reducing the benefit of having an alternative measure. Coronet circumference recorded in the branding cradle at 3 months of age was also a useful predictor of birth weight but added little if post-birth weights were available. Importantly, all post-birth indirect measures of birth weight require adjustment for animal age and, therefore, would need recording of the individual calf’s date of birth. Implications Coronet circumference recorded at birth and 3 months of age does not appear to be a suitable proxy for genetic evaluation of birth weight.
Changes in parasite species distributions could be driven by host range expansions: the case of hybridisation between two Australian reptile ticks
Authors: Barnden Bridgette , Slender Amy L. , Sharrad Robert D. , Gardner Michael G.
Published: May 2023

Anthropogenic stressors such as climate change and diminishing habitats cause widespread disturbances in species distributions for a variety of taxa. Range shifts and hybridisation following secondary contact become of particular importance when it comes to parasites such as ticks, as they are dependent on their host distributions and can carry numerous harmful pathogens. We aimed to determine if two parapatric reptile tick species, Amblyomma albolimbatum and A. limbatum, hybridise at their parapatric boundary by comparing morphological and genomic variation using single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results show that both tick species were genomically distinct, but hybridisation has occurred. We found a hybrid and an A. limbatum outside of their previously known range, suggesting there could have been a shift in tick distribution. What were thought to be hybrids due to intermediate morphological traits were not hybrids but morphological variants of the parental species. This information suggests more distinctive morphological features are needed for identifying these tick species and that novel environmental conditions and a broadening of tick niche due to hybridisation could increase host exposure to different pathogens.
Nanoscale mass measurement based on suspended graphene
Authors: Gong Tianxun , Huang Wen , He Yuhao , He Yiwen , Zhang Xiaosheng
Published: May 2023

A highly sensitive nanoscale mass sensor was developed for weight measurement of single microparticles using a suspended graphene structure. The sensor is composed of an array of holes covered with suspended monolayer graphene. Based on the shift of the 2D Raman peak in graphene, originating from the elongation of carbon–carbon bonds under pressure, the mass of microparticles in suspended graphene can be measured. The results show that the sensor can detect microparticles with mass ranging from 0.1 ng to 3 ng. The peak shift ratio is −69.8 cm−1 per 1% strain for the experimental value and −72.3 cm−1 per 1% strain for the calculated value. The demonstrated concept presents a promising path for nano-mass measurement applications.
Investigation of the effects of parallel electric field on fog dissipation
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Jiawei , Li Chuan , He Fuyou , Li Dingchen , Yu Kexun , Pan Yuan
Published: May 2023

Fog dissipation by charge and electric field has become a research hotspot due to its affordability and high efficiency compared with traditional technologies. However, the mechanism by which the electric field affects the temporal variation of droplet concentration is unclear. Therefore, a cylinder fog chamber with a radius of 0.15 m and a height of 1 m is established to analyze the influence of electric field on the concentration change of partially charged fog (50% of fog droplets are charged). The distribution of electric field in the fog chamber is simulated by an electrostatic model in COMSOL, and the electric field in the fog chamber is regarded as a parallel electric field. A percentage concentration α, the ratio of the real droplet concentration n, and the initial droplet concentration n
0 are introduced to describe the effects of fog dissipation. The results show that visibility can increase from 10 m to 150 m after applying the electric field. The shortest time is 12 s, which is much smaller than the natural settling time (102 s). Furthermore, α first increases, then decreases, and finally gets close to zero with electric field E regardless of the charged state (neutral or partially charged) at the beginning of applying the electric field (t = 60 s). Besides, α without charging is smaller than that with partially charging. Finally, α decreases with electric field E regardless of the charged state at the end of the applied electric field (t = 240 s). These findings can be explained by the relative strength of electrostatic force effect induced by the electric field on neutral and charged droplets and gravitational effect, which are quantified by the calculation analysis of various forces. The results can be used to guide and optimize the structure of experimental setups for outdoor fog dissipation in the future.
Thickness-dependent carrier transport of PdSe2 films grown by plasma-assisted metal selenization
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Qiusong , Jia Xinyu , Wen Shaofeng , Wu Haolun , Gong Yimin , Yin Yi , Lan Changyong , Li Chun
Published: May 2023

Atomically thin narrow-bandgap layered PdSe2 has attracted much attention due to its rich and unique electrical properties. For silicon-compatible device integration, direct wafer-scale preparation of high-quality PdSe2 thin film on a silicon substrate is highly desired. Here, we present the low-temperature synthesis of large-area polycrystalline PdSe2 films grown on SiO2/Si substrates by plasma-assisted metal selenization and investigate their charge carrier transport behaviors. Raman analysis, depth-dependent x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy were used to reveal the selenization process. The results indicate a structural evolution from initial Pd to intermediate PdSe2–x
phase and eventually to PdSe2. The field-effect transistors fabricated from these ultrathin PdSe2 films exhibit strong thickness-dependent transport behaviors. For thinner films (4.5 nm), a record high on/off ratio of 104 was obtained. While for thick ones (11 nm), the maximum hole mobility is about 0.93 cm2 V−1 S−1, which is the record high value ever reported for polycrystalline films. These findings suggest that our low-temperature-metal-selenized PdSe2 films have high quality and show great potential for applications in electrical devices.
A compact multi-output chaotic system with amplitude/frequency control
Authors: Li Zhinan , Li Chunbiao , Zhang Xin , Rajagopal Karthikeyan
Published: May 2023

A compact switchable chaotic oscillator is proven with great benefit for chaos-based application. The multifarious chaotic signals with multiple amplitude and frequency can save the circuit modules for signal conditioning. By introducing more linear terms in those chaotic systems with amplitude/frequency control, a compact multi-output chaotic system is derived and corresponding simplified circuit is constructed, where only two multipliers are employed in the simplified circuit avoiding the overusing of integrated components. Simplified chaotic circuit outputs more applicable chaotic signals for chaos-based engineering. Circuit simulation proves the convenience for outputting desired oscillations.
Revisiting time delay interferometry for unequal-arm LISA and TAIJI
Authors: Wang Gang , Ni Wei-Tou
Published: May 2023

Three spacecraft of LISA/TAIJI mission follow their respective geodesic trajectories, and their interferometric arms are unequal and time-varying due to orbital dynamics. Time-delay interferometry (TDI) is proposed to suppress the laser frequency noise caused by the unequal-arm. By employing the numerical orbit, we investigate the sensitivity of the first-generation TDI configurations and their corresponding optimal A, E, and T channels. The sensitivities of T channels from Michelson and Monitor/Beacon configurations diverge from the equal-arm case in frequencies lower than 10 mHz, and their performances vary with the inequality of the arm lengths. The mismatches of the laser beam paths are evaluated in a dynamic case, and the residual laser noise in the first-generation TDI could not satisfy the mission requirement.
Large omnidirectional mid-infrared photonic bandgap in a one-dimensional ternary photonic crystal consisting of isotropic dielectric, elliptical metamaterial and plasma
Authors: Wu Feng , Cheng Zhaoming , She Yuchun , Li Yan , Panda Abinash
Published: May 2023

Photonic bandgaps (PBGs) in traditional one-dimensional (1-D) binary photonic crystals (PhCs) consisting of two kinds of isotropic dielectrics strongly shift towards shorter wavelengths as incident angle increases. Such blueshift property of PBGs intensively limits the widths of omnidirectional photonic bandgaps (OPBGs). Very recently, researchers achieved a special kind of PBGs called angle-insensitive PBGs in novel 1-D binary PhCs consisting of isotropic dielectric and elliptical metamaterial (EMM). The emergence of such angle-insensitive PBGs provides us an opportunity to achieve large OPBGs. Herein, we periodically introduce plasma layers into a 1-D binary PhC consisting of isotropic dielectric and EMM with an angle-insensitive PBG to achieve a large OPBG at mid-infrared wavelengths. The EMM is mimicked by an all-dielectric subwavelength multilayer. The broaden effect of the OPBG originates from the plasmonic property of plasma and the angle-insensitive property of the PBG. The width of the OPBG reaches 4.19 μm. Our work provides a feasible route to achieving large OPBGs in 1-D PhCs and would promote the development of OPBG-based devices, such as omnidirectional broadband reflectors and omnidirectional filters.
A new method for constructing discrete hyperchaotic systems with a controllable range of Lyapunov exponents and its application in information security
Authors: Zeng Jian , Wang Yiming , Li Xinyu , Guang Yerui , Wang Chuanfu , Ding Qun
Published: May 2023

Since people use chaos extensively for a wide range of applications in data encryption and secure communications, a new method for designing practical high-dimensional discrete hyperchaotic systems is proposed for the first time in this paper. This method controls the range of the Lyapunov exponents in reverse by adding control variables so that the range of the values of the Lyapunov exponents is controlled within a specified interval, which is more suitable for engineering applications. Then, it is mathematically proved that the method ensures that the orbits of chaotic systems are globally finite and their Lyapunov exponents are bounded. In addition, as a practical demonstration of the selective image encryption scheme based on target template matching introduced in this paper, a 6D discrete hyperchaotic system was created, and the analysis of the simulation results verifies the applicability of the 6D hyperchaotic system designed by the method presented in this paper in the field of image encryption.
Gauge equivalent structures of the integrable (2+1)-dimensional nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equations and their applications
Authors: Zhu Xiaoming
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the gauge equivalent structures for the integrable (2+1)-dimensional nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equations. Through constructing the gauge transformation, we prove that these (2+1)-dimensional nonlocal equations, both focusing and defocusing, are gauge equivalent to two types of coupled (2+1)-dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnet equations and two types of coupled (2+1)-dimensional modified Heisenberg ferromagnet equations. As an appropriate extension, we further illustrate that the nonlocal NLS equation is gauge equivalent to two types of coupled Heisenberg ferromagnet equations and two types of coupled modified Heisenberg ferromagnet equations, while its discrete version is gauge equivalent to two types of coupled discrete Heisenberg ferromagnet equations and two types of coupled discrete modified Heisenberg ferromagnet equations, respectively. From its invariance with the combined parity-reflection and time-reversal operators, we can observe that there exist significant differences and intimate connections between standard and nonlocal equations. On the other hand, by using the Darboux transformation and some limit techniques, two types of deformed soliton solutions, namely, the deformed exponential solitons and the deformed rational solitons for the (2+1)-dimensional nonlocal defocusing NLS equation are given explicitly. With no loss of generality, two deformed soliton interactions and their various degenerate cases are discussed and illustrated through some figures.
Band topology and Bloch oscillation in an extended Creutz ladder
Authors: Zheng Yi , Sun Tongyue , Yang Shi-Jie
Published: May 2023

We study an extended Creutz ladder system, which supports topological phase transition as revealed by the change of topological invariant and by distinct pseudospin textures. With a linear force along the ladder, Bloch oscillation on topological bands is studied. At the topological phase transition point, the oscillation period is doubled due to band crossings and the wave packet evolves alternatively on the two bands. The magnitude of pseudospin polarizations in Bloch oscillation provide a dynamical identification of the topological feature. The local pseudospin polarizations along y − and z − axis are directly related to measurable inter-leg current and density difference. We also show the micromotion and non-adiabatic propagations of the Bloch wave packet. A small density oscillation beyond the description of Bloch oscillation is revealed. At avoided band crossings, the transition probability of the Landau-Zener tunneling is obtained. Our results exhibit a transparent framework to understand the properties of topological bands and of Bloch wave dynamics.
Primordial black holes and gravitational waves induced by exponential-tailed perturbations
Authors: Abe Katsuya T. , Inui Ryoto , Tada Yuichiro , Yokoyama Shuichiro
Published: May 2023

Primordial black holes (PBHs) whose masses
are in ∼ [10-15
M
⊙,10-11
M
⊙]
have been extensively studied as a candidate of whole dark matter (DM).
One of the probes to test such a PBH-DM scenario
is scalar-induced stochastic gravitational waves (GWs) accompanied with the enhanced primordial fluctuations to form the PBH with frequency
peaked in the mHz band being targeted by the LISA mission.
In order to utilize the stochastic GW for checking the PBH-DM scenario, it needs to exactly relate the PBH abundance and the amplitude of the GW spectrum.
Recently in Kitajima et al. [1],
the impact of the non-Gaussianity of the enhanced primordial curvature perturbations on the PBH abundance has been investigated based on the peak theory,
and they found that a specific non-Gaussian feature called the exponential tail significantly increases the PBH abundance compared with the Gaussian case.
In this work, we investigate the spectrum of the induced stochastic GW associated with PBH DM in the exponential-tail case.
In order to take into account the non-Gaussianity properly, we employ the diagrammatic approach for the calculation of the spectrum.
We find that the amplitude of the stochastic GW spectrum is slightly lower than the one for the Gaussian case, but it can still be detectable with the LISA sensitivity.
We also find that the non-Gaussian contribution can appear on the high-frequency side through their complicated momentum configurations.
Although this feature emerges under the LISA sensitivity, it might be possible to obtain information about the non-Gaussianity from GW observation with a deeper sensitivity such as the DECIGO mission.
PyEcoLib: a python library for simulating stochastic cell size dynamics
Authors: Nieto César , Blanco Sergio Camilo , Vargas-García César , Singh Abhyudai , Juan Manuel Pedraza
Published: May 2023

Recently, there has been an increasing need for tools to simulate cell size regulation due to important applications in cell proliferation and gene expression. However, implementing the simulation usually presents some difficulties, as the division has a cycle-dependent occurrence rate. In this article, we gather a recent theoretical framework in PyEcoLib, a python-based library to simulate the stochastic dynamics of the size of bacterial cells. This library can simulate cell size trajectories with an arbitrarily small sampling period. In addition, this simulator can include stochastic variables, such as the cell size at the beginning of the experiment, the cycle duration timing, the growth rate, and the splitting position. Furthermore, from a population perspective, the user can choose between tracking a single lineage or all cells in a colony. They can also simulate the most common division strategies (adder, timer, and sizer) using the division rate formalism and numerical methods. As an example of PyecoLib applications, we explain how to couple size dynamics with gene expression predicting, from simulations, how the noise in protein levels increases by increasing the noise in division timing, the noise in growth rate and the noise in cell splitting position. The simplicity of this library and its transparency about the underlying theoretical framework yield the inclusion of cell size stochasticity in complex models of gene expression.
Revisiting band structures in 118Xe nucleus via in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy*
Authors: Pandey A. , Bhushan R. , Rohilla A. , Majumder C. , Sharma H. P. , Chakraborty S. , Singh R. P. , Muralithar S. , Yashraj  , Katre K. , Rohila B. , Subodh  , Kumar A. , Govil I. M. , Jehangir S. , Rather N. , Bhati G. H. , Wani A. A. , Sheikh J. A. , Chamoli S. K.
Published: May 2023

The neutron deficient Xe nuclei with A

120 are predicted to have strong octupole correlation at low spins. In the present study, an attempt was made to improve upon the level scheme and also to examine the signatures of octupole correlation in

Xe via high spin γ-ray spectroscopy. High spin states in

Xe have been populated via the

Nb(

Si, p2n)

Xe fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam energy of 115 MeV provided by the 15 UD pelletron accelerator facility at IUAC, New Delhi. In the experiment, seven new γ-transitions have been found and placed appropriately in the level scheme. A theoretical study using the triaxial projected shell model (TPSM) approach suggests that the first bandcrossing is due to the alignment of two neutrons, and a parallel band tracking the yrast configuration is the γ-band built on the two-quasiparticle state. Enhanced E1 transition rates measured between opposite parity bands involving νh

and ν
d

orbitals having Δj = Δl = 3 indicate the presence of octupole correlation in this nucleus.