bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted designing functional markers revealed the role of retrotransposon derived miRNAs as mobile epigenetic regulators in adaptation responses of pistachio
Authors: Jannesar Masoomeh , Seyedi Seyed Mahdi , Botanga Christopher
Published: October 2021

We developed novel miRNA-based markers based on salt responsive miRNA sequences to detect polymorphisms in miRNA sequences and locations. The validation of 76 combined miRNA + miRNA and miRNA + ISSR markers in the three extreme pistachio populations led to the identification of three selected markers that could link salt tolerance phenotype to genotype and divided pistachio genotypes and Pistacia species into three clusters. This novel functional marker system, in addition to more efficient performance, has higher polymorphisms than previous miRNA-based marker systems. The functional importance of the target gene of five miRNAs in the structure of the three selected markers in regulation of different genes such as ECA2, ALA10, PFK, PHT1;4, PTR3, KUP2, GRAS, TCP, bHLH, PHD finger, PLATZ and genes involved in developmental, signaling and biosynthetic processes shows that the polymorphism associated with these selected miRNAs can make a significant phenotypic difference between salt sensitive and tolerant pistachio genotypes. The sequencing results of selected bands showed the presence of conserved miRNAs in the structure of the mitochondrial genome. Further notable findings of this study are that the sequences of PCR products of two selected markers were annotated as Gypsy and Copia retrotransposable elements. The transposition of retrotransposons with related miRNAs by increasing the number of miRNA copies and changing their location between nuclear and organellar genomes can affect the regulatory activity of these molecules. These findings show the crucial role of retrotransposon-derived miRNAs as mobile epigenetic regulators between intracellular genomes in regulating salt stress responses as well as creating new and tolerant phenotypes for adaptation to environmental conditions.
Population pharmacokinetic model of cefazolin in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Lanoiselée J. , Chaux R. , Hodin S. , Bourayou S. , Gibert A. , Philippot R. , Molliex S. , Zufferey P. J. , Delavenne X. , Ollier E.
Published: October 2021

Cefazolin is an antibiotic recommended for infection prevention in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the dosing regimen necessary to achieve therapeutic concentrations in obese patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to conduct a population analysis of cefazolin pharmacokinetics (PK) and assess whether cefazolin administration should be weight adapted in THA. Adult patients undergoing THA surgery received an injection of 2000 mg of cefazolin, doubled in the case of BMI > 35 kg/m2 and total body weight > 100 kg. A population PK study was conducted to quantify cefazolin exposure over time compared to the therapeutic concentration threshold. A total of 484 cefazolin measurements were acquired in 100 patients, of whom 29% were obese. A 2-compartment model best fitted the data, and creatinine clearance determined interpatient variability in elimination clearance. Our PK simulations using a 2000 mg cefazolin bolus showed that cefazolin concentrations remained above the threshold throughout surgery, regardless of weight or renal function. A 2000 mg cefazolin single injection without adaptation to weight or renal function and without intraoperative reinjection was efficient in maintaining therapeutic concentrations throughout surgery. The optimal target concentration and necessary duration of its maintenance remain unclear.
Changes in elbow joint contact area in symptomatic valgus instability of the elbow in baseball players
Authors: Numaguchi Kyosuke , Momma Daisuke , Matsui Yuki , Oohinata Jun , Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Inoue Nozomu , Kondo Eiji , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the joint contact area of the dominant side and that of the non-dominant side without valgus instability in symptomatic pitchers. Ten symptomatic elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) deficient baseball pitchers participated in this study. Computed tomography (CT) data from the dominant and non-dominant elbows were obtained with and without elbow valgus stress. The CT imaging data of each elbow joint were reconstructed using a 3D reconstruction software package, and the radiocapitellar and ulnohumeral joint contact areas were calculated. The center of the contact area and the translation from the position without stress to the position with valgus stress were also calculated. With elbow valgus stress, the contact area changed, and the center of the radiocapitellar joint contact area translated significantly more laterally in the dominant elbow than in the non-dominant elbow (p = 0.0361). In addition, the center of the ulnohumeral joint contact area translated significantly more posteriorly in the dominant elbow than in the non-dominant elbow (p = 0.0413). These changes in contact areas could be the reason for cartilage injury at the posterior trochlea in pitchers with UCL deficiency.
A pilot study of novel duodenal covered self-expandable metal stent fixation
Authors: Hori Yasuki , Hayashi Kazuki , Naitoh Itaru , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Natsume Makoto , Yoshida Michihiro , Kataoka Hiromi
Published: October 2021

Migration of duodenal covered self-expandable metal stents (C-SEMSs) is the main cause of stent dysfunction in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). Because endoscopic SEMS placement is frequently selected in patients with poor performance status, we concurrently focused on the safety of the treatment. This pilot study included 15 consecutive patients with mGOO who underwent duodenal partially covered SEMS (PC-SEMS) placement with fixation using an over-the-scope-clip (OTSC). Technical feasibility, clinical success for oral intake estimated by the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS) score, and adverse events including stent migration were retrospectively assessed. All procedures were successful, and clinical success was achieved in 86.7% (13/15). Mean GOOSS scores were improved from 0.07 to 2.53 after the procedure (P < 0.001). Median survival time was 84 days, and all patients were followed up until death. Stent migration occurred in one case (6.7%) at day 17, which was successfully treated by removal of the migrated PC-SEMS using an enteroscope. For fixation using an OTSC, additional time required for the procedure was 8.9 ± 4.1 min and we did not observe OTSC-associated adverse events. Poor performance status was associated with clinical success (P = 0.03), but we could provide the treatment safely and reduce mGOO symptoms even in patients with poor performance status. In conclusion, duodenal PC-SEMS fixation using an OTSC is feasible for preventing stent migration in patients with mGOO including those with poor performance status.
Simultaneous transcranial and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation to enhance athletic performance outcome in experienced boxers
Authors: Kamali Ali-Mohammad , Kazemiha Milad , Keshtkarhesamabadi Behnam , Daneshvari Mohsan , Zarifkar Asadollah , Chakrabarti Prasun , Kateb Babak , Nami Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is among the rapidly growing experimental approaches to enhance athletic performance. Likewise, novel investigations have recently addressed the effects of transcutaneous spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) on motor functions such as reduced reaction time. The impact of tDCS, and tsDCS might be attributed to altered spontaneous neural activity and membrane potentials of cortical and corticomotoneuronal cells, respectively. Given the paucity of empirical research in non-invasive brain stimulation in sports neuroscience, especially in boxing, the present investigation studied the effects of neuromodulation on motor and cognitive functions of professional boxers. The study sample comprised 14 experienced male boxers who received random sequential real or sham direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1) and paraspinal region (corresponding to the hand area) in two sessions with a 72-h interval. Unlike sham stimulation, real stimulation improved selective attention and reaction time of the experienced boxers [enhanced selective attention (p < 0.0003), diminished right hand (p < 0.0001) and left hand reaction time (p < 0.0006)]. Meanwhile, the intervention left no impact on the participants’ cognitive functions (p > 0.05). We demonstrated that simultaneous stimulation of the spinal cord and M1 can improve the performance of experienced boxers through neuromodulation. The present study design may be extended to examine the role of neurostimulation in other sport fields.
Evaluating posterior vitreous detachment by widefield 23-mm swept-source optical coherence tomography imaging in healthy subjects
Authors: Chiku Yoshiaki , Hirano Takao , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Tuchiya Ayako , Nakamura Marie , Murata Toshinori
Published: October 2021

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a separation between the posterior vitreous cortex and internal limiting membrane. Although PVD was historically considered an acute event, recent studies using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed a gradual progression of PVD in healthy subjects. Although SD-OCT improved PVD studies, the narrow imaging angle and long examination time were problematic to allow wide angle capture. The Xephilio OCT-S1 (Canon), a swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) device, can obtain up to 23-mm of widefield B-scan images in a single acquisition. We used this widefield SS-OCT to quantitatively evaluate the PVD stage in 214 healthy subjects aged 4–89 years and determine whether PVD stages differ between the bilateral eyes of each patient. Age was significantly positively correlated with the overall PVD stage (ρ = 0.7520, P < 0.001). Interestingly, partial PVD occurred in children as young as 5 years, indicating that initial PVD onset may occur much earlier than previously reported. Furthermore, PVD stages of the bilateral eyes were highly consistent in 183 subjects (85.5%). Widefield 23-mm SS-OCT thus revealed that PVD started earlier than anticipated, and age was correlated with the symmetry of PVD stage. Widefield 23-mm SS-OCT may also be clinically useful for the evaluation of diseased eyes.
Recent advances in graphitic carbon nitride as a catalyst for heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions
Authors: Fei Jia , Peng Xin , Jiang Longbo , Yuan Xingzhong , Chen Xiangyan , Zhao Yanlan , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2021

g-C3N4 based materials exhibit considerable potential in Fenton-like reactions. The g-C3N4 material helps to enlarge the surface area and to provide more available active sites. g-C3N4 is involved in charge transfer. g-C3N4 is engaged as a suitable platform.
Two bismuth iodate sulfates with enhanced optical anisotropy
Authors: Li Yilin , Hu Chunli , Chen Jin , Mao Jianggao
Published: October 2021

The introduction of optical anisotropic iodate groups allows Bi(IO3)(SO4) and CdBi(IO3)(SO4)2 to exhibit increased birefringence.
New Ln-MOFs based on mixed organic ligands: synthesis, structure and efficient luminescence sensing of the Hg2+ ions in aqueous solutions
Authors: Wang Shu-Ju , Li Qian , Xiu Guan-Lin , You Li-Xin , Ding Fu , Van Deun Rik , Dragutan Ileana , Dragutan Valerian , Sun Ya-Guang
Published: October 2021

Four Ln-MOFs (Ln = Ce, Pr, Eu and Tb) based on thiobis(4-methylene-benzoic acid) and 1,10-phenanthroline were synthesized. The Eu-MOF selectively acts as an excellent luminescence probe for the detection of Hg2+ ions in waters.
The succinoglycan riclin restores beta cell function through the regulation of macrophages on Th1 and Th2 differentiation in type 1 diabetic mice
Authors: Ding Zhao , Cheng Rui , Yang Yunxia , Zhao Yang , Ge Wenhao , Sun Xiaqing , Xu Xi , Wang Shiming , Zhang Jianfa
Published: October 2021

Schematic illustration of the effect of riclin on macrophage activation and the underlying mechanism of riclin improves diabetes in STZ-induced diabetic mice.
Modification of the three-dimensional graphene aerogel self-assembled network using a titanate coupling agent and its thermal conductivity mechanism with epoxy composites
Authors: Cui Sufei , Wu Wei , Liu Chao , Wang Yi , Chen Qiming , Liu Xingrong
Published: October 2021

The high thermal conductivity of the modified 3DGA/EP composite is verified by infrared thermal imaging and the laser flash method. Finite element analysis studys the heat transfer mechanism of the three-dimensional network.
Functional coatings enable navigation of light-propelled micromotors in blood for effective biodetoxification
Authors: Pacheco Marta , Jurado-Sánchez Beatriz , Escarpa Alberto
Published: October 2021

Herein we report the coating of visible light-driven polycaprolactone (PCL) based micromotors with an anti-biofouling poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) layer for effective navigation and detoxification in blood samples.
Catalytic and photoresponsive BiZ/CuxS heterojunctions with surface vacancies for the treatment of multidrug-resistant clinical biofilm-associated infections
Authors: Nain Amit , Huang Hao-Hsin , Chevrier Daniel M. , Tseng Yu-Ting , Sangili Arumugam , Lin Yu-Feng , Huang Yu-Fen , Chang Lung , Chang Fu-Chieh , Huang Chih-Ching , Tseng Fan-Gang , Chang Huan-Tsung
Published: October 2021

Copper/bismuth sulfide heterojunctions boost the catalytic and photoresponsive properties engendered antibacterial activity against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant bacteria and their associated biofilms.
Supramolecular dendrimer-containing layer-by-layer nanoassemblies for bioapplications: current status and future prospects
Authors: Sousa Cristiana F. V. , Fernandez-Megia Eduardo , Borges João , Mano João F.
Published: October 2021

This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the supramolecular dendrimer-containing multifunctional layer-by-layer nanoassemblies driven by a multitude of intermolecular interactions for biological and biomedical applications.
Enhanced visible light absorption in layered Cs3Bi2Br9 through mixed-valence Sn(ii)/Sn(iv) doping
Authors: Krajewska Chantalle J. , Kavanagh Seán R. , Zhang Lina , Kubicki Dominik J. , Dey Krishanu , Gałkowski Krzysztof , Grey Clare P. , Stranks Samuel D. , Walsh Aron , Scanlon David O. , Palgrave Robert G.
Published: October 2021

Mixed valence Sn doping of Cs3Bi2Br9 leads to broad visible light absorption.
Ligand-redox assisted nickel catalysis toward stereoselective synthesis of (n+1)-membered cycloalkanes from 1,n-diols with methyl ketones
Authors: Bains Amreen K. , Kundu Abhishek , Maiti Debabrata , Adhikari Debashis
Published: October 2021

A homogeneous nickel catalyst is described that forms (n+1)-membered cycloalkane rings from ketones and 1,n-diols following a radical-promoted pathway.
Design of frequency selective surface based on Minkowski fractal and interdigital capacitance
Authors: Khajevandi Amir , Oraizi Homayoon
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the Minkowski fractal is used to design the geometry of a frequency selective surface (FSS) unit cell, which resembles the shapes found in nature. The proposed FSS unit cell has both angular and polarization stabilities of incident wave. For the miniaturization of FSS and decrease of resonance frequency, interdigital capacitances (IDCs) are devised in the FSS structure, which do not eliminate angular and polarization stabilities. The dimensions of the unit cell are 5 mm × 5 mm and miniaturized 0.095λ0×0.095λ0. The resonance frequency is specified as 5.75 GHz with 155 MHz bandwidth. An equivalent circuit is derived for the unit cell to evaluate its frequency responses. The effects of variations of the geometrical dimensions of the FSS unit cell on its performance are studied. A prototype model of proposed FSS is fabricated and measured. The performance of its full‐wave computer simulation results and measured data are compared and are shown to be in good agreement.
Shazam for bats: Internet of Things for continuous real‐time biodiversity monitoring
Authors: Gallacher Sarah , Wilson Duncan , Fairbrass Alison , Turmukhambetov Daniyar , Firman Michael , Kreitmayer Stefan , Mac Aodha Oisin , Brostow Gabriel , Jones Kate
Published: October 2021

Biodiversity surveys are often required for development projects in cities that could affect protected species such as bats. Bats are important biodiversity indicators of the wider health of the environment and activity surveys of bat species are used to report on the performance of mitigation actions. Typically, sensors are used in the field to listen to the ultrasonic echolocation calls of bats or the audio data is recorded for post‐processing to calculate the activity levels. Current methods rely on significant human input and therefore present an opportunity for continuous monitoring and in situ machine learning detection of bat calls in the field. Here, we show the results from a longitudinal study of 15 novel Internet connected bat sensors—Echo Boxes—in a large urban park. The study provided empirical evidence of how edge processing can reduce network traffic and storage demands by several orders of magnitude, making it possible to run continuous monitoring activities for many months including periods which traditionally would not be monitored. Our results demonstrate how the combination of artificial intelligence techniques and low‐cost sensor networks can be used to create novel insights for ecologists and conservation decision‐makers.
The Aperture Array Verification System 1: System overview and early commissioning results
Authors: Benthem P. , Wayth R. , de Lera Acedo E. , Zarb Adami K. , Alderighi M. , Belli C. , Bolli P. , Booler T. , Borg J. , Broderick J. W. , Chiarucci S. , Chiello R. , Ciani L. , Comoretto G. , Crosse B. , Davidson D. , DeMarco A. , Emrich D. , van Es A. , Fierro D. , Faulkner A. , Gerbers M. , Razavi-Ghods N. , Hall P. , Horsley L. , Juswardy B. , Kenney D. , Steele K. , Magro A. , Mattana A. , McKinley B. , Monari J. , Naldi G. , Nanni J. , Di Ninni P. , Paonessa F. , Perini F. , Poloni M. , Pupillo G. , Rusticelli S. , Schiaffino M. , Schillirò F. , Schnetler H. , Singuaroli R. , Sokolowski M. , Sutinjo A. , Tartarini G. , Ung D. , Bij de Vaate J. G. , Virone G. , Walker M. , Waterson M. , Wijnholds S. J. , Williams A.
Published: October 2021

The design and development process for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope’s Low Frequency Aperture Array component was progressed during the SKA pre-construction phase by an international consortium, with the goal of meeting requirements for a critical design review. As part of the development process a full-sized prototype SKA Low ‘station’ was deployed – the Aperture Array Verification System 1 (AAVS1). We provide a system overview and describe the commissioning results of AAVS1, which is a low frequency radio telescope with 256 dual-polarisation log-periodic dipole antennas working as a phased array. A detailed system description is provided, including an in-depth overview of relevant sub-systems, ranging from hardware, firmware, software, calibration, and control sub-systems. Early commissioning results cover initial bootstrapping, array calibration, stability testing, beam-forming, and on-sky sensitivity validation. Lessons learned are presented, along with future developments.
Capturing transient plasma flows and jets in the solar corona
Authors: Chitta L. P. , Solanki S. K. , Peter H. , Aznar Cuadrado R. , Teriaca L. , Schühle U. , Auchère F. , Berghmans D. , Kraaikamp E. , Gissot S. , Verbeeck C.
Published: October 2021

Intensity bursts in ultraviolet (UV) to X-ray wavelengths and plasma jets are typical signatures of magnetic reconnection and the associated impulsive heating of the solar atmospheric plasma. To gain new insights into the process, high-cadence observations are required to capture the rapid response of plasma to magnetic reconnection as well as the highly dynamic evolution of jets. Here, we report the first 2 s cadence extreme-UV observations recorded by the 174 Å High Resolution Imager of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager on board the Solar Orbiter mission. These observations, covering a quiet-Sun coronal region, reveal the onset signatures of magnetic reconnection as localized heating events. These localized sources then exhibit repeated plasma eruptions or jet activity. Our observations show that this spatial morphological change from localized sources to jet activity could occur rapidly on timescales of about 20 s. The jets themselves are intermittent and are produced from the source region on timescales of about 20 s. In the initial phases of these events, plasma jets are observed to exhibit speeds, as inferred from propagating intensity disturbances, in the range of 100 km s−1 to 150 km s−1. These jets then propagate to lengths of about 5 Mm. We discuss examples of bidirectional and unidirectional jet activity observed to have been initiated from the initially localized bursts in the corona. The transient nature of coronal bursts and the associated plasma flows or jets along with their dynamics could provide a benchmark for magnetic reconnection models of coronal bursts and jets.
STEPARSYN: A Bayesian code to infer stellar atmospheric parameters using spectral synthesis
Authors: Tabernero H. M. , Marfil E. , Montes D. , González Hernández J. I.
Published: October 2021

Context. STEPARSYN is an automatic code written in Python 3.X designed to infer the stellar atmospheric parameters Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] of FGKM-type stars following the spectral synthesis method.

Aims. We present a description of the STEPARSYN code and test its performance against a sample of late-type stars that were observed with the HERMES spectrograph mounted at the 1.2-m Mercator Telescope. This sample contains 35 late-type targets with well-known stellar parameters determined independently from spectroscopy. The code is available to the astronomical community in a GitHub repository.

Methods. STEPARSYN uses a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler to explore the parameter space by comparing synthetic model spectra generated on the fly to the observations. The synthetic spectra are generated with an spectral emulator.

Results. We computed Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] for our sample stars and discussed the performance of the code. We calculated an internal scatter for these targets of −12 ± 117 K in Teff, 0.04 ± 0.14 dex in log g, and 0.05 ± 0.09 dex in [Fe/H]. In addition, we find that the log g values obtained with STEPARSYN are consistent with the trigonometric surface gravities to the 0.1 dex level. Finally, STEPARSYN can compute stellar parameters that are accurate down to 50 K, 0.1 dex, and 0.05 dex for Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] for stars with v sin i ≤ 30 km s−1.
A convolutional neural network-based model for predicting lime utilization ratio in the KR desulfurization process
Authors: Wu Si-wei , Yang Jian
Published: October 2021

In the presented work, desulfurization process parameters and the lime utilization ratio were correlated by data-driven technique, and a convolutional neural network was applied to predict the lime utilization ratio in the Kambara Reactor (KR) desulfurization process. The results show that compared with the support vector regression model and random forest model, the convolutional neural network model achieves the best performance with correlation coefficient value of 0.9964, mean absolute relative error of 0.01229 and root mean squared error of 0.3392%. The sensitivity analysis was carried out to investigate the influence of process parameters on the lime utilization ratio, which shows that the lime weight and the initial sulfur content have the significant effect on the lime utilization ratio. By analyzing the influence of the lime weight on the lime utilization ratio under the current desulfurization process parameters, it can be concluded that decreasing the lime weight from 3256 kg to 2332 kg can increase the lime utilization ratio by about 5%.
Psychotisches Erleben am eigenen Leib spüren – Psychose-Simulation
Authors: Kolbe Harald
Published: October 2021

Stimmen hören, Personen sehen, sich immer wieder verfolgt fühlen – die Wahrnehmungen von Menschen, die an Psychose erkrankt sind, können Außenstehende oft nicht nachvollziehen. Eine Psychose-Simulation macht es möglich, diese Symptome am eigenen Leib zu erleben und somit neue Handlungskompetenzen im Umgang mit Betroffenen zu entwickeln. Ein digitales Lernangebot der LWL-Akademie für Forensische Psychiatrie.
Post-Soviet Agricultural Restructuring: A Success Story After All?
Authors: Petrick Martin
Published: October 2021

Challenging the initial expectation that all post-Soviet economies will evolve from collective toward fully individualized farming, I argue that they separated into two different reform paths. In the European successor countries and Kazakhstan, corporate and family farms coexist, labor exited agriculture, and capital inflow boosted labor productivity (a “Westernization”). In the Transcaucasian and the other Central Asian countries, complete farm individualization did not increase labor productivity much, in turn keeping rural incomes depressed (a “Southernization” akin to the Global South). Future policies should promote income alternatives to agriculture and improve the flexibility and transparency of farm consolidation processes.
Volumetric recombination in EMC3-EIRENE: Implementation and first application to the pre-fusion power operation phase in ITER
Authors: Frerichs H. , Feng Y. , Bonnin X. , Pitts R. A. , Reiter D. , Schmitz O.
Published: October 2021

An upgrade to the 3D plasma boundary model EMC3-EIRENE for detached divertor plasmas is introduced and evaluated. Stabilization of the iterative approximation of a self-consistent plasma–neutral gas solution is required at low divertor plasma temperatures, and this has been achieved by linearization of the energy loss term associated with the electron–neutral gas interaction. An implicit method for volumetric recombination has been implemented, which improves agreement with SOLPS-ITER results for the pre-fusion power operation phase in ITER. Resonant magnetic perturbations for control of edge localized modes are found to result in a partially detached divertor plasma with a significantly broader reduction of particle loads in the traditional strike zone, which is attributed to volumetric recombination. The additional non-axisymmetric far scrape-off layer strike points, on the other hand, remain attached at relatively high temperature so that volumetric recombination is not effective there.
Reduced models of unidirectional flows in compliant rectangular ducts at finite Reynolds number
Authors: Wang Xiaojia , Christov Ivan C.
Published: October 2021

Soft hydraulics, which addresses the interaction between an internal flow and a compliant conduit, is a central problem in microfluidics. We analyze Newtonian fluid flow in a rectangular duct with a soft top wall at steady state. The resulting fluid–structure interaction is formulated for both vanishing and finite flow inertia. At the leading-order in the small aspect ratio, the lubrication approximation implies that the pressure only varies in the streamwise direction. Meanwhile, the compliant wall's slenderness makes the fluid–solid interface behave like a Winkler foundation, with the displacement fully determined by the local pressure. Coupling flow and deformation and averaging across the cross section leads to a one-dimensional reduced model. In the case of vanishing flow inertia, an effective deformed channel height is defined rigorously to eliminate the spanwise dependence of the deformation. It is shown that a previously used averaged height concept is an acceptable approximation. From the one-dimensional model, a friction factor and the corresponding Poiseuille number are derived. Unlike the rigid duct case, the Poiseuille number for a compliant duct is not constant but varies in the streamwise direction. Compliance can increase the Poiseuille number by a factor of up to four. The model for finite flow inertia is obtained by assuming a parabolic vertical variation of the streamwise velocity. To satisfy the displacement constraints along the edges of the channel, weak tension is introduced in the streamwise direction to regularize the Winkler-foundation-like model. Matched asymptotic solutions of the regularized model are derived.
Open-channel flows through emergent rigid vegetation: Effects of bed roughness and shallowness on the flow structure and surface waves
Authors: Chatelain M. , Proust S.
Published: October 2021

Free-surface flows through a staggered cylinder array were investigated in an open-channel flume. The cylinders simulated rigid emergent vegetation. Specifically, we studied four flow cases with a two-factor design comprising flow rate (7 and 13 l s−1) and bed-surface state (hydraulically rough and smooth). We have primarily assessed the effects of bed roughness and shallowness on the time-averaged flow structure and the transverse fluctuating flow motion in the cylinder wake. Secondarily, the effects of the former on the vortex-shedding-induced surface waves were quantified. To gain further insight into the bed roughness effect on flow structure, we conducted transient flow simulations using a hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes/Large Eddy Simulation turbulence model. For all cases, downstream of a cylinder, an upward flow occurs and two counterrotating secondary current cells develop. The two cells bring high-momentum fluid from the high-speed region into the cylinder wake, resulting in a near-bed streamwise velocity-bulge. The measured upward flow and velocity-bulge are greater for the rough-bed cases than for the smooth-bed cases. The simulated upward flow and velocity-bulge increase with an increasing roughness height, while secondary currents decay faster in the longitudinal direction. For the rough-bed cases, in the cylinder wake, the transverse fluctuating flow motion is hindered by the rough-bed induced turbulence over the whole water column, irrespective of the shallowness level. Coupled with the fluctuating flow motion, we have observed for three flow cases noticeable surface oscillations (termed “seiche waves”), whose amplitude decreases with decreasing flow depth. Under the combined effects of strong shallowness and a rough bed, seiche waves vanished.
Rogue wave generation in wind-driven water wave turbulence through multiscale phase-amplitude coupling, phase synchronization, and self-focusing by curved crests
Authors: Jou Ji-Lin , Lo Wei-Shuo , I Lin
Published: October 2021

Rogue wave events (RWEs), localized high amplitude extreme events, uncertainly emerge in various nonlinear waves. For RWE generation, modulation instability leading to amplitude soliton formation for one-dimensional (1D) systems; and the additional wave directional property and the ratio of nonlinearity to spectrum bandwidth on the modulation instability for two-dimensional (2D) systems, are the accepted mechanisms. However, those studies have mainly focused on RWEs in weakly disordered wave states dominated by a single scale, but to a much lesser extent on wave turbulence with multiscale excitations. Wind-driven water surface wave turbulence widely occurs in nature. Unraveling RWE generation in wind-driven water surface wave turbulence is an important issue. Here, using multidimensional empirical mode decomposition, we experimentally investigate the dynamics of decomposed multiscale spatiotemporal waveforms of wind-driven water wave turbulence in the 2 + 1D space. We demonstrate how the cascaded amplitude modulation of the faster (higher frequency) modes by the phases of the slower modes, the phase synchronization of the largest peaks in the bursts of fast modes emerging in the crest regions of the medium modes, and self-focusing by the curved crests of the three fastest modes lead to RWE generation.
Analysis of multiple steady states for natural convection of Newtonian fluids in a square enclosure
Authors: Bhattacharya Madhuchhanda , Basak Tanmay
Published: October 2021

Multiple steady states are investigated for natural convection of fluids in a square enclosure with non-isothermally hot bottom wall, isothermally cold side walls, and thermally insulated top wall. A robust computation scheme involving steady-state governing equations has been developed to compute the steady states as a function of Rayleigh number (102 ⩽ Ra ⩽ 106) for two different Prandtl numbers (Pr = 0.026 and 0.1). Penalty Galerkin finite element method with Newton–Raphson solver is employed for the solution of the governing equations, while the solution branches are initiated by varying initial guess to the Newton–Raphson solver. In this context, a dual-perturbation scheme involving perturbations of the boundary conditions and various process parameters has been designed leading to the rich spectrum of the symmetric and asymmetric solution branches for the current symmetric problem. It is found that multiple steady states occur beyond a critical value of Ra, which depends on the magnitude of Pr. In addition to the basic solution branch (corresponding to the solutions obtained via uniform initial guesses), nineteen additional solution branches (six symmetric and thirteen asymmetric) are obtained for Pr = 0.026, while four additional solution branches (two symmetric and two asymmetric) are obtained for Pr = 0.1. The solution branches are associated with a wide spectrum of flow structures (24 distinct types for Pr = 0.026 excluding the reflection symmetric mirror images of the asymmetric solutions), which are reported for the first time. The flow structures lead to various heating scenarios within the enclosure resulting in a significant variation of heat transfer rates (more than 50%). The current results are important for the practical applications. The spectrum of the possible scenarios revealed in this work can be pivotal to design the optimal processes based on the process requirement (targeted heating or enhanced heating rates).
When is a Concept a True Concept?
Authors: Singh Anirudh
Published: October 2021

This chapter examines the criteria that a concept must satisfy to be regarded as a true concept. An important requirement is that a concept should have all the properties that are expected of it. The semiconductor hole is taken as a case study to determine whether it is a true particle. It is found that it does not have an identifiable antiparticle and is thus classified as a quasiparticle. This example is used to divide concepts into quasi-concepts and true concepts. The important role of the concept of quasiparticles in physics is noted.
The Twin Paradox and the Nature of Physical Reality
Authors: Singh Anirudh
Published: October 2021

The role of the observer is essential in determining the reality as well as making measurements of the state of a physical situation. This observation becomes important in elaborating a long-standing paradox of physics known as the Twin Paradox of the Special Theory of Relativity (STR). Einstein showed that the time interval between two events determined by a moving observer is greater than that determined by a stationary observer. The effect is known as time dilation. However, it leads to the paradox that a twin brother returning from a space trip is younger than his twin sister who had stayed home. The resolution of the paradox is assisted by introducing a new requirement of physics called the “reality test.” This states that whatever an observer measures must be real. It also reveals that discrepancies in time measurements can be attributed to the change of state the traveling twin undergoes as he changes velocity over the journey.
The Spectrum of Reality
Authors: Singh Anirudh
Published: October 2021

While the subjective normally exists in the mind, it is possible to transform it into the objective through the process of experimental measurement. The existence of the semiconductor hole as a real particle that determines the measurable properties of semiconductors demonstrates that a missing electron can acquire all the properties of a real particle. This analogy can be used to explain how the initially imaginary massless and elusive particle proposed by Pauli in 1930 to explain nuclear beta decay was eventually made real through experimental verification by Cowan and Reines in 1956. The act of measurement is thus able to create reality. This process is dubbed “the spectrum of reality.”

While not all physical entities are directly accessible to experimental measurement, all experiments of physics always happen in the “here and now.”

The design and implementation of physical experiments are often concatenations of hypotheses and measurement.

Humans act as animate observers at the interface of the physical realms, and are able to create theories, and design and conduct experiments, as well as interpret their outcomes.
Emerging Issues
Authors: Singh Anirudh
Published: October 2021

In Part 3 of this book we consider some of the issues of physics that have emerged due to the historical nature of its development. These range from issues of physics due to inconsistencies in its structure, to the dichotomous nature of its framework and issues of unification. This chapter begins by examining the matter particle–force particle duality of the particle physics framework. This is a divergent development from the reductionist concepts of the General Theory of Relativity, which attempts to unify matter with space–time, making the unification of gravity with the other three fundamental forces difficult. A method of contending with these two developments within the same framework is suggested.

Quasiparticles are entities that share some, but not all, of the intrinsic properties of particles, and are found in abundance within the confined limits of the solid state. It is suggested that the concept of quasiparticles may be extensible to the internal nuclear and particle environments, where quarks also exist in confined dimensions.

The possibility of the existence of particles with variable intrinsic properties is speculated upon, after critically analyzing the relation between symmetry and conserved intrinsic properties postulated by Noether's Theorem.
Fundamental Observations
Authors: Singh Anirudh
Published: October 2021

This chapter continues with the task of examining the basic framework of physics started in the last chapter. It begins by noting that the laws and theories of physics may be categorized into the phenomenological, the fundamental, and the historical. These theories are related to varying extents to the theory of the universe, with historical theories such as the electroweak theory showing the greatest dependence.

The fundamental requirement of physics implies that it is possible for the laws of physics to change as the universe evolves. This means that after the Big Bang theory, the fundamental laws should become time-varying. Another consequence is that it becomes possible for the large-scale behavior of the universe to be asymmetrical.

Symmetry may be expressed as a probability distribution related to its group of symmetry transformations, and remains inherently an aspect of a single entity or process. Symmetry can only originate from the observer—it exists in the mind space of the observer.

The notion of nature in the real (physical) world can only refer to the relationship of physical behavior in terms of the backdrop of physical causalities. Nature has no other meaning in the physical context.
Hybrid Metastructures in the Epsilon-Near-Zero Regime
Authors: Caligiuri Vincenzo , De Luca Antonio
Published: October 2021

The objects of study of this chapter are hybrid structures whose resonant behavior can be understood in terms of an exotic propagation regime called epsilon-near-zero (ENZ). We embark in the engaging challenge of investigating an apparently counterintuitive light propagation regime in which light assumes a phase velocity faster than the speed of light compensated by an approximately zero group velocity. The occurrence of such a fascinating feature is illustrated in simple, daily-use materials like silver as well as in sophisticated hybrid multilayers. These latter systems embed graphene as a flat and active technological core and have been found to be the ideal platform to design ultrafast and attojoule electro-optical modulation systems. In the end, we point the spotlight over a novel hybrid architecture called hyperbolic metamaterial. In particular, we study a deeply subwavelength (a few nanometers thick) hybrid structure involving graphene as a metal, and we show how, under the appropriate conditions of extreme anisotropy, this flat lens breaks the diffraction limit with incomparable optical resolution of λ/1660.
Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing: understanding clinicians’ perceptions to enable changes in prescribing practices
Authors: Laka Mah , Milazzo Adriana , Merlin Tracy
Published: October 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to identify perceived barriers to appropriate antibiotic prescribing across different healthcare settings. Methods A cross-sectional survey of clinicians in Australian hospitals and primary care was undertaken between June and October 2019. The perceived barriers to appropriate antibiotic prescribing were considered as dependent variables, whereas age, sex, clinical experience, healthcare setting and the use of guidelines were considered independent variables. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors predictive of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Content analysis of free-text responses provided additional insights into the impediments to appropriate prescribing. Results In all, 180 clinicians completed the survey. Overall, diagnostic uncertainty and limited access to guidelines and prescribing information were significant barriers to appropriate antibiotic prescribing. Factors associated with these barriers were clinical experience, care setting (hospitals vs primary care) and the use of guidelines. Experienced clinicians (>11 years) were less likely to consider that limited access to information negatively affected prescribing practices (experience 11–20 years, odds ratio (OR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.84; experience >20 years, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.24–0.91). Conversely, general practitioners considered diagnostic uncertainty (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09–1.63) and patient expectations (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.12–1.84) were more likely to be perceived barriers to appropriate prescribing. The use of guidelines and clinical experience may counteract this. Conclusion Years of experience, use of guidelines and type of setting were predictors of clinicians’ perceptions regarding antibiotic prescribing. Our data highlight the importance of individual and setting characteristics in understanding variations in prescribing practices and designing targeted interventions for appropriate antibiotic prescribing. What is known about the topic? Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a significant health issue in Australia. Drivers of inappropriate prescribing are known, but how individual and setting characteristics contribute to variations in prescribing behaviour has not been fully understood. What does this paper add? Diagnostic uncertainty and limited access to prescribing information, including guidelines, formulary restrictions and antibiotic resistance patterns, can limit appropriate antibiotic prescribing. Clinicians’ years of experience, the healthcare settings and clinician use of guidelines are important predictors of antibiotic prescribing behaviour. What are the implications for practitioners? The findings of this study can inform the design of tailored interventions to promote rational antibiotic prescribing practices in general practice and hospital settings.
Genetic parameters and trends for lamb survival following long-term divergent selection for number of lambs weaned in the Elsenburg Merino flock
Authors: Nel C. L. , Swan A. A. , Dzama K. , Scholtz A. J. , Cloete S. W. P.
Published: October 2021

Context Mortality of new-born lambs is well known to have important implications for both animal production and welfare. Improving survival rates by genetic selection is very desirable, but the low heritability of survival traits challenges the prospect of useful genetic gain. Aim This study aimed to derive genetic and environmental parameters for lamb survival in the Elsenburg Merino resource flock. It also investigated correlations to possible indicator traits birthweight and birth coat score and reported genetic progress in breeding values for lamb survival following 33 years of divergent selection. Methods The flock was divergently selected for number of lambs weaned and was separated by the High (positive) and Low (negative) selection groups. The pedigree file identified 8138 lambs as the progeny of 273 sires and 2062 dams. The study considered total survival from birth to weaning (Tsv) that was also partitioned into perinatal survival to 3 days of age, and the remaining period. Variance components were derived by linear mixed models by using the ASREML® program. Genetic trends were derived by predicting mean breeding values for selection groups within each year and evaluated by fitting linear and broken-stick regression models. Results Predicted Tsv of H-line lambs (0.81 ± 0.01) was higher (P < 0.01) than that of L-line lambs (0.68 ± 0.01). Heritability was significant but low for survival traits (0.03–0.07), moderate for birthweight (0.16) and high for birth coat score (0.54). Genetic trends of the H-line trended divergently (P < 0.01) to the L-line for survival traits, but a changepoint (P < 0.01) in trend suggested that the H-line reached a selection plateau following 19–22 years of selection. Preceding this period, the rate of genetic change equalled ~1% of the mean for Tsv. Conclusions Despite the low heritability of survival, the genetic trends reported in this study contradicted the premise that genetic selection is not a worthwhile method to reduce incidences of lamb mortality. Implications It is recommended that lamb survival phenotypes should be recorded and incorporated into indices individually where possible, but composite traits are a viable alternative.
Australian advances in vegetation classification and the need for a national, science-based approach
Authors: Luxton Sarah , Lewis Donna , Chalwell Shane , Addicott Eda , Hunter John
Published: October 2021

This editorial introduces the Australian Journal of Botany special issue ‘Vegetation science for decision-making’. Vegetation science and classification are crucial to understanding Australian landscapes. From the mulga shrublands of the arid interior to the monsoon rain forests of northern Australia, we have culturally and scientifically built upon the delineation of vegetation into recognisable and repeatable patterns. As remote sensing and database capacities increase, this improved capability to measure vegetation and share data also prompts collaboration and synthesis of complex, specialised datasets. Although the task faces significant challenges, the growing body of literature demonstrates a strong discipline. In Australia, purpose-driven products describe vegetation at broad scales (e.g. the National Vegetation Information System, the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network). At fine scales however (i.e. that of the vegetation community), no uniform framework or agreed protocols exist. Climate and landform dictate vegetation patterns at broad scales, but microtopography, microclimate and biotic processes act as filters at finer scales. This is the scale where climate-change impacts are most likely to be detected and effected; this is the scale at which a deeper understanding of evolutionary ecology will be achieved, and it is the scale at which species need to be protected. A common language and system for understanding Australian communities and impetus for collecting data at this scale is needed. In the face of ongoing climate and development pressures and an increasingly complex set of tools to manage these threats (e.g. offset policies, cumulative impact assessments), a nationally collaborative approach is needed. It is our hope that this special issue will help to achieve this.