bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alveolar echinococcosis in solid organ transplant recipients: a case series from two national cohorts
Authors: Marquis Bastian , Demonmerot Florent , Richou Carine , Thiéfin Gérard , Millon Laurence , Wallon Martine , Vuitton Dominique Angèle , Grall-Jezequel Anne , Grenouillet Frédéric , Epaulard Olivier , Gervais Philippe , Manuel Oriol , Bresson-Hadni Solange ,   the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study,   the FrancEchino Network
Published: April 2023

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of Echinococcus multilocularis eggs. While higher incidence and faster evolution have been reported in immunosuppressed patients, no studies have been performed specifically on AE in transplant patients. We searched for all de novo AE cases diagnosed between January 2008 and August 2018 in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients included in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study and the FrancEchino Registry. Eight cases were identified (kidney = 5, lung = 2, heart = 1, liver = 0), half of which were asymptomatic at diagnosis. AE diagnosis was difficult due to the low sensitivity (60%) of the standard screening serology (Em2+) and the frequently atypical radiological presentations. Conversely, Echinococcus Western blot retained good diagnostic performances and was positive in all eight cases. Five patients underwent surgery, but complete resection could only be achieved in one case. Moreover, two patients died of peri-operative complications. Albendazole was initiated in seven patients and was well tolerated. Overall, AE regressed in one, stabilized in three, and progressed in one case, and had an overall mortality of 37.5% (3/8 patients). Our data suggest that AE has a higher mortality and a faster clinical course in SOT recipients; they also suggest that the parasitic disease might be due to the reactivation of latent microscopic liver lesions through immune suppression. Western blot serology should be preferred in this population. Finally, surgery should be considered with caution, because of its low success rate and high mortality, and conservative treatment with albendazole is well tolerated.
Gamma-radiation of Glossina palpalis gambiensis revisited: effect on fertility and mating competitiveness
Authors: Pagabeleguem Soumaïla , Koughuindida Oumar , Salou Ernest Wendemanegde , Gimonneau Geoffrey , Toé Ange Irénée , Kaboré Bénéwendé Aristide , Dera Kiswend-sida Mikhailou , Maïga Hamidou , Belem Adrien Marie Gaston , Sanou/Ouédraogo Gisèle Marie Sophie , Vreysen Marc JB , Bouyer Jeremy
Published: April 2023

African animal trypanosomoses are vector-borne diseases that cause enormous livestock losses in sub-Saharan Africa, with drastic socio-economic impacts. Vector control in the context of an area-wide integrated pest management program with a sterile insect technique component requires the production of high-quality sterile male tsetse flies. In our study, we evaluated the effect of irradiation on the fecundity of Glossina palpalis gambiensis to identify the optimal dose that will induce maximum sterility while maintaining biological performance as much as possible. In addition, male mating performance was evaluated in semi-field cages. The irradiation doses used were 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 Gy, and untreated males were used as the control. The results showed that pupal production and emergence rates were higher in batches of females that had mated with fertile males than in those that had mated with irradiated males with any experimental dose. A dose of 120 Gy administered to male flies induced 97–99% sterility after mating with virgin females. For the semi-field cage experiments, males irradiated with 120 Gy showed good sexual competitiveness as compared to fertile males and those irradiated with 140 Gy, considering the level of filling of spermatheca and the number of pairs formed. The optimal radiation dose of 120 Gy found in this study is slightly different from the traditional dose of 110 Gy that has been used in several eradication programmes in the past. The potential reasons for this difference are discussed, and an argument is made for the inclusion of reliable dosimetry systems in these types of studies.
Sarcoptic mange in Felidae: does Sarcoptes scabiei var. felis exist? A first molecular study
Authors: Moroni Barbara , Albanese Francesco , Rita Molinar Min Anna , Pasquetti Mario , Guillot Jacques , Pisano Simone Roberto Rolando , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre , Rüfenacht Silvia , Gauthier Dominique , Cano-Terriza David , Scaravelli Dino , Rossi Luca , Peano Andrea
Published: April 2023

Domestic and wild felids are considered suitable hosts for the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and sarcoptic mange is reported in several felid species in the scientific literature. However, the historic classification of Sarcoptes mites into host-specific varieties does not include S. scabiei var. felis. It is unclear whether sarcoptic mange transmission in felids involves canids, other sympatric species, or exclusively felids. This study aimed to characterize the genetic structure of S. scabiei mites from domestic cats (Felis catus) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus), comparing them with Sarcoptes mites from sympatric domestic and wild carnivores. Ten Sarcoptes microsatellite markers were used to genotype 81 mites obtained from skin scrapings of 36 carnivores: 4 domestic cats, one dog (Canis lupus familiaris), 4 Eurasian lynx, 23 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 4 grey wolves (Canis lupus lupus) from either Italy, Switzerland or France. Two genetic clusters of S. scabiei with a geographical distribution pattern were detected: mites from cats originating from Central Italy clustered with those from sympatric wolves. In contrast, all the other mites from Switzerland, France and Northern Italy clustered together. These results strengthen the previously advanced hypothesis that genetic variants of S. scabiei have a predominant geographic-related distribution with cryptic transmission patterns. These patterns may rely on the interactions between different hosts living in the same ecological niche rather than a simple infection among hosts belonging to the same taxon, reinforcing the idea that the S. scabiei historic classification into “var” might have little ongoing relevance.
Traumatische Sehnenverletzungen des Ellenbogengelenkes – Eine simple Monoverletzung?
Authors: Ott Nadine , Hackl Michael , Leschinger Tim , Wegmann Kilian , Müller Lars P.
Published: April 2023

Traumatische Sehnenverletzungen am Ellenbogen können komplex und mannigfaltig sein. Der
Unfallhergang bestimmt wesentlich das Verletzungsausmaß. So kann ein Sturz auf den
ausgestreckten Arm zu einer Ruptur der Trizepssehne mit möglichen begleitenden ligamentären
Verletzungen wie beim ulnaren Kollateralband oder auch einer Ellenbogenluxation führen.
Entscheidend ist hier die einwirkende Kraft. Daher handelt es sich bei Sehnenverletzungen am
Ellenbogen selten um simple Monoverletzungen. Eine dezidierte Anamnese zum Unfallhergang sowie
die klinische Untersuchung und weiterführende Diagnostik sind essenziell für die korrekte
Diagnose und Einleitung der therapeutischen Maßnahmen zur Wiederherstellung der Funktion des
Armes. Der vorliegende Artikel soll einen Überblick über mögliche Kombinationsverletzungen und
deren Therapiekonzepte geben.
Metabolic Syndrome and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Gastric
Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Zhiyang , Zhou Jianwei , Chen Long , Zhang Yibing
Published: April 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is suggested to participate in the pathogenesis and
progress of some cancers via inducing low-grade systemic inflammation. However,
the influence of MetS on patients with gastric cancer (GC) remains not fully
determined. A systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore performed to
evaluate the influence of MetS on clinical outcomes of patients with GC. A
search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI retrieved relevant
cohort studies from the inception of the databases to October 11, 2022. We
pooled the results using a random-effects model that incorporates heterogeneity.
In the meta-analysis, 6649 patients with GC were included, and all of them
received gastrectomy. A total of 1248 (18.8%) patients had MetS at
baseline. Pooled results showed that MetS was associated with higher risks of
postoperative complications [risk ratio (RR): 2.41, 95% confidence
interval (CI): 1.85 to 3.14, p<0.001; I2=55%], overall
mortality (RR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.85 to 3.14, p<0.001;
I2=77%), and recurrence of GC (RR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.10 to
3.63, p=0.02; I2=39%). Subgroup analyses showed similar
results in prospective and retrospective cohort studies and in studies with MetS
diagnosed with the Chinese Diabetes Society criteria and the National
Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (p for subgroup
difference all>0.05). In patients with GC after gastrectomy, MetS may be
a predictor of high incidence of postoperative complications, cancer recurrence,
and overall mortality.
A new endoscopic scoring system corresponding to histological healing using linked color imaging in ulcerative colitis: the SOUL study
Authors: Saito Daisuke , Hirai Fumihito , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Takagi Tomohisa , Naito Yuji , Takatsu Noritaka , Tanabe Hiroshi , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Matsuura Minoru , Miyoshi Jun , Watanabe Kenji , Esaki Motohiro , Naganuma Makoto , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: April 2023

Background and study aims An important therapeutic aim in ulcerative colitis (UC) is endoscopic remission. Although an endoscopic score with white light imaging (WLI) is mainly used to evaluate endoscopic findings, the usefulness of linked color imaging (LCI) has been reported. We evaluated the relationship between LCI and histopathological findings and attempted to establish a new LCI endoscopic evaluation index for UC.

Patients and methods This study was conducted at Kyorin University, Kyoto Prefectural University, and Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital. Ninety-two patients with a Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) ≤ 1 who underwent colonoscopy for UC in clinical remission were included. LCI index was defined as redness (R) (Grade 0–2), area of inflammation (A) (Grade 0–3), and lymphoid follicles (L) (Grade 0–3). Histological healing was defined as Geboes score < 2B.1. Endoscopic and histopathological scores were determined by central judgment.

Results In 92 patients, 85 biopsies from the sigmoid colon and 84 biopsies from the rectum (total 169 biopsies) were evaluated. There were 22, 117, and 30 cases of Grades 0, 1, and 2, respectively in LCI index-R; 113, 34, 17, and five cases of Grades 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in LCI index-A; and 124, 27, 14, and four cases of Grades 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in LCI index-L. Histological healing was achieved in 84.0 % of the cases (142 of 169), and there were significant associations with histological healing or non-healing in LCI index-R (P = 0.013) and A (P = 0.0014).

Conclusions A new LCI index is useful for predicting histological healing in UC patients with MES ≤ 1 and clinical remission.
Imaging of Anatomical Variants Around the Elbow
Authors: Chianca Vito , Sutter Reto , Del Grande Filippo
Published: April 2023

The elbow is a synovial joint able to perform flexion, extension, supination, and pronation. Knowledge of anatomical variants is crucial to avoid misinterpretation during the evaluation of the elbow joint. We address those anatomical variants simulating pathologic conditions.
A Rare Patient with Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis with Parkinsonism
Authors: Onder Halil , Comoglu Selcuk
Published: April 2023

Herein, we present a rare patient with hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) in whom significant parkinsonism was involved in the clinic. Besides, the dopamine transport single-photon emission computed tomography scan also showed decreased tracer uptake in the bilateral striatum. Via the presentation of this patient, we discuss the parkinsonian findings in patients with HSP. We think that the observations of dopaminergic neuron vulnerability in HSP patients raise the possibility that degeneration of central dopaminergic neurons may contribute to the phenotype of HSP. The documentation of these rare variants will aid to understand the unknown pathophysiology of the disease course.
Continuous Si doping in (010) and (001) β-Ga2O3 films by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Itoh Takeki , Mauze Akhil , Zhang Yuewei , Speck James S.
Published: April 2023

We report the continuous Si doping in β-Ga2O3 epitaxial films grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy through the use of a valved effusion cell for the Si source. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy results exhibit that the Si doping profiles in β-Ga2O3 are flat and have sharp turn-on/off depth profiles. The Si doping concentration was able to be controlled by either varying the cell temperatures or changing the aperture of the valve of the Si effusion cell. High crystal quality and smooth surface morphologies were confirmed on Si-doped β-Ga2O3 epitaxial films grown on (010) and (001) substrates. The electronic properties of Si-doped (001) β-Ga2O3 epitaxial film showed an electron mobility of 67 cm2/Vs at the Hall concentration of 3 × 1018 cm−3.
Recent development of microfluidics-based platforms for respiratory virus detection
Authors: Shi Jingyu , Zhang Yu , Yang Mo
Published: April 2023

With the global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the inadequacies of current detection technology for respiratory viruses have been recognized. Rapid, portable, accurate, and sensitive assays are needed to expedite diagnosis and early intervention. Conventional methods for detection of respiratory viruses include cell culture-based assays, serological tests, nucleic acid detection (e.g., RT-PCR), and direct immunoassays. However, these traditional methods are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require laboratory facilities, which cannot meet the testing needs, especially during pandemics of respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19. Microfluidics-based techniques can overcome these demerits and provide simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective analysis of intact virus, viral antigen/antibody, and viral nucleic acids. This review aims to summarize the recent development of microfluidics-based techniques for detection of respiratory viruses. Recent advances in different types of microfluidic devices for respiratory virus diagnostics are highlighted, including paper-based microfluidics, continuous-flow microfluidics, and droplet-based microfluidics. Finally, the future development of microfluidic technologies for respiratory virus diagnostics is discussed.
Silicon-doped β-Ga2O3 films grown at 1 µm/h by suboxide molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Azizie Kathy , Hensling Felix V. E. , Gorsak Cameron A. , Kim Yunjo , Pieczulewski Naomi A. , Dryden Daniel M. , Senevirathna M. K. Indika , Coye Selena , Shang Shun-Li , Steele Jacob , Vogt Patrick , Parker Nicholas A. , Birkhölzer Yorick A. , McCandless Jonathan P. , Jena Debdeep , Xing Huili G. , Liu Zi-Kui , Williams Michael D. , Green Andrew J. , Chabak Kelson , Muller David A. , Neal Adam T. , Mou Shin , Thompson Michael O. , Nair Hari P. , Schlom Darrell G.
Published: April 2023

We report the use of suboxide molecular-beam epitaxy (S-MBE) to grow β-Ga2O3 at a growth rate of ∼1 µm/h with control of the silicon doping concentration from 5 × 1016 to 1019 cm−3. In S-MBE, pre-oxidized gallium in the form of a molecular beam that is 99.98% Ga2O, i.e., gallium suboxide, is supplied. Directly supplying Ga2O to the growth surface bypasses the rate-limiting first step of the two-step reaction mechanism involved in the growth of β-Ga2O3 by conventional MBE. As a result, a growth rate of ∼1 µm/h is readily achieved at a relatively low growth temperature (Tsub ≈ 525 °C), resulting in films with high structural perfection and smooth surfaces (rms roughness of <2 nm on ∼1 µm thick films). Silicon-containing oxide sources (SiO and SiO2) producing an SiO suboxide molecular beam are used to dope the β-Ga2O3 layers. Temperature-dependent Hall effect measurements on a 1 µm thick film with a mobile carrier concentration of 2.7 × 1017 cm−3 reveal a room-temperature mobility of 124 cm2 V−1 s−1 that increases to 627 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 76 K; the silicon dopants are found to exhibit an activation energy of 27 meV. We also demonstrate working metal–semiconductor field-effect transistors made from these silicon-doped β-Ga2O3 films grown by S-MBE at growth rates of ∼1 µm/h.
Unusual Mn oxidation state distribution in the vicinity of the tensile-strained interface between CaMnO3−δ and La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 layers
Authors: Hoang Van-Hien , Salawu Yusuff Adeyemi , Koo Tae-Yeong , Lee Nam-Suk , Kim Heon-Jung
Published: April 2023

Oxide perovskite materials with heterointerfaces are important structures with applications such as electronic devices. The functionality of these materials depends on many factors, such as the charge, structure, and presence of defects at the interface. Thus, understanding the properties of interfaces and their effects on material function is important in the design and optimization of functional materials. In this study, the interplay among the Mn oxidation state distribution, the presence of oxygen vacancies (VOs), and the structure of the interface is investigated in the heterointerface between CaMnO3−δ and La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 layers by using electron energy loss spectroscopy combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy. Unlike the expectation that the Mn oxidation state distribution is controlled by the distribution of cations intermixing at the interface, it is dominantly influenced by the presence of VOs when the substrate gives tensile stress to it. As a result, the tensile-strained heterointerface shows an anomalously sharp reduction in the Mn oxidation state at the interface. This result suggests that VOs and strain are two essential ingredients to consider for the understanding of oxidation state distribution at interfaces. This study provides insights into the nature of various oxide heterointerfaces.
Acoustofluidic separation of proteins from platelets in human blood
plasma using aptamer-functionalized microparticles
Authors: Lee Song Ha , Cha Beomseok , Ko Jeongu , Afzal Muhammad , Park Jinsoo
Published: April 2023

Microfluidic liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising clinical assay for early diagnosis. Herein, we propose acoustofluidic separation of biomarker proteins from platelets in plasma using aptamer-functionalized microparticles. As model proteins, C-reactive protein and thrombin were spiked in human platelet-rich plasma. The target proteins were selectively conjugated with their corresponding aptamer-functionalized microparticles of different sizes, and the particle complexes served as a mobile carrier for the conjugated proteins. The proposed acoustofluidic device was composed of an interdigital transducer (IDT) patterned on a piezoelectric substrate and a disposable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip. The PDMS chip was placed in a tilted arrangement with the IDT to utilize both vertical and horizontal components of surface acoustic wave-induced acoustic radiation force (ARF) for multiplexed assay at high-throughput. The two different-sized particles experienced the ARF at different magnitudes and were separated from platelets in plasma. The IDT on the piezoelectric substrate could be reusable, while the microfluidic chip can be replaceable for repeated assays. The sample processing throughput with the separation efficiency >95% has been improved such that the volumetric flow rate and flow velocity were 1.6 ml/h and 37 mm/s, respectively. For the prevention of platelet activation and protein adsorption to the microchannel, polyethylene oxide solution was introduced as sheath flows and coating on to the walls. We conducted scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy , and sodium dodecyl sulfate- analysis before and after the separation to confirm the protein capture and separation. We expect that the proposed approach will provide new prospects for particle-based liquid biopsy using blood.
Laser peeler regime of high-harmonic generation for diagnostics of high-power focused laser pulses
Authors: Perevalov S. E. , Pukhov A. M. , Starodubtsev M. V. , Soloviev A. A.
Published: April 2023

A method for measuring the intensity of focused high-power laser pulses based on numerical simulation of high-harmonic generation in the laser peeler regime is proposed. The dependence of the efficiency of high-harmonic generation on the laser pulse intensity and the spatial parameters during interaction with solid targets is studied numerically. The simulation clearly shows that the amplitude of the generated harmonics depends on the laser pulse parameters. The proposed method is simpler than similar intensity measurement techniques and does not require complex preparation.
Underwater optical wireless communication system performance improvement using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Mohammed Salim Omar Nameer , Adnan Salah A. , Mutlag Ammar Hussein
Published: April 2023

Many applications that could benefit from the underwater optical wireless communication technique face challenges in using this technology due to the substantial, varying attenuation that affects optical signal transmission through waterbodies. This research demonstrated that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) could readily address these problems. A modified CNN model was proposed to recover the original data of a non-return to zero on–off keying modulated signal transmitted optically through a tank full of Gulf seawater. A comparison between the proposed CNN model and a conventional fixed-threshold decoder (FTD) demonstrates the excellent performance of the proposed CNN model, which improved the bit error ratio (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and effective channel length. The BER of the optical signals that are transmitted at powers of 24, 26, and 27 dBm and a bit rate of 10 Mbit/s at a distance of 3 m from the transmitter when FTD is used is 7.826 × 10−7, 5.049 × 10−8, and 8.38 × 10−10, respectively. When the CNN decoder is used at the same distance and powers, the BER is 6.23 × 10−14, 1.44 × 10−16, and 2.69 × 10−18, respectively. In conclusion, the BER decreased by about seven orders of magnitude, the effective channel length increased by four times, and the SNR decreased by about 20 dB. The simplicity of the proposed CNN decoder is independent of the prior knowledge of the channel conditions. Furthermore, the magnificent obtained results make the proposed CNN decoder an ideal substitute for ordinary underwater optical wireless communication decoders.
Localized surface plasmon controlled chemistry at and beyond the nanoscale
Authors: Mahapatra Sayantan , Liu Dairong , Siribaddana Chamath , Wang Kai , Li Linfei , Jiang Nan
Published: April 2023

Gaining valuable insight into chemistry-related fields, such as molecular and catalytic systems, surface science, and biochemistry, requires probing physical and chemical processes at the sub-nanoscale level. Recent progress and advancements in nano-optics and nano-photonics, particularly in scanning near-field optical microscopy, have enabled the coupling of light with nano-objects using surface plasmons with sub-nanoscale precision, providing access to photophysical and photochemical processes. Herein, this review highlights the basic concepts of surface plasmons and recent experimental findings of tip-assisted plasmon-induced research works and offers a glimpse into future perspectives.
Room-temperature electric field-induced out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization in strain-free freestanding 2D SrTiO3 membranes
Authors: Zhang Yueying , Li Jiaming , Yang Ke , Zheng Fangyuan , Zhou Yuqing , Zhang Yuguo , Hui Yupeng , Wang Yue-Qi , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue , Yang Ming , Li Tao , Zhao Jiong , Ma Haijiao Harsan
Published: April 2023

SrTiO3 (STO), a room-temperature paraelectric material in bulk form, has been a rich playground for emergent phenomena for decades. As an emerging material, great attention has been paid to freestanding 2D STO thin films. Recently, the room-temperature ferroelectricity has been unveiled in strained STO thin films; however, it remains an open question whether the strain-free freestanding 2D STO thin film is room-temperature ferroelectric or not. Here, we report the electric field-induced out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization in large-scale, freestanding, and strain-free 2D STO membranes at room temperature. High-resolution piezoresponse force microscopy measurements show that polarization in freestanding strain-free STO membranes can be switched by electric field and persist for an hour. The first-principles calculations suggest that the intrinsic defects such as oxygen vacancies could be linked to the observed spontaneous out-of-plane polarization in 2D STO membranes, which could be further enhanced by external electric field due to the induced symmetry breaking. Our work reports the unprecedented room-temperature ferroelectric polarization in strain-free freestanding 2D STO membranes, unlocking the great potential of freestanding 2D STO for the applications in novel electronic and logic-in-memory devices.
Spin chirality driven by the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in one-dimensional antiferromagnetic chain
Authors: Guo Xing , Li Yaojin , Yao Zimeng , Jia Chenglong , Zhang Lan
Published: April 2023

Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interactions cause many interesting physical features, such as topologically nontrivial magnetic skyrmions and chiral domain walls. These interactions become more pronounced in low-dimensional systems. We investigated a one-dimensional Heisenberg spin-1/2 chain with an asymmetric DM interaction. The results show that, upon applying a nonzero DM interaction, the Néel ground state transitions to a spin chiral phase. Moreover, using the mean-field approximation, we obtain the dispersion of the energy spectrum, from which the z-axis spin chirality is calculated as a function of the strength of the DM interaction for low-lying excitations. The results indicate that the DM interaction facilitates chirality for Dz ≤ J and induces a spin-gapped chiral state.
Effects of supplementation with different concentrations of L-citrulline on the plasma amino acid concentration, reproductive hormone concentrations, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive performance of Hu ewes
Authors: Ma Yan , Zhao Guodong , Wang Caidie , An Min , Ma Chen , Liu Zhiqiang , Wang Jianguo , Yang Kailun
Published: April 2023

Context L-citrulline (L-Cit) does not degrade in the rumen and has the ability to form peptide bonds in the body; however, it does not participate in protein synthesis. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-Cit on the reproductive performance of Hu ewes. Methods In total, 30 ewes were randomly categorised into five groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet, whereas the Experimental Groups I, II, III, and IV were provided feed supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/day of L-Cit respectively. Blood samples of ewes were collected 4 h after feeding on Day 21 of the experiment and before feeding on Day 30. The optimal supplementary feeding dose was selected on the basis of blood biochemical indexes. Overall, ninety 2-year-old ewes were classified into two groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet and the experimental group was fed with a diet supplemented with 10 g/day of L-Cit. After 30 days of supplementary feeding, reproductive performance of ewes was determined. Key results The plasma concentrations of Cit, ornithine, and arginine in ewes increased linearly with an increase in the level of L-Cit supplementation. The plasma concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in the experimental group increased significantly compared with those in the control group. The plasma total antioxidant capacity and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas the concentrations of malondialdehyde in all experimental groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The conception, lambing, and double lambing rates of the experimental group were increased by 28.76%, 15.90%, and 40.21% respectively. Conclusions Supplementation with different doses of L-Cit can improve the concentrations of some plasma amino acids and reproductive hormones as well as antioxidant capacity of ewes. Supplementary feeding with 10 g/day of L-Cit could increase the lambing and double lambing rates of ewes. Implication L-Cit can improve the reproductive performance of ewes.
‘Where is my family?’ Molecular and morphological data reveal the phylogenetic position and diversity of the enigmatic handsome fungus beetle genus Anamycetaea Strohecker, 1975 (Coleoptera, Coccinelloidea)
Authors: Tomaszewska Wioletta , Szawaryn Karol , Arriaga-Varela Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

The genus Anamycetaea Strohecker, 1975, established for Anamycetaea keralae, a single species from India, was originally placed in the diverse endomychid subfamily Mycetaeinae and has subsequently been considered a member of the subfamily Anamorphinae based on closed mesocoxal cavities, a postulated synapomorphy of this group. Recent molecular research resulted in raising Anamorphinae to family level and revealed this group to be distantly related to Endomychidae sensu stricto. However, Anamycetaea has been ‘neglected’ since description. Our detailed study of this genus has been possible due to new material collected from Oriental and Australian regions. Striking overall similarity to the endomychine genus Tharina and a tentorium with anterior arms fused medially (separated in almost all Anamorphidae) have raised our doubts and led to further investigation of the phylogenetic placement of this enigmatic genus within Endomychidae sensu lato (handsome fungus beetles). Phylogenetic analyses of molecular and morphological datasets were conducted under Bayesian (BI), maximum likelihood (ML) and parsimony (MP) frameworks. Our results recovered Anamycetaea as belonging to the family Endomychidae, in the subfamily Endomychinae, distant from Anamorphidae. The close affinity to Stenotarsus and allies was strongly supported in all analyses. Based on material studied, A. keralae is described in detail here and includes description of previously unknown male genitalia. Four new species are also described, extending the ragne of the genus to the Australian region: Anamycetaea borneensis sp. nov. (from Borneo), A. novoguineensis sp. nov. and A. papuensis sp. nov. (from Papua New Guinea) and A. queenslandica sp. nov. (from Australia). Illustrations of morphological details and diagnoses are provided for each species. A key to the species of the genus is also presented. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:90BAA954-7849-4FA9-997B-061FE7BB5702
Excess methane emissions from shallow water platforms elevate the carbon intensity of US Gulf of Mexico oil and gas production
Authors: Gorchov Negron Alan M. , Kort Eric A. , Chen Yuanlei , Brandt Adam R. , Smith Mackenzie L. , Plant Genevieve , Ayasse Alana K. , Schwietzke Stefan , Zavala-Araiza Daniel , Hausman Catherine , Adames-Corraliza Ángel F.
Published: April 2023

The Gulf of Mexico is the largest offshore fossil fuel production basin in the United States. Decisions on expanding production in the region legally depend on assessments of the climate impact of new growth. Here, we collect airborne observations and combine them with previous surveys and inventories to estimate the climate impact of current field operations. We evaluate all major on-site greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide (CO2) from combustion, and methane from losses and venting. Using these findings, we estimate the climate impact per unit of energy of produced oil and gas (the carbon intensity). We find high methane emissions (0.60 Tg/y [0.41 to 0.81, 95% confidence interval]) exceeding inventories. This elevates the average CI of the basin to 5.3 g CO2e/MJ [4.1 to 6.7] (100-y horizon) over twice the inventories. The CI across the Gulf varies, with deep water production exhibiting a low CI dominated by combustion emissions (1.1 g CO2e/MJ), while shallow federal and state waters exhibit an extraordinarily high CI (16 and 43 g CO2e/MJ) primarily driven by methane emissions from central hub facilities (intermediaries for gathering and processing). This shows that production in shallow waters, as currently operated, has outsized climate impact. To mitigate these climate impacts, methane emissions in shallow waters must be addressed through efficient flaring instead of venting and repair, refurbishment, or abandonment of poorly maintained infrastructure. We demonstrate an approach to evaluate the CI of fossil fuel production using observations, considering all direct production emissions while allocating to all fossil products.
Rhetorical strategies for the construction of a corporate identity
Authors: Wu Nan , Liu Meichun , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: April 2023

Using Huawei annual reports as data sources, this study examines rhetorical strategies in business discourse for the construction of corporate identity. A socio-pragmatic framework is proposed for analysing such strategies, incorporating a textual analysis of rhetorical strategies, a discourse analysis of pragmatic functions and discursive tendencies, and a social analysis of the construction of corporate identity. The research concludes that, among other strategies, allusion and reference demonstrate the discursive tendency of commodification, while parody and metaphor highlight the discursive tendency of democratisation. In terms of the constructive functions, allusion, reference, parody, and metaphor are used to construct the commerciality, legitimacy, approachability, and entrepreneurship of an enterprise, respectively. This study highlights the importance of rhetorical strategies for the construction of corporate identity and the necessity for annual report writers to employ rhetorical strategies for better corporate communication.
Literacy and emancipation: on the work and thought of Myriam Nemirovsky (Alfabetizar y emancipar: sobre el trabajo y el pensamiento de Myriam Nemirovsky)
Authors: Nemirovsky Ricardo , Menendez-Alvarez-Hevia David
Published: April 2023

This article reviews contributions to teaching reading and writing of Myriam Nemirovsky, whose conceptualization foreshadowed an emancipatory pedagogy. To do so, we have reviewed her work and interviewed three of her colleagues: Elena Laiz Sasiain, Liliana Tolchinsky Brenman and Francesco Tonucci. In the first part we recount key moments in Nemirovsky’s life and set forth ideas that helped her to develop her approaches to teaching reading and writing. The text explores the development of her pedagogical thinking based on her teaching and research experiences. Later, we present parallels between Myriam Nemirovsky’s work and ideas of Jaques Rancière and Joseph Jacotot to highlight core elements in an emancipatory pedagogy and illustrate their presence in Myriam Nemirovsky’s practices and thinking. To conclude, we reflect on how Nemirovsky’s teachings helped to mobilize innovative ideas among educators. Her legacy includes a conception in which learning how to read and write is a contextualized process already underway, always unfinished, in constant transformation and largely unpredictable. It is a vision which no longer prioritizes the measurable, neutral and standardizable.
Homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge in CO2
Authors: Bajon C , Dap S , Belinger A , Guaitella O , Hoder T , Naudé N
Published: April 2023

This study investigates dielectric barrier discharges generated in CO2 at atmospheric pressure. According to the literature, under these conditions, discharges usually work in the filamentary regime. On the contrary, the experimental results reported in the present study demonstrate for the very first time that it is also possible to obtain a diffuse CO2 discharge under these conditions. The diffuse regime appears to be related to a memory effect mechanism occurring at the dielectric surface. Both the filamentary and diffuse regimes were compared in this work based on electrical measurements coupled with intensified charged coupled device (iCCD) imaging and optical emission spectroscopy. The clear difference between both regimes is discussed.
Optical observation of arcs in liquid nitrogen
Authors: Junaid Muhammad , Cao Shuzhi , Wang Jianhua , Zuo Dongsheng , Yu Dongsheng , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: April 2023

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) has good insulation and arc-quenching properties. It can minimize the switchgear losses to a low level due to its cryogenic nature. Optical observation of LN2-arcs is very important for the future design of the Liquid Nitrogen Insulated metal enclosed Switchgear (LNIS). It would help in determining the spacers sizing, and the clearance distances between the LN2 Switch and the other equipment inside the LNIS system. Until now, no one has ever done the optical analysis of high-luminance arcs in the LN2 environment. The objective of this work was to determine the shape, size and current-density effects of arc plasmas in LN2. One type of electrode geometry and three types of electrode materials were used to study the LN2-arc characteristics. The influence of cryogenic environment on the arcs were thoroughly studied. Results showed that the arcs in LN2 have a direct relationship with the applied voltages, interrupting currents and the magnetic fields. The higher the interrupting current, the larger is the size of the arc. It was also observed that different electrodes materials have different shapes of arc plasmas. Magnetic fields can significantly influence the LN2-arc by increasing its size, patterning its shape and reducing its arcing time.
Transparent radar-infrared stealth based on multilayer metamaterial structures
Authors: Duan Junping , Hao Jingxian , Wang Jiayun , Qu Zeng , Zhang Binzhen
Published: April 2023

A flexible transparent composite metamaterial structure compatible with microwave absorption in the radar band and low emissivity in the infrared is proposed. The radar wave absorber and infrared shield layers, which can control microwave absorption and infrared emission respectively, are designed and fabricated on a transparent substrate using indium tin oxide material. It achieves 90% absorption over a wide frequency range of 2.12–15.87 GHz, wide incidence angle stability over a range of 50° and maintains absorption of more than 90% over a polarisation range of 70°. The emissivity of the metamaterial structure in the infrared band is approximately 0.25. The current distribution of the structure is analysed and the equivalent circuit model is developed to reveal the absorption mechanism. The test results are in general agreement with the simulation results, and the design has application value for multi-spectral stealth and transparent electromagnetic shielding.
The frequency dependent electrical properties of MIS structures with Mn-doped complexed interfacial layer
Authors: Barış B , Yıldız D E , Karadeniz S , Kose D A , Erdal M O , Yıldırım M
Published: April 2023

In this study, Mn doped complexes were produced and used as an interfacial layer in Au/Mn-complex/n-Si structure. For this aim, a mixed ligand complex was prepared and doped with manganese. The morphological investigations of these structures were fulfilled by using an Atomic Force Microscope. The analyzes showed that relatively smooth and well ordered surfaces. The fabricated devices were characterized using capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G/w-V). The electrical parameters such as dielectric (

ε

′

,

ε″ and tanδ), electrical modulus (M′ and M″), serial resistance (Rs), interface states (Dit) and ac conductivity (σ
ac) of fabricated Au/Mn-complex/n-Si structure were determined at various frequencies (1 kHz—1000 kHz) and voltages (−2 to 4V with steps 0.02 V), at room temperature and dark environment. Measurements have shown that capacitance and conductivity are highly frequency dependent. At low frequencies, the surface states have increased, but as the frequency increased, the values became too low to pin the Fermi level.
Preliminary study of integrated C-arm CT/SPECT imaging system for online adaptive 3D brachytherapy using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Lee M. , Lee H. , Seong S. , Park H. , Kim H. , Min C. , Choi H. , Cho H.
Published: April 2023

Recent advancements in high-dose-rate brachytherapy have led to remarkable clinical outcomes. However, these new developments can cause unknown uncertainties with respect to actual dose delivery, which are yet to be clarified. Therefore, an accurate dose verification system is required. Currently, procedures for image-guided adaptive brachytherapy are constrained by the following limitations: (1) patient transportation between the treatment room and CT/MR (computerized tomography/magnetic resonance) imaging room can displace the application position, (2) the physiological and anatomical changes in the patient’s body cannot be observed during the treatment schedule involving 3–10 fraction, and (3) the movement of the radioactive source inside the body is impossible to track. This study proposes a concept of an integrated online imaging system, which is based on integrated CT and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), namely, the C-arm CT/SPECT system—a combination of a C-arm fluoroscopic x-ray imaging system and an attachable parallel-hole collimator over the imaging detector. The Geant4 software is used to simulate the application of the C-arm CT/SPECT system for 192Ir-based brachytherapy in a pelvis-like phantom. To improve the image quality of C-arm CT/SPECT acquired with limited-angle information, we utilized an adaptive-steepest-descent-projection-onto-convex-sets framework that incorporates additional prior information for the proposed system. Furthermore, we confirmed that SPECT images can be obtained using a parallel-hole collimator and estimated the dose distribution in the medium and CT/SPECT fusion imaging during treatment. This strategy is expected to be effectively implemented in online image-guided adaptive brachytherapy and patient-dose verification.
Radiation tolerance studies of the HV-mux GaNFETs for the HL-LHC ATLAS ITk Strip detector
Authors: Capocasa F. , Fielitz W. , Gutierrez Zagazeta L.F. , Kierstead J. , Lynn D. , Musso C. , Stucci S.
Published: April 2023

For the High-Luminosity upgrade of the LHC, the current ATLAS inner detector will be replaced with a new silicon charged-particle tracker, the ITk, which consists of the ITk Pixel and the ITk Strip subdetector. The high voltage multiplexing (HV-Mux) GaNFETs are radiation-tolerant transistors that permit switching off high voltage to malfunctioning sensors on the ITk Strip modules. To ensure the reliability of the GaNFETs in the high radiation environment expected at the HL-LHC, a sample of the production batch was exposed to gamma radiation. The GaNFETs were characterized pre-irradiation and post-irradiation, and monitored during irradiation.
Comment on ‘The central role of forests in the 2021 European floods’
Authors: Staal Arie , Koren Gerbrand
Published: April 2023

In July 2021, parts of Germany and Belgium were hit by severe floods. In ‘The central role of forests in the 2021 European floods’, published in Environmental Research Letters (2022 Environ. Res. Lett.
17 064053), Insua-Costa et al reported that ‘moisture from North American forests was a more important source [of the rainfall contributing to the event] than evaporation over nearby seas’. This suggests that the event was (partly) caused by anomalous contributions from North America. In this comment, we show that this is a misleading interpretation, as: (1) the relative contribution of North American land was below average for the time of year; and (2) rather, the anomalous moisture that contributed to the floods originated mainly from European land. However, consistent with Insua-Costa et al, we find no enhanced evaporation from Europe prior to the event and we therefore conclude that there is a lack of evidence for the ‘central role’ of forests in the 2021 European floods.
Investigation of the effect of welding and rotational speed on strain and temperature during friction stir welding of AA5083 and AA7075 using the CEL approach
Authors: Akbari Mostafa , Asiabaraki Hossein Rahimi , Aliha MRM
Published: April 2023

In this study, the friction stir welding between AA5083 and AA7075 is modeled using numerical methods, and the role of parameters affecting the process, such as welding speed and rotation speed on material flow, temperature, and strain, is studied. The temperature, strain, and material mixing were analyzed while welding AA7075 to AA5083 alloys using a Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) approach. It was discovered that the CEL approach had accurately anticipated the mixing of materials in the stir zone (SZ) by comparing the SZ of the samples fabricated experimentally and modeled by simulation. Results show that the temperature and strain increase dramatically as the rotation speed increases from 500 to 900 rev min−1. The material flow obtained from the simulation shows that with increasing rotational speed or decreasing welding speed, AA7075 is more stretched towards AA5083 in the sheet’s higher surfaces, indicating an increase in material flow intensity. Better material mixing and increased material flow allowed for the achievement of the maximum tensile strength at the welding and rotation speeds of 36 mm min−1 and 900 rev min−1.
Implications of the new MRI-based rectum definition according to the sigmoid take-off: multicentre cohort study
Authors: Burghgraef Thijs A , Hol Jeroen C , Rutgers Marieke L , Brown Gina , Hompes Roel , Sietses Colin , Consten Esther C J ,   the MIRECA Study Group, Crolla R M P H , Geitenbeek R T J , Geloven A A W van , Leijtens J W A , Polat F , Pronk A , Smits A B , Tuynman J B , Verdaasdonk E G G , Verheijen P M
Published: April 2023

Background

The introduction of the sigmoid take-off definition might lead to a shift from rectal cancers to sigmoid cancers. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the clinical impact of the new definition.

Methods

In this multicentre retrospective cohort study, patients were included if they underwent an elective, curative total mesorectal excision for non-metastasized rectal cancer between January 2015 and December 2017, were registered in the Dutch Colorectal Audit as having a rectal cancer according to the previous definition, and if MRI was available. All selected rectal cancer cases were reassessed using the sigmoid take-off definition. The primary outcome was the number of patients reassessed with a sigmoid cancer. Secondary outcomes included differences between the newly defined rectal and sigmoid cancer patients in treatment, perioperative results, and 3-year oncological outcomes (overall and disease-free survivals, and local and systemic recurrences).

Results

Out of 1742 eligible patients, 1302 rectal cancer patients were included. Of these, 170 (13.1 per cent) were reclassified as having sigmoid cancer. Among these, 93 patients (54.7 per cent) would have been offered another adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment according to the Dutch guideline. Patients with a sigmoid tumour after reassessment had a lower 30-day postoperative complication rate (33.5 versus 48.3 per cent, P < 0.001), lower reintervention rate (8.8 versus 17.4 per cent, P < 0.007), and a shorter length of stay (a median of 5 days (i.q.r. 4–7) versus a median of 6 days (i.q.r. 5–9), P < 0.001). Three-year oncological outcomes were comparable.

Conclusion

Using the anatomical landmark of the sigmoid take-off, 13.1 per cent of the previously classified patients with rectal cancer had sigmoid cancer, and 54.7 per cent of these patients would have been treated differently with regard to neoadjuvant therapy or adjuvant therapy.