bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les crises épileptiformes chez les oiseaux
Authors: Boussarie Didier
Published: July 2024

Les crises épileptiformes non structurelles des oiseaux de compagnie s’observent principalement chez les Psittacidés.
Elles sont surtout d’origine métabolique (hypocalcémie du gris d’Afrique, hypocalcémie par pontes excessives, hypoglycémie), à un degré moindre d’origine vasculaire et toxique.
Le diagnostic étiologique permet la mise en œuvre d’un traitement adapté.
Die Rechtsfrage: Wann gilt eine Erkrankung als selbstverschuldet?
Authors: Schlegel Thomas
Published: July 2024

Beim Skifahren in meinem Urlaub habe ich mir den Fuß gebrochen. Mein Arbeitgeber war der Meinung, dass die Erkrankung selbstverschuldet ist, und wollte mir die Entgeltfortzahlung verweigern. In welchen Fällen gilt eine Erkrankung tatsächlich als selbstverschuldet?

Therapeutin aus Bayern
„Ich möchte anderen helfen, selbst die Kontrolle zu übernehmen“ – Interview mit Dr. Fabian Moll
Authors: Palisi Anna
Published: July 2024

Für Fabian Moll ist die Frage entscheidend, ob Menschen in der Physiotherapiepraxis jemanden suchen, der stark genug ist, sie metaphorisch auf ihrem eingerosteten Fahrrad einen Berg hochzuschieben, oder jemanden, der ihnen zeigt, wie sie das Fahrrad pflegen und nutzen, um selbst den Berg hochzukommen. Im Interview betont er den Stellenwert von Kommunikation und Edukation und zeigt auf, wie er seine Patient*innen befähigt, selbstverantwortlich zu handeln.
Synthesis and Aggregation-Induced Emission Properties of New Carbazole-Based Pyranones and their Ring-Transformed Derivatives
Authors: Vats Ravi Prakash , Pandey Priyanka , Goel Atul , Gupta Shashwat , Gupta Suchitra , Pal Shyamal
Published: July 2024

A new series of N-phenyl-carbazole (N-phCbz) appended pyranones were designed and synthesized using α-oxo-ketene-S,S-acetal under mild reaction conditions in good yields. The reactivity of donor-acceptor (D-A)-based 2H-pyranones was utilized to develop their ring-transformed benzene-cored N-phenyl-carbazole derivatives. All the synthesized carbazole-based pyranones showed aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics in 80–99% water fraction (f
w) in DMSO. Among all the synthesized compounds, 6-(4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)-4-(methylthio)-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-carbonitrile exhibited excellent AIE behavior with ca. 70-fold increase in fluorescence in 80% fw
at 550nm. Furthermore, this compound showed exceptionally high fluorescence in nonpolar solvent (THF) as compared to polar solvents such as DMSO (ca. 200-fold increase in fluorescence). The DFT, DSC, and TGA analyses of the synthesized D-π-A compounds suggested the strong electron-donor ability of N-phCbz, with good thermal stability in the range of 231–393 °C. These N-phenyl-carbazole-appended pyranones with interesting AIE properties have great potential as probes for bioimaging applications as well as for optoelectronic materials.
Assessment of Vertical Force Generated with Single File Systems during Shaping of Constricted Root Canals
Authors: Alfadley Abdulmohsen , Jamleh Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the shaping force generated with OneShape (OS) and HyFlex EDM (HEDM) systems designed for single file shaping, in comparison with ProTaper Next (PTN).

Materials and Methods Maxillary premolar teeth received access cavity preparation and their canals were shaped with OS, HEDM, or PTN to size 25 according to manufacturer's instructions with consistent pressure on the files to give a gentle “in-and-out” movements of 2 mm amplitude. The canal shaping was completed with a total of three insertions. After each insertion, 1% NaOCl irrigation and recapitulation with K-file size 15 were performed. The vertical shaping force was measured using a force gauge (M5-20 Advanced Digital Force Gauge; Mark-10 Corporation, NY).

Statistical Analysis The shaping time was analyzed by using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and differences between the mean apical and coronal maximum force values were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. The level of significance was set as 0.05.

Results The magnitude of the vertical forces increased with successive advancements of the instruments within the canal. During canal shaping procedures in all groups, the apical and coronal maximum force values of the OS and HEDM ranged from 2.5 to 7.2 N and 1.3 to 2.9 N, respectively. PTN generated the lowest maximum apical forces during the second and third insertions (p < 0.05). HEDM generated significantly less maximum coronal forces than both OS and PTN during the first insertion while the use of OS was associated with the highest amount of force values in the second and third insertions (p < 0.05). In terms of shaping time, no significant differences were detected among the three tested systems (p = 0.606).

Conclusion The tested single file systems were associated with higher shaping forces in the apical direction that were significant in the second and third insertions.
The Protective Role Antioxidant of Vitamin C in the Prevention of oral Disease: A Scoping Review of Current Literature
Authors: Rosa Alessio , Pujia Alberto Maria , Arcuri Claudio
Published: July 2024

This review meticulously examined the connection between vitamin C and periodontal disease, as well as the potential of vitamin C to prevent this condition. To gather relevant data, comprehensive electronic searches were conducted across various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, focusing on studies that explored the relationship between vitamin C and periodontal disease in individuals aged between 18 and above. From an initial pool of 421 articles, 14 were ultimately chosen for detailed analysis. This selection encompassed seven cross-sectional studies, two case–control studies, two cohort studies, and three randomized controlled trials. The analysis of these studies revealed a consistent negative association between vitamin C intake, as well as its levels in the blood, and the incidence of periodontal disease across all seven cross-sectional studies. This indicates that higher vitamin C intake and blood levels are linked to a decreased risk of developing periodontal disease. In the two case–control studies, individuals suffering from periodontitis were found to have both a lower intake of vitamin C and reduced levels of vitamin C in their blood compared to those without the disease, further underscoring the potential protective role of vitamin C against periodontal disease. The progression of periodontal disease was observed to be more rapid in patients with lower dietary intake or blood levels of vitamin C compared to controls. Regarding the effects of vitamin C administration as an intervention, there was an improvement noted in gingival bleeding among patients with gingivitis; however, no significant benefits were observed in cases of periodontitis, specifically concerning alveolar bone absorption. Through the meticulous examination of available studies, this systematic review underscores the notion that adequate vitamin C intake and maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin C in the blood can contribute significantly to reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
The role of sub-national actors in coordinative Europeanisation: insights from the digitalisation of asylum services
Authors: Wolff Sarah , Zardo Federica
Published: July 2024

Coordinative Europeanisation is a powerful frame to explain the rapid response of EU institutions in times of permanent emergency. So far, though, little is known about sub-national actors’ role in this process. Moving away from a state-centric approach, this article investigates the role of sub-national actors through the case study of the digital provision of services to asylum seekers. Given the field’s high salience and state-centric nature, this article elucidates the critical role of European sub-national actors, particularly at the municipality level, to accelerate the digital provision of services to refugees. Comparing 3 European cities (Paris, Palermo and Malaga), we argue that sub-national actors can play a role in coordinative Europeanisation and that 2 main mechanisms may enable it. In the cases observed, discursive coordination around humanitarian duty facilitated the emergence of similar digital solutions across countries. Subsequently, horizontal and vertical networking was used by sub-national actors to legitimise their actions and enhance their anchoring in processes of coordinative Europeanisation.
An alternative computing technique for machine learning
Authors: Lange Katherine De
Published: July 2024

Free-space optical neural networks (FSONNs) offer speed, efficiency, and versatility in machine learning applications, overcoming the limitations of electronic integrated circuits.
Navigating challenges and solutions in quantitative photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Zhang Ruochong , A'dawiah Rabia'tul , Choo Tristan Wen Jie , Li Xiuting , Balasundaram Ghayathri , Qi Yi , Goh Yonggeng , Bi Renzhe , Olivo Malini
Published: July 2024

Photoacoustic imaging, an emerging modality that seamlessly combines advantages of optical absorption contrast and ultrasound resolution, holds great promise for noninvasive imaging of biological tissues. Its applications span across diverse fields, such as dermatology, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. However, achieving accurate image reconstruction and physiological parameters quantification from raw photoacoustic signals presents a significant challenge. This challenge primarily arises from the inherent heterogeneity of tissues, encompassing variations in optical fluence and acoustic properties. In addition, incomplete information acquired from a limited view also leads to artifacts, image distortions, and reduced spatial resolution. Furthermore, robust spectral unmixing approach is another key step to restore the initial biochemical components' distribution with complex or unknown background absorption. To overcome these hurdles, researchers have proposed numerous state-of-the-art techniques, aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of quantitative photoacoustic imaging (qPAI) in heterogeneous tissue. This review aims to comprehensively overview recent developments over the past decade, for addressing four main challenges frequently encountered in qPAI: limited-view reconstruction, acoustic heterogeneity, optical fluence fluctuations, and robust spectral unmixing, which serves as a reference for readers seeking to understand the specific challenges and corresponding solutions in this field.
Unusual negative thermal expansion of inter-cluster –C–BC–C– bond in carbon rich boron carbide observed using in situ x-ray diffraction technique
Authors: Chakraborty Nirman , Rudra Pratyasha , Sinha Shreyashi , Srihari Velaga , Mishra Ajay K. , Manna Sujit , Mondal Swastik
Published: July 2024

Temperature dependent bonding behavior plays a significant role in deciding properties of high temperature ceramics like boron carbide. However, few studies to date have addressed the physical properties of this class of materials with respect to their temperature dependent bonding nature. In addition, materials with the flexibility to accommodate variations in interatomic bonding and lattice vibrations over a wide range of temperatures are less known. In this work, temperature dependent structural analyses of carbon-rich boron carbide microflakes using in situ powder x-ray diffraction techniques (up to 1000 °C) supported by transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that while most bonds in the rhombohedral structure increase in length with temperature; there is no change in certain bond lengths. However, there is an unusual decrease in length (∼1.03%) of the inter-cluster –C–(central boron)BC–C– without any polyhedral redistribution. This is accompanied by an increase in lattice vibrations without significant alteration to the crystal structure over the wide temperature range studied. Temperature dependent micro-Raman experiments further confirmed the above observations. The above bonding behavior could be directly correlated to the trends in reported results of high temperature conductivity via the model of hole hopping through specific atomic positions of the rhombohedral framework, thus opening the scope to investigate structure–property relationships in high temperature functional materials.
THz vs NIR laser-assisted atom probe tomography of LaB6 samples
Authors: Karam M. , Houard J. , Bhorade O. , Blum I. , Vella A.
Published: July 2024

Terahertz (THz) radiation with low-energy photons (meV) is used in a wide range of applications, such as microscopy, sensing, and spectroscopy. However, recently, high amplitude THz pulses of MV/cm have been generated and used for electron emission and ion evaporation from field emitters, opening up the possibility of using high amplitude THz pulses for material imaging by THz-assisted atom probe tomography (APT). In this work, we compare the APT analyses of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) samples using a femtosecond near-infrared laser with those obtained using high-amplitude single-cycle THz pulses. The atomic-scale characterization of stoichiometric LaB6 is challenging in laser-assisted APT due to the detection losses of boron ions. Here, we show that the THz radiation reduces the emission of molecular ions and multiple detection events, and it increases the charge state of the emitted ions. All these effects result in an improvement in boron detection. Furthermore, the emission dynamics of boron and lanthanum ions differ in their evaporation times when using THz radiation. This work emphasizes the ability of high-amplitude, single-cycle THz pulses to well control material analysis in APT, leading to better results on chemical composition. It also paves the way for the use of this radiation for material manipulation.
Transformative impact of atmospheric cold plasma on mung bean seeds: Unveiling surface characteristics, physicochemical alterations, and enhanced germination potential
Authors: Jangra Sushma , Mishra Abhijit , Mishra Ritesh , Pandey Shikha , Prakash Ram
Published: July 2024

This work investigates the impact of a new geometry Atmospheric Cold-Plasma (ACP) system on mung bean (Vigna radiata) seed germination and seedling growth. Plasma is produced using a bipolar pulse power source, providing superior control of the generated species. A substantial increase in germination rates (86.67%–91.67%) and optimal seedling growth after 40 s of treatment is reported. The functional and morphological features have shown improvements. Plasma treatment significantly increases the specific surface area (7.695 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.007 cc/g) of the seeds compared to the control (2.214 m2/g and 0.001 cc/g, respectively), suggesting potential enhancements in water absorption and nutrient exchange. Radicle growth stimulation is also observed without alterations in the seed’s chemical structure. These findings highlight the potential of the ACP system for enhancing mung bean sprout germination and seedling development, which is helpful for agriculture applications.
Space–time characterization of ultrashort laser pulses: A perspective
Authors: Alonso Benjamín , Döpp Andreas , Jolly Spencer W.
Published: July 2024

The characterization of ultrashort laser pulses has significantly advanced beyond the standard spatial and temporal diagnostics to now include sophisticated spatio-temporal measurement techniques. In this perspective, we provide an overview of the current state of space–time characterization, discussing the theoretical foundations of ultrashort laser pulses, the various measurement techniques and their design trade-offs, and the challenges and opportunities for future development. We explore the extension of these techniques to different wavelength regimes and delve into the unique challenges posed by the characterization of polarization-structured beams. The potential for data-driven analysis to enhance the information extracted from the measurements is highlighted, along with the need for direct measurement of previously inaccessible field components, such as the longitudinal electric field in tightly focused beams. As these diagnostic tools continue to evolve, we anticipate a future where the intricate space–time structure of light can be analyzed on a routine basis, opening up new frontiers in ultrafast science and technology.
Thermal modeling of porous medium integrated in PCM and its application in passive thermal management of electric vehicle battery pack
Authors: Al-Masri Ali , Khanafer Khalil , Vafai Kambiz
Published: July 2024

The integration of a composite of porous medium with phase change material (PCM) offers significant advantages in thermal management systems, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and addressing various thermal regulation challenges. This approach utilizes the PCM's latent heat absorption and the enhanced thermal conductivity provided by the porous medium, resulting in optimized system performance. Its applicability spans across electronics cooling and building insulation systems. However, predicting the thermal behavior of this composite material is challenging, necessitating computational tools to anticipate its response under different conditions and evaluate its influence on cooling strategies. The objective of this study is to create a computational tool specifically tailored to evaluate constitutive parameters of this composite material, thereby providing a comprehensive description of its thermal behavior. To achieve this goal, the multiscale homogenization principle is employed to assess the composite's effective thermophysical material properties using the representative volume element approach. The repeating unit cell of the aluminum lattice is incorporated into the PCM to define a representative volume element. The finite element method (FEM) is utilized to solve the three-dimensional homogenization problem, yielding an orthotropic effective thermal conductivity due to the inherent symmetry of the repeating material cell. Moreover, the study leverages the apparent heat capacity method to effectively manage the phase transitions within the PCM domain, utilizing smooth and temperature-dependent functions to accurately describe the thermophysical properties of the PCM. Integrating the composite into battery pack thermal management, this study thoroughly examines thermal dynamics by comparing outcomes with and without PCM integration. The transient thermal problem is accurately tackled using the FEM, employing the evaluated effective constitutive parameters of the homogenized composite to minimize computational effort. The results indicate a notable decline in the highest temperatures of the battery pack, leading to a reduction of about 14 °C at the specific moment when the phase change material fully transitions into its liquid form. The obtained results emphasize the effectiveness and practical feasibility of the proposed thermal management strategy. The modeling approach presented provides a robust tool with significant efficiency in reducing computational time for analyzing the thermal behavior of large models, as the utilization of the homogenization technique notably decreases the computational time.
Mfn2-dependent fusion pathway of PE-enriched micron-sized vesicles
Authors: Peñalva Daniel A. , Monnappa Ajay K. , Natale Paolo , López-Montero Iván
Published: July 2024

Mitofusins (Mfn1 and Mfn2) are the mitochondrial outer-membrane fusion proteins in mammals and belong to the dynamin superfamily of multidomain GTPases. Recent structural studies of truncated variants lacking alpha helical transmembrane domains suggested that Mfns dimerize to promote the approximation and the fusion of the mitochondrial outer membranes upon the hydrolysis of guanine 5′-triphosphate disodium salt (GTP). However, next to the presence of GTP, the fusion activity seems to require multiple regulatory factors that control the dynamics and kinetics of mitochondrial fusion through the formation of Mfn1–Mfn2 heterodimers. Here, we purified and reconstituted the full-length murine Mfn2 protein into giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) with different lipid compositions. The incubation with GTP resulted in the fusion of Mfn2-GUVs. High-speed video-microscopy showed that the Mfn2-dependent membrane fusion pathway progressed through a zipper mechanism where the formation and growth of an adhesion patch eventually led to the formation of a membrane opening at the rim of the septum. The presence of physiological concentration (up to 30 mol%) of dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) was shown to be a requisite to observe GTP-induced Mfn2-dependent fusion. Our observations show that Mfn2 alone can promote the fusion of micron-sized DOPE-enriched vesicles without the requirement of regulatory cofactors, such as membrane curvature, or the assistance of other proteins.
GIGANTEA adjusts the response to shade at dusk by directly impinging on PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 7 function
Authors: Martínez-Vasallo Carlos , Cole Benjamin , Pérez-Alemany Jaime , Ortiz-Ramírez Clara I. , Gallego-Bartolomé Javier , Chory Joanne , Kay Steve A. , Nohales Maria A.
Published: July 2024

For plants adapted to bright light, a decrease in the amount of light received can be detrimental to their growth and survival. Consequently, in response to shade from surrounding vegetation, they initiate a suite of molecular and morphological changes known as the shade avoidance response through which stems and petioles elongate in search for light. Under sunlight–night cycles, the plant’s responsiveness to shade varies across the day, being maximal at dusk time. While a role for the circadian clock in this regulation has long been proposed, mechanistic understanding of how it is achieved is incomplete. Here, we show that the clock component GIGANTEA (GI) directly interacts with the transcriptional regulator PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 7 (PIF7), a key player in the response to shade. GI represses PIF7 transcriptional activity and the expression of its target genes in response to shade, thereby fine-tuning the magnitude of the response to limiting light conditions. We find that under light/dark cycles, this function of GI is required to adequately modulate the gating of the response to shade at dusk. Importantly, we also show that this circuit primarily operates in epidermal cells, highlighting the relevance of tissue-specific clock-output connections for the regulation of plant development in resonance with the environment.
Amoebozoan testate amoebae illuminate the diversity of heterotrophs and the complexity of ecosystems throughout geological time
Authors: Porfirio-Sousa Alfredo L. , Tice Alexander K. , Morais Luana , Ribeiro Giulia M. , Blandenier Quentin , Dumack Kenneth , Eglit Yana , Fry Nicholas W. , Gomes E Souza Maria Beatriz , Henderson Tristan C. , Kleitz-Singleton Felicity , Singer David , Brown Matthew W. , Lahr Daniel J. G.
Published: July 2024

Heterotrophic protists are vital in Earth’s ecosystems, influencing carbon and nutrient cycles and occupying key positions in food webs as microbial predators. Fossils and molecular data suggest the emergence of predatory microeukaryotes and the transition to a eukaryote-rich marine environment by 800 million years ago (Ma). Neoproterozoic vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) linked to Arcellinida testate amoebae represent the oldest evidence of heterotrophic microeukaryotes. This study explores the phylogenetic relationship and divergence times of modern Arcellinida and related taxa using a relaxed molecular clock approach. We estimate the origin of nodes leading to extant members of the Arcellinida Order to have happened during the latest Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic (1054 to 661 Ma), while the divergence of extant infraorders postdates the Silurian. Our results demonstrate that at least one major heterotrophic eukaryote lineage originated during the Neoproterozoic. A putative radiation of eukaryotic groups (e.g., Arcellinida) during the early-Neoproterozoic sustained by favorable ecological and environmental conditions may have contributed to eukaryotic life endurance during the Cryogenian severe ice ages. Moreover, we infer that Arcellinida most likely already inhabited terrestrial habitats during the Neoproterozoic, coexisting with terrestrial Fungi and green algae, before land plant radiation. The most recent extant Arcellinida groups diverged during the Silurian Period, alongside other taxa within Fungi and flowering plants. These findings shed light on heterotrophic microeukaryotes’ evolutionary history and ecological significance in Earth’s ecosystems, using testate amoebae as a proxy.
Tether-scanning the kinesin motor domain reveals a core mechanical action
Authors: Sumiyoshi Rieko , Yamagishi Masahiko , Furuta Akane , Nishizaka Takayuki , Furuta Ken’ya , Cross Robert A. , Yajima Junichiro
Published: July 2024

Natural kinesin motors are tethered to their cargoes via short C-terminal or N-terminal linkers, whose docking against the core motor domain generates directional force. It remains unclear whether linker docking is the only process contributing directional force or whether linker docking is coupled to and amplifies an underlying, more fundamental force-generating mechanical cycle of the kinesin motor domain. Here, we show that kinesin motor domains tethered via double-stranded DNAs (dsDNAs) attached to surface loops drive robust microtubule (MT) gliding. Tethering using dsDNA attached to surface loops disconnects the C-terminal neck-linker and the N-terminal cover strand so that their dock–undock cycle cannot exert force. The most effective attachment positions for the dsDNA tether are loop 2 or loop 10, which lie closest to the MT plus and minus ends, respectively. In three cases, we observed minus-end-directed motility. Our findings demonstrate an underlying, potentially ancient, force-generating core mechanical action of the kinesin motor domain, which drives, and is amplified by, linker docking.
A silicon diode–based optoelectronic interface for bidirectional neural modulation
Authors: Fu Xin , Hu Zhengwei , Li Wenjun , Ma Liang , Chen Junyu , Liu Muyang , Liu Jie , Hu Shuhan , Wang Huachun , Huang Yunxiang , Tang Guo , Zhang Bozhen , Cai Xue , Wang Yuqi , Li Lizhu , Ma Jian , Shi Song-Hai , Yin Lan , Zhang Hao , Li Xiaojian , Sheng Xing
Published: July 2024

The development of advanced neural modulation techniques is crucial to neuroscience research and neuroengineering applications. Recently, optical-based, nongenetic modulation approaches have been actively investigated to remotely interrogate the nervous system with high precision. Here, we show that a thin-film, silicon (Si)-based diode device is capable to bidirectionally regulate in vitro and in vivo neural activities upon adjusted illumination. When exposed to high-power and short-pulsed light, the Si diode generates photothermal effects, evoking neuron depolarization and enhancing intracellular calcium dynamics. Conversely, low-power and long-pulsed light on the Si diode hyperpolarizes neurons and reduces calcium activities. Furthermore, the Si diode film mounted on the brain of living mice can activate or suppress cortical activities under varied irradiation conditions. The presented material and device strategies reveal an innovated optoelectronic interface for precise neural modulations.
Parameter setting in multilingual children with special reference to acceleration in French
Authors: Müller Natascha
Published: July 2024

Linguistic theorizing has revised the switch metaphor of parameters as being part of Universal
Grammar. Within an epigenetic approach to language (Biberauer et al., 2014;
Roberts, 2019), parameters result from the interaction of innate
(linguistic) knowledge and universal non-language-specific cognitive optimization strategies, which are set in
relation to the child’s experience. Languages vary at different levels of granularity (Baker, 2014), which is expressed in a parameter taxonomy, more particularly in parameter
hierarchies (Roberts, 2019) distinguishing macro-, meso-, micro-, and
nanoparameters (Biberauer et al., 2014). In the context of multilingualism,
Mac Swan (2000) has argued that some components of the architecture of
the language faculty are duplicated in multilingual children, while others are not. Parameter hierarchies, defined as
previously, belong to the non-duplicated components. Therefore, multilingual children set the parameters
simultaneously for all their different languages at the relevant level of variation. Taken together, these assumptions
can account for acceleration effects exceeding monolingual limits in multilingual French as a non-null-subject
language, if (one of) the other language(s) is a null-subject language like Italian or Spanish for example. The
results reported come from longitudinal studies of balanced as well as unbalanced multilingual children during early
stages of language development (from 1;6 until the age of 5) and cross-sectional studies of multilingual children at
similar ages.
The view of meaning from a “postclassical” perspective
Authors: Glebkin Vladimir
Published: July 2024

In recent years, a number of scholars have expressed doubts about the productivity of the concept ofmeaningand its associated methodology for modern lexical semantics. This article aims to examine the current situation by comparing it with the process of transition from classical to quantum physics. Empirical data that challenge classical interpretations are briefly analyzed in a special section, whilst the subsequent sections address alternative theories that propose new methodological frameworks. Particular attention is paid to the ad hoc СС & Ms theory developed by Daniel Casasanto and colleagues, though Hans-Jörg Schmid’s Entrenchment-and-Conventionalization Model and the Motivation & Sedimentation Model formulated by Jordan Zlatev and colleagues are also touched upon. In the final section, frame semantics, as presented by Charles Fillmore, is revisited, with a focus on his dichotomy of U-semantics and T-semantics. A significant result of the analysis of Fillmore’s perspectives is the assertion that the concept offramein Fillmore’s construal can serve as an alternative to the concept ofmeaningin its classical interpretation.
On the properties of ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs)/NiO heterostructure prepared by double chemical bath deposition
Authors: Mwankemwa Benard S , Mwakyusa Lwitiko P
Published: July 2024

We report on the ZnONRs and ZnONRs/NiO heterostructure synthesized by the chemical bath deposition technique. The samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM analysis revealed the formation of ZnONRs/NiO heterostructure. Raman spectra showed a decrease in intensity of low-frequency non-polar and active (E
2 (low)) vibrational mode when NiO is deposited onto ZnONRs. The PL spectra revealed ultraviolet and visible emission bands, whose intensities decreased when NiO grew onto ZnONRs. The Au/NiO/ZnONRs/FTO heterostructure Schottky diode performed better than the Au/ZnONRs/FTO Schottky diode. The Au/NiO/ZnONRs/FTO heterojunction demonstrated a current rectification ratio of 3.03 × 102 at ± 2 V and a forward current of 1.51 × 10−3 A, which is higher than that of Au/ZnONRs/FTO having a rectification ratio of 6.79 × 101 at ± 2 V and a forward current of 1.651 × 10−5 A.
High-efficiency polarization-selective two-dimensional diffraction gratings based on silver cuboid arrays
Authors: Zou Jiaqi , Fang Jimin , Liu Tingyu , Wang Manzhuo , Sun Xiaoqiang , Wu Yuanda , Zhang Da-Ming
Published: July 2024

A two-dimensional (2D) diffraction grating based on silver cuboid arrays is demonstrated. With the structural optimization by three-dimensional (3D) finite-difference time-domain method, the proposed grating exhibits favorable polarization selectivity. At wavelength 1550 nm, high diffraction efficiency and polarization correlation can be realized in the case of two-port output ((0, ±1) or (±1, 0)) under TE polarization, as well as five-port output ((0, 0), (0, ±1) and (±1, 0)) under TM polarization. Under the two-port output state, the diffraction efficiency is nearly 48% with the extinction ratio of 16.44 dB and insertion loss of 0.20 dB. Under the five-port output status, the efficiency is larger than 19% for each diffraction order, meanwhile, the total efficiency and uniformity are 97% and 0.58%, respectively. The proposed grating with positive implications has good potentials in polarization multiplexing and polarization-correlated grating interferometry.
Comparative study of the structural, magnetic and electrical properties of cuprous delafossites CuBO2(B = Zn, Mn and Er) prepared using the flash auto-combustion technique
Authors: Ateia Ebtesam E , Soliman Fatma S , Morsy Mohamed
Published: July 2024

The flash auto-combustion method was utilized to produce Cu-based delafossites of CuBO2 (B = Zn, Mn, and Er). x-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to verify the phase formation, surface morphology, and oxidation states of the synthesized delafossite samples. The crystallite sizes were determined to be 43, 16.76, and 21.66 nm for CuZnO2, CuMnO2, and CuErO2 nanoparticles (NPs), respectively. The magnetic characteristics of CuZnO2, CuMnO2, and CuErO2 samples were studied at room temperature, revealing their paramagnetic nature through the hysteresis effect. The Seebeck coefficient (S) for CuZnO2 was found to be positive, while it was negative for CuMnO2 and CuErO2. The thermoelectric power of CuZnO2 NPs was high, indicating their potential as materials for more efficient thermoelectric devices. Additionally, CuZnO2 exhibited an antimicrobial response against four-gram (+ve) bacteria, four-gram (-ve) bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans (CA). The data obtained demonstrated that CuZnO2 NPs altered bacterial cell morphology, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.
Design of high power evanescent quantum dot distributed feedback lasers on Si
Authors: Ge Qing , Wang Jun , Liu Shuaicheng , Liu Hao , Zhai Hao , Lin Feng , Chen Yanan , Liu Chuanjiang , Mao Kaize , Bai Yiming , Wang Qi , Huang Yongqing , Ren Xiaomin
Published: July 2024

Great advancements in III–V/Si epitaxy have pushed quantum dot lasers to the forefront of silicon photonics. In this work, we designed the structures of evanescent coupled quantum dot distributed feedback lasers with asymmetric gratings, which made significant improvement in on-chip output power while maintaining single-longitudinal-mode stability. The optimal λ/4 phase-shift position (the ratio of the grating length from the rear-end of λ/4 phase-shift to the total grating length) from conventional position of 0.50 to 0.64 allows the ratio of the output power at both sides of silicon waveguide to be increased from 1.0 to 5.9. Moreover, the optimal duty cycle at one side of the phase-shift from 0.50 to 0.8 allows the ratio to be increased from 1.0 to 3.7. Meanwhile, the ratio could be dramatically improved from 1.0 to 9.2 by changed the duty cycle at one side of phase-shift to 0.7 while maintaining the phase-shift position of 0.64. With those designed structures, evanescent coupled quantum dot lasers could challenge the state-of-the-art bonded quantum well lasers and may eventually become ubiquitous and affordable for future commercial production.
Modulational instability, modulated wave, and optical solitons for a generalized highly dispersive cubic-quintic-septic-nonic medium with self-frequency shift and self-steepening nonlinear terms
Authors: Yomba Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

In this research, we delve into a generalized highly dispersive (HD) nonlinear Schrödinger equation, enriched with cubic-quintic-septic-nonic (CQSN) nonlinearities. The core of our investigation revolves around the perturbation of plane waves, aiming to understand their stability characteristics in such a complex medium. We investigate the influence of various factors such as the amplitude of the plane wave, perturbed wave number, nonic nonlinear term, and fourth-order dispersion term. Our findings indicate that increasing the amplitude of the plane wave widens the modulation instability (MI) bands and amplifies the MI growth rate. In contrast, increasing the nonic nonlinear term has opposing effects, narrowing the MI bands and diminishing the amplitude of the MI growth rate. Increasing the fourth-order dispersion term does not affect the amplitude of the MI growth rate but narrows the MI bands. The observed pattern of increasing and then decreasing MI intensity with rising K can be attributed to the complex interplay among phase matching conditions, dispersion effects, and nonlinear saturation. Initially, higher K enhances phase matching and boosts MI growth. However, as K increases further, the combined influence of dispersion and nonlinear effects can diminish the effectiveness of phase matching, resulting in a reduction in MI intensity. A significant portion of our work is dedicated to identifying and analyzing modulated rational, polynomial Jacobi elliptic function solutions, and the emergence of optical solitons within this framework. These findings provide new insights into the nonlinear dynamics underpinning the generalized HDNLSE, enriched with CQSN nonlinearities, offering valuable contributions to the theoretical understanding of such phenomena.
Recent progress in improvement in ion cyclotron range of frequencies coupling and power absorption with new antennas of Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)
Authors: Zhang W. , Liu L.N. , Zhang X.J. , Qin C.M. , Yang H. ,   the EAST Team
Published: July 2024

Efficient ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) wave heating requires good wave coupling at the plasma edge and good radio frequency power absorption in the plasma core. This study reviews recent progress in improving these two aspects of ICRF heating with the new two-strap antennas through various experiments and simulations on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Our study shows that the ICRF coupling can be significantly improved by decreasing the parallel wave number, increasing the local scrape-off layer (SOL) density by midplane gas puffing, and increasing the global SOL density by decreasing the separatrix–antenna distance. It can also be improved by increasing the core plasma density, changing the divertor strike point position, and optimizing the antenna phasing. The core ICRF power absorption can be increased by optimizing the cyclotron resonance position and minority ion concentration and by applying new heating schemes such as three-ion heating. Although some of the methods have been previously studied on other devices, improving ICRF coupling by shifting the divertor strike point was tested on EAST for the first time. Quantitative characterization of these methods and the conclusions drawn from this study can provide important insights for achieving more efficient ICRF heating in current and future fusion machines.
The fire weather in Europe: large-scale trends towards higher danger
Authors: Hetzer Jessica , Forrest Matthew , Ribalaygua Jaime , Prado-López Carlos , Hickler Thomas
Published: July 2024

The climate over Europe has been recorded to be hotter, drier, and more fire-prone over the last decade than ever before, leading to concerns about how climate change will alter fire weather in the future. A typical measure to estimate fire weather severity based on climate is the Canadian fire weather index (FWI). In this study, we used high-resolution, bias-corrected climate model output (∼9 km) from six CMIP6 climate models and four shared socio-economic pathway projections (SSPs) to calculate consistent and comparable daily FWI datasets for Europe from 1950 to 2080. Our study aims to identify regional and large-scale shifts in fire weather severity and its predictability over time to support adaptive planning. We show that irrespective of the future SSP, fire weather will become more severe, but the increase is much stronger under high greenhouse gas emissions. This leads to new areas being exposed to severe fire weather, such as central Europe and rapidly warming mountainous areas. Already fire-prone regions in southern Europe will experience more extreme conditions. We conclude that only the low-emission SSP1-2.6 pathway can prevent strong increases in fire weather beyond the 2050s. Fire surveillance and management will become more important, even in areas and in seasons where they have not been in the focus so far.
Lightning response to temperature and aerosols
Authors: Qie Xiushu , Yair Yoav , Di Shaoxuan , Huang Zifan , Jiang Rubin
Published: July 2024

Lightning has profound social implications for public safety and usually causes casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Due to the advancement of both ground-based and spaceborne detection technology, lightning has been monitored globally in recent decades as an indicator of severe weather and an essential variable of climate change. This article reviews recent progress in the study of lightning variations and their response to temperature and aerosols, based on both spaceborne and ground-based lightning data. The responses of lightning to temperature and aerosol show large spatial and temporal heterogeneity, with relation to the meteorological and environmental conditions. The latest research show that lightning exhibited significant increase in some high altitude or high latitude regions, such as the Tibetan Plateau and Arctic regions, where undergone fast warming during the recent decades and the ecosystems is fragile. Aerosol particles play an important role in modulating lightning variations under certain dynamical and thermodynamic conditions in some regions, even on a global scale. The projected lightning activity will generally increase in the future but may with very few exceptions. Continuous long-term lightning observations with consistent spatial and temporal detection efficiency remain crucial for tracking the response of lightning to climate change in the coming decades.
Investigation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of large-tube forging manufactured by additive forging
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Hong-Lin , Xu Bin , Sun Ming-Yue , Li Dian-Zhong
Published: July 2024

Large-tube forgings were formed using nine layers of continuous-casting billet made from 15CrNi3MoV alloy steel via additive forging. The interfacial microstructural evolution under different hot-compression bonding temperatures and strains was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The tensile properties of the hot-compression-bonded and tube-forged samples were also evaluated. The results showed that as the hot-compression bonding temperature and strain increased, the bonding interface gradually disappeared and the voids at the bonding interface closed. Finally, the interface was replaced with recrystallised grains. The tensile properties of the hot-compression-bonded samples at different temperatures and strains were identical. The tensile properties of the interface and base samples of the tube forging were comparable, and the fracture morphologies were consistent. The fracture position of the large tensile sample with a length of 1000 mm containing three original interfaces is the base, indicating the complete metallurgical bonding of the forging.
Socio-demographic patterning of urinary mono-ethyl phthalate levels among children and adults in the U.S. (1999–2018)
Authors: Husted Gabrielle , Cassels Susan , Ackert Elizabeth , Sweeney Stuart
Published: July 2024

Background. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and durable. They are found in clothes, varnishes, toys, pharmaceuticals, containers, and personal care products. Phthalates make their way into human bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, and the breakdown of them within bodies can be measured as phthalate metabolites in urine. They pervade all aspects of the environment and our bodies, contributing to negative health outcomes. Education, SES, and gender influence where people live (their built environment), time-use patterns, occupation, treatment at healthcare facilities, and purchasing patterns; all affect phthalate exposures, and therefore phthalate metabolites in urine are also likely to vary by socio-demographic characteristics. Objectives. To study how levels of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) in urine samples of children and adults in the U S vary among key socio-demographic groups. We expect that disadvantaged groups will have the highest levels of phthalates. Methods. Using quantitative methods, we analyze levels of urinary MEP as a biomarker indicating exposure to phthalates. Within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999–2018) participants, we compare MEP levels across the following socio-demographic groups: age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, family income to poverty level, citizenship status. We use multivariate regression models to adjust results for differences in other factors that potentially influence MEP levels. Results. Historically disadvantaged groups—women, Non-Hispanic Blacks, Mexican Americans, Other Hispanics, and those with lower educational attainment—have higher predicted phthalate levels, even when holding all covariates that could be related to differences in phthalate levels by socio-demographic factors constant. Discussion. Our results suggest differences in socio-demographic factors could be leading to unequal exposures to phthalates and MEP excretions in their urine. This research contributes to understanding health experiences outside of clinical definitions, drawing attention to structural vulnerabilities and the way that environmental toxicants are embodied in individuals and populations.
An experimental investigation of process parameters on material removal and surface roughness improvement in abrasive flow machining
Authors: Om Hari , Singh Himmat , Vashishtha Govind
Published: July 2024

There is a huge demand for mechanical components with long life cycles and superior surface finishes as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Several methods for nano-finishing complex structures, including abrasive flow machining (AFM), have been developed in response to the need for superior surface finish. In AFM, abrasion only happens in locations where flow is restricted. This property makes AFM useful in polishing the interior, inaccessible cavities and recesses of the metallic parts using a semi-liquid paste. This paper focuses on investigating the impact of process parameters on material removal, and percentage improvement in surface roughness on cylindrical brass workpieces using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. The number of cycles, extrusion pressure, and grit size of abrasives have been selected as process parameters. The abrasive medium employed in this investigation is composed of a blend of polymer, hydrocarbon gel, and aluminium oxide abrasive particles with varying grit sizes. The minimum value of roughness after AFM has been achieved 4.25 microns, and the maximum %ΔRa has been achieved 28%. The number of cycles that have the largest percentage contribution to material removal was 83.74%. Whereas, the percentage contributions of the abrasive particle grit size and extrusion pressure are 2.03%, and 14.16%, respectively. N2P2G3 is the optimal level of process parameters used for material removal. Similarly, the number of cycles has the largest percentage contribution of 83.48% in surface roughness. Whereas extrusion pressure and grit size contribute 7.38%, and 8.88% in surface roughness. The optimal level of process parameters that have been attained in the case of surface roughness is N3P2G3.