bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Linguistic Profile of Children With Rare Genetic Disorders
Authors: Espinosa-Mojica Ana Alejandra , Varo Varo Carmen
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Language studies on populations with rare genetic disorders are limited. Hence, there is little data on commonly found or expected developmental linguistic traits and cognitive mechanisms that may be impaired. Based on the hypothesis that there is a close connection between language and cognition and the relevance of specific genetic changes in the development of each, our goal was to provide linguistic data on relationships with other executive functioning mechanisms.

Method:

This study assessed language skills, communicative behaviors, and executive functions in four children, aged 7–9 years, with rare genetic disorders, using standardized protocols and tests.

Results:

The findings revealed different levels of language impairment and executive functioning problems in each case. The overall executive function index performance for each of the four cases studied was clinically significantly high, indicating executive dysfunction.

Conclusions:

The cases analyzed illustrate different types of atypical development that affect both language and other cognitive mechanisms and underscore the importance of executive skills and the various ways in which they are involved in diverse levels of language that might be affected to a greater or lesser degree in rare genetic disorders. In conclusion, we found that language dysfunction is a salient feature of the rare genetic disorders included in our study, although this is not necessarily true for all genetic disorders. Along with these conclusive results, we performed a qualitative analysis of the linguistic and cognitive components that enable functional communication in order to allow optimal interpretation of the data we have collected, laying the foundations for a more effective therapeutic approach.
The Effects of Classroom Acoustic Conditions on Teachers' Health and Well-Being: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mealings Kiri , Maggs Lisa , Buchholz Joerg M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Teachers spend a significant amount of time in classrooms, which can be noisy environments. The aim of this scoping review was to determine what is known from the literature about the effect of classroom acoustic conditions on teachers' health and well-being.

Method:

This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) protocol. Four bibliographic databases were searched: ERIC, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Results:

Thirty-three articles were deemed relevant for the review. The most studied health aspect was teachers' vocal health. The majority of results showed higher noise levels or a higher number of students have a negative effect on teachers' health and well-being (61% and 60%, respectively), while 39% showed a negative effect of longer reverberation times. Most other results showed no effect.

Conclusions:

These results show that poor classroom acoustic conditions can have a negative effect on teachers' health and well-being. Therefore, creating classrooms with good acoustic conditions and controlling noise is vital. Limitations are discussed, and future research to better understand the relationship between classroom acoustic conditions and teachers' health and well-being is proposed. This future research will help in understanding the acoustic conditions that are needed to optimize teachers' health and well-being in the classroom.
Distinguishing exoplanet companions from field stars in direct imaging using Gaia astrometry
Authors: Herz Philipp , Samland Matthias , Bailer-Jones Coryn A. L.
Published: December 2023

Direct imaging searches for exoplanets around stars detect many spurious candidates that are in fact background field stars. To help distinguish these from genuine companions, multi-epoch astrometry can be used to identify a common proper motion with the host star. Although this is frequently done, many approaches lack an appropriate model for the motions of the background population, or do not use a statistical framework to properly quantify the results. For this study we used Gαìα astrometry combined with 2MASS photometry to model the parallax and proper motion distributions of field stars around exoplanet host stars as a function of candidate magnitude. We developed a likelihood-based method that compares the positions of a candidate at multiple epochs with the positions expected under both this field star model and a co-moving companion model. Our method propagates the covariances in the Gαìα astrometry and the candidate positions. True companions are assumed to have long periods compared to the observational baseline, so we currently neglect orbital motion. We applied our method to a sample of 23 host stars with 263 candidates identified in the B-Star Exoplanet Abundance Study (BEAST) survey on VLT/SPHERE. We identified seven candidates in which the odds ratio favours the co-moving companion model by a factor of 100 or more. Most of these detections are based on only two or three epochs separated by less than three years, so further epochs should be obtained to reassess the companion probabilities. Our method is publicly available as an open-source python package from GitHub to use with any data.
Exploring cross-protective effects between cold and immune stress in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wiil Jakob , Sørensen Jesper Givskov , Colinet Hervé
Published: December 2023

It is well established that environmental and biotic stressors like temperature and pathogens/parasites are essential for the life of small ectotherms. There are complex interactions between cold stress and pathogen infection in insects. Possible cross-protective mechanisms occur between both stressors, suggesting broad connectivity in insect stress responses. In this study, the functional significance of these interactions was tested, as well as the potential role of newly uncovered candidate genes, turandot. This was done using an array of factorial experiments exposing Drosophila melanogaster flies to a combination of different cold stress regimes (acute or chronic) and infections with the parasitic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Following these crossed treatments, phenotypic and molecular responses were assessed by measuring 1) induced cold tolerance, 2) immune resistance to parasitic fungus, and 3) activation of turandot genes. We found various responses in the phenotypic outcomes according to the various treatment combinations with higher susceptibility to infection following cold stress, but also significantly higher acute cold survival in flies that were infected. Regarding molecular responses, we found overexpression of turandot genes in response to most treatments, suggesting reactivity to both cold and infection. Moreover, maximum peak expressions were distinctly observed in the combined treatments (infection plus cold), indicating a marked synergistic effect of the stressors on turandot gene expression patterns. These results reflect the great complexity of cross-tolerance reactions between infection and abiotic stress, but could also shed light on the mechanisms underlying the activation of these responses.
Microbial diversity of ticks and a novel typhus group Rickettsia species (Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b) in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Su Si , Hong Mei , Cui Meng-Yu , Gui Zheng , Ma Shi-Fa , Wu Lin , Xing Li-Li , Mu Lan , Yu Jing-Feng , Fu Shao-Yin , Gao Rui-Juan , Qi Dong-Dong
Published: December 2023

Ticks can carry multiple pathogens, and Inner Mongolia’s animal husbandry provides excellent environmental conditions for ticks. This study characterized the microbiome of ticks from different geographical locations in Inner Mongolia; 905 Dermacentor nuttalli and 36 Ixodes persulcatus were collected from sheep in three main pasture areas and from bushes within the forested area. Mixed DNA samples were prepared from three specimens from each region and tick species. Microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and α and β diversity were determined. The predominant bacterial genera were Rickettsia (54.60%), including Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b (19.33%) and other Rickettsia (35.27%), Arsenophonus (11.21%), Candidatus Lariskella (10.84%), and Acinetobacter (7.17%). Rickettsia bellii was identified in I. persulcatus, while Rickettsiales bacterium Ac37b was found in D. nuttalli from Ordos and Chifeng. Potential Rickettsia and Anaplasma coinfections were observed in the Ordos region. Tick microbial diversity analysis in Inner Mongolia suggests that sheep at the sampling sites were exposed to multiple pathogens.
Systematic review of hematophagous arthropods present in cattle in France
Authors: Prudhomme Jorian , Depaquit Jérôme , Fite Johanna , Quillery Elsa , Bouhsira Emilie , Liénard Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

The arrival of pathogens, whether zoonotic or not, can have a lasting effect on commercial livestock farms, with dramatic health, social and economic consequences. However, available data concerning the arthropod vectors present and circulating on livestock farms in France are still very imprecise, fragmentary, and scattered. In this context, we conducted a systematic review of the hematophagous arthropod species recorded on different types of cattle farms in mainland France (including Corsica). The used vector “groups” studied were biting flies, biting midges, black flies, fleas, horse flies, lice, louse flies, mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks. A large number of documents were selected (N = 9,225), read (N = 1,047) and analyzed (N = 290), allowing us to provide distribution and abundance maps of different species of medical and veterinary interest according to literature data. Despite the large number of documents collected and analyzed, there are few data provided on cattle farm characteristics. Moreover, data on all arthropod groups lack numerical detail and are based on limited data in time and/or space. Therefore, they are not generalizable nor comparable. There is still little information on many vectors (and their pathogens) and still many unknowns for most studied groups. It appears necessary to provide new, updated and standardized data, collected in different geographical and climatological areas. Finally, this work highlights the lack of entomologists, funding, training and government support, leading to an increased risk of uncontrolled disease emergence in cattle herds.
Naturheilkunde und Integrative Medizin bei Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Winkler Marcela
Published: December 2023

Tumorassoziierte Fatigue ist ein Phänomen, das viele Krebspatient*innen erleben. Sie zeichnet sich unter anderem durch Symptome wie Schwäche, übermäßiges Schlafbedürfnis, Erschöpfung, Reizbarkeit sowie Konzentrations- und Gedächtnisstörungen aus. Um die Beschwerden bei Fatigue zu lindern, eignen sich verschiedene Therapieansätze. Dazu zählen Sport und Bewegung, Entspannungsübungen zur Stressreduktion, Akupunktur und Akupressur sowie Mittel aus der Phythotherapie wie Mistel- oder Ginseng-Extrakt.
Analysis of adverse events with lumen apposing metal stents for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
Authors: Pawa Rishi , Dorrell Robert , Nguyen Madison , Russell Greg , Gilliam John
Published: December 2023

Background and study aims Innovations in endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) using lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) have rendered it a preferred approach for drainage of PFCs. These advances have not come without concern for adverse events (AEs). We present our experience with LAMS for drainage of PFCs and analyze factors that contribute to LAMS-related AEs.

Patients and methods From November 2015 to October 2021, a retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing endoscopic management of PFCs using LAMS. All AEs were classified as either early (<48 hours) or late (>48 hours). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using logistic regression to assess the relationship between independent variables and AEs.

Results A total of 119 patients with symptomatic PFCs underwent
endoscopic drainage with LAMS. There were 16 AEs (12.4%). These included systemic inflammatory
response syndrome (SIRS) (n=2), stent occlusion (n=5), bleeding (n=7), and stent migration
(n=2). Univariate analysis of risk of AEs showed that no variables approached statistical
significance. Of the seven patients who developed bleeding, five had pseudoaneurysms following
LAMS placement and underwent angioembolization by an interventional radiologist. The average
time to bleeding was 9.3 days (standard deviation 7.3) with all bleeding events occurring
within 3 weeks. In a multivariate model, pseudocysts and presence of paracolic gutter
extension were associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Conclusions Endoscopists should be aware of the risk factors for LAMS-related bleeding and tailor their drainage strategy, including utilization of plastic stents for drainage of pseudocysts and adherence to a strict imaging interval and follow-up protocol.
The Effect of Cytokine Adsorption on Leukocyte and Platelet Activation after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Zahn Timm , Schanze Nancy , Staudacher Dawid L. , Wengenmayer Tobias , Maier Sven , Benk Christoph , Gauchel Nadine , Duerschmied Daniel , Supady Alexander
Published: December 2023

Background Post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) is a frequent complication following successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation and correlates with poor outcome. PCAS is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response to whole-body ischemia and reperfusion. Cytokine adsorption was suggested as an adjunctive treatment option for the removal of cytokines from the patients' blood to restore the physiological equilibrium of pro- and anti-inflammatory activity and thus mitigate hemodynamic instability and end-organ complications.

Material and Methods To better understand the cellular effects of cytokine adsorption in patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) after in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we compared the activation status of neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets as well as the formation of platelet–leukocyte complexes in intravenous whole blood samples from an exploratory subgroup (n = 24) from the randomized CYTER study.

Result At 48 hours after initiation of ECPR, flow cytometry analyses did neither reveal significant differences in neutrophil (CD11b, CD66b, L-selectin, and PSGL-1) and monocyte (CD11b, L-selectin, and PSGL-1) surface molecule expression nor in circulating platelet–monocyte complexes between patients receiving cytokine adsorption and those without.

Conclusion Data did not show a relevant effect of cytokine adsorption on neutrophil and monocyte activation during the first 48 hours after initiation of ECPR.
A New Blend of Litsea cubeba, Pinus mugo, and Cymbopogon winterianus Essential Oil Active as an Anti-tyrosinase Ingredient in Topical Formulations
Authors: Capetti Francesca , Cagliero Cecilia , Argenziano Monica , Cavalli Roberta , Dianzani Chiara , Pavarino Marta , Bicchi Carlo , Rubiolo Patrizia , Sgorbini Barbara
Published: December 2023

Tyrosinase is a target enzyme to be inhibited in order to reduce excessive melanin production and prevent typical age-related skin disorders. Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile compounds, belonging mainly to monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, which have been relatively little studied as tyrosinase inhibitors. Among the monoterpenoids, citral (a mixture of neral and geranial) is a fragrance compound in several essential oils that has shown interesting tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Although citral is listed as an allergen among the 26 fragrances in Annex III of the Cosmetics Directive 2003/15/EC, it can be safely used for the formulation of topical products in amounts that are not expected to cause skin sensitization, as shown by various commercially available products.

The aim of this work was to evaluate two different formulations (oil/water emulsion, oily solution) containing a new combination of essential oils (Litsea cubeba, Pinus mugo, Cymbopogon winterianus) applied to the skin both in nonocclusive and partially occlusive modes. The blend is designed to reduce the concentration of citral to avoid potential skin reactions while taking advantage of the inhibitory activity of citral. Specifically, the amount of citral and other bioactive compounds (myrcene, citronellal) delivered through the skin was studied as a function of formulation and mode of application.

The results show that an oil/water emulsion is preferable because it releases the bioactive compounds rapidly and minimizes their evaporative loss. In addition, semi-occluded conditions are required to prevent evaporation, resulting in higher availability of the bioactive compounds in viable skin.
Aromatic Amine Catalysts for the O2-Mediated Cross-Dehydrogenative Phenothiazination Reaction?
Authors: Patureau Frederic W. , Nandi Shiny , Paffen Alina
Published: December 2023

Metal-free aromatic amines have been utilized recently as redox-active catalysts in various oxidative coupling reactions. In this study, we investigated a series of aromatic amines and their potential redox catalytic activity, in particular compared to our previously reported amino-Te(II) catalysts. The O2-mediated cross-dehydrogenative phenothiazination of phenols was utilized as a benchmark test reaction, as well as the O2-mediated cross-dehydrogenative coupling of indoles. We thus identified a proton sponge as an effective aromatic amine redox catalyst. It was moreover found that although the proton sponge displays clear catalytic activity, it is generally less active than previously reported phenotellurazine catalysts. The insights provided by this study should guide future research efforts for the development of innovative redox-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions.
Risk of recurrence with or without plastic stent after EUS-guided treatment of peripancreatic fluid collections: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Iwashita Takuji , Sato Tatsuya , Yasuda Ichiro , Nakai Yousuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Saito Tomotaka , Iwata Keisuke , Shiomi Hideyuki , Takenaka Mamoru , Maruta Akinori , Uemura Shinya , Masuda Atsuhiro , Matsubara Saburo , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Background and study aims Recent advances in endoscopic transmural treatment have improved the clinical outcomes of patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). However, there is still a debate about the preventive effect of long-term placement of a transmural plastic stent (PS) on recurrence after successful endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment of PFCs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate PFC recurrence rates with and without a transmural PS after EUS-guided treatment.

Patients and methods A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database was conducted to identify clinical studies comparing outcomes with and without transmural PS published until September 2022. Data on PFC recurrence and adverse events (AEs) were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results Nine studies including 380 patients with long-term transmural PS and 289 patients without PS were identified. The rate of PFC recurrence was significantly lower in patients with transmural PS (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.08-0.65], P = 0.005). In a subgroup analysis limited to studies focusing on patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome, which has been reported to be a risk factor for PFC recurrence, the OR was numerically lower than that for the entire cohort (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.04-0.46]). The rate of AEs was significantly higher with long-term transmural PS (OR = 14.77, 95% CI [4.21-51.83]).

Conclusions In this meta-analysis, long-term PS placement reduced the risk of PFC recurrence. Given the potential AEs of indwelling PS, further research is required to evaluate the overall benefits of long-term PS placement.
The Impact of the Disability Allowance on Financial Well-Being in the Maldives: Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Banks Lena Morgon , Hameed Shaffa , Usman Sofoora Kawsar , Davey Calum , Kuper Hannah
Published: December 2023

There are few impact evaluations of social assistance programmes amongst people with disabilities, despite the increasing popularity of disability-targeted programmes. The Disability Allowance in the Maldives is a non-contributory, non-means-tested and unconditional cash transfer of MVR 2000 (US$130) per month. This study explores the impact of the Disability Allowance on financial well-being using a quasi-experimental study design with difference-in-difference analysis conducted between 2017 and 2019. Overall, this study found a modest impact of the Disability Allowance, mainly in food security. Receipt of the Disability Allowance was attributable to a decrease in the use of negative coping mechanisms in response to food insecurity and an increase in the food proportion of household consumption expenditures. There was a non-significant trend towards reduced poverty headcount and gap, and the likelihood of moderate/severe food insecurity. These findings carry implications for the design of social protection in the Maldives and globally, indicating possible improvements in programme design (e.g., increased amount) and for complementary interventions (e.g., improving access to disability-inclusive livelihood development programmes) to maximise impact.
Impact behaviors of a single aqueous solution droplet on curved surface filler
Authors: Cui Yan , Wang Guanqing , Ye Chen , Wang Lu , Wang Tao , Xu Jiangrong
Published: December 2023

Chemical absorption is one of the main methods for capturing and absorbing CO2 in post-combustion flue gases. The impact behaviors of the absorbent droplets on the filler have significant effects on CO2 absorption as the absorbent is sprayed down. However, the driving mechanisms behind these behaviors are not fully understood due to the increased difficulty in the absorption tower. In the present study, we numerically investigate the impact behavior of the CO2 absorbent droplet on the curved surface filler. The developed three-dimensional model is validated by our experimental results and previous studies. The driving mechanisms are revealed by focusing on the velocity and pressure field in different stages. The influence of the surface curvature and Weber number is analyzed, with particular attention to the evolution velocity. The liquid film oscillation is characterized by its amplitude and time for different surface hydrophobicity. The results show that the spreading of the liquid film is primarily influenced by the initial inertia, while its retraction and oscillation are mainly controlled by the surface tension and viscosity, leading to a longer retraction and oscillation time. Both pressure and velocity, as well as their peaks, exhibit different distributions depending on the behaviors in different stages. This is similar to the formation of the surrounding air vortex with its center above the gas–liquid interface in different stages. Both the Weber number and the curvature have little effect on the average spreading velocity, whereas the dimensionless maximum spreading diameter vs the Weber number follows a power law dependence. The results are helpful for understanding the physical mechanisms behind the impact behaviors of the CO2 absorbent droplets on the curved surface filler.
Investigation of vertical GaN-on-GaN p–n diode with regrown p-GaN for operation in Venus and other extreme environments
Authors: Luo Shisong , Fu Kai , Xie Qingyun , Yuan Mengyang , Gao Guanhui , Guo Hua , Xu Rui , Giles Noah , Li Tao , Mei Zhaobo , Xu Mingfei , Zhou Jingan , He Ziyi , Chang Cheng , Zhu Hanyu , Palacios Tomás , Zhao Yuji
Published: December 2023

This Letter reports the performance of vertical GaN-on-GaN p–n diodes with etch-then-regrown p-GaN after exposure to a simulated Venus environment (460 °C, ∼94 bar, containing CO2/N2/SO2 etc., atmosphere) for over 10 days, and compared them to the performance of GaN p–n diodes without the etch-then-regrow process. After the above-mentioned Venus test, temperature-dependent I–V and microscopy investigation were conducted to study the robustness of etch-then-regrow p-GaN and vertical GaN p–n diodes under harsh environments and operation up to 500 °C. p-electrode degradation is found to be the main issue of the device's performance. This is the highest temperature at which such characterization has been conducted for vertical GaN p–n diodes, therefore establishing a critical reference for the development of p-GaN regrown and vertical GaN-based electronics for extreme environments.
Multiple channel transport properties of topological surface states in SmB6 nanoribbons
Authors: Ma Yujiao , Cui Yugui , Chu Yi , Xu Yan , Xing Yingjie , Huang Shaoyun
Published: December 2023

SmB6, a topological Kondo insulator, possesses topologically protected surface states, in which carrier mobility is supposed to be high but is significantly varied in orders of magnitude dependent upon characterization methods. Herein, we performed magnetoresistance measurements on a Hall-bar device constructed on a highly uniform SmB6 nanoribbon with (001) surface grown by chemical vapor deposition. Unusual non-linear Hall resistance was observed at low temperature and explained with a two-carrier model. The two types of carriers were attributed to two types of Fermi pockets on the Brillouin zone of the SmB6 (001) surface. The Fermi pocket on Γ point provided high hole mobility up to 1.4×103 cm2/V s but low hole density at a temperature of 2.2 K. On the other hand, the Fermi pockets on X points supplied low electron mobility down to 1.8 cm2/V s but high electron density. The identification of the two types of pockets laid the foundation for the understanding of the transport via the topological surface states of the SmB6 (001) surface.
Tip leakage flow of a vibrating airfoil in a linear compressor cascade
Authors: Shi Lei , Ma Hongwei , Wang Lixiang , Yu Botao , Wang Tianyou
Published: December 2023

In turbomachinery, understanding the interaction between blade vibrations and the tip flow is of great interest due to current trends, which tend to thinner airfoils with higher loading and higher efficiencies. The present paper experimentally investigates the unsteady tip leakage flow/vortex (TLF/V) of a vibrating airfoil in a compressor cascade with a large tip gap subjected to bend-mode controlled oscillations. Tip wall pressure distribution and secondary tip flow in the blade channel were studied using high-response pressure measurements and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The effects of blade vibrations on the TLF field and the TLV wandering characteristics are explored. The experimental results demonstrate that the TLF field is dominated by the TLV, and the TLV synchronously wanders with the displacement of the blade. Besides, the vortex intensity, the vortex wandering intensity, and turbulence fluctuations are phase-shifted by π/2 concerning the displacement of the blade. In contrast, the velocity deficit in the vortex core is not influenced by blade vibrations. This study provides the phase-resolved tip flow field of a vibrating airfoil with tip gaps in a linear compressor cascade, which is a necessary step toward compressor blade vibration prediction.
Mechanism of width effects on cavity-induced transitions at hypersonic speed using direct numerical simulation
Authors: Bai Tian , Wang Qiang , Xiao Zhixiang
Published: December 2023

Cavities on the surfaces of hypersonic vehicles cannot be avoided easily. Moreover, they can trigger boundary layer transition under certain conditions. However, little progress has been reported on boundary layer transitions induced by a three-dimensional (3-D) shallow cavity. In this study, transitions induced by six 3-D shallow cavities with the same length–depth ratios of 20 and different widths of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 times the baseline width (W), as well as infinite width, were investigated. A direct numerical simulation was conducted using the Roe scheme with 4th-order minimum dispersion and controllable dissipation, and weighted essentially non-oscillatory reconstruction, based on our in-house code: Unsteady NavIer–STokes equations solver. Cavity width was observed to have non-monotonic influences on transition. Both the 0.25 and 1.0 W cavities could induce transition constantly. Moreover, flow was maintained as laminar past the 1.5 W and InfW cavities. For the 0.5 and 0.75 W cavities, intermittent transition was observed with different intermittency factors. The intermittent transition phenomenon was determined to be caused by the periodic increase and decrease in the adverse pressure gradient (APG) in the front part of cavity. Notably, the recirculation with a synchronic size change was the origin of the APG oscillation.
Influence of non-linear slip dependent zeta potential on the bi-layered electrohydrodynamic flow in an electrically actuated microsystem
Authors: Habarh Sharmistha , Nayak A. K.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the electro-osmotic flow (EOF) of two immiscible fluids through an electrically actuated micro-slit with a non-linear slip-dependent zeta potential is considered. The main objective of this work is to enhance the EOF velocity of non-polar fluid with an intensive flow variation in micro-confinements. We present the comparison between the Poisson–Nernst–Planck (P–N–P) and the Poisson–Boltzmann model and illustrate the impact of different parameters, such as Debye–Hückel parameter, slip coefficient, and interfacial potential drop, on the ionic concentration and the induced potential in detail. In this study, the interface between two immiscible fluids is considered to be planar, and a potential drop is observed close to the interface due to the development of back-to-back diffuse layers. At the interface between two layers, the continuity of the velocity and total stresses (Maxwell stress and shear stress) are taken into account to investigate the flow field in the system of immiscible electrolytes. The P–N–P model, linked with the ion transport equation and the Poisson equation, is employed to describe the motion of electrolyte solutions. The non-linear governing equations are numerically computed using a pressure-correction-based finite volume technique based on a staggered grid algorithm. Closed-form analytical solutions are derived for both steady and unsteady EOF field of two immiscible fluids for the low wall zeta potential and non-overlapping electrical double layer. The analytical solutions are well validated with our numerical results under suitable assumptions. It is also observed that the slip-dependent zeta potential successfully provides a considerable enhancement in EOF velocity over a broad range of parameters such as zeta potential, Debye–Hückel parameter, as well as boundary slip parameter. The results for both layers are highly affected by unequal wall potential, and the ion concentrations are highly actuated by the external electric field.
Bound and autoionizing potential energy curves in the CH molecule
Authors: Hvizdoš Dávid , Forer Joshua , Kokoouline Viatcheslav , Greene Chris H.
Published: December 2023

This article presents a method of computing bound state potential curves and autoionizing curves using fixed-nuclei R-matrix data extracted from the Quantemol-N software suite. It is a method based on two related multichannel quantum-defect theory approaches. One is applying bound-state boundary conditions to closed-channel asymptotic solution matrices, and the other is searching for resonance positions via eigenphase shift analysis. We apply the method to the CH molecule to produce dense potential-curve datasets presented as graphs and supplied as tables in the publication supplement.
Temperature dependence of complex permeability and power losses for Mn–Zn ferrites
Authors: Yang Shengyu , Wu Peng , Wu Wei , Tu Chengfa , Wang Wenbiao , Sheng Yanfei , Li Feng , Qiao Liang
Published: December 2023

The complex permeability and power losses are very important parameters for soft magnetic materials. In this paper, the temperature dependence of these two parameters is investigated for Mn–Zn ferrite. The Hopkinson peak was observed at 440 K below the Curie temperature (TC), and the domain-wall resonance peaks and the natural resonance peaks gradually move to lower frequencies until the Hopkinson temperature (TH). Further, the domain-wall resonance peaks from relaxation type to resonance type are observed by fitting the permeability spectrum, which is related to the reduction of the loss factor. In addition, the power losses were measured from 245 to 365 K and divided into hysteresis loss (Ph), eddy current loss (Pe), and excess loss (Pexc). Each loss contribution was discussed to be dependent on temperature. The results show that at high temperatures and high frequencies, the thermal superposition effect will cause an abnormal increase in excess loss.
Multiple regimes of lock-in and hysteresis in free vibration of a rotating cylinder
Authors: Sahu Tulsi Ram , Navrose  , Mittal Sanjay
Published: December 2023

Flow-induced vibration of a rotating cylinder that is free to oscillate in the stream-wise and cross stream directions is studied in the laminar flow regime via linear stability analysis (LSA) and direct time integration (DTI). LSA reveals that the instability can arise from fluid-, elastic-, or coupled fluid-elastic modes depending on the rotation rate of the cylinder, α, and reduced speed, U*. Beyond α=2, the U*-range of lock-in increases exponentially with an increase in α. DTI brings out the multiple regimes of lock-in at various α. Each lock-in regime extends for a certain range of U* and is associated with a different mode of vortex shedding. The modes differ in terms of the number of pair of vortices shed during each cycle of cylinder oscillation. The amplitude of cylinder oscillation increases with an increase in the number of shed vortices. With an increase in Re, the number of vortex shedding modes increase. Vortices are generally shed during the upstream movement of cylinder, while the shear layer wraps around it resulting in large lift during the downstream motion. The flow as well as the oscillation amplitude is found to be sensitive to the initial condition for a certain range of α and U*. A flow regime is discovered where three distinct response states can be realized depending on the initial condition. Hysteresis in response to the cylinder and flow, with respect to increase and decrease in U*, occurs near the transition between lock-in and desynchronization and during the switch in the mode of vortex shedding.
String diagrams for wave-based computation
Authors: Waseem Muhammad Hamza , Karenowska Alexy D.
Published: December 2023

As fundamental scaling limits start to stifle the evolution of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor transistor technology, interest in potential alternative computing platforms grows. One such alternative is wave-based computation. In this work, we propose a general string diagrammatic formalism for wave-based computation with phase encoding applicable to a wide range of emerging architectures and technologies, including quantum-dot cellular automata, single-electron circuits, spin torque majority gates, and DNA computing. We demonstrate its applicability for design, analysis, and simplification of Boolean logic circuits using the example of spin-wave circuits.
Recontextualizing disassembled texts
Authors: Moreno García Luis Damián
Published: December 2023

Video game multimodality has been discussed mainly from the standpoints of Game and Media Studies, but also increasingly by Translation Studies (Mejías-Climent 2017; O’Hagan 2007; Vázquez-Calvo et al. 2019). However, there is still little research focusing on how mobile game localizers construe poly-semiotic texts and their subcomponents during the translation process. Due to certain factors, the textual components of video games are commonly separated from its audiovisual elements before being sent to localization experts, who are then confronted with disassembled “texts” forced back to monomodality. Furthermore, the “text” is intertwined with programming languages and subdivided into disconnected snippets. Thus, video game localizers constantly perform what is often called “blind” translation (Dietz 2006, 2007; O’Hagan and Mangiron 2013; Mejías-Climent 2021). The present piece of research focuses on the notion of the multimodal “text” as a “web of texts” (Gambier 2021) in the field of mobile game localization from Chinese into European languages and other Eastern languages. It analyses how professional localizers perform their meaning-making processes in regard to “text” and “context” in such a medium and explores how they strive to reinstate multimodality through (re)contextualization. The study replicated “blind” localization processes via a video game translation test finished and commented on by respondents under context-scarce conditions. Data was then triangulated with online surveys and interviews to assess localizers’ considerations towards the “text” as a “web of texts.” Through quantitative and qualitative coding, the paper explores the different elements present in the web(s) and offers a view of the mobile game as a vast entity seen by the translator from an incredibly limited and limiting element, that of the monomodal “text.” Results show that mobile game localizers construct, re-construct, and co-construct the “text” according to previous gaming and translation experiences, or even imagined representations of how, why, and where “texts” are embedded.
Commensal bacteria promote type I interferon signaling to maintain immune tolerance in mice
Authors: Vasquez Ayala Adriana , Hsu Chia-Yun , Oles Renee E. , Matsuo Kazuhiko , Loomis Luke R. , Buzun Ekaterina , Carrillo Terrazas Marvic , Gerner Romana R. , Lu Hsueh-Han , Kim Sohee , Zhang Ziyue , Park Jong Hwee , Rivaud Paul , Thomson Matt , Lu Li-Fan , Min Booki , Chu Hiutung
Published: December 2023

Type I interferons (IFNs) exert a broad range of biological effects important in coordinating immune responses, which have classically been studied in the context of pathogen clearance. Yet, whether immunomodulatory bacteria operate through IFN pathways to support intestinal immune tolerance remains elusive. Here, we reveal that the commensal bacterium, Bacteroides fragilis, utilizes canonical antiviral pathways to modulate intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cell (Treg) responses. Specifically, IFN signaling is required for commensal-induced tolerance as IFNAR1-deficient DCs display blunted IL-10 and IL-27 production in response to B. fragilis. We further establish that IFN-driven IL-27 in DCs is critical in shaping the ensuing Foxp3+ Treg via IL-27Rα signaling. Consistent with these findings, single-cell RNA sequencing of gut Tregs demonstrated that colonization with B. fragilis promotes a distinct IFN gene signature in Foxp3+ Tregs during intestinal inflammation. Altogether, our findings demonstrate a critical role of commensal-mediated immune tolerance via tonic type I IFN signaling.
Triboelectric nanogenerator-integrated symmetric supercapacitor based on TiO2 encrusted MXene nanosheets for energy harvesting and storage applications
Authors: Sardana Sagar , Mahajan Parika , Mishra Ambuj , Mahajan Aman
Published: December 2023

With the rapid advances in the Internet of Things, it is possible to construct a self-charging power system integrating a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and supercapacitor (SC), which represents an excellent tool for simultaneous conversion and storage of distributed environmental energy. In particular, the well-researched Ti3C2T
x
MXene materials for triboelectric nanogeneration lack high and stable power density, mainly due to the charge dissipation effect on their surface. Herein, the effectiveness of MXenes is enhanced by encrusting TiO2 on the inner and outer surfaces via a hydrothermal method. TiO2, which has inherent dielectric properties, could serve the dual function of electron trapping/blocking and surface polarization, mitigating the diffusion and drifting of surficial tribo-charges and thus increasing output TENG performance. An integrated TENG based on MXene/TiO2 composites with a TiO2 concentration of 3 mM has a higher output voltage than a pristine MXene-based TENG (110 V, a 1.83-fold increase) and achieves a maximum instantaneous power density of ∼1440 mW m−2. TiO2 is also conductive to pseudo-faradaic reactions, and the integrated MXene/TiO2 based symmetric SC exhibits an enhanced specific capacitance of 231.08 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is 4.52 times that of pristine MXene, with a maximum energy density of 12.74 W h kg−1 at a power density of 483.06 W kg−1. Finally, utilizing polyimide sheets as substrates, the flexible self-charging power system was integrated: the TENG charges the SC up to 0.8 V with a charging/discharging time of 37 s/40 s, showing great promise for the demands of flexible and self-powered electronics.
Efficient synthesis and characterization of novel BiVO4/ZnO/graphene composites to study enhanced photocatalytic activity for organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Liaqat Maira , Ahsan Sayyam , Iqbal Tahir , Afsheen Sumera , Khan Rana Rashad Mahmood , Al-Zaqri Nabil , El-Marghany Adel , Warad Ismail
Published: December 2023

This study reports the efficient synthesis and thorough characterization of novel graphene doped

BiV

O

4

/

ZnO

nanocomposites. Among these doping percentages, 3% BVZO/G is optimized composite as it shows the highest photocatalytic performance i–e 98% and 95% among all the doping percentages. Under the visible light exposure

λ
⩾
420

nm

, the decomposition of tetracycline (TC) and methylene blue has been studied to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the prepared composites. The characterization techniques such as photoluminescence spectroscopy, UV visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared have been used to investigate the optical, structural, morphological, and vibrational properties respectively. The findings of the research indicate that the doping of graphene resulted in enhanced absorption of visible light and efficient mitigation of charge carrier recombination. To check the stability of optimized photocatalyst, reusability test has been performed. Additionally, role of active species has been examined using different scavengers in trapping experiment. By understanding the composite material for the enhanced photocatalysis, the results of this research help to design a sustainable and efficient photocatalyst.
A dynamic goniometer-spectrometer with angle-to-time conversion
Authors: Yurin Alexander , Vishnyakov Gennady , Minaev Vladimir , Golopolosov Alexander
Published: December 2023

We present a dynamic goniometer–spectrometer for measuring the refractive index (RI) of transparent triangular prisms by converting the beam deviation angles into time intervals. The proposed measuring scheme allows the automatic determination of the RI simultaneously for several different wavelengths by measuring the time intervals between the moments of autocollimation of the reference and refracted rays reflected from a mirror continuously rotating around the object with constant angular speed. This makes it possible to avoid the use of an expensive ring laser or encoder for angle measurements and to use relatively inexpensive instruments for time measurements, which reduces the cost of measuring equipment. To calculate the RI value, we used the minimum deviation technique. A functional diagram of the measuring equipment is given. A reference prism made of NBK-7 Schott optical glass was experimentally studied and the measurement errors were estimated. The proposed measuring scheme can be used for automated RI measurement and to study the dispersion characteristics of triangular prisms made of optically transparent materials and liquid optically transparent substances filling a hollow triangular prism.
Investigating the electronic structure, elastic, magnetic, and thermoelectric nature of NiV
X
Sc1−X
Sb quaternary half-Heusler alloys
Authors: Benabdellah Ghlamallah , Toufik Djaafri , Mokhtari Mohamed , Salman Khan Muhammad , Tawfeek Ahmed M , Ahmad Hijaz
Published: December 2023

The structural, electronic, magnetic, elastic, and thermoelectric properties of NiV
x
Sc1−x
Sb half Heusler alloys with different compositions were investigated employing a self-consistent first-principles-based calculation that uses the full-potential linearized-augmented-plane-wave method. The structural characteristics, such as the bulk modulus and lattice constants, are examined with various vanadium concentrations. The accurately modified Becke Johnson potential was used to calculate the band gap energies. The equilibrium lattice parameter of the NiScSb type-I structure has the lowest energy and seems to be most stable among the other configurations, with a lattice constant value of 6.04 Å, which deviates from the experimental results by up to 0.5%. The bulk modulus rises as the lattice constant decreases. The ground states of the studied alloy structures are dynamically stable, as concluded by the non-existence of negative phonon frequencies. The band structure of NiScSb (for x = 0) was predicted as a non-magnetic semiconductor with an indirect band nature and an energy gap value of 0.244 eV along (Γ-point > X). This tendency was further supported by the symmetrical shape of the curves that reflect the densities of states for these configuration channels. The thermoelectric characteristics of these various combinations were also thoroughly investigated and discussed.
Tunable dual-emission of Sb3+, Ho3+ Co-doped Cs2NaScCl6 single crystals for light-emitting diodes
Authors: Qin Qingyong , Liu Yu , Gao Ge , Chen Zhaoqiong , Gao Zejiang , Chen Li , Zhong Xianci , Zou Bingsuo
Published: December 2023

Lead-free halide double perovskites are considered as one of the most promising materials in optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), due to their environmental friendliness and chemical stability. However, the extremely low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of self-trapped excitons (STEs) emission from lead-free halide double perovskites impedes their applications. Herein, Sb3+ ions were doped into rare-earth-based double perovskite Cs2NaScCl6 single crystals (SCs), resulting in a large enhancement of PLQY from 12.57% to 87.37%. Moreover, by co-doping Sb3+ and Ho3+ into Cs2NaScCl6 SCs, the emission color can be tuned from blue to red, due to an efficient energy transfer from STEs to Ho3+ ions. Finally, the synthesized sample was used in multicolor LED, which exhibited excellent stability and optical properties. This work not only provides a new strategy for improving the optical properties of Cs2NaScCl6 SCs, but also suggests its potential application in multicolor LEDs.