bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New constraints of terrestrial and oceanic global gross primary productions from the triple oxygen isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2 and O2
Authors: Liang Mao-Chang , Laskar Amzad H. , Barkan Eugeni , Newman Sally , Thiemens Mark H. , Rangarajan Ravi
Published: February 2023

Representations of the changing global carbon cycle under climatic and environmental perturbations require highly detailed accounting of all atmosphere and biosphere exchange. These fluxes remain unsatisfactory, as a consequence of only having data with limited spatiotemporal coverage and precision, which restrict accurate assessments. Through the nature of intimate coupling of global carbon and oxygen cycles via O2 and CO2 and their unique triple oxygen isotope compositions in the biosphere and atmosphere, greater insight is available. We report analysis of their isotopic compositions with the widest geographical and temporal coverage (123 new measurements for CO2) and constrain, on an annual basis, the global CO2 recycling time (1.5 ± 0.2 year) and gross primary productivities of terrestrial (~ 170–200 PgC/year) and oceanic (~ 90–120 PgC/year) biospheres. Observed inter-annual variations in CO2 triple oxygen isotopic compositions were observed at a magnitude close to the largest contrast set by the terrestrial and oceanic biospheres. The seasonal cycles between the east and west Pacific Ocean were found to be drastically different. This intra-annual variability implies that the entire atmospheric CO2 turnover time is not much longer than the tropospheric mixing time (less than ~ 5 months), verifying the derived recycling time. The new measurements, analyses, and incorporation of other global data sets allow development of an independent approach, providing a strong constraint to biogeochemical models.
Reconciling policy instruments with drivers of deforestation and forest degradation: cross-scale analysis of stakeholder perceptions in tropical countries
Authors: Ferrer Velasco Rubén , Lippe Melvin , Fischer Richard , Torres Bolier , Tamayo Fabián , Kalaba Felix Kanungwe , Kaoma Humphrey , Bugayong Leonida , Günter Sven
Published: February 2023

Cross-scale studies combining information on policy instruments and on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are key to design and implement effective forest protection measures. We investigated the scale and country dependency of stakeholder perceptions about future threats to tropical forests (e.g. agriculture, logging, woodfuel) and preferred policy instruments (e.g. reforestation, protected areas, combat illegal logging), by interviewing 224 representatives of forest-related institutions. We conducted analysis of variance and principal component analysis for eighteen variables across three countries (Zambia, Ecuador and the Philippines) and four spatial levels (from international to local). We found that the overall alertness about commercial drivers and the confidence in policy instruments are significantly lower at subnational levels and also in Zambia. Stakeholder expectations about the most important drivers and the most effective policies in the coming decade follow regional narratives, suggesting that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions in international forest policy. However, we found an unexpected consensus across scales, indicating potential for collaboration between institutions operating at different geographical levels. Overall, agriculture remains the driver with the highest expected influence (43%), while a strong favoritism for reforestation and forest restoration (38%) suggests a paradigm shift from protected areas to a stronger focus on integrative approaches.
Dynamical response and noise limit of a parametrically pumped microcantilever sensor in a Phase-Locked Loop
Authors: Mouro João , Paoletti Paolo , Sartore Marco , Tiribilli Bruno
Published: February 2023

We investigate the response of a digitally controlled and parametrically pumped microcantilever used for sensing in a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL). We develop an analytical model for its dynamical response and obtain an explicit dependence on the rheological parameters of the surrounding viscous medium. Linearization of this model allows to find improved responsivity to density variations in the case of parametric suppression. Experiments with a commercial microcantilever validate the model, but also reveal an increase of frequency noise in the PLL associated with the parametric gain and phase, which, in most cases, restricts the attainable limit of detection. The noise in open-loop is studied by measuring the random fluctuations of the noise-driven deflection of the microcantilever, and a model for the power spectral density of amplitude, phase and frequency noises is discussed and used to explain the frequency fluctuations in the closed-loop PLL. This work concludes that parametric pumping in a PLL does not improve the sensing performance in applications requiring detecting frequency shifts.
Origin of electrically induced defects in monolayer MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Ansh Ansh , Patbhaje Utpreksh , Kumar Jeevesh , Meersha Adil , Shrivastava Mayank
Published: February 2023

Defects in MoS2 play substantial role in determining the performance of MoS2-based field-effect transistors. Typically, growth/synthesis process conditions determine the type and concentration of defects. Here, we show that defects are also introduced by prolonged operation of single crystal chemical vapor deposition-grown monolayer MoS2 transistors which hinder the overall performance. Depending on the electrical stress conditions, these defects result in threshold voltage instabilities, enhanced channel conductance, improved screening of charged impurity scattering sites and possibly better thermal management in MoS2 transistors. It turns out that a piezoelectric response in MoS2 leads to permanent change in the material’s molecular configuration thereby causing other effects like suppressed hopping transport within the channel, increased free electron concentration, prominent metal-insulator transition and reduction in channel potential with or without increasing sulfur vacancy concentration. As these defects are progressively introduced in the channel, the thermal dissipation capability of our MoS2 transistors improved due to enhanced channel-dielectric coupling. Such variations in the device performance due to spontaneous response to high electric field trigger a need to reconsider supply voltage requirements of MoS2-based electronic circuits for low-power logic applications.
Development of a CH2-dependent analytical method using near-infrared spectroscopy via the integration of two algorithms: non-dominated sorting genetic-II and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (NSGAII-CARS)
Authors: He Xin , E Huanyu , Ding Guoyu
Published: February 2023

In most of the near-infrared studies, near-infrared spectra (NIRS) were often mathematically treated.
Potential threat of microplastics to humans: toxicity prediction modeling by small data analysis
Authors: Choi Daheui , Kim Chul , Kim Taihyun , Park Kyungtae , Im Jongho , Hong Jinkee
Published: February 2023

Microplastics present in nature have various toxicities depending on the types or ratio, and these effects can be anticipated through a microplastic toxicity prediction model.
Characteristics, source apportionment and health risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids in typical drinking water sources of eastern China
Authors: Liu Hong , Jia Ruibao , Du Zhenqi , Xin Xiaodong , Wang Mingquan , Sun Shaohua , Guo Weilin , Li Xiang , Liu Li
Published: February 2023

Industrial discharges might be responsible for perfluoroalkyl acid pollution. More attention must be paid to perfluoroalkyl acid risks to children in typical drinking water sources of Shandong Province in China.
Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels with nearly uniform sub-micrometer domains via regulated co-solvent removal
Authors: Wang Tiancheng , Riggleman Robert A. , Lee Daeyeon , Stebe Kathleen J.
Published: February 2023

A scalable method to synthesize bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels) with uniform sub-micrometer domains is developed. Such bijel films exhibit strong solar reflectance as well as high whiteness in the visible range.
Synthesis of a crystalline zeolitic imidazole framework-8 nano-coating on single environment-sensitive viral particles for enhanced immune responses
Authors: Wang Liuyang , Lin Xuan , Sheng Yanan , Zhu Hongyu , Li Zhengjun , Su Zhiguo , Yu Rong , Zhang Songping
Published: February 2023

Unstable foot-and-mouth disease virus particles were armored with nano-sized crystalline ZIF-8 by an elaborately manipulated biomineralization reaction and showed improved immune responses.
Improved activity for the oxygen evolution reaction using a tiara-like thiolate-protected nickel nanocluster
Authors: Funaki Sota , Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Okada Tomoshige , Takemae Kana , Hossain Sakiat , Niihori Yoshiki , Naito Takumi , Takagi Makito , Shimazaki Tomomi , Kikkawa Soichi , Yamazoe Seiji , Tachikawa Masanori , Negishi Yuichi
Published: February 2023

This study demonstrated that nickel-nanocluster catalysts exhibit 2.3 times higher electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction activity compared with nickel-oxide catalysts prepared using a general impregnation method on carbon black.
Fabrication of a nanoscale 2D PEDOT patternviathe combination of colloidal lithography and vapor phase polymerization for application in transparent, highly sensitive bending sensors
Authors: Kim Dong Hwan , Lee Ho Joon , Park Daedong , Yim Jin-Heong , Choi Hong Kyoon
Published: February 2023

Nanoscale patterning strategy for conducting polymer, PEDOT, is developed by combining vapor phase polymerization (VPP) and colloidal lithography. The patterned PEDOT film exhibits excellent transparency and high sensitivity to bending stress.
Improving performances of the electrode/electrolyte interfaceviathe regulation of solvation complexes: a review and prospect
Authors: Quan Yin , Wu Shumin , Yang Kerong , Hu Ling , Zhang Xiaojuan , Hu Xinyi , Liang Hongcheng , Li Shiyou
Published: February 2023

This minireview summarizes the effects of solvation complexes on the composition of EEI film and Li+ desolvation process from the perspective of the electrolyte and further clarifies the internal mechanism of the electrolyte composition.
Facile synthesis of three-dimensional Co/N co-doped carbon nanocuboids for an enhanced oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Huang Wenkai , Zhang Jun , Wang Yanlan , Astruc Didier , Liu Xiang
Published: February 2023

Highly efficient three-dimensional Co and N co-doped carbon nanocuboids (CoN/CNCs) have been first designed and synthesized,viadoping of Co and N atoms onto carbon nanocuboids, for an enhanced oxygen reduction reaction.
Peptide valence-induced breaks in plasmonic coupling
Authors: Chang Yu-Ci , Jin Zhicheng , Li Ke , Zhou Jiajing , Yim Wonjun , Yeung Justin , Cheng Yong , Retout Maurice , Creyer Matthew N. , Fajtová Pavla , He Tengyu , Chen Xi , O’Donoghue Anthony J. , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: February 2023

Electrostatic interactions are a key driving force that mediates colloidal assembly.
Room-temperature magnetism in two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks enabled by electrostatic gating
Authors: Yu Qin , Wang Dong
Published: February 2023

In this work, we find that room-temperature ferromagnetic order can be attained in a two-dimensional Mn–O metal–organic framework when it is hole doped by applying a few volts of gate voltage.
Modulation of CO2 adsorption thermodynamics and selectivity in alkali-carbonate activated N-rich porous carbons
Authors: Eichler J. Ehren , Burrow James N. , Katyal Naman , Henkelman Graeme , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: February 2023

In this paper we activate carbons from precursors of varying nitrogen content with different activating cations. The charge density of the cation helped to tune material properties and influence CO2 adsorption thermodynamics.
Size-matching encapsulation of a high-nuclearity Ni-containing polyoxometalate into a light-responsive MOF for robust photogeneration of hydrogen
Authors: Wang Ruijie , Feng Yeqin , Jiao Le , Dong Yuanyuan , Zhou Hui , Liu Tianfu , Jing Xuemeng , Lv Hongjin
Published: February 2023

The photo-active Ni16As4P4@NU-1000 composite was constructed using a size-matching impregnation strategy, which shows robust long-term photocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution with a TON of 28 600 after 120-hour Xe-lamp irradiation.
Ultrathin corrugated nanowire TiO2 as a versatile photoanode platform for boosting photoelectrochemical alcohol and water oxidation
Authors: Niu Fushuang , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Zhenghao , Zhou Quan , Li Pengju , Liu Rong , Li Wei , Hu Ke
Published: February 2023

Well-aligned ultrathin corrugated nanowire TiO2 (UCW-TiO2) on FTO was used as a versatile photoanode platform for PEC benzyl alcohol and water oxidation with significant performance improvement compared to the nanoparticulate TiO2 counterparts.
The 2D van der Waals heterojunction MoC@NG@CN for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Tan Mengxi , Yu Chengye , Yao Jiaqi , Zhang Qinyong , Kui Shengyu , Liu Chuanbao , Dong Wenjun , Meng Huimin , Su Yanjing , Qiao Lijie , Bai Yang
Published: February 2023

The 2D VDW heterojunction MoC@NG@CN shows 13.4 times higher photocatalytic activity than CN. Abundant active sites, enhanced charge separation and numerous charge transport channels all contribute to the excellent photocatalytic performance.
A double-cable Y-series-based polymer acceptor for efficient all-polymer solar cells: a new strategy of polymerizing small molecule acceptors
Authors: Wu Xiaohei , Cai Shijie , Shen Kexin , Chen Mingxia , Wang Tao , Zhao Xinbi , Wang Shanshan , Yang Xinrong , Zhang Meimei , Sun Rui , Min Jie
Published: February 2023

In this work, we report a new design strategy to synthesize a double-cable polymer acceptor PT-BTP composed of a fused-ring Y-series acceptor framework as a pendant side unit and thiophene derivative as the conjugated backbone.
Nonuniform-to-uniform structural transitions induced by ultrasonic vibrations
Authors: Li Xiong-Ying , Lv Xue-Qi , Wang Yu-Shu , Yang Jin , Liu Hong-Bing
Published: February 2023

Ultrasonic vibrations promote the formation and motion of dislocations, leading to a nonuniform-to-uniform structural transition of a joined Mg/Al interface in a Mg–Al nanolayer.
Thermo-oxidative conversion of PDC as a molecular model of residual feedstocks to oxygen-rich chemicals
Authors: Al-Akbari Redhwan , Razi Maryam , Badran Ismail , Nassar Nashaat N.
Published: February 2023

Increased global energy consumption has resulted in more waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Impact of Cervical Spinal Disease on Pharyngeal Swallowing Function
Authors: Walters Rameen K. , Gudipudi Rachana , Davidson Kate , Cooke Melissa , Barengo Jenna , Smyre Drasti , Garand Kendrea L. , Martin-Harris Bonnie , Matheus Maria G. , Nguyen Shaun A. , O'Rourke Ashli K.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Spinal pathology is very common with advancing age and can cause dysphagia; however, it is unclear how frequently these pathologies affect swallowing function. This study evaluates how cervical spinal pathology may impact swallowing function in dysphagic individuals observed during videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs).

Method:

A retrospective case–control study was performed on 100 individuals with dysphagia as well as age-/gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) with available VFSS. Spinal anatomy of patients was classified into two predetermined categories, and a consensus decision of whether spinal pathology influenced swallowing physiology was made. Validated swallow metrics, including Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) component scores, Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) maximum scores, and 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores, were compared between the spine-associated dysphagia (SAD), non-SAD (NSAD), and HC groups using Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance.

Results:

Most patients with dysphagia had spinal pathology. Spinal pathology was judged to be the primary etiology of dysphagia in 16.9% of patients with abnormal spine pathology. Median EAT-10 scores were statistically different among the three groups, with the NSAD group scoring the highest and the HC group scoring the lowest. Similarly, median PAS scores were significantly different between dysphagic groups and HCs. Median MBSImP Oral Total scores were significantly different only between the NSAD group and HCs, whereas Pharyngeal Total score was not significantly different among the groups.

Conclusions:

Spinal pathology is commonly observed during VFSS and can contribute to dysphagia, resulting in worse swallowing-related outcomes when compared with HCs. Patients judged to have SAD tended to have better outcomes than patients with dysphagia from other etiologies, perhaps due to the progressive nature of spinal disease that allows for compensatory swallowing physiology over time.
Spread the Word: Enhancing Replicability of Speech Research Through Stimulus Sharing
Authors: Strand Julia F. , Brown Violet A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The ongoing replication crisis within and beyond psychology has revealed the numerous ways in which flexibility in the research process can affect study outcomes. In speech research, examples of these “researcher degrees of freedom” include the particular syllables, words, or sentences presented; the talkers who produce the stimuli and the instructions given to them; the population tested; whether and how stimuli are matched on amplitude; the type of masking noise used and its presentation level; and many others. In this research note, we argue that even seemingly minor methodological choices have the potential to affect study outcomes. To that end, we present a reanalysis of six existing data sets on spoken word identification in noise to assess how differences in talkers, stimulus processing, masking type, and listeners affect identification accuracy.

Conclusions:

Our reanalysis revealed relatively low correlations among word identification rates across studies. The data suggest that some of the seemingly innocuous methodological details that differ across studies—details that cannot possibly be reported in text given the idiosyncrasies inherent to speech—introduce unknown variability that may affect replicability of our findings. We therefore argue that publicly sharing stimuli is a crucial step toward improved replicability in speech research.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21985907
Telepractice in the Treatment of Speech and Voice Disorders: What Could the Future Look Like?
Authors: Mallipeddi Nathan V. , Mehrotra Ateev , Van Stan Jarrad H.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

There is an ongoing technological revolution in the clinical tools used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to care for patients. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the pace of change and the shift to telepractice. Telepractice will continue to play a large role after the pandemic, but it is unclear what the future may look like. Our goal is to give SLPs an overview of how recent technological innovations may enhance synchronous treatment, enable asynchronous treatment, and broadly modify traditional clinical practice patterns while the patient spends less time in the clinic.

Conclusions:

Newer telepractice tools such as remote patient monitoring, digital phenotyping, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence may improve the therapeutic process by addressing the shortage of SLPs and the transition of therapy practices to the real world. We also highlight key barriers to this future, including lack of rigorous trials of advanced technologies and state licensure regulations.
Comprehensive analysis of LILR family genes expression and tumour‐infiltrating immune cells in early‐stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Qiang , Mo Shutian , Han Chuangye , Liao Xiwen , Yang Chengkun , Wang Xiangkun , Liang Tianyi , He Yongfei , Chen Zijun , Zhu Guangzhi , Su Hao , Ye Xinping , Peng Tao
Published: February 2023

Leucocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptors (LILRs) are closely related to tumourigenesis, but their clinical value in early‐stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after pancreaticoduodenectomy remains unknown. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression models is used to investigate the association between LILR expression and prognosis in tumour biopsies and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Risk score was calculated for each patient based on the prognostic model. DAVID, STRING, GeneMANIA, and GSEA were used to conduct pathway and functional analyses. The CIBERSORT algorithm is used to analyse tumour‐infiltrating immune cells. Survival analysis showed that high levels of LILRA4 (p = 0.006) and LILRB4 (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with better overall survival. High levels of LILRA2 (p = 0.008) and LILRB4 (p = 0.038) were significantly associated with better relapse‐free survival. JAK‐STAT signalling pathway, regulation of T cell activation, regulation of the immune effector process, and tumour necrosis factor superfamily cytokine production were involved in molecular mechanisms that affected poor prognoses in the high‐risk group in GSEA. CIBERSORT demonstrated that the high‐risk group had significantly higher infiltrating fraction of memory‐activated CD4 T cells and activated NK cells and lower fraction of resting dendritic cells and neutrophils. LILRB4 plays crucial roles in affecting the clinical outcomes of early‐stage PDAC.
Abundance and temperature of the outer hot circumgalactic medium
Authors: Ponti G. , Zheng X. , Locatelli N. , Bianchi S. , Zhang Y. , Anastasopoulou K. , Comparat J. , Dennerl K. , Freyberg M. , Haberl F. , Merloni A. , Reiprich T. H. , Salvato M. , Sanders J. , Sasaki M. , Strong A. , Yeung M. C. H.
Published: February 2023

Context. Despite their vital importance to understanding galaxy evolution and our own Galactic ecosystem, our knowledge of the physical properties of the hot X-ray emitting phase of the Milky Way is still inadequate. However, sensitive SRG/eROSITA large area surveys are now providing us with the long-sought data needed to mend this state of affairs.

Aims. Our aim is to constrain the properties of the Milky Way hot halo emission toward intermediate Galactic latitudes close to the Galactic anti-center.

Methods. We analyzed the spectral properties of the integrated soft X-ray emission observed by eROSITA in the relatively deep eFEDS field.

Results. We observe a flux of 12.6 and 5.1 × 10−12 erg cm−2 s−1 deg−2 in the total (0.3–2) and soft (0.3–0.6 keV) band. We measure the temperature and metal (oxygen) abundance of the hot circumgalactic medium (CGM) to be within kTCGM = 0.153–0.178 keV and ZCGM = 0.052–0.072 Z⊙, depending on the contribution of solar wind charge exchange (SWCX). Slightly higher CGM abundances ZCGM = 0.05–0.10 Z⊙ are possible, considering the uncertain extrapolation of the extragalactic cosmic X-ray background (CXB) emission below ~1 keV. To recover CGM abundances as high as ZCGM = 0.3 Z⊙, the presence of an additional component must be postulated, likely associated with the warm-hot intergalactic medium, providing ~15–20% of the flux in the soft X-ray band. We observe line widths of the CGM plasma smaller than Δυ ≤ 500 km s−1.

The emission in the soft band is dominated (~47%) by the circumgalactic medium (CGM), whose contribution reduces to ~30% if heliospheric SWCX contributes at the level of ~15% also during solar minimum. The remaining flux is provided by the CXB (~33%) and the local hot bubble (~18%). Moreover, the eROSITA data require the presence of an additional component associated with the elusive Galactic corona plus a possible contribution from unresolved M dwarf stars. This component has a temperature of kT ~ 0.4– 0.7 keV, a considerable (~ kiloparsec) scale height, and might be out of thermal equilibrium. It contributes ~9% to the total emission in the 0.6—2 keV band, and is therefore a likely candidate to produce part of the unresolved CXB flux observed in X-ray ultra-deep fields. We also observe a significant contribution to the soft X-ray flux due to SWCX, during periods characterized by stronger solar wind activity, and causing the largest uncertainty on the determination of the CGM temperature.

Conclusions. We constrain temperature, emission measure, abundances, thermal state, and spectral shape of the outer hot CGM of the Milky Way.
Three drivers for cities development: A focus on start-up contribution
Authors: Tregua Marco , Bruni Roberto
Published: February 2023

This research considers the interplay among new technologies – mostly digital –, new ventures, and the new emerging city contexts leading to support the urban transformation to improve quality of life. The need to provide public services in an efficient and more performative way led to consider such a challenge as a business opportunity for new ventures, thus inspiring the infusion of new technologies in start-ups and spinoffs created to offer public services. City governments lack the right knowledge and resources to do that, thus stimulating and partnering new ventures is a way to achieve a successful city transformation. Several case studies show this new dynamic and the potential improvements to be further achieved, thus mirroring the business opportunity caught by new ventures and the support new technologies can offer to citizens and other city’s stakeholders.
Service Inclusion for the Wellbeing of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Badr Nabil Georges , Azar Ninar , Yassine Firas , Kosremelli Asmar Michele
Published: February 2023

People with disabilities still find it extremely difficult to fully participate in society despite the international community’s strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. Through the lens of service science, we aim to frame the concept of service inclusion as a value-co-creation among the actors of the system supporting the well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Based on a service-dominant logic, we establish linkages between service inclusion, the goals of sustainable development, and the socio-ecological context. We extract a conceptualization around the sustainability of inclusive services for the well-being of people with IDD, indicated by sustainable value co-creation and exchange through continued service availability across the spheres of interaction in the socio-ecological context. With this work, we extend the potential for a wider research agenda on service inclusion for the well-being of people with IDD, tied to service design practices that focus on the priorities of the people with IDD.
Seropositivity Pattern of Human Cystic Echinococcosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital of India
Authors: Das Rojaleen , Gupta Varuna , Khullar Swati , Verma Nishant , Mirdha Bijay Ranjan
Published: February 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), even after several control measures, causes significant morbidity throughout the world. Besides imaging investigation technology, the serological tests are essential for both diagnosis and management of this slowly progressive disease. The present study was a hospital-based retrospective study that examined the seropositivity rate for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato antibody in patients suspected of CE at our tertiary health care center over 8 years from 2013 to 2020. Records of new visits to hospital/clinics and associated hospital discharge constituted the denominator of calculation. All samples were tested using commercially available indirect immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. A total of 925 suspected patients with a clinical diagnosis of CE were screened. The age group that commonly tested positive for CE was 20 to 39 years, and liver was the predominant organ found to be affected. The seropositive rate was 41.2%. On further year-wise analysis, it was observed that the seropositivity rate had significantly declined from 61.4% in 2013 to 33.8% in 2020. This study clearly showed that there is a by 27.6% decline of CE seropositivity rate in 8 years. This declining rate may be attributed to improved socioeconomic status and better implementation of health programs.
Effects of Low versus Intermediate Doses of Dexmedetomidine Infusion on Blood Loss, Hemodynamics, and Operative Time in Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Removal: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Muangman Saipin , Raksakietisak Manee , Akavipat Phuping , Rushatamukayanunt Pranee , Akkaworakit Sirinuttakul , Romkespikun Natthaporn , Mahatnirunkul Porntip
Published: February 2023

Background Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, has been widely used as an anesthetic adjunct for transsphenoidal pituitary resection. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate infusion dosage. This study aimed to compare the effects of low (0.2 mcg/kg/h) and intermediate (0.5 mcg/kg/h) dexmedetomidine infusions during anesthetic maintenance on blood loss, hemodynamics, and operating time.

Methods A randomized controlled trial involving two centers was conducted. Between December 2015 and November 2019, 80 patients (40 in each group) who underwent elective transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection were recruited. Dexmedetomidine was administered to group I at a loading dose of 0.5 mcg/kg, followed by 0.2 mcg/kg/h, and to group II at the same loading dose, followed by 0.5 mcg/kg/h. Comparative analyses were performed using the Student's t-test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Mann–Whitney U test; p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results Eighty patients were analyzed. Patient demographics were comparable. The difference in intraoperative blood loss between both groups (320 [220–525] vs. 250 [100-487] mL, p = 0.070) was not statistically significant. There were no differences in blood pressure or heart rate between the groups. In group II, the procedure took significantly less time (179 vs. 142 minutes, p = 0.018), with more episodes of transient hypotension (p = 0.034).

Conclusion When maintaining anesthesia for transsphenoidal pituitary resection, dexmedetomidine infusions of 0.2 and 0.5 mcg/kg/h showed the same effect on blood loss and hemodynamics; however, significantly more episodes of transient hypotension and shorter operating times were noted with the latter.
Selection of Neurosurgical Applicants in the High-Income Developing Country Lacking Local Residency Program: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Habsi Jehad , Alhabsi Fatema , Al-Jahwari Sara , Al-Saadi Tariq
Published: February 2023

Background Neurosurgery residency became one of the most competitive specialties in the medical field worldwide, which is increasing with time in contrast to the limited positions. Therefore, the requirements for the program have increased. There are different criteria for each program, which are determined by specific factors. It has become increasingly important for medical students to be aware of the factors that affect their acceptance into the program. There was a lack of data regarding the factors that contribute to the selection of neurosurgery residents in Oman

Methods A questionnaire composed of 14 questions was conducted, using the SurveyMonkey Web site, among neurosurgeons in Oman which was distributed to the five hospitals that have neurosurgery departments in Oman. SPSS software was used in the analysis of the collected data.

Results Forty-four participants responded to the survey. Ninety-five percent of them answered all the questions. Out of all participants, only two were female participants. Standardized international exam scores, such as the United State Medical Licensing Examination and Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination, ranked as the most important factor with a percentage of 44, followed by interview performance with a percentage of 33. While the least important factor was the age of applicants, which 46% of the participants ranked 8.

Conclusion Most of the participants agreed that standardized exams are the most important factor in the selection of neurosurgery residents followed by interview performance, although there was no significant statistical difference between the two.
Research on automatic detection method of secondary circuit connection of the measuring device mutual inductor
Authors: Chen Haibin , Chen Liwen , Tong Tao , Zhen Haohan , Yu Lei , Shen Peigang , Wu Yu
Published: February 2023

Due to the influence of the connection distance between the mutual inductor primary circuit and the metering device secondary circuit, the detection induced current of the traditional method is extremely small, which cannot accurately detect the authentic situation of the wiring, resulting in long detection time and low detection accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes the automatic detection method of the secondary circuit connection of the metering device mutual inductor. Through the voltage sampling circuit, the secondary circuit measurement data are obtained. Using the pulse signal shaping function and the ADE7753 chip to process the secondary circuit measurement data, the secondary circuit connection fault judgment is determined. According to the judgment, the electric energy meter is used, combined with the secondary circuit measurement data, and the automatic detection of the secondary circuit connection is achieved by calculation. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional detection method, the automatic detection method of the secondary circuit connection of the metering device mutual inductor designed in this paper achieves normal and stable detection induction current. There is no inductive current with an extremely small condition, the detection accuracy is high, and the detection time is short, indicating that the method is suitable for application in actual detection projects.
Research on the judging method of the T-connected transmission line fault branch
Authors: Shi Kejian , Dai Zikuo , Tian Ye , Chen Qiang , Liu Hengyu , Li Haifeng
Published: February 2023

When the T-connected transmission line fails, there is a certain relationship between the phases of the three-terminal power frequency fault current, which can be applied to protect the current differential of the T-connected line. In this paper, using the MATLAB/Simulink electric power system simulation software, when the T-connected transmission line is faulty, the power frequency fault current variation law monitored at the installation point is deeply studied, and the judgment method of the T-connected transmission line fault branch based on the power frequency current is proposed.
Infrared detection through CMOS detector enabled by reversible luminescence quenching of quantum dots
Authors: Wang Jeffrey Gan , Ma Ruihua , Wu Xing , Leng Kangmin , Wang Qisheng
Published: February 2023

The detection of infrared radiation through a CMOS detector has recently intrigued the scientists and engineers all over the world. This could lower the cost, simplify the operation, and improve the pixel of the conventional infrared detection technology. To achieve this objective, the infrared light is converted into visible light via up-conversion nanoparticles or LED, which, however, suffers from complicated device fabrication. Herein, we report a type of simple infrared detection via a CMOS detector based on quantum dots (QDs). Inspired by the temperature effect of luminescence QDs, we design a setup that modulates the luminescence intensity of QDs via infrared radiation, which can be read out through a CMOS camera. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of thermal quenching behavior is investigated through measurements of transient photoluminescence. Compared with traditional IR detectors, our infrared detection system possesses the advantages of facile fabrication and scalability, showing great potential for infrared detection.
Thin-film (Al)BCN materials synthesized by sequential precursor pulses to mimic atomic layer deposition
Authors: Apaydin Ramazan O. , Aarnink Antonius A. I. , Gravesteijn Dirk J. , de Jong Michel P. , Kovalgin Alexey Y.
Published: February 2023

This work brings novel insights into the existing knowledge on the deposition of films containing boron (B), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and aluminum (Al). The (Al)BCN films are obtained at low substrate temperatures (TS) of 250–400 °C from triethylborane, ammonia (NH3), and trimethylaluminum. For BCN films, a nearly similar elemental composition of B0.42C0.41N0.15O0.02, with 1–2 at. % variations, is observed for substantial ranges of TS and NH3-exposure time. This can indicate a similar growth mechanism and/or formation of a single-phase material. While excluding precursor underdosing, a remarkable dependence of growth rate per cycle (GPC) on total gas pressure (Ptot) is observed. The GPC approaches near saturation regime for Ptot between 1 and 10 mbar, for TS = 330–375 °C, which might support the occurrence of a surface-adduct assisted pathway. The level of GPC saturation is influenced by TS. For a wide range of process conditions, N-share in the films slightly varies between 12 and 16 at. %. C-share only changes between 40 and 42 at. %. The attempt to increase N-share by dissociating NH3 into NH2 radicals by hot wire assistance remarkably shows the opposite effect, i.e., a decrease in the N-share from 15 to 6 at. %. This is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the B- and, in particular, C-shares, suggesting that the removal of carbon can occur via the incorporation of nitrogen. For AlBCN films, changing Ptot has a strong effect on their elemental composition. At Ptot = 10 mbar, Al-deficient films grow, whereas a Ptot of 0.2 mbar leads to mainly AlN-containing films with some inclusions of BN.
Spleen distribution and serum immune responses after acute administration of silica-conjugated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles
Authors: Hasan Mahbub , Choi Jong-Gu , Akter Hafeza , Lee Sang-Suk
Published: February 2023

Cytokine storm is characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)-conjugated antibody therapy is promising in treating cytokine storms. This study will evaluate the time-dependent distribution of the silica-coated MNP (MNP-Si) in the spleen and consequent serum cytokine changes for 30 days. MNP-Si were administered to female BALB/c mice via the tail vein injection. The distribution of Fe in the spleen tissue was analyzed by ICP-MS both in control and MNP-Si-treated mice. Moreover, the acute immune toxicity in serum was investigated by analyzing IFN-γ and IL-6 levels. Fe in the control spleen is 0.98 × 106 μg/mg of dry weight. The highest average concentration of Fe in the spleen was measured on day 10 (1.4 × 106 μg/mg). And at day 30, Fe levels decreased to 1.0 × 106 μg/mg. IFN-γ levels significantly increase to a maximum on day 6 and remain elevated until day 30. IL-6 levels are not elevated after MNP-Si administration. Although the cytokines in tissue homogenates were elevated at day 20, the data are statistically non-significant. In conclusion, the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ levels were increased on day 6, indicating induced activation of macrophages and systemic inflammation after MNP-Si administration. Therefore, the dose and composition of the MNP-Si should be revised for potential usage for therapeutic purposes.
Magnetic and transport properties of chiral antiferromagnetic Co2−xPdxMo3N thin films
Authors: Qiang B. W. , Fukasawa T. , Hajiri T. , Ito T. , Hihara T. , Asano H.
Published: February 2023

Hall transport and non-collinear magnetoresistance (NCMR) are studied for a chiral antiferromagnet (AFM) with the filled β-Mn-type structure. Magnetic and transport properties of epitaxial thin films of Co2−xPdxMo3N revealed that, in addition to a canted antiferromagnetic behavior above room temperature, thin films with x = 1.01∼1.38 exhibited a transition to a spin spiral state with a higher magnetic moment below TSR of around 50 K, which was assigned to a spin reorientation transition. The low-temperature phase shows both large anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and topological Hall effect (THE). Upon the transition to the canted AFM phase existing up to room temperature, the large AHE still persists with vanishing THE. The behavior of the Hall transport properties coupled with NCMR signals in the current-perpendicular-to-the plane configuration shows the formation of topological spin textures with locally antiferromagnetic order. The present results open the way for the study of topological antiferromagnetic spin textures, manipulation of their properties, and for future spintronic applications.
Fabrication of β-Mn type Co–Zn–Mn(001) film on MgO single crystal substrate
Authors: Oshima Daiki , Kato Takeshi , Ikarashi Nobuyuki , Nagao Masahiro
Published: February 2023

β-Mn type Co–Zn–Mn is a chiral magnet hosting Bloch type magnetic skyrmions and has been extensively studied because the magnetic skyrmions are observed above room temperature depending on the composition of Co, Zn, and Mn. So far, epitaxially grown film of Co–Zn–Mn on single crystal substrates has not been not realized whereas the epitaxial film is important from the fundamental and practical point of view. In this study, Co–Zn/Mn multilayered film was sputter-deposited on MgO(001) single crystal substrate and then annealed in vacuum for the crystallization of Co–Zn–Mn alloy. β-Mn type Co–Zn–Mn epitaxial film with (001) orientation was successfully fabricated although the film consisted of twinned crystal grains. We also showed that the annealing of 300–350 °C was effective to drive the crystallization, and that the possibility to enhance the crystallinity by optimizing the fabrication conditions.
Magnetic transitions and coercive field variations in La1−xSrxMnO3 thin films (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.50)
Authors: Pekarek T. M. , Taylor K. , Payne J. A. , Bryant C. T. , Tavera R. Marquez , Brown D. T. , Warusawithana M. P.
Published: February 2023

We have investigated the electronic and magnetic ground state of La1−xSrxMnO3 thin films, especially around doping x = 0.50 in comparison to the well studied system of x = 0.33 and the low doped system of x = 0.04. The films discussed here were grown by molecular-beam epitaxy, epitaxially strained to (001) oriented strontium titanate substrates. Apart from resistivity and magnetization measurements probing the electronic and magnetic ground state, we also study the temperature dependence of the coercive field of these samples. Our measurements reveal that the coercive field increases as the doping is changed from x = 0.33. The coercive field at 5 K for the x = 0.50 sample is Hc = 0.0450 T compared to Hc = 0.0080 T for the x = 0.33 sample. The temperature dependent coercive field measurements on the x = 0.50 sample show a dramatic cusp around 100 K that is coincident with more subtle features observed in both magnetization and resistivity data at this temperature.
Method for measuring magnetic susceptibility of magnetic nanoparticles up to millimeter-wave frequency range
Authors: Pu Youcheng , Tonthat Loi , Murayama Toru , Okita Kazuhiko , Yabukami Shin
Published: February 2023

A novel method for measuring the complex magnetic susceptibility of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been developed by a broadband microstrip line-type probe with a frequency range of up to 50 GHz. Two external orthogonal DC fields, Hhard and Heasy, were applied to change the susceptibility of MNPs (Streptavidin coated, 200 nmϕ, number of MNPs about 1010) based on magnetization switching theory. The susceptibility of MNPs in the liquid, solid state, and after biotin-avidin reaction with polymer beads (2 μmϕ, number of polymer beads about 108) was evaluated. A clear FMR frequency of MNPs and the same FMR frequency shift trend as Hhard changed was observed around 2–10 GHz in both liquid and solid states. The susceptibility of MNPs reached maximum when Hhard was 0.1 T which is approximately equal to Heasy (0.135 T). The maximum values of real and imaginary parts increased by a factor of 3.39 and 1.66 compared to when Hhard was 0. The obtained results indicate that the magnetic anisotropy was successfully controlled in the liquid and solid states of MNPs aggregate. Furthermore, after the biotin-avidin reaction of MNPs with polymer beads, the imaginary part of susceptibility showed a decreasing trend regardless of the increase in Hhard, and its half-width expanded by 35.1% at maximum when Hhard was 0.15 T.
Improvement of the magnetic properties of Nd–Fe–B/glass two-layer films deposited on Si substrates
Authors: Nakano M. , Higuchi K. , Yamaguchi H. , Fukuda I. , Yamashita A. , Yanai T. , Shinshi T. , Fukunaga H.
Published: February 2023

In a previous study, the authors developed Nd–Fe–B/glass two-layer films deposited on Si substrates using pulsed laser deposition for micro electro mechanical systems. Here, the fabrication conditions of the films were investigated to determine the optimum conditions that enhance the magnetic properties of the films. The annealing time in the pulse-annealing process conducted after the deposition was set to 4.0 s at Nd contents of 14 at.–16 at.%. Moreover, the effect of the glass/Nd–Fe–B thickness ratio on the magnetic properties was examined. A ratio less than 2 resulted in an increase in (BH)max up to 80 kJ/m3.
Does text entry method make a difference on Chinese writing test scores?
Authors: Bourgerie Dana Scott , Cox Troy L. , Riep Steven L.
Published: February 2023

Should the writing construct be assessed through handwriting or keyboarding? As the only major language entirely
without a syllabary or alphabet, the Chinese writing system is unique among modern languages, thus the question of writing
proficiency is complicated by character recall. Most of the testing research comparing text entry methods has been conducted in
English and has found that keyboarding and handwriting can be used interchangeably. This paper reports the outcome of a study
comparing the results of handwritten and typed versions of the Chinese ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT). L2 Chinese students
(n = 25) with Intermediate to Superior speaking skills were randomly divided into two groups and took both
WPT versions in a counterbalanced design. Keyboarding resulted in significantly higher test scores [repeated measures ANOVA
F(1, 23) = 62.7, p < .001, effect size partial eta squared = .73]. Keyboarding was on
average 1.69 ACTFL sublevels higher than handwriting. Finally, this paper will discuss the writing construct in Chinese along
with pedagogical implications around curricular decisions on teaching and assessing handwriting vs. keyboarding.
Electrodeposition of SnO2 nanostructures onto copper substrates and their electrochemical properties
Authors: Raj D. Vasanth , Ponpandian N. , Viswanathan C.
Published: February 2023

Potentiostatic electrodeposition of SnO2 thin films from an oxygenated tin chloride bath on anodised copper substrates has been achieved at a bath temperature of 85 °C. At the bath temperature of 85 °C, the evolution of nanoplates, nanoparticles and nanocubes are observed. Aqueous battery and bio-sensing characteristics of the SnO2 nanostructures were assessed. The electrodes are cycled between –1 and +1 V in LiOH.H2O, Li2CO3 and Na2SO4 electrolyte solutions by cyclic voltammetry method. The test results exhibit that the nanocrystalline SnO2 anode is a proficient electrode material for the aqueous lithium battery. Electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid (AA) on the nanostructured SnO2 electrode has also been assessed and SnO2 nanocubes displayed eminent electro catalytic activity towards the oxidation of AA.