bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Preoperative Cabergoline on Prolactinoma Fibrosis: A Case Series
Authors: Pecorari Isabella L. , Qama Eros , Akbar Nadeem , Colley Patrick , Fang Christina H. , Agarwal Vijay
Published: May 2024

Introduction Prolactinomas are a common intracranial neoplasm and constitute most pituitary tumors. Although patients can present with variable hormone dysregulation and symptom severity, the use of dopamine agonists remains a first-line treatment. While bromocriptine has been found to increase tumor fibrosis, the effect of cabergoline on collagen deposition has been disputed. The aim of this article is to understand the influence of cabergoline on tumor fibrosis prior to resection.

Case Presentations Four male patients who underwent prolactinoma resection were included in this report. The average age was 39.8 years (range: 26–52 years). Pre-treatment prolactin levels ranged from 957.8 to 16,487.4 ng/mL. Three patients received cabergoline for at least 1 month prior to surgery (treatment range: 1–6 months). One patient had surgery without prior cabergoline use. Pathology reports confirmed each tumor to be of lactotroph origin. For each sample, Masson's trichrome staining was performed and the percentage of sample fibrosis was quantified using an artificial intelligence imaging software. Among those who received preoperative cabergoline, the extent of tumor fibrosis was in the range of 50 to 70%. In contrast, specimen fibrosis was approximately 15% without cabergoline use.

Conclusion This report demonstrates that a short duration of preoperative cabergoline can cause significant prolactinoma fibrosis. Understanding the effect of cabergoline on tumor consistency prior to surgery is essential as increased fibrosis can lead to more difficult tumor removal, reduce the extent of resection, and increase surgical complications. Considering these effects, further studies regarding the use of surgery prior to cabergoline for prolactinoma management are warranted.
International business and decentralized finance
Authors: Harvey Campbell R. , Rabetti Daniel
Published: May 2024

Over the last decade, the green shoots of a new economic order have emerged as decentralized technologies challenge traditional financial systems. Decentralized finance (DeFi) holds the potential to transform international business (IB) by offering accessible financial services across borders, disrupting traditional intermediaries, and promoting financial inclusion. While traditional fintech has challenged banks, DeFi operates outside legacy systems, leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracting to introduce a new range of products and services that provide first-movers with an upper hand to both expand their business across the globe as well realize cost savings on existing business. Despite offering advantages like efficiency, transparency, and security, DeFi faces regulatory uncertainties and scalability, adoption, and stability concerns. Our study explores how DeFi can seamlessly integrate into the IB space while addressing these challenges. In addition to offering insights for investors, multinational firms, and regulators, we also lay the groundwork for future IB research in the fintech domain. As the DeFi innovation unfolds, understanding and harnessing its potential can empower stakeholders to engage responsibly and effectively in this transformative landscape.
More than news! Mapping the deliberative potential of a political online ecosystem with digital trace data
Authors: Oswald Lisa
Published: May 2024

Does the internet facilitate everyday public deliberation? Previous research on this question has largely focused on specific aspects, such as online news media diets or political discussions on social media. However, increasingly complex media environments are composed of different arenas with different respective potential for democracy. While previous work extensively dealt with thequalityof political discussion online, it is a necessary but overlooked step, to consider the upstream features of digital infrastructure and usage. Using digital trace data from Germany, this study maps out which websites are relevant for online public discourse, introduces a measure of deliberativepotentialalong six dimensions (information, communication, participation, connectivity, inclusivity and heterogeneity), and explores different types of websites alongside high level usage patterns. Besides a class of mainstream informational hubs, a class of quality information providers that includes most established public broadcasting sites was found. A third class of niche online forums hosts political discussions among more tightly-knit online communities, supporting previous findings of incidental exposure to political content online. While the mainstream information hubs in the sample attract a much larger volume of clicks, users spend relatively more time consuming political information on quality information sites as well as on niche online forums to engage with politics online. This project takes a more holistic perspective of the diverse ecosystem of online deliberation, while presenting a first quantitative exploration of a deliberative system.
High temperature stability of regrown and alloyed Ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN heterostructure up to 500 °C
Authors: Niroula John , Xie Qingyun , Rajput Nitul S. , Darmawi-Iskandar Patrick K. , Rahman Sheikh Ifatur , Luo Shisong , Palash Rafid Hassan , Sikder Bejoy , Yuan Mengyang , Yadav Pradyot , Micale Gillian K. , Chowdhury Nadim , Zhao Yuji , Rajan Siddharth , Palacios Tomás
Published: May 2024

This Letter reports the stability of regrown and alloyed Ohmic contacts to AlGaN/GaN-on-Si high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) for high temperature applications up to 500 °C. Transfer length method (TLM) measurements from 25 to 500 °C in air show that the regrown contacts appear to be stable up to 500 °C during short term (approximately 1 h) testing, while alloyed contacts appear to decrease in contact resistance from 300 to 500 °C though increases in the error bounds due to increase sheet resistance make it difficult to conclude definitely. Additionally, longer term testing shows both technologies remain stable at least up to 48 h at 500 °C, after which the large increase in sheet resistance makes the measurement uncertainty too large to conclude definitively. Advanced microscopy images indicate both the regrown and alloyed contact regions remain structurally intact after prolonged high temperature exposure with no visible degradation in crystallinity or metal composition.
A method for calculating space charge distribution in ultra-high voltage direct current transmission lines based on the transport of diluted species theory
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Yongming , Zou Anxin , Wang Shougang
Published: May 2024

The occurrence of corona discharge in ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission lines results in the generation of space charge, which significantly affects the nearby electromagnetic environment. To investigate the micro-physical mechanisms of discharge and provide better guidance for the calculation of the ground ion current density and total electric field, a method based on the theory of the transport of diluted species is proposed. This method enables the visualization and analysis of the movement process of space charge in air medium, as well as the calculation of the total electric field below the transmission lines. To validate the effectiveness of this algorithm, experimental tests of the total electric field are conducted on actual transmission lines. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm not only highlights the evident differences in the transient microscopic processes between positive and negative corona discharges but also accurately calculates the total electric field below the transmission lines. In addition, considering the weather conditions in the Chongqing region, relevant recommendations are provided under the influence of wind speed, aiming to offer protection guidelines for individuals engaged in activities near transmission lines.
Low-frequency vibration measurements in harsh environments using a frequency-modulated interferometer
Authors: Vu Tung Thanh , Hoang Tu Anh , Pham Quang Duc
Published: May 2024

Low-frequency vibration measurements in harsh environments are considerably challenging owing to strong background noise. In this study, a simple, high-dynamic-range, and high-precision vibration-measuring system using a frequency-modulated interferometer was proposed and validated. Harmonics with perfectly orthogonal phases were extracted directly from the interference signal, and noise with random frequencies was filtered using a synchronous detection method. The modulation index of the interferometer was controlled to remove the effect of Bessel functions; hence, a full-circle Lissajous diagram was obtained. The ratio of the two harmonics was used to determine the vibration; hence, the effects of intensity fluctuation and background noise can be neglected. The vibration measurement bandwidth was well controlled by controlling the modulation and cutoff frequencies of the bandpass filters. The best noise level of 1 nm/√Hz under harsh measuring conditions can be archived in the low-frequency range.
Mechanical intelligence via fully reconfigurable elastic neuromorphic metasurfaces
Authors: Moghaddaszadeh M. , Mousa M. , Aref A. , Nouh M.
Published: May 2024

The ability of mechanical systems to perform basic computations has gained traction over recent years, providing an unconventional alternative to digital computing in off grid, low power, and severe environments, which render the majority of electronic components inoperable. However, much of the work in mechanical computing has focused on logic operations via quasi-static prescribed displacements in origami, bistable, and soft deformable matter. Here, we present a first attempt to describe the fundamental framework of an elastic neuromorphic metasurface that performs distinct classification tasks, providing a new set of challenges, given the complex nature of elastic waves with respect to scattering and manipulation. Multiple layers of reconfigurable waveguides are phase-trained via constant weights and trainable activation functions in a manner that enables the resultant wave scattering at the readout location to focus on the correct class within the detection plane. We further demonstrate the neuromorphic system’s reconfigurability in performing two distinct tasks, eliminating the need for costly remanufacturing.
Self-similarity of the third type in ultra-relativistic blastwaves
Authors: Faran Tamar , Gruzinov Andrei , Sari Re'em
Published: May 2024

A new type of self-similarity is found in the problem of a plane-parallel, ultra-relativistic blastwave, propagating in a power-law density profile of the form ρ∝z−k. Self-similar solutions of the first kind can be found for k < 7∕4 using dimensional considerations. For steeper density gradients with k > 2, second type solutions are obtained by eliminating a singularity from the equations. However, for intermediate power-law indices 7/4<k<2, the flow does not obey any of the known types of self-similarity. Instead, the solutions belong to a new class in which the self-similar dynamics are dictated by the non-self-similar part of the flow. We obtain an exact solution to the ultra-relativistic fluid equations and find that the non-self-similar flow is described by a relativistic expansion into vacuum, composed of (1) an accelerating piston that contains most of the energy and (2) a leading edge of a fast material that coincides with the interiors of the blastwave and terminates at the shock. The dynamics of the piston itself are self-similar and universal and do not depend on the external medium. The exact solution of the non-self-similar flow is used to solve for the shock in the new class of solutions.
The re-entrant transition from the molecular to atomic phases of dense fluids: The case of hydrogen
Authors: Lue Leo , Pruteanu Ciprian G. , Ackland Graeme J.
Published: May 2024

A simple phenomenological thermodynamic model is developed to describe the chemical bonding and unbonding in homonuclear diatomic systems. This model describes the entire phase diagram of dimer-forming systems and shows a transition from monomers to dimers, with monomers favored at both very low and very high pressures, as well as at high temperatures. In the context of hydrogen, the former region corresponds to hydrogen present in most interstellar gas clouds, while the latter is associated with the long sought-after fluid metallic phase. The model predicts a molecular to atomic fluid transition in dense deuterium, which is in agreement with recently reported experimental measurements.
Isotope effect on the anomalies of water: A corresponding states analysis
Authors: Caupin Frédéric , Ragueneau Pierre , Issenmann Bruno
Published: May 2024

Light and heavy water show similar anomalies in thermodynamic and dynamic properties, with a consistent trend of anomalies occurring at higher temperatures in heavy water. Viscosity also increases faster upon cooling in heavy water, causing a giant isotope effect, with a viscosity ratio near 2.4 at 244 K. While a simple temperature shift apparently helps in collapsing experimental data for both isotopes, it lacks a clear justification, changes value with the property considered, and requires additional ad hoc scaling factors. Here, we use a corresponding states analysis based on the possible existence of a liquid–liquid critical point in supercooled water. This provides a coherent framework that leads to the collapse of thermodynamic data. The ratio between the dynamic properties of the isotopes is strongly reduced. In particular, the decoupling between viscosity η and self-diffusion D, measured as a function of temperature T by the Stokes–Einstein ratio Dη/T, is found to collapse after applying the corresponding states analysis. Our results are consistent with simulations and suggest that the various isotope effects mirror the one on the liquid–liquid transition.
Millimeter-wave and high-resolution infrared spectroscopy of the low-lying vibrational states of pyridazine isotopologues
Authors: Esselman Brian J. , Zdanovskaia Maria A. , Amberger Brent K. , Shutter Joshua D. , Owen Andrew N. , Billinghurst Brant E. , Zhao Jianbao , Kisiel Zbigniew , Woods R. Claude , McMahon Robert J.
Published: May 2024

The gas-phase rotational spectrum from 8 to 750 GHz and the high-resolution infrared (IR) spectrum of pyridazine (o-C4H4N2) have been analyzed for the ground and four lowest-energy vibrationally excited states. A combined global fit of the rotational and IR data has been obtained using a sextic, centrifugally distorted-rotor Hamiltonian with Coriolis coupling between appropriate states. Coriolis coupling has been addressed in the two lowest-energy coupled dyads (ν16, ν13 and ν24, ν9). Utilizing the Coriolis coupling between the vibrational states of each dyad and the analysis of the IR spectrum for ν16 and ν9, we have determined precise band origins for each of these fundamental states: ν16 (B1) = 361.213 292 7 (17) cm−1, ν13 (A2) = 361.284 082 4 (17) cm−1, ν24 (B2) = 618.969 096 (26) cm−1, and ν9 (A1) = 664.723 378 4 (27) cm−1. Notably, the energy separation in the ν16-ν13 Coriolis-coupled dyad is one of the smallest spectroscopically measured energy separations between vibrational states: 2122.222 (72) MHz or 0.070 789 7 (24) cm−1. Despite ν13 being IR inactive and ν24 having an impractically low-intensity IR intensity, the band origins of all four vibrational states were measured, showcasing the power of combining the data provided by millimeter-wave and high-resolution IR spectra. Additionally, the spectra of pyridazine-dx isotopologues generated for a previous semi-experimental equilibrium structure (reSE) determination allowed us to analyze the two lowest-energy vibrational states of pyridazine for all nine pyridazine-dx isotopologues. Coriolis-coupling terms have been measured for analogous vibrational states across seven isotopologues, both enabling their comparison and providing a new benchmark for computational chemistry.
The initial sticking of high velocity water onto graphite under non-equilibrium supersonic flow conditions
Authors: Gibson Kevin D. , Luo Yuheng , Kang Christopher , Sun Rui , Sibener Steven J.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present a combined experimental and theoretical study that explored the initial sticking of water on cooled surfaces. Specifically, these ultra-high vacuum gas–surface scattering experiments utilized supersonic molecular beam techniques in conjunction with a cryogenically cooled highly oriented pyrolytic graphite crystal, giving control over incident kinematic conditions. The D2O translational energy spanning 300–750 meV, the relative D2O flux, and the incident angle could all be varied independently. Three different experimental measurements were made. One involved measuring the total amount of D2O scattering as a function of surface temperature to determine the onset of sticking under non-equilibrium gas–surface collision conditions. Another measurement used He specular scattering to assess structural and coverage information for the interface during D2O adsorption. Finally, we used time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of the scattered D2O to determine how energy is exchanged with the graphite surface at surface temperatures above and near the conditions needed for gaseous condensation. For comparison and elaboration of the roles that internal degrees of freedom play in this process, we also did similar TOF measurements using another mass 20 incident particle, atomic neon. Enriching this study are precise molecular dynamics simulations that elaborate on gas–surface energy transfer and the roles of molecular degrees of freedom in gas–surface collisional energy exchange processes. This study furthers our fundamental understanding of energy exchange and the onset of sticking and ultimately gaseous condensation for gas–surface encounters occurring under high-velocity flows.
Semiclassical analytic theory of electronic energy transfer in 3D atomic collisions
Authors: Adamovich I. V. , Rich J. W.
Published: May 2024

A previously developed semiclassical theory of nonadiabatic energy transfer is used to analyze electronic excitation and quenching in three-dimensional atomic collisions. The predicted transition probabilities, cross sections, and rate coefficients are compared with the quantum scattering calculations for O + O and N + N, for the same interaction potentials and nonadiabatic coupling, and with the experimental data where available. The theory predictions are in very good agreement with quantum scattering, at the conditions when the energy transfer is dominated by a single pair of adiabatic potentials. Closed-form analytic expressions for the cross sections and rate coefficients are obtained, for both the strongly and weakly coupled cases. The results quantify and illustrate the effect of the interaction potentials and their coupling on the energy transfer. The analytic cross sections and rate coefficients are in good agreement with the numerical predictions. The same approach has been used to predict the rate coefficients of electronic excitation and quenching in collisions of N + O atoms. The fidelity of these predictions may be improved considerably if accurate potentials for the excited electronic states of N + O and their coupling are available. The applicability of the semiclassical theory for the prediction of the rates of heavy particle impact excitation in atom–molecule collisions is discussed.
The feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of screening for frailty in Australians aged 75 years and over attending Australian general practice
Authors: Job Jennifer , Nicholson Caroline , Clark Debra , Arapova Julia , Jackson Claire
Published: May 2024

Background Globally, frailty is associated with a high prevalence of avoidable hospital admissions and emergency department visits, with substantial associated healthcare and personal costs. International guidelines recommend incorporation of frailty identification and care planning into routine primary care workflow to support patients who may be identified as pre-frail/frail. Our study aimed to: (1) determine the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness and determinants of implementing a validated FRAIL Scale screening Tool into general practices in two disparate Australian regions (Sydney North and Brisbane South); and (2) map the resources and referral options required to support frailty management and potential reversal. Methods Using the FRAIL Scale Tool, practices screened eligible patients (aged ≥75 years) for risk of frailty and referred to associated management options. The percentage of patients identified as frail/pre-frail, and management options and referrals made by practice staff for those identified as frail/pre-frail were recorded. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with practice staff to understand the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness and determinants of implementing the Tool. Results The Tool was implemented by 19 general practices in two Primary Health Networks and 1071 consenting patients were assessed. Overall, 80% of patients (n = 860) met the criterion for frailty: 33% of patients (n = 352) were frail, and 47% were pre-frail (n = 508). They were predominantly then referred for exercise prescription, medication reviews and geriatric assessment. The Tool was acceptable to staff and patients and compatible with practice workflows. Conclusions This study demonstrates that frailty is identified frequently in Australians aged ≥75 years who visit their general practice. It’s identification, linked with management support to reverse or reduce frailty risk, can be readily incorporated into the Medicare-funded annual 75+ Health Assessment.
Mosaicism-independent mechanisms contribute to Pcdh19-related epilepsy and repetitive behaviors in
Xenopus
Authors: Park Jugeon , Lee Eunee , Kim Chul Hoon , Ohk Jiyeon , Jung Hosung
Published: May 2024

Protocadherin19 (
PCDH19
)-related epilepsy syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic behaviors.
PCDH19
is located on the X chromosome and encodes a calcium-dependent single-pass transmembrane protein, which regulates cell-to-cell adhesion through homophilic binding. In human, 90% of heterozygous females, containing
PCDH19
wild-type and mutant cells due to random X inactivation, are affected, whereas mutant males, containing only mutant cells, are typically not. The current view, the cellular interference, is that the altered interactions between wild-type and mutant cells during development, rather than loss of function itself, are responsible. However, studies using
Pcdh19
knockout mice showed that the complete loss of function also causes autism-like behaviors both in males and females, suggesting that other functions of PCDH19 may also contribute to pathogenesis. To address whether mosaicism is required for
PCDH19
-related epilepsy, we generated
Xenopus tropicalis
tadpoles with complete or mosaic loss of function by injecting antisense morpholino oligonucleotides into the blastomeres of neural lineage at different stages of development. We found that either mosaic or complete knockdown results in seizure-like behaviors, which could be rescued by antiseizure medication, and repetitive behaviors. Our results suggest that the loss of PCDH19 function itself, in addition to cellular interference, may also contribute to
PCDH19
-related epilepsy.
Misregulation of bromotyrosine compromises fertility in male
Drosophila
Authors: Su Qi , Xu Bing , Chen Xin , Rokita Steven E.
Published: May 2024

Biological regulation often depends on reversible reactions such as phosphorylation, acylation, methylation, and glycosylation, but rarely halogenation. A notable exception is the iodination and deiodination of thyroid hormones. Here, we report detection of bromotyrosine and its subsequent debromination during
Drosophila
spermatogenesis. Bromotyrosine is not evident when
Drosophila
express a native flavin-dependent dehalogenase that is homologous to the enzyme responsible for iodide salvage from iodotyrosine in mammals. Deletion or suppression of the dehalogenase-encoding condet (
cdt
) gene in
Drosophila
allows bromotyrosine to accumulate with no detectable chloro- or iodotyrosine. The presence of bromotyrosine in the
cdt
mutant males disrupts sperm individualization and results in decreased fertility. Transgenic expression of the
cdt
gene in late-staged germ cells rescues this defect and enhances tolerance of male flies to bromotyrosine. These results are consistent with reversible halogenation affecting
Drosophila
spermatogenesis in a process that had previously eluded metabolomic, proteomic, and genomic analyses.
Declining Chinese attitudes toward the United States amid COVID-19
Authors: Xie Yu , Yang Feng , Huang Junming , He Yuchen , Zhou Yi , Qian Yue , Cai Weicheng , Zhou Jie
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present findings from four separate studies using different data sources and methods to examine Chinese attitudes toward the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical results consistently indicate a marked and significant decline in Chinese attitudes toward the US between late 2019 and the end of 2022. Using a quasi-experimental design and granular survey data that exploit daily variations in public opinion, we offer additional evidence that the decline in Chinese attitudes toward the United States followed a distinct pattern not true for Chinese attitudes toward other countries. Specifically, the rise in Chinese unfavorability toward the United States closely corresponded to the heightened Chinese attention to the pandemic’s progression in the United States. These results collectively suggest a causal effect of COVID-19, shedding light on how public health crises, international relations, and media jointly shape the increasing enmity between the two great powers.
Wood-inspired anisotropic hydrogel electrolyte with large modulus and low tortuosity realizing durable dendrite-free zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Jizhang , Chen Minfeng , Chen Hongli , Yang Ming , Han Xiang , Ma Dingtao , Zhang Peixin , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: May 2024

While aqueous zinc-ion batteries exhibit great potential, their performance is impeded by zinc dendrites. Existing literature has proposed the use of hydrogel electrolytes to ameliorate this issue. Nevertheless, the mechanical attributes of hydrogel electrolytes, particularly their modulus, are suboptimal, primarily ascribed to the substantial water content. This drawback would severely restrict the dendrite-inhibiting efficacy, especially under large mass loadings of active materials. Inspired by the structural characteristics of wood, this study endeavors to fabricate the anisotropic carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel electrolyte through directional freezing, salting-out effect, and compression reinforcement, aiming to maximize the modulus along the direction perpendicular to the electrode surface. The heightened modulus concurrently serves to suppress the vertical deposition of the intermediate product at the cathode. Meanwhile, the oriented channels with low tortuosity enabled by the anisotropic structure are beneficial to the ionic transport between the anode and cathode. Comparative analysis with an isotropic hydrogel sample reveals a marked enhancement in both modulus and ionic conductivity in the anisotropic hydrogel. This enhancement contributes to significantly improved zinc stripping/plating reversibility and mitigated electrochemical polarization. Additionally, a durable quasi-solid-state Zn//MnO
2
battery with noteworthy volumetric energy density is realized. This study offers unique perspectives for designing hydrogel electrolytes and augmenting battery performance.
Chromatin regulates alternative polyadenylation via the RNA polymerase II elongation rate
Authors: Geisberg Joseph V. , Moqtaderi Zarmik , Struhl Kevin
Published: May 2024

The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation rate influences poly(A) site selection, with slow and fast Pol II derivatives causing upstream and downstream shifts, respectively, in poly(A) site utilization. In yeast, depletion of either of the histone chaperones FACT or Spt6 causes an upstream shift of poly(A) site use that strongly resembles the poly(A) profiles of slow Pol II mutant strains. Like slow Pol II mutant strains, FACT- and Spt6-depleted cells exhibit Pol II processivity defects, indicating that both Spt6 and FACT stimulate the Pol II elongation rate. Poly(A) profiles of some genes show atypical downstream shifts; this subset of genes overlaps well for FACT- or Spt6-depleted strains but is different from the atypical genes in Pol II speed mutant strains. In contrast, depletion of histone H3 or H4 causes a downstream shift of poly(A) sites for most genes, indicating that nucleosomes inhibit the Pol II elongation rate in vivo. Thus, chromatin-based control of the Pol II elongation rate is a potential mechanism, distinct from direct effects on the cleavage/polyadenylation machinery, to regulate alternative polyadenylation in response to genetic or environmental changes.
Proverbs of Latin and French origin in the history of English
Authors: Landmann Julia
Published: May 2024

The present study deals with proverbs of Latin and French origin adopted into English throughout its history. Dictionaries
such as the Oxford English Dictionary Online (OED Online) serve as valuable sources to identify the
different lexical units. The treatment of proverbs in lexicographical resources is compared to their current usage as reflected by a
multitude of recent newspaper articles. This raises the question of how the uses of the various proverbs as described in dictionaries
such as the OED differ from those in recent newspapers. A socio-cognitive perspective is paramount in order to
determine the variety of emotionally-affective forces which may account for English speakers’ motivations for using the borrowed
proverb instead of a native translation equivalent.
The role of Persian proverbs in framing Iran’s nuclear program
Authors: Bakhtiar Mohsen
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores how Persian proverbial metaphors are used in discourse to frame Iran’s nuclear program. To that end,
contextual uses of a sample of Persian proverbs were analysed in terms of Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The results demonstrate that
proverbs’ scope of operation goes way beyond their conventional functions. They are used to propagate pessimism, express sarcasm, make
accusations, threaten and humiliate the rival camp, fabricate a new political reality, and manipulate the content and courses of
action. The research also finds that proverbs are apt tools for framing complex socio-political issues, as they encapsulate a bundle
of integrated figurative conceptualisations, providing users with ready-to-use conceptual slots to apply to complex scenarios with
multiple roles and relations. Finally yet importantly, the research shows that the analysis of proverbs in discourse context provides
a more comprehensive view of proverbs by completing the chain of association between the specific-level schema, generic-level schema
and the immediate context of use.
Production of Spanish laterals in early sequential Spanish-English bilinguals
Authors: Yavaş Mehmet , Suner Michele
Published: May 2024

This chapter reports on the phonetic production of Spanish laterals of a group of Spanish heritage
speakers. Twenty adult female early sequential bilinguals who were all English dominant participated in the
investigation. The study investigated the question if the participants’ Spanish productions had any evidence of
influence of the dominant language (English). The productions of the target Spanish laterals in different syllable
positions and adjacent to different vowels were elicited in a reading aloud task. Bilinguals’ productions were
compared to those of monolingual controls and were, overall, found like those. Although there was individual variation
in bilinguals’ productions, English dominance scores did not seem related to these variations. Thus, the dominance
ratings obtained through language use, proficiency, self-reporting, and language attitudes do not necessarily
translate into the phonetics/phonology of the bilinguals.
Lexical development of French-Portuguese simultaneous bilinguals
Authors: Kern Sophie , dos Santos Christophe
Published: May 2024

This study compares the lexical development of a sample of 29 simultaneous French-Portuguese
bilingual children between the ages of 24 and 36 months living in France with the lexical development of a sample of
288 monolingual French children. The data show that bilingual children do not show a lexical developmental delay
compared to their monolingual French peers. Moreover, the word class distribution of productive vocabulary is the same
between the French monolinguals and bilinguals in French. Finally, we tested the lexical selectivity by calculating
the phonetic complexity of the target words. We found a strong correlation between the phonetic complexity of target
words and vocabulary size in both languages for bilinguals. This strong correlation mirrors that found for monolingual
peers.
The Development of Aspirated Fricatives in Gothic
Authors: Suzuki Seiichi
Published: May 2024

This book presents three major hypotheses concerning the development of fricatives in Gothic. First, Gothic introduced aspiration or a phonological feature [spread glottis] to the fricative system. Second, this acquisition of aspirated fricatives should be explained as a contact-induced change. Specifically, a Gothic/Greek bilingual community may be held responsible for initiating and diffusing the contact change. Third, I claim that this contact-driven featural enrichment prompted an array of radical restructurings of fricatives in their phonological and morphological organizations in Gothic, notably the occurrence of Final Devoicing in contrast to the nonoccurrence of medial voicing, the elimination of Verner’s Law effects in strong verbs, the operation of Thurneysen’s Law, and the apparently irregular split of PGmc. */fl-/ to Go. /fl-/ and /þl-/. Thus, privileged by a Lower Danube community largely composed of Greek/Gothic bilinguals, this cluster of mid-fourth-century innovations came to define the phonological and morphological identities of Biblical Gothic.
The impact of dietary guava (
Psidium guajava
L.) on some livestock production systems
Authors: Abd El-Ghany Wafaa A.
Published: May 2024

Due to the growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance and the potential for a ban on antibiotic growth promoters worldwide, there is an increasing demand to find alternatives to antimicrobials in livestock production. One of these alternatives is herbal extracts or phytobiotics that already are used as dietary supplements to improve the general health conditions. Guava (
Psidium guajava
L.) has a long history of nutritional and medicinal properties. All the body parts of guava and the by-products have been applied effectively in livestock systems. The guava plant is a good source of nutrients as it is rich in flavonoids, phenols, tannins, essential oils, lectins, vitamins, fatty acids, etc. All parts of the guava plant including leaves, pulp, and seeds have been used as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheic, anticancer, immuno-stimulant, growth promotor, cough sedative, and hypocholesterolemic. Therefore, this review was planned to focus on the impact of using dietary guava on the different health parameters of some livestock production systems including poultry and rabbits.
Presynaptic structural and functional plasticity are coupled by convergent Rap1 signaling
Authors: Kim Yeongjin David , Park Hyun Gwan , Song Seunghwan , Kim Joohyung , Lee Byoung Ju , Broadie Kendal , Lee Seungbok
Published: May 2024

Dynamic presynaptic actin remodeling drives structural and functional plasticity at synapses, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Previous work has shown that actin regulation via Rac1 guanine exchange factor (GEF) Vav signaling restrains synaptic growth via bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced receptor macropinocytosis and mediates synaptic potentiation via mobilization of reserve pool vesicles in presynaptic boutons. Here, we find that Gef26/PDZ-GEF and small GTPase Rap1 signaling couples the BMP-induced activation of Abelson kinase to this Vav-mediated macropinocytosis. Moreover, we find that adenylate cyclase Rutabaga (Rut) signaling via exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) drives the mobilization of reserve pool vesicles during post-tetanic potentiation (PTP). We discover that Rap1 couples activation of Rut-cAMP-Epac signaling to Vav-mediated synaptic potentiation. These findings indicate that Rap1 acts as an essential, convergent node for Abelson kinase and cAMP signaling to mediate BMP-induced structural plasticity and activity-induced functional plasticity via Vav-dependent regulation of the presynaptic actin cytoskeleton.
Development of a silicon drift detector array to search for keV-scale sterile neutrinos with the KATRIN experiment
Authors: Siegmann D , Edzards F , Bruch C , Biassoni M , Carminati M , Descher M , Fiorini C , Forstner C , Gavin A , Gugiatti M , Hiller R , Hinz D , Houdy T , Huber A , King P , Lechner P , Lichter S , Mießner D , Nava A , Onillon A , Radford D C , Spreng D , Steidl M , Trigilio P , Urban K , Vénos D , Wolfb J , Mertens S
Published: May 2024

Sterile neutrinos in the keV mass range present a viable candidate for dark matter. They can be detected through single β -decay, where they cause small spectral distortions. The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment aims to search for keV-scale sterile neutrinos with high sensitivity. To achieve this, the KATRIN beamline will be equipped with a novel multi-pixel silicon drift detector focal plane array named TRISTAN. In this study, we present the performance of a TRISTAN detector module, a component of the eventual 9-module system. Our investigation encompasses spectroscopic aspects such as noise performance, energy resolution, linearity, and stability.
Shell model study of 92Mo and systematic features of the N = 50 isotones
Authors: Jiang 蒋 Z R 自然 , Li 李 Z Q 志泉 , Sheng 生 J W 竣文 , Sun 孙 J B 靖博
Published: May 2024

The level structures of 92Mo have been investigated using the shell model code nushellx@msu within two large model spaces containing neutron core excitations across the N = 50 closed shell. The calculated results are compared with the available experimental data, and reasonable agreements are obtained. The level structures of 92Mo, especially the levels come from neutron core excitations, are interpreted by the present calculations. The systematic features of neutron core excitations in the even–even N = 50 isotones have also been investigated.
Impact of the place of lightwave in secondary school curricula on conceptual understanding of their basic concepts: a moroccan case study
Authors: Hachmi A , Ouariach A , Essaadaoui R , El Hadi M , El Moussaouy A
Published: May 2024

We aim to highlight the importance of using Huygens’ geometric model when instructing high school students about light. To achieve this, we conducted a research study on teaching lightwaves in Morocco’s secondary schools. We investigated how the place of the lightwave in this teaching affects understanding its basic concepts. We carried out a two-dimensional analysis to examine the place of the lightwave in the high school physics curriculum. We administered a test to assess the conceptual understanding of secondary school and university students. The analysis of the curricula revealed several shortcomings in the teaching of geometrical and wave optics. Furthermore, the assessment of conceptual understanding revealed that a significant proportion of students have misconceptions about the wave concepts of lightwaves and that these misconceptions persist throughout their higher education.
Wagner diagram for modeling O2 pathway—calculation and graphical display by the Helsinki O2 Pathway Tool
Authors: Rissanen Antti-Pekka E , Mikkola Tom , Gagnon Dominique D , Lehtonen Elias , Lukkarinen Sakari , Peltonen Juha E
Published: May 2024

Objective. Maximal O2 uptake (

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) reflects the individual’s maximal rate of O2 transport and utilization through the integrated whole-body pathway composed of the lungs, heart, blood, circulation, and metabolically active tissues. As such,

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is strongly associated with physical capacity as well as overall health and thus acts as one predictor of physical performance and as a vital sign in determination of status and progress of numerous clinical conditions. Quantifying the contribution of single parts of the multistep O2 pathway to

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provides mechanistic insights into exercise (in)tolerance and into therapy-, training-, or disuse-induced adaptations at individual or group levels. We developed a desktop application (Helsinki O2 Pathway Tool—HO2PT) to model numerical and graphical display of the O2 pathway based on the ‘Wagner diagram’ originally formulated by Peter D. Wagner and his colleagues. Approach. The HO2PT was developed and programmed in Python to integrate the Fick principle and Fick’s law of diffusion into a computational system to import, calculate, graphically display, and export variables of the Wagner diagram. Main results. The HO2PT models O2 pathway both numerically and graphically according to the Wagner diagram and pertains to conditions under which the mitochondrial oxidative capacity of metabolically active tissues exceeds the capacity of the O2 transport system to deliver O2 to the mitochondria. The tool is based on the Python open source code and libraries and freely and publicly available online for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Significance. The HO2PT offers a novel functional and demonstrative platform for those interested in examining

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and its determinants by using the Wagner diagram. It will improve access to and usability of Wagner’s and his colleagues’ integrated physiological model and thereby benefit users across the wide spectrum of contexts such as scientific research, education, exercise testing, sports coaching, and clinical medicine.
Effects of spacer layer thickness in InAlN/GaN double-channel HEMTs
Authors: Guo Si-Yin , Zhu Qing , Chen Yi-Lin , Zhang Meng , Mi Min-Han , Zhu Jie-Jie , Lei Yi-Min , An Si-Rui , Lu Jia-Ni , Gong Can , Ma Xiao-Hua
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the impact of upper channel layer thickness on the electrical characteristics and hysteresis behavior of double-channel InAlN/GaN HEMTs were investigated. The devices with an upper channel layer thickness of 20 nm exhibit higher output current and lower R
on compared to devices with a thickness of 10/6 nm. This is attributed to the higher sheet carrier density and the reduced scattering. However, a 20 nm thickness of the upper channel layer in HEMT exhibits hysteresis phenomena in its electrical characteristics. For this hysteresis phenomenon, capacitance measurements and TEM characterization indicate that it is caused by dislocations in the lower barrier layer under the gate. A thicker upper channel layer is beneficial to increasing the output current of the device but leads to degradation of the lower InAlN barrier layer, resulting in hysteresis. This study provides an optimized solution for the growth and device fabrication of double-channel InAlN materials.
FEM-Circuit co-simulation of superconducting synchronous wind generators connected to a DC network using the homogenized J–A formulation of the Maxwell equations
Authors: Durante-Gómez W , Trillaud F , dos Santos G , Gonzalez-Montañez F , Hajiri G , Berger K , de la Cruz-Soto J
Published: May 2024

High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are greatly appealing for the development of high efficient, and high energy density power devices. They are particularly relevant for applications requiring light and compact machines such as wind power generation. In this context, to ensure the proper design of the superconducting machines and their reliable operation in power systems, it is then important to develop models that can accurately include their physics but also can describe properly their interaction with the system. To achieve such a goal, one approach is the co-simulation. This numerical technique can bring fine geometrical and physical details of the machines through a finite element model (FEM) meanwhile dealing with the operation of the whole system that incorporates the machine and a subset of the power grid represented by an external electrical circuit. The goal of the present work is to put to use this numerical technique when superconducting components are involved. Here, a case study is proposed involving a 15 MW hybrid superconducting synchronous generator (HTS rotor and conventional stator) coupled to a direct current network via a rectifier and its associated filter. The case study related to wind power application allows grasping the technical issues when employing co-simulation dealing with HTS machines. The FEM of the generator is done in the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics, which interacts with the circuit simulator Simulink through the built-in Functional Mock-up Unit. For the present study, a new version of the latest J–A formulation combined with homogenization technique is introduced allowing an even faster computation time compared to the T–A formulation. Distributed variables and global variables such as current density, magnetic flux density, and local losses for the former and voltage, current, electromagnetic torque, and power quality for the latter are estimated and compared for both formulations. The idea is to find the best-suited combination FEM-circuit under criteria of computational speed, accuracy, and numerical stability. Thus, it is shown that all formulations generate an error of less than 5% on the machine parameters and that the J–A formulation with first order elements stands out with a significant 4-fold reduction in computational costs.
Precise determination of oxygen content in SmBa2Cu3O7−δ
thin film samples using x-ray diffraction
Authors: Walter Kai , Erbe Manuela , Welle Alexander , Hänisch Jens , Holzapfel Bernhard
Published: May 2024

The superconducting properties of SmBa2Cu3O7−δ
(SmBCO) thin films are predominantly influenced by the oxygen deficiency δ. Yet, the established methods to determine δ such as iodometric titration or thermogravimetry cannot be applied to thin films due to their very small volume. Therefore, an alternative way to determine δ for SmBCO thin film samples using x-ray diffraction (XRD) is presented. Main point of this analysis is the structural relationship between the a, b and c lattice parameters and δ. A linear relationship between c and δ is found in SmBCO powder samples for both the orthorhombic and tetragonal phase. Furthermore, an attempt is made to quantify the chemical composition using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. This attempt was inconclusive because of drastically changing ion yields due to δ influencing the valence state of the analyzed ions. The crystal structural relationship gathered from the powder samples is applied to thin film samples. Thereby, it becomes clear that thermal strain is affecting the crystal structure of the thin films. A simple correction model is used to correct for thermal strain and a good match between powder, literature, and thin film data is achieved and thus a non-destructive way for the determination of δ using XRD.