bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights and inferences on koala conservation from records of koalas arriving to care in South East Queensland
Authors: Kerlin Douglas H. , Grogan Laura F. , McCallum Hamish I.
Published: July 2022

Context Records collected when sick, injured or dead animals arrive at wildlife care facilities have potential to offer insights into population declines and identify key threatening processes for conservation and management intervention. Aims Records compiled from a centralised Queensland Government database of koala (Phascolarctus cinereus) arrivals to care facilities across South East Queensland were analysed to explore long- and short-term trends in arrivals in terms of seasonality, causes, outcomes and spatial distribution, with a particular focus on insights hospital records could provide into the potential role of disease in koala population declines. Methods Analysis was conducted on over 22 years of records of koalas arriving at care facilities collated by the Queensland Government. We summarised causes of hospital arrivals and outcomes. We utilised time-series methods to explore short-term cyclic dynamics in the data, and spatial tools to document changes in the distribution of koala arrivals. Key results In the long term, koala hospital arrivals increased modestly from 1997 to 2014, before falling into decline by 2018. Long-term changes are dwarfed by short-term fluctuations, including clear annual cyclic dynamics associated with car strike and dog attack, which peak from August to October each year, likely coinciding with the onset of the koala breeding season. Seasonality is also detected in disease-associated arrivals. Known severe declines in wild koala populations in South East Queensland, an area of intensive urbanisation and associated loss of koala habitat, are not reflected in the overall koala hospital arrival numbers. Our analysis suggests that severe local declines in wild koala abundance have been obscured by increases in the catchment areas from which koalas are entering the hospital network. Conclusions Koala hospital records provide an extensive dataset that can be mined for insights into koala population dynamics and threatening processes. However, interpretation of our findings must consider limitations and biases inherent in data collection. Implications Despite acknowledged shortcomings in terms of bias and data quality, retrospective analysis of records from care facilities can provide important insights for guiding conservation efforts. For example, our findings with respect to seasonality in koala hospital arrivals mirror results reported for other locales, suggesting that cyclic dynamics are not a local phenomenon, but occur more broadly across the species range, with implications for seasonal delivery of conservation actions.
Improved house mouse control in the field with a higher dose zinc phosphide bait
Authors: Ruscoe Wendy A. , Brown Peter R. , Hinds Lyn A. , Henry Steve , Van de Weyer Nikki , Robinson Freya , Oh Kevin , Duncan Richard P.
Published: July 2022

Context Recent studies have shown that the sensitivity of wild house mice to zinc phosphide (ZnP) in Australia is significantly lower than previously assumed, which may account for the reported variability in efficacy of ZnP baits used for broadacre control of house mice in grain-growing regions. Under laboratory conditions ZnP-coated grains with a new higher dose (50 g ZnP/kg grain) were readily consumed but the efficacy of using grains with this higher dose under natural field conditions has not been tested. Aims To test whether the newly derived ZnP50 (50 g ZnP/kg grain) was more effective under field conditions than the currently registered ZnP25 (25 g ZnP/kg grain) in reducing populations of house mice during a mouse population irruption. Methods We used a before–after-control–impact (BACI) design to assess changes in mouse population size under different baiting treatments in a replicated field trial. We assessed changes in mouse abundance in recently sown paddocks with either ZnP50 (n = 3) or ZnP25 (n = 3) compared with unbaited control sites (n = 3). Key results Baiting with ZnP50 led to a median reduction in mouse numbers of >85%. Our modelling showed that under similar circumstances, using the ZnP50 formulation should deliver >80% reduction in population size most (>90%) of the time. In contrast, the current registered bait (ZnP25) achieved approximately 70% reduction in population size, but with more variable results. We would be confident of getting an 80% reduction in population size only 20% of the time by using the currently registered ZnP25 bait under similar field conditions. Conclusions Consistent with laboratory studies, this study demonstrated the higher probability of achieving a consistently high kill rate under field conditions with the new ZnP50 bait compared with the currently registered formulation (ZnP25). Implications By using the new ZnP50 bait, farmers are far more likely to get good kill rates, thereby reducing the need for repeated baiting (which is costly and generally ineffective at protecting newly sown crops). Using the new bait should result in lower control costs for farmers and fewer toxic grains being spread to control mice.
Brain state limits propagation of neural signals in laminar cortical circuits
Authors: Kharas Natasha , Andrei Ariana , Debes Samantha R. , Dragoi Valentin
Published: July 2022

Our perception of the environment relies on the efficient propagation of neural signals across cortical networks. During the time course of a day, neural responses fluctuate dramatically as the state of the brain changes to possibly influence how electrical signals propagate across neural circuits. Despite the importance of this issue, how patterns of spiking activity propagate within neuronal circuits in different brain states remains unknown. Here, we used multielectrode laminar arrays to reveal that brain state strongly modulates the propagation of neural activity across the layers of early visual cortex (V1). We optogenetically induced synchronized state transitions within a group of neurons and examined how far electrical signals travel during wakefulness and rest. Although optogenetic stimulation elicits stronger neural responses during wakefulness relative to rest, signals propagate only weakly across the cortical column during wakefulness, and the extent of spread is inversely related to arousal level. In contrast, the light-induced population activity vigorously propagates throughout the entire cortical column during rest, even when neurons are in a desynchronized wake-like state prior to light stimulation. Mechanistically, the influence of global brain state on the propagation of spiking activity across laminar circuits can be explained by state-dependent changes in the coupling between neurons. Our results impose constraints on the conclusions of causal manipulation studies attempting to influence neural function and behavior, as well as on previous computational models of perception assuming robust signal propagation across cortical layers and areas.
A general theory for temperature dependence in biology
Authors: Arroyo José Ignacio , Díez Beatriz , Kempes Christopher P. , West Geoffrey B. , Marquet Pablo A.
Published: July 2022

At present, there is no simple, first principles–based, and general model for quantitatively describing the full range of observed biological temperature responses. Here we derive a general theory for temperature dependence in biology based on Eyring–Evans–Polanyi’s theory for chemical reaction rates. Assuming only that the conformational entropy of molecules changes with temperature, we derive a theory for the temperature dependence of enzyme reaction rates which takes the form of an exponential function modified by a power law and that describes the characteristic asymmetric curved temperature response. Based on a few additional principles, our model can be used to predict the temperature response above the enzyme level, thus spanning quantum to classical scales. Our theory provides an analytical description for the shape of temperature response curves and demonstrates its generality by showing the convergence of all temperature dependence responses onto universal relationships—a universal data collapse—under appropriate normalization and by identifying a general optimal temperature, around 25∘C, characterizing all temperature response curves. The model provides a good fit to empirical data for a wide variety of biological rates, times, and steady-state quantities, from molecular to ecological scales and across multiple taxonomic groups (from viruses to mammals). This theory provides a simple framework to understand and predict the impact of temperature on biological quantities based on the first principles of thermodynamics, bridging quantum to classical scales.
Molecular genetic variation of animals and plants under domestication
Authors: Andersson Leif , Purugganan Michael
Published: July 2022

Domesticated plants and animals played crucial roles as models for evolutionary change by means of natural selection and for establishing the rules of inheritance, originally proposed by Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel, respectively. Here, we review progress that has been made during the last 35 y in unraveling the molecular genetic variation underlying the stunning phenotypic diversity in crops and domesticated animals that inspired Mendel and Darwin. We notice that numerous domestication genes, crucial for the domestication process, have been identified in plants, whereas animal domestication appears to have a polygenic background with no obvious “domestication genes” involved. Although model organisms, such as
Drosophila
and
Arabidopsis
, have replaced domesticated species as models for basic research, the latter are still outstanding models for evolutionary research because phenotypic change in these species represents an evolutionary process over thousands of years. A consequence of this is that some alleles contributing to phenotypic diversity have evolved by accumulating multiple changes in the same gene. The continued molecular characterization of crops and farm animals with ever sharper tools is essential for future food security.
Genetics of adaptation
Authors: Bomblies Kirsten , Peichel Catherine L.
Published: July 2022

The rediscovery of Mendel’s work showing that the heredity of phenotypes is controlled by discrete genes was followed by the reconciliation of Mendelian genetics with evolution by natural selection in the middle of the last century with the Modern Synthesis. In the past two decades, dramatic advances in genomic methods have facilitated the identification of the loci, genes, and even individual mutations that underlie phenotypic variants that are the putative targets of natural selection. Moreover, these methods have also changed how we can study adaptation by flipping the problem around, allowing us to first examine what loci show evidence of having been under selection, and then connecting these genetic variants to phenotypic variation. As a result, we now have an expanding list of actual genetic changes that underlie potentially adaptive phenotypic variation. Here, we synthesize how considering the effects of these adaptive loci in the context of cellular environments, genomes, organisms, and populations has provided new insights to the genetic architecture of adaptation.
Elevated
BICD2
DNA methylation in blood of major depressive disorder patients and reduction of depressive-like behaviors in hippocampal
Bicd2
-knockdown mice
Authors: Xiu Jianbo , Li Jiayu , Liu Zeyue , Wei Hui , Zhu Caiyun , Han Rongrong , Liu Zijing , Zhu Wanwan , Shen Yan , Xu Qi
Published: July 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and devastating mental illness. To date, the diagnosis of MDD is largely dependent on clinical interviews and questionnaires and still lacks a reliable biomarker. DNA methylation has a stable and reversible nature and is likely associated with the course and therapeutic efficacy of complex diseases, which may play an important role in the etiology of a disease. Here, we identified and validated a DNA methylation biomarker for MDD from four independent cohorts of the Chinese Han population. First, we integrated the analysis of the DNA methylation microarray (
n
= 80) and RNA expression microarray data (
n
= 40) and identified
BICD2
as the top-ranked gene. In the replication phase, we employed the Sequenom MassARRAY method to confirm the DNA hypermethylation change in a large sample size (
n
= 1,346) and used the methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and a quantitative PCR approach (MSE-qPCR) and qPCR method to confirm the correlation between DNA hypermethylation and mRNA down-regulation of
BICD2
(
n
= 60). The results were replicated in the peripheral blood of mice with depressive-like behaviors, while in the hippocampus of mice,
Bicd2
showed DNA hypomethylation and mRNA/protein up-regulation. Hippocampal
Bicd2
knockdown demonstrates antidepressant action in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model of depression, which may be mediated by increased BDNF expression. Our study identified a potential DNA methylation biomarker and investigated its functional implications, which could be exploited to improve the diagnosis and treatment of MDD.
Emerging accessibility patterns in long telomeric overhangs
Authors: Shiekh Sajad , Mustafa Golam , Kodikara Sineth G. , Hoque Mohammed Enamul , Yokie Eric , Portman John J. , Balci Hamza
Published: July 2022

We present single-molecule experimental and computational modeling studies investigating the accessibility of human telomeric overhangs of physiologically relevant lengths. We studied 25 different overhangs that contain 4–28 repeats of GGGTTA (G-Tract) sequence and accommodate one to seven tandem G-quadruplex (GQ) structures. Using the FRET-PAINT method, we probed the distribution of accessible sites via a short imager strand, which is complementary to a G-Tract and transiently binds to available sites. We report accessibility patterns that periodically change with overhang length and interpret these patterns in terms of the underlying folding landscape and folding frustration. Overhangs that have [4n]G-Tracts, (12, 16, 20…) demonstrate the broadest accessibility patterns where the peptide nucleic acid probe accesses G-Tracts throughout the overhang. On the other hand, constructs with [4n+2]G-Tracts, (14, 18, 22…) have narrower patterns where the neighborhood of the junction between single- and double-stranded telomeres is most accessible. We interpret these results as the folding frustration being higher in [4n]G-Tract constructs compared to [4n+2]G-Tract constructs. We also developed a computational model that tests the consistency of different folding stabilities and cooperativities between neighboring GQs with the observed accessibility patterns. Our experimental and computational studies suggest the neighborhood of the junction between single- and double-stranded telomeres is least stable and most accessible, which is significant as this is a potential site where the connection between POT1/TPP1 (bound to single-stranded telomere) and other shelterin proteins (localized on double-stranded telomere) is established.
Pervasive alterations to snow-dominated ecosystem functions under climate change
Authors: Wieder William R. , Kennedy Daniel , Lehner Flavio , Musselman Keith N. , Rodgers Keith B. , Rosenbloom Nan , Simpson Isla R. , Yamaguchi Ryohei
Published: July 2022

Climate change projections consistently demonstrate that warming temperatures and dwindling seasonal snowpack will elicit cascading effects on ecosystem function and water resource availability. Despite this consensus, little is known about potential changes in the variability of ecohydrological conditions, which is also required to inform climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Considering potential changes in ecohydrological variability is critical to evaluating the emergence of trends, assessing the likelihood of extreme events such as floods and droughts, and identifying when tipping points may be reached that fundamentally alter ecohydrological function. Using a single-model Large Ensemble with sophisticated terrestrial ecosystem representation, we characterize projected changes in the mean state and variability of ecohydrological processes in historically snow-dominated regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Widespread snowpack reductions, earlier snowmelt timing, longer growing seasons, drier soils, and increased fire risk are projected for this century under a high-emissions scenario. In addition to these changes in the mean state, increased variability in winter snowmelt will increase growing-season water deficits and increase the stochasticity of runoff. Thus, with warming, declining snowpack loses its dependable buffering capacity so that runoff quantity and timing more closely reflect the episodic characteristics of precipitation. This results in a declining predictability of annual runoff from maximum snow water equivalent, which has critical implications for ecosystem stress and water resource management. Our results suggest that there is a strong likelihood of pervasive alterations to ecohydrological function that may be expected with climate change.
Facilely tuning the intrinsic catalytic sites of the spinel oxide for peroxymonosulfate activation: From fundamental investigation to pilot-scale demonstration
Authors: Huang Mingjie , Li Yu-Sheng , Zhang Chuan-Qi , Cui Chao , Huang Qing-Qing , Li Mengkai , Qiang Zhimin , Zhou Tao , Wu Xiaohui , Yu Han-Qing
Published: July 2022

Heterogeneous peroxymonosulfate (PMS)–based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have shown a great potential for pollutant degradation, but their feasibility for large-scale water treatment application has not been demonstrated. Herein, we develop a facile coprecipitation method for the scalable production (∼10 kg) of the Cu-Fe-Mn spinel oxide (CuFeMnO). Such a catalyst has rich oxygen vacancies and symmetry-breaking sites, which endorse it with a superior PMS-catalytic capacity. We find that the working reactive species and their contributions are highly dependent on the properties of target organic pollutants. For the organics with electron-donating group (e.g., -OH), high-valent metal species are mainly responsible for the pollutant degradation, whereas for the organics with electron-withdrawing group (e.g., -COOH and -NO
2
), hydroxyl radical (•OH) as the secondary oxidant also plays an important role. We demonstrate that the CuFeMnO–PMS system is able to achieve efficient and stable removal of the pollutants in the secondary effluent from a municipal wastewater plant at both bench and pilot scales. Moreover, we explore the application prospect of this PMS-based AOP process for large-scale wastewater treatment. This work describes an opportunity to scalably prepare robust spinel oxide catalysts for water purification and is beneficial to the practical applications of the heterogeneous PMS-AOPs.
Pervasive transcription enhances the accessibility of H-NS–silenced promoters and generates bistability in
Salmonella
virulence gene expression
Authors: Figueroa-Bossi Nara , Sánchez-Romero María Antonia , Kerboriou Patricia , Naquin Delphine , Mendes Clara , Bouloc Philippe , Casadesús Josep , Bossi Lionello
Published: July 2022

In
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella,
many genes silenced by the nucleoid structuring protein H-NS are activated upon inhibiting Rho-dependent transcription termination. This response is poorly understood and difficult to reconcile with the view that H-NS acts mainly by blocking transcription initiation. Here we have analyzed the basis for the up-regulation of H-NS–silenced
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) in cells depleted of Rho-cofactor NusG. Evidence from genetic experiments, semiquantitative 5′ rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends sequencing (5' RACE-Seq), and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) shows that transcription originating from spurious antisense promoters, when not stopped by Rho, elongates into a H-NS–bound regulatory region of SPI-1, displacing H-NS and rendering the DNA accessible to the master regulator HilD. In turn, HilD’s ability to activate its own transcription triggers a positive feedback loop that results in transcriptional activation of the entire SPI-1. Significantly, single-cell analyses revealed that this mechanism is largely responsible for the coexistence of two subpopulations of cells that either express or do not express SPI-1 genes. We propose that cell-to-cell differences produced by stochastic spurious transcription, combined with feedback loops that perpetuate the activated state, can generate bimodal gene expression patterns in bacterial populations.
Belief traps: Tackling the inertia of harmful beliefs
Authors: Scheffer Marten , Borsboom Denny , Nieuwenhuis Sander , Westley Frances
Published: July 2022

Beliefs can be highly resilient in the sense that they are not easily abandoned in the face of counterevidence. This has the advantage of guiding consistent behavior and judgments but may also have destructive consequences for individuals, nature, and society. For instance, pathological beliefs can sustain psychiatric disorders, the belief that rhinoceros horn is an aphrodisiac may drive a species extinct, beliefs about gender or race may fuel discrimination, and belief in conspiracy theories can undermine democracy. Here, we present a unifying framework of how self-amplifying feedbacks shape the inertia of beliefs on levels ranging from neuronal networks to social systems. Sustained exposure to counterevidence can destabilize rigid beliefs but requires organized rational override as in cognitive behavioral therapy for pathological beliefs or institutional control of discrimination to reduce racial biases. Black-and-white thinking is a major risk factor for the formation of resilient beliefs associated with psychiatric disorders as well as prejudices and conspiracy thinking. Such dichotomous thinking is characteristic of a lack of cognitive resources, which may be exacerbated by stress. This could help explain why conspiracy thinking and psychiatric disorders tend to peak during crises. A corollary is that addressing social factors such as poverty, social cleavage, and lack of education may be the most effective way to prevent the emergence of rigid beliefs, and thus of problems ranging from psychiatric disorders to prejudices, conspiracy theories, and posttruth politics.
The legacy of Professor Michael H. Long and his influence in second language acquisition
Authors: Benati Alessandro G. , Schwieter John W.
Published: July 2022

This chapter will provide a brief overview of the influence of Professor Michael H. Long in the field of second language acquisition whose work has shaped our understanding of many key concepts in the field. The chapter continues with a short synopsis of the contributions in this volume motivated by his work.
Enhanced incidental learning
Authors: Borro Ilaria
Published: July 2022

This chapter will focus on theory and research into enhanced incidental learning (EIL), which is an approach to facilitating learning from input. The chapter will draw comparisons between EIL and input enhancement (IE). Input enhancement (Sharwood-Smith, 1981, 1993) consists of overt increases in the perceptual salience of target items, and is intended to improve noticing. The possibility that input enhancement may only result in improved explicit knowledge will be examined. In contrast, EIL does not entail changes to the input itself, but covert modifications of the conditions under which the input is processed (Long, 2017). There will be discussion of existing empirical results which suggest EIL may give rise to implicit knowledge by means of detection rather than noticing.
A calculus for L1 transfer
Authors: O’Grady William
Published: July 2022

The phenomenon of transfer plays a prominent role, either explicitly or implicitly, in most approaches to SLA, including Focus on Form and the Interaction Hypothesis – to name two lines of inquiry that lay at the heart of Mike Long’s scholarship. The central thesis of this chapter is that transfer is best seen as a processing-driven strategy: L2 learners transfer operations from their L1 to the L2, unless those operations are more costly in the L2 than in the L1. Much of the chapter is devoted to the application of this idea to phenomena that arise when adult native speakers of English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Catalan go about acquiring a second or third language, producing transfer effects that have been difficult to accommodate in traditional approaches to cross-linguistic influence.
A task-based needs analysis framework for TBLT
Authors: Grote Ellen , Oliver Rhonda
Published: July 2022

This chapter focuses on the evidenced-based Task Based Needs Analysis (NA) model that Michael Long developed as a tool for Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT). It describes the theoretical underpinnings of the model, its purpose and aims, its function in TBLT, how it contributes to task and syllabus design, and importantly, how the framework foregrounds the ‘real life’ aspects of language learning that is integral the definition of task as proposed by Michael Long.
The rise of colligations
Authors: Hackstein Olav , Sandell Ryan
Published: July 2022

This article examines the lexically parallel English and German constructions can’t stand somebody/something and jemanden/etwas nicht ausstehen können “not tolerate (someone or something)”, from synchronic, diachronic, and quantitative perspectives. Syntactic and semantic restrictions suggest that the usage of stand and ausstehen in the relevant sense is older than other semantically similar verbs (e.g. English tolerate, German leiden), while quantitative evidence from corpora shows that the can’t stand and nicht ausstehen können constructions are both colligationally stronger than lexical competitors. Evidence from the history of stand indicates that the lexeme stand in the Germanic and other Indo-European languages has a long history of being employed in the relevant sense. The restrictions on usage and the colligational strength of the respective English and German constructions are thus argued to result from the antiquity of the construction and functional competition from other lexemes.
Effect of alternating magnetic fields on hot tearing susceptibility of Mg–4Zn–1.5Ca alloy
Authors: Bai Shengwei , Wang Feng , Du Xudong , Wang Wei , Wang Zhi , Zhou Le , Mao Pingli , Liu Zheng
Published: July 2022

In the present work, the effect of low-frequency alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) of different strengths on hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) and solidification behaviour of the Mg–4Zn–1.5Ca alloy was investigated. The results revealed that the application of AMFs during the solidification narrowed the solidification temperature range of the Mg–4Zn–1.5Ca alloy, thereby reducing the HTS of the material. In addition, the presence of the AMF-inhibited dendritic growth refined the alloy microstructure and enhanced convection in the melt, which led to a decrease in the HTS. The HTS of the Mg–4Zn–1.5Ca alloy was the smallest when the AMF of 15 A (15 Hz) was applied. However, once the current increased to 20 A, excessive Joule heat was generated in the melt, which coarsened the microstructure and increased the HTS of the alloy.
Caregivers of People with Substance use or Mental Health Disorders in the US
Authors: Timko Christine , Lor Mai Chee , Rossi Fernanda , Peake Amber , Cucciare Michael A.
Published: July 2022

Background: Caregiving for persons with substance use and/or mental health disorders (SU/MHD) and other conditions places significant strains on caregivers. Methods: The present study used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (a US health survey) data to (1) compare caregivers of recipients with SU/MHD to those of recipients with other conditions on demographic and caregiving characteristics and health outcomes and (2) examine demographic and caregiving characteristics that were associated with poorer health outcomes among caregivers of persons with SU/MHD. Results: Caregivers of people with SU/MHD were more likely than other caregiver groups (of recipients with medical, cognitive, developmental disability, and old age–related conditions) to report poor general health, physical health, and mental health, as well as activities limitations, having been diagnosed with depression, and binge drinking. Among the group of caregivers of recipients with SU/MHD, those caring for a parent were more likely to report poor physical health, poor mental health, depression, and binge drinking than those caring for a friend, relative, child, or spouse. In addition, caregivers who provided SU/MHD-related caregiving for a longer duration and for whom caregiving included household help were less likely to report poor mental health, depression, or binge drinking. Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of the substance use disorder treatment system developing improved institutional and structural support for caregivers of recipients with SU/MHD.
Is it all in the Family? Sexual Identity Differences in DSM-5 Alcohol and other Drug use Disorders and Associations with Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse History among Parents, Offspring, and Other Relatives
Authors: McCabe Sean Esteban , Hughes Tonda L. , Fish Jessica N. , Hoak Sebastian , Kcomt Luisa , Evans-Polce Rebecca J. , Engstrom Curtiss , Leary Kate , Veliz Philip , West Brady T. , McCabe Vita V. , Boyd Carol J.
Published: July 2022

Background: The objectives of this study were to: (1) estimate the prevalence of family history of alcohol and other drug (AOD) misuse (positive family history [FH+]) in first- and second-degree relatives across sexual identity subgroups (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual); (2) compare AOD misuse among offspring of sexual minority and heterosexual parents; and (3) examine the relationships between FH+ and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other drug use disorder (ODUD) across sexual identity subgroups. Methods: Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III ( n = 36,309 non-institutionalized U.S. adults aged ≥ 18 years). Data collection occurred in households using structured diagnostic face-to-face interviews during 2012–2013. Results: The presence of FH+ in first- and second-degree relatives was most prevalent among bisexual women relative to all other sexual orientation subgroups. Multivariable regression analyses indicated that the odds of AUD and ODUD were higher among FH+ adults relative to negative family history (FH-) adults. Lesbian and bisexual women had higher odds of AUD compared to heterosexual women, controlling for any FH+; this sexual identity difference was not found for men. There were no significant differences in ODUD between heterosexual FH- men and gay FH- men. We found differences in AOD misuse among offspring of bisexual parents, but not gay or lesbian parents compared to heterosexual parents. Conclusions: Health professionals should consider the higher likelihood of a family history of AOD misuse among sexual minorities, especially bisexual women, when treating these individuals. The lack of differences in AOD misuse among offspring of gay or lesbian parents relative to heterosexual parents warrants attention for legal, policy, and clinical decisions.
Glass encapsulation of molecular-doped epitaxial graphene for quantum resistance metrology
Authors: Park Jaesung , Lim Kyung-Geun , Chae Dong-Hun
Published: July 2022

The large Landau energy spacing, stemming from the linear energy-momentum dispersion of quasi-particles in graphene, allows an efficient realization of the quantum Hall effect at a small density of charge carriers. Promising scalable epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide (SiC), however, requires molecular doping, which is generally unstable under ambient conditions, to compensate for electron transfer from the SiC substrate. Here, we employed classical glass encapsulation common in organic electronics to passivate molecular-doped epitaxial graphene against water and oxygen molecules in air. We have investigated the stability of Hall quantization in a glass-encapsulated device for almost 1 year. The Hall quantization is maintained above a threshold magnetic field within 2 nΩ Ω−1 smaller than the measurement uncertainty of 3.5 nΩ Ω−1 through multiple thermal cycles for almost 1 year, while the ordinary unencapsulated device in air distinctly shows a relative deviation larger than 0.05% from the nominal quantized Hall resistance in 1 month.
Structure and related physical properties of Li2O-Sb2O3-B2O3 glasses
Authors: Tozri A , Al-Zaibani M , Shahboub A , El Agammy E F
Published: July 2022

Glasses of the formula 40Li2O·xSb2O3·(60–x)B2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 40 mol%) were prepared using the melt quenching technique. XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, density and dc conductivity were studied. A phase separation was observed in as-prepared glass samples that contain a concentration of Sb2O3 ≥ 25 mol%. Moreover, crystalline phases of Li5Sb3O8, Li3SbO4 and LiSbO3 were found in the 40Li2O·40Sb2O3·20B2O3 glass sample after thermal treatment at 600 °C for 4 h. N
4 decreased slightly with increasing Sb2O3 content. The contribution to N
4 from Li2O and Sb2O3 was separated. The negative contribution of Sb2O3 to N
4 was due to the association of Sb2O3 and Li2O to form Li5Sb3O8, Li3SbO4 and LiSbO3 phases and acting as a former. The formed Li5Sb3O8, Li3SbO4 phases having low migration energy and rich with Li+ ions exhibited a high mobility. Density and molar volume increased with increasing Sb2O3 content. The abrupt increase in the conductivity by about 4 orders in magnitude for Sb2O3 ≥ 25 mol% is correlated with the presence of clusters rich by Li+ and Sb+3 ions that have low migration energies and the increase in the free volume.
A model-independent test of speed of light variability with cosmological observations
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel , Bengaly Carlos
Published: July 2022

A powerful test of fundamental physics consists on probing the variability of fundamental constants in Nature. Although they have been measured on Earth laboratories and in our Solar neighbourhood with extremely high precision, it is crucial to carry out these tests at the distant Universe, as any significant variation of these quantities would immediately hint at new physics. We perform a cosmological measurement of the speed of light using the latest Type Ia Supernova and cosmic chronometer observations at the redshift range 0 < z < 2. Our method relies on the numerical reconstruction of these data in order to circumventa prioriassumptions of the underlying cosmology. We confirm the constancy of the speed of light at such redshift range, reporting two ∼ 5% precision measurements ofc = (3.20 ± 0.16) × 105 km s-1in z ≃ 1.58, andc = (2.67 ± 0.14) × 105 km s-1inz ≃ 1.36, depending on the reconstruction method, at a 1σ confidence level.
Short-exposure Image Reconstruction with The Power Spectrum Extended (PSE) Method
Authors: Cottalorda É. , Aristidi É. , Carbillet M. , Guinard M. , Pyanet M. , Vourc’h S.
Published: July 2022

We analyze, in the framework of high angular resolution imaging, a novel image reconstruction method denoted as PSE (which stands for power spectrum extended). It works in the Fourier space, combining the information from both the average power spectrum of the images and a phase estimation from an ad-hoc shift-and-add process. PSE allows to perform image reconstruction up to the diffraction limit of the telescope from a series of short-exposure frames, with a refined lucky-imaging selection process. The method is well adapted to partially corrected adaptive-optics images, in particular in case of low Strehl corrections, and/or small diameter telescopes. In this paper we analyze the PSE technique by means of Monte-Carlo simulations and compare it with the ISFAS lucky-imaging method. Comparative performances were investigated using three metrics: Strehl ratio for reconstructed point-like sources, intensity ratio for binary stars, and least-square distance between images for a simulated artificial satellite. We found that PSE provides an improvement of a factor ∼2 over ISFAS on the Strehl ratio in the case of faint point sources. It seems also to give better images reconstruction on some kinds of extended objects (planets or binary stars with small magnitude difference). PSE has also the advantage to be very fast and well adapted to real-time image reconstruction.
Wavelength-dependent Image Quality Predictions and Other Considerations for Site Selection and Instrument Design
Authors: Persson S. E.
Published: July 2022

Stellar image motion measured differentially with small telescopes can be converted to image quality predictions for large telescopes at the same site. To demonstrate this methodology, multi-wavelength seeing distributions are predicted for Las Campanas Observatory based on the Differential Image Motion Monitor (DIMM) results from the Giant Magellan Telescope site survey. The observed seeing distribution at 0.5 μm is used to compute a family of predicted seeing distributions from 0.32 to 4.7 μm. Tokovinin’s formula is used to transform the DIMM seeing distributions (based on Kolmogorov theory) to the large telescope image sizes expected in the von Karman theory. The latter framework includes an outer scale, or largest size, for the turbulent eddies above a telescope. The impact of seeing distributions on site selection and on telescope and instrument design are discussed. Other considerations in selecting an excellent site are also listed and explained.
A Practical Guide to the Partition Function of Atoms and Ions
Authors: Alimohamadi P. , Ferland G. J.
Published: July 2022

The partition function, U, the number of available states in an atom or molecules, is crucial for understanding the physical state of any astrophysical system in thermodynamic equilibrium. There are surprisingly few useful discussions of the partition function’s numerical value. Textbooks often define U; some give tables of representative values, while others do a deep dive into the theory of dense plasma. Most say that it depends on temperature, atomic structure, density, and that it diverges, that is, it goes to infinity, at high temperatures, but few give practical examples. We aim to rectify this. We show that there are two limits, one- and two-electron (or closed-shell) systems like H or He, and species with a complicated electronic structure like C, N, O, and Fe. The high-temperature divergence does not occur for one- and two-electron systems in practical situations because, at high temperatures, species are collisionally ionized to higher-ionization stages and are not abundant. The partition function is then close to the statistical weight of the ground state. There is no such simplification for many-electron species. U is temperature sensitive across the range of temperatures where an ion is abundant but remains finite at even the highest practical temperatures. The actual value depends on highly uncertain truncation theories in high-density plasmas. We show that there are various theories for continuum lowering but that they are not in good agreement. This remains a long-standing unsolved problem.
Polarimetric method of plasma diagnostics
Authors: Oganesyan Koryun B , Dzierżęga Krzysztof , Kopcansky Peter , Gevorgyan Ashot H , Timko Milan
Published: July 2022

The polarization plane rotation angle of a probe signal in plasma is calculated. The estimates of the residual gas average density and the average magnitude of the magnetic field in a cesium plasma based on the effects of Faraday and Cotton–Mouton in a probe laser field have been found. It is shown that the polarization plane rotation angle depends on resonance detuning of the incident laser wave and transition frequency of medium atoms, magnetic field strength and matrix element.
A novel Si-rich SiN bilayer passivation with thin-barrier AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for high performance millimeter-wave applications
Authors: Chen Zhihong , Mi Minhan , Liu Jielong , Wang Pengfei , Zhou Yuwei , Zhang Meng , Ma Xiaohua , Hao Yue
Published: July 2022

We demonstrate a novel Si-rich SiN bilayer passivation technology for AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with thin-barrier to minimize surface leakage current to enhance the breakdown voltage. The bilayer SiN with 20-nm Si-rich SiN and 100-nm Si3N4 was deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) after removing 20-nm SiO2 pre-deposition layer. Compared to traditional Si3N4 passivation for thin-barrier AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, Si-rich SiN bilayer passivation can suppress the current collapse ratio from 18.54% to 8.40%. However, Si-rich bilayer passivation leads to a severer surface leakage current, so that it has a low breakdown voltage. The 20-nm SiO2 pre-deposition layer can protect the surface of HEMTs in fabrication process and decrease Ga–O bonds, resulting in a lower surface leakage current. In contrast to passivating Si-rich SiN directly, devices with the novel Si-rich SiN bilayer passivation increase the breakdown voltage from 29 V to 85 V. Radio frequency (RF) small-signal characteristics show that HEMTs with the novel bilayer SiN passivation leads to f
T/f
max of 68 GHz/102 GHz. At 30 GHz and V
DS = 20 V, devices achieve a maximum P
out of 5.2 W/mm and a peak power-added efficiency (PAE) of 42.2%. These results indicate that HEMTs with the novel bilayer SiN passivation can have potential applications in the millimeter-wave range.
Improved microwave dielectric properties of MgAl2O4 spinel ceramics through (Li1/3Ti2/3)3+ doping
Authors: Li Xiao , Yang Xizhi , Lai Yuanming , Zhang Qin , Li Baoyang , Qi Cong , Yin Jun , Wang Fanshuo , Wu Chongsheng , Su Hua
Published: July 2022

A series of nominal compositions MgAl2−x
(Li1/3Ti2/3)
x
O4 (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16, and 0.20) ceramics were successfully prepared via the conventional solid-state reaction route. The phase compositions, microstructures, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The results of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that a single phase of MgAl2−x
(Li1/3Ti2/3)
x
O4 ceramics with a spinel structure was obtained at x ≤ 0.12, whereas the second phase of MgTi2O5 appeared when x > 0.12. The cell parameters were obtained by XRD refinement. As the x values increased, the unit cell volume kept expanding. This phenomenon could be attributed to the partial substitution of (Li1/3Ti2/3)3+ for Al3+. Results showed that (Li1/3Ti2/3)3+ doping into MgAl2O4 spinel ceramics effectively reduced the sintering temperature and improved the quality factor (Q
f) values. Good microwave dielectric properties were achieved for a sample at x = 0.20 sintering at 1500 °C in air for 4 h: dielectric constant ε
r = 8.78, temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τ
f = −85 ppm/°C, and Q
f = 62 300 GHz. The Q
f value of the x = 0.20 sample was about 2 times higher than that of pure MgAl2O4 ceramics (31600 GHz). Thus, MgAl2−x
(Li1/3Ti2/3)
x
O4 ceramics with excellent microwave dielectric properties can be applied to 5G communications.
Microwave absorption properties regulation and bandwidth formula of oriented Y2Fe17N3–δ
@SiO2/PU composite synthesized by reduction–diffusion method
Authors: Wang Hao , Qiao Liang , Zheng Zu-Ying , Hao Hong-Bo , Wang Tao , Yang Zheng , Li Fa-Shen
Published: July 2022

As concepts closely related to microwave absorption properties, impedance matching and phase matching were rarely combined with material parameters to regulate properties and explore related mechanisms. In this work, reduction–diffusion method was innovatively applied to synthesize rare earth alloy Y2Fe17. In order to regulate the electromagnetic parameters of absorbers, the Y2Fe17N3–δ
particles were coated with silica (Y2Fe17N3–δ
@SiO2) and absorbers with different volume fractions were prepared. The relationship between impedance matching, matching thickness, and the strongest reflection loss peak (RLmin) was presented obviously. Compared to the microwave absorption properties of Y2Fe17N3–δ
/PU absorber, Y2Fe17N3–δ
@SiO2/PU absorbers are more conducive to the realization of microwave absorption material standards which are thin thickness, light weight, strong absorbing intensity, and broad bandwidth. Based on microwave frequency bands, the microwave absorption properties of the absorbers were analyzed and the related parameters were listed. As an important parameter related to perfect matching, reflection factor (

ε
r

/

μ
r

) was discussed combined with microwave amplitude attenuation. According to the origin and mathematical model of bandwidth, the formula of EAB (RL < –10 dB) was derived and simplified. The calculated bandwidths agreed well with experimental results.
Suppression of laser power error in a miniaturized atomic co-magnetometer based on split ratio optimization
Authors: Zhang Wei-Jia , Fan Wen-Feng , Fan Shi-Miao , Quan Wei
Published: July 2022

A miniaturized atomic spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) co-magnetometer measures angular velocity using a balanced polarimetry technique which is easily affected by the laser power. A laser power closed-loop control system is usually used to suppress the fluctuation of the laser power. Although this method can greatly eliminate the fluctuation of the in-loop laser power (the feedback laser), it cannot fully eliminate the fluctuation of the out-of-loop laser power (the signal measurement laser). This leads to SERF gyroscope laser power error, which reduces the inertial measurement accuracy. In this paper, the influence mechanism of the split ratio (the ratio of the in-loop laser power to the out-of-loop laser power) on the out-of-loop laser power control accuracy is analyzed by establishing a laser power transmission model inside and outside the loop. Moreover, a method is developed to improve the out-of-loop laser power stability by optimizing the split ratio. Comparative experiments showed that the relative Allan standard deviation of the out-of-loop laser power decreased from 5.48 × 10−6 to 2.62 × 10−6 at 100 s, and decreased by an order of magnitude from 1.76 × 10−5 to 3.30 × 10−6 at 1000 s. Correspondingly, the rate ramp coefficient in the Allan standard deviation curve of the SERF gyroscope test data decreased from 1.312 [(°/h)/h] to 0.246 [(°/h)/h]. And the bias stability increased from 0.032 °/h to 0.019 °/h. Therefore, the proposed method can improve the long-term stability of the probe laser power and effectively suppress the laser power error of the SERF gyroscope.
Pulsed laser ablation in liquid of sp-carbon chains: Status and recent advances
Authors: Marabotti Pietro , Peggiani Sonia , Vidale Alessandro , Spartaco Casari Carlo
Published: July 2022

This review provides a discussion of the current state of research on sp-carbon chains synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid. In recent years, pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) has been widely employed for polyynes synthesis thanks to its flexibility with varying laser parameters, solvents, and targets. This allows the control of sp-carbon chains properties as yield, length, termination and stability. Although many reviews related to PLAL have been published, a comprehensive work reporting the current status and advances related to the synthesis of sp-carbon chains by PLAL is still missing. Here we first review the principle of PLAL and the mechanisms of formation of sp-carbon chains. Then we discuss the role of laser fluence (i.e. energy density), solvent, and target for sp-carbon chains synthesis. Lastly, we report the progress related to the prolonged stability of sp-carbon chains by PLAL encapsulated in polymeric matrices. This review will be a helpful guide for researchers interested in synthesizing sp-carbon chains by PLAL.