bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of gamma induced effects on the properties of gamma irradiated Ce2S3 thin films
Authors: Aldawood S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Nanostructure cerium sulphide (Ce2S3) thin films were prepared using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). The properties of the prepared samples were investigated as a function of gamma rays’ doses of 0, 250, 500, and 1000Gy, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest an orthorhombic phase structure for Ce2S3 thin films and the crystallinity is enhanced with increasing gamma-ray doses. The irradiated thin films exhibit a variation in the energy band gap associated with the quantum confinement effect with larger grain size. This simple strategy of modifying properties of Ce2S3 thin films by the incident gamma rays can be an attractive way to investigate this material for dosimetry and radiation detection.
Development and characterization of a clay-graphite-CeO2 composite electrode for simultaneous detection of heavy metals
Authors: Nizar Sondos , El-Kordy Abderrazek , Elgamouz Abdelaziz , Kawde Abdelnasser , Laoui Tahar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
A carbon paste electrochemical sensor doped with clay impregnated with cerium oxide (CeO2), CPE/Clay/CeO2, was developed and used for the electrochemical sensing of four heavy metals, Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II). The optimum ratio of clay/CeO2 and sintering temperature were found to be 10 wt.% Clay/CeO2 and 1000°C respectively. Heavy metals were sensed simultaneously on the 10 wt.% Clay/CeO2@1000°C sensor using square wave voltammetry (SWV), which was found to yield the highest current density, with optimum parameters: potential increment 0.001 V, amplitude 0.07 V, frequency 15 Hz, preconditioning potential -1.0 V, preconditioning time of 30 s. Linear range calibration curves were obtained in the ranges of 2.0-28 μM, 2.0-25 μM, 2.0-28 μM, 2.0-28 μM for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II), with respective limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.42, 1.4 μM for Cd(II), 0.37, 1.2 μM for Pb(II), 0.28, 0.94 μM for Cu(II) and 0.31, 1.0 μM for Hg(II). The prepared CPE/Clay/CeO2 sensor showed a very high selectivity toward the selected heavy metals.
Removal of rhodamine b and alizarin red from aqueous solutions by oxidized carbon nanotubes: kinetics and isotherm Study
Authors: Khalil Abdelrahman K. A. , Almanassra Ismail W. , Chatla Anjaneyulu , Atieh Muataz Ali , Laoui Tahar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Alizarin Red and Rhodamine B are widely used dyes in the textile, paper, and plastic industries. However, the disposal or release of these dyes into the environment can negatively impact on both the environment and human health. In the present study, oxidized carbon nanotubes (OCNT) were used to eliminate Alizarin Red and Rhodamine B from contaminated water in batch adsorption experiments. The adsorption outcomes suggested that OCNT has the potential to be an effective material for the removal of these dyes from contaminated water. The kinetics modeling revealed that the adsorption process of both dyes onto OCNT follows the pseudo-second-order model, indicating a chemisorption process. Moreover, the OCNT has indicated fast kinetics in which the equilibrium was achieved in 4 h. The isotherm study demonstrated that the Freundlich isotherm model best fits the experimental data, suggesting that dyes’ adsorption onto OCNT is a monolayer adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacities were 124.7 and 614.7 mg/g for Rhodamine B and Alizarin Red, respectively. The adsorption of these dyes was found to be more efficient at pH values of 6-8. This study suggests that OCNT can be an effective adsorbent for removing Alizarin Red and Rhodamine B from contaminated water.
Determination of energy band gap of α-LiIO3 doped with L-Arginine and L-Nitroarginine amino acids using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Danghyan A.A. , Bezhanova L.S. , Apreyan R.A. , Sukiasyan R.P. , Margaryan N.B. , Atanesyan A.K. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
An accurate determination of the band gap energy is crucial for predicting the photophysical and photochemical properties of investigated materials. In the present work, the dependence of the energy band gap (Eg
) of α-LiIO3 crystals doped with L-arginine and L-nitroarginine amino acids was obtained. The method, based on the simultaneous fitting of many absorption mechanisms to the spectral dependence of the Kubelka-Munk function estimated from diffuse reflection data, as well as Tauc's method, has been applied to determine the energy band gap. In the case of a small dopant concentration, additional electron states appear within the band gap of the crystals. As a result, a broad absorption band appears in the material spectrum. The optical transmittance spectra were recorded using an Agilent Cary 60 spectrophotometer in the spectral range 190–1100 nm.
Field tuning study and RF electromagnetic design of a continuous-wave RFQ with ramped inter-vane voltage for AB-BNCT
Authors: Li H.P. , Chen Y.Q. , Su H.Q. , Kong G.Q. , Li J.L. , Deng W.T. , Wang S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
A compact radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac for accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy is being developed at Xi'an Jiaotong University. By adopting a ramped inter-vane voltage in the beam dynamics design, the RFQ could accelerate a continuous wave proton beam to 2.6 MeV over a length of 4 m, effectively decreasing costs and saving space. To meet the beam-dynamics requirements, both the vane width and undercut were optimized during the electromagnetic design. In addition, π-mode stabilization loops were included to increase the mode separation, and fixed tuners with varying diameters were installed to obtain close frequency-tuning sensitivity. It was established that the field unflatness can be controlled within ±1.5% when all tuners remain at their nominal insertion depth. Optimized cooling-channel design was completed, and multi-physics analysis was conducted. The water tuning coefficients of the vane and wall channels were analyzed to establish the ability to fine tune the RFQ during operation.
Development of bipolar high-current correction magnet power supply for TPS facility
Authors: Wang Baosheng , Liu Kuobin , Wong Yongseng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Taiwan Photon Source (TPS) is a globally renowned 3 GeV
synchrotron accelerator light source. With a successful decade of
operation, various subsystems have continuously improved and
maintained an optimal research facility environment. Presently,
there is a concerted effort towards energy conservation. This
technical report focuses on the future development of the TPS-II
Permanent Magnet Trim Coil Power Supply for the correction magnet,
emphasizing a Bipole high-current correction magnet power
source. According to the prototype specifications, the maximum
output current is 20 A with an operating voltage of 48 V. This
augmentation increases the amplitude of the magnetic field
correction in the permanent magnet-associated Trim core, providing
greater flexibility in manufacturing the permanent magnet correction
coils. To design a power supply with high current and stability, the
system adopts the Danisense DP50-IP-B DC Current Transducers (DCCT)
as the current feedback component and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor
Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) as power switches in a
full-bridge (H-bridge) configuration. The driving frequency is set
at 40 kHz. Analog modulation control circuitry and protective
circuits ensure precise control loop modulation. In the power
laboratory, a hardware prototype circuit was constructed, featuring
a 48 V input voltage, 20 A output current, a maximum power of
960W, and a current ripple component maintained within
100 μA. This experiment validates the control loop design of
the prototype, showcasing the ability to achieve rapid and stable
output current performance. Using a 1 V input reference signal for
small-signal testing, the bandwidth displayed a -3 dB bandwidth
of 8.51 kHz. Long-term current stability is within ± 10 ppm,
and interface compatibility with the existing TPS correction magnet
power source interface allows direct operation within the current
system.
Close-to-equilibrium heat capacity
Authors: Khodabandehlou Faezeh , Maes Christian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Close to equilibrium, the excess heat governs the static fluctuations. We study the heat capacity in that McLennan regime, i.e. in linear order around equilibrium, using an expression in terms of the average energy that extends the equilibrium formula in the canonical ensemble. It is derivable from an entropy and it always vanishes at zero temperature. Any violation of an extended Third Law is therefore a nonlinear effect.
Tunable Fano resonance in a novel compact metal–insulator–metal structure
Authors: Tang Ding-Kang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
A novel compact scheme to realize tunable Fano resonance is proposed and investigated theoretically and numerically. The scheme is based on two slot cavities in a metal–insulator–metal structure. The model and formation mechanism of Fano resonance in this structure are studied. A new method based on four-mode temporal coupled-mode theory is used to analyze model of the structure with two slot cavities. Compared with previous studies, this method only considers the interaction between modes within two cavities rather than considering the energy coupling between them. The tunability and slow light phenomenon in the new structure are also studied. It is believed that research in this article can provide a new method to achieve Fano resonance. Furthermore, it is helpful to establish the Fano resonance model and reveal the formation mechanism of Fano resonance.
Screening methods for thermotolerance in pollen
Authors: Stokes Madeleine , Geitmann Anja 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Plant reproduction is highly susceptible to temperature stress. The development of the male gametophyte in particular represents a critical element in the reproductive cycle with high sensitivity to elevated temperatures. Various methods have been used to test the effect of temperature stress on pollen performance or to determine the degree of susceptibility of given species and genotypes. The information gained informs the development of new crop varieties suited to grow under warmer conditions arising through climate change and facilitates predicting the behaviour of natural populations under these conditions. The characterization of pollen performance typically employs the terms ‘pollen viability’ and ‘pollen vigour’, which, however, are not necessarily used consistently across studies. Pollen viability is a nominal parameter and is often assayed relying on cellular features as proxy to infer the capability of pollen grains to germinate and complete double fertilization. Alternatively, pollen germination can be determined through in vitro growth assays, or by monitoring the ability of pollen tubes to complete different progamic steps in vivo (ability to reach an ovule, release sperm cells, lead to seed set). Pollen vigour is an ordinal parameter that describes pollen tube growth rate or the efficiency of pollen tube growth as inferred by its morphology or growth pattern. To ensure consistent and relevant terminology, this review defines these terms and summarizes the methodologies used to assess them.
‘I Said I’m Young You Know I Can Plan Something Good You Know’: Understanding Language and Migration Through Time
Authors: Santello Marco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Applied linguistics has started to consider the importance of time for the understanding of meaning-making, for example in the conceptualization of chronotopes, or in stressing the relevance of speed and entrepreneurial views of the self for migrants. This study takes a step ahead by starting from the concept of memory as mobile, following Michel de Certeau (1990), and looking at the different ways in which the experience of time plays a role in living and recounting migration. Focusing on the journey of a young African from Italy to Germany and then reluctantly back to Italy, this article points to the relevance of time as projected (marked by [un]awareness of possible developments), personal (based on relationality), and influenced by concrete circumstances (events and processes). The findings also unveil tensions between planning and the unforeseen for tactics concerning language, highlighting the role of future projections.
Removing unwanted variation between samples in Hi-C experiments
Authors: Fletez-Brant Kipper , Qiu Yunjiang , Gorkin David U , Hu Ming , Hansen Kasper D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Hi-C data are commonly normalized using single sample processing methods, with focus on comparisons between regions within a given contact map. Here, we aim to compare contact maps across different samples. We demonstrate that unwanted variation, of likely technical origin, is present in Hi-C data with replicates from different individuals, and that properties of this unwanted variation change across the contact map. We present band-wise normalization and batch correction, a method for normalization and batch correction of Hi-C data and show that it substantially improves comparisons across samples, including in a quantitative trait loci analysis as well as differential enrichment across cell types.
Robustness and classification capabilities of MRI radiomic features in identifying carotid plaque vulnerability
Authors: Meddings Zakaria , Rundo Leonardo , Sadat Umar , Zhao Xihai , Teng Zhongzhao , Graves Martin J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess how radiomic features may be combined with plaque morphological and compositional features identified by multi-contrast MRI to improve upon conventional risk assessment models in determining culprit carotid artery lesions.

Methods
Fifty-five patients (mean age: 62.6; 35 males) with bilateral carotid stenosis who experienced transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke were included from the CARE-II multi-centre carotid imaging trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02017756). They underwent MRI within 2 weeks of the event. Classification capability in distinguishing culprit lesions was assessed by machine learning. Repeatability and reproducibility of the results were investigated by assessing the robustness of the radiomic features.

Results
Radiomics combined with a relatively conventional plaque morphological and compositional metric-based model provided incremental value over a conventional model alone (area under curve [AUC], 0.819 ± 0.002 vs 0.689 ± 0.019, respectively, P = .014). The radiomic model alone also provided value over the conventional model (AUC, 0.805 ± 0.003 vs 0.689 ± 0.019, respectively, P = .031). T2-weighted imaging-based radiomic features had consistently higher robustness and classification capabilities compared with T1-weighted images. Higher-dimensional radiomic features outperformed first-order features. Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix, Grey Level Dependence Matrix, and Grey Level Size Zone Matrix sub-types were particularly useful in identifying textures which could detect vulnerable lesions.

Conclusions
The combination of MRI-based radiomic features and lesion morphological and compositional parameters provided added value to the reference-standard risk assessment for carotid atherosclerosis. This may improve future risk stratification for individuals at risk of major adverse ischaemic cerebrovascular events.

Advances in knowledge
The clinical relevance of this work is that it addresses the need for a more comprehensive method of risk assessment for patients at risk of ischaemic stroke, beyond conventional stenosis measurement. This paper shows that in the case of carotid stroke, high-dimensional radiomics features can improve classification capabilities compared with stenosis measurement alone.
Vitamin D: Analytical Advances, Clinical Impact, and Ongoing Debates on Health Perspectives
Authors: Cavalier Etienne , Makris Konstantinos , Heijboer Annemieke C , Herrmann Markus , Souberbielle Jean-Claude 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D, acknowledged since the 1930s for its role in preventing rickets, gained additional prominence in relation to fragility fracture prevention in the late 1980s. From the early 2000s, connections between vitamin D deficiency and extra-skeletal pathologies emerged, alongside increased awareness of widespread deficits. This prompted crucial debates on optimal serum concentrations, expected to conclude when the outcomes of high-dose supplementation randomized controlled trials were available. Skepticism arose with inconclusive results from these trials.

Content
This review begins with an exploration of vitamin D metabolism, followed by a detailed description of the measurement of vitamin D metabolites and the crucial role of standardization. Subsequent sections focus on the association of vitamin D with bone health and explore the extra-skeletal effects. The review concludes with a comprehensive discussion on the definition of vitamin D status and its implications for supplementation.

Summary
Despite standardization efforts, assay variations and challenges still exist, especially in specific patient groups. Vitamin D supplementation has a significant impact on bone metabolism and optimal vitamin D status improves the efficacy of antiresorptive drugs such as bisphosphonates. The extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D remain debated, but may include potential benefits in conditions such as respiratory infections and cancer mortality, particularly in deficient individuals. The definition of vitamin D sufficiency is nuanced, especially when variations in population groups and analytical methods are taken into account. Despite ongoing debates and recent mega-trials tempering enthusiasm, vitamin D remains a complex and essential element in human health. Further research is needed to clarify its role in various health outcomes and guide supplementation strategies.
Victoria Chick (1936–2023), a Restless Challenger to Mainstream Economics: An Appreciation
Authors: Marcuzzo Maria Cristina , Repapis Constantinos , Toporowski Jan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this article on Victoria (Vicky) Chick (1936–2023), we intend to cover the main research areas into which Chick devoted her life’s work. We categorise the contributions into three broad fields. First, her work on Keynes’s General Theory and the message that economists have taken from it since its publication. Chick wrote extensively on the many misinterpretations of the General Theory that have clouded its message. Instead, through her writings, she offered an alternative perspective and interpretative line that became central to the post-Keynesian school of thought. Second, her work on Keynes gave her the starting point for her novel understanding on the monetary nature of the economy and was the inspiration in the development of the banking stages of history approach that shows the evolutionary nature of banking theory and practice. Finally, the way in which The General Theory built its argument and the misinterpretation that many mainstream economists took from it led Chick to develop her methodological approach on open and closed systems of analysis and the importance of developing judgement as part of teaching in economics.
Multiple factors influenced the aggregation behavior of adult Eucryptorrhynchus scrobicuatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Sun Xuewen , Guo Wenjuan , Wang Lu , Xin Xin , Yang Xuerong , Wen Junbao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a notorious pest of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae). E. scrobiculatus adults typically aggregate under leaves and in soil crevices at the base of A. altissima in the field. We hypothesize that the environmental factors and conspecific signals determine their aggregation behavior. To test this, we investigated adult numbers in light-exposed and shaded areas of the sample trees and conducted experiments in both field and lab settings. Results revealed that (i) greater adult distribution in shaded areas; (ii) significant influence of temperature and illumination on aggregation tendency in the field; (iii) no gender-based difference in aggregation degree and maximum aggregation between light and dark; (iv) the host plant triggering the aggregation tendency, negatively affected in the absence; (v) the aggregation tendency of E. scrobiculatus weakened with the temperature gradually changing to ordinary temperature; and (vi) mutual attraction and chemical attraction between males and females. Thus, the aggregation behavior was influenced by factors including temperature, light intensity, host plant, and conspecific signals, but light’s role was not obvious in the lab.
A Genome-wide Association Study of Susceptibility to Upper Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Flatby Helene M , Ravi Anuradha , Liyanarachi Kristin V , Afset Jan E , Rasheed Humaira , Brumpton Ben M , Hveem Kristian , Åsvold Bjørn O , DeWan Andrew T , Solligård Erik , Damås Jan K , Rogne Tormod 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Our goal was to identify genetic and modifiable risk factors for upper urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Methods
We used data from UK Biobank, the Trøndelag Health Study, and the Michigan Genomics Initiative to conduct genome-wide association studies and sex-stratified analyses on upper UTI. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to examine potential causal relationships between cardiometabolic risk factors and upper UTIs.

Results
One genome-wide significant (P ≤ 5E-08) locus was associated with the susceptibility to upper UTI, located near TSN in the female-only analysis. Additionally, we identified suggestive (P ≤ 5E-06) loci near DNAI3 for females, SCAMP1−AS1 for males, and near TSN, LINC00603, and HLA-DQA2 for both sexes. In MR analyses, higher genetically predicted lifetime smoking scores were associated with an increased risk of developing upper UTI for females and both sexes (odds ratio [OR], 4.84, P = 4.50E-06 and OR, 2.79, P = 3.02E-05, respectively).

Conclusions
We found that genetic variants near TSN was associated with the risk of upper UTIs among females. In addition, we found several genetic loci with suggestive associations with the risk of upper UTIs. Finally, MR analyses found smoking to be a potential causal risk factor for upper UTIs.