bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive studies for evaluating promising properties of Cu/graphene/fly ash nanocomposites
Authors: El-Zaidia M. M. , Zaki Mai Z. , Abomostafa H. M. , Taha Mohammed A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCopper (Cu)'s electrical conductivity makes it attractive for industrial usage. Due to its inferior mechanical characteristics, thermal expansion, and wear resistance, its applications are limited. This manuscript solves these issues while retaining its major feature, excellent electrical conductivity. In this regard, different quantities of graphene (Gr) and fly ash (FA) nanoparticles were combined with Cu in a planetary ball mill at 440 rpm for 20 h using powder metallurgy (PM). The microstructure of the generated powders was characterized using X-ray diffraction technique and transmission electron microscopy. The powders underwent compression and were then subjected to firing at three distinct temperature levels, reaching a maximum of 850 °C. In addition, an analysis was conducted on the microstructure, mechanical properties, wear resistance, thermal expansion behaviour, and electrical conductivity of the sintered samples. Based on the findings, the inclusion of a hybrid of Gr and FA ceramics effectively led to a reduction in particle sizes. The bulk density slightly decreases with the addition of hybrid ceramic while increasing with the rise in sintering temperature. The hybrid composited Cu/0.8 vol.% Gr/8 vol.% FA recorded an increase in the microhardness, ultimate stress, and Young’s modulus of 25, 20, and 50%, respectively, relative to the Cu matrix. Furthermore, the wear rate and coefficient of thermal expansion for the same sample decreased by 67 and 30%, respectively. Finally, increasing the sintering temperature showed a clear improvement in the mechanical, electrical, and corrosion properties. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the prepared hybrid nanocomposites can be used in power generation, power transmission, electronic circuits, and other applications.
Genomic analysis of Nigerian indigenous chickens reveals their genetic diversity and adaptation to heat-stress
Authors: Rachman Mifta P. , Bamidele Oladeji , Dessie Tadelle , Smith Jacqueline , Hanotte Olivier , Gheyas Almas A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIndigenous poultry breeds from Africa can survive in harsh tropical environments (such as long arid seasons, excessive rain and humidity, and extreme heat) and are resilient to disease challenges, but they are not productive compared to their commercial counterparts. Their adaptive characteristics are in response to natural selection or to artificial selection for production traits that have left selection signatures in the genome. Identifying these signatures of positive selection can provide insight into the genetic bases of tropical adaptations observed in indigenous poultry and thereby help to develop robust and high-performing breeds for extreme tropical climates. Here, we present the first large-scale whole-genome sequencing analysis of Nigerian indigenous chickens from different agro-climatic conditions, investigating their genetic diversity and adaptation to tropical hot climates (extreme arid and extreme humid conditions). The study shows a large extant genetic diversity but low level of population differentiation. Using different selection signature analyses, several candidate genes for adaptation were detected, especially in relation to thermotolerance and immune response (e.g., cytochrome P450 2B4-like, TSHR, HSF1, CDC37, SFTPB, HIF3A, SLC44A2, and ILF3 genes). These results have important implications for conserving valuable genetic resources and breeding improvement of chickens for thermotolerance.
miRNA profiling of chicken follicles during follicular development
Authors: Xu Zhongxian , Liu Qian , Ning Chunyou , Yang Maosen , Zhu Qing , Li Diyan , Wang Tao , Li Feng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role as transcription regulators in various aspects of follicular development, including steroidogenesis, ovulation, apoptosis, and gene regulation in poultry. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the specific impact of miRNAs on ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) across multiple grades in laying hens. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the roles of miRNAs in chicken GCs. By constructing miRNA expression profiles of GCs at 10 different time points, encompassing 4 pre-hierarchical, 5 preovulatory, and 1 postovulatory follicles stage, we identified highly expressed miRNAs involved in GC differentiation (miR-148a-3p, miR-143-3p), apoptosis (let7 family, miR-363-3p, miR-30c-5p, etc.), and autophagy (miR-128-3p, miR-21-5p). Furthermore, we discovered 48 developmentally dynamic miRNAs (DDMs) that target 295 dynamic differentially expressed genes (DDGs) associated with follicular development and selection (such as oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway) as well as follicular regression (including autophagy and cellular senescence). These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying follicle recruitment, selection, and degeneration, aiming to enhance poultry’s reproductive capacity.
The investigation of diesel soot emission using instrument combination of multi-wavelength photoacoustic spectroscopy and scanning mobility particle sizer
Authors: Ajtai Tibor , Utry Noémi , Pintér Máté , Rahman Abdul , Kurilla Boldizsár , Sárossy Gábor , Deák László , Baladincz Jenő , Raffai Péter , Szabó Gábor , Bozóki Zoltán 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe parallel measurements of wavelength dependent optical absorption, particle number size distribution have made by a multi wavelength photoacoustic spectrometer (4λ-PAS) and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) respectively at different modes of a diesel engine using two different types of fuel. The thermal evolution of the emission was also investigated using posterior temperature treatment of emission. The bimodal size distribution of emitted particles at a set reference temperature has been observed regardless of the applied fuel at idle. However, the emitted particulate assembly had lognormal size distribution falls into the accumulation mode at all other defined engine modes and both fuel types. The total number- and volume concentration (TNC and TVC) showed retrograde tendency with the increasing torque and rpm independently of the applied fuel types. The TNC values decreased up to 50% for both fuels with engine operation changes from idle engine mode(em#1) to low engine mode(em#2). With further increase in torque and rpm of engine, the change in TNC is negligible. On the other hand, the TVC remains more or less the same for idle to low engine mode transition and increased more than 60% for high mode (em#3) transition. The Optical Absorption Coefficient (OAC) values measured at the operational wavelengths of the 4λ-PAS instrument decreased at all wavelengths with increasing rpm and torque. The wavelength dependency quantified by Aerosol Ängström Exponent (AAE) was applied here for qualitative analysis of the carbonaceous emission and showed decreased values towards the higher engine speed and torque output of the engine. The proposed technique can be used as real-time, precise and accurate measurement of light absorption by DPM aerosols, which opens up novel possibilities for the volatility and thermal evolution investigation of diesel emissions.
Cortistatin prevents glucocorticoid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head via the GHSR1a/Akt pathway
Authors: Gao Yuan , You Yunhao , Zhang Pengfei , Yu Yang , Xu Zhaoning , Wei Hui , Liu Zhicheng , Yu Ruixuan , Jin Gaoxin , Wang Hao , Zhang Shuai , Li Yuhua , Li Weiwei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLong-term use of glucocorticoids (GCs) is known to be a predominant cause of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Moreover, GCs can mediate apoptosis of various cell types by exaggerating oxidative stress. We have previously found that Cortistatin (CST) antagonizes oxidative stress and improves cell apoptosis in several conditions. In this study, we detected that the CST expression levels were diminished in patients with ONFH compared with femoral neck fracture (FNF). In addition, a GC-induced rat ONFH model was established, which impaired bone quality in the femoral head. Then, administration of CST attenuated these ONFH phenotypes. Furthermore, osteoblast and endothelial cells were cultured and stimulated with dexamethasone (Dex) in the presence or absence of recombinant CST. As a result, Dex induced impaired anabolic metabolism of osteoblasts and suppressed tube formation in endothelial cells, while additional treatment with CST reversed this damage to the cells. Moreover, blocking GHSR1a, a well-accepted receptor of CST, or blocking the AKT signaling pathway largely abolished the protective function of CST in Dex-induced disorder of the cells. Taken together, we indicate that CST has the capability to prevent GC-induced apoptosis and metabolic disorder of osteoblasts in the pathogenesis of ONFH via the GHSR1a/AKT signaling pathway.
Genetic architecture and biology of youth-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kwak Soo Heon , Srinivasan Shylaja , Chen Ling , Todd Jennifer , Mercader Josep M. , Jensen Elizabeth T. , Divers Jasmin , Mottl Amy K. , Pihoker Catherine , Gandica Rachelle G. , Laffel Lori M. , Isganaitis Elvira , Haymond Morey W. , Levitsky Lynne L. , Pollin Toni I. , Florez Jose C. , Flannick Jason ,   Progress in Diabetes Genetics in Youth (ProDiGY) consortium
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) and childhood obesity has been rising steadily1, producing a growing public health concern1 that disproportionately affects minority groups2. The genetic basis of youth-onset T2D and its relationship to other forms of diabetes are unclear3. Here we report a detailed genetic characterization of youth-onset T2D by analysing exome sequences and common variant associations for 3,005 individuals with youth-onset T2D and 9,777 adult control participants matched for ancestry, including both males and females. We identify monogenic diabetes variants in 2.4% of individuals and three exome-wide significant (P < 2.6 × 10−6) gene-level associations (HNF1A, MC4R, ATXN2L). Furthermore, we report rare variant association enrichments within 25 gene sets related to obesity, monogenic diabetes and β-cell function. Many youth-onset T2D associations are shared with adult-onset T2D, but genetic risk factors of all frequencies—and rare variants in particular—are enriched within youth-onset T2D cases (5.0-fold increase in the rare variant and 3.4-fold increase in common variant genetic liability relative to adult-onset cases). The clinical presentation of participants with youth-onset T2D is influenced in part by the frequency of genetic risk factors within each individual. These findings portray youth-onset T2D as a heterogeneous disease situated on a spectrum between monogenic diabetes and adult-onset T2D.
Global spatially explicit yield gap time trends reveal regions at risk of future crop yield stagnation
Authors: Gerber James S. , Ray Deepak K. , Makowski David , Butler Ethan E. , Mueller Nathaniel D. , West Paul C. , Johnson Justin A. , Polasky Stephen , Samberg Leah H. , Siebert Stefan , Sloat Lindsey 
Published: January 2024

AbstractYield gaps, here defined as the difference between actual and attainable yields, provide a framework for assessing opportunities to increase agricultural productivity. Previous global assessments, centred on a single year, were unable to identify temporal variation. Here we provide a spatially and temporally comprehensive analysis of yield gaps for ten major crops from 1975 to 2010. Yield gaps have widened steadily over most areas for the eight annual crops and remained static for sugar cane and oil palm. We developed a three-category typology to differentiate regions of ‘steady growth’ in actual and attainable yields, ‘stalled floor’ where yield is stagnated and ‘ceiling pressure’ where yield gaps are closing. Over 60% of maize area is experiencing ‘steady growth’, in contrast to ∼12% for rice. Rice and wheat have 84% and 56% of area, respectively, experiencing ‘ceiling pressure’. We show that ‘ceiling pressure’ correlates with subsequent yield stagnation, signalling risks for multiple countries currently realizing gains from yield growth.
Learning passive policies with virtual energy tanks in robotics
Authors: Zanella Riccardo , Palli Gianluca , Stramigioli Stefano , Califano Federico 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWithin a robotic context, the techniques of passivity‐based control and reinforcement learning are merged with the goal of eliminating some of their reciprocal weaknesses, as well as inducing novel promising features in the resulting framework. The contribution is framed in a scenario where passivity‐based control is implemented by means of virtual energy tanks, a control technique developed to achieve closed‐loop passivity for any arbitrary control input. Albeit the latter result is heavily used, it is discussed why its practical application at its current stage remains rather limited, which makes contact with the highly debated claim that passivity‐based techniques are associated with a loss of performance. The use of reinforcement learning allows to learn a control policy that can be passivized using the energy tank architecture, combining the versatility of learning approaches and the system theoretic properties which can be inferred due to the energy tanks. Simulations show the validity of the approach, as well as novel interesting research directions in energy‐aware robotics.
Synthesis of Heterodiarylmethanes via Metallaphotoredox Decarboxylative Arylation
Authors: Jeanneret Alexandria D. M. , Yanez Amanda 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA metallaphotoredox-catalyzed synthesis of heterodiarylmethanes using mild reaction conditions, commercially available substrates, and bench-stable catalysts is demonstrated. Moderate yields are obtained, and further derivatization of the newly formed benzylic position is shown.
A meta-analysis to gauge the impact of pedagogies employed in mixed-ability high school biology classrooms
Authors: Santhosh Malavika E. , Bhadra Jolly , Ahmad Zubair , Al-Thani Noora 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article systematically reviews the pedagogies employed in mixed-ability high school biology classrooms to spotlight the most effective educational model, in terms of learning gains. A meta-analysis was performed on 32 eligible studies sorted via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. The effect sizes (impacts) were calculated in terms of students’ affective, behavioral, and cognitive gains. The results confirmed that the overall effectiveness of non-traditional models was highly significant when compared to traditional lecture models (p < 0.001). Furthermore, this impact is even more profound when problem-based, inquiry-based, and argumentation-based approaches are adopted, contributing to students’ cognitive, affective, and behavioral gains. Further findings also propound the necessity for future studies evaluating affective gains during project-based, problem-based, and argumentation-based models and behavioral gains during blended models. This study would benefit researchers, policymakers, and academicians to innovate and implement novel pedagogical strategies, considering the students’ learning gains in mixed-ability biology classrooms.
Financial inclusion, education, and employment: empirical evidence from 101 countries
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Li Jiaqi , Wu Xueke 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study analysed the data of 101 countries from the World Bank’s Financial Inclusion and Financial Availability Survey databases for the years 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2021. It constructed a new financial inclusion evaluation index system using digital empowerment and established a dual fixed-effect panel data regression model to examine the impact of financial inclusion on employment. The study also considered the moderating effect of education on financial inclusion affecting employment. The results indicate that financial inclusion is beneficial to improving employment levels. The level of education development is proportional to the level of employment, and it has a regulatory effect of promoting the financial inclusion’s positive impact on employment level. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the effect of financial inclusion on improving employment levels is greater in female groups. The promotion of financial inclusion is the largest in low- and middle-income countries, followed by high-income countries, indicating that financial inclusion must have a certain economic foundation to fully play its role, and it has more obvious benefits for relatively poor and weak areas than for high-income areas. The conclusions of this study have implications for improving employment and augmenting financial inclusion.
A new instrumentation for simultaneous terahertz and mid-infrared spectroscopy in corrosive gaseous mixtures
Authors: Tchana Betnga W. , Hindle F. , Manceron L. , Vander Auwera J. , Cuisset A. , Mouret G. , Bocquet R. , Perrin A. , Roy P. , Kwabia Tchana F. 
Published: January 2024

The correct interpretation of infrared (IR) observations of planetary atmospheres requires an accurate knowledge of temperature and partial and global pressures. Precise laboratory measurements of absorption intensities and line profiles, in the 200–350 K temperature range, are, therefore, critical. However, for gases only existing in complex chemical equilibria, such as nitrous or hypobromous acids, it is not possible to rely on absolute pressure measurements to measure absolute integrated optical absorption cross sections or IR line intensities. To overcome this difficulty, a novel dual-beam terahertz (THz)/mid-IR experimental setup has been developed, relying on the simultaneous use of two instruments. The setup involves a newly constructed temperature-controlled (200–350 K) cross-shaped absorption cell made of inert materials. The cell is traversed by the mid-IR beam from a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer using along a White-cell optical configuration providing absorption path lengths from 2.8 to 42 m and by a THz radiation beam (82.5 GHz to 1.1 THz), probing simultaneously the same gaseous sample. The THz channel records pure rotational lines of molecules for which the dipole moment was previously measured with high precision using Stark spectroscopy. This allows for a determination of the partial pressure in the gaseous mixture and enables absolute line intensities to be retrieved for the mid-IR range. This new instrument opens a new possibility for the retrieval of spectroscopic parameters for unstable molecules of atmospheric interest. The design and performance of the equipment are presented and illustrated by an example of simultaneous THz and mid-IR measurement on nitrous acid (HONO) equilibrium.
FCC-ee Arc Half-Cell: preliminary design & integration studies, with ideas for a mock-up
Authors: Carra F , Baudin L , Bauche J , Artoos K , Atieh S , Bertarelli A , Brunner O , Capatina O , Chance A , Chemli S , Corso J P , Coupard J , Dalena B , Di Castro M , Etheridge J , Garion C , Grillot S , Guillén-Hernández T , Guinchard M , Hanke K , Eriksson C J , Kersevan R , Losito R , Mainaud Durand H , Niewiem W , Oide K , Osborne J , Piccini A , Raubenheimer T , Rorison S , Tetrault C , Timmins M , Tock J-P , Valchkova-Georgieva F , Von Freeden L , Zimmermann F 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
During 2022, a dedicated study was undertaken at CERN, together with the FCC Feasibility Study collaborators, to propose a robust configuration for the FCC-ee arc half-cell. The proposed layout considers integration aspects of the elements in the arc cross section, both for the booster and the collider, as well as aspects related to powering, cooling and ventilation, supporting and alignment, optics, instrumentation, handling and installation. The interfaces between the arc elements and the straight sections have also been analysed. This paper summarizes the main conclusions of the assessment and reports the preliminary engineering analyses performed to design the supporting system of the booster and of the collider. A proposal for a possible mock-up of the arc half-cell, to be built at CERN in the next years, is also presented.
Exploring Fcc-ee Optics Designs with Combined Function Magnets
Authors: García-Jaimes C , Pieloni T , van Riesen-Haupt L , Seidel M , Tomás R 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The FCC-ee project takes a step forward towards the discovery of new physical phenomena beyond the frontier of the standard model, by aiming at unprecedented center of mass energies and luminosities in a double-ring lepton collider. In order to explore potential improvements to the current lattice design, this paper examines the use of combined function magnets within the short straight sections of the arc cells. The use of High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) with an operating temperature of 12 K and maximum field of 18.2 T for the combined function magnets allows increasing the bending radius and decreasing the synchrotron radiation. A first design is presented with comparisons to the current baseline.
An Experimental Study of X-Y Emittance Repartitioning in KEK-STF
Authors: Kuriki M , Liptak Z J , Mukherjee S , Power J , Sakaue K , Guo L , Hayano H , Jin X , Kashiwagi S , Yamamoto N , Yamamoto Y , Kim S , Piot P 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In a linear collider, the colliding beam has to be flat in the transverse plane to suppress energy spread by Beamstrahlung and to maximize the luminosity, simultaneously. In the current design of ILC, the flat beam is realized by the asymmetric emittance generated by the radiation-damping effect. We propose to generate the equivalent beam directly in the injector linac employing the emittance repartitioning technique. As an experimental demonstration, a beam experiment was carried out at KEK-STF. We present the experimental results.
Low-Level Radio-Frequency system integrated with feed-forward control and vector modulation
Authors: Xiao C. C. , Fang W. C. , Zhang J.Q. , Wang C. , Tan J. H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To provide a more accurate and stable Radio-Frequency (RF) signal in conditioning and processing test progress, it is necessary to design a Low-Level Radio-Frequency (LLRF) control system which can provide high precision RF driving signal based on meeting the amplitude and phase stabilization requirement. Through Feed-Forward operation, accurate phase adjustment and amplitude adjustment are realized inside the pulse, to realize the precision and automation of phase-inversion, amplitude stabilization, phase stabilization, and wave-form adaptation matching. An LLRF System integrated with feed-forward control and vector modulation output was designed and built, and the long-term working stability of the LLRF system was verified during a new 50MW S-band Klystron conditioning progress.
Study and simulation of cryogenic bi-periodic accelerating structure with TM02 mode
Authors: Gao Z , Fang W , Wang C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To further enhance the accelerating gradient of accelerators, we designed a cryogenic C-band standing wave bi-periodic accelerating structure for the Shanghai Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser Facility (SXFEL). According to the low-temperature environment, material characteristics and technological conditions, the design is completed and it is decided to design the accelerating structure into a bi-periodic magnetic coupling structure. It is a 17-cell structure consisting of 9 accelerating cavities and 8 coupling cavities. To guarantee the symmetry of the field, the structure is doubly-fed. Operating with the π/2 mode standing wave, it is much less sensitive than the standing-wave structure of π-mode. Additionally, the microwave mode is TM02 in coupling cavities that are larger and even less sensitive than the traditional bi-periodic structure. The shape of the coupling cavity can be redesigned to make it tunable.