bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-range order controlled amphoteric behavior of the Si dopant in Al-rich AlGaN
Authors: Tuomisto Filip , Prozheev Igor , Bes Rene , Makkonen Ilja , Schilling Marcel , Mehnke Frank , Wernicke Tim , Kneissl Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

AlGaN alloys with high Al content offer the possibility to create deep ultraviolet (UV) light sources emitting at wavelengths ≤ 240 nm with enhanced quantum efficiency. However, pushing the limits of the band gap energies towards higher values leads to problems with n-type doping of AlGaN alloys with the standard choice of Si donors when the Al content surpasses ∼80 %. This is due to the formation of the so-called negative Si DX center where the Si-N bond is ruptured, followed by a displacement of the N atom. In this paper, we show that the amphoteric nature of the Si dopant in AlGaN alloys is fundamentally controlled by the local environment and the ordering of the Ga and Al atoms in the vicinity of the Si atom. Our conclusions are based on advanced characterization sensitive to the local environment of defects and impurities: positron annihilation spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Electronic structure calculations complete the picture. As our experiments show that the presence of Ga in the vicinity of Si controls the donor character of the latter in high Al content AlGaN, we propose that spatial ordering of these atoms could allow efficient n-type doping at even higher Al contents, including AlN.
Aural Myiasis in a Retroviral-Positive Nigerian Child: A Rare Case of Extensive Ear Infestation
Authors: Blackie Faustina F. , Saka Sulymon A. , Ikhifa Charles E. , Okechukwu Eze J. , Agbonifo Monday 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Aural myiasis is infestation of the ear by live maggots. It is a rare condition but commonly seen in children with a chronically discharging ear and in adults with mental retardation. It is usually caused by tissue invasion by larvae of dipteran flies. We present 5-year-old Nigerian girl who is a known retroviral disease patient. She presented with right chronic suppurative otitis media and aural myiasis, characterized by mucopurulent discharge with intense ear pain, and maggot infestation of the external auditory canal with cartilage exposure. This rare condition was managed by mechanical removal of the maggot under general anesthesia, intravenous antibiotics, and local wound care.
Estimating present temperature climate in a warming world: probabilistic verification of a model-based approach for years 2008-2023
Authors: Räisänen Jouni , Rantanen Mika , Toropainen Antti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

When climate changes, statistics derived from past observations become unrepresentative of the true present climate. In 2008, Räisänen and Ruokolainen proposed a model-based method for alleviating this bias. Here, the fidelity of this method in predicting the probability distributions of monthly mean temperatures is evaluated, focusing on the 16 years 2008–2023 that post-date the original study. Compared with the traditional approach in which the distributions are estimated directly from observations, a major improvement is found in both the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) and the logarithmic score (L). The rank histograms that describe the positions of the verifying observations within the predicted distributions also become far more balanced. In addition, the optimal length of the baseline period from which observations are used increases when the observed temperatures are adjusted for climate change. The verification statistics are further improved when augmenting the model-based climate change estimates with information from local observed temperature trends. Conversely, both CRPS and L are degraded when the t-distributions fitted to the climate-change-adjusted observations are replaced with more flexible Stochastically Generated Skewed distributions. However, a blend between the two distributions using the Akaike information criterion yields statistics nearly identical to those for the t-distribution.
Flat-panel Pixel Electrospray Thrusters for Increased Reliability and Efficiency: Preliminary Design and Testing
Authors: Nachtigal Catherine , Lozano Paulo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Electrospray thrusters are a promising form of electric propulsion due to their compactness and good performance, making them advantageous in most mission scenarios, especially for small spacecraft. These thrusters operate through the emission of charged particles from an electrically-conductive liquid flowing inside an array of capillaries or sharp permeable structures from applying a potential difference between the liquid and a downstream extractor electrode. Emission is most efficient when operated in the pure ionic regime (PIR), with recent designs utilizing sharp porous structures to transport the liquid and provide electric field enhancement to induce ion evaporation. However, these structures are often difficult to manufacture uniformly at the scales required to ensure stable PIR emission. Existing electrospray thrusters also suffer in reliability due to the monolithic nature of their extractor design, which is prone to induce full array failure upon the shortage of a single emitter structure. These issues can be mitigated by a design that utilizes (1) a flat-panel array configuration, where the geometry and arrangement of each emitter element meets the physical requirements that ensure consistent manufacturing and PIR operation, and (2) a series of fuses interconnecting individual extractor rings for each emitter structure, which would break upon shortage, protecting the rest of the extractors in an array in case of a single emitter shortage. Through this research, a design is properly fabricated with properties that favor PIR emission. The required starting voltage based on this approach is simulated and a preliminary characterization is performed using a non-integrated extractor.
Serum syndecan-1 levels and its relationship to disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis disease
Authors: Assem Nourhan , Fouda Enas Mahmoud , Mohamed Alaa , Mohamed Ahmed Elsaady 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon and rectum. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the colon. UC is considered one of the two major types of IBD, with the other being Crohn's disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Serum Syndecan-1 levels and disease activity in patients with UC.
Patients and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 84 participants; those were divided into three groups: Group A (Active Diseased Group), which includes 28 individuals currently experiencing active ulcerative colitis (UC); Group B (Remission Group), consisting of 28 individuals who have UC but are currently in remission; and Group C (Normal Population Control Group), which comprises 28 healthy individuals. This study aims to compare the clinical and biochemical parameters among these groups to better understand the differences between active disease, remission, and healthy controls.
Results: We did clinical assessments, laboratory tests and colonoscopy for all participants, then we collected data and analyzed it using SPSS version 23. Colonoscopy findings further supported these observations, with significant differences in the extent and severity of inflammation among the groups. The Active Diseased Group exhibited moderate to severe inflammation across various colon segments, particularly in the sigmoid, anus, and rectum. In contrast, the Remission Group displayed minimal or no inflammation, and the Control Group showed no signs of inflammation. The strong positive correlations between Serum Syndecan-1 levels and colonoscopy findings, especially in regions often affected by ulcerative colitis, underscore the marker’s reliability in assessing mucosal inflammation and overall disease severity. These results suggest Serum Syndecan-1’s utility in evaluating disease activity and guiding treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis patients
Conclusions: The findings from this study underscore the significant role of Serum Syndecan-1 as a potential biomarker for assessing disease activity and severity in patients with ulcerative colitis. Elevated Serum Syndecan-1 levels were strongly correlated with increased inflammation, as evidenced by both clinical symptoms and objective measures such as fecal calprotectin, ESR, and CRP. Additionally, the strong positive correlations between Serum Syndecan-1 levels and colonoscopy findings across various segments of the colon highlight its potential utility in reflecting the extent and severity of mucosal inflammation. These correlations suggest that Serum Syndecan-1 could serve as a reliable non-invasive marker for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in ulcerative colitis patients.
Synergistic effect of laser irradiation and remineralizing agents on surface microhardness of primary tooth enamel -An in-vitro study
Authors: KL Girish Babu , Hebbar Kavyashree Gururaj , Doddamani Geeta Maruti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the synergistic effect of erbium laser irradiation and remineralizing agents on the surface microhardness of primary tooth enamel.
Methods
A total of 380 primary molars were collected. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin such that only their buccal surface were exposed. The initial surface microhardness (SMH) was measured and the teeth were allocated into 19 groups: Group-1-Positive control, Group-2-Negative control, Group-3-Er: YAG laser, Group-4- Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Group-5-Fluorovil®, Group-6-Fluor Protector® varnish, Group-MI Paste®, Group-8-MI Paste Plus®, Group-9-MI varnish®, Group-10-Er: YAG + Fluorovil®, Group-11-Er: YAG + Fluor Protector® varnish, Group-12-Er: YAG + MI Paste®, Group-13-Er: YAG + MI Paste Plus®, Group-14-Er: YAG + MI Varnish®, Group-15-Er,Cr:YSGG + Fluorovil®, Group-16-Er,Cr:YSGG + Fluor Protector® varnish, Group-17-Er,Cr:YSGG + MI Paste®, Group-18-Er,Cr:YSGG + MI Paste Plus® and Group-19-Er,Cr:YSGG + MI Varnish®. After the planned enamel surface treatments, a second SMH measurement was taken. The samples were then subjected to a demineralization-remineralization cycle, followed by a third SMH measurement.
Results
The highest SMH after the demineralization-remineralization cycle was recorded with the use of Er: YAG laser in combination with Fluor Protector® varnish (Group 11) (418.40 ± 4.17), while the lowest value was seen with the use of Er, Cr: YSGG laser alone (Group 4) (259 ± 15.53).
Conclusion
The results indicate that erbium laser irradiation, followed by the application of remineralizing agents, has a synergistic effect in increasing enamel SMH. This suggests the potential use of such treatments as a preventive measure for dental caries.
Combined True Time Delay System Based on Inductor- less CMOS True-Time-Delay Cell
Authors: Yarahmadi Ahmad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

A novel true-time delay (TTD) system for 1-5GHz applications is presented in this paper. Conventional TTD systems must be better optimized in low frequencies. Most existing structures use transmission lines (TLs), artificial transmission lines (ATLs), or LC ladder structures, which result in large chip areas due to the size of the inductors. Some systems employ two different delay cells in their topologies, which is not desired for integration purposes. To address these issues, a combined true-time delay cell system (CTTDS) is proposed. This system consists of N-semi-identical building blocks, which can be cascaded to provide sufficient delay. Each block includes nearly identical TTD cells. A 4-bit resolution delay system with a 14 ps delay step and a total delay of 210 ps demonstrates the concept. The delay cells are inverter-based, inductor-less designs with resistive feedback to ensure wideband operation. Single pole dual throw (SPDT) switches are used to select the proper path for each cell in the system. This design is designed in TSMC 180nm CMOS technology.
Trait Development and CRISPR-Enabled Improvement in the African Orphan Crop Fonio (Digitaria exilis)
Authors: Michael Todd , Ozersky Philip , Hartwick Nolan , Colt Kelly , Allsing Nick , Marmerto Allen , Kitony Justine , Carroll Emily , Buren Robert Van , Coquerel Marie de Gracia , Gano Boubacar , Eck Nathaniel , Adams Jessica , Beyene Getu , Taylor Nigel , Villmer Justin , Kane Ndjido , Guèye Mame , Diop Baye , Albert Victor , Mockler Todd , Shakoor Nadia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Fonio (Digitaria exilis), known as the "grain of life," is a vital food security crop grown by smallholder farmers across West Africa. Renowned for its short maturity period of 6-8 weeks, fonio provides essential harvests during periods of food scarcity. Its nutritional value, drought resilience, and ability to thrive on marginal soils make it a crucial staple in the region. However, fonio’s yield, averaging less than 0.5 metric tons per hectare, remains significantly lower than major cereals, due to minimal breeding efforts aimed at enhancing agronomic traits. In this study, we generated a high-quality chromosome-resolved, tetraploid (2n=4x=36) genome of a fonio line (PI 349688) available through the United States Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN). Time-of-day (TOD) expression profiling revealed sub-genome dominance in pathways associated with key agronomic traits that were also identified in a selective sweep analysis across a panel of 90 fonio accessions that originated from 21 different villages over five regions of Senegal representing eight distinct ethnic groups. Leveraging phenotyping across 14 key agronomic traits, we identified genotype-trait associations for plant height, tillering and panicle yield with genes involved in the circadian clock, light signaling and plant architecture. We demonstrated that fonio is amenable to transformation and gene editing, as evidenced by successful CRISPR-Cas9 modification of the Green Revolution gene REDUCED HEIGHT 1 (RHT1), resulting in lines with increased height, vegetative area, and enhanced tillering. Collectively, the genomic resources developed here pave new avenues for molecular breeding and trait discovery, laying a robust foundation for accelerating fonio improvement to bolster food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture in West Africa.
Investigation of the Effect of Feeding Gas Flowrate on the Titanium Particle Temperature in Radiofrequency Plasma Torch
Authors: ÜNAL İrfan , ÜNAL Rahmi , ERBAŞ Murat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed for a radio frequency (RF) plasma system designed for powder spheroidization. The electric field is generated analytically by solving the RF coil system, and then the resulting equations are implemented as user-defined functions (UDF) to the CFD model. UDF codes were created and defined in the Fluent program to generate RF plasma. Electromagnetic fields and fluid flow have been modelled in numerical analysis studies, and temperature and velocity distributions were obtained. The effect of this plasma environment on titanium particle temperature is investigated using various particle-feeding gas flow rates. As a result, it is observed that an optimal powder-feeding rate could be determined. It is seen that high particle velocities prevent the attainment of the necessary temperature for melting, while low velocities may cause the temperature to exceed the boiling point. These results conclude that the feeding gas flow rate could be determined for a specific powder size range to obtain the powder temperatures within the melting and boiling temperatures.
Tensile Strength, Cellular Content, and Degradation Properties in Three Generations of Concentrated Growth Factor
Authors: Alshirah¹ Akram , Elnaem² Mohamed , Al-Ani³ Ziad , Hudieb⁴ Malik , Hamilton⁵ Jeremy , Lowry⁶ Deborah , McCarron Paul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) is a biomaterial with regenerative potential, enriched with platelets, leukocytes, growth factors, and fibrin, but it degrades within 2–3 weeks. Albumin extends CGF stability, while silver nanoparticles (SNPs) improve its mechanical and antibacterial properties. This in vitro and ex vivo study investigates the impact of albumin (Alb-CGF) and albumin with SNPs (Alb-CGF-SNP) on CGF’s mechanical properties, degradation rate, and cellular bioactivity.Methods Blood samples were collected from 15 healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria, with the sample size determined using GPower software for power calculation. Three groups were prepared: control CGF, experimental Alb-CGF, and Alb-CGF-SNP. Membranes were produced using a Medifuge MF200 centrifuge and activated plasma albumin gel (APAG) device following standard settings. In experimental groups, the superficial 2.5 ml of plasma layer was heated at 75°C for 10 minutes before combining with the buffy coat layer of CGF. Mechanical properties were tested using a texture analyzer, degradation rates were measured by weight loss percentage, and cellular bioactivity was evaluated with a Sysmex hematology analyzer. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8.0. Group differences were assessed via one-way ANOVA and Welch ANOVA, with Tukey’s HSD test for post hoc paired group comparisons.Results The control (CGF) showed the highest mechanical properties, with Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) (95.6 kPa), Modulus of Toughness (55.55 kJ/m³), and Young’s Modulus (75.73 kPa; P = .00). No significant differences were observed in the strain at break across groups (P > 0.90). Alb-CGF-SNP displayed superior degradation resistance, with 45.2% weight loss at day 60 versus 84.2% in CGF (P = .00). CGF had the highest WBC and platelet levels, with amounts of 2.25 and 3.11-fold (P = .00).Conclusion CGF offers high tensile strength and cellular content, though its rapid degradation limits long-term applications. In contrast, Alb-CGF and Alb-CGF-SNP provide extended degradation resistance, making them effective as barrier membranes. Despite lower elasticity restricting suturing uses, their similar plasticity supports use as fillers or for tissue phenotype alteration, especially when minimizing degradation is vital. Future research on growth factor release, antibacterial efficacy, and in vivo applications is crucial for validation.
Next-Generation Intrusion Detection Systems: A Hybrid Machine Learning Framework for Intelligent Cyber Threat Neutralization
Authors: Kumar Ankit , kumar Abhishek , Raja Rohit , Dewangan Amit Kumar , Kumar Manoj , Soni Aradhana , Agarwal Dheeraj 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) face significant challenges in effectively identifying and mitigating sophisticated cyber threats. In this research, we propose an innovative hybrid approach that combines signature-based detection, anomaly-based detection and LSTM model as a substantial solution to the limitations faced in existing intrusion detection methodologies. The hybrid intrusion detection system is a game changer in threat detection capabilities. The research addresses the inherent weaknesses of traditional single-method approaches by combining multiple detection methodologies. Signature-based detection works well for known threats but is ineffective against zero-day attacks, and anomaly-based detection produces high false positive rates. This innovative hybrid model utilizes machine learning as a smart filtering mechanism to fill these crucial voids. Extensive simulations and in depth statistical analysis show impressive performance gains. The system attained a true positive detection rate of 98% which is a significant improvement over previous methods whilst reducing the final false positive rates by approximately 70%. The performance metrics define the efficiency of the system with 98% detection accuracy, significant reduction in false positive rates and increased threat recognition at known and unknown attack surface. The proposed system integrates a variety of detection methods along with refined machine learning approaches to provide an overall intelligent and adaptive network security framework, making it a strong candidate for advanced intrusion detection systems.
Adaptation of a Load Cell for the Precise Assessment of Diverse Karate Punch Techniques
Authors: Santos Willyam Brito Almeida , Bulhões-Correia Alexandre , Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco , Rangel Jonhattan Ferreira , Ribeiro Robival Alves , Bessa Kleiber Lima 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In sports science, load cells are used to assess biodynamic characteristics of sports techniques. In karate, punches are often practiced using the Makiwara, a Japanese training tool. Adapting a load cell to the Makiwara allows specific analysis of the impact force of karate punches.
Aim
Adapt a load cell to the Makiwara for the analysis of the impact force of karate punches.
Methods
Four male black belt karate practitioners, with over 20 years of experience, performed different punches (Choku Zuki, Kizami Zuki, and Gyaku Zuki) on the Makiwara with an integrated load cell. After 60 minutes, the protocol was repeated to assess reproducibility and repeatability. The load cell consisted of four 50 kgf cells mounted in a Wheatstone bridge, powered by 5V. The signal was amplified, adjusted, and digitized by an Arduino UNO. The system acquired data at 1000 points per second, with a 1 kHz sampling rate, and was calibrated using standard masses.
Results
No significant differences were found between the first and second measurements (p > 0.1) for all punches. High reliability was observed between the measures (CCC > 0.990) across all units of measurement (N, N/Kg, N/WF, and J).
Conclusion
The load cell adaptation for the Makiwara demonstrated high reliability in analyzing the impact force of karate punches and showed both reproducibility and repeatability across measurements taken at different times.