bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applications of the Lambert–Tsallis Wq function in QKD
Authors: Damasceno Ranara Louise Campos , de Andrade Joacir Soares , Ramos Rubens Viana 
Published: July 2023

The Lambert–Tsallis W
q
function has found applications in several areas of physics, such as quantum optics, astronomy, and semiconductor physics. In this work, we discuss some applications of W
q
in quantum key distribution (QKD). Three problems are considered: (i) the quantum access network, (ii) analysis of an on-chip SiO2 amplitude modulator used in continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD), and (iii) parameter estimation of a stochastic quantum channel. In quantum access networks, QKD and classical data travel on the same optical fiber. In this case, an increase of the quantum bit error rate is caused mainly by the spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) produced by classical data. The amount of SRS produced depends on the fiber length. In the present work, we use the Lambert–Tsallis W
q
function to calculate analytically the fiber length needed to produce a given level of SRS. Thus, our formula allows the calculation of the QKD channel’s length when the probability of a click on the receiver side without having any incident photons from the quantum transmitter is defined a priori. On the other hand, a crucial step in the security of CV-QKD is the correct channel transmissivity and excess noise estimations. These parameters can be overestimated or underestimated when real devices do not behave as predicted by their models. In this direction, using the W
q
function, we provide an equation for calculation of the fluctuation of the concentration of free carriers in an integrated amplitude modulator and another equation for calculation of the parameter that models a stochastic quantum channel. These equations are useful in building strategies to avoid quantum hacking.
Lifestyle factors related to prevalent chronic disease multimorbidity: A population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Niebuur Jacobien , Vonk Judith M. , Du Yihui , de Bock Geertruida H. , Lunter Gerton , Krabbe Paul F. M. , Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , Snieder Harold , Smidt Nynke , Boezen Marike , Corpeleijn Eva 
Published: July 2023

Background
Multimorbidity is associated with poor quality of life, polypharmacy, health care costs and mortality, with those affected potentially benefitting from a healthy lifestyle. We assessed a comprehensive set of lifestyle factors in relation to multimorbidity with major chronic diseases.

Methods
This cross-sectional study utilised baseline data for adults from the prospective Lifelines Cohort in the north of the Netherlands (N = 79,345). We defined multimorbidity as the co-existence of two or more chronic diseases (i.e. cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, type 2 diabetes) and evaluated factors in six lifestyle domains (nutrition, physical (in)activity, substance abuse, sleep, stress, relationships) among groups by the number of chronic diseases (≥2, 1, 0). Multinomial logistic regression models were created, adjusted for appropriate confounders, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were reported.

Results
3,712 participants had multimorbidity (4.7%, age 53.5 ± 12.5 years), and this group tended to have less healthy lifestyles. Compared to those without chronic diseases, those with multimorbidity reported physical inactivity more often (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.06–1.25; not significant for one condition), chronic stress (OR, 2.14; 95%CI, 1.92–2.38) and inadequate sleep (OR, 1.70; 95%CI, 1.41–2.06); as expected, they more often watched television (OR, 1.70; 95%CI, 1.42–2.04) and currently smoked (OR, 1.91; 95%CI, 1.73–2.11), but they also had lower alcohol intakes (OR, 0.66; 95%CI, 0.59–0.74).

Conclusions
Chronic stress and poor sleep, in addition to physical inactivity and smoking, are lifestyle factors of great concern in patients with multimorbidity.
Stakeholders’ perceptions of the trends in contraceptive prevalence rate and total fertility rate in Ghana
Authors: Gbagbo Fred Yao , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundStudies in Ghana have reported discrepancies between trends in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR). Yet, there is limited empirical literature on stakeholders’ perceptions on the trends in CPR and TFR in Ghana. We, therefore, examined the perceptions of key stakeholders about the documented trends in CPR and TFR in Ghana.MethodsWe adopted an exploratory (qualitative) research design with a qualitative approach of data collection from stakeholders in Ghana, focusing on the trends of the TFR and CPR. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist provided additional guidance for reporting the study results. We employed the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework/construct to explain and predict individual changes in health behaviors resulting in trends in CPR and TFR from stakeholders’ perspectives and analyzed the data using framework analysis approach.ResultsTwo main themes emerged from the data: contraceptive prevalence and total fertility ratio, with five sub-themes identified: barriers to contraception, motivations for contraception uptake, unmet need for family planning, induced abortion, and effectiveness of planning programs. Specifically, participants indicated that there is a discrepancy between the trends of CPR and TFR based on the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, conducted between 1988 and 2014. The high unmet needs for contraceptives were attributed to CRP trends, whilst abstinence, infertility, and high demands for induced abortions were identified to impact the TFR trends significantly.ConclusionThe findings show that an extensive quantitative enquiry into the exact relationships between Ghana’s CPR and TFR as well as the contributions of abstinence, infertility, and induced abortion are worth considering.
No breathers theorem for noncompact harmonic Ricci flows with asymptotically nonnegative Ricci curvature
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Chen Qun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
By using the monotonicity of the log Sobolev functionals, we prove a no breathers theorem for noncompact harmonic Ricci flows under conditions on infimum of log Sobolev functionals and curvatures. As an application, we obtain a no breathers theorem for noncompact harmonic Ricci flows with asymptotically nonnegative Ricci curvature.
Estimates for eigenvalues of the Neumann and Steklov problems
Authors: Du Feng , Mao Jing , Wang Qiaoling , Xia Changyu , Zhao Yan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We prove Li-Yau-Kröger-type bounds for Neumann-type eigenvalues of the biharmonic operator on bounded domains in a Euclidean space. We also prove sharp estimates for lower order eigenvalues of a biharmonic Steklov problem and of the Laplacian, which directly implies two sharp Reilly-type inequalities for the corresponding first nonzero eigenvalue.
Determination of cortisone and cortisol in human scalp hair using an improved LC-MS/MS-based method
Authors: Mirzaian Mina , van Zundert Sofie K.M. , Schilleman Wim F. , Mohseni Mostafa , Kuckuck Susanne , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , van Schaik Ron H.N. , van den Berg Sjoerd A.A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Human scalp hair is an easily available but complex matrix for determination of cortisone and cortisol, and has been shown to reflect long-term glucocorticoid exposure. Hair glucocorticoid analysis has been used to detect hypo- and hypercortisolism. In this study, we describe the development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for quantification of cortisone and cortisol in human scalp hair, and provide a novel approach for analysis and interpretation of the results.

Methods
Improved sample preparation using pulverization and solid phase extraction allowed for low sample volumes (10 mg). Baseline chromatographic separation without matrix interference was achieved by reversed phase chromatography and MRM measurement in negative ion mode. Run-to-run time was 8 min. Mixed model analyses were performed to create individual patterns of cortisone and cortisol concentrations.

Results
Matrix matched calibration curves showed excellent linearity up to 100 pg (analyte)/mg (hair) for both cortisone and cortisol (R2>0.995). LLOQ was 1.5 and 1.0 pg/mg for cortisone and cortisol, respectively. Matrix effect was negligible for hair color (recoveries 95–105 %). Cortisone and cortisol concentrations decreased from proximal to distal hair segments, following a predictable, but subject-specific pattern, with less individual variation for cortisone than for cortisol.

Conclusions
This improved LC-MS/MS method is able to accurately quantify cortisone and cortisol in human hair with minimum matrix interference. This new way of data analysis and interpretation including individual patterns of cortisone and cortisol will be of help with detection of pathological concentrations in both the high – and the low ranges of glucocorticoids.
A novel method for CO2 injection direct smelting vanadium steel: Dephosphorization and vanadium retention
Authors: Yang Han , Liu Yan , Wang Kun , Zhang Ting-an , Lin Shengnan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
A novel method for CO2 injection direct smelting vanadium steel (CIDSVS) is proposed. Achieving selective oxidation of phosphorus is essential for the applicability of the suggested process. Under the guidance of thermodynamics, the mechanisms of CO2 injection dephosphorization and vanadium retention were investigated with CO2 flow rate and dephosphorization slag composition as experimental variables. The results indicate that CO2 as an oxygen source can remove 73.8% of phosphorus, while the oxidation rate of vanadium is 17.5%. The dephosphorization process can be divided into two stages: FeO- and CO2-dominated experimental processes. In the initial stage of slag feeding, [V] and [P] undergo fast oxidation, and the oxidation amount is positively correlated with the initial FeO content. The high basicity (CaO/SiO2 ratio) reduces the activity of V2O3 in the slag and promotes the oxidation of [V]. Under the experimental conditions of 1,400°C, the optimal conditions were determined to be a CO2 flow rate of 1.5 mL·g−1·min−1, a FeO content of 40%, and a basicity B of 2.5. Following the CIDSVS steelmaking operation, 80% of the vanadium is retained, and the impurity elements fulfill the specifications for steel. This method enhances vanadium utilization and is environmentally friendly.
Sexist jokes don’t appear to increase rape proclivity among men high in hostile sexism: Evidence from two pre-registered direct replications of Thomae and Viki (2013)
Authors: McLatchie Neil , Thomae Manuela 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThomae and Viki (2013) reported that increased exposure to sexist humor can increase rape proclivity among men who score high on measures of Hostile Sexism. Here we report two pre-registered direct replications (TotalN = 530) of Study 2 from Thomae and Viki (2013) and assess replicability via (i) statistical significance, (ii) Bayes factors, (iii) a small-telescope approach, and (iv) a mini meta-analysis across the original and replication studies. The original results were not supported by any of the approaches. Combining both the original studies and replications yielded strong evidence in support of the null over the experimental hypothesis (Bayes factor = 0.04). The evidence provided by the current studies therefore suggests sexist jokes do not increase rape proclivity among males high in hostile sexism. We encourage researchers to continue to conduct pre-registered and open research to further understand the potential (lack of) impact of sexist humor in the future.
Traceability analysis of distributed new energy system access to green power based on blockchain consensus algorithm
Authors: Ge Yi , Zhang Wenjia , Li Hu , Xie Zhenjian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
With the development of science and technology, the energy issue has gradually become a topic of global common exploration. According to the relevant information, this paper designed a distributed new energy system based on the blockchain consensus algorithm. The system took the distributed new energy system as the main body, integrated it with blockchain technology, and finally formed a distributed new energy system based on blockchain consensus algorithm. The feasibility of the system was finally determined after the technical tests of voltage detection, power allocation, information collection, and algorithm security. In order to understand the differences between the performance of this system and the traditional system, this paper has made several performance data comparative analysis tests for this system and the traditional system. The test items included energy conversion utilization rate, energy storage, energy use price, energy cleanliness, energy access rate, energy use, etc. Finally, the relevant data of commercial power consumption and residential power consumption accounting for 30 % and 47 % of the total power consumption were obtained, and the data was used to analyze the source of power access. The proportion of green energy is 10 % and 17 %, respectively. According to a series of operation processes such as design, experiment, and analysis, it was finally determined that the system was feasible and effective.
Feeling fast? Beliefs and performance among high school sprinters
Authors: Lybbert Travis J. , Zheng Geyi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Mindset can shape sports performance, but these effects can be difficult to detect empirically. We use data from high school sprinters to explore mindset effects on 100 m finishing times and find that headwinds hamper performance more than can be attributed to the physics of wind resistance alone. These (implied) psychological effects of wind on sprint times are stronger for girls than for boys. Having established the presence of mindset-based slack in physical performance, we then test whether sprint times changed in the wake of Matthew Boling’s record-breaking sprint in 2019 that, after going viral on social media, potentially boosted self-efficacy among high school sprinters. Using 2018 and 2019 high school track meets in California, we observe notable changes in average sprinter performance for certain types of athletes in specific wind conditions after Boling’s race that did not occur in the previous season. These results control for many observable variables, correct for multiple hypothesis testing, and use entropy balancing weights to ensure statistical comparability between the two years. We detect differences in this ‘Boling effect’ based on the predicted racial composition of teams and the predicted race of athletes, which is relevant given the racial angle of coverage of the record-setting run. We posit vicarious self-efficacy as a plausible explanation for these difference-in-differences patterns. Pronounced heterogeneity in these results demonstrates some of the complexities and nuances of mindset effects even in settings where performance is easily quantified. Subtle contextual and salience cues appear to mediate the impact of vicarious self-efficacy beliefs on performance.
Assessing Diversity in Academic Library Book Collections: Diversity Audit Principles and Methods
Authors: Walters William H. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDiversity audits reveal the extent to which library collections incorporate the topics, perspectives, authors, characters, and narratives associated with underrepresented or marginalized groups. They can help us evaluate whether the collection is aligned with the user community, pinpoint the specific areas where improvement is needed, establish goals and timelines, measure progress toward those goals, demonstrate that deficiencies in the collection are being addressed, and highlight the need for additional resources. This guide reviews the scholarly and professional literature on diversity audits of academic library book collections. It discusses how concepts such asdiverse groupsanddiverse bookscan be operationalized; describes three methods of conducting the diversity audit – the catalog search method, the checklist method, and the book inspection method; considers various benchmarks or targets that may be adopted; and explains how the results of the analysis can be used to build more diverse library collections. The review concludes by presenting three fundamental questions that explore the limits of the audit methods currently in use, highlight underlying issues that librarians may want to consider, and suggest avenues for further research and discussion.
Colloidal nanocrystal synthesis of alkaline earth metal sulfides for solution-processed solar cell contact layers
Authors: Mauritz Vincent , Dehm Katharina E. , Hager Simon P. , Crisp Ryan W. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
To gain insight into the applicability as building blocks for optoelectronic device development, alkaline earth metal sulfides are investigated. MgS, CaS, SrS, and BaS have been systematically synthesized as colloidal particles in olelyamine. The particle sizes range from around 819 nm for MgS to 12.8 nm for CaS, 25.0 nm for SrS, and 21.6 nm for BaS. The heat-up synthesis uses commerically available precursors without complicated procedures. The structural and optical properties are investigated with X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic ellipsometry, UV–vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Multimodal Temporal Pattern Discrimination Is Encoded in Visual Cortical Dynamics
Authors: Post Sam , Mol William , Abu-Wishah Omar , Ali Shazia , Rahmatullah Noorhan , Goel Anubhuti 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDiscriminating between temporal features in sensory stimuli is critical to complex behavior and decision-making. However, how sensory cortical circuit mechanisms contribute to discrimination between subsecond temporal components in sensory events is unclear. To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of timing in primary visual cortex (V1), we recorded from V1 using two-photon calcium imaging in awake-behaving mice performing a go/no-go discrimination timing task, which was composed of patterns of subsecond audiovisual stimuli. In both conditions, activity during the early stimulus period was temporally coordinated with the preferred stimulus. However, while network activity increased in the preferred condition, network activity was increasingly suppressed in the nonpreferred condition over the stimulus period. Multiple levels of analyses suggest that discrimination between subsecond intervals that are contained in rhythmic patterns can be accomplished by local neural dynamics in V1.
Estradiol Receptors Inhibit Long-Term Potentiation in the Dorsomedial Striatum
Authors: Lewitus Valerie J. , Blackwell Kim T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEstradiol, a female sex hormone and the predominant form of estrogen, has diverse effects throughout the brain including in learning and memory. Estradiol modulates several types of learning that depend on the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a subregion of the basal ganglia involved in goal-directed learning, cued action-selection, and motor skills. A cellular basis of learning is synaptic plasticity, and the presence of extranuclear estradiol receptors ERα, ERβ, and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) throughout the DMS suggests that estradiol may influence rapid cellular actions including those involved in plasticity. To test whether estradiol affects synaptic plasticity in the DMS, corticostriatal long-term potentiation (LTP) was induced using theta-burst stimulation (TBS) inex vivobrain slices from intact male and female C57BL/6 mice. Extracellular field recordings showed that female mice in the diestrous stage of the estrous cycle exhibited LTP similar to male mice, while female mice in estrus did not exhibit LTP. Furthermore, antagonists of ERα or GPER rescued LTP in estrous females and agonists of ERα or GPER reduced LTP in diestrous females. In males, activating ERα but not GPER reduced LTP. These results uncover an inhibitory action of estradiol receptors on cellular learning in the DMS and suggest a cellular mechanism underlying the impairment in certain types of DMS-based learning observed in the presence of high estradiol. Because of the dorsal striatum’s role in substance use disorders, these findings may provide a mechanism underlying an estradiol-mediated progression from goal-directed to habitual drug use.
Meningeal P2X7 Signaling Mediates Migraine-Related Intracranial Mechanical Hypersensitivity
Authors: Zhao Jun , Harrison Samantha , Levy Dan 
Published: July 2023

Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) is a key pathophysiological event that underlies visual and sensory auras in migraine. CSD is also thought to drive the headache phase in migraine by promoting the activation and mechanical sensitization of trigeminal primary afferent nociceptive neurons that innervate the cranial meninges. The factors underlying meningeal nociception in the wake of CSD remain poorly understood but potentially involve the parenchymal release of algesic mediators and damage-associated molecular patterns, particularly ATP. Here, we explored the role of ATP-P2X purinergic receptor signaling in mediating CSD-evoked meningeal afferent activation and mechanical sensitization. Male rats were subjected to a single CSD episode.In vivo, extracellular single-unit recording was used to measure meningeal afferent ongoing activity changes. Quantitative mechanical stimuli using a servomotor force-controlled stimulator assessed changes in the afferent's mechanosensitivity. Manipulation of meningeal P2X receptors was achieved via local administration of pharmacological agents. Broad-spectrum P2X receptor inhibition, selective blockade of the P2X7 receptor, and its related Pannexin 1 channel suppressed CSD-evoked afferent mechanical sensitization but did not affect the accompanying afferent activation response. Surprisingly, inhibition of the pronociceptive P2X2/3 receptor did not affect the activation or sensitization of meningeal afferents post-CSD. P2X7 signaling underlying afferent mechanosensitization was localized to the meninges and did not affect CSD susceptibility. We propose that meningeal P2X7 and Pannexin 1 signaling, potentially in meningeal macrophages or neutrophils, mediates the mechanical sensitization of meningeal afferents, which contributes to migraine pain by exacerbating the headache during normally innocuous physical activities.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTActivation and sensitization of meningeal afferents play a key role in migraine headache, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using a rat model of migraine with aura involving cortical spreading depolarization (CSD), we demonstrate that meningeal purinergic P2X7 signaling and its related Pannexin 1 pore, but not nociceptive P2X2/3 receptors, mediate prolonged meningeal afferent sensitization. Additionally, we show that meningeal P2X signaling does not contribute to the increased afferent ongoing activity in the wake of CSD. Our finding points to meningeal P2X7 signaling as a critical mechanism underlying meningeal nociception in migraine, the presence of distinct mechanisms underlying the activation and sensitization of meningeal afferents in migraine, and highlight the need to target both processes for effective migraine therapy.