bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of photocatalytic activity, water contact angle, and annealing for TiO2 thin films deposited with mixed WOX–SiO2 thin films using radiofrequency sputtering
Authors: Miyagi Tomoaki , Takahashi Yoshiro , Akimoto Yasuki
Published: February 2023

A mixture of hydrophilic silicon dioxide (SiO2) and visible-light-reactive tungsten oxide (WOX) has the potential to improve the photocatalytic activity of conventional titanium dioxide (TiO2). This study deposits mixed WOX–SiO2 thin films on TiO2 surfaces by controlling the composition of WOX:SiO2 using radiofrequency sputtering to improve photocatalytic activity and hydrophilicity. The photocatalytic activity is evaluated via the degradation of a methylene blue solution, and hydrophilicity is measured using the water contact angle. In addition, the effect of annealing is determined at 400 °C after deposition. The optical bandgap decreases as the composition of WOX increases and subsequently anneals. The XRD measurements show that polycrystalline monoclinic WO3 peaks appear after annealing when the composition of the mixed WOX–SiO2 thin films only consists of WOX. In contrast, monoclinic WO3 (200) appears after adding SiO2. Atomic force microscopy images show that the grain size decreases as the SiO2 content increases. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the mixed WOX–SiO2 thin films improves after annealing. In particular, the mixed WOX–SiO2 thin films that are deposited at a sputter power of WOX:SiO2 = 100:50 W demonstrate a remarkable improvement in photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the water contact angle of the mixed WOX–SiO2 thin films decreases as the SiO2 content increases and after annealing. This proposed approach can be used for high-performance photocatalytic materials and be widely applied for the fabrication of various semiconducting devices.
Extrinsic n-type doping of Cd3As2 thin films
Authors: Rice A. D. , Nelson J. N. , Brooks C. , Lany S. , Alberi K.
Published: February 2023

Cd3As2 provides an excellent platform for studying the physics of three-dimensional Dirac semimetals due to its stability as well as its compatibility with thin film growth. Crystals made using both bulk and thin film synthesis are unintentionally doped n-type, and other than introducing Zn to reduce the carrier concentration, no efforts have been reported to alter this intrinsic doping without major changes to the band structure. Here, group VI elements Te and Se are introduced during epitaxy to increase the electron concentration of the films. Starting from an unintentionally doped electron concentration of 1–2 × 1017 cm−3, concentrations of up to 3 × 1018 cm−3 are achieved. Analysis of Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations reveals good agreement in calculated effective mass and Fermi velocity of highly doped films with unintentionally doped single crystals with similar electron concentrations. The density functional theory is also performed to study the effects of group VI substitutions and confirms no strong perturbations in the electronic structure. This work ultimately demonstrates tunability in the carrier concentration using extrinsic dopants without substantial changes in the band structure, allowing for intentional design of Fermi-level position for device applications.
Convective transport characteristics of condensing droplets in moist air flow
Authors: Wu Zi-Yi , Yang Li-Tao , Zheng Shao-Fei , Gao Shu-Rong , Yang Yan-Ru , Gao Tian , Sunden Bengt , Wang Xiao-Dong
Published: February 2023

Condensation of convective moist air flow is a crucial physical process and is directly related to various industries. It is essential to understand the underlying growth mechanism of condensing droplets, while past studies have commonly considered convective transport with a negligible/simplified approach. In this work, a three-dimensional transient multiphysics coupling model was developed to investigate the transport characteristics of condensing droplets in convective moist air flow. This model typically interconnects heat transfer with vapor–liquid phase change, mass transport, and fluid flow. The results reveal that convective flow significantly dominates heat and mass transport during condensation. On the gas side, the incoming flow thins the diffusion layer at the windward part with a large concentration gradient. However, a low vapor-concentration zone behind the droplet is formed due to the resulting rear-side vortex, which presents an increased influence as the contact angle increases. By forcing molecular diffusion with convection transport, vapor transport from surroundings to the condensing interface is enhanced several times depending on the Reynolds number. Within the droplet, the flow shearing at the interface is principally responsible for the strong internal convection, while the Marangoni effect is negligible. The internal flow greatly affects the droplet temperature profile with a large gradient close to the base. Finally, convective flow contributes to over 3.3 times higher overall heat transfer coefficient than the quiescent environment. In addition, in interaction-governed growth, transport characteristics depend on not only the size and space distributions of droplets but also the interaction between droplets and convective flow.
Enhanced effective diffusion in sub-wavelength, axon-scale microchannels using surface acoustic waves
Authors: Peng Danli , Tong Wei , Collins David J. , Ibbotson Michael R. , Prawer Steven , Stamp Melanie E. M.
Published: February 2023

Excitation using surface acoustic waves (SAW) has demonstrated efficacy in improving microscale particle/chemical transport due to its ability to generate microscale wavelengths. However, the effects of acoustic stimulation on transport processes along the length of sub-wavelength microchannels and their underlying mechanisms, essential for long-range transport, have not been examined in detail. In this work, we investigate diffusion along the length of subwavelength microchannels using experimental and simulation approaches, demonstrating enhanced transport under SAW excitation. The microchannel-based enhanced diffusion mechanisms are further studied by investigating the acoustic pressure and streaming fields, finding that the degree of enhancement is a function of applied power, microchannel dimensions, and viscosity. This microchannel-based diffusion enhancement approach is applicable to microfluidic and biomedical microscale transport enhancement, with the findings here being relevant to acoustic-based micro-mixing and neurodegenerative therapies.
Cumulative ejection of terahertz radiation from a laser-driven magnetized plasma
Authors: Bakunov M. I. , Sychugin S. A. , Bodrov S. B. , Starodubtsev M. V.
Published: February 2023

We propose a scheme for efficient directional emission of laser-driven wakefields from a magnetized plasma. In the scheme, a laser–plasma interaction region is sandwiched between a pair of dielectric prisms of total internal reflection. The wakefields, propagating in the plasma at different angles to the laser beam, are cumulated by the prisms and radiated to free space in the direction of the laser beam. For magnetic fields <100 T, a 50-fs laser pulse with 1-J energy can generate long lasting (hundreds of ps) multicycle terahertz radiation with mJ-level energy. For a 500-T field, the laser pulse can generate terahertz bursts with a uniform spectrum in the ∼7–14 THz interval with ten-mJ-level energy.
Quantum entangled Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Zhao Wen , Tang Xuan , Guo Xueshi , Li Xiaoying , Ou Z. Y.
Published: February 2023

A SU(1,1) interferometer (SUI) is a kind of quantum entangled interferometer that uses directly entangled quantum fields for sensing phase change. For rotational sensing, Sagnac geometry is usually adopted. However, because SUI depends on the phase sum of the two arms, traditional Sagnac geometry, when applied to SUI, will result in null signal. In this paper, we modify the traditional Sagnac interferometer by nesting SUIs inside. We show that the rotational signal comes from two parts labeled as “classical” and “quantum,” respectively, and the quantum part, where quantum entangled fields are used for sensing, has the rotational signal enhanced by a factor related to the gain of the SUI.
Hydrogen-related 3.8 eV UV luminescence in
α
-Ga2O3
Authors: Nicol D. , Oshima Y. , Roberts J. W. , Penman L. , Cameron D. , Chalker P. R. , Martin R. W. , Massabuau F. C.-P.
Published: February 2023

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence was used to investigate the impact of H on the optical properties of α-Ga2O3 films grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy. An additional UV luminescence line centered at 3.8 eV is observed at low temperatures, which strongly correlates with the concentration of H in the films. This luminescence line is assigned to donor–acceptor pair recombination involving an H-related shallow donor and H-decorated Ga vacancy (VGa-nH) as the acceptor, where n = 1, 2, 3. Previous reports have already suggested the impact of H on the electrical properties of Ga2O3, and the present study shows its clear impact on the optical properties of α-Ga2O3.
Introducing MPEC: Massively parallel electron correlation
Authors: Schwenke David W.
Published: February 2023

We have developed a new program for carrying out improved internally contracted Multi-reference Configuration Interaction Singles and Doubles (i2cMRCISD) calculations. It is designed from the ground up to be used on distributed memory parallel computers. Tests show good scaling properties with the number of cores per node and the number nodes. This program features Gaussian basis sets with ℓ > 6; scalar special relativity via the spin-free method; convergence to C∞v, D∞v, or spherical electronic states; special code to determine Rydberg orbitals; both uncontracted and contracted MRCISD wavefunctions; one and two electron properties, including full spin–orbit matrix elements with the Breit interaction; analytic calculation of Born–Oppenheimer diagonal correction for multi-configuration Hartree–Fock wavefunctions; and analytic calculation of second order Born–Oppenheimer corrections for Hartree–Fock wavefunctions. The program can be obtained from software.nasa.gov.
The evolution of deformation twinning microstructures in random face-centered cubic solid solutions
Authors: Jagatramka Ritesh , Ahmed Junaid , Daly Matthew
Published: February 2023

The varied atomic arrangements in face-centered cubic (FCC) solid solutions introduce atomic-scale fluctuations to their energy landscapes that influence the operation of dislocation-mediated deformation mechanisms. These effects are particularly pronounced in concentrated systems, which are of considerable interest to the community. Here, we examine the effect of local fluctuations in planar fault energies on the evolution of deformation twinning microstructures in randomly arranged FCC solid solutions. Our approach leverages the kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) method to provide kinetically weighted predictions for competition between two processes: deformation twin nucleation and deformation twin thickening. The kinetic barriers underpinning each process are drawn from the statistics of planar fault energies, which are locally sampled using molecular statics methods. kMC results show an increase in the fault number densities of solid solutions relative to a homogenized reference, which is found to be driven by the fluctuations in planar fault energies. Based on kMC relations, an effective barrier model is derived to predict the competition between deformation twinning nucleation and thickening processes under a fluctuating planar fault energy landscape. A key result from this model is a measurement of the length-scale over which the influence of local fluctuations in planar fault energies diminish and nucleation/thickening-dominated behaviors converge to bulk predictions. More broadly, the tools developed in this study enable examination of the influence of chemistry and length-scale on the evolution of deformation twinning mechanisms in FCC solid solutions.
Efficient numerical simulation on dielectric barrier discharges at atmospheric pressure integrated by deep neural network
Authors: Zhang Yuan-Tao , Gao Shu-Han , Zhu Yun-Yu
Published: February 2023

Numerical simulation is an essential way to investigate the discharge behaviors of atmospheric low-temperature plasmas (LTPs). In this study, a deep neural network (DNN) with multiple hidden layers is constructed to surrogate the fluid model to investigate the discharge characteristics of atmospheric helium dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) with very high computational efficiency, working as an example to show the ability and validity of DNN to explore LTPs. The DNN is trained by the well-formed training datasets obtained from a verified fluid model, and a designed loss function coupled in the DNN program is continuously optimized to achieve a better prediction performance. The predicted data show that the essential discharge characteristics of atmospheric DBDs such as the discharge current waveforms, spatial profiles of charged particles, and electric field can be yielded by the well-trained DNN program with great accuracy only in several seconds, and the predicted evolutionary discharge trends are consistent with the previous simulations and experimental observations. Additionally, the constructed DNN shows good generalization performance for multiple input attributes, which indicates a great potential promise for vastly extending the range of discharge parameters. This study provides a useful paradigm for future explorations of machine learning-based methods in the field of atmospheric LTP simulation without high-cost calculation.
Tuning Elinvar effect in severely distorted single-phase high entropy alloys
Authors: Wang H. , He Q. F. , Wang A. D. , Yang Y.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we fabricated a series of severely distorted high-entropy Elinvar alloys through micro-alloying of (CoNi)50−x(TiZrHf)50Fex (in atomic percentage). Through carefully designed experiments, we demonstrate a tunable Elinvar effect that is positively correlated with overall lattice distortion in single-phase B2 high entropy alloys. Finally, we propose a simple physical model that captures the general trend of our experimental findings.
Domain evolution and coercive field reduction in rhombohedral (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-based crystals by alternating electric field
Authors: Huangfu Geng , Chen Jianwei , Jiao Jie , Luo Haosu , Guo Yiping
Published: February 2023

(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 (NBT)-based materials have been widely studied for their large electric-field-induced strains. However, a high coercive field (Ec) has long hindered the applications of NBT-based materials. Here, we propose a simple method to significantly reduce the Ec of rhombohedral NBT-based crystals through domain engineering. By applying an alternating current (AC) electric field along the [001] direction, the Ec of Mn-doped (Na0.485K0.015Bi0.5)TiO3 single crystal can be reduced from 70 to 20 kV/cm after about 25 cycles without sacrificing the ferroelectric polarization. Meanwhile, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 and the optical transparency of the crystals are also enhanced compared with those after direct-current electric field poling. The domain structure characterization shows that the AC cycles can form a laminar domain configuration, in which the 109° domain walls are parallel to (001) planes. It is demonstrated that in the laminar domain configuration, almost only 71° polarization switching occurs when the external electric field is reversed. The required energy for polarization reversal is significantly lower than that of the “4R” domain configuration; thus, the Ec is reduced greatly. The low Ec is maintained after depolarization at 250 °C, evidencing good thermal stability of the laminar domain configuration. Furthermore, this method is also applicable to other rhombohedral single crystals and may be applied to [001]-textured polycrystalline ceramics in the future; thus, it may indeed benefit the practical applications of NBT-based piezoelectric devices.
Head-on collision of unequal-size droplets on a wetting surface
Authors: Ray Saroj , Chi Yicheng , Zhang Peng , Cheng Song
Published: February 2023

Impacts of liquid droplets with another stationary droplet resting on a surface are important basic processes in many applications such as agricultural sprays, spray cooling, and inkjet printing. We investigated the head-on collision of unequal-size droplets of the same liquid on wetting surfaces both experimentally and theoretically at different size ratios and low-impact Weber numbers (We). A series of high-speed camera images showing representative sequences of collision processes for greatly different size ratios are analyzed. Different collision outcomes such as coalescence, bouncing, and partial coalescence–partial bouncing are analyzed thoroughly. Four different stages are identified for characterizing the complete bouncing process during the impact of unequal-size droplets on a solid surface. Subsequently, an analytical model based on energy balance is developed to calculate the maximum spread diameter and restitution coefficient of falling droplets, and compared with experimental data, satisfactory qualitative agreements are obtained. Results show that the dimensionless maximum spread diameter of falling droplets depends weakly on We and it is small for a higher size ratio. The restitution coefficient does not change significantly at a higher size ratio at a fixed We despite more viscous dissipation in bigger sessile droplets and it scales with We−1/2.
Common activities and predictive gene signature identified for genetic hypomorphs of
TP53
Authors: Leung Jessica C. , Leu Julia I-Ju , Indeglia Alexandra , Kannan Toshitha , Clarke Nicole L. , Kirven Nicole A. , Dweep Harsh , Garlick David , Barnoud Thibaut , Kossenkov Andrew V. , George Donna L. , Murphy Maureen E.
Published: February 2023

Missense mutations that inactivate p53 occur commonly in cancer, and germline mutations in
TP53
cause Li Fraumeni syndrome, which is associated with early-onset cancer. In addition, there are over two hundred germline missense variants of p53 that remain uncharacterized. In some cases, these germline variants have been shown to encode lesser-functioning, or hypomorphic, p53 protein, and these alleles are associated with increased cancer risk in humans and mouse models. However, most hypomorphic p53 variants remain un- or mis-classified in clinical genetics databases. There thus exists a significant need to better understand the behavior of p53 hypomorphs and to develop a functional assay that can distinguish hypomorphs from wild-type p53 or benign variants. We report the surprising finding that two different African-centric genetic hypomorphs of p53 that occur in distinct functional domains of the protein share common activities. Specifically, the Pro47Ser variant, located in the transactivation domain, and the Tyr107His variant, located in the DNA binding domain, both share increased propensity to misfold into a conformation specific for mutant, misfolded p53. Additionally, cells and tissues containing these hypomorphic variants show increased NF-κB activity. We identify a common gene expression signature from unstressed lymphocyte cell lines that is shared between multiple germline hypomorphic variants of
TP53
, and which successfully distinguishes wild-type p53 and a benign variant from lesser-functioning hypomorphic p53 variants. Our findings will allow us to better understand the contribution of p53 hypomorphs to disease risk and should help better inform cancer risk in the carriers of p53 variants.
Apolipoprotein E4 has extensive conformational heterogeneity in lipid-free and lipid-bound forms
Authors: Stuchell-Brereton Melissa D. , Zimmerman Maxwell I. , Miller Justin J. , Mallimadugula Upasana L. , Incicco J. Jeremías , Roy Debjit , Smith Louis G. , Cubuk Jasmine , Baban Berevan , DeKoster Gregory T. , Frieden Carl , Bowman Gregory R. , Soranno Andrea
Published: February 2023

The ε4-allele variant of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, although it only differs from its neutral counterpart ApoE3 by a single amino acid substitution. While ApoE4 influences the formation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the structural determinants of pathogenicity remain undetermined due to limited structural information. Previous studies have led to conflicting models of the C-terminal region positioning with respect to the N-terminal domain across isoforms largely because the data are potentially confounded by the presence of heterogeneous oligomers. Here, we apply a combination of single-molecule spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to construct an atomically detailed model of monomeric ApoE4 and probe the effect of lipid association. Importantly, our approach overcomes previous limitations by allowing us to work at picomolar concentrations where only the monomer is present. Our data reveal that ApoE4 is far more disordered and extended than previously thought and retains significant conformational heterogeneity after binding lipids. Comparing the proximity of the N- and C-terminal domains across the three major isoforms (ApoE4, ApoE3, and ApoE2) suggests that all maintain heterogeneous conformations in their monomeric form, with ApoE2 adopting a slightly more compact ensemble. Overall, these data provide a foundation for understanding how ApoE4 differs from nonpathogenic and protective variants of the protein.
Bound states in the continuum enabling ultra-narrowband perfect absorption
Authors: Zong Xueyang , Li Lixia , Liu Yufang
Published: February 2023

Resonant dielectric metasurfaces have been demonstrated to hold a great promise for manipulation of light-wave dispersion at the nanoscale due to their resonant photonic environment and high refractive index. However, the efficiency of devices based on dielectric nanostructures is usually limited by the quality (Q) factor of their resonant modes. The physics of the bound sates in the continuum (BICs) provide an elegant solution for control over the Q factor of resonant modes. Here, by engineering the substrate of Si-based metasurfaces, we demonstrate two eigenmodes that exhibit an intrinsic magnetic dipole (MD)character and have an infinite radiation lifetime. We reveal that they are characterized by in-plane and out-of-plane MD modes and respectively correspond to two groups of BICs, that is, Fabry–Pérot BICs and symmetry-protected BICs. Using temporal coupled-mode theory and numerical simulations, we show that these BIC modes can transform into high-Q quasi-BIC resonances with near-unity absorption under normal incidence through tuning structural parameters. Our work provides a promising route to use BIC-inspired metasurfaces for designing ultra-narrowband absorbers which can be used as absorption filters, photodetectors, and sensors.
Homomorphism obstructions for satellite maps
Authors: Miller Allison
Published: February 2023

A knot in a solid torus defines a map on the set of (smooth or topological) concordance classes of knots in

S
3

S^3

. This set admits a group structure, but a conjecture of Hedden suggests that satellite maps never induce interesting homomorphisms: we give new evidence for this conjecture in both categories. First, we use Casson-Gordon signatures to give the first obstruction to a slice pattern inducing a homomorphism on the topological concordance group, constructing examples with every winding number besides

±
1

\pm 1

. We then provide subtle examples of satellite maps which map arbitrarily deep into the

n
n

-solvable filtration of Cochran, Orr, and Teichner [Ann. of Math. (2) 157 (2003), pp. 433–519], act like homomorphisms on arbitrary finite sets of knots, and yet which still do not induce homomorphisms. Finally, we verify Hedden’s conjecture in the smooth category for all small crossing number satellite operators but one.
Is neurocognitive ageing accelerated in virally suppressed people with HIV and multimorbidity?
Authors: Cysique Lucette A , Brew Bruce J
Published: February 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Twelve-year neurocognitive decline in HIV is associated with comorbidities, not age: a CHARTER study’ by Heaton et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac465).
Same-day surgery promotes sustainability in dermatology
Authors: Doyle Claire , McFeely Orla , Beatty Paula , Murphy Lisa , O’Mahony Sarah , Blasco Marta Costa , Andrawis Madonna , Tobin Anne-Marie
Published: February 2023

This article reviews carbon dioxide emissions associated with travel to and from skin surgery appointments in a single department.
Neural bases of loss aversion when choosing for oneself versus known or unknown others
Authors: Arioli Maria , Basso Gianpaolo , Baud-Bovy Gabriel , Mattioni Lorenzo , Poggi Paolo , Canessa Nicola
Published: February 2023

Despite the ubiquitous interdependence between one’s own decisions and others’ welfare, and the controversial evidence on the behavioral effect of choosing for others, the neural bases of making decisions for another versus oneself remain unexplored. We investigated whether loss aversion (LA; the tendency to avoid losses over approaching equivalent gains) is modulated by (i) choosing for oneself, other individuals, or both; (ii) knowing or not knowing the other recipients; or (iii) an interaction between these factors. We used fMRI to assess the brain activations associated with choosing whether to accept or reject mixed gambles, either for oneself, for another player, or both, in 2 groups of 28 participants who had or had not briefly interacted with the other players before scanning. Participants displayed higher LA for choices involving their payoff compared with those affecting only the payoff of other, known, players. This “social” modulation of decision-making was found to engage the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and its inhibitory connectivity to the middle cingulate cortex. This pattern might underpin decision-making for known others via self-other distinction processes associated with dorsomedial prefrontal areas, with this in turn promoting the inhibition of socially oriented responses through the downregulation of the midcingulate node of the empathy network.
Evaluation of a Statewide Online, At-Home Sexually Transmitted Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening Program
Authors: Higgins David M , Moore MaShawn , Alderton Lucy , Weinberg Laura , Hickok Andrew M , Yale Andrew , Wendel Karen A
Published: February 2023

Background

Innovative approaches such as online, at-home programs may address important barriers to sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening in the United States. This study evaluated the first year of an online, at-home program offering HIV and triple-site (urogenital, rectal, and pharyngeal) gonorrhea (GC) and chlamydia (CT) testing in Colorado.

Methods

Test Yourself Colorado (TYC) is an online, at-home program that provides free mailed HIV tests and/or GC/CT tests to Colorado adults. Program use and outcomes between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022 were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1790 unique clients utilized TYC. Of 1709 clients who ordered HIV tests, 508 (29.7%) were men who have sex with men (MSM), and 41.3% (210/508) of these clients reported having never been tested for HIV before or were not tested in the prior year. Hispanic clients had lower STI test return rates (37.1%; 134/361) compared with non-Hispanic clients (45.9%; 518/1128) (P = .003). Positive STI tests were identified in 9.6% (68/708) of clients. Positive STI tests were more common in MSM clients (15.7%; 34/216) compared with all other sexual orientations (6.9%; 34/492) (P < .001). STI treatment was confirmed in 80.9% (55/68) of clients.

Conclusions

The TYC online, home testing portal is a scalable tool that reaches clients at risk of STIs and HIV and navigates those with positive STI tests to treatment. HIV/STI home testing programs need to further assess and address utilization and outcomes for disparities by race and ethnicity to assure programs equitably benefit all at-risk communities.
Beta-blockers in atrial fibrillation—trying to make sense of unsettling results
Authors: Meyer Markus , Lustgarten Daniel
Published: February 2023

Atrial fibrillation is closely associated with heart failure and adversely affects outcomes. Beta-blockers are strongly recommended to avoid rapid ventricular conduction and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. In this Viewpoint article, we discuss an emerging body of evidence that questions beta-blockers as a preferred rate-control therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Opportunities and challenges for improving fisheries management through greater transparency in vessel tracking
Authors: Orofino Sara , McDonald Gavin , Mayorga Juan , Costello Christopher , Bradley Darcy
Published: February 2023

When fisheries managers cannot see who is fishing or where fishing occurs, their scope for management interventions is limited. This lack of transparency in spatial fishing activity is considered a key enabler of illegal fishing and overfishing and hinders managers and consumers who aim to achieve sustainable fisheries. Increasing transparency in vessel location tracking is gaining momentum as a promising way to improve management of global fisheries. However, the mechanisms through which transparency in vessel activity can improve management have not been carefully studied. This paper provides a conceptual overview of the potential for greater transparency, both in quantity of vessels tracked and availability of data, from vessel tracking to help achieve sustainable fisheries goals. We identify four pathways through which these data can improve fisheries management and the conditions that enable transparency to be an effective governance tool. We qualitatively examine the costs and benefits of alternative models of transparency, including a hypothetical, fully transparent system. We highlight how potential costs and benefits of greater transparency depend on both governance context and management goals, and identify opportunities for future research to address key information gaps.
Estimating the effect of physical activity on cognitive function within the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Campbell Thomas , Cullen Breda
Published: February 2023

Background

Physical activity (PA) has been associated with benefits for cognitive function (CF), but previous estimates of the strength of this relationship may have been biased due to limitations in statistical modelling practices that are common among observational studies. We aimed to address this by using a rigorously constructed conceptual causal model to guide an empirical analysis estimating the effect of PA on CF in the UK Biobank cohort of middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

This study analysed a subsample of 334 227 adults from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. PA was measured subjectively by self-report and by device using accelerometry, and CF was measured using objective cognitive tests. Composite CF measures were derived to represent general and domain-specific performance. Effect coefficients were estimated using regression models, adjusting for a wide range of confounders specified by the assumed causal model, including genetic risk factors, and relevant health, sociodemographic and behavioural variables from across the lifespan.

Results

Results indicated very small effect sizes (standardized mean difference estimates all <0.01) of inconsistent direction, for both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Conclusions

The expected protective effect of PA on CF was not observed. This may reflect selection bias within UK Biobank, or the relatively young age of the sample at follow-up.
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein–RNA interaction by guanosine oligomeric RNA
Authors: Sekine Ryoya , Tsuno Satsuki , Irokawa Hayato , Sumitomo Kazuhiro , Han Tianxue , Sato Yusuke , Nishizawa Seiichi , Takeda Kouki , Kuge Shusuke
Published: February 2023

The interaction of the β-coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein with genomic RNA is initiated by specific RNA regions and subsequently induces the formation of a continuous polymer with characteristic structural units for viral formation. We hypothesized that oligomeric RNAs, whose sequences are absent in the 29.9-kb genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2, might affect RNA–N protein interactions. We identified two such hexameric RNAs, In-1 (CCGGCG) and G6 (GGGGGG), and investigated their effects on the small filamentous/droplet-like structures (< a few μm) of N protein–genomic RNA formed by liquid–liquid phase separation. The small N protein structures were sequence-specifically enhanced by In-1, whereas G6 caused them to coalesce into large droplets. Moreover, we found that a guanosine 12-mer (G12, GGGGGGGGGGGG) expelled preexisting genomic RNA from the small N protein structures. The presence of G12 with the genomic RNA suppressed the formation of the small N protein structures, and alternatively apparently altered phase separation to induce the formation of large droplets with unclear phase boundaries. We showed that the N-terminal RNA-binding domain is required for the stability of the small N protein structures. Our results suggest that G12 may be a strong inhibitor of the RNA–N protein interaction.
Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula after lumbar discectomy surgery: a case report
Authors: Tang Kai , Zhang Yong-bao , Fang Jie , Shi Tao , Shen Chen-yang
Published: February 2023

Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula (IAVF) is an unusual and potentially fatal complication of lumbar spinal surgery. A 62-year-old patient presented with a history of dyspnea, left lower limb edema and coughing. A physical exam showed bilateral basal rales in the lungs, abdominal bruit and bilateral lower limb pitting edema. A computed tomography angiograph revealed an arteriovenous communication between the right internal iliac artery and the left common iliac vein. The patient was diagnosed with an IAVF, which developed post-lumbar disc surgery. The patient underwent a successful endovascular treatment by using covered stent at the common iliac artery with embolism of lumbar artery. The patient’s symptoms were relieved 2 months after surgery.
Colistin resistance mechanisms in Gram-negative bacteria: a Focus on Escherichia coli
Authors: Abavisani Mohammad , Bostanghadiri Narjess , Ghahramanpour Hossein , Kodori Mansoor , Akrami Fariba , Fathizadeh Hadis , Hashemi Ali , Rastegari-Pouyani Mohsen
Published: February 2023

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli strains have rapidly increased worldwide, and effective antibiotic therapeutic options are becoming more restricted. As a polymyxin antibiotic, colistin has a long history of usage, and it is used as a final line of treatment for severe infections by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) with high-level resistance. However, its application has been challenged by the emergence of E. coli colistin resistance. Hence, determining the mechanism that confers colistin resistance is crucial for monitoring and controlling the dissemination of colistin-resistant E. coli strains. This comprehensive review summarizes colistin resistance mechanisms in E. coli strains and concentrates on the history, mode of action, and therapeutic implications of colistin. We have mainly focused on the fundamental mechanisms of colistin resistance that are mediated by chromosomal or plasmid elements and discussed major mutations in the two-component systems (TCSs) genes and plasmids that transmit the mobilized colistin resistance resistant genes in E. coli strains.
Short time-scale evolution of the polarized radio jet during V404 Cygni’s 2015 outburst
Authors: Hughes A K , Sivakoff G R , Macpherson C E , Miller-Jones J C A , Tetarenko A J , Altamirano D , Anderson G E , Belloni T M , Heinz S , Jonker P G , Körding E G , Maitra D , Markoff S B , Migliari S , Mooley K P , Rupen M P , Russell D M , Russell T D , Sarazin C L , Soria R , Tudose V
Published: February 2023

We present a high time resolution, multifrequency linear polarization analysis of very large array (VLA) radio observations during some of the brightest radio flaring (${\sim } 1 \,{\rm Jy}\,$) activity of the 2015 outburst of V404 Cygni. The VLA simultaneously captured the radio evolution in two bands (each with two 1 GHz base-bands), recorded at 5/7 GHz and 21/26 GHz , allowing for a broadband polarimetric analysis. Given the source’s high flux densities, we were able to measure polarization on time-scales of ${\sim }13\,$ min, constituting one of the highest temporal resolution radio polarimetric studies of a black hole X-ray binary outburst to date. Across all base-bands, we detect variable, weakly linearly polarized emission (${\lt } 1{{ \rm per\ cent}}$) with a single, bright peak in the time-resolved polarization fraction, consistent with an origin in an evolving, dynamic jet component. We applied two independent polarimetric methods to extract the intrinsic electric vector position angles and rotation measures from the 5 and 7 GHz base-band data and detected a variable intrinsic polarization angle, indicative of a rapidly evolving local environment or a complex magnetic field geometry. Comparisons to the simultaneous, spatially-resolved observations taken with the Very Long Baseline Array at 15.6 GHz , do not show a significant connection between the jet ejections and the polarization state.
All-sky modelling requirements for Bayesian 21 cm power spectrum estimation with bayeseor
Authors: Burba Jacob , Sims Peter H , Pober Jonathan C
Published: February 2023

We present a comprehensive simulation-based study of the bayeseor code for 21 cm power spectrum recovery when analytically marginalizing over foreground parameters. To account for covariance between the 21 cm signal and contaminating foreground emission, bayeseor jointly constructs models for both signals within a Bayesian framework. Due to computational constraints, the forward model is constructed using a restricted field of view (FoV) in the image domain. When the only Epoch of Reionization contaminants are noise and foregrounds, we demonstrate that bayeseor can accurately recover the 21 cm power spectrum when the component of sky emission outside this forward-modelled region is downweighted by the beam at the level of the dynamic range between the foreground and 21 cm signals. However, when all-sky foreground emission is included along with a realistic instrument primary beam with sidelobes above this threshold extending to the horizon, the recovered power spectrum is contaminated by unmodelled sky emission outside the restricted FoV model. Expanding the combined cosmological and foreground model to cover the whole sky is computationally prohibitive. To address this, we present a modified version of bayeseor that allows for an all-sky foreground model, while the modelled 21 cm signal remains only within the primary FoV of the telescope. With this modification, it will be feasible to run an all-sky bayeseor analysis on a sizeable compute cluster. We also discuss several future directions for further reducing the need to model all-sky foregrounds, including wide-field foreground subtraction, an image-domain likelihood utilizing a tapering function, and instrument primary beam design.
New frontiers of trade and trade policy: digitalization and climate change
Authors: Jones Emily , Adam Christopher
Published: February 2023

The global spread of the digital revolution and the need to manage the climate have radically altered the international trade landscape and have rendered the architecture of the World Trade Organization ill-equipped to address emerging regulatory challenges posed by cross-border flows of digital products and by carbon emissions embodied in traded goods and services. This essay reviews the set of papers published in this issue of the Oxford Review of Economic Policy that assess the regulatory challenges presented by these two ‘new frontiers’ of trade and evaluate alternative national and supranational trade and industrial policy responses.
Is Satoyoshi syndrome an autoimmune disease? A systematic review
Authors: Viana Abreu Montanaro Vinícius , Solís-García del Pozo Julián , Falcão Hora Thiago , León Beatriz H , de Cabo Carlos , Solera Javier
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Satoyoshi syndrome is a rare multisystem disease of presumed autoimmune aetiology. We carried out a systematic review to evaluate the available evidence to support that autoimmune hypothesis.

Methods

We searched for Satoyoshi syndrome cases in PubMed, the Web of Science and Scopus up to January 2022, using keywords ‘Satoyoshi syndrome’ or ‘Komuragaeri disease’. Data on symptoms, associated autoimmune diseases, presence of autoantibodies and response to treatment were collected.

Results

A total of 77 patients from 57 articles published between 1967 and 2021 were included; 59 patients were women. The mean age at diagnosis was 21.2 years. All cases had painful muscular spasms and alopecia. Frequent manifestations included: diarrhoea, malabsorption, growth retardation, amenorrhoea and bone deformity. Satoyoshi syndrome was associated with other autoimmune diseases: myasthenia gravis, autoimmune thyroiditis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, atopic dermatitis, bronchial and lupus erythematosus. Autoantibody determinations were performed in 39 patients, of which 27 had positive results. The most frequently detected autoantibodies were ANAs. Other less frequently found autoantibodies were: anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies, antithyroid antibodies, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) and anti-gliadin antibodies. Pharmacological treatment was reported in 50 patients. Most of them improved with CS, immunosuppressants and immunoglobulins, or a combination of these medications.

Conclusion

Satoyoshi syndrome is associated with other autoimmune diseases and a variety of autoantibodies. Improvement after CS or other immunosuppressant treatment was observed in 90% of cases. These data support an autoimmune aetiology for Satoyoshi syndrome. More studies including systematic determination of autoantibodies in all patients with Satoyoshi syndrome will help us advance in our understanding of this disease.
Transcalar Activism Contesting the Liberal International Order: The Case of the World Congress of Families
Authors: Kalm Sara , Meeuwisse Anna
Published: February 2023

This article explores transnational anti-gender networking promoting “the natural family.” We focus on the World Congress of Families (WCF) and investigate how it is organized transnationally. We draw on international relations theory on challenges to the liberal international order as well as on theories on transcalar activism. The empirical material includes observations from two conferences and material produced by the WCF itself. We discuss the WCF’s role in relation to political polarization, and we also analyze it as a social structure: its actor constellations and new forms of activism. The analysis shows that strategic networking with elites as well as grassroots has rendered the WCF a significant player in global politics.
Characteristics of highly prolific PA authors who contributed research to JAAPA and JPAE
Authors: Bouton Marcia , Halasy Michael
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Highly published physician associate/assistant (PA) researchers were surveyed to quantify experienced support patterns that may inform increased support of PA-led research.

Methods:

Publication volume of authors of research articles published in JAAPA and the Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE) between 2011 and 2020 was recorded. PAs in the upper quartile were emailed surveys containing demographics and 25 Likert-scale questions. Descriptive statistics and binomial exact test were completed.

Results:

Sixty-five of the 73 PAs were contacted by email; 26 participated; and 35% were female. Social support measures were high; respondents were mentors and mentees, who work collaboratively. Material support and educational support measures were lower and most reported no funding nor pay for research; they did not learn research skills in PA school. However, they feel recognized, and find joy in research.

Conclusions:

Successful PA researchers find joy despite low material support regarding funding, pay, and protected time. Women and racial minorities were underrepresented; research is needed to examine potential barriers.
The Laparoscopic Irrigator Aspirator: A Time and Cost Saving Alternative Irrigation Method for Open Fractures
Authors: George Jose , Hoshino Christopher M. , Shymon Stephen J.
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

At our institution, the laparoscopic irrigator aspirator (LIA) is used as the primary means of irrigation in open fractures, as it allows for quicker and more efficient irrigation. The purpose of this technical trick is to evaluate the cost and time savings between gravity tubing, pulse lavage, and LIA methods.

Materials and Methods:

The 3 different methods of irrigation, gravity tubing, pulse lavage, and LIA, were set up, and the time to use one 3 L bag of normal saline was recorded for each. The list prices for each method of irrigation were obtained, and the time and cost saved per 3 L bag was multiplied by 3 for the total time and cost 9 L of irrigation.

Results:

The LIA was the most efficient irrigation method and saved 303 seconds over gravity and 534 seconds saved over pulse lavage over 9 L. For cost, the laparoscopic resulted in $156.15 saved over gravity and $332.80 saved over pulse lavage over 9 L when accounting for cost of operating room time and cost of implant. At our institution, 34 open tibia fractures were treated in 2019, which results in 2.86 hours and $5309.10 saved over gravity and 5.04 hours and $11,315.2 saved over pulse lavage by using the LIA.

Conclusions:

Lap irrigation is a viable alternative to gravity tubing and pulse lavage for open fracture irrigation and results in both time and cost savings.
Patients' Individualized Care Perceptions and Health Literacy Using an Interactive App During Breast and Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Crafoord Marie-Therése , Sundberg Kay , Nilsson Marie I. , Fjell Maria , Langius-Eklöf Ann
Published: February 2023

The use of symptom management mobile apps can reduce patients' symptom burden during cancer treatment, but the evidence is lacking about their effect on care. Moreover, if patients' health literacy can be improved, it needs to be more rigorously tested. This study aimed to evaluate patients' perceptions of individualized care and health literacy using an interactive app in two randomized trials. Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (N = 149) and radiotherapy for prostate cancer (N = 150) were consecutively included and randomized into one intervention or control group. Outcome measures were Individualized Care Scale, Swedish Functional Health Literacy Scale, and Swedish Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Scale. In the breast cancer trial, no group differences were observed regarding individualized care or health literacy. Most patients had sufficient health literacy levels. In the prostate cancer trial, intervention group patients rated higher perceived individualized care regarding decision control at follow-up than the control group. Less than half had sufficient health literacy levels and intervention group patients significantly improved their ability to seek, understand, and communicate health information. Education level explained significant variance in health literacy in both trials. Using an interactive app can positively affect individualization in care and health literacy skills among patients treated for prostate cancer, although further research is warranted.