bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging x-ray spectrometer at the high energy density instrument of the European x-ray free electron laser
Authors: Pan X. , Šmíd M. , Štefaníková R. , Donat F. , Baehtz C. , Burian T. , Cerantola V. , Gaus L. , Humphries O. S. , Hajkova V. , Juha L. , Krupka M. , Kozlová M. , Konopkova Z. , Preston T. R. , Wollenweber L. , Zastrau U. , Falk K.
Published: March 2023

A multipurpose imaging x-ray crystal spectrometer is developed for the high energy density instrument of the European X-ray Free Electron Laser. The spectrometer is designed to measure x rays in the energy range of 4–10 keV, providing high-resolution, spatially resolved spectral measurements. A toroidally bent germanium (Ge) crystal is used, allowing x-ray diffraction from the crystal to image along a one-dimensional spatial profile while spectrally resolving along the other. A detailed geometrical analysis is performed to determine the curvature of the crystal. The theoretical performance of the spectrometer in various configurations is calculated by ray-tracing simulations. The key properties of the spectrometer, including the spectral and spatial resolution, are demonstrated experimentally on different platforms. Experimental results prove that this Ge spectrometer is a powerful tool for spatially resolved measurements of x-ray emission, scattering, or absorption spectra in high energy density physics.
Compensating for gyroradius effects in beamlines with small Helmholtz coils
Authors: Khoo L. Y. , McComas D. J. , Rankin J. S. , Shen M. M. , Sharma T. , Shi C.
Published: March 2023

Measurements of lighter, low-energy charged particles in a laboratory beamline are complicated due to the influence of Earth’s magnetic field. Rather than nulling out the Earth’s magnetic field over the entire facility, we present a new way to correct particle trajectories using much more spatially limited Helmholtz coils. This approach is versatile and easy to incorporate in a wide range of facilities, including the existing ones, enabling measurements of low-energy charged particles in a laboratory beamline.
About the measurement of electric field and electron temperature by the spectroscopic method in a gas mixture
Authors: Siasko A. , Golubovskii Yu. , Pavlov S. , Dzlieva E. , Novikov L. , Golubev M. , Karasev V.
Published: March 2023

The paper is dedicated to the advance of the spectroscopic method for measuring the electric fields and electron temperatures in a mixture of inert gases with significantly different excitation and ionization potentials. The method based on the measurement of the ratio of the spectral line intensities was applied to the Ne–Kr discharge. Plasma parameters were evaluated based on the solution of the non-local Boltzmann kinetic equation for the Ne–Kr mixture at low pressures and currents. Electric fields and electron temperatures were obtained as functions of the discharge current, total gas pressure, and density of the Kr admixture. The discharge current varied in the range from 1 to 5 mA, the pressure from 0.27 to 1 Torr, and the Kr admixture from 0.5% to 11% from the total gas pressure. The results demonstrate the possibility of using the described technique for diagnostics of dusty plasmas and other plasma objects operating on gas mixtures with significantly different excitation and ionization potentials.
Preparation of the wear and corrosion-resistant coating using a composite process of laser surface texturing technology and plasma electrolytic oxidation
Authors: Li Shengchun , Liu Changhong
Published: March 2023

In this study, a composite process consisting of laser surface texture imitating fish scale shapes and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) was used on the surface of aluminum alloy metals to prepare wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings. Before the conventional plasma electrolytic oxidation, the laser was used to prepare the imitation fish scale shape texture on the aluminum alloy surface. It was found that the PEO coating could cover the splash ablation particles left by the laser, while the imitation fish scale shape structure was enough to improve the tribological properties of the PEO coating, and the coating prepared by the combination of the two processes had a more stable friction coefficient, excellent corrosion resistance, and good resistance to abrasion corrosion. In this paper, the microstructure and composition of the coatings were characterized by metallurgical microscopy, XRD, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and the protection mechanism and the physical model of the coatings prepared by the composite process were presented and discussed. In summary, the use of the composite process provides a feasible idea for improving the performance of aluminum alloys.
A novel approach on design of a fractal inspired logarithmic spiral antenna-based absorber for polarization and incident angle insensitive broadband electromagnetic energy harvesting
Authors: Garu Prabir , Wang Wei-Chih
Published: March 2023

Design analysis employing numerical analysis has become one of the most significant components in realizing broadband spiral absorbers in the infrared (IR) region. To date, there have been very few research studies on broadband electromagnetic (EM) wave absorptions by such absorbers in that frequency band. Therefore, in this research, we have proposed a new type of absorber based on gradient log-spiral to enhance the absorption bandwidth in the IR region. The absorbers are designed by considering arrangements of different log-spiral arms in a fractal-like pattern. Investigation was carried out in both unit cell and array configuration. Strong average absorption reaching 88.5% in the unit cell and 83.6% in the array configuration was observed over the bandwidth from 4.5 to 100 THz for a wide range of incident angles. The absorption of the unit cell absorber remains almost stable up to 45° for transverse electric and 75° for transverse magnetic mode polarizations. This unique approach opens a new direction of imaging, EM stealth, camouflaging, and wireless EM energy harvesting applications.
Coarse-grained model of whole blood hemolysis and morphological analysis of erythrocyte population under non-physiological shear stress flow environment
Authors: Xu Zhike , Wang Chenyang , He Feng , Hao Pengfei , Zhang Xiwen
Published: March 2023

Erythrocyte dynamics and hemorheology exist inextricably connection. In order to further explore the population dynamics of erythrocytes in non-physiological shear stress flow and its microscopic hemolysis mechanism, this study improved the coarse-grained erythrocytes damaged model and established the hemoglobin (Hb) diffusion model based on the transport dissipative particle dynamics. The whole blood hemolysis simulation results showed that the red blood cells near the active shear side were more likely to be damaged, and most of the escaping cytoplasm was also concentrated in this side. After the destruction and relaxation of erythrocytes, the cell membrane presents a pathological state of relaxation and swelling. Moreover, we built a deep learning network for recognizing erythrocyte morphology and analyzing the erythrocyte population change rule in non-physiological shear stress flow. In this study, the clues of the blood shear-thinning effect were found from erythrocyte dynamics and coarse-grained simulation. After the shearing starts, the coin-stacked erythrocytes are depolymerized. Then, the overturned double concave erythrocytes changed into multilobe erythrocytes. When the flow shear stress gradually increases, most erythrocytes show an ellipsoidal tank-treading movement along the shear direction. Changes in erythrocyte morphology can reduce flow resistance, showing a phenomenon of the whole blood shear-thinning effect.
Metasurface assisted wideband multifunctional polarizer
Authors: Agrahari Rajan , Rajbhar Prashant Kumar , Mahto Manpuran , Jain Pradip Kumar
Published: March 2023

A wideband reflective type metasurface with both functionality cross and circular polarization conversions at different frequencies is presented in this paper. The meta-atom of the designed metasurface consists of six L-shaped metallic patches. A patching arrangement for the meta-atom yielded both polarization conversion ratio (PCR) > 0.9 over the 10.3–15.26 GHz band and axial ratio (AR) < 3 dB over the 8.97–9.75 GHz and 17.51–23.93 GHz bands. More than 30% fractional bandwidth is achieved for both functions. The physical mechanism of linear and circular polarization conversion has been analyzed by the spatial profile of electric and magnetic fields. The prototype of the designed metasurface consisting of 25×25 meta-atoms is fabricated and experimental results are in reasonable agreement with the simulated results. The designed metasurface when integrated with antennas can be extensively applied for diverse microwave applications for polarization manipulation devices.
Reinforcement learning of a multi-link swimmer at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Qin Ke , Zou Zonghao , Zhu Lailai , Pak On Shun
Published: March 2023

The use of machine learning techniques in the development of microscopic swimmers has drawn considerable attention in recent years. In particular, reinforcement learning has been shown useful in enabling swimmers to learn effective propulsion strategies through its interactions with the surroundings. In this work, we apply a reinforcement learning approach to identify swimming gaits of a multi-link model swimmer. The swimmer consists of multiple rigid links connected serially with hinges, which can rotate freely to change the relative angles between neighboring links. Purcell [“Life at low Reynolds number,” Am. J. Phys. 45, 3 (1977)] demonstrated how the particular case of a three-link swimmer (now known as Purcell's swimmer) can perform a prescribed sequence of hinge rotation to generate self-propulsion in the absence of inertia. Here, without relying on any prior knowledge of low-Reynolds-number locomotion, we first demonstrate the use of reinforcement learning in identifying the classical swimming gaits of Purcell's swimmer for case of three links. We next examine the new swimming gaits acquired by the learning process as the number of links increases. We also consider the scenarios when only a single hinge is allowed to rotate at a time and when simultaneous rotation of multiple hinges is allowed. We contrast the difference in the locomotory gaits learned by the swimmers in these scenarios and discuss their propulsion performance. Taken together, our results demonstrate how a simple reinforcement learning technique can be applied to identify both classical and new swimming gaits at low Reynolds numbers.
Enhanced longitudinal and transverse thermopowers at low temperature in quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet KMn6Bi5
Authors: Dong Qing-xin , Huang Yi-fei , Zhang Li-bo , Bai Jian-li , Cheng Jing-wen , Liu Qiao-yu , Liu Pin-yu , Li Cun-dong , Xiang Jun-sen , Wang Jin-feng , Ruan Bin-Bin , Ren Zhi-an , Sun Pei-jie , Chen Gen-fu
Published: March 2023

Finding promising materials that show large thermoelectricity at low temperatures is crucial for low-temperature refrigeration applications. Here, we report a significantly large thermoelectric power factor (PF) up to 50 μW cm−1 K−2 at an extremely low temperature of ∼8 K in a quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) antiferromagnet KMn6Bi5, in which highly electrical conductivity and dramatic enhancement of Seebeck coefficient may favor its occurrence. In addition, a giant Nernst signal has also been detected with a maximum value of 24 μV K−1 T−1 at ∼5 K. All these intriguing characteristics observed in KMn6Bi5 can be attributed to the manifestation of the unusually strong coupling among spin, charge, lattice, and one dimensionality in KMn6Bi5. Our findings provide fundamental insight into the thermal transport in Q1D antiferromagnets and should stimulate further experimental exploration of thermal transport in such Q1D family for possible thermoelectric applications at extremely low temperatures.
Effect of rotation rate on the recovery of Nd–Fe–B sludge via rotation-reduction diffusion method
Authors: Cong Liying , Xu Haibo , Lu Qingmei , Yue Ming
Published: March 2023

In recent years, calcium reduction diffusion has emerged as a new method for in situ regeneration of Nd–Fe–B sludge. In this work, rotation calcium thermal reduction diffusion technology was used for the first time to solve the issue of batch regeneration of Nd–Fe–B sludge to a certain extent, and regenerated Nd–Fe–B powder with uniform size and good dispensability was prepared. The effect of rotation rate on the properties of regenerated Nd–Fe–B powder was mainly studied. We found that the magnetic properties of the regenerated magnetic powder initially increased and then decreased with increasing rotation rate. When the rotation rate was 10 rpm, the magnetization of regenerated magnetic powder reached 138.22 emu/g, which was 10.2% higher than that of the purified sludge. The regenerated magnetic powder was doped with rare earth-rich alloy powder and high remanence alloy powder to control the composition, where the regenerated sintered magnet was prepared. The density reached 7.51 g/cm3 and the maximum magnetic energy product reached 42.87 MGOe, laying a foundation for the short-process in situ regeneration of Nd–Fe–B sludge.
Substantial thinning of melt-spun ribbons by an optimised and high-yield ball-milling process
Authors: Ye Liang , Das Rajasree , Wei Guannan , Lal Sumit Sukhbasi , Morris Michael , Baghbaderani Hasan Ahmadian , Sai Ranajit , McCloskey Paul
Published: March 2023

Melt-spun Fe-based ribbons are widely used as the core of transformers and inductors due to their high flux density and low coercivity. However due to their high thickness (∼19 µm) these ribbons are prone to large eddy current losses at MHz frequencies. Despite low yield, ball milling has been widely used to break such ribbons down to thinner flakes to suppress the eddy current losses at high frequency. In this work, we demonstrated an optimized ball milling process with increased yield for flakes in the desired size range (2–4 µm). We have demonstrated that reducing pre milling annealing temperature from 450 to 350 °C increases the yield in desired size range from 2% to 5% and further increasing batch size from 10 to 20 g increases the yield to 21%. The coercivity of the milled flakes increases from 139 to 1352 A/m due to the ball milling process. A post-mill annealing at 350 °C in Ar atmosphere decreases the coercivity to 341 A/m. X-ray diffraction analysis showed no sign of crystallization during ball milling. The result presented here demonstrates an efficient approach to fabricate ultra-thin flakes out of soft magnetic ribbons for high-frequency applications.
FePt–BN granular HAMR media with high grain aspect ratio and high L1 ordering on corning LotusTM NXT glass
Authors: Varaprasad B. S. D. Ch. S. , Xu Chengchao , Huang Ming-Huang , Laughlin David E. , Zhu Jian-Gang
Published: March 2023

Fabricating highly ordered tall L10–FePt with a small grain pitch distance on a commercially available glass substrate is crucial to realize heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) media for industrial manufacture. We have realized tall FePt grains surrounded by crystalized h–BN on Corning NXT™ glass deposited at elevated temperatures in the presence of radio frequency (RF) bias. In this paper, we discuss the effect of deposition temperature on the order parameter of L10–FePt–BN granular media. Well-isolated L10–FePt–BN granular media with a grain diameter of 6.5 nm and height of 11 nm is achieved. These films exhibit a high order parameter of 0.85 with a perpendicular coercivity of 35 kOe.
The subtle math of a heartbeat gone wrong
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: March 2023

For one type of cardiac arrhythmia, trouble comes in threes.
Light-driven spin chemistry for quantum information science
Authors: Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: March 2023

Molecular systems can host multiple electron spin qubits that have promising properties for quantum applications.
Optimization of wood machining parameters using artificial neural network in CNC router
Authors: Cakmak Ali , Malkocoglu Abdulkadir , Ozsahin Sukru
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the optimal CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining conditions using an artificial neural network. For this purpose, Fagus orientalis, Castanea sativa, Pinus sylvestris, and Picea orientalis wood samples at 8%, 12%, and 15% moisture content (MC) were machined on a CNC router in both across and along the grain directions. Based on the experimental data of surface roughness and cutting power analyses, a total of 16 models were used. These were selected in hundreds of models that have the lowest error. The spindle speed, feed rate, and the number of cutter teeth were chosen to be different with the literature based on the length of cutter mark. As a result, optimum machining parameters were determined for each wood MC.
Partial discharge induced decomposition and by-products generation properties of HFO-1234ze(E)/CO2: a new eco-friendly gas insulating medium
Authors: Li Yi , Wang Yifan , Xiao Song , Li Zhen , Tang Nian , Zhou Yongyan , Li Li , Zhang Yifan , Tang Ju , Zhang Xiaoxing
Published: March 2023

HFO-1234ze(E) is introduced as a new eco-friendly insulating gas for medium-voltage gas-insulated equipment (MV-GIE). However, there are few reports on the partial discharge (PD) induced decomposition and gaseous, solid by-product generation characteristics of HFO-1234ze(E)/CO2. Herein, the PD decomposition characteristics of HFO-1234ze(E)/CO2 were explored based on a needle-plate electrode that simulates the metal protrusion defect in MV-GIE. The partial discharge inception voltage, and phase-resolved partial discharge of HFO-1234ze(E)/CO2 under different mixing ratios, PD intensity and duration time at 0.15 MPa were obtained. Meanwhile, the PD-induced decomposition and generation of gaseous, solid by-products of HFO-1234ze(E)/CO2 were analyzed. A three-zone pattern that describes the gas–solid metal interface interaction was proposed for the first time. It is found that the increase of HFO-1234ze(E) content brings superior insulation performance, while the precipitation of gaseous (CF4, C2F6, CHF3, C3HF7) and solid by-products gradually aggravated. In order to avoid the negative impact of PD-induced decomposition on the insulation and service life of MV-GIE, the optimal HFO-1234ze(E) content of 30% is recommended. Based on the optimal mixing ratio (30% HFO-1234ze(E)/70% CO2), the effect of gas pressure and electrode materials on solid precipitation, breakdown voltage was also explored. This work guides the development of HFO-1234ze(E) based MV-GIE and understanding the solid by-products precipitation mechanism of eco-friendly insulating gas.
Analysis of the efficiency of MHD cycle supported by nanosecond pulsed discharge pre-ionization
Authors: Starikovskiy A Yu , Aleksandrov N L , Shneider M N
Published: March 2023

A numerical analysis of plasma generation by a nanosecond pulsed discharge in a strong magnetic field was performed. A 2D model of the plasma formation and decay in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel has been elaborated. A comparison with experimental results demonstrates good agreement between calculated and measured plasma distribution in the channel. Preliminary analysis of the efficiency of the MHD-generator based on the nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge flow pre-ionization shows that the ratio of the power required to maintain ionization in the flow to the power extracted from the flow in MHD process is ∼3% for an ideal Faraday MHD generator with segmented electrodes with BY
∼ 5 T and supersonic flow speed uZ
∼ 1600 m s−1. Such a high energy efficiency of the generator allows us to consider this concept of the generator as promising for energy generation and flow control.
The interests behind directed doxastic wrongs
Authors: Dandelet Sophia
Published: March 2023

Very often, when a person’s doxastic activity is morally wrong “think of racist beliefs, unfounded suspicions, and unfair dismissals of testimony” it also wrongs someone in particular. This suggests that we have something at stake in how others reason about us. But what, exactly? According to a natural and fairly common view, whenever you have a doxastic duty towards someone in particular, this is partly because she has a personal interest in your having (or not having) a certain belief. I will argue that this cannot be right. This result is important for several reasons, not least of which is that it helps us get a better grip on what our directed doxastic duties are and what it takes to fulfill them.
Differences in heat tolerance, water use efficiency and growth among Douglas-fir families and varieties evidenced by GWAS and common garden studies
Authors: Compton Samuel , Stackpole Charles , Dixit Aalap , Sekhwal Manoj K , Kolb Thomas , De la Torre Amanda R
Published: March 2023

Severe and frequent heat and drought events challenge the survival and development of long-generation trees. In this study, we investigated the genomic basis of heat tolerance, water use efficiency and growth by performing genome-wide association studies in coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and intervarietal (menziesii × glauca) hybrid seedlings. GWAS results identified 32 candidate genes involved in primary and secondary metabolism, abiotic stress and signaling, among other functions. Water use efficiency (inferred from carbon isotope discrimination), photosynthetic capacity (inferred from %N), height and heat tolerance (inferred from electrolyte leakage in a heat stress experiment) were significantly different among Douglas-fir families and varieties. High-elevation seed sources had increased water use efficiency, which could be a result of higher photosynthetic capacity. Similarly, families with greater heat tolerance also had higher water use efficiency and slower growth, suggesting a conservative growth strategy. Intervarietal hybrids showed increased heat tolerance (lower electrolyte leakage at 50 and 55 °C) and higher water use efficiency compared with coastal families, suggesting that hybridization might be a source of pre-adapted alleles to warming climates and should be considered for large-scale reforestation projects under increasingly arid conditions.
AIMedGraph: a comprehensive multi-relational knowledge graph for precision medicine
Authors: Quan Xueping , Cai Weijing , Xi Chenghang , Wang Chunxiao , Yan Linghua
Published: March 2023

The development of high-throughput molecular testing techniques has enabled the large-scale exploration of the underlying molecular causes of diseases and the development of targeted treatment for specific genetic alterations. However, knowledge to interpret the impact of genetic variants on disease or treatment is distributed in different databases, scientific literature studies and clinical guidelines. AIMedGraph was designed to comprehensively collect and interrogate standardized information about genes, genetic alterations and their therapeutic and diagnostic relevance and build a multi-relational, evidence-based knowledge graph. Graph database Neo4j was used to represent precision medicine knowledge as nodes and edges in AIMedGraph. Entities in the current release include 30 340 diseases/phenotypes, 26 140 genes, 187 541 genetic variants, 2821 drugs, 15 125 clinical trials and 797 911 supporting literature studies. Edges in this release cover 621 731 drug interactions, 9279 drug susceptibility impacts, 6330 pharmacogenomics effects, 30 339 variant pathogenicity and 1485 drug adverse reactions. The knowledge graph technique enables hidden knowledge inference and provides insight into potential disease or drug molecular mechanisms.

Database URL: http://aimedgraph.tongshugene.net:8201
Genetic Evidence for Causal Effects of Socioeconomic, Lifestyle, and Cardiometabolic Factors on Epigenetic-Age Acceleration
Authors: Kong Lijie , Ye Chaojie , Wang Yiying , Hou Tianzhichao , Zheng Jie , Zhao Zhiyun , Li Mian , Xu Yu , Lu Jieli , Chen Yuhong , Xu Min , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Bi Yufang , Wang Tiange
Published: March 2023

GrimAge acceleration (GrimAgeAccel) and PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) are DNA methylation-based markers of accelerated biological aging, standing out in predicting mortality and age-related cardiometabolic morbidities. Causal risk factors for GrimAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel are unclear. In this study, we performed 2-sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate causal associations of 19 modifiable socioeconomic, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic factors with GrimAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel. Instrument variants representing 19 modifiable factors were extracted from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with up to 1 million Europeans. Summary statistics for GrimAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel were derived from a GWAS of 34 710 Europeans. We identified 12 and 8 factors causally associated with GrimAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel, respectively. Smoking was the strongest risk factor (β [standard error {SE}]: 1.299 [0.107] year) for GrimAgeAccel, followed by higher alcohol intake, higher waist circumference, daytime napping, higher body fat percentage, higher body mass index, higher C-reactive protein, higher triglycerides, childhood obesity, and type 2 diabetes; whereas education was the strongest protective factor (β [SE]: −1.143 [0.121] year), followed by household income. Furthermore, higher waist circumference (β [SE]: 0.850 [0.269] year) and education (β [SE]: −0.718 [0.151] year) were the leading causal risk and protective factors for PhenoAgeAccel, respectively. Sensitivity analyses strengthened the robustness of these causal associations. Multivariable MR analyses further demonstrated independent effects of the strongest risk and protective factors on GrimAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel, respectively. In conclusion, our findings provide novel quantitative evidence on modifiable causal risk factors for accelerated epigenetic aging, suggesting promising intervention targets against age-related morbidity and improving healthy longevity.
High-throughput analysis of anthocyanins in horticultural crops using probe electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (PESI/MS/MS)
Authors: Ishibashi Misaki , Zaitsu Kei , Yoshikawa Ikue , Otagaki Shungo , Matsumoto Shogo , Oikawa Akira , Shiratake Katsuhiro
Published: March 2023

Plant secondary metabolites exhibit various horticultural traits. Simple and rapid analysis methods for evaluating these metabolites are in demand in breeding and consumer markets dealing with horticultural crops. We applied probe electrospray ionization (PESI) to evaluate secondary metabolite levels in horticultural crops. PESI does not require pre-treatment and separation of samples, which makes it suitable for high-throughput analysis. In this study, we targeted anthocyanins, one of the primary pigments in horticultural crops. Eighty-one anthocyanins were detected in approximately 3 minutes in the selected reaction-monitoring mode. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) could adequately distinguish between the fragments of anthocyanins and flavonols. Probe sampling, an intuitive method of sticking a probe directly to the sample, could detect anthocyanins qualitatively on a micro-area scale, such as achenes and receptacles in strawberry fruit. Our results suggest that PESI/MS/MS can be a powerful tool to characterize the profile of anthocyanins and compare their content among cultivars.
A kinematic calibration of the O-rich Mira variable period–age relation fromGaia
Authors: Zhang Hanyuan , Sanders Jason L
Published: March 2023

Empirical and theoretical studies have demonstrated that the periods of Mira variable stars are related to their ages. This, together with their brightness in the infrared, makes them powerful probes of the formation and evolution of highly-extincted or distant parts of the Local Group. Here we utilize the Gaia DR3 catalogue of long-period variable candidates to calibrate the period–age relation of the Mira variables. Dynamical models are fitted to the O-rich Mira variable population across the extended solar neighbourhood and then the resulting solar neighbourhood period–kinematic relations are compared to external calibrations of the age–kinematic relations to derive a Mira variable period–age relation of $\tau \approx (6.9\pm 0.3)\, \mathrm{Gyr}(1+\tanh ((330\, \mathrm{d}-P)/(400\pm 90)\mathrm{d})$. Our results compare well with previous calibrations using smaller data sets as well as the period–age properties of Local Group cluster members. This calibration opens the possibility of accurately characterizing the star formation and the impact of different evolutionary processes throughout the Local Group.
WALLABY Pilot Survey: hydra cluster galaxies UV and H imorphometrics
Authors: Holwerda Benne W , Bigiel Frank , Bosma Albert , Courtois Helene M , Deg Nathan , Dénes Helga , Elagali Ahmed , For Bi-Qing , Koribalski Baerbel , Leahy Denis A , Lee-Waddell Karen , López-Sánchez Ángel R , Oh Se-Heon , Reynolds Tristan N , Rhee Jonghwan , Spekkens Kristine , Wang Jing , Westmeier Tobias , Wong O Ivy
Published: March 2023

Galaxy morphology in atomic hydrogen (H i) and in the ultraviolet (UV) are closely linked. This has motivated their combined use to quantify morphology over the full H i disc for both H i and UV imaging. We apply galaxy morphometrics: concentration, asymmetry, gini, M20 and multimode-intensity-deviation statistics to the first moment-0 maps of the WALLABY Survey of galaxies in the hydra cluster centre. Taking advantage of this new H i survey, we apply the same morphometrics over the full H i extent on archival GALEX FUV and NUV data to explore how well H i truncated, extended ultraviolet disc (XUV) and other morphological phenomena can be captured using pipeline WALLABY data products. Extended H i and UV discs can be identified relatively straightforward from their respective concentration. Combined with WALLABY H i, even the shallowest GALEX data are sufficient to identify XUV discs. Our second goal is to isolate galaxies undergoing ram-pressure stripping in the H i morphometric space. We employ four different machine learning techniques, a decision tree, a k-nearest neighbour, a support-vector machine, and a random forest. Up to 80 per cent precision and recall are possible with the random forest giving the most robust results.
CANCER RISK ESTIMATION FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING WHOLE-BODY PET/CT SCANS
Authors: Kessara Aida , Buyukcizmeci Nihal , Gedik Gonca Kara
Published: March 2023

The objective of this paper was to compute the effective dose, as well as the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer related to whole-body positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan for 193 adult patients. The mean effective dose for all patients from a single PET/CT scan was 20.6 mSv. For males aged 40 y, a single PET/CT scan is associated with a LAR of cancer incidence of 0.169%. This risk increased to 0.85% if an annual surveillance protocol for 5 y was performed. For female patients aged 40 y, the LAR of cancer mortality increased from 0.126 to 0.63% if an annual surveillance protocol for 5 y was performed. Since PET/CT scans are associated with a high dose and a risk of developing cancer, it was important to balance the advantages and risks before conducting any scans. This is especially important for younger patients and those who are overweight.
Na/K‐ATPasesignaling tonically inhibits sodium reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule
Authors: Mukherji Shreya T. , Brambilla Luca , Stuart Kailey B. , Mayes Isabella , Kutz Laura C. , Chen Yiliang , Barbosa Leandro A. , Elmadbouh Ibrahim , McDermott Jeff P. , Haller Steven T. , Romero Michael F. , Soleimani Manoocher , Liu Jiang , Shapiro Joseph I. , Blanco Gustavo V. , Xie Zijian , Pierre Sandrine V.
Published: March 2023

Through its classic ATP‐dependent ion‐pumping function, basolateral Na/K‐ATPase (NKA) generates the Na+gradient that drives apical Na+reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule (RPT), primarily through the Na+/H+exchanger (NHE3). Accordingly, activation of NKA‐mediated ion transport decreases natriuresis through activation of basolateral (NKA) and apical (NHE3) Na+reabsorption. In contrast, activation of the more recently discovered NKA signaling function triggers cellular redistribution of RPT NKA and NHE3 and decreases Na+reabsorption. We used gene targeting to test the respective contributions of NKA signaling and ion pumping to the overall regulation of RPT Na+reabsorption. Knockdown of RPT NKA in cells and mice increased membrane NHE3 and Na+/HCO3−cotransporter (NBCe1A). Urine output and absolute Na+excretion decreased by 65%, driven by increased RPT Na+reabsorption (as indicated by decreased lithium clearance and unchanged glomerular filtration rate), and accompanied by elevated blood pressure. This hyper reabsorptive phenotype was rescued upon crossing with RPT NHE3−/−mice, confirming the importance of NKA/NHE3 coupling. Hence, NKA signaling exerts a tonic inhibition on Na+reabsorption by regulating key apical and basolateral Na+transporters. This action, lifted upon NKA genetic suppression, tonically counteracts NKA's ATP‐driven function of basolateral Na+reabsorption. Strikingly, NKA signaling is not only physiologically relevant but it also appears to be functionally dominant over NKA ion pumping in the control of RPT reabsorption.
Soy‐fortelin: A ghrelin sensitivity‐enhancing peptide that stimulates food intake in aged mice
Authors: Shimizu Ken , Kaneko Kentaro , Koyama Daiki , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: March 2023

Ghrelin sensitivity is known to decrease with aging in mice and humans, and the decrease contributes to anorexia with aging. In this study, we discovered novel ghrelin sensitivity‐enhancing peptides. Ghrelin sensitivity was evaluated by examining whether dipeptide samples enhanced the calcium response to ghrelin in the growth hormone secretagogue receptor‐transfected cell line. First, dipeptides were screened using a 336‐dipeptide library and we revealed that Ser‐Tyr (SY) potentiated ghrelin sensitivity in particular. Based on the structure‐activity relationship determined using the dipeptide library and comprehensive analysis of peptides in the chymotrypsin digest of soy β‐conglycinin (β‐CG), which enhanced ghrelin sensitivity, candidate peptides were narrowed down. Among the chemosynthesized peptides, we discovered that an undecapeptide, SLVNNDDRDSY, corresponding to β‐CGα(267‐277), stimulated ghrelin sensitivity in vitro. This peptide enhanced the orexigenic activity of ghrelin in C57BL/6 mice and stimulated food intake. Thus, we demonstrated that SLVNNDDRDSY stimulated ghrelin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo and named it “soy‐fortelin”. Moreover, orally administered soy‐fortelin had a similar but smaller effect in the young C57BL/6 mice, whereas it strongly stimulated food intake in 2‐year‐old aged mice that exhibited high blood ghrelin levels and low ghrelin sensitivity. In conclusion, we discovered soy‐fortelin as a novel peptide that enhances ghrelin sensitivity in vivo and in vitro and increases food intake in young and aged ghrelin‐resistant mice. Soy‐fortelin is the first food‐derived peptide reported to enhance ghrelin sensitivity.
Mitigating the detrimental developmental impact of early fetal alcohol exposure using a maternal methyl donor‐enriched diet
Authors: Breton‐Larrivée Mélanie , Elder Elizabeth , Legault Lisa‐Marie , Langford‐Avelar Alexandra , MacFarlane Amanda J. , McGraw Serge
Published: March 2023

Fetal alcohol exposure at any stage of pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a group of life‐long conditions characterized by congenital malformations, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impairments. The teratogenic effects of alcohol have long been publicized; yet fetal alcohol exposure is one of the most common preventable causes of birth defects. Currently, alcohol abstinence during pregnancy is the best and only way to prevent FASD. However, alcohol consumption remains astoundingly prevalent among pregnant women; therefore, additional measures need to be made available to help protect the developing embryo before irreparable damage is done. Maternal nutritional interventions using methyl donors have been investigated as potential preventative measures to mitigate the adverse effects of fetal alcohol exposure. Here, we show that a single acute preimplantation (E2.5; 8‐cell stage) fetal alcohol exposure (2 × 2.5 g/kg ethanol with a 2h interval) in mice leads to long‐term FASD‐like morphological phenotypes (e.g. growth restriction, brain malformations, skeletal delays) in late‐gestation embryos (E18.5) and demonstrate that supplementing the maternal diet with a combination of four methyl donor nutrients, folic acid, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12, prior to conception and throughout gestation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of alcohol‐induced morphological defects without altering DNA methylation status of imprinting control regions and regulation of associated imprinted genes. This study clearly supports that preimplantation embryos are vulnerable to the teratogenic effects of alcohol, emphasizes the dangers of maternal alcohol consumption during early gestation, and provides a potential proactive maternal nutritional intervention to minimize FASD progression, reinforcing the importance of adequate preconception and prenatal nutrition.
Treatment Response After Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) for Peritoneal Metastases of Colorectal Originf
Authors: Hübner Martin , Somashekhar S. P. , Teixeira Farinha Hugo , Abba Julio , Rao Ramya G. , Alyami Mohammad , Willaert Wouter ,   on behalf of the PIPAC study group
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The objective of this study is to analyze oncological outcomes of patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) of colorectal origin treated with Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC).

Background:

PIPAC has been demonstrated to be a feasible and safe novel treatment for patients with PM of various origins. Only small series reports on survival after PIPAC by disease entity.

Methods:

International retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with PM of colorectal origin. Outcome measures were overall survival (OS), radiological response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), histological response (peritoneal regression grading score [PRGS]: complete response: 1–4: no response), change of peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and symptom control.

Results:

Seventeen eligible centers compiled 256 non-selected patients (mean age 61 [50.6–69.2], 43% female) and 606 procedures. Sixty-three percent were treated after 2 lines of chemotherapy, median PCI at PIPAC1 was 18 (interquartile range [IQR] = 10–27). Median OS was 19.00 months (IQR = 12.9–29.8) from diagnosis and 9.4 months (IQR = 4.5–16.8) from PIPAC1. One hundred and four of 256 patients (40.6%) had ≥3 procedures (per protocol [pp]) with the following outcomes at PIPAC3: RECIST: 59.3% partial response/stable, 40.7% progression; mean PRGS: 2.1 ± 0.9. Median PCI was 21 (IQR = 15–29) at baseline and 20 (IQR = 12–27) at PIPAC3 (P = 0.02). Fifty-six (54%) and 48 (46%) patients were symptomatic at baseline and PIPAC3, respectively (P = 0.267). Median OS for the pp cohort was 11.9 months (IQR = 10.7–15.0) from PIPAC1. Independent predictors for survival were radiological response (HR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.6–5.7) and no symptoms (HR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.2–9.1) at PIPAC3.

Conclusions:

Objective treatment response and encouraging survival were demonstrated after PIPAC for colorectal PM. Prospective registry data and comparative studies are now needed in to confirm these data.
Predictors of rod length gain and sagittal alignment change after magnetically controlled growing rod lengthening
Authors: Asma Ali , Fralinger David , da Silva Luiz Carlos Almeida , Mackenzie W.G. Stuart , Gabos Peter G. , Mackenzie William G. , Shah Suken A.
Published: March 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort.

Objective.

There are preoperative characteristics that predict rod lengthening of magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR). Lengthening of MCGR will lead to increased kyphosis.

Summary of Background Data.

The amount of length gained by MCGR is variable, and predictors are lacking. Similarly, sagittal plane changes over the MCGR lengthening period have not been investigated.

Methods.

Patients with MCGR and a minimum 2-year follow-up were identified and those with previous spine surgery were excluded. Pre-implantation, post-implantation, and last follow-up post-lengthening radiographs were examined. Multiple linear regression analyses were used for rod length gain predictors.

Results.

Fifty-six patients with early-onset scoliosis met inclusion criteria: nine idiopathic, five congenital, 14 neuromuscular, 20 syndromic, and eight skeletal dysplasia patients. No difference was seen between subtypes of early-onset scoliosis for rod length gain (P=0.62). Shorter preoperative T1-T12 height and higher curve correction rate after implantation were significant predictors for rod length gain (P<0.001). Preoperative major curve magnitude and kyphosis were not significant predictors. Flattening of the spine around the actuator and compensative increase in T1-T5 kyphosis were seen secondarily after MCGR implantation. Maximum sagittal kyphosis, T1-T5 kyphosis, and T5-T12 kyphosis did not change during lengthening. Lumbar lordosis significantly decreased post-implantation (first erect) but then increased during lengthening Pelvic incidence and sacral slope both increased during lengthening, but this may be age related.

Conclusion.

Patients who gained the most rod length with MCGR were those with an initially shorter T1-T12 height and better initial curve correction at implantation, likely representing that implants work best in small patients with flexible curves. Diagnosis, preoperative curve magnitude, and thoracic kyphosis were not related to rod length gain. Thoracic kyphosis did not deteriorate over the lengthening phase.

Level of Evidence.

Level III - Retrospective cohort study
An International Study on Violence and Aggression in Neuroscience Nursing
Authors: Woon Caroline
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION: The primary rationale for this study was to evaluate neuroscience registered nurses' (RNs') experience of violence and aggression internationally. The objectives were to determine how prevalent violence and aggression is in neuroscience nursing and the support and education provided. METHODS: Two online surveys were developed for neuroscience RN educators and RNs through SurveyMonkey. The questionnaires were distributed through RN organizations internationally in 2021. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two RNs responded to the survey. Most staff felt safe at work but had experienced some type of violence or aggression, with most experiencing verbal aggression. A variety of support existed for staff but lacked consistency, with some of the staff receiving more support from colleagues than their manager. Most RNs had received education in the management of violence and aggression, but some mentioned this was not specific to their neuroscience patient population, and most required further training. Thirty-one RN educators completed the survey, and the results were similar to those of the RN for education provision. Surprisingly, many neuroscience areas did not have a code system or personal alarms to alert staff to a violence or aggression emergency. CONCLUSION: Most RNs felt safe at work despite the high prevalence of violence and aggression experienced. Education was considered beneficial, but they desired more and further research into effective RN education. Effective support post incident needs to be determined. Protection for staff is paramount: few areas had code systems to raise an alarm for agitation, and few places of work had personal alarms that, if implemented, might enable a quicker response to prevent harm.
Strategies to Increase NCLEX Pass Rates
Authors: Cobourne Kaitlin
Published: March 2023

Background:

One of the key indicators of a quality prelicensure nursing program is the NCLEX first-time pass rate. NCLEX-RN pass rates have been decreasing over the last several years.

Problem:

The decrease in NCLEX pass rates suggests that nursing programs analyze their curriculum with the goal of increasing NCLEX scores.

Approach:

One small associate degree in nursing program implemented strategic changes to positively improve NCLEX success, which included curriculum revisions and incorporating a clinical judgment framework.

Outcomes:

By using several innovative strategies, this program increased its first-time NCLEX pass rates by 24%.

Conclusions:

The purpose of this article is to provide strategies that significantly increased the NCLEX-RN pass rates within 1 year. With the Next Generation NCLEX's launch in April 2023, nursing programs must be proactive in identifying strategies to prepare students for the NCLEX.
Melanoma During Pregnancy as a Complicated Medical Problem
Authors: Kościelecka Klaudia , Kubik-Machura Daria , Kuć Aleksandra , Furmanek Florentyna , Męcik-Kronenberg Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Importance

Pregnancy-associated melanomas (PAMs)—this is how melanomas identified during the childbearing years or up to 1 year after birth have been defined, accounting for one third of women in whom it is diagnosed. The exact epidemiology of melanoma is difficult to determine. However, its incidence is undoubtedly increasing, most likely related to the increasing age of mothers.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to review the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment; the effect of melanoma on pregnancy; and the effect of pregnancy on melanoma and melanocytic lesions.

Evidence Acquisition

An extensive manual search of major electronic databases was conducted in January 2022. The following literature review provides comprehensive coverage of PAMs.

Results

Any new nevus detected during pregnancy and changes in the nevus regarding color, diameter, symmetry, or lesion border require medical evaluation. New therapies for malignant melanoma, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have improved overall survival and progression-free survival, but their use is often contraindicated in pregnant patients. Melanoma is considered to be the neoplasm most commonly involving the fetus and placenta.

Conclusions

There are reports where immunotherapy and targeted therapy used in the patient were not associated with serious consequences for the fetus, being a therapeutic option for the patient. The described cases of pregnancy outcome during modern melanoma treatment are extremely important and may allow to shape the optimal therapeutic regimen in pregnant women with melanoma.

Relevance

Education of pregnant women in the context of observation of skin lesions as well as maintenance of oncological vigilance by physicians seem to be an important element in limiting difficult decisions related to therapy of more advanced disease. Further large-scale studies using modern treatment in pregnant women with melanoma are needed.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe the importance of oncologic vigilance in the context of developing melanoma in a pregnant woman; discuss the need for further research on the use of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in pregnant women with melanoma; and explain the need for oncologic vigilance in the context of melanoma in children of mothers who developed melanoma during pregnancy.